Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct. 31.

At the beginning of his party's annual conference in the northern city of Manchester, Johnson wants to rally his party with the "do or die" message that he will deliver Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

But there are hurdles to clear, not least of which is what Johnson calls "the surrender act" - the law parliament passed to force the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he has not secured a deal with Brussels by an October&nbsp;17-18 EU summit.

Johnson again declined to explain how he plans to circumvent that law and deliver on his Brexit promise, deepening uncertainty around Britain's biggest trade and foreign policy shift for more than 40 years.

"People can feel that this country is approaching an important moment of choice and we have to get on and we have to deliver Brexit on October the 31st ... I'm going to get on and do it," he told BBC television.

Asked if he would resign to avoid having to ask for a delay, Johnson said: "No, I have undertaken to lead the party and my country at a difficult time and I am going to continue to do that. I believe it is my responsibility."

Opposition lawmakers have been highly critical of Johnson's reference to "the surrender bill", saying his language is stirring even more division in a country that has remained split since the 2016 referendum on EU membership.

Election fever

More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, both the governing Conservative Party and others are getting ready for an early election, widely expected to be held before the end of the year to break the Brexit deadlock.

Polling firm Opinium said the main opposition Labour Party gained 2 percentage points after its conference in Brighton last week, but the Conservatives still held a 12-point lead.

Matt Hancock, health minister, used the start of the Conservative conference to announce billions of pounds in spending for hospital projects across England - part of a plan by the ruling party to make good on some of the pledges made during the referendum campaign which Johnson helped lead.

Labour also used its conference to launch new policies, including plans for a four-day working week, but has yet to back Johnson's calls for an election, fearful he will lead Britain out of the EU without an agreement before any such poll is held.

Though the option of bringing a vote of no confidence in Johnson has been mooted in some quarters, Labour's education policy chief Angela Rayner said on Sunday the party wanted to "get no deal off the table" before it did anything else.

But time is running out on efforts to avoid a potentially chaotic departure from the EU, which many businesses say could hurt the economy and tip the country into recession.

The government is expected this week to present proposals aimed at overcoming the main stumbling block in talks - the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. So far the two sides have failed to agree how to prevent the return to a hard border if any future UK/EU deal fails to maintain frictionless trade.

Johnson said he is still hopeful of securing a "good deal" but added that he would not pretend it will be easy.

"It is certainly true that other EU countries also don't want this thing to keep dragging on, and they don't want the UK to remain in the EU truculent and mutinous and in a limbo and not wishing to cooperate in the way that they would like," he said.

"There is a strong view across the EU that it is time to move on." 
&nbsp;

Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct.

Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct. 31. At the beginning of his party's annual conference in the northern city of Manchester, Johnson wants to rally his party with the "do or die" message that he will deliver Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal. But there are hurdles to clear, not least of which is what Johnson calls "the surrender act" - the law parliament passed to force the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he has not secured a deal with Brussels by an October 17-18 EU summit. Johnson again declined to explain how he plans to circumvent that law and deliver on his Brexit promise, deepening uncertainty around Britain's biggest trade and foreign policy shift for more than 40 years. "People can feel that this country is approaching an important moment of choice and we have to get on and we have to deliver Brexit on October the 31st ... I'm going to get on and do it," he told BBC television. Asked if he would resign to avoid having to ask for a delay, Johnson said: "No, I have undertaken to lead the party and my country at a difficult time and I am going to continue to do that. I believe it is my responsibility." Opposition lawmakers have been highly critical of Johnson's reference to "the surrender bill", saying his language is stirring even more division in a country that has remained split since the 2016 referendum on EU membership. Election fever More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, both the governing Conservative Party and others are getting ready for an early election, widely expected to be held before the end of the year to break the Brexit deadlock. Polling firm Opinium said the main opposition Labour Party gained 2 percentage points after its conference in Brighton last week, but the Conservatives still held a 12-point lead. Matt Hancock, health minister, used the start of the Conservative conference to announce billions of pounds in spending for hospital projects across England - part of a plan by the ruling party to make good on some of the pledges made during the referendum campaign which Johnson helped lead. Labour also used its conference to launch new policies, including plans for a four-day working week, but has yet to back Johnson's calls for an election, fearful he will lead Britain out of the EU without an agreement before any such poll is held. Though the option of bringing a vote of no confidence in Johnson has been mooted in some quarters, Labour's education policy chief Angela Rayner said on Sunday the party wanted to "get no deal off the table" before it did anything else. But time is running out on efforts to avoid a potentially chaotic departure from the EU, which many businesses say could hurt the economy and tip the country into recession. The government is expected this week to present proposals aimed at overcoming the main stumbling block in talks - the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. So far the two sides have failed to agree how to prevent the return to a hard border if any future UK/EU deal fails to maintain frictionless trade. Johnson said he is still hopeful of securing a "good deal" but added that he would not pretend it will be easy. "It is certainly true that other EU countries also don't want this thing to keep dragging on, and they don't want the UK to remain in the EU truculent and mutinous and in a limbo and not wishing to cooperate in the way that they would like," he said. "There is a strong view across the EU that it is time to move on."

British PM Boris Johnson vows to stay put to hit October 31 Brexit deadline

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">new counterpart from Britain&nbsp;Boris Johnson</a> who became the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-meets-queen-elizabeth-takes-charge-as-new-british-pm-238251">14th prime minister of United Kingdom</a> under Queen Elizabeth II.

In a Tweet, PM Modi said, "Congratulations&nbsp;@BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres.&nbsp;@10DowningStreet"

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 
 
I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. <a href="https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10DowningStreet</a> <a href="https://t.co/ATWVf5fhHi">pic.twitter.com/ATWVf5fhHi</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1154039210606616576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-tenders-her-resignation-to-queen-elizabeth-238237">&nbsp;resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth</a>, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his new counterpart from Britain Boris Johnson who became the 14th prime minister of United Kingdom under Queen Elizabeth II.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday congratulated his new counterpart from Britain Boris Johnson who became the 14th prime minister of United Kingdom under Queen Elizabeth II. In a Tweet, PM Modi said, "Congratulations @BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. @10DowningStreet" Congratulations @BorisJohnson on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I wish you success and look forward to working with you to further strengthen India – UK partnership in all spheres. @10DowningStreet pic.twitter.com/ATWVf5fhHi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2019 × Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.

