<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a>, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October&nbsp;31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes.

Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes.

The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around.

But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires".

He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels.

A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy.

Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs.

Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes. Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes. The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around. But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires". He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels. A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy. Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs. Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister

Britain said Monday it had concluded a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">trade deal</a> with South Korea to maintain links after Brexit.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has agreed on a preliminary deal with Korean Minister of Trade Yoo Myung-Hee in Seoul, the UK government said in a statement.

It is Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal in Asia and follows similar agreements with nations including Chile, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

"The UK and South Korea have signed an in principle free trade agreement that will allow businesses to continue trading freely after Brexit," read a government statement.

"Trading on these terms rather than on World Trade Organization terms will deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs."

The deal means British businesses can continue enjoying preferential terms with South Korea after Britain leaves the European Union at the end of October.

Trade between the two countries was £14.6 billion ($18.6 billion, 16.4 billion euros) in 2018, and has risen by 12 per cent per year on average since the EU signed a free trade deal with South Korea in 2011.&nbsp;

"This means that whatever happens with Brexit, there will be total continuity in trade between our two countries and the basis for an ambitious future free trade agreement when we leave the EU," tweeted Fox.

Britain is scheduled to leave the bloc on October 31, when it will lose access to major markets covered by EU trade agreements, although it is seeking to replicate some of these.

However, without a Brexit agreement between London and Brussels, the UK will default to "third country" status with the EU, with trade relations run on World Trade Organization rules.

Britain said Monday it had concluded a trade deal with South Korea to maintain links after Brexit. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has agreed on a preliminary deal with Korean Minister of Trade Yoo Myung-Hee in Seoul, the UK government said in a statement.

Britain said Monday it had concluded a trade deal with South Korea to maintain links after Brexit. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has agreed on a preliminary deal with Korean Minister of Trade Yoo Myung-Hee in Seoul, the UK government said in a statement. It is Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal in Asia and follows similar agreements with nations including Chile, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. "The UK and South Korea have signed an in principle free trade agreement that will allow businesses to continue trading freely after Brexit," read a government statement. "Trading on these terms rather than on World Trade Organization terms will deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs." The deal means British businesses can continue enjoying preferential terms with South Korea after Britain leaves the European Union at the end of October. Trade between the two countries was £14.6 billion ($18.6 billion, 16.4 billion euros) in 2018, and has risen by 12 per cent per year on average since the EU signed a free trade deal with South Korea in 2011. "This means that whatever happens with Brexit, there will be total continuity in trade between our two countries and the basis for an ambitious future free trade agreement when we leave the EU," tweeted Fox. Britain is scheduled to leave the bloc on October 31, when it will lose access to major markets covered by EU trade agreements, although it is seeking to replicate some of these. However, without a Brexit agreement between London and Brussels, the UK will default to "third country" status with the EU, with trade relations run on World Trade Organization rules.

Britain agrees Brexit trade deal with South Korea

British Raj Financed Its Industrial Revolution By Robbing India.

Gravitas: How Britain Looted $45 Trillion From India

UK PM Theresa May to officially resign as PM of UK today. But Who'll be the next PM of UK, Who'll lead the Conservative Party. Watch this video to know more.

Race to replace Theresa May, Who'll be next?

UK PM Theresa May to officially resign today. But May will remain in office until another new PM is elected.

UK PM May to officially resign today

France President Emmanuel Macron and Britan's PM Theresa May delivers their speech on inauguration of memorial in Normandy. The Memorial casted names of 20,000 martyred British troops at the time of World War II.

Emmanuel Macron, May delivers speech on inauguration of memorial in Normandy

Wartime generation is resilient! Queen Elizabeth, world leaders hail D-Day veterans on 75th anniversary

The 75th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day is June 6, commemorating the largest invasion by air, land and sea in history. More than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and 150,000 soldiers from the United States, Britain and Canada stormed the Nazi-occupied French beaches of Normandy in a surprise attack.

World War II D-Day: 6th June marks 75 years since D-Day

Highlights From Day 2 Of Trump's Visit To United Kingdom.

Gravitas: Trump In United Kingdom: Day 2

Candidates vying for Theresa May's job and what they said about Brexit

Anti-Trump protesters have inflated a balloon of a baby 'Donald Trump' on the second day of the US President visit to the UK.

'Donald Trump' baby balloon flies over protesters in central London

Day 2 of Donald Trump's UK visit, Trump & May co-host roundtable for Businessmen. Watch this video to know more.

Day 2 of Donald Trump's UK visit, Trump & May co-host roundtable for Businessmen

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-airways-resumes-flights-to-pakistan-after-over-10-years-223733">Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways</a> (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain.

BA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed in Islamabad from Heathrow airport to begin three flights per week service, Pakistan's Civil Aviation spokesperson Farah Hussain said. High-ranking Pakistani and British embassy officials welcomed the flight, which returned to Britain the same day.

"With this kind of connectivity that we now have, British investors will find it so easy, Pakistani diaspora will find it very easy, our own exporters, our own business people will now have great connectivity of going from here to London," said Pakistan's trade and industry minister Abdul Razaq Dawood.

"From London, the whole world is open to us."

British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and BA's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Brem called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said the resumption of BA flights to Pakistan will boost tourism in the country and encourage increased trade and investment.

"The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extra-ordinary from commerce, cricket and culture to people, politics and education," Drew added.

"This launch is a vote of confidence in the future of those links."

BA halted service to Pakistan following the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad which took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan.

Security has improved since, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourist and investors.

At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers.

BA's Brem said the airline decided to resume operations due to increasing demand and the improved security situation in Pakistan.

"The priority for us is to fly where our passengers want to go and we absolutely had a demand to travel to Islamabad," Brem told a news conference.

Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain.

Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain. BA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed in Islamabad from Heathrow airport to begin three flights per week service, Pakistan's Civil Aviation spokesperson Farah Hussain said. High-ranking Pakistani and British embassy officials welcomed the flight, which returned to Britain the same day. "With this kind of connectivity that we now have, British investors will find it so easy, Pakistani diaspora will find it very easy, our own exporters, our own business people will now have great connectivity of going from here to London," said Pakistan's trade and industry minister Abdul Razaq Dawood. "From London, the whole world is open to us." British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and BA's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Brem called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said the resumption of BA flights to Pakistan will boost tourism in the country and encourage increased trade and investment. "The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extra-ordinary from commerce, cricket and culture to people, politics and education," Drew added. "This launch is a vote of confidence in the future of those links." BA halted service to Pakistan following the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad which took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan. Security has improved since, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourist and investors. At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers. BA's Brem said the airline decided to resume operations due to increasing demand and the improved security situation in Pakistan. "The priority for us is to fly where our passengers want to go and we absolutely had a demand to travel to Islamabad," Brem told a news conference.

