The appointment of former British prime minister David Cameron as the foreign secretary has not only shocked the political experts, but also raised concerns over his supposedly friendly relations with China—which is at odds with the present Rishi Sunak dispensation.

Cameron is widely regarded for heralding&nbsp;the “golden era” in relations with China when he was the prime minister in 2015.

A photo of Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoying pints of beer became the symbol of his government’s attempts to court Beijing.

That visit to London by Xi was hailed on both sides as the start of a “golden era” of relations, with the UK government at that time hoping to make China Britain’s second-biggest trading partner within a decade.

<h2>Cameron involved in various China-related activities&nbsp;</h2>

Despite stepping down in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum, Cameron has been involved in various China-related initiatives.

According to a report by Politico, Cameron has been working to set up a $1 billion UK-China investment fund aimed at supporting Xi’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative.

He also reportedly lobbied for foreign investment for the Colombo Port City project in Sri Lanka, which is backed by China.

Cut to 2023, the China-UK relations have undergone ebbs and flows.

From suppression of civil liberties in the former British territory of Hong Kong to allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, to China emerging as a security threat, the Rishi Sunak government has often found itself at odds with Xi over such issues.

<h2>Unease among Tories over Cameron's appointment&nbsp;</h2>

UK’s distrust of China was publicly expressed by Sunak in a speech last year when he said Beijing poses a “systemic challenge to our values and interests.”

Some of the Tory members feel that Cameron’s soft position towards China may cause embarrassment to Rishi Sunak’s government.

“David Cameron will find Parliament has changed a lot when it comes to China,” Alicia Kearns, Tory chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in an interview, reports Bloomberg.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-five-things-to-know-about-uk-ex-pm-now-foreign-secretary-david-cameron-658196">Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM, now foreign secretary David Cameron</a>

“Relations with China are our foremost challenge and he is going to have quite a challenge getting foreign policy into the place where it needs to be going forward.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064">Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move</a>

Luke John de Pulford, the convenor of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a pressure group, especially criticised Cameron’s appointment.

“Incomprehensible, retrograde appointment. Cameron is out of step with Parliament and the country on China,” he said on X.

“Look forward to David Cameron declaring exactly how much he has been paid to represent Beijing’s interests since leaving Number 10,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The appointment of former British prime minister David Cameron as the foreign secretary has not only shocked the political experts, but also raised concerns over his supposedly friendly relations with China—which is at odds with the present Rishi Sunak dispensation.

The appointment of former British prime minister David Cameron as the foreign secretary has not only shocked the political experts, but also raised concerns over his supposedly friendly relations with China—which is at odds with the present Rishi Sunak dispensation. Cameron is widely regarded for heralding the “golden era” in relations with China when he was the prime minister in 2015. A photo of Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoying pints of beer became the symbol of his government’s attempts to court Beijing. That visit to London by Xi was hailed on both sides as the start of a “golden era” of relations, with the UK government at that time hoping to make China Britain’s second-biggest trading partner within a decade. Cameron involved in various China-related activities Despite stepping down in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum, Cameron has been involved in various China-related initiatives. According to a report by Politico, Cameron has been working to set up a $1 billion UK-China investment fund aimed at supporting Xi’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative. He also reportedly lobbied for foreign investment for the Colombo Port City project in Sri Lanka, which is backed by China. Cut to 2023, the China-UK relations have undergone ebbs and flows. From suppression of civil liberties in the former British territory of Hong Kong to allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, to China emerging as a security threat, the Rishi Sunak government has often found itself at odds with Xi over such issues. Unease among Tories over Cameron's appointment UK’s distrust of China was publicly expressed by Sunak in a speech last year when he said Beijing poses a “systemic challenge to our values and interests.” Some of the Tory members feel that Cameron’s soft position towards China may cause embarrassment to Rishi Sunak’s government. “David Cameron will find Parliament has changed a lot when it comes to China,” Alicia Kearns, Tory chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in an interview, reports Bloomberg. Also read | Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM, now foreign secretary David Cameron “Relations with China are our foremost challenge and he is going to have quite a challenge getting foreign policy into the place where it needs to be going forward.” Also read | Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move Luke John de Pulford, the convenor of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a pressure group, especially criticised Cameron’s appointment. “Incomprehensible, retrograde appointment. Cameron is out of step with Parliament and the country on China,” he said on X. “Look forward to David Cameron declaring exactly how much he has been paid to represent Beijing’s interests since leaving Number 10,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Is David Cameron a 'China agent'? Past connections haunt new UK foreign secretary

UK's former PM David Cameron has returned as the country's new foreign secretary. The appointment has triggered criticism due to Cameron's alleged 'warm' ties with China. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: David Cameron's ties with China under scrutiny

In a dramatic cabinet reshuffle, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked his home secretary Suella Braverman, replacing her with foreign secretary James Cleverly but the bigger surprise, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron was given the post of foreign secretary.

UK PM Rishi Sunak welcomes David Cameron in his speech as UK cabinet reshuffles | World DNA

British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary.

This marks the return of the British leader who had taken a break from active politics after he lost his premiership in 2016 following the Brexit referendum.

Cameron said that he was “delighted to accept” Sunak’s offer, adding, “I believe in public service.”

“While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges,” he said on X.

Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the upper house, the House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post.

As the UK embarks on a new foreign policy discourse under Cameron, here are a few important things to know about the former prime minister.

<h2>Cameron was once Britain’s youngest prime minister in almost two centuries</h2>

Cameron created history while assuming office in 2010 when he was 43-and-a-half years old. No prime minister had&nbsp;been younger since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who took office in 1812, one day after his 43rd birthday. Later, in 2022, Rishi Sunak became the youngest PM in the country when he assumed office at the age of&nbsp;42.

Cameron eclipsed Tony Blair, who was only days away from turning 44 when he took office in 1997.

<h2>UK: David Cameron back in reshuffle, Suella Braverman out</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://wionews.com/videos/uk-david-cameron-back-in-reshuffle-suella-braverman-out-658125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Origins</h2>

Cameron is a descendant of King William IV and the son of a stockbroker.

He was educated at elite boarding school Eton and Oxford University, where he was admitted to the Bullingdon Club, a hard-drinking, socially exclusive student group.

He worked for the Conservatives as an adviser before a stint in public relations, which ended when he was elected to parliament in 2001.

Cameron's first election victory in 2010 ended 13 years of Labour government. He had been widely praised for giving his party a broader centrist appeal.

<h2>Reviving the economy</h2>

Cameron is regarded for reviving the British economy when it was struggling to get over the 2008 global financial crisis.

The Bank of England continued a loose monetary policy. At the same time, Cameron and his Treasury Minister George Osbourne cut spending, which saw Britain’s budget deficit fall from 10.8 per cent of GDP in 2009 to 4.4 per cent in 2015.

His supporters claim that Cameron helped create 2 million new private sector jobs when the public sector was laying off.

Speaking to the BBC in 2015, Cameron spoke of his government’s successes: “Over the last five years we’ve created a thousand jobs a day, and we commit to continuing that record because we’re going to continue supporting business and industry.”

However, critics argued that the jobs generated under his tenure were not high-paying and did not guarantee job security. Notably, the argument gained currency when the government cut spending, hurting the most vulnerable.

<h2>EU referendum</h2>

Perhaps one of the biggest failures of Cameron was his inability to persuade voters not to opt for Brexit.

In 2013, Cameron pledged to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU with an in/out referendum.

“It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision,”&nbsp;said Cameron in a 2013 speech.

Unfortunately, Cameron couldn’t convince voters and he decided to step down after the Brexit referendum.

<h2>Pro-Gaza views</h2>

In 2010, while addressing business leaders in Turkey, Cameron criticised Israel, calling for restrictions to be relaxed on Gaza.

"The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp," he said.

In another address in 2010, he said, “Everybody knows that we are not going to sort out the problem of the Middle East peace process while there is, effectively, a giant open prison in Gaza."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-pm-david-cameron-appointed-as-foreign-secretary-658064">Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move</a>

Thirteen years later, with the Israel-Hamas war at its peak, the former PM offered a slightly different take on the whole issue.

"We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-interior-minister-suella-braverman-fired-amid-row-over-hate-march-comments-658031">Suella Braverman fired as interior minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge</a>

“Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security,” Cameron added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary.

British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak surprised the political observers in the UK when he pushed for his predecessor David Cameron for the post of foreign secretary. This marks the return of the British leader who had taken a break from active politics after he lost his premiership in 2016 following the Brexit referendum. Cameron said that he was “delighted to accept” Sunak’s offer, adding, “I believe in public service.” “While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges,” he said on X. Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the upper house, the House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post. As the UK embarks on a new foreign policy discourse under Cameron, here are a few important things to know about the former prime minister. Cameron was once Britain’s youngest prime minister in almost two centuries Cameron created history while assuming office in 2010 when he was 43-and-a-half years old. No prime minister had been younger since Robert Banks Jenkinson, the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who took office in 1812, one day after his 43rd birthday. Later, in 2022, Rishi Sunak became the youngest PM in the country when he assumed office at the age of 42. Cameron eclipsed Tony Blair, who was only days away from turning 44 when he took office in 1997. UK: David Cameron back in reshuffle, Suella Braverman out Origins Cameron is a descendant of King William IV and the son of a stockbroker. He was educated at elite boarding school Eton and Oxford University, where he was admitted to the Bullingdon Club, a hard-drinking, socially exclusive student group. He worked for the Conservatives as an adviser before a stint in public relations, which ended when he was elected to parliament in 2001. Cameron's first election victory in 2010 ended 13 years of Labour government. He had been widely praised for giving his party a broader centrist appeal. Reviving the economy Cameron is regarded for reviving the British economy when it was struggling to get over the 2008 global financial crisis. The Bank of England continued a loose monetary policy. At the same time, Cameron and his Treasury Minister George Osbourne cut spending, which saw Britain’s budget deficit fall from 10.8 per cent of GDP in 2009 to 4.4 per cent in 2015. His supporters claim that Cameron helped create 2 million new private sector jobs when the public sector was laying off. Speaking to the BBC in 2015, Cameron spoke of his government’s successes: “Over the last five years we’ve created a thousand jobs a day, and we commit to continuing that record because we’re going to continue supporting business and industry.” However, critics argued that the jobs generated under his tenure were not high-paying and did not guarantee job security. Notably, the argument gained currency when the government cut spending, hurting the most vulnerable. EU referendum Perhaps one of the biggest failures of Cameron was his inability to persuade voters not to opt for Brexit. In 2013, Cameron pledged to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU with an in/out referendum. “It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision,” said Cameron in a 2013 speech. Unfortunately, Cameron couldn’t convince voters and he decided to step down after the Brexit referendum. Pro-Gaza views In 2010, while addressing business leaders in Turkey, Cameron criticised Israel, calling for restrictions to be relaxed on Gaza. "The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp," he said. In another address in 2010, he said, “Everybody knows that we are not going to sort out the problem of the Middle East peace process while there is, effectively, a giant open prison in Gaza." Also read | Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in shock move Thirteen years later, with the Israel-Hamas war at its peak, the former PM offered a slightly different take on the whole issue. "We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …” he said. Also read | Suella Braverman fired as interior minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge “Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security,” Cameron added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Five things to know about UK ex-PM, now foreign secretary David Cameron

David Cameron's China ties draw fresh scrutiny

As David Cameron returns to politics his China ties under scrutiny | World News | WION

UK: David Cameron's surprise visit to politics, UK PM Rishi Sunak welcomes him in his speech | WION

In a surprise move, former British prime minister David Cameron was appointed as the foreign secretary on Monday (Nov 13) amidst Cabinet reshuffle by PM Rishi Sunak.