PM Modi congratulates new British PM Boris Johnson, says 'look forward to strengthening India-UK partnership'

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader.

The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT).

The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign.

Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy.

Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT).

"As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf.

Risks to Johnson premiership

The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier.

An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent.

Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning.

The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement.

Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle.

"I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said.

Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority.

- May's last acts - 
Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II.

The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit.

The voting closes Monday in the contest to become Britain's next prime minister, with Boris Johnson expected to be confirmed as the winner charged with delivering Brexit. After a month-long contest between former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the postal votes of up to 160,000 grassroots Conservatives will decide the governing party's next leader. The voting window slams shut at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT). The result will be announced on Tuesday, with the winner immediately becoming the new Conservative leader, the victor taking office as prime minister on Wednesday. Both candidates have had a rocky end to the campaign. Finance minister Philip Hammond announced Sunday that he would make a point of resigning before Johnson became prime minister, saying he could never agree to his Brexit strategy. Meanwhile, Hunt has had to deal with the fallout of Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. In one of her final acts as prime minister, Theresa May will chair a meeting of Britain's COBR emergencies committee at around 10:30 am (0930 GMT). "As well as receiving the latest updates from ministers and officials, the COBR meeting will discuss the maintenance of the security of shipping in the Persian Gulf," a Downing Street spokeswoman said. Hunt said parliament would be updated Monday on the situation in the Gulf. Risks to Johnson premiership The final posted votes will be delivered to Conservative headquarters in London on Monday morning. Any last remaining votes will have to be delivered by hand or courier. An online poll of 1,199 members conducted Friday and Saturday by the Conservative Home website put Johnson on 73 per cent. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of winning. The Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents -- both within and outside the party -- are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives, Hammond included, have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without an agreement. Hammond has no illusions of remaining in the post under a Johnson premiership and has said he will resign before being moved on in a reshuffle. "I cannot accept the idea of leaving with no deal on October 31," Hammond said. Justice Secretary David Gauke also said Sunday he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win -- leaving him without a Commons majority. - May's last acts - Hammond, May and Hunt are the only three ministers who have continuously stayed in the cabinet since the Conservatives returned to office in 2010 under the then prime minister David Cameron. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time at midday (1100 GMT) Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II. The head of state will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. If Johnson wins the leadership contest, Hammond will resign between prime minister's questions in parliament and May going to see the sovereign.

Final hours of voting in race to become British Prime Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">US President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday."

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job"&nbsp;of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster."&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday." "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over. "What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted. Watch: Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM: Donald Trump

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

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

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

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

The UK's ruling Conservative Party said Tuesday that Britain's new Prime Minister, either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt, will be announced on July 23, Watch full video to know more.

New British PM announcement on July 23

Candidates to become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-wants-to-be-britains-next-prime-minister-221065">Britain's next prime minister</a> clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">Boris Johnson</a>, dodged the confrontation.

The 90-minute debate on Channel 4 featured the five remaining candidates and an empty podium for Johnson, the gaffe-prone former foreign secretary and mayor of London.

In sometimes ill-tempered exchanges, four of the five candidates said they would seek to renegotiate the draft <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> divorce deal agreed with Brussels even though EU leaders have repeatedly ruled this out.

The fifth, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, said he would press ahead with the current agreement even though it has been rejected by parliament three times this year in a process that has forced out the current prime minister, Theresa May.

Stewart is the candidate with the lowest number of endorsements from fellow Conservative MPs but has waged a strong campaign on social media, reaching out to centre-ground voters from different parties.

He repeatedly challenged the others to detail their own Brexit plans and accused them of "machismo", earning rounds of applause from the studio audience for his comments.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who supported staying in the EU during the 2016 referendum campaign but now supports Brexit, also struck a conciliatory tone.

No-deal Brexit 'deeply damaging'&nbsp;

The four candidates without Stewart said they would be willing to lead Britain out of the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31 -- the current deadline set by the EU. Johnson has also said Brexit must happen on that date "deal or no deal".

But Stewart said a no-deal Brexit would be "deeply damaging" and threatening self-harm in an attempt to extract concessions from Brussels was "nonsense".

Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who resigned from the government in protest at the government's compromises with Brussels, went further than the others in not ruling out the suspension of parliament if needed to stop MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit.

"I'm the only candidate committed to leaving by the end of October come what may," Raab said.

Another candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, responded saying: "I will not take Britain out of the European Union against the will of parliament."

Home Secretary Sajid Javid joined in saying: "You don't deliver on democracy by trashing democracy."

The debate also featured scrutiny of the candidates' backgrounds.

Javid, the son of a shopkeeper who immigrated to Britain from Pakistan, repeatedly made references to his humble upbringing saying he was not from Conservative Party "central casting" and could be "a messenger that can appeal to the whole country".

The presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, also challenged them on more controversial issues that have come up in the campaign such as Gove's past cocaine use or Raab's critique of feminism and Stewart's repeated U-turns.

Johnson in the lead&nbsp;

Johnson has come under fire from his rivals for giving few interviews and public appearances.

He has claimed direct bickering between Conservative candidates will be counter-productive.

Conservative MPs will hold successive rounds of voting from Tuesday to reduce the candidates to just two, then 160,000 grassroots party members will pick the winner in a postal ballot.

The victor, who will become Britain's next prime minister, is set to be announced in the week starting on July 22.

Johnson topped last week's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Hunt on 43 and Gove on 37.

Raab got 27, Javid got 23 and Stewart was on 19.

The survivors of the second round on Tuesday will face a BBC television debate later the same day, which Johnson has said he will attend.

Candidates to become Britain's next prime minister clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, Boris Johnson, dodged the confrontation.