Pakistan sees business boost in British Airways flights resumption

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">Britain</a> rolled out the royal red carpet for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">Donald Trump</a> on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captains-meet-queen-elizabeth-before-the-commencement-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-222662">Queen Elizabeth</a> looked set to be overshadowed by the US&nbsp;President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei.

Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by the 93-year-old monarch at Buckingham Palace at the start of a three-day state visit which sees him feted with the full force of royal ceremony: a formal dinner with the queen, tea with heir Prince Charles, and a tour of Westminster Abbey, coronation church of English monarchs for 1,000 years.

"I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit," Trump wrote on Twitter as he landed at London's Stansted Airport.

But beyond the theatre, the proudly unpredictable 45th US&nbsp;President is rocking the boat with the United States' closest ally, whose political establishment has been in chaos for months over Britain's departure from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-leaders-fire-starting-gun-for-top-jobs-race-222289"> European Union.</a>

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump meets Queen Elizabeth, greeted with gun salute in London

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-meets-queen-elizabeth-greeted-with-gun-salute-in-london-223900/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As he was flying into the British capital, he reignited a feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who had written on Sunday that Britain should not be rolling out the red carpet for the US&nbsp;President - describing him as a "stone cold loser".

The state visit, promised by Prime Minister Theresa May back in January 2017 when she became the first foreign leader to meet him after he took office, is cast as a chance to celebrate Britain's "special relationship" with the United States, boost trade links and reaffirm security cooperation.

At Buckingham Palace, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-decries-cyber-bullying-as-trump-lashes-at-critics-via-tweets-177772">Melania</a>, stood beside Elizabeth and Charles's wife Camilla, while Charles and Trump inspected the guard.

Trump will have lunch with the queen before the monarch's second son Prince Andrew accompanies him to Westminster Abbey where the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The day culminates with a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace - where men wear white tie coats with tails and women evening gowns.

Britain rolled out the royal red carpet for Donald Trump on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with Queen Elizabeth looked set to be overshadowed by the US President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei.

Britain rolled out the royal red carpet for Donald Trump on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with Queen Elizabeth looked set to be overshadowed by the US President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei. Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by the 93-year-old monarch at Buckingham Palace at the start of a three-day state visit which sees him feted with the full force of royal ceremony: a formal dinner with the queen, tea with heir Prince Charles, and a tour of Westminster Abbey, coronation church of English monarchs for 1,000 years. "I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit," Trump wrote on Twitter as he landed at London's Stansted Airport. But beyond the theatre, the proudly unpredictable 45th US President is rocking the boat with the United States' closest ally, whose political establishment has been in chaos for months over Britain's departure from the European Union. Watch: Donald Trump meets Queen Elizabeth, greeted with gun salute in London As he was flying into the British capital, he reignited a feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who had written on Sunday that Britain should not be rolling out the red carpet for the US President - describing him as a "stone cold loser". The state visit, promised by Prime Minister Theresa May back in January 2017 when she became the first foreign leader to meet him after he took office, is cast as a chance to celebrate Britain's "special relationship" with the United States, boost trade links and reaffirm security cooperation. At Buckingham Palace, Melania, stood beside Elizabeth and Charles's wife Camilla, while Charles and Trump inspected the guard. Trump will have lunch with the queen before the monarch's second son Prince Andrew accompanies him to Westminster Abbey where the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The day culminates with a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace - where men wear white tie coats with tails and women evening gowns.

US President Donald Trump welcomed to Buckingham palace by Queen Elizabeth

A blimp depicting Donald Trump as a snarling nappy-wearing orange baby will fly outside the British parliament again when the U.S. president makes a state visit in June if protesters can raise 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for advocacy groups.

'Trump baby' blimp to mock U.S. president in Britain

Any presidential visit presents a massive security challenge, but a state visit from Donald Trump is one royal painstaking operation. Thousands protested during President Trump's last visit to the U.K.

US President Donald Trump to visit Britain as political mayhem grips UK

Britain is facing a fresh political turmoil since Theresa May’s announcement to quit as country’s prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-resigns-as-british-prime-minister-heres-where-it-all-went-wrong-221331">in the wake of the failure to get her Brexit deal passed</a>. The European Union (EU), with whom Britain decided to sever ties in a referendum, has refused to accept May’s deal and she now hopes a new prime minister will “take the process forward”.

But the people of Britain are sick of the “Brexit drama”. Britain's two main parties were snubbed in the recent EU elections - the first solid indication of what's playing on the minds of the people since they voted to leave the EU in 2016.

British voters complain of the Brexit deal stuck in a limbo, adding that what is needed is an end to the delay and clarity on the course ahead.&nbsp;

Watch: With May's exit, what happens to Brexit?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/with-mays-exit-what-happens-to-brexit-222154/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Voters have rejected the handling of Brexit so far and have instead shown support to parties that were unequivocally pro-Brexit or pro-EU. In other words, they have voted for clarity. But that's a long way to go, as of now Britain is gearing up for the race to Prime Minister's chair since Theresa May is on her way out.

The contenders, those in the race to replace May have launched their leadership campaigns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-to-replace-theresa-may-leaves-brexit-in-limbo-221489">Who'll replace Theresa May?</a>

- Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson

- Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab.

- Former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom

- Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt&nbsp;

- Environment Secretary Michael Gove&nbsp;

- International Development Secretary Rory Stewart

- Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt&nbsp;

- Home Secretary Sajid Javid

- Pensions minister Esther McVey&nbsp;

So far, only Johnson, Stewart and McVey have declared their intention to stand.

"There's a lot of runners and riders in this particular race," Tony Travers, a politics professor at the London School of Economics University, told AFP.

Johnson "would certainly be the party membership's choice but not necessarily members of parliament", he added.

Filling May's shoes

Experts and analysts are of the view that the new leader - while trying to fill in May's shoes - will have to negotiate tough on the UK's exit from the EU, for the Union is unlikely to reopen the terms of the withdrawal agreement.

Then, Britain may also be posed with the situation wherein it leaves the EU with "no deal" in the absence of a formal withdrawal agreement approved by its parliament.&nbsp;

May will step down on June 7 but stay on as the PM until her successor is chosen by July 20.

Britain's EU departure date is currently fixed for October 31, although any new leader could ask for a further delay.

(With inputs from AFP)

Britain is facing a fresh political turmoil since Theresa May’s announcement to quit as country’s prime minister in the wake of the failure to get her Brexit deal passed.

