The newly-elected Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson took office as the British prime minister on Wednesday amid the rising uncertainties of Brexit. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson delivers first speech as UK PM

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aKsCfuUnZh-SA_i3kYGPM">Boris Johnson</a> took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector.

Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago -&nbsp;to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.

He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October.

Brexit scepticism 'priced in' 
"The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta.

"Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted.

May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders.

Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said.

Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent.

In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value.

"The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden.

"A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore.

"Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices."

Bright US earnings&nbsp; 
Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war.

The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight.

Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/they-call-him-britains-trump-says-us-president-on-boris-johnson-238131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCp6Hp2s3jAhUHl48KHdVmDmIQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zLPu250tzoQ1f2Gfdrz-b">Donald Trump</a>'s Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks.

The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May. He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October. Brexit scepticism 'priced in' "The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta. "Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted. May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders. Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said. Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent. In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value. "The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden. "A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore. "Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices." Bright US earnings Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war. The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight. Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President Donald Trump's Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks. The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.

Sterling rises before Johnson takes office; European markets sag

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM</a>

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-know-one-thing-that-hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-do-not-interference-foreign-ministry-237930">US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry</a>

China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit</a>

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-recall-sunil-narine-and-kieron-pollard-for-t20s-against-india-chris-gayle-opts-out-237928">West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out</a>

West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month.

Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-oil-companies-illegal-china-237917">US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China</a>

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend. Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month. Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November. US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Boris Johnson, one of the biggest voices in the Brexit movement, won the Conservative Party leadership race on Tuesday and will become the U.K.’s next prime minister.

Boris Johnson to become UK prime minister after winning leadership race

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-bracing-to-become-britains-brexit-prime-minister-237375">Britain's next prime minister</a> will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-quits-as-party-leader-starting-succession-race-225177">Theresa May</a>. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU.

Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle:

1) Governing

To <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">deliver Brexit</a>, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis.

But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one.

On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern.

Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit.

Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election.

2) Brexit

Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit.

The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland.

EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want.

Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay.

If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31.

Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen.

Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated.

3) Trump and the United States

The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner.

But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept.

How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain.

Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done.

4) Iran and China

The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier.

Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy.

The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties.

That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU.

5) Beyond Brexit

While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies.

Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament. The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday. Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed Theresa May. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU. Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle: 1) Governing To deliver Brexit, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis. But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one. On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern. Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit. Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election. 2) Brexit Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times. The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit. The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland. EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want. Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay. If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31. Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen. Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated. 3) Trump and the United States The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner. But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept. How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain. Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done. 4) Iran and China The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with. Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier. Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy. The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties. That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU. 5) Beyond Brexit While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies. Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Five urgent tasks for Britain's new prime minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Boris Johnson</a> is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dancing-queen-theresa-may-boogies-to-abba-in-final-days-as-british-pm-236201">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> on Wednesday.

The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> when the result is announced on Tuesday.

Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory.

While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

The threat to the majority&nbsp;

The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-remains-divided-on-brexit-options-207308">House of Commons</a> 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 have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal.

Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation".&nbsp;

The broadsheet 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.

'Right side of history'&nbsp;

Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office.

The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament.

"I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP.

Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling."

Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised."

'Good relationship': Trump&nbsp;

Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday.

"He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday.

Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that 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.

After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state.

The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor.

She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England.

"It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper.

The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

"I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May.

The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament. The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt when the result is announced on Tuesday. Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory. While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. The threat to the majority The centre-right 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 have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal. Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation". The broadsheet 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. 'Right side of history' Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office. The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament. "I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP. Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling." Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised." 'Good relationship': Trump Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday. "He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday. Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that 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. After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state. The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor. She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England. "It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper. The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. "I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May. The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson bracing to become Britain's Brexit Prime Minister

For almost a decade, Alexander Temerko, who forged a career at the top of the Russian arms industry and had connections at the highest levels of the Kremlin, has been an influential figure in British politics.