Candidates to become Britain's next prime minister clashed over Brexit strategy at their first debate on Sunday but the frontrunner, Boris Johnson, dodged the confrontation. The 90-minute debate on Channel 4 featured the five remaining candidates and an empty podium for Johnson, the gaffe-prone former foreign secretary and mayor of London. In sometimes ill-tempered exchanges, four of the five candidates said they would seek to renegotiate the draft Brexit divorce deal agreed with Brussels even though EU leaders have repeatedly ruled this out. The fifth, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, said he would press ahead with the current agreement even though it has been rejected by parliament three times this year in a process that has forced out the current prime minister, Theresa May. Stewart is the candidate with the lowest number of endorsements from fellow Conservative MPs but has waged a strong campaign on social media, reaching out to centre-ground voters from different parties. He repeatedly challenged the others to detail their own Brexit plans and accused them of "machismo", earning rounds of applause from the studio audience for his comments. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who supported staying in the EU during the 2016 referendum campaign but now supports Brexit, also struck a conciliatory tone. No-deal Brexit 'deeply damaging' The four candidates without Stewart said they would be willing to lead Britain out of the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31 -- the current deadline set by the EU. Johnson has also said Brexit must happen on that date "deal or no deal". But Stewart said a no-deal Brexit would be "deeply damaging" and threatening self-harm in an attempt to extract concessions from Brussels was "nonsense". Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, who resigned from the government in protest at the government's compromises with Brussels, went further than the others in not ruling out the suspension of parliament if needed to stop MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit. "I'm the only candidate committed to leaving by the end of October come what may," Raab said. Another candidate, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, responded saying: "I will not take Britain out of the European Union against the will of parliament." Home Secretary Sajid Javid joined in saying: "You don't deliver on democracy by trashing democracy." The debate also featured scrutiny of the candidates' backgrounds. Javid, the son of a shopkeeper who immigrated to Britain from Pakistan, repeatedly made references to his humble upbringing saying he was not from Conservative Party "central casting" and could be "a messenger that can appeal to the whole country". The presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, also challenged them on more controversial issues that have come up in the campaign such as Gove's past cocaine use or Raab's critique of feminism and Stewart's repeated U-turns. Johnson in the lead Johnson has come under fire from his rivals for giving few interviews and public appearances. He has claimed direct bickering between Conservative candidates will be counter-productive. Conservative MPs will hold successive rounds of voting from Tuesday to reduce the candidates to just two, then 160,000 grassroots party members will pick the winner in a postal ballot. The victor, who will become Britain's next prime minister, is set to be announced in the week starting on July 22. Johnson topped last week's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Hunt on 43 and Gove on 37. Raab got 27, Javid got 23 and Stewart was on 19. The survivors of the second round on Tuesday will face a BBC television debate later the same day, which Johnson has said he will attend.

British prime ministerial rivals clash over Brexit strategy

Theresa May has stepped down as head of the Conservative Party. Task now is to find replacement. Watch this video to know more.

Who will be the next British PM?

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday.

Johnson, the former foreign secretary, will be summoned to appear before a London court to face allegations of misconduct in public office, judge Margot Coleman said in a written decision without specifying the date. The private prosecution is being brought over the 2016 claim that Britain sends GBP 350 million ($440 million, 400 million euros) a week to the European Union.

The decision follows a hearing last week at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, during which lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowd-funded the bid, lodged an application to summon Johnson.&nbsp;

"The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations and I do not make any findings of fact. Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the crown court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the crown court," Coleman said.

Johnson, a former London mayor, is running to replace Theresa May as leader of the governing Conservative Party, and therefore prime minister. Johnson was not present at last week's hearing, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the pro-Brexit figurehead staunchly denied acting in an improper or dishonest manner. The maximum penalty for misconduct in public office is life imprisonment.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, must attend court over allegations that he knowingly lied during campaigning for the Brexit referendum, a judge announced Wednesday. Johnson, the former foreign secretary, will be summoned to appear before a London court to face allegations of misconduct in public office, judge Margot Coleman said in a written decision without specifying the date. The private prosecution is being brought over the 2016 claim that Britain sends GBP 350 million ($440 million, 400 million euros) a week to the European Union. The decision follows a hearing last week at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, during which lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowd-funded the bid, lodged an application to summon Johnson. "The allegations which have been made are unproven accusations and I do not make any findings of fact. Having considered all the relevant factors I am satisfied that this is a proper case to issue the summons as requested for the three offences as drafted. This means the proposed defendant will be required to attend this court for a preliminary hearing, and the case will then be sent to the crown court for trial. The charges can only be dealt with in the crown court," Coleman said. Johnson, a former London mayor, is running to replace Theresa May as leader of the governing Conservative Party, and therefore prime minister. Johnson was not present at last week's hearing, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the pro-Brexit figurehead staunchly denied acting in an improper or dishonest manner. The maximum penalty for misconduct in public office is life imprisonment.

British PM race top horse Boris Johnson faces court hearing for Brexit 'lies'

The British Prime Minister Theresa May is set to make another attempt to garner Parliament support on Brexit Bill. Watch full video to know more.

Theresa May to put forward Brexit bill in Parliament in June

British Prime Minister Theresa May fired Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson Wednesday after an investigation into leaks from a secret government meeting about Huawei. He denied any involvement in the leak.

UK Defence Secretary fired over Huawei leaks, denies involvement

Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg urged British politicians on Tuesday (April 23) to listen to the science on climate change and criticised previous generations for "selling" their children's future.

'Our future was sold', Thunberg tells UK politicians

British Prime Minister Theresa May, frustrated with MPs' indecision, will ask Brussels on Wednesday for a short delay to Brexit, the BBC reported, citing a Downing Street official.

With lawmakers deadlocked over the way forward on Britain's 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union -- scheduled to take place in just nine days' time -- May will ask for a short delay, the BBC said.

"PM won't be asking for a long extension," it quoted a Downing Street official as saying on the eve of a summit with EU leaders in Brussels.

"There is a case for giving parliament a bit more time to agree a way forward, but the people of this country have been waiting nearly three years now.

"They are fed up with parliament's failure to take a decision and the PM shares their frustration."

Exasperated European leaders are demanding London to tell them clearly what it wants, warning that the risk still remains that Britain could crash out of the bloc on March 29, ending its 46-year membership without formal arrangements.

The British premier is struggling to keep control of the Brexit process after MPs last week decisively rejected the EU divorce deal for a second time.

She has reluctantly accepted that Brexit must be postponed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, frustrated with MPs' indecision, will ask Brussels on Wednesday for a short delay to Brexit, the BBC reported, citing a Downing Street official.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, frustrated with MPs' indecision, will ask Brussels on Wednesday for a short delay to Brexit, the BBC reported, citing a Downing Street official. With lawmakers deadlocked over the way forward on Britain's 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union -- scheduled to take place in just nine days' time -- May will ask for a short delay, the BBC said. "PM won't be asking for a long extension," it quoted a Downing Street official as saying on the eve of a summit with EU leaders in Brussels. "There is a case for giving parliament a bit more time to agree a way forward, but the people of this country have been waiting nearly three years now. "They are fed up with parliament's failure to take a decision and the PM shares their frustration." Exasperated European leaders are demanding London to tell them clearly what it wants, warning that the risk still remains that Britain could crash out of the bloc on March 29, ending its 46-year membership without formal arrangements. The British premier is struggling to keep control of the Brexit process after MPs last week decisively rejected the EU divorce deal for a second time. She has reluctantly accepted that Brexit must be postponed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place.

