A bodyguard to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been "removed from operational duties" after leaving his gun on a plane back from the United States, reports and police said Saturday.

The Sun newspaper said the loaded, semi-automatic pistol was found in its holster on a seat by a cleaner after the plane landed at London's Heathrow Airport early on Friday morning.

Raab was in Washington this week for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on Friday, September 18, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously.

"The officer involved has since been removed from operational duties whilst an internal investigation into the circumstances is taking place."

There was no immediate response from the foreign ministry.

A bodyguard to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been "removed from operational duties" after leaving his gun on a plane back from the United States, reports and police said Saturday.

A bodyguard to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been "removed from operational duties" after leaving his gun on a plane back from the United States, reports and police said Saturday. The Sun newspaper said the loaded, semi-automatic pistol was found in its holster on a seat by a cleaner after the plane landed at London's Heathrow Airport early on Friday morning. Raab was in Washington this week for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of the incident on a flight into the UK on Friday, September 18, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously. "The officer involved has since been removed from operational duties whilst an internal investigation into the circumstances is taking place." There was no immediate response from the foreign ministry.

Bodyguard to UK foreign minister 'left gun on plane'

Residents in these areas should not socialise with people outside their households from midnight on Thursday. This includes meeting people indoors, outdoors, or in social venues such as restaurants, bars and pubs

COVID-19: UK announces lockdown in parts of North-east

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the&nbsp;war-torn country.

The news was announced by&nbsp;British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do."

However, no further details are expected to be revealed as the issue invoces a minor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-starts-investigating-9-pakistani-terrorists-held-in-syria-323251">Also read:&nbsp;US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria</a>

As per reports by various charities and government groups, close to 60 British children are trapped in Syria. The UK has been actively trying to get these children, many of whom are orphans, back to their home country.

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Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1306122091461214208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The news was hugely welcomed in the country, especially after the recent criticism faced by the government for apparently&nbsp;efusing to help nationals including children to return home after they or their parents were accused of joining the Islamic State militant group.

&nbsp;Meanwhle, there has been no change in the existing policy of stripping off the citizenship of the locals who travel to Syria to support terrorist groups such as the IS.

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the war-torn country. The news was announced by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria.

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the war-torn country. The news was announced by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do." However, no further details are expected to be revealed as the issue invoces a minor. Also read: US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria As per reports by various charities and government groups, close to 60 British children are trapped in Syria. The UK has been actively trying to get these children, many of whom are orphans, back to their home country. Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do. — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) September 16, 2020 × The news was hugely welcomed in the country, especially after the recent criticism faced by the government for apparently efusing to help nationals including children to return home after they or their parents were accused of joining the Islamic State militant group. Meanwhle, there has been no change in the existing policy of stripping off the citizenship of the locals who travel to Syria to support terrorist groups such as the IS.

UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab planned to press Israel and the Palestinians to renew negotiations.

UK Foreign Secretary arrives to push for Israeli-Palestinian talks

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has rejected the report on Russia and ruled out a demand for an investigation. The statement comes hours after UK's intelligent security committee accused Russia of interference in the 2019 elections.

House of Commons see details of 'Russia Report': Rules out investigation into it

Speaking alongside Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Pompeo attacked the communist regime and said Boris Johnson's administration was right to cool off its relationship over a string of human rights abuses.

WION Fineprint: US secretary of state holds presser with Dominic Raab

A day after Britain's foreign secretary accused China of committing "gross human rights abuses" against Uighurs, China on Monday described them as "nothing but rumours and slander".&nbsp;

Earlier on Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was "clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on... it is deeply, deeply troubling," when he was asked about the situation of Uighurs, a Muslim minority community in China, on BBC. &nbsp;

However, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the accusations are "nothing but rumours and slander" in a press briefing on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-sue-researcher-over-report-on-forced-sterilisation-of-uighurs-312636">China may sue researcher over report on forced sterilisation of Uighurs</a>&nbsp;

"The Xinjiang issue is not about human rights, religions or ethnic groups at all, but about combating violence, terrorism and separatism."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-community-suffering-in-china-says-united-kingdoms-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-314441">Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab</a>

Raab also said reports of forced sterilisations and mass detentions in Xinjiang, a region in China where a large number of Uighurs live, require immediate addresal by the interational community.&nbsp;

The UK "cannot see behaviour like that and not call it out", he said.

Calling forced sterilisations as "complete nonsense", the Chinese spokesperson said the Uighur population had more than doubled in the last four decades.&nbsp;

Rights groups and experts have constantly spoken about the discriminition and injustices faced by Uighurs and accused Beijing of rounding up over a million people of this group in internment camps.

China argues that these facilities provide job-training and prevent Uighurs from taking extremism routes.&nbsp;

A day after Britain's foreign secretary accused China of committing "gross human rights abuses" against Uighurs, China on Monday described them as "nothing but rumours and slander".

A day after Britain's foreign secretary accused China of committing "gross human rights abuses" against Uighurs, China on Monday described them as "nothing but rumours and slander". Earlier on Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was "clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on... it is deeply, deeply troubling," when he was asked about the situation of Uighurs, a Muslim minority community in China, on BBC. However, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the accusations are "nothing but rumours and slander" in a press briefing on Monday. Also read | China may sue researcher over report on forced sterilisation of Uighurs "The Xinjiang issue is not about human rights, religions or ethnic groups at all, but about combating violence, terrorism and separatism." Also read | Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab Raab also said reports of forced sterilisations and mass detentions in Xinjiang, a region in China where a large number of Uighurs live, require immediate addresal by the interational community. The UK "cannot see behaviour like that and not call it out", he said. Calling forced sterilisations as "complete nonsense", the Chinese spokesperson said the Uighur population had more than doubled in the last four decades. Rights groups and experts have constantly spoken about the discriminition and injustices faced by Uighurs and accused Beijing of rounding up over a million people of this group in internment camps. China argues that these facilities provide job-training and prevent Uighurs from taking extremism routes.

'Nothing but rumours and slander': China to UK on Uighurs abuse

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China.

Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cluster-in-chinas-xinjiang-could-spread-in-uighur-concentration-camps-314114">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps</a>

"It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview.

However, Beijing's ambassador Britain&nbsp;Liu Xiaoming rubbished&nbsp;the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China.

He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights. Also read: Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps "It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview. However, Beijing's ambassador Britain Liu Xiaoming rubbished the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China. He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps.

The move against the two organisations, named as the Ministry of State Security Bureau 7 and Ministry of People's Security Correctional Bureau, is part of the first sanctions under Britain's new global human rights regime. Sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis were also announced.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-imposes-sanctions-against-saudis-russians-for-human-rights-violation-311204">UK imposes sanctions against Saudis, Russians for human rights violation</a>

"Britain's latest move is a flagrant political plot to jump on the bandwagon of the United States' inimical policy," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried on state media KCNA.

"We strongly condemn and reject the UK's daring to impose sanctions on the institutions responsible for our country's security as violent interference in domestic affairs."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-unveil-sanctions-against-human-rights-violators-311071">UK to unveil sanctions against human rights violators</a>

Earlier, Dominic Raab had&nbsp;unveiled long-awaited UK government sanctions against human rights abusers in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Myanmar and North Korea.

The measures, announced by the foreign secretary on Monday, include asset freezes and travel bans and represent the first time the UK will alone name and penalise individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses

North Korea and the United States have failed to find a compromise over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme or international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.