For almost a decade, Alexander Temerko, who forged a career at the top of the Russian arms industry and had connections at the highest levels of the Kremlin, has been an influential figure in British politics. He's one of the Conservative Party's major donors. He counts Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next PM, among his friends. Temerko, born in what was then Soviet Ukraine, presents himself in public as an entrepreneur who opposes Britain's departure from the European Union because it's bad for his UK energy business, and as a dissident critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. But in more than half a dozen conversations with this reporter, conducted over the past three years as part of the research for a book, he showed a different side of his career and views. Temerko revealed himself to be a supporter of Johnson's bid to lead Britain out of the EU, describing the 2016 public vote to leave the bloc as a "revolution against bureaucracy." He praised senior Russian security officials, including the current and former heads of the Federal Security Service (FSB), successor to the KGB, and proudly recalled his past work with Russia's Defence Ministry. These new insights into Temerko's private thinking about Johnson, Brexit, and Russia come as the ruling Conservative Party is choosing its next leader, and as some British MPs are increasingly wary of possible Russian influence over British politics. The result of the Conservative Party leadership contest is expected on July 23. Temerko has gifted more than £1 million to the Conservatives since he gained British citizenship in 2011, electoral finance records show - a significant amount by UK standards. Johnson is not among the politicians recorded as having received donations from Temerko. But the industrialist has financed some of Johnson's important allies in parliament, including one of the men running his campaign for the Tory leadership, James Wharton, who also serves as a paid adviser to the UK energy firm where Temerko is a director. Temerko spoke warmly about his "friend" Johnson, telling how the two men sometimes call each other "Sasha," the Russian diminutive for Alexander, which is Johnson's real first name. He described how, at the beginning of Johnson's tenure as Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018, they would often "plot" late into the evening over a bottle of wine on the balcony of Johnson's office at parliament in Westminster. Johnson's press secretary Lee Cain didn't respond to repeated requests for comment for this article. The Conservative Party said only that "donations to the Conservative Party are properly and transparently declared to the Electoral Commission, published by them, and fully comply with the law." In one conversation in February this year, Temerko said he'd joined an unsuccessful attempt led by members of a group of hardline Conservative MPs, the European Research Group, to remove Theresa May as the leader in December 2018. The MPs were unhappy at May's failure to take Britain out of the EU almost three years after Britons voted to leave. Temerko didn't detail his role in the move, but a senior Conservative Party member confirmed that Temerko was "very much behind the attempt to oust" May. The party member declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. May finally resigned on June 7. Jacob Rees Mogg, chairman of the European Research Group, said in response to Reuters' questions that Temerko "has no link formal or informal" with the group. Rees Mogg said he didn't know Temerko, but couldn't speak for Temerko's relationship with individual MPs. May's office referred Reuters' questions about the episode to the Conservative Party, which didn't comment. In the same conversation in February, Temerko spoke in positive terms about one of Putin's closest and most powerful allies, Nikolai Patrushev, the hawkish head of Russia's Security Council and former long-time head of the FSB security service, describing him as a "decent family man." On another occasion, he said of Patrushev, "There is much more positive than negative about him." One of Temerko's former business partners in Russia, Leonid Nevzlin, said Temerko had long-standing ties with Russian security agencies but declined to say whether he believes those ties remain active. Nevzlin and Temerko were shareholders in oil firm Yukos before Putin's government seized control of the company. Nevzlin, who was one of the main shareholders, said Yukos's management brought Temerko in "for several projects as well as for his contacts at the top of the Federal Security Service and the Defence Ministry." Nevzlin added that Temerko knew Patrushev "well." Asked to respond, Temerko said in a follow-up interview this week that his role at Yukos encompassed the oil company's connections with the entire Russian state, not just with the Defence Ministry. His relations with people in the security services, he added, were "formal" and not "personal." He denied having any ongoing links with Russian security services. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Temerko "has no connection to the Kremlin or the Russian authorities. We do not know this gentleman." Reuters couldn't reach Patrushev for comment. Asked this week about the apparent contradiction between his private and public statements on Brexit, Temerko said his views changed with time and he was "evolutionary." He said he joined the push to oust May because he thought she should be more flexible in negotiating a route out of the EU. In recent weeks, as Johnson's campaign gathered pace, Temerko has appeared to distance himself from his friend. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph in June, Temerko said he was switching support from Johnson to his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, over Johnson's apparent willingness to take Britain out of the EU without securing an agreement over the terms of the withdrawal. Temerko repeated this stance in a blog post for the Huffington Post on July 3, calling for Conservatives to reject the "fairytale" being offered by the "fun blonde guy," a reference to the fair-haired Johnson. As recently as February, Temerko told this reporter: "Jeremy is very dangerous. He really does occupy the center-ground. He's very clever. He's a person of the system." There is no record of Temerko providing any financing to Hunt, and none of Temerko's longstanding allies work on the Hunt campaign. A spokesperson for Hunt declined to comment. This portrait of Temerko and his activity comes as some MPs worry about possible Russian interference in British democracy. In February this year, parliament's committee overseeing digital and media matters called on the government to investigate attempts by Russia to influence the June 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, amid growing evidence in the United States and elsewhere that the Kremlin has been pursuing a campaign to divide and disrupt Western democracies. Ben Bradshaw, a senior Labour parliamentarian who was the first MP to raise concern about potential Kremlin interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum, said Reuters' findings were "extremely troubling." "We know the Kremlin seeks to disrupt, destabilise and influence our democracy in a number of ways. We must have complete confidence that the close relationships between Conservative politicians and Russian business people with ties to the Putin regime are above board and free from Kremlin influencing operations. The fact that an ex-Tory MP who is running Johnson's leadership campaign is employed by Mr. Temerko is extraordinary." The senior Conservative with knowledge of Temerko's efforts to remove May said some members of the party had distanced themselves from the businessman in recent months, as concerns have grown over Temerko's Russian connections. But "others," he said about Johnson, were "still close." The party member indicated that Conservative Chairman Brandon Lewis and Sir Graham Brady, then the head of the Conservative Party's 1922 Committee, a parliamentary group, had been briefed about these concerns. The source declined to give further details about the briefings. Brady did not respond to an emailed request for comment. A spokesperson for Lewis declined to comment. The Conservative Party didn't comment. Electoral Commission records show Temerko, and UK companies linked to him, have made donations to 11 individual MPs, including Lewis, the chairman of the Tory Party, while helping fund as many as 27 local branches of the Conservative Party in areas where Tory MPs won election in the north of England, Wales, and London. There is no record of him providing funds to Johnson or his constituency, and this year much of his funding activity seems to have petered out. In the February 2019 conversation, as May faced overwhelming parliamentary opposition to her EU withdrawal agreement, Temerko forecast that if Brexit isn't implemented, "the time of the mainstream parties will end," and "the old system will be destroyed." His friend Johnson, he predicted then, could lead a new movement backing Brexit. Those comments about a new political era chimed with remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with the Financial Times in June, Putin trumpeted the rise of national populist movements in Europe and the United States, saying that "the liberal idea has become obsolete." Putin has rarely commented directly on Brexit, which he says is a matter for the British people. At his annual press conference in December 2018, he decried the idea of holding a second referendum on Brexit and said the UK government had to implement Britain's departure from the EU, otherwise, faith in democratic procedures would be undermined. FROM RUSSIA TO LONDON Temerko rose to prominence in the Russia arms industry in the 1990s, in the wild days that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. Three former Russian business partners, including Nevzlin, as well as a former Russian intelligence officer, said Temerko grew close with the Russian security services. Those ties were forged in the 1990s, these people said when Temerko served as head of a state committee for the military and later as head of a strategic Russian state arms company known as Russkoye Oruzhie, or Russian Weapons. Russkoye Oruzhie no longer exists. Temerko cultivated close relations with the Russian defence minister of the early 1990s, Pavel Grachev. Temerko has described the late Grachev as his "handler." Temerko has boasted to this reporter that he had three-star and four-star Russian generals working under him. In 1999, Temerko became a member of the board and significant shareholder at one of the new Russia's most successful companies, Yukos, led by the charismatic billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Temerko said he helped Yukos secure a lucrative contract to supply the Russian army with oil. As head of the oil firm's government relations, he'd also led a push by Yukos to build an oil pipeline to China and, according to one of the former business partners, he'd travelled with other Yukos officials on many business trips they made abroad. "He knew the Russian ambassadors and consuls of every country," this former business partner said. Temerko said he knew many but not all of them. Things went sour for Yukos when Khodorkovsky tried to build a political power base for himself. When Khodorkovsky was arrested and jailed on fraud charges in October 2003, Temerko was the only Yukos shareholder who remained in the country to negotiate with the Kremlin. The remaining shareholders fled fearing they would face arrest. Temerko told how his standing with the Kremlin was such that he was able to try to negotiate about ways to preserve Yukos and secure Khodorkovsky's release directly with Igor Sechin, the then-deputy head of the Kremlin administration and the Putin security man seen as the mastermind behind the Kremlin campaign to take over Yukos. Temerko said that in those days his status meant he was essentially untouchable. His security ties, he said, once got him access to a meeting of the Russian Security Council, the circle of 24 top Russian officials, chaired by Putin, who steer national security policy. In the event, Khodorkovsky remained in jail for 10 years, while Temerko also fled. Sechin has previously denied orchestrating the legal campaign to take over Yukos. Sechin could not be reached for comment for this article. NEW FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES Temerko arrived in Britain in 2005, saying he was a refugee from the politically charged takeover of Yukos. The Russian government had charged him with defrauding the state oil major Rosneft. Temerko denied the charge, saying the case was part of the Russian government's campaign against Yukos and its former top managers. The High Court in London declined a Russian request for Temerko's extradition in December 2005, saying it was politically motivated. The case bolstered his standing as a Russian dissident who'd suffered at the hands of the Russian state, helping secure his footing as a donor who could be trusted. Temerko won entrée to the top of the Conservative Party during David Cameron's premiership that began in 2010. At the time, according to Russian financier and Conservative Party activist, Sergei Cristo, the Tories were seeking new sources of cash following the 2008 financial crisis. Temerko paid £90,000 for a bronze bust of Cameron at a fundraising auction in 2013, now displayed at the Carlton Club, an exclusive London private members club. Cameron couldn't be reached for comment. Temerko's donations translated into access. In 2014, he was appointed by the local branch of the party as a vice-president of the Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Association, which delivered even greater opportunity to mix with leading Tories. Temerko also became part of the Conservative Party donor club The Leader's Group, where £50,000 in annual membership fees grants access to the prime minister and other senior ministers at dinners, cocktail receptions, and other events. In the conversations of the last three years, Temerko boasted he played an important role in securing election victories for the Conservative Party at a time when it "was fighting for every vote." Together with OGN Group, a major steel manufacturer in the UK's northeast, where he served as director, he said he'd sponsored 40 members of parliament in previous elections. "My business was one of the biggest businesses that supported the Conservative Party and its deputies in northern England," he said in the February 2019 conversation, adding he'd brought in supporters from Britain's East European minority. OGN Group is now in liquidation. The Conservative Party didn't comment. In public remarks, Temerko has consistently said he opposes Brexit because it will damage his UK business interests, which now centre on a firm, Aquind Ltd, developing an undersea electric power link between Britain and France. On his website, he says he is a "vocal supporter" of British membership of the EU. While Temerko has publicly spoken out against Brexit and has made donations to parliamentarians who campaigned to remain in the EU, at least two Conservative politicians close to Temerko played key roles on the Brexit side in the run-up to the June 2016 referendum. One of them is Wharton, a former Conservative MP who is overseeing Johnson's leadership campaign, at the same time as being a paid adviser to the power firm Aquind Ltd where Temerko is a director. In June 2013, Wharton put forward the parliamentary bill that first called for a referendum on Britain's EU membership. Temerko made £25,000 in political donations to Wharton between 2013 and 2015, disclosures to parliament show, a relatively large figure for an individual British MP, helping fund his re-election in 2015 in a constituency neighbouring Temerko's OGN Group steelworks. Wharton didn't respond to a request for comment. The minister of state for exiting the EU, Martin Callanan, served on the board of Temerko's Aquind from May 2016 to June 2017, at which time he joined the government. Callanan didn't respond to a request for comment. In a conversation with this reporter in July 2016, shortly after Britons voted to leave the EU, Temerko was jubilant about the possibilities of Johnson leading Britain's exit from the bloc. By then, Johnson was the most powerful figure in the "Leave" campaign. "We know that if Boris is our elected leader then our party membership will grow. There would be massive support for our party at election," he said at the time. The vote to leave the EU, he added, was "a revolution against bureaucracy." During the same conversation, Temerko said "a group of East European businessmen" had helped sway Johnson into a siding in February 2016 with campaigners for Britain's departure from the EU after months of sitting on the fence. But Temerko declined to name any of these East European businessmen and declined to repeat this comment. Temerko's allies are at the helm of Johnson's campaign. Wharton, the adviser to Temerko's power firm Aquind Ltd, has overseen the day to day running of Johnson's campaign, particularly in its initial stages. Gavin Williamson, the former UK defence secretary whom Temerko has frequently described as "a good lad," helped lead Johnson's campaign to win the support of his parliamentary colleagues to replace Theresa May. Conservative parliamentarians whittled the field down to two candidates in a series of votes in June before handing the final choice to the party's estimated 160,000 members. Williamson declined to comment. Temerko says he is "friends" with political strategist Sir Lynton Crosby, whose firm, CTF Partners, gave Johnson a £20,000 interest-free loan and a £3,000 cash donation late last year, according to a disclosure to parliament by Johnson. A co-founder of CTF, Mark Fullbrook, is the Johnson campaign's chief executive. Crosby declined to comment. CTF says it isn't involved in the Johnson campaign and Fullbrook is on a leave of absence, working voluntarily for Johnson's leadership bid. Temerko has said his days as a power player in Moscow are over. He has told this reporter he is now persona non-grata with the Russian authorities, especially after he publicly called in 2015 for the UK to supply weapons to Ukraine to assist it in its war with pro-Kremlin separatists because only a show of force would stop the conflict. "They consider that I am among those who directed the UK government against them. I am a warmonger. I am more of an enemy now than when I was in Yukos," he said. Kremlin spokesman Peskov said he couldn't comment because he doesn't know who Temerko is. Temerko retains at least one powerful connection, however. One of Temerko's former business partners said the industrialist is in contact with Andrei Guryev, the owner of Russian fertilizer giant Phosagro. Guryev, too, has become a notable figure in Britain. He owns Witanhurst, a vast estate in Highgate in the north of London that is the UK's second-biggest house after Buckingham Palace. Guryev declined to comment. Temerko confirmed his friendship with Guryev. "Guryev is a good guy," Temerko said. "He's a very nice character. He's a sportsman. He's a kind fellow."