British PM Theresa May to seek short Brexit delay: Report

British MPs vote down ''No-Deal'' Brexit

British MPs will vote on May's deal this evening

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/agree-to-backstop-changes-or-risk-disorderly-brexit-theresa-may-to-eu-201993">Prime Minister Theresa May </a>on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves.

"It needs just one more push," May told an audience of workers in Grimsby, a North Sea fishing port, adding that a vote against a deal meant "we might never leave the EU at all".

British MPs will vote on Tuesday on whether to accept May's Brexit deal, which could include new elements following this weekend's frantic round of negotiations.

"Next week MPs in Westminster face a crucial choice: Whether to back the Brexit deal or to reject it," May said.

"Back it and the UK will leave the European Union. Reject it and no one knows what will happen," she said.

"We may not leave the EU for many months, we may leave without the protections that the deal provides. We may never leave at all."

She added: "Everyone now wants to get it done, move beyond the arguments, past the bitterness of the debate and out of the EU as a united country ready to make a success of the future." 
If MPs reject the deal, "nothing is certain", May said, adding that it would trigger "a moment of crisis".

If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal.

If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a postponement.

"MPs would immediately be faced with another choice," May explained.

"Either we leave the EU with no deal on March 29. I do not believe that would be the best outcome for the UK or the EU.

"Or we delay Brexit and carry on arguing about it, both amongst ourselves and with the EU. That's not in our interests either.

"More talking will not change the questions that need to be settled."

Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves. "It needs just one more push," May told an audience of workers in Grimsby, a North Sea fishing port, adding that a vote against a deal meant "we might never leave the EU at all". British MPs will vote on Tuesday on whether to accept May's Brexit deal, which could include new elements following this weekend's frantic round of negotiations. "Next week MPs in Westminster face a crucial choice: Whether to back the Brexit deal or to reject it," May said. "Back it and the UK will leave the European Union. Reject it and no one knows what will happen," she said. "We may not leave the EU for many months, we may leave without the protections that the deal provides. We may never leave at all." She added: "Everyone now wants to get it done, move beyond the arguments, past the bitterness of the debate and out of the EU as a united country ready to make a success of the future." If MPs reject the deal, "nothing is certain", May said, adding that it would trigger "a moment of crisis". If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal. If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a postponement. "MPs would immediately be faced with another choice," May explained. "Either we leave the EU with no deal on March 29. I do not believe that would be the best outcome for the UK or the EU. "Or we delay Brexit and carry on arguing about it, both amongst ourselves and with the EU. That's not in our interests either. "More talking will not change the questions that need to be settled."

British PM calls on EU for 'one more push' on Brexit deal

Prime Minister Theresa&nbsp;May&nbsp;on Tuesday will plead&nbsp;with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hold-your-nerve-on-brexit-pm-may-to-tell-british-lawmakers-196877">telling them they must hold their nerve</a>.

May&nbsp;is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29.

"The talks are at a crucial stage,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office.

MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between&nbsp;May&nbsp;and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons.

Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing.

Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements.

"We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;is due to tell MPs.

"By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support."

Plea for time

Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that&nbsp;May&nbsp;was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. &nbsp;

"What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said.

She said&nbsp;May&nbsp;would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then.

Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop".

"It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal."

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington,&nbsp;May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain.

In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel.

Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive".

"We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve. May is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29. "The talks are at a crucial stage," May will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office. MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between May and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons. Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing. Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements. "We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time," May is due to tell MPs. "By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support." Plea for time Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that May was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. "What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said. She said May would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then. Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop". "It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal." Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington, May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain. In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel. Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive". "We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

May to ask MPs for more time on Brexit talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered an early defeat to her Brexit plans on Wednesday, when lawmakers demanded the government come up with a plan B within days if she loses a vote on her deal to leave the European Union.

With less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/setbacks-for-pm-may-as-mps-debate-brexit-deal-before-historic-vote-189251">parliament kicked off a five-day battle</a> over May's Brexit plan with a show of force — undermining her preferred timetable if lawmakers vote down her deal on Tuesday.

May has refused to retreat from her unpopular deal, which envisages close trading ties with the EU after leaving in March, pressing ahead with the vote that she looks set to lose after failing to win over her nominal Northern Irish allies.

Losing the vote would deepen the uncertainty over the future of Brexit, Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy for more than 40 years, and opens the way for several different outcomes, ranging from a disorderly exit to another referendum.

Lawmakers voted 308-297 in favour of demanding the government come up with an alternative plan within three working days after Tuesday's vote, rather than a planned 21-day limit, a largely symbolic vote aimed at putting pressure on the government.

There were turbulent scenes in parliament when some in May's Conservative Party accused the speaker of bias.

May's spokesman said the government's advice was that parliament could not change its so-called business motion which set out the procedure for the Brexit vote, but played down the impact of the vote for its overall plans.

"We are doing everything we can to win the meaningful vote that happens on Tuesday," the spokesman said.

"But it is also the intention, if that were not to take place, that we respond quickly to provide certainty on the way forward following that vote."

Combined with a vote late on Tuesday when the government lost on the finance bill, the defeats underline May's precarious position in parliament and the difficulties she will have in winning approval for her Brexit deal.

ALTERNATIVES

The opposition Labour Party has said that it will immediately table a vote of no confidence in the government if May loses the vote.

With the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit rising, the EU is looking at how Brexit might be postponed, and pro-EU campaigners are testing ways Britain could hold another referendum after voters narrowly backed leaving in 2016.

Earlier on Tuesday, May called on lawmakers to vote for her deal, suggesting she was confident of getting further assurances from the EU to ease their concerns and offering Northern Ireland more control over the "backstop" arrangement to prevent the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland.

"I've been in contact with European leaders ... about MPs' (members of parliament) concerns. These discussions have shown that further clarification over the backstop is possible and those talks will continue over the next few days," May said.