Cameron now replaces James Cleverly, who was appointed the interior minister after the ouster of Suella Braverman following her controversial remarks where she accused the police of being lenient on recent pro-Palestine marches.

<h2>Cameron to take seat in House of Lords</h2>

Though no longer an elected politician, Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the the upper house, House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post.

He had to step down&nbsp;after he lost the Brexit referendum where he campaigned for "Remain" camp that advocated for the UK to remain in European Union.

Though he pretty much maintained a low profile since his exit,&nbsp;The Guardian news outlet reported that&nbsp;Cameron had told his friends in 2018 that he wanted to return to politics, preferably as foreign secretary.

Under the UK constitution, a minister does not have to be a member of either House of Parliament, but in recent years, such ministers have been appointed to the House of Lords in order for them to be accountable to the parliament.

<h2>Ex-PM lists out his priorities as foreign secretary&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Following his appointment, Cameron put out a lengthy statement on social media platform X, where he talked about his office’s priorities.

“We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …”

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The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted. 
 
We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more…
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/1724009967697514558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-interior-minister-suella-braverman-fired-amid-row-over-hate-march-comments-658031">Suella Braverman fired as Interior Minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge</a>

Cameron also praised Sunak as “a strong and capable prime minister, who is showing exemplary leadership”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-a-child-killed-four-injured-after-shooting-at-texas-flea-market-658022">US: Child killed, four injured after shooting at Texas flea market</a>

“Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time.”

(With inputs from agencies)

In a surprise move, former British prime minister David Cameron was appointed as the foreign secretary on Monday (Nov 13) amidst Cabinet reshuffle by PM Rishi Sunak.

In a surprise move, former British prime minister David Cameron was appointed as the foreign secretary on Monday (Nov 13) amidst Cabinet reshuffle by PM Rishi Sunak. Cameron now replaces James Cleverly, who was appointed the interior minister after the ouster of Suella Braverman following her controversial remarks where she accused the police of being lenient on recent pro-Palestine marches. Cameron to take seat in House of Lords Though no longer an elected politician, Cameron, after having stood down as an MP in 2016, will take a seat in the the upper house, House of Lords, to enable him to take up the post. He had to step down after he lost the Brexit referendum where he campaigned for "Remain" camp that advocated for the UK to remain in European Union. Though he pretty much maintained a low profile since his exit, The Guardian news outlet reported that Cameron had told his friends in 2018 that he wanted to return to politics, preferably as foreign secretary. Under the UK constitution, a minister does not have to be a member of either House of Parliament, but in recent years, such ministers have been appointed to the House of Lords in order for them to be accountable to the parliament. Ex-PM lists out his priorities as foreign secretary Following his appointment, Cameron put out a lengthy statement on social media platform X, where he talked about his office’s priorities. “We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard …” The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted. We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more… — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 13, 2023 × “Britain is a truly international country. Our people live all over the world and our businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security.” Also read | Suella Braverman fired as Interior Minister amid row, Cleverly takes charge Cameron also praised Sunak as “a strong and capable prime minister, who is showing exemplary leadership”. Also read | US: Child killed, four injured after shooting at Texas flea market “Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time.” (With inputs from agencies)

Former UK PM David Cameron appointed as foreign secretary in surprise cabinet reshuffle

Cameron has been brought in to encourage foreign investment in the contentious Sri Lankan project, which is positioned as a Chinese-funded competitor to Singapore and Dubai and is a key component of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, China's worldwide infrastructure ambition.

UK: Ex-PM David Cameron Chinese-backed project in Sri Lanka

Amid economic turmoil and recession fears in the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak took charge as the new prime minister of the country on Tuesday (October 25). But it looks like the appointment of the first British-Indian premier was predicted by former UK PM David Cameron years ago.

Amid economic turmoil and recession fears in the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak took charge as the new prime minister of the country on Tuesday (October 25). But it looks like the appointment of the first British-Indian premier was predicted by former UK PM David Cameron years ago. After Sunak became the ruling Conservatives' new leader when rival contender Penny Mordaunt failed to secure enough nominations from Tory MPs and backed out, Cameron took to his official Twitter handle to congratulate Sunak. He wrote: "Huge congratulations @RishiSunak on becoming PM to lead us through challenging times. I predicted a decade ago that @Conservatives would select our first Brit Indian PM & proud today that comes to be. I wish Rishi the v best, he has my wholehearted support." LIVE | UK politics: Rishi Sunak officially becomes the prime minister Huge congratulations @RishiSunak on becoming PM to lead us through challenging times. I predicted a decade ago that @Conservatives would select our first Brit Indian PM & proud today that comes to be. I wish Rishi the v best, he has my wholehearted support https://t.co/yXLyo0hWTq — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 24, 2022 × Admitting the forecast, Cameron shared a decade-old article published by an Indian media outlet, Hindustan Times, on his prediction. In 2012, at the launch of the Conservative Friends of India, Cameron said as quoted by the report: "We were the first party to have a woman prime minister (Mrs Margaret Thatcher), we were the first party in (Benjamin) Disraeli to have a Jewish prime minister and when I look at the talent behind me I think we are going to be the first party to have a British Indian Prime Minister." Watch the video here: "Prediction Becomes Reality." Former British PM David Cameron Predicted in 2015 that there will be an Indian Origin PM in the UK. Now #RishiSunak is the Prime Minister. Congratulations @RishiSunak 🎉 pic.twitter.com/vjfPTbgEHz — Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) October 25, 2022 × On Tuesday, Sunak addressed the nation outside 10 Downing Street shortly after his appointment by King Charles III. He vowed to overcome a "profound" economic crisis he blamed on the "mistakes" of Liz Truss's calamitous 49-day tenure. "I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government's agenda. This will mean difficult decisions to come. But you saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and business with schemes like furlough," Sunak said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

When Cameron did a Nostradamus. Rishi Sunak becoming UK prime minister was predicted long ago - Watch

In 2015, UK's then-prime minister David Cameron declared a 'golden era' in UK-China ties. 7 years later, the country's prime ministerial candidates have named China as the biggest threat to national security. What explains this shift in British policy? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Liz Truss vows to designate China as 'acute threat'

Tensions between Russia and the West are rising as the six-month mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches without any signs that Moscow will back down. On Monday, Russia announced that it had placed 39 British citizens on a "blacklist," and has barred them from entering the country. Reportedly the list includes former prime minister David Cameron and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer.&nbsp;Following President Vladimir Putin's deployment of troops to Ukraine on February 24, London has been one of Kyiv's loudest allies.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the listed United Kingdom citizens, officials, business people and journalists of contributing to "the hostile course of London aimed at the demonisation of our country and its international isolation" according to the foreign ministry of Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia pounds Ukraine's Mykolaiv, millionaire businessman dies in attack

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As per Reuters in its statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that this list will be further expanded.&nbsp;

"Given London's destructive drive to spin the sanctions flywheel on far-fetched and absurd pretexts, work on expanding the Russian stop-list will continue."

The ministry further said, "The choice in favour of confrontation is the conscious decision of the British political establishment, which bears all responsibility for the consequences."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-invasion-might-have-caused-ukraines-harvest-to-be-half-than-the-usual-zelensky-502629" hreflang="en">Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half than the usual: Zelensky</a>

Since the beginning of its military operation in Ukraine, Moscow has barred several dozen British citizens from entering the country, primarily politicians and journalists. Now, several Labour MPs, Scottish parliamentarians, and House of Lords members are among the new additions reported AFP.

The list of journalists or media persons barred includes the chief of the BBC's news gathering, Jonathan Munro, TV host Piers Morgan, and BBC News presenter Huw Edwards.

(With inputs from agencies)

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Tensions between Russia and the West are rising as the six-month mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches without any signs that Moscow will back down. On Monday, Russia announced that it had placed 39 British citizens on a "blacklist," and has barred them from entering the country.

Tensions between Russia and the West are rising as the six-month mark of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches without any signs that Moscow will back down. On Monday, Russia announced that it had placed 39 British citizens on a "blacklist," and has barred them from entering the country. Reportedly the list includes former prime minister David Cameron and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. Following President Vladimir Putin's deployment of troops to Ukraine on February 24, London has been one of Kyiv's loudest allies. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the listed United Kingdom citizens, officials, business people and journalists of contributing to "the hostile course of London aimed at the demonisation of our country and its international isolation" according to the foreign ministry of Russia. Watch | Russia pounds Ukraine's Mykolaiv, millionaire businessman dies in attack As per Reuters in its statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that this list will be further expanded. "Given London's destructive drive to spin the sanctions flywheel on far-fetched and absurd pretexts, work on expanding the Russian stop-list will continue." The ministry further said, "The choice in favour of confrontation is the conscious decision of the British political establishment, which bears all responsibility for the consequences." Also read | Russian invasion might have caused Ukraine’s harvest to be half than the usual: Zelensky Since the beginning of its military operation in Ukraine, Moscow has barred several dozen British citizens from entering the country, primarily politicians and journalists. Now, several Labour MPs, Scottish parliamentarians, and House of Lords members are among the new additions reported AFP. The list of journalists or media persons barred includes the chief of the BBC's news gathering, Jonathan Munro, TV host Piers Morgan, and BBC News presenter Huw Edwards. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia blacklists 39 UK citizens, including ex-PM David Cameron for 'demonising' it on international stage

Greensill Capital, the firm for whom &nbsp;former UK prime minister David Cameron lobbied ministers before it failed, reportedly paid him $10 million (£7.2 million).