In British PM race, a former Russian tycoon quietly wields influence

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge.

Hedge fund managers, the chairman of a football club, a director of companies based in tax havens, and a fox hunting enthusiast are among the donors who have poured hundreds of thousands of pounds into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Johnson's campaign</a>.

More than half the donations came from financiers and businessmen who funded the campaign to leave the European Union.

The two biggest backers are Anthony Bamford, the billionaire chairman of the construction equipment maker JCB, and Jonathan Moynihan, chairman of venture capital fund Ipex Capital, both vocal backers of Brexit.

Robin Birley, a private members’ club owner, has previously donated to Nigel Farage's former anti-EU group, UKIP.

The support means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-hopeful-slam-donald-trump-tweets-but-refuse-to-call-them-racist-236277">Johnson has registered 702,000 pounds</a> in the last year, according to figures released by parliament, surpassing the previous fundraising record set by the former foreign minister David Miliband who raised 627,000 pounds for his bid to lead the Labour Party in 2010.

Johnson, a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair, looks poised for a landslide victory when votes are announced in the Conservative Party leadership contest next week, which by default will decide the next prime minister.

Current premier Theresa May was forced to resign after she failed to unite the nation behind her plan to leave the EU on schedule in March.

Johnson's pledge to leave the EU "do or die" -&nbsp;with or without a deal -&nbsp;on October. 31 looks set to deepen the three-year Brexit crisis by setting him on a collision course with the bloc's 27 other leaders and his own parliament

But this threat is resonating with Conservative supporters, who have grown frustrated by the government's failure to leave the EU so long after the 2016 referendum.

In the last two weeks, Johnson received 100,000 pounds from Moynihan, who chaired the official Vote Leave finance committee.

In a comment piece on the Brexit Central website in 2018, he described concerns around a border in Ireland as a "nonsense" that is designed to keep Britain in the EU's customs union to have "German goods and French produce stuffed down our throat".

He said then Britain should make clear it is willing to leave without a deal.

Ian Murray, an opposition Labour lawmaker and campaigner for a second referendum, said he worried about the process to select a new prime minister, with only Conservative members making the decision.

Johnson, he added, will be "financially dependent on an even smaller group of funders who are likely to back the most extreme Brexit or even no-deal."

Johnson's improved fundraising position reflects the lead he appears to hold over his rival, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt. He currently has the support of two thirds of Conservative voters, according to an opinion poll published over the weekend.

By comparison, Hunt's fundraising has stalled. He has not registered any new donations in the last month.

Overall, the sums raised in British politics are tiny compared to those for US&nbsp;political campaigns.

In the United States, presidential contenders criss-cross the country for months, through first the party nominating process and then the campaign for the actual election.

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge.

Boris Johnson has broken the record for the most money raised by a British politician in his bid to become prime minister, winning the backing of eurosceptic financiers after hardening his Brexit stance with a "do or die" pledge. Hedge fund managers, the chairman of a football club, a director of companies based in tax havens, and a fox hunting enthusiast are among the donors who have poured hundreds of thousands of pounds into Johnson's campaign. More than half the donations came from financiers and businessmen who funded the campaign to leave the European Union. The two biggest backers are Anthony Bamford, the billionaire chairman of the construction equipment maker JCB, and Jonathan Moynihan, chairman of venture capital fund Ipex Capital, both vocal backers of Brexit. Robin Birley, a private members’ club owner, has previously donated to Nigel Farage's former anti-EU group, UKIP. The support means Johnson has registered 702,000 pounds in the last year, according to figures released by parliament, surpassing the previous fundraising record set by the former foreign minister David Miliband who raised 627,000 pounds for his bid to lead the Labour Party in 2010. Johnson, a divisive politician known for his often bumbling persona and dishevelled mop of blond hair, looks poised for a landslide victory when votes are announced in the Conservative Party leadership contest next week, which by default will decide the next prime minister. Current premier Theresa May was forced to resign after she failed to unite the nation behind her plan to leave the EU on schedule in March. Johnson's pledge to leave the EU "do or die" - with or without a deal - on October. 31 looks set to deepen the three-year Brexit crisis by setting him on a collision course with the bloc's 27 other leaders and his own parliament But this threat is resonating with Conservative supporters, who have grown frustrated by the government's failure to leave the EU so long after the 2016 referendum. In the last two weeks, Johnson received 100,000 pounds from Moynihan, who chaired the official Vote Leave finance committee. In a comment piece on the Brexit Central website in 2018, he described concerns around a border in Ireland as a "nonsense" that is designed to keep Britain in the EU's customs union to have "German goods and French produce stuffed down our throat". He said then Britain should make clear it is willing to leave without a deal. Ian Murray, an opposition Labour lawmaker and campaigner for a second referendum, said he worried about the process to select a new prime minister, with only Conservative members making the decision. Johnson, he added, will be "financially dependent on an even smaller group of funders who are likely to back the most extreme Brexit or even no-deal." Johnson's improved fundraising position reflects the lead he appears to hold over his rival, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt. He currently has the support of two thirds of Conservative voters, according to an opinion poll published over the weekend. By comparison, Hunt's fundraising has stalled. He has not registered any new donations in the last month. Overall, the sums raised in British politics are tiny compared to those for US political campaigns. In the United States, presidential contenders criss-cross the country for months, through first the party nominating process and then the campaign for the actual election.

Boris Johnson raises record funds in campaign for PM race; Hunt's plan stalled

Greek conservative party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis swept to power on Sunday in a landslide victory amidst a climate of austerity reform fatigue and bitterness towards unkept political promises of the previous government.

Conservative party leader takes reigns of power in Greece

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Boris Johnson</a> to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/genius-or-joker-british-prime-minister-favourite-boris-johnson-set-to-face-the-world-231110">Johnson has pledged</a> to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October&nbsp;31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit.

The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond.

It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October&nbsp;31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget."

Watch:&nbsp;'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-i-take-personal-responsibility-for-the-vote-to-leave-the-eu-231915/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported. Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day. Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit. The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond. It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October 31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget." Watch: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

UK interior minister Sajid Javid to endorse Boris Johnson as prime minister: Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

United Kingdom leadership race finalists woo Tory grassroots

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?

British Prime Minister Theresa May officially stepped&nbsp;down as leader of Conservative Party on Friday, formally triggering the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-mays-successor-must-abandon-her-deal-with-european-union-and-leave-on-october-31-pro-brexit-conservatives-224551"> race for a successor</a> who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit.