But Northern Irish politicians were swift to dismiss her proposals to offer Northern Ireland a "strong voice and role in any decision to bring the backstop into effect".

Sammy Wilson, the Brexit spokesman for Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, said: "The only thing which could swing the DUP round is if the backstop as it applies to the United Kingdom as a whole or to Northern Ireland specifically were removed from this agreement."

Wilson, one of 10 DUP lawmakers propping up May's minority government, cast as "window dressing" her proposals to give the Northern Irish assembly the power to vote against new EU rules if the border backstop comes into force after Brexit.

Her deal, he said, was "ruinous".

FANTASIES

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 at 2300 GMT.

May told lawmakers that parliament had a choice: backing her deal or risk Britain leaving the bloc without a deal, a scenario many businesses say would disrupt supply chains and hinder investment in the world's fifth largest economy.

May's de-facto deputy said it was a delusion to think the government would be able to negotiate a new divorce deal if parliament voted down hers.

"I don't think the British public are served by fantasies about magical, alternative deals that are somehow going to spring out of a cupboard in Brussels," Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington said in an interview with BBC radio.

The government needs 318 votes to get a deal through the 650-seat House of Commons, as seven members of Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein do not sit, four speakers and deputy speakers do not vote and the four tellers are not counted.

Some investors and major banks believe May's deal will be defeated on Tuesday but that eventually it will be approved.

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered an early defeat to her Brexit plans on Wednesday, when lawmakers demanded the government come up with a plan B within days if she loses a vote on her deal to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered an early defeat to her Brexit plans on Wednesday, when lawmakers demanded the government come up with a plan B within days if she loses a vote on her deal to leave the European Union. With less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU, parliament kicked off a five-day battle over May's Brexit plan with a show of force — undermining her preferred timetable if lawmakers vote down her deal on Tuesday. May has refused to retreat from her unpopular deal, which envisages close trading ties with the EU after leaving in March, pressing ahead with the vote that she looks set to lose after failing to win over her nominal Northern Irish allies. Losing the vote would deepen the uncertainty over the future of Brexit, Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy for more than 40 years, and opens the way for several different outcomes, ranging from a disorderly exit to another referendum. Lawmakers voted 308-297 in favour of demanding the government come up with an alternative plan within three working days after Tuesday's vote, rather than a planned 21-day limit, a largely symbolic vote aimed at putting pressure on the government. There were turbulent scenes in parliament when some in May's Conservative Party accused the speaker of bias. May's spokesman said the government's advice was that parliament could not change its so-called business motion which set out the procedure for the Brexit vote, but played down the impact of the vote for its overall plans. "We are doing everything we can to win the meaningful vote that happens on Tuesday," the spokesman said. "But it is also the intention, if that were not to take place, that we respond quickly to provide certainty on the way forward following that vote." Combined with a vote late on Tuesday when the government lost on the finance bill, the defeats underline May's precarious position in parliament and the difficulties she will have in winning approval for her Brexit deal. ALTERNATIVES The opposition Labour Party has said that it will immediately table a vote of no confidence in the government if May loses the vote. With the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit rising, the EU is looking at how Brexit might be postponed, and pro-EU campaigners are testing ways Britain could hold another referendum after voters narrowly backed leaving in 2016. Earlier on Tuesday, May called on lawmakers to vote for her deal, suggesting she was confident of getting further assurances from the EU to ease their concerns and offering Northern Ireland more control over the "backstop" arrangement to prevent the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland. "I've been in contact with European leaders ... about MPs' (members of parliament) concerns. These discussions have shown that further clarification over the backstop is possible and those talks will continue over the next few days," May said. But Northern Irish politicians were swift to dismiss her proposals to offer Northern Ireland a "strong voice and role in any decision to bring the backstop into effect". Sammy Wilson, the Brexit spokesman for Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, said: "The only thing which could swing the DUP round is if the backstop as it applies to the United Kingdom as a whole or to Northern Ireland specifically were removed from this agreement." Wilson, one of 10 DUP lawmakers propping up May's minority government, cast as "window dressing" her proposals to give the Northern Irish assembly the power to vote against new EU rules if the border backstop comes into force after Brexit. Her deal, he said, was "ruinous". FANTASIES Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 at 2300 GMT. May told lawmakers that parliament had a choice: backing her deal or risk Britain leaving the bloc without a deal, a scenario many businesses say would disrupt supply chains and hinder investment in the world's fifth largest economy. May's de-facto deputy said it was a delusion to think the government would be able to negotiate a new divorce deal if parliament voted down hers. "I don't think the British public are served by fantasies about magical, alternative deals that are somehow going to spring out of a cupboard in Brussels," Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington said in an interview with BBC radio. The government needs 318 votes to get a deal through the 650-seat House of Commons, as seven members of Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein do not sit, four speakers and deputy speakers do not vote and the four tellers are not counted. Some investors and major banks believe May's deal will be defeated on Tuesday but that eventually it will be approved.

UK PM Theresa May suffers early defeat as Brexit debate restarts in Parliament

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her.

The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost!

The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries.

Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other.

Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation.

Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment.

Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom.

Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018.

What happens now?

Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit. May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her. The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost! The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries. Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other. Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation. Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment. Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom. Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018. What happens now? Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

How Brexit saga unfolded in 2018

British PM Theresa May survives party confidence vote

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward.

May's Conservative administration is divided on what sort of customs agreement Britain should have with the European Union after it leaves the bloc.

The splits were laid bare last week when Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson dismissed as "crazy" one of May's proposals for future EU customs arrangements.

But the prime minister insisted: "You can trust me to deliver", as she attempted to ease the tensions.

"The path I am setting out is the path to deliver the Brexit people voted for," she wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper.

"Of course, the details are incredibly complex and, as in any negotiation, there will have to be compromises.&nbsp

"I will need your help and support to get there. And in return, my pledge to you is simple: I will not let you down."

May said she had proposed different options for a new customs arrangement with the EU and the government would continue to work on them during the negotiations.

She said her mission in the talks was to build a new, close trading relationship with the EU, put Britain in full control over its immigration policy and taxpayer spending and build closer ties with the world's emerging economies.

She said any deal must protect the United Kingdom's constitutional and economic integrity and honour the Northern Irish peace accords.

"This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK," May wrote.