Britain is facing a fresh political turmoil since Theresa May’s announcement to quit as country’s prime minister in the wake of the failure to get her Brexit deal passed. The European Union (EU), with whom Britain decided to sever ties in a referendum, has refused to accept May’s deal and she now hopes a new prime minister will “take the process forward”. But the people of Britain are sick of the “Brexit drama”. Britain's two main parties were snubbed in the recent EU elections - the first solid indication of what's playing on the minds of the people since they voted to leave the EU in 2016. British voters complain of the Brexit deal stuck in a limbo, adding that what is needed is an end to the delay and clarity on the course ahead. Watch: With May's exit, what happens to Brexit? Voters have rejected the handling of Brexit so far and have instead shown support to parties that were unequivocally pro-Brexit or pro-EU. In other words, they have voted for clarity. But that's a long way to go, as of now Britain is gearing up for the race to Prime Minister's chair since Theresa May is on her way out. The contenders, those in the race to replace May have launched their leadership campaigns. Who'll replace Theresa May? - Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson - Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab. - Former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom - Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt - Environment Secretary Michael Gove - International Development Secretary Rory Stewart - Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt - Home Secretary Sajid Javid - Pensions minister Esther McVey So far, only Johnson, Stewart and McVey have declared their intention to stand. "There's a lot of runners and riders in this particular race," Tony Travers, a politics professor at the London School of Economics University, told AFP. Johnson "would certainly be the party membership's choice but not necessarily members of parliament", he added. Filling May's shoes Experts and analysts are of the view that the new leader - while trying to fill in May's shoes - will have to negotiate tough on the UK's exit from the EU, for the Union is unlikely to reopen the terms of the withdrawal agreement. Then, Britain may also be posed with the situation wherein it leaves the EU with "no deal" in the absence of a formal withdrawal agreement approved by its parliament. May will step down on June 7 but stay on as the PM until her successor is chosen by July 20. Britain's EU departure date is currently fixed for October 31, although any new leader could ask for a further delay. (With inputs from AFP)

Filling May's boots: What happens to Brexit after British PM resigns

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity</a>

Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-assembly-passes-resolution-to-prevent-forced-conversions-221987">Pakistan National Assembly adopts resolution to prevent forced conversions&nbsp;</a>

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country.

The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/industrial-body-says-modi-needs-to-cut-tax-interest-rates-to-revive-economy-ahead-of-inauguration-222012">Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of &nbsp;inauguration&nbsp;</a>

India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-any-us-trade-talks-must-be-based-on-mutual-respect-221968">China says any US trade talks must be based on 'mutual respect'&nbsp;</a>

China on Monday said any US trade talks must be based on "mutual respect" and equality after President Donald Trump said there was a good chance of clinching a deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-results-create-vacancies-in-uttar-pradesh-cabinet-first-reshuffle-likely-soon-221963">Lok Sabha results create vacancies in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, first reshuffle likely soon</a>

The BJP's massive win in Uttar Pradesh has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers as three ministers have won the Lok Sabha election creating vacancies in the state Cabinet.

After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections.

After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Britain's two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections. Pakistan National Assembly adopts resolution to prevent forced conversions The National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday adopted a resolution to prevent forced conversions in the country. The resolution seeks to criminalise forced conversions and recommends an imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to one million Pakistan rupees for anyone found indulging in forced conversion. Industrial body says Modi needs to cut tax, interest rates to revive economy ahead of inauguration India's slowing economic growth is of serious concern and the country needs to urgently cut tax and interest rates to revive the economy, a top industrial body said on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. China says any US trade talks must be based on 'mutual respect' China on Monday said any US trade talks must be based on "mutual respect" and equality after President Donald Trump said there was a good chance of clinching a deal. Lok Sabha results create vacancies in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, first reshuffle likely soon The BJP's massive win in Uttar Pradesh has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers as three ministers have won the Lok Sabha election creating vacancies in the state Cabinet.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Theresa May will resign on June 7 and set the timetable to elect a new Conservative leader. Watch the full video to know more.

Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM?

British Prime Minister Theresa May was barely able to finish her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">resignation </a>speech on Friday, her voice breaking as she fought back tears when describing her "enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love".

In a seven minute speech, May said she would stand down on June 7, acknowledging that the support of her Conservative lawmakers had disappeared after her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">failure to deliver on Britain's 2016 vote</a> to leave the European Union.

Trying to shape a legacy which will more likely be defined by her failed negotiation with the EU, she listed some of the things she said she had achieved during her time in power, including tackling race relations and the gender pay gap.

But it was at the end of her speech, when the usually composed prime minister, dubbed the "Maybot" by some for her robotic performances, almost broke down.

"I will shortly leave the job that has been the honour of my life to hold," she told reporters outside her Downing Street official residence.

"The second female prime minister, but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill will but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love."

Watch: British PM May resigns, paving way for Brexit confrontation with EU

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British Prime Minister Theresa May was barely able to finish her resignation speech on Friday, her voice breaking as she fought back tears when describing her "enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love".

British Prime Minister Theresa May was barely able to finish her resignation speech on Friday, her voice breaking as she fought back tears when describing her "enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love". In a seven minute speech, May said she would stand down on June 7, acknowledging that the support of her Conservative lawmakers had disappeared after her failure to deliver on Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union. Trying to shape a legacy which will more likely be defined by her failed negotiation with the EU, she listed some of the things she said she had achieved during her time in power, including tackling race relations and the gender pay gap. But it was at the end of her speech, when the usually composed prime minister, dubbed the "Maybot" by some for her robotic performances, almost broke down. "I will shortly leave the job that has been the honour of my life to hold," she told reporters outside her Downing Street official residence. "The second female prime minister, but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill will but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love." Watch: British PM May resigns, paving way for Brexit confrontation with EU ×

Choking back tears, Britain's Theresa May says goodbye to Downing Street

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-mays-last-attempt-to-salvage-brexit-deal-at-risk-220596">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> is expected to announce her departure from office on Friday, The Times reported, without citing a source.

May will remain as prime minister while her successor is elected in a two-stage process under which two final candidates face a ballot of 125,000 Conservative Party members, the newspaper said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-to-resign-uk-pm-mays-final-brexit-gambit-bombs-220672">May was under growing pressure to resign</a> on Wednesday after her final Brexit gambit was rejected across the board by lawmakers and even criticised by some of her own ministers.

May's future, which she herself had curtailed by offering to resign to get her deal through parliament, was hanging by a thread after she softened her position on a second Brexit referendum and customs arrangements with the European Union.

The calls for her resignation further deepened Britain's Brexit crisis. Almost three years since Britain voted to leave the EU and just under two months after the scheduled departure, it is not clear when, how or even if Brexit will happen.