According to BBC Panorama, when the former prime minister cashed in Greensill shares in 2019, he gained $4.5 million after taxes, according to stolen papers.

This was on top of his $1 million-a-year advisor pay and a $700,000 bonus in 2019.&nbsp;

After failing, the firm left investors and UK taxpayers with massive losses.

Cameron made headlines after it was revealed that he exploited his proximity to current cabinet colleagues to attempt to persuade them to back the bank's loans with public money.

Despite the fact that he was unsuccessful in his attempts, the bank was eventually granted access to another Covid-19 loan facility.

He has come under fire for contacting government ministers and officials on behalf of Greensill last year in an attempt to urge them to give the company access to the Covid emergency loan scheme.

Cameron has claimed that he was unaware of the company's precarious financial situation when he campaigned for taxpayer help.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Greensill Capital, the firm for whom former UK prime minister David Cameron lobbied ministers before it failed, reportedly paid him $10 million (£7.2 million). According to BBC Panorama, when the former prime minister cashed in Greensill shares in 2019, he gained $4.

Greensill Capital, the firm for whom former UK prime minister David Cameron lobbied ministers before it failed, reportedly paid him $10 million (£7.2 million). According to BBC Panorama, when the former prime minister cashed in Greensill shares in 2019, he gained $4.5 million after taxes, according to stolen papers. This was on top of his $1 million-a-year advisor pay and a $700,000 bonus in 2019. After failing, the firm left investors and UK taxpayers with massive losses. Cameron made headlines after it was revealed that he exploited his proximity to current cabinet colleagues to attempt to persuade them to back the bank's loans with public money. Despite the fact that he was unsuccessful in his attempts, the bank was eventually granted access to another Covid-19 loan facility. He has come under fire for contacting government ministers and officials on behalf of Greensill last year in an attempt to urge them to give the company access to the Covid emergency loan scheme. Cameron has claimed that he was unaware of the company's precarious financial situation when he campaigned for taxpayer help. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: David Cameron made £7.2 million from a collapsed finance firm he lobbied for

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist.

"This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much, albeit virtually, but in these circumstances," he said in an opening statement to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee.

"Lobbying itself is a necessary and healthy part of our democratic process, but I accept that there's a strong argument that having a former prime minister, engage on behalf of any commercial interest, no matter how laudable the motives and cause, can be open to misinterpretation," he said.

Cameron said he had not been hired by Greensill as a lobbyist, but the situation changed at the start of the COVID pandemic.

Cameron declined to say exactly how much he was paid by Greensill, or how much he would have made from shares he owned if the business had prospered. But he said he had a "big economic interest" in its future.

"I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than I earned as prime minister," he said.

Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers over a four-month period in 2020 to lobby for the now-failed, supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital, according to documents published on Tuesday.

Cameron was lobbying the government to allow Greensill, founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill in 2011, to access a COVID-19 financing scheme.

The Bank of England said in April that no changes were made to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility as a result of communication between Cameron and Bank officials.

Cameron said that at the time he was lobbying ministers in 2020, he had no sense that Greensill Capital was in financial difficulty.

Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, stepping down after he unexpectedly lost a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday that it was "painful" for him to have to face parliamentary scrutiny over the collapse of Greensill Capital, for which he had acted as an advisor and lobbyist. "This is a painful day coming back to a place that I love and respect so much, albeit virtually, but in these circumstances," he said in an opening statement to the House of Commons' Treasury Committee. "Lobbying itself is a necessary and healthy part of our democratic process, but I accept that there's a strong argument that having a former prime minister, engage on behalf of any commercial interest, no matter how laudable the motives and cause, can be open to misinterpretation," he said. Cameron said he had not been hired by Greensill as a lobbyist, but the situation changed at the start of the COVID pandemic. Cameron declined to say exactly how much he was paid by Greensill, or how much he would have made from shares he owned if the business had prospered. But he said he had a "big economic interest" in its future. "I was paid an annual amount, a generous annual amount, far more than I earned as prime minister," he said. Cameron repeatedly contacted senior ministers over a four-month period in 2020 to lobby for the now-failed, supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital, according to documents published on Tuesday. Cameron was lobbying the government to allow Greensill, founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill in 2011, to access a COVID-19 financing scheme. The Bank of England said in April that no changes were made to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility as a result of communication between Cameron and Bank officials. Cameron said that at the time he was lobbying ministers in 2020, he had no sense that Greensill Capital was in financial difficulty. Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, stepping down after he unexpectedly lost a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union.

UK ex-PM Cameron says facing Greensill inquiry is 'painful'

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron is in the news for introducing his schoolfriend to a senior politician who is known as the 'fixer' of Conservative Party in the UK. As reported by The Guardian, Cameron's friend Hugh Warrender was representing a South Korean company that wanted to sell coronavirus testing kits to UK government.

Warrender reportedly contacted Cameron in April last year as a representative of the company. Cameron then connected Warrender with Lord Andrew Feldman, the 'fixer' in the Conservative Party. Feldman was working at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

It has been reported that Warrender refused to disclose name of the company.

Lord Feldman has denied that any meetings with Warrender took place.

Spokesperson for David Cameron has denied that Cameron had any ties with the company and said that Cameron has received no remuneration.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron is in the news for introducing his schoolfriend to a senior politician who is known as the 'fixer' of Conservative Party in the UK.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron is in the news for introducing his schoolfriend to a senior politician who is known as the 'fixer' of Conservative Party in the UK. As reported by The Guardian, Cameron's friend Hugh Warrender was representing a South Korean company that wanted to sell coronavirus testing kits to UK government. Warrender reportedly contacted Cameron in April last year as a representative of the company. Cameron then connected Warrender with Lord Andrew Feldman, the 'fixer' in the Conservative Party. Feldman was working at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It has been reported that Warrender refused to disclose name of the company. Lord Feldman has denied that any meetings with Warrender took place. Spokesperson for David Cameron has denied that Cameron had any ties with the company and said that Cameron has received no remuneration.

Cameron introduced friend to senior politician, denies receiving monetary benefits

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected an offer from the government to lead a major United Nations climate summit taking place in November. Known as COP26, the summit in Glasgow is seen as a moment of truth for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming. Britain will be responsible for persuading major powers to accept more ambitious emissions cuts. "It was an honour to be asked to do that job and I was very grateful to be asked," Cameron, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, told reporters. "But I think its best in these situations if you have a government minister doing the job - you then have sort of one line of command rather than perhaps two people doing the same thing," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked summit head, Clare O'Neill, last week. O'Neill said Johnson had shown a lack of leadership and engagement over the summit. Also Read: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga Many critics feel that this announcement is damage control to shield UK's credentials in terms of the environment. However, the British PM behind a successful Brexit, disagrees and claims that it is part of the government's larger plan to cut down CO2 emissions by 2050. [ Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron (Courtesy: Reuters) ] O'Neil clapped back at Johnson and claimed that he does not understand climate change. "Well, he [Boris Johnson] doesn't get it, I think is what he said. But others around him do", she stated. "I think my advice to anybody to whom Boris is making promises, whether it is voters, world leaders, ministers, employees or indeed family members, is to get it in writing. Get a lawyer to look at it and make sure the money's in the bank", O'Neil added.

Former British PM Cameron turns down climate summit job

&nbsp;British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA79O8ydLjAhUz7HMBHSBKC5kQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lliv6xaVvzExtS1l5Xb8r">Boris Johnson</a> has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat.

Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-backstop-elimination-unacceptable-eu-chief-brexit-negotiator-michel-barnier-238484&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA79O8ydLjAhUz7HMBHSBKC5kQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ur2IvhcbhgceNWXHYONZp">Brexit</a> and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job.

During an address to staff, he asked whether they would like a dog, a source with knowledge of the meeting said on Friday.

The staff replied with an enthusiastic "Yes".

Downing Street, the nerve centre of the British government for nearly 300 years, is already home to a brown and white tabby cat who carries the official title "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office".

Appointed in 2011, Larry has outlasted two former prime ministers: David Cameron and Theresa May.

He has become a celebrity in his own right, with an unofficial Twitter account that uses some of the thousands of pictures taken by press photographers documenting his comings, goings, and territorial scraps with other departmental cats.

The source said no firm decisions on a dog had been taken and declined to comment on possible living arrangements alongside Larry.

"You can consider it a longer-term project," the source said.

Larry appears to be taking the news in his stride. He was seen lying on a window ledge in Downing Street for most of the morning, according to a Reuters witness.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat. Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over Brexit and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat. Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over Brexit and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job. During an address to staff, he asked whether they would like a dog, a source with knowledge of the meeting said on Friday. The staff replied with an enthusiastic "Yes". Downing Street, the nerve centre of the British government for nearly 300 years, is already home to a brown and white tabby cat who carries the official title "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office". Appointed in 2011, Larry has outlasted two former prime ministers: David Cameron and Theresa May. He has become a celebrity in his own right, with an unofficial Twitter account that uses some of the thousands of pictures taken by press photographers documenting his comings, goings, and territorial scraps with other departmental cats. The source said no firm decisions on a dog had been taken and declined to comment on possible living arrangements alongside Larry. "You can consider it a longer-term project," the source said. Larry appears to be taking the news in his stride. He was seen lying on a window ledge in Downing Street for most of the morning, according to a Reuters witness.

British PM Johnson eyes key appointment: A Downing Street dog

Britain’s new Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-overhauls-cabinet-with-brexit-hardliners-238286">Boris Johnson</a> named Priti Patel as interior minister, marking a political comeback for the former international development minister.