Recent North Korean statements, including one by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, have reiterated Pyongyang's objections to what it sees as hostile and self-serving policies of the United States.

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps.

North Korea denounced Britain on Saturday for announcing sanctions against two organisations that the British government has said are involved in forced labour, torture and murder in North Korean prison camps. The move against the two organisations, named as the Ministry of State Security Bureau 7 and Ministry of People's Security Correctional Bureau, is part of the first sanctions under Britain's new global human rights regime. Sanctions on 25 Russians and 20 Saudis were also announced. Also read: UK imposes sanctions against Saudis, Russians for human rights violation "Britain's latest move is a flagrant political plot to jump on the bandwagon of the United States' inimical policy," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried on state media KCNA. "We strongly condemn and reject the UK's daring to impose sanctions on the institutions responsible for our country's security as violent interference in domestic affairs." Also read: UK to unveil sanctions against human rights violators Earlier, Dominic Raab had unveiled long-awaited UK government sanctions against human rights abusers in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Myanmar and North Korea. The measures, announced by the foreign secretary on Monday, include asset freezes and travel bans and represent the first time the UK will alone name and penalise individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses North Korea and the United States have failed to find a compromise over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme or international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang. Recent North Korean statements, including one by Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, have reiterated Pyongyang's objections to what it sees as hostile and self-serving policies of the United States.

North Korea denounces UK for sanctions against human rights abusers

The much heralded first unilateral human rights sanctions by Britain focused on Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and North Korea but where is China? Watch this report.

London has imposed sanctions on 49 individuals, organisations but no mention of China?

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

"This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview.

"It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-not-doom-and-gloom-city-leader-says-311269" hreflang="en">Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says</a>

Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment.

"The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;criticised the security law.

On&nbsp;Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessessing-user-data-311243" hreflang="en">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessessing user data</a>

Britain&nbsp;has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship.

Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests.

The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong. "This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview. "It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?" Also read: Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused Britain of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment. "The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since Britain criticised the security law. On Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs." Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessessing user data Britain has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship. Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests. The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

Britain rejects China's criticism of 'gross interference' over Hong Kong

United Kingdom's&nbsp;Foreign secretary Dominic Raab is being ridiculed&nbsp;for saying he would not ‘'take the knee'’ in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, describing it as a ''symbol of subjugation and subordination'' that&nbsp;originated from the TV show Game of Thrones.

Raab admitted he did not know the broader history of the gesture, which has been used at demonstrations around the world to express solidarity in the fight against racial inequality.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/footballers-and-teams-take-a-knee-during-the-match-support-anti-racism-campaign-306774">Footballers and teams take a knee during the match support anti-racism campaign!</a>

He said he understood why some people took the knee, but said he would only do so ''for the Queen and my&nbsp;wife&nbsp;when I asked her to marry me”.

The pose, used in the past by Martin Luther King for prayer, was adopted as a secular protest against racism in 2016 and has spread widely since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month as a way of showing support for Black Lives Matter movement and respect for those killed.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

He has been ridiculed for incorrectly claiming it derived from hit TV series Game of Thrones, with critics calling his comments ''insulting and embarrassing''. Speaking in an interview, Raab accepted other people ''feel differently''&nbsp;and insisted he understood the ‘frustration’ felt by oppressed communities.

<img alt="Raab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3af670e-0383-4dd0-8ba3-fa55fcf3aa39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PRC_154923918.jpg" /> 
Dominic Raab during the&nbsp;interview (left) and kneeling in the show Game of Thrones (right)

Raab later sought to clarify his remarks, tweeting:

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To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, that’s their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1273565184351756289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It comes after Premier League football players&nbsp;took a knee at kickoff&nbsp;in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Wednesday's games.

Taking a knee has come to be regarded as a symbolic act of opposing racism in recent years.

It originated in American football, when National Football League player Colin Kaepernick knelt while the US national anthem played to call attention to racial injustice.

In Game of Thrones, ''bending the knee''&nbsp;is a formal act of submission to a monarch or lord.

United Kingdom's Foreign secretary Dominic Raab is being ridiculed for saying he would not ‘'take the knee'’ in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, describing it as a ''symbol of subjugation and subordination'' that originated from the TV show Game of Thrones.

United Kingdom's Foreign secretary Dominic Raab is being ridiculed for saying he would not ‘'take the knee'’ in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, describing it as a ''symbol of subjugation and subordination'' that originated from the TV show Game of Thrones. Raab admitted he did not know the broader history of the gesture, which has been used at demonstrations around the world to express solidarity in the fight against racial inequality. Also see: Footballers and teams take a knee during the match support anti-racism campaign! He said he understood why some people took the knee, but said he would only do so ''for the Queen and my wife when I asked her to marry me”. The pose, used in the past by Martin Luther King for prayer, was adopted as a secular protest against racism in 2016 and has spread widely since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month as a way of showing support for Black Lives Matter movement and respect for those killed. Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest He has been ridiculed for incorrectly claiming it derived from hit TV series Game of Thrones, with critics calling his comments ''insulting and embarrassing''. Speaking in an interview, Raab accepted other people ''feel differently'' and insisted he understood the ‘frustration’ felt by oppressed communities. Dominic Raab during the interview (left) and kneeling in the show Game of Thrones (right) Raab later sought to clarify his remarks, tweeting: To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, that’s their choice and I respect it. We all need to come together to tackle any discrimination and social injustice. — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) June 18, 2020 × It comes after Premier League football players took a knee at kickoff in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Wednesday's games. Taking a knee has come to be regarded as a symbolic act of opposing racism in recent years. It originated in American football, when National Football League player Colin Kaepernick knelt while the US national anthem played to call attention to racial injustice. In Game of Thrones, ''bending the knee'' is a formal act of submission to a monarch or lord.

UK minister refuses to take 'the knee' as it is from Game of Thrones

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones.

Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones.

He also feels that the action is&nbsp;a symbol of subjugation and subordination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/black-lives-matter-english-premier-league-players-take-knee-in-solidarity-306656">Also read|&nbsp;Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity</a>

In Game of Thrones, the phrase "bending the knee" is used when someone pledges their support to a monarch or lord.

The statement came a day after Premier League players, in&nbsp;England, took a knee before kickoff in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement on Wednesday.

On a radio interview, when he was asked if he would take a knee to show support, he said he understood the restlessness and frustration behind the movement, and&nbsp;then added "I've got to say on this 'taking the knee' thing, which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history but it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones. It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation. But I understand people feel differently about it so it`s a matter of personal choice."

He further added, "I take the knee for two people, the queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me."

(With inputs from Reuters)

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones. Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones.

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones. Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones. He also feels that the action is a symbol of subjugation and subordination. Also read| Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity In Game of Thrones, the phrase "bending the knee" is used when someone pledges their support to a monarch or lord. The statement came a day after Premier League players, in England, took a knee before kickoff in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement on Wednesday. On a radio interview, when he was asked if he would take a knee to show support, he said he understood the restlessness and frustration behind the movement, and then added "I've got to say on this 'taking the knee' thing, which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history but it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones. It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation. But I understand people feel differently about it so it`s a matter of personal choice." He further added, "I take the knee for two people, the queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me." (With inputs from Reuters)

UK foreign minister thinks 'taking the knee' resembles Game of Thrones action

On March 3, Boris Johnson boasted about shaking hands with coronavirus patients. Three weeks later, he developed mild symptoms of the virus and went into self-isolation.