(With inputs from Reuters)

British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to announce her departure from office on Friday, The Times reported, without citing a source. May will remain as prime minister while her successor is elected in a two-stage process under which two final candidates face a ballot of 125,000 Conservative Party members, the newspaper said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to announce her departure from office on Friday, The Times reported, without citing a source. May will remain as prime minister while her successor is elected in a two-stage process under which two final candidates face a ballot of 125,000 Conservative Party members, the newspaper said. May was under growing pressure to resign on Wednesday after her final Brexit gambit was rejected across the board by lawmakers and even criticised by some of her own ministers. May's future, which she herself had curtailed by offering to resign to get her deal through parliament, was hanging by a thread after she softened her position on a second Brexit referendum and customs arrangements with the European Union. The calls for her resignation further deepened Britain's Brexit crisis. Almost three years since Britain voted to leave the EU and just under two months after the scheduled departure, it is not clear when, how or even if Brexit will happen. (With inputs from Reuters)

British PM Theresa May expected to announce her departure on Friday: Report

Prime Minister Theresa May is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-for-new-confidence-vote-if-pm-may-does-not-set-exit-date-1922-treasurer-220969">under pressure to resign </a>after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future.

Below are Conservatives who have either said they plan to put themselves forward or are widely expected to run for the leadership:

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-postpones-brexit-vote-official-220953">British government postpones Brexit vote: Official</a>

Planning to run:

BORIS JOHNSON, 54

The face of the official campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson resigned as foreign minister in July in protest at May's handling of the exit negotiations.

Johnson set out his pitch to the membership in a speech at the party's annual conference in October - some members queued for hours to get a seat. He called on the party to return to its traditional values of low tax and strong policing.

Last week the BBC reported he had told The British Insurance Brokers' Association: "Of course I'm going to go for it."

He is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed May.

ESTHER MCVEY, 51

The pro-Brexit former television presenter, who resigned as work and pensions minister in November in protest at May's exit deal with the EU, has said she plans to run.

McVey told Talkradio: "I have always said quite clearly that if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would (run). Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward."

RORY STEWART, 46

A former diplomat who once walked 6,000 miles across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary this month.

Educated at the exclusive Eton College, Stewart was first elected to parliament in 2010 and backed remaining in the EU in the 2016 referendum. He opposes a 'no deal' exit and has been a vocal advocate of May's deal with Brussels.

"I do want to bring this country together ... I accept Brexit, I am a Brexiteer, but I want to reach out to 'Remain' voters as well," he told the BBC.

Expected to run:

MICHAEL GOVE, 51

Gove, one of the highest-profile Brexit campaigners during the 2016 referendum, has had to rebuild his cabinet career after falling early to May in the contest to replace David Cameron, who resigned the day after losing the referendum.

Seen as one of the most effective members of cabinet in bringing forward new policies, the high-energy environment minister has become a surprise ally to May and has backed her Brexit strategy.

Gove teamed up with Johnson during the 2016 Brexit campaign only to pull his support for Johnson’s subsequent leadership bid at the last moment and run himself.

He has not yet said whether he plans to run.

JEREMY HUNT, 52

Hunt replaced Johnson as foreign minister in July and has urged the Conservative membership to set aside their differences over Brexit and unite against a common foe - the EU.

Hunt voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. He served six years as Britain’s health minister, a role that has made him unpopular with many voters who work in or rely on the state-run, financially stretched National Health Service.

Asked at a lunch with journalists in parliament if he planned to run for leader, he said: "Wait and see."

ANDREA LEADSOM, 56

A pro-Brexit campaigner, Leadsom made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron. She withdrew after a backlash to an interview in which she said being a mother gave her more of a stake in the future of the country than her rival Theresa May.

Leadsom quit as Leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying she did not believe the government's approach would deliver on the Brexit referendum result. She has previously told broadcaster ITV she was "seriously considering standing" to replace May.

DOMINIC RAAB, 45

Raab quit as May’s Brexit minister last year in protest at her draft exit agreement saying it did not match the promises the Conservative Party made in the 2017 election. Raab served only five months as head of the Brexit department.

He had held junior ministerial roles since being elected in 2010. Raab, a black belt in karate, campaigned for Brexit.

Asked if he would like to be prime minister, he said: "Never say never."

SAJID JAVID, 49

Javid, a former banker and a champion of free markets, has served a number of cabinet roles and scores consistently well in polls of party members. A second-generation immigrant of Pakistani heritage, he has a portrait of late Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher on his office wall.

Javid voted 'Remain' in the 2016 referendum but was previously considered to be eurosceptic. He has not said whether he plans to run but is considered to have been setting out his stall in speeches and media interviews.

DAVID DAVIS, 70

Davis, a leading eurosceptic, was appointed Brexit minister to lead negotiations with the EU in July 2016 but resigned two years later in protest at May's plans for a long-term relationship with the bloc.

He ran for the party's leadership in 2005 but lost to Cameron.

PENNY MORDAUNT, 46

Mordaunt is one of the last remaining pro-Brexit members of May's cabinet. She became Britain's first female defence secretary this month.

A Royal Navy reservist, Mordaunt was previously international development minister. Many had expected her to join the wave of resignations that followed the publication of May’s draft withdrawal deal.

AMBER RUDD, 55

Rudd resigned as interior minister last year after facing outrage over her department's treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents wrongly labelled illegal immigrants.

She backed 'Remain' in 2016 and has opposed a 'no deal' exit, meaning she could win support from pro-EU Conservative lawmakers. But she struggled to retain her seat at the 2017 election and has one of the smallest majorities in parliament.

MATT HANCOCK, 40

Health minister Hancock, a former economist at the Bank of England, supported 'Remain' in 2016. First elected to parliament in 2010, he has held several ministerial roles.

JUSTINE GREENING, 50

The former education minister told ITV she would consider running. Greening supports a second Brexit referendum. Many thought she might join several of her colleagues in quitting the party to form a pro-EU group in parliament earlier this year.

LIZ TRUSS, 43

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Truss has held several roles in government including environment minister and justice minister. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 but has said she has since changed her mind on Brexit.

GRAHAM BRADY, 51

Brady is chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers. "It would take an awful lot of people to persuade me. I'm not sure many people are straining at the leash to take on what is an extraordinarily difficult situation," he told BBC Radio.

KIT MALTHOUSE, 52

A former deputy mayor of London, Malthouse became a Member of Parliament in 2015. He is a junior housing minister and helped author the so-called Malthouse Compromise plan to replace the unpopular Irish backstop in Britain's EU exit deal with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border.

The Sun newspaper reported he was setting up a campaign team.