Priti Patel replaces Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid, who moves to the Treasury department as the first ethnic minority Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Home Secretary by our new Prime Minister @borisjohnson. Looking forward to working @ukhomeoffice to prepare our Country for leaving the EU, leading on matters of national security &amp; public safety &amp; keeping our borders secure," Patel tweeted, in reference to her new job at the helm of the UK Home Office.

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I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Home Secretary by our new Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@borisjohnson</a>. Looking forward to working <a href="https://twitter.com/ukhomeoffice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ukhomeoffice</a> to prepare our Country for leaving the EU, leading on matters of national security &amp; public safety &amp; keeping our borders secure.
— Priti Patel MP (@patel4witham) <a href="https://twitter.com/patel4witham/status/1154140566294335488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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1: Patel, 47, resigned as International Development minister in November 2017 over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials that breached diplomatic protocol.

2: She campaigned to leave the European Union in 2016, and since leaving government has been an outspoken critic of former Prime Minister Theresa May’s approach to Brexit.

3: Earlier this week, Patel, who also served as a junior Treasury minister, released a report on the British economy arguing for lower taxes and for a new Bank of England mandate more focused on asset price inflation and financial imbalances.

4: Patel is English-born to Indian parents. In the EU referendum campaign, she launched an appeal to “Save the British Curry” which argued that a post-Brexit immigration system would be fairer to those from outside the EU and ease a shortage of chefs for Indian restaurants in Britain.

5: Former British leader David Cameron touted Patel as Britain’s first Indian-heritage prime minister during a huge rally at Wembley stadium in 2015 to mark the visit of Indian leader Narendra Modi.

Britain’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson named Priti Patel as interior minister, marking a political comeback for the former international development minister.

Britain’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson named Priti Patel as interior minister, marking a political comeback for the former international development minister. Priti Patel replaces Pakistani-origin Sajid Javid, who moves to the Treasury department as the first ethnic minority Chancellor of the Exchequer. "I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Home Secretary by our new Prime Minister @borisjohnson. Looking forward to working @ukhomeoffice to prepare our Country for leaving the EU, leading on matters of national security & public safety & keeping our borders secure," Patel tweeted, in reference to her new job at the helm of the UK Home Office. I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Home Secretary by our new Prime Minister @borisjohnson. Looking forward to working @ukhomeoffice to prepare our Country for leaving the EU, leading on matters of national security & public safety & keeping our borders secure. — Priti Patel MP (@patel4witham) July 24, 2019 × 1: Patel, 47, resigned as International Development minister in November 2017 over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials that breached diplomatic protocol. 2: She campaigned to leave the European Union in 2016, and since leaving government has been an outspoken critic of former Prime Minister Theresa May’s approach to Brexit. 3: Earlier this week, Patel, who also served as a junior Treasury minister, released a report on the British economy arguing for lower taxes and for a new Bank of England mandate more focused on asset price inflation and financial imbalances. 4: Patel is English-born to Indian parents. In the EU referendum campaign, she launched an appeal to “Save the British Curry” which argued that a post-Brexit immigration system would be fairer to those from outside the EU and ease a shortage of chefs for Indian restaurants in Britain. 5: Former British leader David Cameron touted Patel as Britain’s first Indian-heritage prime minister during a huge rally at Wembley stadium in 2015 to mark the visit of Indian leader Narendra Modi.

Five facts about Priti Patel, UK's first Indian-origin home secretary

Jallianwala Bagh centenary: Events that led to the darkest chapter of British colonial rule in India

A British minister said on Tuesday there was an "active debate" in government about apologising for the killing of hundreds of Indian civilians, as India prepared to mark the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-flags-financial-implications-of-jallianwala-bagh-apology-calls-it-work-in-progress-209137">100th anniversary of the atrocity</a>.

On April 13, 1919, in Jallianwala Bagh British troops opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters which remains an enduring scar of British colonial rule in India.

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Colonial-era records show about 400 people died in the northern city of Amritsar when soldiers opened fire on men, women and children in an enclosed area, but Indian figures put the toll at closer to 1,000.

&nbsp;

Former British prime minister David Cameron described it as "deeply shameful" during a visit in 2013 but stopped short of an apology.

In a debate on the subject in London on Tuesday, foreign&nbsp;office Minister Mark Field said the massacre was a "shameful episode in our history and one that we deeply regret to this day."

He said: "It would not be appropriate for me, in the context of this particular debate, to apologise today, but I have found many of the speeches very very compelling and I will take up with the foreign secretary and number 10 Downing Street a sense that we perhaps need to do a little more than the very deep regrets that I have set out today."

He said representatives from the British High Commission would visit the site to lay a wreath and that the government would also publicly acknowledge the centenary in Britain.

A ceremony was due to take place at the site of the massacre on Saturday.

Earlier Bob Blackman, the Conservative MP who organised the debate, also called for the British government to say sorry, "not just explaining away what happened, but apologising for our involvement and what was done in our name". 
&nbsp;

A British minister said on Tuesday there was an "active debate" in government about apologising for the killing of hundreds of Indian civilians, as India prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the atrocity.

A British minister said on Tuesday there was an "active debate" in government about apologising for the killing of hundreds of Indian civilians, as India prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the atrocity. On April 13, 1919, in Jallianwala Bagh British troops opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters which remains an enduring scar of British colonial rule in India. Colonial-era records show about 400 people died in the northern city of Amritsar when soldiers opened fire on men, women and children in an enclosed area, but Indian figures put the toll at closer to 1,000. Former British prime minister David Cameron described it as "deeply shameful" during a visit in 2013 but stopped short of an apology. In a debate on the subject in London on Tuesday, foreign office Minister Mark Field said the massacre was a "shameful episode in our history and one that we deeply regret to this day." He said: "It would not be appropriate for me, in the context of this particular debate, to apologise today, but I have found many of the speeches very very compelling and I will take up with the foreign secretary and number 10 Downing Street a sense that we perhaps need to do a little more than the very deep regrets that I have set out today." He said representatives from the British High Commission would visit the site to lay a wreath and that the government would also publicly acknowledge the centenary in Britain. A ceremony was due to take place at the site of the massacre on Saturday. Earlier Bob Blackman, the Conservative MP who organised the debate, also called for the British government to say sorry, "not just explaining away what happened, but apologising for our involvement and what was done in our name".

Need to do little more than very 'deep regrets' on Jallianwala Bagh: British minister Mark Fields

Some 15 years in the making and after multiple delays, sci-fi epic 'Alita: Battle Angel'&nbsp;finally arrived on Thursday, but the Japanese manga-inspired action film earned only lukewarm reviews.

The tale of a cyborg heroine in a post-apocalyptic world, 'Alita: Battle Angel'&nbsp;was a passion project for acclaimed 'Avatar'&nbsp;director James Cameron for years before he turned it over to director Robert Rodriguez.

Speaking at the world premiere in London on Thursday, Rodriguez said Cameron, who first wrote a script in 2004, had crafted "a story that could really play around the world, even to people who don't know manga."

"It's a more universal story than I think people are expecting," the director told Reuters.

Rodriguez has said the movie's budget was around $150 million. The release date was pushed back twice by Hollywood studio Twenty-First Century Fox.

Early reviews were largely disappointing.

While praising the film's slick action sequences and the expressive, huge-eyed Alita - who is played by actress Rosa Salazar with CGI effects - many movie critics found the characters thinly developed.

Britain's Independent newspaper said "Alita" lacked the emotional pull of Cameron's other blockbusters, 'Avatar'&nbsp;and 'Titanic.'&nbsp;Hollywood website The Wrap called the movie "a glossy muddle" while Britain's Guardian newspaper said it was "a vanilla dystopian romance."

Los Angeles-based IndieWire was more enthusiastic, saying the film "lives up to its potential while leaving you wanting more."

Manga movies have proved a hard sell to Western filmgoers in the past, but Cameron, who retains a writing and producing credit, said on Thursday that "Alita" was different.

"We know the film is a crowd pleaser. We know that for sure. Now, we know the audience will go with her (Alita) on her journey and believe in her and feel her spirit," he said.

The movie has also faced criticism for not casting Asian actors in the lead parts.

Yukito Kishiro, who wrote the original graphic novels, said on Thursday he did not share the misgivings.

"I think it's a perfect cast. Had they had, say, a Japanese actress who can act the great action scenes, sure. But I suppose the casting people decided to go with what we have because there is a reason for that. I'm happy with that," Kishiro told Reuters on the London red carpet.

'Alita: Battle Angel'&nbsp;opens in the UK on Feb. 6 and in the United States on February 14.

Some 15 years in the making and after multiple delays, sci-fi epic 'Alita: Battle Angel' finally arrived on Thursday, but the Japanese manga-inspired action film earned only lukewarm reviews.

Some 15 years in the making and after multiple delays, sci-fi epic 'Alita: Battle Angel' finally arrived on Thursday, but the Japanese manga-inspired action film earned only lukewarm reviews. The tale of a cyborg heroine in a post-apocalyptic world, 'Alita: Battle Angel' was a passion project for acclaimed 'Avatar' director James Cameron for years before he turned it over to director Robert Rodriguez. Speaking at the world premiere in London on Thursday, Rodriguez said Cameron, who first wrote a script in 2004, had crafted "a story that could really play around the world, even to people who don't know manga." "It's a more universal story than I think people are expecting," the director told Reuters. Rodriguez has said the movie's budget was around $150 million. The release date was pushed back twice by Hollywood studio Twenty-First Century Fox. Early reviews were largely disappointing. While praising the film's slick action sequences and the expressive, huge-eyed Alita - who is played by actress Rosa Salazar with CGI effects - many movie critics found the characters thinly developed. Britain's Independent newspaper said "Alita" lacked the emotional pull of Cameron's other blockbusters, 'Avatar' and 'Titanic.' Hollywood website The Wrap called the movie "a glossy muddle" while Britain's Guardian newspaper said it was "a vanilla dystopian romance." Los Angeles-based IndieWire was more enthusiastic, saying the film "lives up to its potential while leaving you wanting more." Manga movies have proved a hard sell to Western filmgoers in the past, but Cameron, who retains a writing and producing credit, said on Thursday that "Alita" was different. "We know the film is a crowd pleaser. We know that for sure. Now, we know the audience will go with her (Alita) on her journey and believe in her and feel her spirit," he said. The movie has also faced criticism for not casting Asian actors in the lead parts. Yukito Kishiro, who wrote the original graphic novels, said on Thursday he did not share the misgivings. "I think it's a perfect cast. Had they had, say, a Japanese actress who can act the great action scenes, sure. But I suppose the casting people decided to go with what we have because there is a reason for that. I'm happy with that," Kishiro told Reuters on the London red carpet. 'Alita: Battle Angel' opens in the UK on Feb. 6 and in the United States on February 14.