On March 3, Boris Johnson boasted about shaking hands with coronavirus patients. Three weeks later, he developed mild symptoms of the virus and went into self-isolation. The 55-year-old British prime minister is under critical care. The news couldn't have come at a worse time when Britain is struggling to contain the coronavirus. Hospitals across the island nation are overwhelmed. The National Health Services (NHS) is under intense pressure. The death toll has breached the 5,000 mark and the number of confirmed cases is ten times more with 52,000 and counting. The Britons are not alone in their struggle, several high-profile names in the government have contracted the deadly disease. There is a growing uncertainty about the future of British leadership, the questions are adding up. Who will lead the United Kingdom if team Johnson is incapacitated? Does the country have a 'Plan B'? Who is in charge of the nuclear codes? The British constitution with its contradictory precedents offers no formal succession scenario. There is no guidance for such circumstances in the cabinet manual either. But for now, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab has been tasked with running the country. Raab once ran against Boris Johnson to be the leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister in 2019. Dominic Raab is now the stand-by leader of a country which is an official nuclear-weapon state. The United Kingdom has four nuclear submarines and a stockpile of about 215 nuclear warheads. The British government has refused to comment on any national security issues because it hasn't dealt with such 'what if' questions in nearly half a century. June 1953: The last time Britain dealt with a similar situation was back in June 1953 when Winston Churchill had suffered a stroke while in office. Even senior ministers were unaware of his illness. Churchill surprised doctors and returned to 10 downing street in just two months. Now another British prime minister is fighting for his life and his illness is not a secret to anyone. Boris Johnson may have got his 'Churchill moment', but it may not be the one he meant it to be.

COVID-19 crisis: Has PM Johnson's illness put 'Great' Britain in jeopardy?

With Boris Johnson in intensive care, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, has been asked to step up “where necessary” and run the country during the biggest public health crisis in a generation.

UK Foreign Secretary to deputise for Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on March 26, is in intensive care in a London hospital after his condition worsened on Monday evening.

Coronavirus crisis worsens in UK

British foreign minister Dominic Raab advised British nationals on Tuesday to stop all non-essential travel globally for the next 30 days, the latest stringent measure taken by the government to try to stem a growing coronavirus outbreak.

"With immediate effect, I have taken the decision to advise British nationals against non-essential travel globally, for an initial period of 30 days and of course subject to ongoing review," Raab told parliament.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/british-airways-to-cut-jobs-over-coronavirus-ceo-286248">British Airways to cut jobs over coronavirus: CEO</a>

Referring to the growing number of border restrictions in other countries, Raab said Britons who decide they need to travel abroad should be aware of the increased risks of doing so, including the possibility of not being able to get home.

He added the Foreign Office was not yet advising Britons abroad to immediately return to Britain, except for those in a few countries, but he warned those who wanted to head home to keep in mind that flights could be cancelled at short notice or be stopped by travel restrictions.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-ban-mass-gatherings-from-next-week-to-curb-coronavirus-286354">UK to ban mass gatherings from next week to curb coronavirus</a>

Raab also said the government would work with the freight industry to ensure the flow of goods continued with as little disruption as possible.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab advised British nationals on Tuesday to stop all non-essential travel globally for the next 30 days, the latest stringent measure taken by the government to try to stem a growing coronavirus outbreak.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab advised British nationals on Tuesday to stop all non-essential travel globally for the next 30 days, the latest stringent measure taken by the government to try to stem a growing coronavirus outbreak. "With immediate effect, I have taken the decision to advise British nationals against non-essential travel globally, for an initial period of 30 days and of course subject to ongoing review," Raab told parliament. Also read: British Airways to cut jobs over coronavirus: CEO Referring to the growing number of border restrictions in other countries, Raab said Britons who decide they need to travel abroad should be aware of the increased risks of doing so, including the possibility of not being able to get home. He added the Foreign Office was not yet advising Britons abroad to immediately return to Britain, except for those in a few countries, but he warned those who wanted to head home to keep in mind that flights could be cancelled at short notice or be stopped by travel restrictions. Also see: UK to ban mass gatherings from next week to curb coronavirus Raab also said the government would work with the freight industry to ensure the flow of goods continued with as little disruption as possible.

Britons should stop all non-essential travel globally: Foreign minister

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack.

The Pentagon said the strikes were against the pro-Iranian Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction in response to the death of the three soldiers on the Taji airbase on Wednesday.

"The response to the cowardly attack on coalition forces in Iraq has been swift, decisive and proportionate," Raab said in a statement.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/east-syria-strike-kills-26-iraqi-fighters-monitor-285947"> East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor</a>

"We will continue working with our partners to ensure those responsible for these deplorable acts will be held to account.

"UK forces are in Iraq with coalition partners to help the country counter-terrorist activity and anyone seeking to harm them can expect a strong response."

The British soldier killed has been named by the defence ministry as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, a 26-year-old reservist.

A self-employed sports physiotherapist in civilian life, she had been working as a combat medical technician.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/syria-war-enters-10th-year-with-no-hope-in-sight-285777">Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight</a>

"She was larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience," her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Leek said in a statement.

"She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers.

"Her loss is keenly felt."

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Friday said US airstrikes in Iraq were a "proportionate" response to the deaths of two Americans and one Briton in a rocket attack. The Pentagon said the strikes were against the pro-Iranian Kataeb Hezbollah armed faction in response to the death of the three soldiers on the Taji airbase on Wednesday. "The response to the cowardly attack on coalition forces in Iraq has been swift, decisive and proportionate," Raab said in a statement. Also Read: East Syria strike kills 26 Iraqi fighters: Monitor "We will continue working with our partners to ensure those responsible for these deplorable acts will be held to account. "UK forces are in Iraq with coalition partners to help the country counter-terrorist activity and anyone seeking to harm them can expect a strong response." The British soldier killed has been named by the defence ministry as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, a 26-year-old reservist. A self-employed sports physiotherapist in civilian life, she had been working as a combat medical technician. Also Read: Syria war enters 10th year with no hope in sight "She was larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience," her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Leek said in a statement. "She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers. "Her loss is keenly felt."

UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;was&nbsp;briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;as a "flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law".

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the&nbsp;Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Rob Macaire</a> was&nbsp;arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tehran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tehran</a> has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning <a href="https://t.co/lWfPasQsIH">pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH</a>
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tasnimnews_EN/status/1216104698182356992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of our Ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;without grounds or explanation is a flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

"The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law".

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law". Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Earlier, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British envoy Rob Macaire was arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters. #British ambassador to #Tehran has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH — Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) January 11, 2020 × "The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

UK denounces brief arrest of envoy in Tehran as violation of law

Iranian protesters and newspapers&nbsp;piled&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-to-visit-iran-saudi-arabia-to-discuss-developments-in-middle-east-273726">Tehran</a> on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Ukrainian airliner</a>.

Riot police fired teargas at thousands of&nbsp;Iranians who had taken to the streets late on Saturday in the capital and other cities, many chanting "Death to the dictator", directing their anger at&nbsp;Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Ali Khamenei</a>.

Reports of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;were carried by state-affiliated news agencies, while video clips circulated on social media.