JAMES CLEVERLY, 49

Cleverly was appointed a junior Brexit minister last month, having previously been deputy chair of the Conservative Party. He had a career in publishing before being elected to parliament in 2015.

The Sun reported he was planning to run for leader.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to resign after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to resign after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future. Below are Conservatives who have either said they plan to put themselves forward or are widely expected to run for the leadership: Also read- British government postpones Brexit vote: Official Planning to run: BORIS JOHNSON, 54 The face of the official campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson resigned as foreign minister in July in protest at May's handling of the exit negotiations. Johnson set out his pitch to the membership in a speech at the party's annual conference in October - some members queued for hours to get a seat. He called on the party to return to its traditional values of low tax and strong policing. Last week the BBC reported he had told The British Insurance Brokers' Association: "Of course I'm going to go for it." He is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed May. ESTHER MCVEY, 51 The pro-Brexit former television presenter, who resigned as work and pensions minister in November in protest at May's exit deal with the EU, has said she plans to run. McVey told Talkradio: "I have always said quite clearly that if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would (run). Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward." RORY STEWART, 46 A former diplomat who once walked 6,000 miles across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary this month. Educated at the exclusive Eton College, Stewart was first elected to parliament in 2010 and backed remaining in the EU in the 2016 referendum. He opposes a 'no deal' exit and has been a vocal advocate of May's deal with Brussels. "I do want to bring this country together ... I accept Brexit, I am a Brexiteer, but I want to reach out to 'Remain' voters as well," he told the BBC. Expected to run: MICHAEL GOVE, 51 Gove, one of the highest-profile Brexit campaigners during the 2016 referendum, has had to rebuild his cabinet career after falling early to May in the contest to replace David Cameron, who resigned the day after losing the referendum. Seen as one of the most effective members of cabinet in bringing forward new policies, the high-energy environment minister has become a surprise ally to May and has backed her Brexit strategy. Gove teamed up with Johnson during the 2016 Brexit campaign only to pull his support for Johnson’s subsequent leadership bid at the last moment and run himself. He has not yet said whether he plans to run. JEREMY HUNT, 52 Hunt replaced Johnson as foreign minister in July and has urged the Conservative membership to set aside their differences over Brexit and unite against a common foe - the EU. Hunt voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. He served six years as Britain’s health minister, a role that has made him unpopular with many voters who work in or rely on the state-run, financially stretched National Health Service. Asked at a lunch with journalists in parliament if he planned to run for leader, he said: "Wait and see." ANDREA LEADSOM, 56 A pro-Brexit campaigner, Leadsom made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron. She withdrew after a backlash to an interview in which she said being a mother gave her more of a stake in the future of the country than her rival Theresa May. Leadsom quit as Leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying she did not believe the government's approach would deliver on the Brexit referendum result. She has previously told broadcaster ITV she was "seriously considering standing" to replace May. DOMINIC RAAB, 45 Raab quit as May’s Brexit minister last year in protest at her draft exit agreement saying it did not match the promises the Conservative Party made in the 2017 election. Raab served only five months as head of the Brexit department. He had held junior ministerial roles since being elected in 2010. Raab, a black belt in karate, campaigned for Brexit. Asked if he would like to be prime minister, he said: "Never say never." SAJID JAVID, 49 Javid, a former banker and a champion of free markets, has served a number of cabinet roles and scores consistently well in polls of party members. A second-generation immigrant of Pakistani heritage, he has a portrait of late Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher on his office wall. Javid voted 'Remain' in the 2016 referendum but was previously considered to be eurosceptic. He has not said whether he plans to run but is considered to have been setting out his stall in speeches and media interviews. DAVID DAVIS, 70 Davis, a leading eurosceptic, was appointed Brexit minister to lead negotiations with the EU in July 2016 but resigned two years later in protest at May's plans for a long-term relationship with the bloc. He ran for the party's leadership in 2005 but lost to Cameron. PENNY MORDAUNT, 46 Mordaunt is one of the last remaining pro-Brexit members of May's cabinet. She became Britain's first female defence secretary this month. A Royal Navy reservist, Mordaunt was previously international development minister. Many had expected her to join the wave of resignations that followed the publication of May’s draft withdrawal deal. AMBER RUDD, 55 Rudd resigned as interior minister last year after facing outrage over her department's treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents wrongly labelled illegal immigrants. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 and has opposed a 'no deal' exit, meaning she could win support from pro-EU Conservative lawmakers. But she struggled to retain her seat at the 2017 election and has one of the smallest majorities in parliament. MATT HANCOCK, 40 Health minister Hancock, a former economist at the Bank of England, supported 'Remain' in 2016. First elected to parliament in 2010, he has held several ministerial roles. JUSTINE GREENING, 50 The former education minister told ITV she would consider running. Greening supports a second Brexit referendum. Many thought she might join several of her colleagues in quitting the party to form a pro-EU group in parliament earlier this year. LIZ TRUSS, 43 Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Truss has held several roles in government including environment minister and justice minister. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 but has said she has since changed her mind on Brexit. GRAHAM BRADY, 51 Brady is chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers. "It would take an awful lot of people to persuade me. I'm not sure many people are straining at the leash to take on what is an extraordinarily difficult situation," he told BBC Radio. KIT MALTHOUSE, 52 A former deputy mayor of London, Malthouse became a Member of Parliament in 2015. He is a junior housing minister and helped author the so-called Malthouse Compromise plan to replace the unpopular Irish backstop in Britain's EU exit deal with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border. The Sun newspaper reported he was setting up a campaign team. JAMES CLEVERLY, 49 Cleverly was appointed a junior Brexit minister last month, having previously been deputy chair of the Conservative Party. He had a career in publishing before being elected to parliament in 2015. The Sun reported he was planning to run for leader.

Who wants to be Britain's next prime minister?

Voting got underway on Thursday in Britain and the Netherlands in the ninth European Parliamentary election, which will continue for three more days in the 26 other EU members.

Here are five things to watch out for:

&nbsp;Populist high tide

A very loose coalition of populist and eurosceptic forces hope to make inroads into the parliament and threaten the mainstream consensus in support of closer EU integration.

Brussels officials fear they could win 200 of the 751 seats, buoyed by strong showings by Matteo Salvini's Italian far-right League and Marine Le Pen's National Rally from France.

But observers doubt the populists' ability to form an effective coalition, and the mainstream centrist blocs could welcome liberal and Green members into a broader alliance to contain the threat.

Turnout doomed to fall

In the first election to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-hurdle-for-european-union-copyright-reform-in-european-parliament-205332"> European Parliament</a> in 1979, 62 per cent of eligible voters in what were then nine member states took part.