May will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, but has relinquished control over the direction of Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/free-from-brexit-burden-pm-theresa-may-watches-england-vs-south-africa-world-cup-match-222792">tortuous departure</a> from the European Union(EU).

Brexit is still scheduled for October 31 but while her rivals thrash it out, the project remains stuck, with the only divorce plan agreed with Brussels stuck in parliament.

May took office after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU and has spent the past three years working on the plan, delaying Brexit twice to try to get it through.

But she finally acknowledged defeat in a tearful resignation speech last month, the culmination of months of political turmoil that has slowly sapped all her authority.

Eleven Conservative MPs are currently vying to replace her, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but some are expected to drop out before Monday's deadline for nominations.

The winner will have only a few months to decide whether to try to salvage May's plan, delay Brexit again -- or sever ties with Britain's closest trading partner with no agreement at all.

They are under pressure from eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage, who has called for a "no deal" option and whose Brexit party topped European polls last month.

His party made a strong showing in by-election for the British parliament in the eastern city of Peterborough on Thursday, but failed in its goal of winning its first MP.

However, the pro-European Liberal Democrats, who want to reverse Brexit, also performed well in the European polls, highlighting how divided Britain remains over its future.&nbsp;

Watch: Race to replace Theresa May; Who will be the next PM?

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May will formally relinquish her leadership in a private letter to her party on Friday, but no official events are planned to mark the day.

She put on a brave face this week when hosting US President Donald Trump for a state visit, before joining him and other world leaders to mark 75 years since the D-day landings.

But Trump used the trip to speak with Johnson and other candidates to replace her, emphasising where the political power in Britain now lies.

"She remains prime minister for a good few weeks yet," May's spokesman insisted, noting that any successor must meet Queen Elizabeth II and assure the monarch they have the support of enough lawmakers to take over.

He said May would focus on domestic issues, but "in relation to Brexit, the prime minister said it wouldn't be for her to take this process forward".

Trump has been highly critical of May's Brexit strategy and ahead of his visit to Britain, urged her successor to leave the bloc with no deal if necessary.

Johnson, a leading campaigner in the 2016 referendum who quit the government last year over May's plan, is among several would-be candidates who say they are willing to do this.

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove, another frontrunner, is open to other Brexit delay, while Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said leaving with no deal is "political suicide".

Trump had a phone call with Johnson this week and met both Hunt and Farage, although a planned meeting with Gove never materialised.

Nominations for the contest must be submitted on Monday, and the 313 Conservative MPs -- including May -- will hold the first of a series of secret ballots on June 13.

With the worst performers eliminated each time, the goal is to have two candidates left by June 20. They will then be put to a ballot of an estimated 100,000 party members.

The contest should be completed by the week commencing July 22.

British Prime Minister Theresa May officially stepped down as leader of Conservative Party on Friday, formally triggering the race for a successor who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May officially stepped down as leader of Conservative Party on Friday, formally triggering the race for a successor who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit. May will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, but has relinquished control over the direction of Britain's tortuous departure from the European Union(EU). Brexit is still scheduled for October 31 but while her rivals thrash it out, the project remains stuck, with the only divorce plan agreed with Brussels stuck in parliament. May took office after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU and has spent the past three years working on the plan, delaying Brexit twice to try to get it through. But she finally acknowledged defeat in a tearful resignation speech last month, the culmination of months of political turmoil that has slowly sapped all her authority. Eleven Conservative MPs are currently vying to replace her, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but some are expected to drop out before Monday's deadline for nominations. The winner will have only a few months to decide whether to try to salvage May's plan, delay Brexit again -- or sever ties with Britain's closest trading partner with no agreement at all. They are under pressure from eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage, who has called for a "no deal" option and whose Brexit party topped European polls last month. His party made a strong showing in by-election for the British parliament in the eastern city of Peterborough on Thursday, but failed in its goal of winning its first MP. However, the pro-European Liberal Democrats, who want to reverse Brexit, also performed well in the European polls, highlighting how divided Britain remains over its future. Watch: Race to replace Theresa May; Who will be the next PM? × May will formally relinquish her leadership in a private letter to her party on Friday, but no official events are planned to mark the day. She put on a brave face this week when hosting US President Donald Trump for a state visit, before joining him and other world leaders to mark 75 years since the D-day landings. But Trump used the trip to speak with Johnson and other candidates to replace her, emphasising where the political power in Britain now lies. "She remains prime minister for a good few weeks yet," May's spokesman insisted, noting that any successor must meet Queen Elizabeth II and assure the monarch they have the support of enough lawmakers to take over. He said May would focus on domestic issues, but "in relation to Brexit, the prime minister said it wouldn't be for her to take this process forward". Trump has been highly critical of May's Brexit strategy and ahead of his visit to Britain, urged her successor to leave the bloc with no deal if necessary. Johnson, a leading campaigner in the 2016 referendum who quit the government last year over May's plan, is among several would-be candidates who say they are willing to do this. But Environment Secretary Michael Gove, another frontrunner, is open to other Brexit delay, while Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said leaving with no deal is "political suicide". Trump had a phone call with Johnson this week and met both Hunt and Farage, although a planned meeting with Gove never materialised. Nominations for the contest must be submitted on Monday, and the 313 Conservative MPs -- including May -- will hold the first of a series of secret ballots on June 13. With the worst performers eliminated each time, the goal is to have two candidates left by June 20. They will then be put to a ballot of an estimated 100,000 party members. The contest should be completed by the week commencing July 22.

British PM Theresa May quits as party leader; triggers succession race

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

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

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">Brexit deal</a> and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday.

May steps down as Conservative leader on Friday and the first round of voting among the party's lawmakers to elect her successor will take place next week.

Several of the 11 candidates have said they will seek changes to her deal, despite the EU saying it will not reopen negotiations.

The European Research Group (ERG), whose opposition to May's deal helped defeat it three times in parliament, said Britain should not propose revising the agreement.

"The Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration have failed absolutely. They are not coming back. The next leader of the Conservative Party needs to know that and act on that basis," ERG Deputy Chairman Steve Baker said.

In a paper titled "A clean managed Brexit" published on Wednesday, the group said the delay to Britain's departure had done severe damage to public trust and posed "an existential threat" to the Conservative Party.

"It must therefore be the unshakable policy of the government to leave the EU by 31 October 2019," it said.

Many of the leadership contenders, including frontrunner Boris Johnson, have said Britain must leave on October 31 with or without a deal, but others have warned more time may be needed to reach an agreement with the EU and that parliament, which opposes a 'no deal', would try and block it.

The ERG paper said leaving without a deal was not its desired outcome but Britain should be prepared to do so and it may be necessary to trade on World Trade Organization terms until a free trade agreement (FTA) could be reached with the EU.

During this time, Britain should offer bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, it said.

"Commencement of negotiation of the EU-UK FTA should be sought as soon as possible after the appointment of a new British Prime Minister, well before the UK departs the EU on 31 October," the paper said.

The group added that the government should not have to pay the 39 billion pound ($49.60 billion) divorce bill if Britain leaves without a deal and could instead use much of that many to mitigate the impact of leaving without an agreement.

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her Brexit deal and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's successor should abandon her Brexit deal and commit to taking Britain out of the European Union by October 31, an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservative lawmakers said on Wednesday. May steps down as Conservative leader on Friday and the first round of voting among the party's lawmakers to elect her successor will take place next week. Several of the 11 candidates have said they will seek changes to her deal, despite the EU saying it will not reopen negotiations. The European Research Group (ERG), whose opposition to May's deal helped defeat it three times in parliament, said Britain should not propose revising the agreement. "The Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration have failed absolutely. They are not coming back. The next leader of the Conservative Party needs to know that and act on that basis," ERG Deputy Chairman Steve Baker said. In a paper titled "A clean managed Brexit" published on Wednesday, the group said the delay to Britain's departure had done severe damage to public trust and posed "an existential threat" to the Conservative Party. "It must therefore be the unshakable policy of the government to leave the EU by 31 October 2019," it said. Many of the leadership contenders, including frontrunner Boris Johnson, have said Britain must leave on October 31 with or without a deal, but others have warned more time may be needed to reach an agreement with the EU and that parliament, which opposes a 'no deal', would try and block it. The ERG paper said leaving without a deal was not its desired outcome but Britain should be prepared to do so and it may be necessary to trade on World Trade Organization terms until a free trade agreement (FTA) could be reached with the EU. During this time, Britain should offer bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, it said. "Commencement of negotiation of the EU-UK FTA should be sought as soon as possible after the appointment of a new British Prime Minister, well before the UK departs the EU on 31 October," the paper said. The group added that the government should not have to pay the 39 billion pound ($49.60 billion) divorce bill if Britain leaves without a deal and could instead use much of that many to mitigate the impact of leaving without an agreement.