Tehran residents told reporters&nbsp;that police had stepped up their presence in the capital on Sunday morning.

Watch:&nbsp;Protesters condemn government over its initial denial of downing Ukrainian plane

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"Apologise and resign,"&nbsp;Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was for those responsible for mishandling the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crisis to quit.

All 176 people aboard the flight, many of them&nbsp;Iranians with dual citizenship, were killed.

Protests&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;after&nbsp;Saturday's&nbsp;admission&nbsp;that the military accidentally shot down the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Ukraine International Airlines</a>&nbsp;plane&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;after&nbsp;takeoff on Wednesday when&nbsp;Iranian forces were alert for US&nbsp;reprisals&nbsp;after&nbsp;tit-for-tat&nbsp;strikes.

For days,&nbsp;Iranian officials had vigorously denied it was to blame, even as Canada, which had 57 citizens on the flight, and the United States said their intelligence indicated an&nbsp;Iranian missile was to blame, albeit probably fired in error.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. 
 
My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences. <a href="https://t.co/4dkePxupzm">https://t.co/4dkePxupzm</a>
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) <a href="https://twitter.com/HassanRouhani/status/1215856679423823872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Iran's president said it was a "disastrous mistake" and apologised. But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger about the delayed&nbsp;admission when he said he had told the authorities a missile hit the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;the day it crashed.

Another moderate daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami, or the Islamic Republic, wrote in an editorial: "Those who delayed publishing the reason behind the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crash and damaged people's trust in the establishment should be dismissed or should resign."

Criticism of the authorities in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is not unusual, but it tends to stay in narrow boundaries.

The press attacks and&nbsp;protests&nbsp;add to challenges facing the establishment, which in November faced the country's bloodiest unrest since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

As Saturday's&nbsp;protests&nbsp;spread across&nbsp;Iran, including major cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh, US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Donald Trump</a> said on Twitter: "We are following your&nbsp;protests&nbsp;closely, and are inspired by your courage."

"There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," he said, posting his tweets in both Farsi and English.

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The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1216120362230067202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Britain said its ambassador in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;had been briefly detained on Saturday by the authorities in Tehran. A news agency said he was detained outside a university for inciting&nbsp;protests.

Condemning the arrest, British Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-denounces-brief-arrest-of-envoy-in-tehran-as-violation-of-law-273690">Dominic Raab</a> said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;"can continue its march towards pariah status&nbsp;or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards."

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Protests&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;followed a build-up of tension between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States, which withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and then re-imposed sanctions that have steadily crippled the&nbsp;Iranian economy.

On January&nbsp;3, a US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in Iraq killed prominent&nbsp;Iranian commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">Qasem Soleimani</a>, responsible for building up&nbsp;Iran's network of regional proxy armies in Iraq and beyond, and Tehran responded with missile&nbsp;strikes on US&nbsp;targets in Iraq.

No US&nbsp;soldiers were killed, but in the tense hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;that, the Ukrainian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Boeing 737</a> was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and then brought down by a missile fired in error by an operator who mistook the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;for an attacker.

<img alt="Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93f67be6-2401-4cdf-a0e8-7eef59ffee84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;must take full responsibility," Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ottawa-lowers-canadian-death-toll-in-iran-air-crash-to-57-273604">Justin Trudeau</a> said.

Trudeau said&nbsp;Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Hassan Rouhani</a> had committed to collaborating with Canadian investigators, working to de-escalate tensions in the region and continuing dialogue.

Rallying to the establishment,&nbsp;Iranian lawmakers praised the elite force's commanders for courage in admitting the error, according to Fars, a news agency seen as close to the Guards, a parallel military set up to protect the theocratic system.

Iranian officials sought to portray the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;disaster as a second blow to a mourning nation&nbsp;after&nbsp;Soleimani's death in a US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike.

Soleimani's funeral had prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general.

Public fury at&nbsp;Iran's authorities had grown as questions about the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crash mounted.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">Iranians</a> on social media asked why officials were busy fending off criticism from abroad rather than sympathising with grieving families. Others asked why the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;was allowed to take off at a time of high tension.

Iranian protesters and newspapers piled pressure on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in Tehran on Sunday after Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner.

Iranian protesters and newspapers piled pressure on the country's leadership and riot police stepped up their presence in Tehran on Sunday after Iran's military admitted that it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner. Riot police fired teargas at thousands of Iranians who had taken to the streets late on Saturday in the capital and other cities, many chanting "Death to the dictator", directing their anger at Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reports of the protests were carried by state-affiliated news agencies, while video clips circulated on social media. Tehran residents told reporters that police had stepped up their presence in the capital on Sunday morning. Watch: Protesters condemn government over its initial denial of downing Ukrainian plane × "Apologise and resign," Iran's moderate Etemad daily wrote in a banner headline on Sunday, saying the "people's demand" was for those responsible for mishandling the plane crisis to quit. All 176 people aboard the flight, many of them Iranians with dual citizenship, were killed. Protests erupted after Saturday's admission that the military accidentally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane minutes after takeoff on Wednesday when Iranian forces were alert for US reprisals after tit-for-tat strikes. For days, Iranian officials had vigorously denied it was to blame, even as Canada, which had 57 citizens on the flight, and the United States said their intelligence indicated an Iranian missile was to blame, albeit probably fired in error. The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences. https://t.co/4dkePxupzm — Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 11, 2020 × Iran's president said it was a "disastrous mistake" and apologised. But a top Revolutionary Guards commander added to public anger about the delayed admission when he said he had told the authorities a missile hit the plane the day it crashed. Another moderate daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami, or the Islamic Republic, wrote in an editorial: "Those who delayed publishing the reason behind the plane crash and damaged people's trust in the establishment should be dismissed or should resign." Criticism of the authorities in Iran is not unusual, but it tends to stay in narrow boundaries. The press attacks and protests add to challenges facing the establishment, which in November faced the country's bloodiest unrest since the 1979 Islamic revolution. As Saturday's protests spread across Iran, including major cities such as Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan and Orumiyeh, US President Donald Trump said on Twitter: "We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage." "There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," he said, posting his tweets in both Farsi and English. The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020 × Britain said its ambassador in Iran had been briefly detained on Saturday by the authorities in Tehran. A news agency said he was detained outside a university for inciting protests. Condemning the arrest, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Iran "can continue its march towards pariah status or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forwards." Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Protests inside Iran followed a build-up of tension between Iran and the United States, which withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and then re-imposed sanctions that have steadily crippled the Iranian economy. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed prominent Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, responsible for building up Iran's network of regional proxy armies in Iraq and beyond, and Tehran responded with missile strikes on US targets in Iraq. No US soldiers were killed, but in the tense hours after that, the Ukrainian Boeing 737 was cleared to take off from Tehran airport and then brought down by a missile fired in error by an operator who mistook the plane for an attacker. [ Relatives of the flight crew members of the plane that crashed in Iran, mourn at a memorial at the Boryspil International airport outside Kiev, Ukraine (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Shooting down a civilian aircraft is horrific. Iran must take full responsibility," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Trudeau said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had committed to collaborating with Canadian investigators, working to de-escalate tensions in the region and continuing dialogue. Rallying to the establishment, Iranian lawmakers praised the elite force's commanders for courage in admitting the error, according to Fars, a news agency seen as close to the Guards, a parallel military set up to protect the theocratic system. Iranian officials sought to portray the plane disaster as a second blow to a mourning nation after Soleimani's death in a US drone strike. Soleimani's funeral had prompted huge public gatherings, which the authorities described a show of national unity. But the displays of emotion have been swiftly overshadowed and protesters on Saturday tore up pictures of the slain general. Public fury at Iran's authorities had grown as questions about the plane crash mounted. Iranians on social media asked why officials were busy fending off criticism from abroad rather than sympathising with grieving families. Others asked why the plane was allowed to take off at a time of high tension.