Since then the number of members has swollen to 28, but turnout has fallen very five years, to just over 42 per cent in the last election in 2014.

Mainstream national leaders like France's President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch premier Mark Rutte have urged voters to turn out to resist the advance of eurosceptic forces.&nbsp;

But another low turnout would be seen by many as further evidence that the concerns of Brussels are increasingly divorced from the popular mood.

Last chance for lead candidates

Europe's national leaders are extremely sceptical of ceding authority to the European Parliament to choose a candidate for Brussels' top job, president of the European Commission.

But if, for example, the centre-right EPP bloc were to emerge with strong support, it would strengthen its case for its lead candidate, Bavarian conservative Manfred Weber.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed to champion her ally next week when the leaders meet to discuss names for Europe's main posts.

But a low turnout and an unclear result in the case would strengthen the hands of leaders like Macron and Rutte who oppose the entire "spitzenkandidat" process.

&nbsp;Britain's last hurrah

Since the last European election, British voters have decided to quit the Union altogether, and this week's election might be the last for UK parties.

Brexit Day itself has been postponed, triggering a crisis for Prime Minister Theresa May's government, and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is expected to do well.

British media report that May will step down as leader of the Conservative Party on Friday, opening space for a more eurosceptic premier to take charge before the October 31 deadline.

This in turn, along with the performance of pro-EU parties, will influence the debate in the other EU capitals about whether to accord Britain another Brexit extension.

Green shoots

Hundreds of thousands of mainly young Europeans, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, have taken to the streets in recent months to demand action on climate change.

Through school strikes, civil disobedience and large-scale marches, the movements has succeeded in pushing the issue up the agenda for European political debate.

But will this translate into more votes for Green parties in this week's poll?

Probably not, at least continent-wide. The school strikes, for example, were carried out by those too young to vote, and the movement is better organised in some countries than others.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Polls predict the Green bloc in the 751-seat EU parliament will remain at around 50 members but may become more powerful as a kingmaker if the two main centrist parties fall short of a majority.

Voting got underway on Thursday in Britain and the Netherlands in the ninth European Parliamentary election, which will continue for three more days in the 26 other EU members.

Voting got underway on Thursday in Britain and the Netherlands in the ninth European Parliamentary election, which will continue for three more days in the 26 other EU members. Here are five things to watch out for: Populist high tide A very loose coalition of populist and eurosceptic forces hope to make inroads into the parliament and threaten the mainstream consensus in support of closer EU integration. Brussels officials fear they could win 200 of the 751 seats, buoyed by strong showings by Matteo Salvini's Italian far-right League and Marine Le Pen's National Rally from France. But observers doubt the populists' ability to form an effective coalition, and the mainstream centrist blocs could welcome liberal and Green members into a broader alliance to contain the threat. Turnout doomed to fall In the first election to the European Parliament in 1979, 62 per cent of eligible voters in what were then nine member states took part. Since then the number of members has swollen to 28, but turnout has fallen very five years, to just over 42 per cent in the last election in 2014. Mainstream national leaders like France's President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch premier Mark Rutte have urged voters to turn out to resist the advance of eurosceptic forces. But another low turnout would be seen by many as further evidence that the concerns of Brussels are increasingly divorced from the popular mood. Last chance for lead candidates Europe's national leaders are extremely sceptical of ceding authority to the European Parliament to choose a candidate for Brussels' top job, president of the European Commission. But if, for example, the centre-right EPP bloc were to emerge with strong support, it would strengthen its case for its lead candidate, Bavarian conservative Manfred Weber. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed to champion her ally next week when the leaders meet to discuss names for Europe's main posts. But a low turnout and an unclear result in the case would strengthen the hands of leaders like Macron and Rutte who oppose the entire "spitzenkandidat" process. Britain's last hurrah Since the last European election, British voters have decided to quit the Union altogether, and this week's election might be the last for UK parties. Brexit Day itself has been postponed, triggering a crisis for Prime Minister Theresa May's government, and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is expected to do well. British media report that May will step down as leader of the Conservative Party on Friday, opening space for a more eurosceptic premier to take charge before the October 31 deadline. This in turn, along with the performance of pro-EU parties, will influence the debate in the other EU capitals about whether to accord Britain another Brexit extension. Green shoots Hundreds of thousands of mainly young Europeans, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, have taken to the streets in recent months to demand action on climate change. Through school strikes, civil disobedience and large-scale marches, the movements has succeeded in pushing the issue up the agenda for European political debate. But will this translate into more votes for Green parties in this week's poll? Probably not, at least continent-wide. The school strikes, for example, were carried out by those too young to vote, and the movement is better organised in some countries than others. Polls predict the Green bloc in the 751-seat EU parliament will remain at around 50 members but may become more powerful as a kingmaker if the two main centrist parties fall short of a majority.

European Union elections: Five things to watch

The Swedish prosecutor heading an investigation into a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-rape-probe-against-assange-to-be-reopened-prosecutors-218320">rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> filed a request with a local court on Monday for him to be detained in absentia.

If granted, the court order would be the first step in a process to have Assange extradited from Britain, where he is serving a 50-week sentence for skipping bail.

Sweden reopened the rape investigation last week. It was begun in 2010 but dropped in 2017 after Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Assange, who denies the accusation, was arrested in London last month after spending seven years inside the embassy.

"I request the District Court to detain Assange in his absence, on probable cause suspected for rape," Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson said in a statement on Monday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/swedish-prosecutor-reopens-julian-assange-rape-investigation-218382/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She said she would issue a European arrest warrant for Assange to be surrendered to Sweden if the court decided to detain him.

Sweden's decision to reopen the rape investigation casts doubt on where Assange may eventually end up, with US&nbsp;authorities already seeking his extradition over conspiracy charges relating to one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

A lawyer representing Assange in Sweden said he would tell the District Court it could not investigate the prosecutor's request until he had conferred with his client and learned whether or not he wished to oppose a detention order.

"Since he is in prison in England, it has so far not been possible even to speak to him by telephone," Per Samuelson told Reuters.

Assange, an Australian national, took refuge in the embassy after fighting unsuccessfully through the British courts to avoid extradition to Sweden.

The British courts will have to rule on the Swedish and US extradition requests, with interior minister Sajid Javid having the final say on which one takes precedence.

"The outcome of this process is impossible to predict," Persson said. Citing information from UK authorities, she said Assange would serve 25 weeks of his UK sentence before he could be released.

A British judge has given the US&nbsp;government a deadline of June 12 to outline its case against Assange.

The Swedish prosecutor heading an investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange filed a request with a local court on Monday for him to be detained in absentia.