May's successor must abandon her deal with European Union and leave on October 31: Pro-Brexit group

President Donald Trump says the United States is committed to a "phenomenal" trade deal with Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has been dogged by her failure to achieve Brexit and is stepping down this week as head of her Conservative Party but will remain as prime minister until her successor is chosen. It will be the new prime minister's responsibility to achieve Brexit and any bilateral trade deal with the US.

Trump 'tremendous potential' in US-UK trade deal

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy&nbsp;Corbyn&nbsp;said on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-ever-more-polarised-as-brexit-party-storms-to-eu-vote-win-221974">Brexit</a>&nbsp;could only be resolved by&nbsp;taking&nbsp;the issue&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the&nbsp;people, either at a new national election or a&nbsp;public&nbsp;vote.

"With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go&nbsp;back&nbsp;to the&nbsp;people, whether through a general&nbsp;election&nbsp;or a public vote," he said in a statement.

"We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a no deal exit from the EU. Parliament can and will prevent such a damaging outcome for jobs and industry in the UK."

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Monday Brexit could only be resolved by taking the issue back to the people, either at a new national election or a public vote.

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Monday Brexit could only be resolved by taking the issue back to the people, either at a new national election or a public vote. "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," he said in a statement. "We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a no deal exit from the EU. Parliament can and will prevent such a damaging outcome for jobs and industry in the UK."

Labour's Corbyn backs taking Brexit back to people, in election or public vote

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-to-replace-theresa-may-leaves-brexit-in-limbo-221489">The contest to replace Theresa May</a> as British prime minister hotted up on Saturday with five candidates now vying for a job whose central task will be to find a way to take a divided Britain out of the European Union.

May announced on Friday she was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/choking-back-tears-britains-theresa-may-says-goodbye-to-downing-street-221288">quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit</a>, raising the prospect of a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the EU which could lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election.

British health minister Matt Hancock became the latest figure to join the contest to replace May, following former foreign minister Boris Johnson, current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart and former work and pensions minister Esther McVey.

About a dozen contenders in total are thought to be considering a tilt at the leadership, with trade minister Liam Fox and former junior Brexit minister Steve Baker not ruling out a challenge when asked on Saturday.

May failed three times to get a divorce deal she agreed with the EU through parliament because of deep, long-term divisions in the Conservative Party over Europe. It meant the original exit date of March 29 has been extended until Oct. 31 to see if any compromise could be reached.

All those standing say they can succeed where she failed, although the EU has said it would not renegotiate the treaty it had agreed with May.

"Of course we have to deliver Brexit and I will," Hancock told BBC radio. "We have to propose a deal that will get through this parliament. We have to be brutally honest about the trade-offs."

The issue is set to dominate the contest which will begin in the week of June 10 when Conservative lawmakers begin to whittle down the field before party members choose the winner from the final two candidates.

JOHNSON THE FAVOURITE

Surveys have suggested that the members are overwhelmingly pro-Brexit and in favour of leaving the EU without a deal.

Boris Johnson is the clear favourite with bookmakers and he has said Britain should be prepared to exit the bloc without any deal if no acceptable agreement could be reached.

"We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland on Friday.

The party's divisions over the EU has led to the demise of its last four prime ministers - May, David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher - and there is little indication these schisms will be healed soon.

"There are huge tensions in this race which are that people will be encouraged to promise things they can't deliver, of those probably the most dramatic are people who are going to be encouraged to promise a no-deal Brexit," one of the contenders, Rory Stewart, told BBC radio.

While parliament repeatedly rejected May's accord, lawmakers have also previously voted against leaving without any deal. Stewart said he could not serve in a Johnson government that was prepared to accept a no-deal Brexit.

"I think it would be a huge mistake, damaging, unnecessary and I think also dishonest," Stewart said.

With no majority in parliament, the Conservatives only govern with the support of the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, a factor that has constantly weakened May's hand.

The opposition Labour Party, which called for an immediate election after May's announcement, said it would seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it looked like it might pass, while it has also not ruled out backing a second referendum.

"It looks almost certain we're going to be faced with a Conservative leader who is a hard Brexiteer willing to take the country over the edge of a no-deal no matter what the damage to jobs or people's livelihoods," Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell told BBC radio.

"Faced with that situation, I think there may well be a majority in the House of Commons willing to bring about some form of public vote and that could include a general election."

The contest to replace Theresa May as British prime minister hotted up on Saturday with five candidates now vying for a job whose central task will be to find a way to take a divided Britain out of the European Union.

The contest to replace Theresa May as British prime minister hotted up on Saturday with five candidates now vying for a job whose central task will be to find a way to take a divided Britain out of the European Union. May announced on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, raising the prospect of a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the EU which could lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election. British health minister Matt Hancock became the latest figure to join the contest to replace May, following former foreign minister Boris Johnson, current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart and former work and pensions minister Esther McVey. About a dozen contenders in total are thought to be considering a tilt at the leadership, with trade minister Liam Fox and former junior Brexit minister Steve Baker not ruling out a challenge when asked on Saturday. May failed three times to get a divorce deal she agreed with the EU through parliament because of deep, long-term divisions in the Conservative Party over Europe. It meant the original exit date of March 29 has been extended until Oct. 31 to see if any compromise could be reached. All those standing say they can succeed where she failed, although the EU has said it would not renegotiate the treaty it had agreed with May. "Of course we have to deliver Brexit and I will," Hancock told BBC radio. "We have to propose a deal that will get through this parliament. We have to be brutally honest about the trade-offs." The issue is set to dominate the contest which will begin in the week of June 10 when Conservative lawmakers begin to whittle down the field before party members choose the winner from the final two candidates. JOHNSON THE FAVOURITE Surveys have suggested that the members are overwhelmingly pro-Brexit and in favour of leaving the EU without a deal. Boris Johnson is the clear favourite with bookmakers and he has said Britain should be prepared to exit the bloc without any deal if no acceptable agreement could be reached. "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland on Friday. The party's divisions over the EU has led to the demise of its last four prime ministers - May, David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher - and there is little indication these schisms will be healed soon. "There are huge tensions in this race which are that people will be encouraged to promise things they can't deliver, of those probably the most dramatic are people who are going to be encouraged to promise a no-deal Brexit," one of the contenders, Rory Stewart, told BBC radio. While parliament repeatedly rejected May's accord, lawmakers have also previously voted against leaving without any deal. Stewart said he could not serve in a Johnson government that was prepared to accept a no-deal Brexit. "I think it would be a huge mistake, damaging, unnecessary and I think also dishonest," Stewart said. With no majority in parliament, the Conservatives only govern with the support of the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, a factor that has constantly weakened May's hand. The opposition Labour Party, which called for an immediate election after May's announcement, said it would seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it looked like it might pass, while it has also not ruled out backing a second referendum. "It looks almost certain we're going to be faced with a Conservative leader who is a hard Brexiteer willing to take the country over the edge of a no-deal no matter what the damage to jobs or people's livelihoods," Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell told BBC radio. "Faced with that situation, I think there may well be a majority in the House of Commons willing to bring about some form of public vote and that could include a general election."

Contest to replace May as British prime minister hots up

The result of the contest to find a&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;Party to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">Theresa May</a> as British prime minister is&nbsp;expected&nbsp;to be&nbsp;announced&nbsp;before Parliament breaks for its summer holiday, the party said on Friday.

May earlier&nbsp;announced&nbsp;she would step down as&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;leader&nbsp;on June 7 to trigger a contest to replace her, and party bosses said nominations would close in the week beginning June 10.

"Successive rounds of voting will take place until a final choice of candidates to put to a vote of all party members is determined," senior&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;figures said in a statement.

"We expect that process to be concluded by the end of June, allowing for a series of hustings around the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;for members to meet and question the candidates, then cast their votes in time for the result to be&nbsp;announced&nbsp;before parliament rises for the summer."

Parliament usually breaks for the summer in&nbsp;late&nbsp;July.

The result of the contest to find a new leader of the Conservative Party to replace Theresa May as British prime minister is expected to be announced before Parliament breaks for its summer holiday, the party said on Friday.