"Any agreements must create as little friction as possible for trade," she said, adding: "We must not constrain our ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries around the world by being bound into a customs union."

Final decision looming 
Last year, London put forward two options to ease cross-border trade with the EU but, with Brexit looming, has still yet to make a final decision on which to pursue.

May's preferred option, the customs partnership, was reportedly rejected at a meeting of her senior ministers last week, while Brussels has also condemned it as "magical thinking".

The model would involve Britain collecting EU tariffs on goods heading into the bloc but charging its own on UK-destined products.

A second option, "maximum facilitation", would involve using technology to minimise customs checks, but the EU has also cast doubt on its viability.

A decision is not expected for at least another week, but the clock is ticking ahead of a crucial EU summit in June.

The Sunday Times said May's article was "an appeal for unity as she enters another perilous phase of her premiership".

The main opposition Labour Party called Sunday for parliament to be given the chance to vote on a customs union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward. May's Conservative administration is divided on what sort of customs agreement Britain should have with the European Union after it leaves the bloc. The splits were laid bare last week when Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson dismissed as "crazy" one of May's proposals for future EU customs arrangements. But the prime minister insisted: "You can trust me to deliver", as she attempted to ease the tensions. "The path I am setting out is the path to deliver the Brexit people voted for," she wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper. "Of course, the details are incredibly complex and, as in any negotiation, there will have to be compromises. "I will need your help and support to get there. And in return, my pledge to you is simple: I will not let you down." May said she had proposed different options for a new customs arrangement with the EU and the government would continue to work on them during the negotiations. She said her mission in the talks was to build a new, close trading relationship with the EU, put Britain in full control over its immigration policy and taxpayer spending and build closer ties with the world's emerging economies. She said any deal must protect the United Kingdom's constitutional and economic integrity and honour the Northern Irish peace accords. "This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK," May wrote. "Any agreements must create as little friction as possible for trade," she said, adding: "We must not constrain our ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries around the world by being bound into a customs union." Final decision looming Last year, London put forward two options to ease cross-border trade with the EU but, with Brexit looming, has still yet to make a final decision on which to pursue. May's preferred option, the customs partnership, was reportedly rejected at a meeting of her senior ministers last week, while Brussels has also condemned it as "magical thinking". The model would involve Britain collecting EU tariffs on goods heading into the bloc but charging its own on UK-destined products. A second option, "maximum facilitation", would involve using technology to minimise customs checks, but the EU has also cast doubt on its viability. A decision is not expected for at least another week, but the clock is ticking ahead of a crucial EU summit in June. The Sunday Times said May's article was "an appeal for unity as she enters another perilous phase of her premiership". The main opposition Labour Party called Sunday for parliament to be given the chance to vote on a customs union.

British PM Theresa May says 'trust me' on Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday condemned the &quot;evil ideology of Islamist extremism&quot; as being behind three terror attacks in Britain since March, saying the perpetrators were &quot;copying one another&quot;.

While not part of the same plot, &quot;they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the evil ideology of Islamist extremism,&quot; she said, adding that the &quot;perpetrators are inspired to attack... by copying one another&quot;.

More to follow

(AFP)

She said the perpetrators are 'copying one another'

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday condemned the "evil ideology of Islamist extremism" as being behind three terror attacks in Britain since March, saying the perpetrators were "copying one another". While not part of the same plot, "they are connected in one important sense. They are bound together by the evil ideology of Islamist extremism," she said, adding that the "perpetrators are inspired to attack... by copying one another". More to follow (AFP)

London attack: British PM May condemns 'evil ideology of Islamist extremism'

Queen Elizabeth II gave royal assent on Thursday to a bill empowering British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the EU&#39;s Lisbon Treaty and begin the process of leaving the European Union.

May has said she will send a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain&#39;s decision to leave the bloc by the end of March, following a majority vote for Brexit in last year&#39;s referendum.

The House of Commons speaker John Bercow announced the final go-ahead in the parliamentary chamber, prompting cheers from ruling Conservative Party MPs.

The queen&#39;s signature on the bill allows May to invoke Article 50 any time from now in a process that will take a maximum of two years unless Britain and its EU partners agree to extend the deadline.

May said she will address the British parliament to inform lawmakers that she has triggered Article 50 and an initial response is expected from the European Commission within 48 hours.

Full negotiations, however, are not expected to start for several weeks or months as both sides prepare.

&quot;This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world,&quot; May told MPs on Tuesday.

She had been widely expected to trigger Article 50 this week but the plan appears to have been derailed by a surprise announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday that she would seek a new independence referendum.

During the EU referendum campaign, Buckingham Palace denied a report in The Sun tabloid that the queen was a supporter of Brexit.

The newspaper cited an anonymous &quot;senior source&quot; who said the monarch had &quot;let rip&quot; at pro-EU politician Nick Clegg during a lunch in 2011 when he was deputy prime minister.

&quot;People who heard their conversation were left in no doubt at all about the queen&#39;s views on European integration,&quot; the source was quoted as saying.

&quot;It was really something, and it went on for quite a while.

&quot;The EU is clearly something her majesty feels passionately about,&quot; the source said.

(AFP)

PM May has said she will send a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain's decision to leave the bloc by the end of March

Queen Elizabeth II gave royal assent on Thursday to a bill empowering British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and begin the process of leaving the European Union. May has said she will send a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain's decision to leave the bloc by the end of March, following a majority vote for Brexit in last year's referendum. The House of Commons speaker John Bercow announced the final go-ahead in the parliamentary chamber, prompting cheers from ruling Conservative Party MPs. The queen's signature on the bill allows May to invoke Article 50 any time from now in a process that will take a maximum of two years unless Britain and its EU partners agree to extend the deadline. May said she will address the British parliament to inform lawmakers that she has triggered Article 50 and an initial response is expected from the European Commission within 48 hours. Full negotiations, however, are not expected to start for several weeks or months as both sides prepare. "This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world," May told MPs on Tuesday. She had been widely expected to trigger Article 50 this week but the plan appears to have been derailed by a surprise announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday that she would seek a new independence referendum. During the EU referendum campaign, Buckingham Palace denied a report in The Sun tabloid that the queen was a supporter of Brexit. The newspaper cited an anonymous "senior source" who said the monarch had "let rip" at pro-EU politician Nick Clegg during a lunch in 2011 when he was deputy prime minister. "People who heard their conversation were left in no doubt at all about the queen's views on European integration," the source was quoted as saying. "It was really something, and it went on for quite a while. "The EU is clearly something her majesty feels passionately about," the source said. (AFP)

Queen signs law authorising May to begin Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Scottish government on Thursday &quot;now is not the time&quot; for a second independence referendum, saying it would be unfair to ask people to vote without knowing the result of Brexit talks. 
 