'Alita: Battle Angel' movie finally arrives, to lukewarm reviews

British-Australian actress Miriam Margolyes who is most famous for her role in hit film series ‘Harry Potter’ as Professor Sprout now takes on former British PM David Cameron in a conversation centred on Brexit.&nbsp;

Speaking at Australia's News Breakfast morning show, she said that Cameron "should be boiled in oil" for his role in bringing it about.

She added that Brexit was a "disaster for England" and that it would "go on for years".

For the uninitiated, Cameron first pledged a referendum in 2013 in a bid to placate his party's eurosceptic wing. After unexpectedly winning a majority in the 2015 national election, Britain voted to leave in a referendum a year later and Cameron quit. Since then the Brexit issue has just been on the top cards for everyone in Britain.&nbsp;

British lawmakers on January 29 instructed current PM Theresa May to reopen a Brexit treaty with the European Union to replace a controversial Irish border arrangement - and promptly received a flat rejection from Brussels.

With two months left until Britain is due by law to leave the EU, the entire clout of investors and allies are urging the ruling government to clinch a deal to allow an orderly exit. Britain has been a part of the EU since the year 1973.

British-Australian actress Miriam Margolyes who is most famous for her role in hit film series ‘Harry Potter’ as Professor Sprout now takes on former British PM David Cameron in a conversation centred on Brexit.

British-Australian actress Miriam Margolyes who is most famous for her role in hit film series ‘Harry Potter’ as Professor Sprout now takes on former British PM David Cameron in a conversation centred on Brexit. Speaking at Australia's News Breakfast morning show, she said that Cameron "should be boiled in oil" for his role in bringing it about. She added that Brexit was a "disaster for England" and that it would "go on for years". For the uninitiated, Cameron first pledged a referendum in 2013 in a bid to placate his party's eurosceptic wing. After unexpectedly winning a majority in the 2015 national election, Britain voted to leave in a referendum a year later and Cameron quit. Since then the Brexit issue has just been on the top cards for everyone in Britain. British lawmakers on January 29 instructed current PM Theresa May to reopen a Brexit treaty with the European Union to replace a controversial Irish border arrangement - and promptly received a flat rejection from Brussels. With two months left until Britain is due by law to leave the EU, the entire clout of investors and allies are urging the ruling government to clinch a deal to allow an orderly exit. Britain has been a part of the EU since the year 1973.

Brexit: ‘Harry Potter’ actress Margolyes says David Cameron ‘should be boiled in oil’

The law firm at the heart of the &quot;Panama Papers&quot; global tax evasion scandal that brought down two world leaders announced that it would shut down operations, citing negative press and what it called unwarranted action by authorities.

&quot;Reputational deterioration, the media campaign, the financial consequences and irregular actions by some Panamanian authorities have caused irreparable damage, resulting in the total ceasing of public operations at the end of this month,&quot; Mossack Fonseca said in a statement.

But it added a smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups.

Last August, co-founder Jurgen Mossack acknowledged the firm had closed most of its offices abroad after its damaged credibility caused business to flounder.

April 3, 2016 marked the beginning of the &quot;Panama Papers&quot; scandal -- a leak of 11.5 million files from Mossack Fonseca&#39;s digital archive that revealed how wealthy and influential figures across the world had created offshore businesses to safeguard assets.

The information was obtained by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, who shared it with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. It was released as a searchable database, with revelations continuing to be unearthed to this day.

Icelandic prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was forced to resign after it was revealed his family had offshore accounts -- while former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified for life from office after being implicated in the documents.

Other figures implicated included former British premier David Cameron, football star Lionel Messi, Argentina&#39;s President Mauricio Macri, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, to name but a few.

At least 150 investigations were opened in 79 countries to examine possible tax evasion and money laundering, according to the US-based Center for Public Integrity.&nbsp;

A smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups

The law firm at the heart of the "Panama Papers" global tax evasion scandal that brought down two world leaders announced that it would shut down operations, citing negative press and what it called unwarranted action by authorities. "Reputational deterioration, the media campaign, the financial consequences and irregular actions by some Panamanian authorities have caused irreparable damage, resulting in the total ceasing of public operations at the end of this month," Mossack Fonseca said in a statement. But it added a smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups. Last August, co-founder Jurgen Mossack acknowledged the firm had closed most of its offices abroad after its damaged credibility caused business to flounder. April 3, 2016 marked the beginning of the "Panama Papers" scandal -- a leak of 11.5 million files from Mossack Fonseca's digital archive that revealed how wealthy and influential figures across the world had created offshore businesses to safeguard assets. The information was obtained by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, who shared it with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. It was released as a searchable database, with revelations continuing to be unearthed to this day. Icelandic prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was forced to resign after it was revealed his family had offshore accounts -- while former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified for life from office after being implicated in the documents. Other figures implicated included former British premier David Cameron, football star Lionel Messi, Argentina's President Mauricio Macri, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, to name but a few. At least 150 investigations were opened in 79 countries to examine possible tax evasion and money laundering, according to the US-based Center for Public Integrity.

'Panama Papers' law firm shuts down operations

A British tribunal will rule on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for classified UK Cabinet Office files that are believed to hold information on Britain&#39;s involvement in Operation Blue Star in 1984.

A three-day hearing of the First Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) will open in London on Tuesday to determine if the UK&#39;s Information Commissioner was right to uphold a Cabinet Office decision not to allow the files being made public.

The appeal is being handled by KRW Law on behalf of freelance journalist Phil Miller, who has been investigating the exact nature of the then Margaret Thatcher led government&#39;s assistance to the Indian Army operation on Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The FOI request should be granted because there is overwhelming public interest in understanding the extent of UK involvement in the tragic events of 1984. Disclosing documents from three decades ago will not harm diplomatic relations, politicians in the UK and India have embraced right to information laws and recognise the importance of public access to national archives,&nbsp;Miller said. 
 
In 2014, UK government documents declassified under the 30-year rule to make such material public had revealed that British military advice was given to Indian forces prior to Operation Blue Star.

The then British Prime Minister, David Cameron, had ordered a review into this discovery, which led to a statement in Parliament declaring that Britain&#39;s role had been purely advisory&nbsp;and the Special Air Service (SAS) advice had limited impact.

But Miller, the author of Sacrificing Sikhs: The need for an investigation&nbsp;report released last year, says many documents from the incident remain classified and only full transparency would reveal the exact nature of Britain&#39;s involvement.

A public inquiry would allow us to understand how much Margaret Thatcher&#39;s decision to send a military adviser to Amritsar in 1984 was motivated by trade and arms deals worth billions of pounds. It would also establish whether the

UK military advice was really a one-off or whether in fact, it continued throughout the period, even after the tragic events of June 1984,&nbsp;he said.

The tribunal next week will hear evidence from senior civil servants from the UK?s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and assess evidence in closed session in addition to hearing arguments from all sides to determine whether the documents can be declassified.

The UK Cabinet Office has declined to release the files on the grounds of national security and safeguarding international relations with India.

The UK&#39;s Information Commissioner, who has referred the case in August 2015, supported the Cabinet Office position. An appeal over that decision was lodged in September 2016 and was to be heard in April last year but was delayed and will now begin on March 6.

The Opposition Labour party has backed some British Sikh groups in their call for an independent public inquiry into Britain&#39;s links with the then Indira Gandhi led government in the lead up to the Indian para-military operation on the Sikh holy shrine in June 1984.

Last year, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May, calling for an independent inquiry and his party has since included the issue as an election pledge in its manifesto for the June 2017 General Election.

There has been a massive cover-up and Parliament and the public have been disturbingly misled. An independent public inquiry to get to the truth is the only way forward,? said Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), which has been campaigning for an inquiry.

It is supported by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Sikhs, chaired by Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill.

A three-day hearing of the First Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) will open in London on Tuesday

A British tribunal will rule on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for classified UK Cabinet Office files that are believed to hold information on Britain's involvement in Operation Blue Star in 1984. A three-day hearing of the First Tier Tribunal (Information Rights) will open in London on Tuesday to determine if the UK's Information Commissioner was right to uphold a Cabinet Office decision not to allow the files being made public. The appeal is being handled by KRW Law on behalf of freelance journalist Phil Miller, who has been investigating the exact nature of the then Margaret Thatcher led government's assistance to the Indian Army operation on Golden Temple in Amritsar. The FOI request should be granted because there is overwhelming public interest in understanding the extent of UK involvement in the tragic events of 1984. Disclosing documents from three decades ago will not harm diplomatic relations, politicians in the UK and India have embraced right to information laws and recognise the importance of public access to national archives, Miller said. In 2014, UK government documents declassified under the 30-year rule to make such material public had revealed that British military advice was given to Indian forces prior to Operation Blue Star. The then British Prime Minister, David Cameron, had ordered a review into this discovery, which led to a statement in Parliament declaring that Britain's role had been purely advisory and the Special Air Service (SAS) advice had limited impact. But Miller, the author of Sacrificing Sikhs: The need for an investigation report released last year, says many documents from the incident remain classified and only full transparency would reveal the exact nature of Britain's involvement. A public inquiry would allow us to understand how much Margaret Thatcher's decision to send a military adviser to Amritsar in 1984 was motivated by trade and arms deals worth billions of pounds. It would also establish whether the UK military advice was really a one-off or whether in fact, it continued throughout the period, even after the tragic events of June 1984, he said. The tribunal next week will hear evidence from senior civil servants from the UK?s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and assess evidence in closed session in addition to hearing arguments from all sides to determine whether the documents can be declassified. The UK Cabinet Office has declined to release the files on the grounds of national security and safeguarding international relations with India. The UK's Information Commissioner, who has referred the case in August 2015, supported the Cabinet Office position. An appeal over that decision was lodged in September 2016 and was to be heard in April last year but was delayed and will now begin on March 6. The Opposition Labour party has backed some British Sikh groups in their call for an independent public inquiry into Britain's links with the then Indira Gandhi led government in the lead up to the Indian para-military operation on the Sikh holy shrine in June 1984. Last year, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May, calling for an independent inquiry and his party has since included the issue as an election pledge in its manifesto for the June 2017 General Election. There has been a massive cover-up and Parliament and the public have been disturbingly misled. An independent public inquiry to get to the truth is the only way forward,? said Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation (UK), which has been campaigning for an inquiry. It is supported by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Sikhs, chaired by Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill.