The result of the contest to find a new leader of the Conservative Party to replace Theresa May as British prime minister is expected to be announced before Parliament breaks for its summer holiday, the party said on Friday. May earlier announced she would step down as Conservative leader on June 7 to trigger a contest to replace her, and party bosses said nominations would close in the week beginning June 10. "Successive rounds of voting will take place until a final choice of candidates to put to a vote of all party members is determined," senior Conservative figures said in a statement. "We expect that process to be concluded by the end of June, allowing for a series of hustings around the UK for members to meet and question the candidates, then cast their votes in time for the result to be announced before parliament rises for the summer." Parliament usually breaks for the summer in late July.

New UK Conservative leader expected to be announced by late July

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">Theresa&nbsp;May</a>&nbsp;bowed out after nearly&nbsp;three&nbsp;years&nbsp;as prime minister on Friday, defeated by her inability to deliver Brexit.

Here are highlights of her&nbsp;tumultuous&nbsp;time in office:

July 13, 2016 - In her first speech as prime minister,&nbsp;May&nbsp;appears in&nbsp;Downing&nbsp;Street, pledging to fight the "burning injustices" that hold people back. She promises "a country that works for everyone" but will, in fact, find herself spending much of her time struggling with Brexit.

Jan 18, 2017 - A triumphant&nbsp;May&nbsp;is portrayed on the front page of the Daily Mail next to the headline "Steel of the New Iron Lady". She has just given a defiant speech, telling Brussels,&nbsp;"No deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain."

May&nbsp;22, 2017 -&nbsp;May&nbsp;is forced to backtrack on an election pledge to force the elderly to pay more for care after her opinion poll lead fell by half. "Nothing has changed," she says to general incredulity.

June 4, 2017 - Responding to Britain's third militant attack in&nbsp;three&nbsp;months - the killing of seven people at London Bridge -&nbsp;May&nbsp;declared "enough is enough" and added,&nbsp;"Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time."

June 8, 2017 - Despite an apparently impregnable opinion poll lead,&nbsp;May&nbsp;loses her parliamentary majority in a general election called early. Despite repeated promises of a "strong and stable" government, her authority is in tatters.

Oct 3, 2017 -&nbsp;May's big speech to the Conservative Party conference was interrupted by repeated coughing fits, a prankster, and even letters of her slogan falling off the stage scenery. As a bid to reassert herself, it had limited success.

Oct 3, 2018 -&nbsp;May&nbsp;startles the audience at the Conservative Party conference when she appears on stage for a speech jigging to Abba's "Dancing Queen". It was apparently a self-deprecating reference to her dancing during a recent visit to Africa, but she was nonetheless widely mocked.

Dec 14, 2018 - A furious&nbsp;May&nbsp;is embroiled in a public row with Jean-Claude Juncker at a Brussels summit after the EU chief publicly called Britain's Brexit demands "nebulous" and "vague". Juncker joked that they had later kissed and made up, but the incident showed that relations were sub-optimal.

Dec 17, 2018 - At an EU summit in Salzburg, an unforgiving photo shows a red-jacketed&nbsp;May&nbsp;cold-shouldered by a phalanx of male leaders in dark suits.

Jan 19, 2019 - Lawmakers vote down&nbsp;May's Brexit divorce deal by the crushing margin of 432 to 202, the worst such defeat in modern British history. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn calls a vote of no confidence, which&nbsp;May&nbsp;however survives.

May&nbsp;21, 2019 - In a last roll of the dice,&nbsp;May&nbsp;promises a "new deal" on Brexit. It is immediately rejected by large numbers of Conservative lawmakers and the opposition Labour Party.

May&nbsp;24, 2019 -&nbsp;May&nbsp;announces she will quit on June 7, her voice breaking with emotion during a&nbsp;Downing&nbsp;Street&nbsp;address to the nation. She describes herself as "the second female prime minister, but certainly not the last".

Theresa May bowed out after nearly three years as prime minister on Friday, defeated by her inability to deliver Brexit. Here are highlights of her tumultuous time in office: July 13, 2016 - In her first speech as prime minister, May appears in Downing Street, pledging to fight the "burning injustices" that hold people back.

Theresa May bowed out after nearly three years as prime minister on Friday, defeated by her inability to deliver Brexit. Here are highlights of her tumultuous time in office: July 13, 2016 - In her first speech as prime minister, May appears in Downing Street, pledging to fight the "burning injustices" that hold people back. She promises "a country that works for everyone" but will, in fact, find herself spending much of her time struggling with Brexit. Jan 18, 2017 - A triumphant May is portrayed on the front page of the Daily Mail next to the headline "Steel of the New Iron Lady". She has just given a defiant speech, telling Brussels, "No deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain." May 22, 2017 - May is forced to backtrack on an election pledge to force the elderly to pay more for care after her opinion poll lead fell by half. "Nothing has changed," she says to general incredulity. June 4, 2017 - Responding to Britain's third militant attack in three months - the killing of seven people at London Bridge - May declared "enough is enough" and added, "Defeating this ideology is one of the great challenges of our time." June 8, 2017 - Despite an apparently impregnable opinion poll lead, May loses her parliamentary majority in a general election called early. Despite repeated promises of a "strong and stable" government, her authority is in tatters. Oct 3, 2017 - May's big speech to the Conservative Party conference was interrupted by repeated coughing fits, a prankster, and even letters of her slogan falling off the stage scenery. As a bid to reassert herself, it had limited success. Oct 3, 2018 - May startles the audience at the Conservative Party conference when she appears on stage for a speech jigging to Abba's "Dancing Queen". It was apparently a self-deprecating reference to her dancing during a recent visit to Africa, but she was nonetheless widely mocked. Dec 14, 2018 - A furious May is embroiled in a public row with Jean-Claude Juncker at a Brussels summit after the EU chief publicly called Britain's Brexit demands "nebulous" and "vague". Juncker joked that they had later kissed and made up, but the incident showed that relations were sub-optimal. Dec 17, 2018 - At an EU summit in Salzburg, an unforgiving photo shows a red-jacketed May cold-shouldered by a phalanx of male leaders in dark suits. Jan 19, 2019 - Lawmakers vote down May's Brexit divorce deal by the crushing margin of 432 to 202, the worst such defeat in modern British history. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn calls a vote of no confidence, which May however survives. May 21, 2019 - In a last roll of the dice, May promises a "new deal" on Brexit. It is immediately rejected by large numbers of Conservative lawmakers and the opposition Labour Party. May 24, 2019 - May announces she will quit on June 7, her voice breaking with emotion during a Downing Street address to the nation. She describes herself as "the second female prime minister, but certainly not the last".

Timeline: Theresa May's three tumultuous years at Downing Street

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago.

The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-may-to-make-mps-a-final-bold-offer-on-brexit-deal-219727">Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives</a> stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points.

The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock.

Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%.

Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave.

After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June.

Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure.

Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections. According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago. The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points. The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock. Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%. Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave. After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June. Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure. Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

UK's Brexit Party maintains big lead in EU election poll

Brexit: What is due to happen in British politics before October 31

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism.

The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer&nbsp; 
an ambitious and positive global future for our country".

Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London.

"This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would.

"Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said.

Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit.&nbsp;

Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament.&nbsp;

After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of &nbsp;Democracy under Threat.

According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest.

The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.&nbsp;

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month. Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism. The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer an ambitious and positive global future for our country". Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London. "This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph. "I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would. "Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said. Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit. Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament. After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough. Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of Democracy under Threat. According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest. The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.

British Indian property guru joins Brexit Party for European Union elections

British PM Theresa May has told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-diffrences-tusk-urges-eu-parliament-to-be-open-to-long-brexit-extension-206032">Conservative MPs</a> that she will be stepping down&nbsp;before the "next phase" of Brexit negotiations as the prime minister readied a last ditch effort to win over rebels in her party.

Reports say eight options have been picked by the Speaker for an indicative vote tonight.

May said "she would not remain in post for the next phase of the negotiations," Conservative Party MP James Cartlidge said.

The British prime minister has been facing heat from her own party in her attempt to push the Brexit deal with the EU giving her reprieve till May 22, however, the deal needs to be passed by&nbsp;the British Parliament by April 12th otherwise the country could crash out of the EU with a no-deal.

Amid the confusing Brexit battle, lawmakers on Wednesday took control of the so-called indicative votes on Brexit, with eight options ranging from leaving abruptly with no-deal to revoking the divorce papers or holding a new referendum.