While May fell short of saying her government would block a second independence referendum, her Scottish minister David Mundell was more forthright. He ruled out any discussion on the procedure to launch a vote now and immediately raised hackles north of the English border. 
 
Scottish nationalists have called for a new referendum and accuse May of all but ignoring their demands in her preparations for divorce talks with the European Union. 
 
Scotland voted to remain in the EU last June and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said after May spoke that blocking an independence referendum would be undemocratic. 
 
The remarks upped the ante in a war of words over Scottish independence as Britain prepares for intense EU exit talks. 
 
&quot;Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart,&quot; May told British television. 
 
&quot;We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK. That`s my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP (Scottish National Party) now is not the time.&quot; 
 
Mundell said there would be no negotiations on Section 30, a procedure that allows the Scottish parliament to legislate for an independence referendum. 
 
&quot;We will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement, and any request at this time will be declined,&quot; Mundell told a news conference. 
 
He declined to clarify if or when a vote could take place.

Sturgeon hits back, says UK government &#39;undemocratic&#39; 
 
Sturgeon hit back, accusing May`s government of being frightened of listening to the Scots.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable &ndash; and clearly shows that the UK Government recognises it is out of step with the Scottish people,&quot; she said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It would be outrageous for the Scottish Parliament to be frozen out of the process.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
No guarantees 
 
Sturgeon said Scotland should have the chance to stay in the EU`s lucrative single market and keep an open-door policy to immigrants after voting to remain, and has criticised May for failing to consult the Scottish government on her strategy. 
 
The Scottish Greens, another pro-independence party, said May risked boosting support for independence if she wanted to veto a decision expected to be made by Scotland`s devolved parliament next week. 
 
Sturgeon is by no means guaranteed of winning a referendum just 2-1/2 years after Scots voted to keep the union, but she has managed to put pressure on May just days before Britain is expected to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty and start the formal divorce procedure. 
 
May is a unionist and will fight hard to keep Britain together but her government will be stretched in trying to negotiate a &quot;good deal&quot; with the EU and keeping vocal eurosceptics in her ruling Conservatives onboard. 
 
Britain`s vote to leave the bloc last June deepened geographical and social divisions in the country, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to stay in the bloc while England and Wales backed an exit. 
 
May says her government is committed to engaging with the whole of Britain over Brexit to negotiate a good deal for everyone, suggesting there should be no independence referendum until after a final deal is reach with the EU. 
&quot;To look at this issue at this time would be unfair because people wouldn`t have the necessary information to make such a crucial decision,&quot; May said. 
 
(Reuters)

The British Prime Minister, however, fell short of saying her government would block a second independence referendum

British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Scottish government on Thursday "now is not the time" for a second independence referendum, saying it would be unfair to ask people to vote without knowing the result of Brexit talks. While May fell short of saying her government would block a second independence referendum, her Scottish minister David Mundell was more forthright. He ruled out any discussion on the procedure to launch a vote now and immediately raised hackles north of the English border. Scottish nationalists have called for a new referendum and accuse May of all but ignoring their demands in her preparations for divorce talks with the European Union. Scotland voted to remain in the EU last June and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said after May spoke that blocking an independence referendum would be undemocratic. The remarks upped the ante in a war of words over Scottish independence as Britain prepares for intense EU exit talks. "Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart," May told British television. "We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK. That`s my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP (Scottish National Party) now is not the time." Mundell said there would be no negotiations on Section 30, a procedure that allows the Scottish parliament to legislate for an independence referendum. "We will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement, and any request at this time will be declined," Mundell told a news conference. He declined to clarify if or when a vote could take place. Sturgeon hits back, says UK government 'undemocratic' Sturgeon hit back, accusing May`s government of being frightened of listening to the Scots. "Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable – and clearly shows that the UK Government recognises it is out of step with the Scottish people," she said in a statement. "It would be outrageous for the Scottish Parliament to be frozen out of the process." No guarantees Sturgeon said Scotland should have the chance to stay in the EU`s lucrative single market and keep an open-door policy to immigrants after voting to remain, and has criticised May for failing to consult the Scottish government on her strategy. The Scottish Greens, another pro-independence party, said May risked boosting support for independence if she wanted to veto a decision expected to be made by Scotland`s devolved parliament next week. Sturgeon is by no means guaranteed of winning a referendum just 2-1/2 years after Scots voted to keep the union, but she has managed to put pressure on May just days before Britain is expected to trigger Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty and start the formal divorce procedure. May is a unionist and will fight hard to keep Britain together but her government will be stretched in trying to negotiate a "good deal" with the EU and keeping vocal eurosceptics in her ruling Conservatives onboard. Britain`s vote to leave the bloc last June deepened geographical and social divisions in the country, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to stay in the bloc while England and Wales backed an exit. May says her government is committed to engaging with the whole of Britain over Brexit to negotiate a good deal for everyone, suggesting there should be no independence referendum until after a final deal is reach with the EU. "To look at this issue at this time would be unfair because people wouldn`t have the necessary information to make such a crucial decision," May said. (Reuters)

'Now is not the time': Theresa May on Scotland's demand for independence referendum

&nbsp;Britain will trigger the legal process for leaving the European Union by the end of March despite a court ruling that means the government needs to get parliamentary approval, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday.

The UK&#39;s highest judicial body dismissed a government argument that May could simply use executive powers known as &quot;royal prerogative&quot; to invoke Article 50 of the EU&#39;s Lisbon Treaty and begin two years of divorce talks.

&quot;The British people voted to leave the EU, and the government will deliver on their verdict &ndash; triggering Article 50, as planned, by the end of March. Today&#39;s ruling does nothing to change that,&quot; the spokesman said.