Iranians step up protests after Tehran's admission that it shot down Ukrainian airliner

A&nbsp;British&nbsp;teenager accused of faking a gang&nbsp;rape&nbsp;allegation was given a&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;sentence by a court in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Cyprus</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair&nbsp;trial.

The 19-year-old says she was coerced by police into dropping a complaint that she was&nbsp;raped by a group of Israeli youths in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa in July. She was convicted on December&nbsp;30 of public mischief over the withdrawn&nbsp;rape&nbsp;report.

Dressed in black and standing silently before the judge in a packed courtroom, the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was sentenced to four months in&nbsp;jail,&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;for three years.

Raising his voice over chants from supporters of the woman outside, Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said the sentence took into account her age, clean criminal record and remorse, and that he was giving her a "second chance".

"All mitigating factors were taken into account but it does not negate the seriousness of the offense," Papathanasiou said, noting that 12 individuals had been briefly detained on the basis of her accusation.

Police ordered window blinds in the courtroom to be pulled down to block the sight of about 150 protesters who shouted slogans like "Blaming the victim is the second&nbsp;rape" and "Cyprus&nbsp;justice, shame on you".

<img alt="Activists take part in a demonstration outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eadefbad-1871-4d74-b66d-4af82c74b59b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2817%29_2.jpg" /> 
[Activists take part in a demonstration to support the british teen outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus (Courtesy: Reuters)]

"We are here to raise social awareness of&nbsp;rape. There is no justice here," said Dana Salmon, one of almost 60 activists from Israel who had flown in to support the woman.

Lawyers say the woman is suffering from post-traumatic stress and will appeal to clear her name.

"The fight for her innocence will go on regardless," said Lewis Power QC, who was assisting the local defense team.

"We will maintain this young girl was stripped of her dignity and basic human rights."

The woman insists that an assault took place and that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint during overnight questioning from police and with no lawyer present. One defence witness, a former state forensic pathologist, said her injuries were consistent with&nbsp;rape.

The case has shone a harsh spotlight on&nbsp;Cyprus, which is popular with&nbsp;British&nbsp;holidaymakers and prompted calls to boycott the island.

British&nbsp;Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Dominic Raab</a>, who has expressed "very serious concerns" about the woman's treatment, said he was relieved she would be returning home after being barred from leaving the island.

"We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case, I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that," he said, adding there was no immediate plan to change the travel advice to&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;for Britons.

Twelve Israeli youths who were detained for questioning were swiftly released after the woman recanted her accusation. They were not required to give any evidence at the woman's&nbsp;trial.

Cypriot newspapers have reported that President Nicos Anastasiades might pardon the woman, although a senior government source told reporters that was premature.

Lawyers for the woman say they will press ahead with an appeal because a pardon would not expunge her criminal record.

A British teenager accused of faking a gang rape allegation was given a suspended sentence by a court in Cyprus on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair trial.

A British teenager accused of faking a gang rape allegation was given a suspended sentence by a court in Cyprus on Tuesday in a case that prompted a rare rebuke from Britain and protests from activists who say she did not get a fair trial. The 19-year-old says she was coerced by police into dropping a complaint that she was raped by a group of Israeli youths in the holiday resort of Ayia Napa in July. She was convicted on December 30 of public mischief over the withdrawn rape report. Dressed in black and standing silently before the judge in a packed courtroom, the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for three years. Raising his voice over chants from supporters of the woman outside, Judge Michalis Papathanasiou said the sentence took into account her age, clean criminal record and remorse, and that he was giving her a "second chance". "All mitigating factors were taken into account but it does not negate the seriousness of the offense," Papathanasiou said, noting that 12 individuals had been briefly detained on the basis of her accusation. Police ordered window blinds in the courtroom to be pulled down to block the sight of about 150 protesters who shouted slogans like "Blaming the victim is the second rape" and "Cyprus justice, shame on you". [Activists take part in a demonstration to support the british teen outside the Famagusta courthouse in Paralimni, Cyprus (Courtesy: Reuters)] "We are here to raise social awareness of rape. There is no justice here," said Dana Salmon, one of almost 60 activists from Israel who had flown in to support the woman. Lawyers say the woman is suffering from post-traumatic stress and will appeal to clear her name. "The fight for her innocence will go on regardless," said Lewis Power QC, who was assisting the local defense team. "We will maintain this young girl was stripped of her dignity and basic human rights." The woman insists that an assault took place and that she was pressured to withdraw her complaint during overnight questioning from police and with no lawyer present. One defence witness, a former state forensic pathologist, said her injuries were consistent with rape. The case has shone a harsh spotlight on Cyprus, which is popular with British holidaymakers and prompted calls to boycott the island. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has expressed "very serious concerns" about the woman's treatment, said he was relieved she would be returning home after being barred from leaving the island. "We will be following up on some of the issues in relation to the case, I spoke to the Cypriot foreign minister about that," he said, adding there was no immediate plan to change the travel advice to Cyprus for Britons. Twelve Israeli youths who were detained for questioning were swiftly released after the woman recanted her accusation. They were not required to give any evidence at the woman's trial. Cypriot newspapers have reported that President Nicos Anastasiades might pardon the woman, although a senior government source told reporters that was premature. Lawyers for the woman say they will press ahead with an appeal because a pardon would not expunge her criminal record.

UK teen in Cyprus gang rape case handed four-month suspended jail sentence

Iran condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US&nbsp;president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani.

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Like ISIS, like Hitler, Like Genghis! 
 
They all hate cultures. Trump is a "terrorist in a suit". He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat "the Great Iranian Nation &amp; Culture".<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardRevenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardRevenge</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QasemSoleimani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QasemSoleimani</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M">https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M</a>
— MJ Azari Jahromi (@azarijahromi) <a href="https://twitter.com/azarijahromi/status/1213743924952666114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation &amp; Culture'," Information and Telecommunications Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi</a> tweeted.

Soleimani, Iran's pre-eminent military commander, was killed on Friday in a US&nbsp;drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport, an attack that has taken long-running hostilities between Washington and Tehran into uncharted territory and raised the spectre of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Soleimani was the architect of Tehran’s overseas clandestine and military operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force.

Giving no indication of seeking to defuse tensions after the strike he ordered, Trump issued a stern threat to the Islamic Republic.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, he said Iran "is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets" to avenge Soleimani's death.

Trump said the United States has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and that some were "at a very high level &amp; important to Iran &amp; the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD."

He said the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran after being seized at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">US&nbsp;Embassy</a> in 1979 during the country's Islamic Revolution.

Iran's army chief, Major General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lacks-courage-for-military-confrontation-with-iran-iran-army-chief-272304">Abdolrahim Mousavi</a>, was quoted by state television on Sunday as saying the United States lacked the courage for a military confrontation with Iran.

"In a potential conflict in the future, which I don't think they (Americans) have the courage to carry out, there it will become clear where the numbers five and two will belong," he said.