United Kingdom tribunal to rule on secret Operation Blue Star files

A UK-based Sikh campaign group today said it has launched an appeal to make public the secret files believed to hold details of Britain&#39;s alleged involvement in the 1984 Operation Blue Star that killed hundreds of people.

Sikh Federation UK&#39;s appeal with the UK&#39;s Information Tribunal will be heard in the New Year.

It centres around four files &quot;withheld&quot; during an official UK government inquiry ordered by former prime minister David Cameron into Britain&#39;s alleged involvement in the military action on Golden Temple in 1984.

&quot;The first tier tribunal will consider this case in the New Year and it would be inappropriate to comment any further,&quot; a UK Cabinet Office spokesperson said. 
The files include one titled &quot;UK/Indian relations: situation in Punjab; activities of Sikh extremists; proposed visit to UK by Rajiv Gandhi in June 1985&quot;.

The other documents include a Joint Intelligence Committee file on India; one with details of then British PM Margaret Thatcher&#39;s meetings with a close adviser of Indira Gandhi; and other papers under &quot;India: Political&quot; related to events around Mrs Gandhi&#39;s assassination in October 1984.

Sikh Federation UK, which believes the closed files will shed more light on the extent of Britain&#39;s alleged involvement in the military operation in Amritsar, had earlier complained to the UK&#39;s Information Commissioner to make these documents public but it was decided to keep the files closed as they were &quot;too sensitive&quot;.

The group has now issued an appeal against this decision on the grounds that the Commissioner did not take into account the &quot;thousands of civilian casualties during the Amritsar massacre as a public interest factor in favour of disclosing the information&quot;.

It claims the decision to keep the documents secret is &quot;political&quot; rather than security related and that the &quot;public has a right to know what happened 30 years ago&quot;. 
Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of Sikh Federation UK, said in a statement: &quot;This shows the lengths we are having to go to try and get to the truth and why we believe an

independent public inquiry is necessary to get to the information the UK government will continue to withhold.

&quot;We will take legal and other steps in 2017 to get to the truth of UK involvement and the ongoing conspiracy against Sikhs. Working with like-minded Sikhs in Punjab we will expose the role of Akali leaders, the Congress and BJP in the attempted genocide of the Sikhs to simply hold on to power.&quot;

In 2014, Cameron had ordered the Heywood Review into the exact nature of British involvement in the operation at Golden Temple in June 1984 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans?for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine.

The report concluded that the nature of the UK&#39;s assistance was &quot;purely advisory&quot; and provided to the Indian government at an early stage of planning.

(PTI)

The files were "withheld" during an official UK government inquiry ordered by former prime minister David Cameron

A UK-based Sikh campaign group today said it has launched an appeal to make public the secret files believed to hold details of Britain's alleged involvement in the 1984 Operation Blue Star that killed hundreds of people. Sikh Federation UK's appeal with the UK's Information Tribunal will be heard in the New Year. It centres around four files "withheld" during an official UK government inquiry ordered by former prime minister David Cameron into Britain's alleged involvement in the military action on Golden Temple in 1984. "The first tier tribunal will consider this case in the New Year and it would be inappropriate to comment any further," a UK Cabinet Office spokesperson said. The files include one titled "UK/Indian relations: situation in Punjab; activities of Sikh extremists; proposed visit to UK by Rajiv Gandhi in June 1985". The other documents include a Joint Intelligence Committee file on India; one with details of then British PM Margaret Thatcher's meetings with a close adviser of Indira Gandhi; and other papers under "India: Political" related to events around Mrs Gandhi's assassination in October 1984. Sikh Federation UK, which believes the closed files will shed more light on the extent of Britain's alleged involvement in the military operation in Amritsar, had earlier complained to the UK's Information Commissioner to make these documents public but it was decided to keep the files closed as they were "too sensitive". The group has now issued an appeal against this decision on the grounds that the Commissioner did not take into account the "thousands of civilian casualties during the Amritsar massacre as a public interest factor in favour of disclosing the information". It claims the decision to keep the documents secret is "political" rather than security related and that the "public has a right to know what happened 30 years ago". Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of Sikh Federation UK, said in a statement: "This shows the lengths we are having to go to try and get to the truth and why we believe an independent public inquiry is necessary to get to the information the UK government will continue to withhold. "We will take legal and other steps in 2017 to get to the truth of UK involvement and the ongoing conspiracy against Sikhs. Working with like-minded Sikhs in Punjab we will expose the role of Akali leaders, the Congress and BJP in the attempted genocide of the Sikhs to simply hold on to power." In 2014, Cameron had ordered the Heywood Review into the exact nature of British involvement in the operation at Golden Temple in June 1984 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans?for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine. The report concluded that the nature of the UK's assistance was "purely advisory" and provided to the Indian government at an early stage of planning. (PTI)

Sikh group to UK tribunal: Release Operation Blue Star files

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

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

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

Former British PM David Cameron steps down from parliament

David Cameron entertained parliament with a series of farewell quips on Wednesday in his last appearance as prime minister before making way for Theresa May to lead the monumental task of extricating Britain from the European Union. 
 
&quot;This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. Other than one meeting this afternoon with Her Majesty the Queen, the diary for the rest of my day is remarkably light,&quot; Cameron said to roars of laughter in a packed House of Commons. 
 
He was due to present his resignation to the queen at Buckingham Palace at around 1600 GMT. Then May will pay her own visit to the monarch to be formally entrusted with the job, before entering 10 Downing Street to become Britain&#39;s second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher. 
 
Cameron stepped down after Britons rejected his entreaties and voted in a June 23 referendum to quit the EU, weakening the 28-nation bloc and creating huge economic uncertainty because of the likely damage to trade and investment. 
 
Apart from the task of executing &#39;Brexit&#39;, May must try to unite a divided party and a nation in which many, on the evidence of the vote, feel angry with the political elite and left behind by the forces of globalisation. 
 
Despite the serious backdrop, there was an atmosphere of hilarity in parliament as Cameron traded humorous jabs with beleaguered opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m beginning to admire his tenacity. He is reminding me of the black knight in Monty Python&#39;s Holy Grail. He&#39;s been kicked so many times but he says &#39;Keep going, it&#39;s only a flesh wound&#39;. I admire that,&quot; said Cameron, who departed to a standing ovation from his own and some Labour members of parliament. 
 
He took the opportunity to trumpet his government&#39;s achievements in generating one of the fastest growth rates among western economies, chopping the budget deficit, creating 2.5 million jobs and legalising gay marriage. 
 
Yet his legacy will be overshadowed by his failed referendum gamble, which he had hoped would keep Britain at the heart of a reformed EU. 
 
&#39;Our Angela Merkel&#39; 
 
May, who has been interior minister for six years, is seen by her supporters as a safe pair of hands to steer the country through the disruptive Brexit process. 
 
&quot;I think around the cabinet table yesterday the feeling was that we have our Angela Merkel,&quot; said Jeremy Hunt, health secretary in Cameron&#39;s team which met for the last time on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;We have an incredibly tough, shrewd, determined and principled person to lead those (Brexit) negotiations for Britain,&quot; Hunt told Sky News television. 
 
German Chancellor Merkel will be May&#39;s most important counterpart on the continent as the Brexit process unfolds. Both women are renowned for their firmness, pragmatism and discipline. 
 
The new British leader is expected to immediately start putting together a new cabinet, a complex political balancing act in which she will try to satisfy opposing camps in her party. 
 
Before the referendum, May had campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU, albeit in a low-key fashion. Since the vote, she has repeatedly said that &quot;Brexit means Brexit&quot; and her backers say she is determined to make the exit a success. 
 
&quot;Of course Theresa is going to want to make sure she&#39;s got a balanced ticket that represents the views of different parts of the party,&quot; cabinet minister Chris Grayling, who campaigned for Brexit and managed May&#39;s leadership campaign, told BBC radio. 
 
May has said she plans to set up a new government department to lead the process of quitting the EU which would be headed by someone who had campaigned for Brexit. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s very sensible. It will ensure confidence among those in the party who did campaign to leave that they have a champion who believes in what they campaigned for,&quot; Grayling said. 
 
Financial markets, which had been extremely volatile since the referendum, reacted positively to news on Monday that May would become prime minister earlier than expected, with sterling making strong gains against the dollar and the euro. 
 
The UK currency, which sank to a 31-year low against the dollar a week ago, rebounded further on Wednesday as the political uncertainty that has dogged it since the referendum eased. 
 
Stock markets traded within sight of their highest levels of the year as the prospect of stimulative economic policy across the developed world eased immediate concerns over the impact of the Brexit vote. 
 
&#39;Reluctant to shift&#39; 
 
Despite pressure from other EU capitals to quickly start negotiating the terms of Britain&#39;s exit, May has said she would not be rushed into it. 
 
She is unlikely to trigger Article 50 of the EU&#39;s Lisbon Treaty - which will formally launch the process of separation and start the clock ticking on a two-year countdown to Britain&#39;s actual departure - until next year. 
 
She is expected to promote women ministers to several senior roles, and Cameron&#39;s long-serving finance minister George Osborne could lose his job, according to media reports. 
 
Vince Cable, an opposition Liberal Democrat politician who was the minister for business in a coalition government led by the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015, praised May&#39;s determination but said she may face challenges in the role of prime minister, which has a much wider remit than her home affairs portfolio. 
 
&quot;There is a streak that we all saw which was to be really quite narrow in focus and reluctant to shift even when the facts seemed to be changing, and if that&#39;s what happens when she&#39;s prime minister we could find ourselves in difficulties,&quot; Cable told BBC television. 
 