The Swedish prosecutor heading an investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange filed a request with a local court on Monday for him to be detained in absentia. If granted, the court order would be the first step in a process to have Assange extradited from Britain, where he is serving a 50-week sentence for skipping bail. Sweden reopened the rape investigation last week. It was begun in 2010 but dropped in 2017 after Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. Assange, who denies the accusation, was arrested in London last month after spending seven years inside the embassy. "I request the District Court to detain Assange in his absence, on probable cause suspected for rape," Deputy Chief Prosecutor Eva-Marie Persson said in a statement on Monday. She said she would issue a European arrest warrant for Assange to be surrendered to Sweden if the court decided to detain him. Sweden's decision to reopen the rape investigation casts doubt on where Assange may eventually end up, with US authorities already seeking his extradition over conspiracy charges relating to one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information. A lawyer representing Assange in Sweden said he would tell the District Court it could not investigate the prosecutor's request until he had conferred with his client and learned whether or not he wished to oppose a detention order. "Since he is in prison in England, it has so far not been possible even to speak to him by telephone," Per Samuelson told Reuters. Assange, an Australian national, took refuge in the embassy after fighting unsuccessfully through the British courts to avoid extradition to Sweden. The British courts will have to rule on the Swedish and US extradition requests, with interior minister Sajid Javid having the final say on which one takes precedence. "The outcome of this process is impossible to predict," Persson said. Citing information from UK authorities, she said Assange would serve 25 weeks of his UK sentence before he could be released. A British judge has given the US government a deadline of June 12 to outline its case against Assange.

Swedish prosecutor requests Julian Assange's detention over rape allegation

Compulsory voting to proxy voting to voting online: How 21 countries vote in European elections

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government</a>.

Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it remains unclear how, when or even if it will leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31.

Brexit talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-will-stand-as-uk-pm-agrees-to-set-exit-date-219698">May's Conservative Party</a> and Labour collapsed hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out in early June a timetable for her departure.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday informing her that the Brexit talks, which began on April 3, had "gone as far as they can" due to the instability of her government and its refusal to fundamentally shift its position.

"We have been unable to bridge important policy gaps between us," Corbyn, a socialist who voted against joining the predecessor of the EU in 1975, wrote to May.

"Even more crucially, the increasing weakness and instability of your government means there cannot be confidence in securing whatever might be agreed between us," Corbyn said.

He said Labour would oppose May's deal when it returns to parliament early next month. He later told reporters there was no chance of getting even part of a Brexit deal ratified by the end of July.&nbsp;

The divorce deal, which May agreed last year with the EU, has been rejected three times by parliament. May will put the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation required to enact the exit deal, to a vote in parliament in early June.

A source in May's office said the bill would contain new features to reflect some lawmakers’ concerns.

Looking uncomfortable as she delivered a televised message to voters ahead of the European Parliament elections, May suggested Labour's internal divisions over a second referendum were to blame for the failure of the talks.

The pound sank to $1.275, its lowest level since mid-January.

May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor.

Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal to smooth the transition, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum.

May ends in June

The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken soon.

After she puts her deal to a vote in the week of June 3, when U.S. President Donald Trump is due to make a state visit to Britain, May has said she will agree a timetable for the election of her successor.

Before then, the government is considering holding a series of "indicative votes" to see what path, if any, lawmakers might be able to agree.

"When we come to bring the legislation forward we will think carefully about ... the outcome of these talks, we will also consider whether we have some votes to see if the ideas that have come through command a majority in the House of Commons," May said.

Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said he would be standing as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader and is the clear favourite among party members according to a poll published on Friday.

"As we look to the future, we have to listen to the public," Simon Clarke, a Conservative lawmaker, said on Twitter. "Boris Johnson is the only candidate who increases likelihood to vote Conservative among both our 2017 voters &amp; people planning to vote (for the newly formed) Brexit Party."

The winner of a leadership contest will automatically become prime minister and will take control of the Brexit process, which has plunged Britain into its worst political crisis since World War Two.

Johnson has been one of May's most outspoken critics over Brexit and supports leaving the EU without a deal. Parliament has repeatedly said it does not want a no-deal Brexit.

The Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided and smaller parties - such as Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats - are poaching support from both the Conservative and Labour parties at the fastest rate for decades.

"Britain is divided down the middle over Brexit: it was in 2016 and it is in 2019 - and that is one of the reasons why this issue is so difficult to resolve," John Curtice, Britain's top polling expert, told Reuters.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government. Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it remains unclear how, when or even if it will leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31. Brexit talks between May's Conservative Party and Labour collapsed hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out in early June a timetable for her departure. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday informing her that the Brexit talks, which began on April 3, had "gone as far as they can" due to the instability of her government and its refusal to fundamentally shift its position. "We have been unable to bridge important policy gaps between us," Corbyn, a socialist who voted against joining the predecessor of the EU in 1975, wrote to May. "Even more crucially, the increasing weakness and instability of your government means there cannot be confidence in securing whatever might be agreed between us," Corbyn said. He said Labour would oppose May's deal when it returns to parliament early next month. He later told reporters there was no chance of getting even part of a Brexit deal ratified by the end of July. The divorce deal, which May agreed last year with the EU, has been rejected three times by parliament. May will put the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation required to enact the exit deal, to a vote in parliament in early June. A source in May's office said the bill would contain new features to reflect some lawmakers’ concerns. Looking uncomfortable as she delivered a televised message to voters ahead of the European Parliament elections, May suggested Labour's internal divisions over a second referendum were to blame for the failure of the talks. The pound sank to $1.275, its lowest level since mid-January. May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor. Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal to smooth the transition, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum. May ends in June The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken soon. After she puts her deal to a vote in the week of June 3, when U.S. President Donald Trump is due to make a state visit to Britain, May has said she will agree a timetable for the election of her successor. Before then, the government is considering holding a series of "indicative votes" to see what path, if any, lawmakers might be able to agree. "When we come to bring the legislation forward we will think carefully about ... the outcome of these talks, we will also consider whether we have some votes to see if the ideas that have come through command a majority in the House of Commons," May said. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said he would be standing as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader and is the clear favourite among party members according to a poll published on Friday. "As we look to the future, we have to listen to the public," Simon Clarke, a Conservative lawmaker, said on Twitter. "Boris Johnson is the only candidate who increases likelihood to vote Conservative among both our 2017 voters & people planning to vote (for the newly formed) Brexit Party." The winner of a leadership contest will automatically become prime minister and will take control of the Brexit process, which has plunged Britain into its worst political crisis since World War Two. Johnson has been one of May's most outspoken critics over Brexit and supports leaving the EU without a deal. Parliament has repeatedly said it does not want a no-deal Brexit. The Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided and smaller parties - such as Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats - are poaching support from both the Conservative and Labour parties at the fastest rate for decades. "Britain is divided down the middle over Brexit: it was in 2016 and it is in 2019 - and that is one of the reasons why this issue is so difficult to resolve," John Curtice, Britain's top polling expert, told Reuters.