Trump said on Friday Soleimani had been plotting "imminent and sinister" attacks on US&nbsp;diplomats and military personnel. Democratic critics said the Republican president's action was reckless and risked more bloodshed in a dangerous region.

Thousands of mourners turned out to pay respects to the slain commander on Sunday after Soleimani's body was returned to Iran, the official IRIB news agency reported.

While many Iranians have rallied in to show grief over the death of Soleimani, regarded as the country’s second most powerful figure after Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mourners-pay-respect-as-qasem-soleimanis-body-reaches-iran-272228">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, others worry that his death might push the country to war with a superpower.

On Friday, Khamenei promised harsh revenge and declared three days of mourning.

Soleimani's body was flown to the city of Ahvaz in southwest Iran. IRIB posted a video clip of a casket wrapped in an Iranian flag being unloaded from a plane as a military band played.

Thousands of mourners dressed in black marched through the streets of Ahvaz beating their chests in live footage aired on state TV.

British foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dominic-raab-calls-for-de-escalation-of-tensions-after-killing-of-menace-soleimani-272295">Dominic Raab</a> said on Sunday he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president to urge efforts to relieve tensions in the region following the US&nbsp;strike.

Raab, who described Soleimani as a "regional menace" and said he was sympathetic to the situation the United States found itself in, said he also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister.

"There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to de-escalate and stabilise the situation."

Friday's US&nbsp;airstrike also killed Iraqi militia leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis</a>.

Iraq's parliament was set to convene an extraordinary session on Sunday where lawmakers told media that they would push for a vote on a resolution requiring the government to request the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Iraq.

"There is no need for the presence of American forces after defeating Daesh (Islamic State)," said Ammar al-Shibli, a Shi'ite lawmaker and member of parliament's legal committee.

Despite decades of enmity between Iran and the United States, Iran-backed militia and US&nbsp;troops fought side by side during Iraq's 2014-2017 war against Islamic State militants.

Around 5,000 US&nbsp;troops remain in Iraq, most of them in an advisory capacity.

The militia was incorporated into government forces under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilisation Forces which Muhandis led.

Many Iraqis, including opponents of Soleimani, have expressed anger at Washington for killing the two men on Iraqi soil and possibly dragging their country into another conflict.

On Saturday evening, a rocket fell inside Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone near the US&nbsp;embassy, another hit the nearby Jadriya neighbourhood and two more were fired at the Balad air base north of the city. No one was killed, the Iraqi military said.

The US&nbsp;strike followed a spike in US-Iranian hostilities in Iraq since last week when pro-Iranian militias attacked the US&nbsp;embassy in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-ditches-iran-extends-tacit-support-to-us-over-airstrikes-for-resumption-in-military-cooperation-272236">Baghdad</a> after a deadly US&nbsp;air raid on Kataib Hezbollah, a militia founded by Muhandis. Washington accused the group of an attack on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor.

Iran condemned Donald Trump on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani.

Iran condemned Donald Trump on Sunday as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites hard if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of military commander Qassem Soleimani. Like ISIS, like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a "terrorist in a suit". He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat "the Great Iranian Nation & Culture".#HardRevenge#QasemSoleimani https://t.co/N2iQ5AMX7M — MJ Azari Jahromi (@azarijahromi) January 5, 2020 × "Like ISIS, Like Hitler, Like Genghis! They all hate cultures. Trump is a terrorist in a suit. He will learn history very soon that NOBODY can defeat 'the Great Iranian Nation & Culture'," Information and Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted. Soleimani, Iran's pre-eminent military commander, was killed on Friday in a US drone strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport, an attack that has taken long-running hostilities between Washington and Tehran into uncharted territory and raised the spectre of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Soleimani was the architect of Tehran’s overseas clandestine and military operations as head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Giving no indication of seeking to defuse tensions after the strike he ordered, Trump issued a stern threat to the Islamic Republic. In a series of tweets on Saturday, he said Iran "is talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets" to avenge Soleimani's death. Trump said the United States has "targeted 52 Iranian sites" and that some were "at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD." He said the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran after being seized at the US Embassy in 1979 during the country's Islamic Revolution. Iran's army chief, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, was quoted by state television on Sunday as saying the United States lacked the courage for a military confrontation with Iran. "In a potential conflict in the future, which I don't think they (Americans) have the courage to carry out, there it will become clear where the numbers five and two will belong," he said. Trump said on Friday Soleimani had been plotting "imminent and sinister" attacks on US diplomats and military personnel. Democratic critics said the Republican president's action was reckless and risked more bloodshed in a dangerous region. Thousands of mourners turned out to pay respects to the slain commander on Sunday after Soleimani's body was returned to Iran, the official IRIB news agency reported. While many Iranians have rallied in to show grief over the death of Soleimani, regarded as the country’s second most powerful figure after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others worry that his death might push the country to war with a superpower. On Friday, Khamenei promised harsh revenge and declared three days of mourning. Soleimani's body was flown to the city of Ahvaz in southwest Iran. IRIB posted a video clip of a casket wrapped in an Iranian flag being unloaded from a plane as a military band played. Thousands of mourners dressed in black marched through the streets of Ahvaz beating their chests in live footage aired on state TV. British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president to urge efforts to relieve tensions in the region following the US strike. Raab, who described Soleimani as a "regional menace" and said he was sympathetic to the situation the United States found itself in, said he also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister. "There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to de-escalate and stabilise the situation." Friday's US airstrike also killed Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Iraq's parliament was set to convene an extraordinary session on Sunday where lawmakers told media that they would push for a vote on a resolution requiring the government to request the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. "There is no need for the presence of American forces after defeating Daesh (Islamic State)," said Ammar al-Shibli, a Shi'ite lawmaker and member of parliament's legal committee. Despite decades of enmity between Iran and the United States, Iran-backed militia and US troops fought side by side during Iraq's 2014-2017 war against Islamic State militants. Around 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq, most of them in an advisory capacity. The militia was incorporated into government forces under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilisation Forces which Muhandis led. Many Iraqis, including opponents of Soleimani, have expressed anger at Washington for killing the two men on Iraqi soil and possibly dragging their country into another conflict. On Saturday evening, a rocket fell inside Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone near the US embassy, another hit the nearby Jadriya neighbourhood and two more were fired at the Balad air base north of the city. No one was killed, the Iraqi military said. The US strike followed a spike in US-Iranian hostilities in Iraq since last week when pro-Iranian militias attacked the US embassy in Baghdad after a deadly US air raid on Kataib Hezbollah, a militia founded by Muhandis. Washington accused the group of an attack on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor.

Iran's I&T Minister MJ Azari condemns Preisdent Donald Trump as 'terrorist in a suit' after attack threat

British foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Dominic Raab</a> said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

Iran condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-challenges-vice-president-mike-pences-claims-of-soleimani-assisting-911-terrorists-272199">Donald Trump</a> as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets in retaliation for the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on Friday.

Raab, who is due to meet with US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-accuses-europeans-of-not-being-helpful-after-us-strikes-272098">Mike Pompeo</a> in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday.

"We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC.

Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in".

Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies."

Raab said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimanis-killing-uk-pm-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-cut-short-caribbean-vacation-272084">Britain</a>, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel.

He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out.

"There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation."

Opposition Labour lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Keir Starmer</a>, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president".