May could face more trouble from dissenting Conservatives than from the Labour Party, which is in meltdown. 
 
After months of simmering discontent among Labour lawmakers with party leader Corbyn, the conflict exploded into the open after the referendum when the vast majority of the lawmakers rejected his leadership, accusing him of failing to campaign vigorously enough for a Remain vote. 
 
Corbyn has clung to his job, citing support from the party grassroots members, and the 116-year-old party is now locked in a bitter power tussle that risks destroying it. 
 
Former minister Angela Eagle launched a leadership bid against him on Monday, and on Wednesday fellow Labour lawmaker Owen Smith also threw his hat in the ring. 
 
(Reuters)

'Other than one meeting this afternoon with Her Majesty the Queen, the diary for the rest of my day is remarkably light,' he quipped

David Cameron entertained parliament with a series of farewell quips on Wednesday in his last appearance as prime minister before making way for Theresa May to lead the monumental task of extricating Britain from the European Union. "This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. Other than one meeting this afternoon with Her Majesty the Queen, the diary for the rest of my day is remarkably light," Cameron said to roars of laughter in a packed House of Commons. He was due to present his resignation to the queen at Buckingham Palace at around 1600 GMT. Then May will pay her own visit to the monarch to be formally entrusted with the job, before entering 10 Downing Street to become Britain's second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher. Cameron stepped down after Britons rejected his entreaties and voted in a June 23 referendum to quit the EU, weakening the 28-nation bloc and creating huge economic uncertainty because of the likely damage to trade and investment. Apart from the task of executing 'Brexit', May must try to unite a divided party and a nation in which many, on the evidence of the vote, feel angry with the political elite and left behind by the forces of globalisation. Despite the serious backdrop, there was an atmosphere of hilarity in parliament as Cameron traded humorous jabs with beleaguered opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. "I'm beginning to admire his tenacity. He is reminding me of the black knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail. He's been kicked so many times but he says 'Keep going, it's only a flesh wound'. I admire that," said Cameron, who departed to a standing ovation from his own and some Labour members of parliament. He took the opportunity to trumpet his government's achievements in generating one of the fastest growth rates among western economies, chopping the budget deficit, creating 2.5 million jobs and legalising gay marriage. Yet his legacy will be overshadowed by his failed referendum gamble, which he had hoped would keep Britain at the heart of a reformed EU. 'Our Angela Merkel' May, who has been interior minister for six years, is seen by her supporters as a safe pair of hands to steer the country through the disruptive Brexit process. "I think around the cabinet table yesterday the feeling was that we have our Angela Merkel," said Jeremy Hunt, health secretary in Cameron's team which met for the last time on Tuesday. "We have an incredibly tough, shrewd, determined and principled person to lead those (Brexit) negotiations for Britain," Hunt told Sky News television. German Chancellor Merkel will be May's most important counterpart on the continent as the Brexit process unfolds. Both women are renowned for their firmness, pragmatism and discipline. The new British leader is expected to immediately start putting together a new cabinet, a complex political balancing act in which she will try to satisfy opposing camps in her party. Before the referendum, May had campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU, albeit in a low-key fashion. Since the vote, she has repeatedly said that "Brexit means Brexit" and her backers say she is determined to make the exit a success. "Of course Theresa is going to want to make sure she's got a balanced ticket that represents the views of different parts of the party," cabinet minister Chris Grayling, who campaigned for Brexit and managed May's leadership campaign, told BBC radio. May has said she plans to set up a new government department to lead the process of quitting the EU which would be headed by someone who had campaigned for Brexit. "That's very sensible. It will ensure confidence among those in the party who did campaign to leave that they have a champion who believes in what they campaigned for," Grayling said. Financial markets, which had been extremely volatile since the referendum, reacted positively to news on Monday that May would become prime minister earlier than expected, with sterling making strong gains against the dollar and the euro. The UK currency, which sank to a 31-year low against the dollar a week ago, rebounded further on Wednesday as the political uncertainty that has dogged it since the referendum eased. Stock markets traded within sight of their highest levels of the year as the prospect of stimulative economic policy across the developed world eased immediate concerns over the impact of the Brexit vote. 'Reluctant to shift' Despite pressure from other EU capitals to quickly start negotiating the terms of Britain's exit, May has said she would not be rushed into it. She is unlikely to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty - which will formally launch the process of separation and start the clock ticking on a two-year countdown to Britain's actual departure - until next year. She is expected to promote women ministers to several senior roles, and Cameron's long-serving finance minister George Osborne could lose his job, according to media reports. Vince Cable, an opposition Liberal Democrat politician who was the minister for business in a coalition government led by the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015, praised May's determination but said she may face challenges in the role of prime minister, which has a much wider remit than her home affairs portfolio. "There is a streak that we all saw which was to be really quite narrow in focus and reluctant to shift even when the facts seemed to be changing, and if that's what happens when she's prime minister we could find ourselves in difficulties," Cable told BBC television. May could face more trouble from dissenting Conservatives than from the Labour Party, which is in meltdown. After months of simmering discontent among Labour lawmakers with party leader Corbyn, the conflict exploded into the open after the referendum when the vast majority of the lawmakers rejected his leadership, accusing him of failing to campaign vigorously enough for a Remain vote. Corbyn has clung to his job, citing support from the party grassroots members, and the 116-year-old party is now locked in a bitter power tussle that risks destroying it. Former minister Angela Eagle launched a leadership bid against him on Monday, and on Wednesday fellow Labour lawmaker Owen Smith also threw his hat in the ring. (Reuters)

Cameron exits with a joke, a number of them

David Cameron chairs his final cabinet meeting today after six years as Britain`s Prime Minister, with incoming premier Theresa May preparing to form a new government to deliver Brexit.&nbsp; 
 
Cameron&#39;s last full day as the premier came sooner than expected after dramatic twists in the race to replace him led to his swift exit from power less than three weeks after the nation&#39;s seismic vote to quit the European Union (EU). 
 
Home Secretary May, the interior minister, was declared the new leader of the governing centre-right Conservative Party on Monday after junior energy minister Andrea Leadsom, her only remaining challenger for the post, withdrew from the contest. 
 
Next on agenda: Breaking ties with EU&nbsp; 
 
Cameron announced he would step down after leading the failed campaign for Britain to remain in the EU in the June 23 referendum. 
 
May will immediately face questions on when she plans to trigger Article 50 -- the formal procedure for withdrawal from the EU -- which would set a two-year deadline for completing exit negotiations. 
 
While May supported Britain staying in the bloc, she cut a low profile during the referendum campaign and insists she will honour the popular vote, stressing on Monday: &quot;Brexit means Brexit&quot;. 
 
May also noted the need &quot;to negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU&quot; in brief comments outside parliament. 
 
EU leaders have kept up the pressure on Britain, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying late Monday, &quot;The United Kingdom will need to quickly clarify how it wants its ties with the European Union to be in future.&quot; 
 
Cameron was to face MPs in parliament for a final time tomorrow in the weekly Prime Minister&#39;s questions session, before meeting Queen Elizabeth II to tender his resignation to the head of state. 
 
The monarch will call for May, the new leader of the majority party in parliament, to form a fresh government. 
 
May set to become Britain&#39;s &nbsp;second female PM 
 
May will become Britain&#39;s second female Prime Minister after 1980s Conservative titan Margaret Thatcher. 
 
The 59-year-old will have to keep Leave-supporting Conservative heavyweights onside if she is to heal the splits in the party caused by the referendum.The futures of leading pro-Brexit figureheads such as Leadsom, Justice Secretary Michael Gove and former London mayor Boris Johnson hang in the balance. 
 
May will also have to decide whether to keep top figures such as finance minister George Osborne and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in place. 
 
Corbyn faces leadership challenge 
 
Meanwhile, Tuesday was set to be a key date in the history of the main opposition Labour Party, whose embattled leader Jeremy Corbyn -- hugely popular with the party membership -- is facing a leadership challenge after losing the confidence of three quarters of Labour MPs. 
 
The party`s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) was to decide whether Corbyn would require nominations to stand in the contest after the party`s former business spokeswoman Angela Eagle announced her leadership challenge on Monday. 
 
The left-of-centre party&#39;s rulebook is ambiguous on what is required of a sitting leader if challenged. 
 
Corbyn is adamant his name should automatically be on the ballot: he would struggle to get the support of 20 percent of Labour MPs and members of the European Parliament required by Eagle. 
 
Lawyers for Jim Kennedy, a trade union member of the NEC, have written a letter to party general secretary Iain McNicol threatening legal action. 
 
&quot;We put you on the clearest notice that we will be instructed to apply to the High Court for immediate injunctive relief should Jeremy Corbyn`s name not go forward automatically to the ballot,&quot; it said. 
 
Corbyn lost confidence after his perceived half-hearted, lacklustre campaigning for Labour`s position of supporting the EU referendum Remain campaign. 
 