Britain's Brexit talks collapse as May's premiership crumbles

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

Three years after Britain voted to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-eu-will-vote-and-why-it-matters-219145">European Union</a>, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

May has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">promised to step down after her Brexit deal</a> is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure.

"The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange".

The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3.

"We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not.

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May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December.

Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date.

Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader.

"Further procrastination"

May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward.

A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution.

Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections.&nbsp;

With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand.&nbsp;

Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party."

Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday. Three years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years. May has promised to step down after her Brexit deal is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure. "The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange". The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3. "We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not. × May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December. Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader. "Further procrastination" May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward. A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution. Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections. With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand. Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party." Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid

Sweden's state prosecutor said on Monday she would reopen a rape investigation involving WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that circumstances now existed to seek his extradition from Britain.

Swedish prosecutor reopens Julian Assange rape investigation

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar.

Saudi Arabia said Monday that two of its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248"> oil tankers were damaged </a>in "sabotage attacks" in the Gulf, with its arch-rival Iran calling for an investigation and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security.

The region is already on edge because of the standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Iran nuclear deal, and Hunt said he would share Britain's concerns with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday.

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"We are very worried about the risk of a conflict happening by accident with an escalation that is unintended on either side but ends with some kind of conflict," Hunt said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

"I think what we need is a period of calm, to make sure everyone understands what the other side is thinking and most of all we must make sure we don't end up putting Iran back on the path to denuclearisation, because if Iran becomes a nuclear power its neighbours are likely to want to become nuclear powers.&nbsp;"This is already the most unstable region in the world and it would be a massive step in the wrong direction."

The UAE said on Sunday that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage of the emirate of Fujairah. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the two tankers suffered "significant damage" but there were no casualties or any oil spill.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Monday issued a stark warning of the dangers of conflict erupting "by accident" in the Gulf, as tensions between the United States and Iran soar. Saudi Arabia said Monday that two of its oil tankers were damaged in "sabotage attacks" in the Gulf, with its arch-rival Iran calling for an investigation and warning of "adventurism" by foreign players to disrupt maritime security. The region is already on edge because of the standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Iran nuclear deal, and Hunt said he would share Britain's concerns with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday. "We are very worried about the risk of a conflict happening by accident with an escalation that is unintended on either side but ends with some kind of conflict," Hunt said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "I think what we need is a period of calm, to make sure everyone understands what the other side is thinking and most of all we must make sure we don't end up putting Iran back on the path to denuclearisation, because if Iran becomes a nuclear power its neighbours are likely to want to become nuclear powers. "This is already the most unstable region in the world and it would be a massive step in the wrong direction." The UAE said on Sunday that four commercial vessels of various nationalities had been targeted by acts of sabotage of the emirate of Fujairah. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the two tankers suffered "significant damage" but there were no casualties or any oil spill.

Worried about risk of conflict happening by accident in Gulf region: UK foreign minister Jeremy Hunt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-to-replace-pm-may-complicating-brexit-talks-labour-partys-mcdonnell-217910">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit.

May, who offered to quit if her deal to leave the European Union was passed by parliament, is under pressure to detail when she will leave office from angry Conservative lawmakers who want a new leader to try to improve the party's fortunes.

"The prime minister's said that she is going to go once the first phase of Brexit has been delivered," Buckland told Sky News, adding that meant after the deal agreed with the EU in November was ratified by parliament.

"If that can be done quickly, then we have that timetable set out already. I don't think she needs to say any more about that. What we need to do is to get on with the job," he said, adding that the deal could be passed in the next few months. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit. May, who offered to quit if her deal to leave the European Union was passed by parliament, is under pressure to detail when she will leave office from angry Conservative lawmakers who want a new leader to try to improve the party's fortunes. "The prime minister's said that she is going to go once the first phase of Brexit has been delivered," Buckland told Sky News, adding that meant after the deal agreed with the EU in November was ratified by parliament. "If that can be done quickly, then we have that timetable set out already. I don't think she needs to say any more about that. What we need to do is to get on with the job," he said, adding that the deal could be passed in the next few months.

PM Theresa May has already set out timetable for her departure: UK minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-sacks-defence-minister-williamson-over-huawei-leak-215201">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday.

Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, told BBC Radio that May had been asked to give "clarity" at next Wednesday's meeting after she failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving the government in a state of limbo.

"It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding (of when she will leave) at the end of the meeting," Brady said.

May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc.

But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament, defeated by lawmakers in her own party who want a much more comprehensive break from Brussels and those who want a second referendum to reverse the process.

Brady, head of the group which oversees the party's leadership contests and represents the wishes of backbench lawmakers, said he thought May had been reluctant to set a date because of the impact it would have on any future Brexit vote.

"I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely," he said.

Tensions within the Conservative Party have grown after May failed to deliver Brexit on the original deadline of March 29. The prime minister has since opened talks with the opposition Labour Party to try to find a compromise before the next departure date in October.

The deadlock damaged both parties at local elections earlier this month and could have a similar impact when elections are held for the European Parliament on May 23.

One of the Conservative Party's prominent financial backers, Jeremy Hosking, told the Financial Times he had donated 200,000 pounds to Nigel Farage's Brexit party because the European elections had become, by default, a second referendum on Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday. Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, told BBC Radio that May had been asked to give "clarity" at next Wednesday's meeting after she failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving the government in a state of limbo. "It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding (of when she will leave) at the end of the meeting," Brady said. May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc. But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament, defeated by lawmakers in her own party who want a much more comprehensive break from Brussels and those who want a second referendum to reverse the process. Brady, head of the group which oversees the party's leadership contests and represents the wishes of backbench lawmakers, said he thought May had been reluctant to set a date because of the impact it would have on any future Brexit vote. "I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely," he said. Tensions within the Conservative Party have grown after May failed to deliver Brexit on the original deadline of March 29. The prime minister has since opened talks with the opposition Labour Party to try to find a compromise before the next departure date in October. The deadlock damaged both parties at local elections earlier this month and could have a similar impact when elections are held for the European Parliament on May 23. One of the Conservative Party's prominent financial backers, Jeremy Hosking, told the Financial Times he had donated 200,000 pounds to Nigel Farage's Brexit party because the European elections had become, by default, a second referendum on Brexit.

Britain's Theresa May should set resignation date next week: Lawmaker

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