"We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he understood why the United States had killed a top Iranian military commander but urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East to avoid war in the region. Iran condemned Donald Trump as a "terrorist in a suit" after the US president threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani on Friday. Raab, who is due to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Thursday, said he had spoken to Iraq's prime minister and president and also planned to speak to Iran's foreign minister later on Sunday. "We want to de-escalate the tensions, we want to see a route through this crisis. We do not want to see a major war in the Middle East. The only group of players that would benefit from that would be the terrorists and Daesh," he told the BBC. Raab said Soleimani was a "regional menace" and he understood "the position the Americans found themselves in". Asked if the killing was legal, Raab said: "It was General Soleimani’s job description to engage proxies and militias to attack Western countries that were legitimately there and in those circumstances the right of self-defence clearly applies." Raab said Britain, which on Saturday warned its citizens against travel to Iraq and Iran, was taking "every essential measure" to reduce the risk to British nationals, diplomatic missions and military personnel. He said the leadership in Tehran needed to know that there was a diplomatic way out. "There is a route through which allows Iran to come in from out of the international cold," he told Sky News. "We need to contain the nefarious actions of Iran but we also need to deescalate and stabilise the situation." Opposition Labour lawmaker Keir Starmer, the bookmakers' favourite to win the party's upcoming leadership contest, said the killing of Soleiman was the "unilateral act of an irrational and erratic president". "We cannot blindly follow the Americans into what could well turn out to be a war in the Middle East," he told the BBC.

British foreign minister calls for de-escalation of tensions after killing of 'menace' Soleimani

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London.

Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, went on the rampage at a conference on criminal rehabilitation beside London Bridge on Friday. The 28-year old Briton was wrestled to the ground by bystanders and shot dead by police.

Police said Khan had previously been convicted of terrorism offences but was freed early from prison.

The attack propelled law and order to the top of the political agenda less than two weeks before a national election.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News that a person convicted of terrorism offences should "not necessarily" serve their full sentence.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he said.

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab suggested a Conservative government would strengthen sentencing measures and end the practice where serious offenders can be automatically let out of prison early.

"We've said we would expect for the serious terrorist offences a minimum 14-year sentence," Raab told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.

"We don't think that it is the case that they should all necessarily be released, we think for some offences they should be imprisoned for life, and we also think that terrorist offenders should serve their full sentence."

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said the police had no choice but to shoot the attacker.

"I think they had no choice. They were stuck with a situation where there was a credible threat of a bomb belt around his body and it's an awful situation for any police officer, any public servant to be put in," Corbyn said. 
&nbsp;

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London.

Convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party said on Sunday, after a man freed early from a terrorism sentence killed two people in London. Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, went on the rampage at a conference on criminal rehabilitation beside London Bridge on Friday. The 28-year old Briton was wrestled to the ground by bystanders and shot dead by police. Police said Khan had previously been convicted of terrorism offences but was freed early from prison. The attack propelled law and order to the top of the political agenda less than two weeks before a national election. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News that a person convicted of terrorism offences should "not necessarily" serve their full sentence. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he said. Foreign Minister Dominic Raab suggested a Conservative government would strengthen sentencing measures and end the practice where serious offenders can be automatically let out of prison early. "We've said we would expect for the serious terrorist offences a minimum 14-year sentence," Raab told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday. "We don't think that it is the case that they should all necessarily be released, we think for some offences they should be imprisoned for life, and we also think that terrorist offenders should serve their full sentence." Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said the police had no choice but to shoot the attacker. "I think they had no choice. They were stuck with a situation where there was a credible threat of a bomb belt around his body and it's an awful situation for any police officer, any public servant to be put in," Corbyn said.

London bridge attack: Corbyn says convicted terrorists  should 'not necessarily' serve full sentence

As Iran announced it was resuming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-irans-decision-to-deny-accreditation-to-iaea-inspector-eu-260590">uranium enrichment</a> at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

"Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure."

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Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure.
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Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday".&nbsp;

France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position.

The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said.

"A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added.

Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". &nbsp;

"Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said.

German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment.

"We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement."

"We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added.

On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors.&nbsp;

In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors. &nbsp;

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout".

As Iran announced it was resuming uranium enrichment at its underground facility at the Fordow plant, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran is "positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout". "Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement, adding,"it is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure." Iran’s plans to increase its nuclear activity at Fordow raise concerns that Iran is positioning itself for a rapid nuclear breakout. It is now time for all nations to reject its nuclear extortion and increase pressure. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 7, 2019 × Iran said today that engineers had begun feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into the plant in "the first minutes of Thursday". France which is one of the signatories of the nuclear deal termed it a "grave" decision with President Macron saying the resumption of uranium enrichment was a "profound change" from Tehran's previous position. The next few weeks will be dedicated to increasing pressure on Iran to return within the framework of the pact, the French president said. "A return to normal can only take place if the United States and Iran agree to reopen a sort of trust agenda" and dialogue, Macron added. Meanwhile, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab had said that a "way forward" was needed "through constructive international dialogue". "Iran needs to stand by the commitments it made and urgently return to full compliance," Dominic Raab said. German foreign minister Heiko Maas had said Iran must "rollback" its decision to resume uranium enrichment. "We call on Iran to reverse all steps taken since July and return to full compliance with its commitments," Maas said, adding, "Our aim is to maintain the nuclear agreement." "We have always fully implemented our commitments and Iran must now urgently relent in order to ease tensions," Mass added. On May 8, 2018, President Donald Trump had announced that the United States will quit the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions against Iran. From August to November last year, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil and finance sectors. In May this year, Iran had announced it will suspend commitments on limiting the amount of heavy water and enriched uranium it possesses even as the US imposed sanctions on Iran's steel and minining sectors.

Iran positioning itself for rapid nuclear breakout: Pompeo

The United Kingdom on Tuesday said it was suspending all weapons exports to Turkey following its attack of northern Syria as it does a survey of arms deals to its NATO partner.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-eu-shielding-terror-elements-by-criticising-syria-offensive-255938">Military arms to Turkey</a> that might be used in this operation have been suspended subject to the review that will take place," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in British Parliament.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told British MPs: "The UK government takes its arms export control responsibilities very seriously and in this case, of course, we will keep our defence exports to Turkey under very careful and continual review.

Watch: Turkey's offensive in Syria gives new lease of life to IS

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkeys-offensive-in-syria-gives-new-lease-of-life-to-isis-255943/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, Italy also&nbsp;banned&nbsp;selling weapons and ammunition to Ankara after a weekend decision by France and Germany to suspend sales, and Spain signalled it was ready to do so. Italy was the top arms exporter to Turkey last year.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-slaps-punitive-sanctions-on-turkeys-defence-minister-255960">US President on Monday imposed sanctions</a> on Turkey even as its military forces continued their push into northern Syria.

"I will soon be issuing an executive order authorising&nbsp;the imposition of sanctions against current and former officials of the Government of Turkey," President Trump said, adding, "the steel tariffs will be increased back to 50 per cent, the level prior to the reduction in May."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom on Tuesday said it was suspending all weapons exports to Turkey following its attack of northern Syria as it does a survey of arms deals to its NATO partner.