Earlier in the day, European Council chief Donald Tusk had urged the European Parliament to be open to a long extension and not to ignore those British people who wanted to remain in the EU.

Nearly six million people have signed a petition in the past week calling for Britain to cancel Brexit. Hundreds of thousands marched on Saturday in London to demand a new referendum.

May had told lawmakers that she could fulfil her pledge to take Britain out of the European Union if they backed her divorce deal this week.

The government has said it will only bring the twice-defeated deal back to parliament for another vote if it believes it will be successful. The EU agreed to delay Brexit until May 22 if parliament agrees the deal this week.

May faced accusation from Andrew Bridgen, a member of her own Conservative party who supports a hard Brexit, for not keeping her promise to leave the European Union on March 29 and hence losing confidence from his constituents. "They will never trust the prime minister again," he told parliament.

In response, May said: "We can guarantee delivering on Brexit if, this week, he and others in this house supports the deal."

British PM Theresa May has told Conservative MPs that she will be stepping down before the "next phase" of Brexit negotiations as the prime minister readied a last ditch effort to win over rebels in her party.

British PM Theresa May has told Conservative MPs that she will be stepping down before the "next phase" of Brexit negotiations as the prime minister readied a last ditch effort to win over rebels in her party. Reports say eight options have been picked by the Speaker for an indicative vote tonight. May said "she would not remain in post for the next phase of the negotiations," Conservative Party MP James Cartlidge said. The British prime minister has been facing heat from her own party in her attempt to push the Brexit deal with the EU giving her reprieve till May 22, however, the deal needs to be passed by the British Parliament by April 12th otherwise the country could crash out of the EU with a no-deal. Amid the confusing Brexit battle, lawmakers on Wednesday took control of the so-called indicative votes on Brexit, with eight options ranging from leaving abruptly with no-deal to revoking the divorce papers or holding a new referendum. Earlier in the day, European Council chief Donald Tusk had urged the European Parliament to be open to a long extension and not to ignore those British people who wanted to remain in the EU. Nearly six million people have signed a petition in the past week calling for Britain to cancel Brexit. Hundreds of thousands marched on Saturday in London to demand a new referendum. May had told lawmakers that she could fulfil her pledge to take Britain out of the European Union if they backed her divorce deal this week. The government has said it will only bring the twice-defeated deal back to parliament for another vote if it believes it will be successful. The EU agreed to delay Brexit until May 22 if parliament agrees the deal this week. May faced accusation from Andrew Bridgen, a member of her own Conservative party who supports a hard Brexit, for not keeping her promise to leave the European Union on March 29 and hence losing confidence from his constituents. "They will never trust the prime minister again," he told parliament. In response, May said: "We can guarantee delivering on Brexit if, this week, he and others in this house supports the deal."

Will step down before next phase of Brexit negotiations: PM Theresa May to MPs

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-near-standstill-as-brexit-approaches-survey-201345">the deadlock in the Brexit talks</a> because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said.

The issue of how to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland is at the heart of the dispute between London and Brussels after British lawmakers objected to the so-called backstop insurance policy which they believe would keep the whole of the UK trapped in an EU customs union.

Less than three weeks before Britain leaves the European Union, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday Britain could have the unilateral right to leave their customs union after Brexit.

However, Northern Ireland would have to remain in the EU's trade orbit to prevent the need for any customs checks on the border with EU-member Ireland.

"We are not going to have an agreement that compromises the unity of the United Kingdom," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio. "The proposal that Michel Barnier put out yesterday would compromise the strength of the union."

Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May. The government has so far failed to secure changes to the divorce deal that could gain the backing of lawmakers, after they roundly rejected it in January.

Lewis said talks would continue over the weekend.

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said.

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said. The issue of how to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland is at the heart of the dispute between London and Brussels after British lawmakers objected to the so-called backstop insurance policy which they believe would keep the whole of the UK trapped in an EU customs union. Less than three weeks before Britain leaves the European Union, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday Britain could have the unilateral right to leave their customs union after Brexit. However, Northern Ireland would have to remain in the EU's trade orbit to prevent the need for any customs checks on the border with EU-member Ireland. "We are not going to have an agreement that compromises the unity of the United Kingdom," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio. "The proposal that Michel Barnier put out yesterday would compromise the strength of the union." Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May. The government has so far failed to secure changes to the divorce deal that could gain the backing of lawmakers, after they roundly rejected it in January. Lewis said talks would continue over the weekend.

UK will not accept Brexit deal that puts union at risk: Conservative Party chairman

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-delay-britains-may-promises-brexit-vote-in-parliament-by-march-12-199386">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations.

Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country."

May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control. Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations. Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country." May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Immigration is good for Britain, we just need control: PM May

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal unless <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-wants-to-urgently-work-with-eu-may-on-brexit-plan-195694">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

Frustration runs deep among European leaders over the British parliament's rejection of the divorce deal and May's demands that the EU now give up on key principles or face disruption in just 50 days.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for a disorderly no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said Britain now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

For May, failure to deliver a revised deal would shatter the fragile unity in her Conservative Party, leaving her already-diminished authority in tatters, and ramping up uncertainty in financial markets over the fate of the British economy, the world's fifth largest.

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU has strained ties between its constituent parts: England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

May has said she will seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, or legally binding changes to the backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before the Good Friday peace agreement.

Under the divorce deal agreed in November, the 'backstop' would come into effect if the two sides failed to come up with a better idea to keep the border open.

EU officials are asking May to embrace a proposal by the opposition Labour Party to join a permanent customs union with the bloc.

Such a move could remove the need for the backstop and, some in the EU believe, may win approval in Britain's parliament. But officials have low expectations ahead of the prime minister's visit to Brussels on Thursday.

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread.

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal unless Prime Minister Theresa May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. Frustration runs deep among European leaders over the British parliament's rejection of the divorce deal and May's demands that the EU now give up on key principles or face disruption in just 50 days. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for a disorderly no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said Britain now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit. For May, failure to deliver a revised deal would shatter the fragile unity in her Conservative Party, leaving her already-diminished authority in tatters, and ramping up uncertainty in financial markets over the fate of the British economy, the world's fifth largest. The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU has strained ties between its constituent parts: England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. May has said she will seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, or legally binding changes to the backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism. Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before the Good Friday peace agreement. Under the divorce deal agreed in November, the 'backstop' would come into effect if the two sides failed to come up with a better idea to keep the border open. EU officials are asking May to embrace a proposal by the opposition Labour Party to join a permanent customs union with the bloc. Such a move could remove the need for the backstop and, some in the EU believe, may win approval in Britain's parliament. But officials have low expectations ahead of the prime minister's visit to Brussels on Thursday.

Timeline 50 days ahead of Brexit

The European Union has a message for British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-may-scrap-mps-holiday-to-pass-brexit-laws-193184">Prime Minister Theresa Ma</a>y&nbsp;as she plots a path out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/with-two-months-to-brexit-cracks-form-on-irish-border-193080">Brexit impasse</a>: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal.

With less than nine weeks until the United Kingdom is due by law to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement yet in London on how and even whether to leave the world's biggest trading bloc.

Parliament defeated May's deal two weeks ago by a huge margin with many Brexit-supporting rebels in her Conservative Party angry at the Irish backstop, an insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed.

Ahead of Tuesday's votes in the British parliament on a way forward, lawmakers in May's party are pushing for her to demand the European Union drop the backstop and replace it with something else.

Ireland said the backstop was staying and the European Commission repeated on Monday that the withdrawal agreement text, and its backstop component, is not open for renegotiation.

"The European Parliament will not ratify a withdrawal agreement that doesn't have a backstop in it, it's as simple as that," Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney told the BBC.

As the Brexit crisis goes down to the line, however, EU officials indicated there might be wriggle room if May came back with a clear, and viable, request for changes that she - and the EU - believe will secure a final ratification.

The backstop is a type of insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. It is the most contentious part of May's deal.

IRELAND

The question for May is whether the EU can offer enough to get a variant of her defeated deal through the British parliament.

Possible amendments floated by EU officials range from further public assurances that the backstop would probably never be used or only for a brief period to amending the text which accompanies the treaty and which lays out expectations for the trading relationship that will come in after the transition.

The EU has explicitly said if Britain were to stay in a customs union indefinitely, as the opposition Labour Party favours, that could leave the backstop redundant.