&quot;We respect the Supreme Court&#39;s decision, and will set out our next steps to Parliament shortly.&quot;

(Reuters)

Britain will trigger the legal process for leaving the EU by the end of March despite the Supreme Court's ruling, the spokesman said

Britain will trigger the legal process for leaving the European Union by the end of March despite a court ruling that means the government needs to get parliamentary approval, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday. The UK's highest judicial body dismissed a government argument that May could simply use executive powers known as "royal prerogative" to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and begin two years of divorce talks. "The British people voted to leave the EU, and the government will deliver on their verdict – triggering Article 50, as planned, by the end of March. Today's ruling does nothing to change that," the spokesman said. "We respect the Supreme Court's decision, and will set out our next steps to Parliament shortly." (Reuters)

Article 50 ruling does not change Brexit timetable: Spokesman for PM May

Looking to strengthen trade ties with India, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that Indian business travellers would be offered easier access to the UK.

Speaking at the India-UK Tech Summit in Delhi, May said: &quot;So we will offer, for the first time to any country that needs visas to enter Britain, what we called &#39;Registered Traveller Scheme&#39;.

&quot;That means the Indian nationals who frequently come to the UK and to fuel growth in both our countries, the entry process will become significantly easier,&quot; she said.

May said businessmen would have to fill fewer forms, and that they would get access to EU-EEA (European Economic Area) passport control and swifter passage through British airports.

&quot;In short, more opportunities for Britain and India and a clear message that Britain is very much open for business,&quot; she added.

May referred to the potential of the British-Indian relationship as &quot;limitless&quot;.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister&#39;s two-day visit aims to reduce trade barriers and make way for a post-Brexit free deal. &nbsp;

&quot;I will be discussing with Prime Minister Modi how we can increase the detail and depth of our trade and investment discussions, and identify what more we can do, now, to unleash our businesses, industries, exporters and investors,&quot; she said

&quot;This does not need to wait for us to leave the EU,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

The easier access deal will not to be extended to students and skilled employees.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also at the India-UK Tech Summit, did hint at the sharp decline in Indian students studying in the UK since 2010, asking for &nbsp;&quot;greater mobility and participation of young people in educational and research opportunities&quot;.&nbsp;

(WION)

On her first visit to India, she described the potential of the British-Indian relationship as 'limitless'

Looking to strengthen trade ties with India, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that Indian business travellers would be offered easier access to the UK. Speaking at the India-UK Tech Summit in Delhi, May said: "So we will offer, for the first time to any country that needs visas to enter Britain, what we called 'Registered Traveller Scheme'. "That means the Indian nationals who frequently come to the UK and to fuel growth in both our countries, the entry process will become significantly easier," she said. May said businessmen would have to fill fewer forms, and that they would get access to EU-EEA (European Economic Area) passport control and swifter passage through British airports. "In short, more opportunities for Britain and India and a clear message that Britain is very much open for business," she added. May referred to the potential of the British-Indian relationship as "limitless". The Prime Minister's two-day visit aims to reduce trade barriers and make way for a post-Brexit free deal. "I will be discussing with Prime Minister Modi how we can increase the detail and depth of our trade and investment discussions, and identify what more we can do, now, to unleash our businesses, industries, exporters and investors," she said "This does not need to wait for us to leave the EU," she added. The easier access deal will not to be extended to students and skilled employees. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also at the India-UK Tech Summit, did hint at the sharp decline in Indian students studying in the UK since 2010, asking for "greater mobility and participation of young people in educational and research opportunities". (WION)

Indian business travellers to be cleared faster at UK borders: Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May warned lawmakers Sunday not to block Brexit, after the High Court ruled this week that the UK&#39;s leaving of the European Union would have to be approved by Parliament.

In a statement published ahead of a trade mission to India, May cautioned members of parliament against using the ruling to undermine the result of the June referendum, reported AFP.

&quot;The result was clear. It was legitimate. MPs and peers who regret the referendum result need to accept what the people decided,&quot; she said in the statement.

The Conservative government has said it will appeal Thursday&#39;s court decision.

The High Court ruled: &ldquo;The government does not have power under the crown&rsquo;s prerogative to give notice pursuant to article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union.&rdquo;&nbsp;

The High Court decision has also fuelled speculation that May might call an early election to strengthen her support in the House of Commons before the EU vote.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

'The result was clear. It was legitimate. MPs and peers who regret the referendum result need to accept what the people decided,' she said

British Prime Minister Theresa May warned lawmakers Sunday not to block Brexit, after the High Court ruled this week that the UK's leaving of the European Union would have to be approved by Parliament. In a statement published ahead of a trade mission to India, May cautioned members of parliament against using the ruling to undermine the result of the June referendum, reported AFP. "The result was clear. It was legitimate. MPs and peers who regret the referendum result need to accept what the people decided," she said in the statement. The Conservative government has said it will appeal Thursday's court decision. The High Court ruled: “The government does not have power under the crown’s prerogative to give notice pursuant to article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union.” The High Court decision has also fuelled speculation that May might call an early election to strengthen her support in the House of Commons before the EU vote. (WION with inputs from AFP)

British PM Theresa May warns lawmakers against blocking Brexit

Britain&#39;s former prime minister&nbsp;David&nbsp;Cameron&nbsp;has resigned his seat in the House of Commons, he told broadcaster ITV in an interview Monday.

Cameron&nbsp;stepped down as prime minister in June, hours after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in which he had campaigned to stay in the bloc.

&quot;In my view, with modern politics, with the circumstances of my resignation it isn&#39;t really possible to be a proper backbench MP as a former prime minister,&quot;&nbsp;Cameron&nbsp;told the broadcaster.

&quot;I think everything you do will become a big distraction and a big diversion from what the government needs to do for our country.&quot;

Cameron&#39;s resignation from parliament is unusually quick -- former prime ministers have typically retained their seats for a number of years after leaving the official Downing Street residence. 
 
(AFP)

Cameron had resigned as the prime minister days after Remain campaign lost the EU referendum in June

Britain's former prime minister David Cameron has resigned his seat in the House of Commons, he told broadcaster ITV in an interview Monday. Cameron stepped down as prime minister in June, hours after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in which he had campaigned to stay in the bloc. "In my view, with modern politics, with the circumstances of my resignation it isn't really possible to be a proper backbench MP as a former prime minister," Cameron told the broadcaster. "I think everything you do will become a big distraction and a big diversion from what the government needs to do for our country." Cameron's resignation from parliament is unusually quick -- former prime ministers have typically retained their seats for a number of years after leaving the official Downing Street residence. (AFP)

Former British PM David Cameron steps down from parliament

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