With so many Labour MPs in opposition to their leader, there is a risk of the party splitting if Corbyn makes it on the ballot and secures a repeat of September`s landslide victory. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

David Cameron's last full day as British Prime Minister came sooner than expected after dramatic twists in the race to replace him

David Cameron chairs his final cabinet meeting today after six years as Britain`s Prime Minister, with incoming premier Theresa May preparing to form a new government to deliver Brexit. Cameron's last full day as the premier came sooner than expected after dramatic twists in the race to replace him led to his swift exit from power less than three weeks after the nation's seismic vote to quit the European Union (EU). Home Secretary May, the interior minister, was declared the new leader of the governing centre-right Conservative Party on Monday after junior energy minister Andrea Leadsom, her only remaining challenger for the post, withdrew from the contest. Next on agenda: Breaking ties with EU Cameron announced he would step down after leading the failed campaign for Britain to remain in the EU in the June 23 referendum. May will immediately face questions on when she plans to trigger Article 50 -- the formal procedure for withdrawal from the EU -- which would set a two-year deadline for completing exit negotiations. While May supported Britain staying in the bloc, she cut a low profile during the referendum campaign and insists she will honour the popular vote, stressing on Monday: "Brexit means Brexit". May also noted the need "to negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU" in brief comments outside parliament. EU leaders have kept up the pressure on Britain, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying late Monday, "The United Kingdom will need to quickly clarify how it wants its ties with the European Union to be in future." Cameron was to face MPs in parliament for a final time tomorrow in the weekly Prime Minister's questions session, before meeting Queen Elizabeth II to tender his resignation to the head of state. The monarch will call for May, the new leader of the majority party in parliament, to form a fresh government. May set to become Britain's second female PM May will become Britain's second female Prime Minister after 1980s Conservative titan Margaret Thatcher. The 59-year-old will have to keep Leave-supporting Conservative heavyweights onside if she is to heal the splits in the party caused by the referendum.The futures of leading pro-Brexit figureheads such as Leadsom, Justice Secretary Michael Gove and former London mayor Boris Johnson hang in the balance. May will also have to decide whether to keep top figures such as finance minister George Osborne and Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in place. Corbyn faces leadership challenge Meanwhile, Tuesday was set to be a key date in the history of the main opposition Labour Party, whose embattled leader Jeremy Corbyn -- hugely popular with the party membership -- is facing a leadership challenge after losing the confidence of three quarters of Labour MPs. The party`s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) was to decide whether Corbyn would require nominations to stand in the contest after the party`s former business spokeswoman Angela Eagle announced her leadership challenge on Monday. The left-of-centre party's rulebook is ambiguous on what is required of a sitting leader if challenged. Corbyn is adamant his name should automatically be on the ballot: he would struggle to get the support of 20 percent of Labour MPs and members of the European Parliament required by Eagle. Lawyers for Jim Kennedy, a trade union member of the NEC, have written a letter to party general secretary Iain McNicol threatening legal action. "We put you on the clearest notice that we will be instructed to apply to the High Court for immediate injunctive relief should Jeremy Corbyn`s name not go forward automatically to the ballot," it said. Corbyn lost confidence after his perceived half-hearted, lacklustre campaigning for Labour`s position of supporting the EU referendum Remain campaign. With so many Labour MPs in opposition to their leader, there is a risk of the party splitting if Corbyn makes it on the ballot and secures a repeat of September`s landslide victory. (AFP)

Cameron holds last cabinet meet as May prepares to deliver Brexit

Britain&#39;s parliament is to debate a petition signed by more than 4 million members of the public calling for a second referendum on European Union membership, but will not take a decision on whether to re-run last month&#39;s vote. 
 
The event will take place on September 5 in parliament&#39;s second debating chamber, Westminster Hall. 
 
Since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the bloc, many people, including some lawmakers, have called for another referendum to be held. 
 
But Theresa May, who will take over from David Cameron as prime minister on Wednesday, has ruled out a second vote, saying &quot;Brexit means Brexit&quot;. 
 
Parliament&#39;s petitions committee said it had decided to put the issue forward for a debate due to the large number of signatures. It stressed it was not supporting the call for another referendum. 
 
The petition, which was posted online before the June 23 referendum, said the government should hold another referendum if the support for Leave or Remain was less than 60 per cent in a turnout of under 75 per cent of eligible voters. 
 
&quot;The debate will allow members of parliament to put forward a range of views on behalf of their constituents. At the end of the debate, a government minister will respond to the points raised,&quot; the committee said in a statement. 
 
It added: &quot;A debate in Westminster Hall does not have the power to change the law, and won&rsquo;t end with the House of Commons deciding whether or not to have a second referendum.&quot; 
 
The committee also pointed out that the petition called for the referendum rules to be changed, which it was now too late to do. 
 
Parliament is required to consider for debate all petitions that attract more than 100,000 signatures. 
 
(Reuters)

Parliament stressed it will not take a decision or support the call for another referendum. To-be PM Theresa May also ruled out second vote

Britain's parliament is to debate a petition signed by more than 4 million members of the public calling for a second referendum on European Union membership, but will not take a decision on whether to re-run last month's vote. The event will take place on September 5 in parliament's second debating chamber, Westminster Hall. Since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the bloc, many people, including some lawmakers, have called for another referendum to be held. But Theresa May, who will take over from David Cameron as prime minister on Wednesday, has ruled out a second vote, saying "Brexit means Brexit". Parliament's petitions committee said it had decided to put the issue forward for a debate due to the large number of signatures. It stressed it was not supporting the call for another referendum. The petition, which was posted online before the June 23 referendum, said the government should hold another referendum if the support for Leave or Remain was less than 60 per cent in a turnout of under 75 per cent of eligible voters. "The debate will allow members of parliament to put forward a range of views on behalf of their constituents. At the end of the debate, a government minister will respond to the points raised," the committee said in a statement. It added: "A debate in Westminster Hall does not have the power to change the law, and won’t end with the House of Commons deciding whether or not to have a second referendum." The committee also pointed out that the petition called for the referendum rules to be changed, which it was now too late to do. Parliament is required to consider for debate all petitions that attract more than 100,000 signatures. (Reuters)

British parliament to debate petition calling for second EU referendum

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was in Britain&#39;s fundamental interest to remain very close to the European Union (EU) when it renegotiates a new relationship with the bloc it voted to leave in a referendum last month. 
 
Speaking to global aerospace executives at the Farnborough airshow today, Cameron said Britain must accept the reality of the vote and must make it work, including forging a new relationship with its European partners. 
 
&quot;The big strategic decisions are for the next prime minister but the groundwork is underway,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;All I would say about the outcome is this: I believe it is in our fundamental national and economic interest to remain very close to the European Union, for trade, for business, for security, for cooperation. So let that be our goal.&quot; 
 
Cameron announced his resignation the day after his campaign to remain in the EU was defeated in the referendum. 
 
He said Britain had already had a taste of the turbulence in global markets and in term of the value of the pound that he had warned would follow a leave victory. 
 
&quot;There will be other problems ahead but I want to be clear: we will deal with them from a position of strength, with a growing economy, a greatly reduced deficit, lower inflation and more jobs and businesses than ever before in our country,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Above all though, we must recognise we are in a new reality now, we must accept it and we must make it work.&quot; 
 
He said Britain needed to &quot;think big and think radically&quot; to ensure the best outcome in the new circumstances, including a much bigger push on trade and investment targeting fast-growing economies like India and China. 
 
(Reuters)

Britain needs to "think big and think radically" to ensure the best outcome in the new circumstances, insists PM David Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron said it was in Britain's fundamental interest to remain very close to the European Union (EU) when it renegotiates a new relationship with the bloc it voted to leave in a referendum last month. Speaking to global aerospace executives at the Farnborough airshow today, Cameron said Britain must accept the reality of the vote and must make it work, including forging a new relationship with its European partners. "The big strategic decisions are for the next prime minister but the groundwork is underway," he said. "All I would say about the outcome is this: I believe it is in our fundamental national and economic interest to remain very close to the European Union, for trade, for business, for security, for cooperation. So let that be our goal." Cameron announced his resignation the day after his campaign to remain in the EU was defeated in the referendum. He said Britain had already had a taste of the turbulence in global markets and in term of the value of the pound that he had warned would follow a leave victory. "There will be other problems ahead but I want to be clear: we will deal with them from a position of strength, with a growing economy, a greatly reduced deficit, lower inflation and more jobs and businesses than ever before in our country," he said. "Above all though, we must recognise we are in a new reality now, we must accept it and we must make it work." He said Britain needed to "think big and think radically" to ensure the best outcome in the new circumstances, including a much bigger push on trade and investment targeting fast-growing economies like India and China. (Reuters)

After divorce, Cameron says UK must stay close to EU

Britain&#39;s outgoing prime minister David Cameron said today&nbsp;he would hold a parliamentary vote on July 18 to decide on the renewal of Britain&#39;s nuclear deterrent, in an apparent move to underscore London&#39;s commitment to European security.

The replacement of Trident, which was backed in principle by parliament in 2007, has raised questions about national security as Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union fuels doubts about its future status on the world stage.

The Conservative government says the nuclear deterrent is vital to keep Britain safe in an increasingly hostile world, but some opposition figures say it is indefensible to spend billions on renewing the programme at a time of austerity cuts.

&quot;Today I can announce that we&#39;ll hold a parliamentary vote on July 18 to confirm members of parliaments&#39; support for the renewal of a full fleet of four nuclear submarines capable of providing around-the-clock cover,&quot; Cameron told a news conference at the NATO summit in Warsaw.

&quot;The nuclear deterrent remains essential in my view, not just to Britain&#39;s security, but as our allies have acknowledged here today, to the overall security of the NATO alliance.&quot;

The government has indicated the price tag for replacing the fleet has risen since 2007 but has not given a full cost over its expected 30-year life. Calculations by Reuters and a Conservative lawmaker suggest it could reach 167 billion pounds.

Cameron, who resigned after last month&#39;s EU referendum and is due to be replaced as prime minister by early September, said replacement of the ageing fleet of four submarines carrying nuclear weapons needed to be put &quot;beyond doubt&quot;. 
 
(Reuters)

Some opposition figures, in contradiction to the Conservatives, say it's indefensible to spend billions at a time of austerity cuts

Britain's outgoing prime minister David Cameron said today he would hold a parliamentary vote on July 18 to decide on the renewal of Britain's nuclear deterrent, in an apparent move to underscore London's commitment to European security. The replacement of Trident, which was backed in principle by parliament in 2007, has raised questions about national security as Britain's vote to leave the European Union fuels doubts about its future status on the world stage. The Conservative government says the nuclear deterrent is vital to keep Britain safe in an increasingly hostile world, but some opposition figures say it is indefensible to spend billions on renewing the programme at a time of austerity cuts. "Today I can announce that we'll hold a parliamentary vote on July 18 to confirm members of parliaments' support for the renewal of a full fleet of four nuclear submarines capable of providing around-the-clock cover," Cameron told a news conference at the NATO summit in Warsaw. "The nuclear deterrent remains essential in my view, not just to Britain's security, but as our allies have acknowledged here today, to the overall security of the NATO alliance." The government has indicated the price tag for replacing the fleet has risen since 2007 but has not given a full cost over its expected 30-year life. Calculations by Reuters and a Conservative lawmaker suggest it could reach 167 billion pounds. Cameron, who resigned after last month's EU referendum and is due to be replaced as prime minister by early September, said replacement of the ageing fleet of four submarines carrying nuclear weapons needed to be put "beyond doubt". (Reuters)

Britain's Cameron sets nuclear deterrent vote for July 18

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