One key element is maintaining a united front with the Irish government, which insists it needs the backstop without a time limit to ensure there is no physical frontier, which could become a target of the violence that has been reduced as a result of the two-decade-old Good Friday Agreement peace deal.

EU and Irish leaders insist that Dublin is under no pressure to relent.

However, a looming no-deal Brexit, in which the EU insists Ireland cannot leave an open door to British goods, has highlighted the difficulty Ireland will face if the backstop issue scuppers an agreement.

EU leaders are open to giving May more time beyond March 29 if she can convince them she will use the time to secure the elusive orderly outcome, whether leaving or staying.

"SHOW US YOUR MAJORITY"

Brussels and the national governments are keeping their options open, however, determined not to give in to British demands that they believe would undermine their single market but also anxious to use every possibility to avoid chaos.

But they are reluctant to offer May more concessions that then fail to satisfy British lawmakers.

"Theresa May must show us a majority for something concrete. Come back and be specific about what she needs to get the deal passed," one EU source told Reuters.

"All eyes are on the House of Commons, what amendments pass and what can be built on their basis, maybe around the middle of February," said another.

May is trying to use a series of votes in parliament on Tuesday to find a consensus that lawmakers in her own party could support, just two weeks since her deal suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history.

The British parliament on Tuesday will vote on proposals put forward by lawmakers including a delay to Brexit and going back to the EU to demand changes to the Northern Irish backstop.

In essence, May is forcing lawmakers to show their cards on what sort of Brexit, if any, they want. Lawmakers in her own party want her to demand a last-minute change to the deal to remove the backstop.

The European Union has a message for British Prime Minister Theresa May as she plots a path out of the Brexit impasse: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal.

The European Union has a message for British Prime Minister Theresa May as she plots a path out of the Brexit impasse: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal. With less than nine weeks until the United Kingdom is due by law to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement yet in London on how and even whether to leave the world's biggest trading bloc. Parliament defeated May's deal two weeks ago by a huge margin with many Brexit-supporting rebels in her Conservative Party angry at the Irish backstop, an insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. Ahead of Tuesday's votes in the British parliament on a way forward, lawmakers in May's party are pushing for her to demand the European Union drop the backstop and replace it with something else. Ireland said the backstop was staying and the European Commission repeated on Monday that the withdrawal agreement text, and its backstop component, is not open for renegotiation. "The European Parliament will not ratify a withdrawal agreement that doesn't have a backstop in it, it's as simple as that," Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney told the BBC. As the Brexit crisis goes down to the line, however, EU officials indicated there might be wriggle room if May came back with a clear, and viable, request for changes that she - and the EU - believe will secure a final ratification. The backstop is a type of insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. It is the most contentious part of May's deal. IRELAND The question for May is whether the EU can offer enough to get a variant of her defeated deal through the British parliament. Possible amendments floated by EU officials range from further public assurances that the backstop would probably never be used or only for a brief period to amending the text which accompanies the treaty and which lays out expectations for the trading relationship that will come in after the transition. The EU has explicitly said if Britain were to stay in a customs union indefinitely, as the opposition Labour Party favours, that could leave the backstop redundant. One key element is maintaining a united front with the Irish government, which insists it needs the backstop without a time limit to ensure there is no physical frontier, which could become a target of the violence that has been reduced as a result of the two-decade-old Good Friday Agreement peace deal. EU and Irish leaders insist that Dublin is under no pressure to relent. However, a looming no-deal Brexit, in which the EU insists Ireland cannot leave an open door to British goods, has highlighted the difficulty Ireland will face if the backstop issue scuppers an agreement. EU leaders are open to giving May more time beyond March 29 if she can convince them she will use the time to secure the elusive orderly outcome, whether leaving or staying. "SHOW US YOUR MAJORITY" Brussels and the national governments are keeping their options open, however, determined not to give in to British demands that they believe would undermine their single market but also anxious to use every possibility to avoid chaos. But they are reluctant to offer May more concessions that then fail to satisfy British lawmakers. "Theresa May must show us a majority for something concrete. Come back and be specific about what she needs to get the deal passed," one EU source told Reuters. "All eyes are on the House of Commons, what amendments pass and what can be built on their basis, maybe around the middle of February," said another. May is trying to use a series of votes in parliament on Tuesday to find a consensus that lawmakers in her own party could support, just two weeks since her deal suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history. The British parliament on Tuesday will vote on proposals put forward by lawmakers including a delay to Brexit and going back to the EU to demand changes to the Northern Irish backstop. In essence, May is forcing lawmakers to show their cards on what sort of Brexit, if any, they want. Lawmakers in her own party want her to demand a last-minute change to the deal to remove the backstop.

EU will not ratify Brexit withdrawal without backstop: Ireland deputy PM Coveney

Former British prime minister John Major <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-all-work-together-for-brexit-theresa-may-after-winning-confidence-vote-190827">urged Theresa May</a> on Saturday to drop her "red lines" on Brexit or allow parliament to find a way forward to avoid a damaging no-<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-accused-of-allowing-anti-brexit-fake-news-on-its-platform-191338">deal departure from the European Union</a> in March.

Major said he compromised on key decisions on the Northern Irish peace process and the first Gulf War while prime minister between 1990 and 1997, and May should do the same after her Brexit plan was rejected by a huge majority in parliament.

"Her deal is dead and I don’t think honestly that tinkering with it is going to make very much difference if any difference at all," Major, who campaigned to stay in the EU ahead of the 2016 referendum, told BBC Radio.

May is due to tell parliament on Monday how she intends to proceed on Brexit. Lawmakers may then propose alternatives to see if any could command majority support.

"If we leave in chaos and without a deal, that seems to me to be the worst of all outcomes," Major said.

May should, therefore "go around" lawmakers in her party who say they are ready to accept a no-deal Brexit and drop her opposition to key issues in the negotiations, Major - who also faced a revolt inside the Conservative Party over Europe - said.

May has ruled out staying in the EU's single market, an option that is considered less economically damaging because Britain would not be able to control immigration from the bloc. She has also rejected staying in a customs union with the EU.

If May cannot compromise, she should allow parliament to find a way to overcome its splits, Major said. "I think there are signs parliament might be able to reach consensus," he said.

Failing that, Britain should have a fresh referendum on its membership of the EU.

In the meantime, delaying Brexit was wise, Major said.

Major's comments were rejected as "Remainer elite views" by a Conservative lawmaker who said May would break her promises to voters if she considered staying in the EU's single market or a customs union or holding a second referendum.

"Brexit would become meaningless. We wouldn't be leaving the European Union, we would be staying in the European Union," Suella Braverman told the BBC.

Theresa May is due to tell parliament on Monday how she intends to proceed on Brexit.

Former British prime minister John Major urged Theresa May on Saturday to drop her "red lines" on Brexit or allow parliament to find a way forward to avoid a damaging no-deal departure from the European Union in March. Major said he compromised on key decisions on the Northern Irish peace process and the first Gulf War while prime minister between 1990 and 1997, and May should do the same after her Brexit plan was rejected by a huge majority in parliament. "Her deal is dead and I don’t think honestly that tinkering with it is going to make very much difference if any difference at all," Major, who campaigned to stay in the EU ahead of the 2016 referendum, told BBC Radio. May is due to tell parliament on Monday how she intends to proceed on Brexit. Lawmakers may then propose alternatives to see if any could command majority support. "If we leave in chaos and without a deal, that seems to me to be the worst of all outcomes," Major said. May should, therefore "go around" lawmakers in her party who say they are ready to accept a no-deal Brexit and drop her opposition to key issues in the negotiations, Major - who also faced a revolt inside the Conservative Party over Europe - said. May has ruled out staying in the EU's single market, an option that is considered less economically damaging because Britain would not be able to control immigration from the bloc. She has also rejected staying in a customs union with the EU. If May cannot compromise, she should allow parliament to find a way to overcome its splits, Major said. "I think there are signs parliament might be able to reach consensus," he said. Failing that, Britain should have a fresh referendum on its membership of the EU. In the meantime, delaying Brexit was wise, Major said. Major's comments were rejected as "Remainer elite views" by a Conservative lawmaker who said May would break her promises to voters if she considered staying in the EU's single market or a customs union or holding a second referendum. "Brexit would become meaningless. We wouldn't be leaving the European Union, we would be staying in the European Union," Suella Braverman told the BBC.

Former British PM John Major urges May to drop Brexit red lines

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