The United Kingdom on Tuesday said it was suspending all weapons exports to Turkey following its attack of northern Syria as it does a survey of arms deals to its NATO partner. "Military arms to Turkey that might be used in this operation have been suspended subject to the review that will take place," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in British Parliament. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told British MPs: "The UK government takes its arms export control responsibilities very seriously and in this case, of course, we will keep our defence exports to Turkey under very careful and continual review. Watch: Turkey's offensive in Syria gives new lease of life to IS Earlier, Italy also banned selling weapons and ammunition to Ankara after a weekend decision by France and Germany to suspend sales, and Spain signalled it was ready to do so. Italy was the top arms exporter to Turkey last year. Meanwhile, US President on Monday imposed sanctions on Turkey even as its military forces continued their push into northern Syria. "I will soon be issuing an executive order authorising the imposition of sanctions against current and former officials of the Government of Turkey," President Trump said, adding, "the steel tariffs will be increased back to 50 per cent, the level prior to the reduction in May." (With inputs from agencies)

Britain halts weapon exports to Turkey over Syria offensive: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-vows-to-fight-on-despite-brexit-blows-248502">Brexit strategy</a>&nbsp;Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week.

The charismatic but divisive British leader finds himself facing a political impasse, just six weeks after taking over from his beleaguered predecessor Theresa May.

The new prime minister has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union after 46 years with or without a divorce deal by October 31, but has been blocked by parliament.

Johnson's bid to break the deadlock through a snap general election on October 15 is also facing an almost certain second successive defeat by lawmakers Monday.

It comes after a week in which he took a battering from resignations and sackings that included his own brother and Winston Churchill's grandson, leaving him without a working majority in parliament.

Two of his most senior ministers both rejected speculation Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/id-rather-be-dead-in-a-ditch-than-delay-brexit-british-pm-boris-johnson-247871">Johnson</a> had no real option but to resign.

But neither could say clearly how he intended to keep all his Brexit promises without somehow bending UK law.

"Of course he is not going to break the law," Foreign Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News.

"We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Interior Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC.

'It's no!'

The chaos is being compounded by Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for over a month from some point between Monday and Thursday.

The legal but controversial step was meant to remove domestic obstacles while he uses his "no-deal" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-willing-to-go-to-court-to-enforce-brexit-delay-bbc-248240">Brexit</a> threat to wrest better divorce terms from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18.

But it ended up jolting parliament into racing through legislation forcing Johnson to ask for what would be a third Brexit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-vote-to-block-no-deal-brexit-in-fresh-blow-to-pm-johnson-247639">extension</a> if no new deal emerges by October 19.

Raab said Johnson would "test to the limit" the law in court.

European leaders are also skeptical that another delay designed to avoid economic disruption was still worth all the political pain.

"In the current circumstances, it's 'no!'," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris.

"We are not going through this every three months."

All 28 current EU leaders would have to approve what would be the third Brexit extension this year.

Low expectations

The one EU nation that stands to lose the most from a messy breakup is Ireland.

Brussels rules require a post-Brexit border to go up along what is now an all-but-invisible frontier with Britain's Nothern Ireland if no alternative arrangement is found.

The issue was meant to be resolved by a "backstop" -- a complicated fudge that kept the North partially in and out of the EU while the sides sought a long-term fix.

But the backstop's inclusion ended up costing Theresa May her premiership after it was rejected by parliament three times.

Johnson pronounced it "dead" during his successful leadership campaign.

He travels to Dublin on Monday for his first official meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in search of a short-term compromise.

It is feared that a hard border could hit the Irish economy and jeopardize the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought the three-decade Northern Ireland conflict to an end.

Yet Brussels has rejected the alternative proposals aired by Johnson as either unworkable or unacceptable under EU rules.

Varadkar said he was keeping his expectations low heading into the talks.

"I don't think the meeting tomorrow is a high stakes meeting in the sense that I don't anticipate a big breakthrough tomorrow," the Irish prime minister said Sunday.

"If we come to an agreement, that agreement will happen most likely in October at the EU summit."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline Brexit strategy Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline Brexit strategy Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week. The charismatic but divisive British leader finds himself facing a political impasse, just six weeks after taking over from his beleaguered predecessor Theresa May. The new prime minister has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union after 46 years with or without a divorce deal by October 31, but has been blocked by parliament. Johnson's bid to break the deadlock through a snap general election on October 15 is also facing an almost certain second successive defeat by lawmakers Monday. It comes after a week in which he took a battering from resignations and sackings that included his own brother and Winston Churchill's grandson, leaving him without a working majority in parliament. Two of his most senior ministers both rejected speculation Sunday that Johnson had no real option but to resign. But neither could say clearly how he intended to keep all his Brexit promises without somehow bending UK law. "Of course he is not going to break the law," Foreign Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Interior Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC. 'It's no!' The chaos is being compounded by Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for over a month from some point between Monday and Thursday. The legal but controversial step was meant to remove domestic obstacles while he uses his "no-deal" Brexit threat to wrest better divorce terms from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18. But it ended up jolting parliament into racing through legislation forcing Johnson to ask for what would be a third Brexit extension if no new deal emerges by October 19. Raab said Johnson would "test to the limit" the law in court. European leaders are also skeptical that another delay designed to avoid economic disruption was still worth all the political pain. "In the current circumstances, it's 'no!'," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris. "We are not going through this every three months." All 28 current EU leaders would have to approve what would be the third Brexit extension this year. Low expectations The one EU nation that stands to lose the most from a messy breakup is Ireland. Brussels rules require a post-Brexit border to go up along what is now an all-but-invisible frontier with Britain's Nothern Ireland if no alternative arrangement is found. The issue was meant to be resolved by a "backstop" -- a complicated fudge that kept the North partially in and out of the EU while the sides sought a long-term fix. But the backstop's inclusion ended up costing Theresa May her premiership after it was rejected by parliament three times. Johnson pronounced it "dead" during his successful leadership campaign. He travels to Dublin on Monday for his first official meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in search of a short-term compromise. It is feared that a hard border could hit the Irish economy and jeopardize the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought the three-decade Northern Ireland conflict to an end. Yet Brussels has rejected the alternative proposals aired by Johnson as either unworkable or unacceptable under EU rules. Varadkar said he was keeping his expectations low heading into the talks. "I don't think the meeting tomorrow is a high stakes meeting in the sense that I don't anticipate a big breakthrough tomorrow," the Irish prime minister said Sunday. "If we come to an agreement, that agreement will happen most likely in October at the EU summit."

Britain's Boris Johnson tries to save his job and hardline Brexit

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-will-go-to-eu-to-seek-a-deal-not-a-brexit-delay-finance-minister-248420">Britain's European Union</a> departure.

The government is always 'always going to behave lawfully', Raab told Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge.

Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that the prime minister is prepared to defy parliament's instruction to request an extension to the Brexit process if he fails to agree on a new deal, quoting Johnson as saying he was only bound 'in theory' by the new legislation.

Raab also said that Johnson remains determined to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31 come what may.

&nbsp;Johnson, who has lost his majority in parliament and has seen his bid to call an early national election blocked, would stick to his guns on Brexit, Dominic Raab told Ridge.

Watch: Another Setback for Boris Johnson

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The foreign minister conceded it has been a difficult week for the government. His comments follow the shock resignation of work and pensions minister Amber Rudd late on Saturday (September 7).

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's European Union departure.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's European Union departure. The government is always 'always going to behave lawfully', Raab told Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge. Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that the prime minister is prepared to defy parliament's instruction to request an extension to the Brexit process if he fails to agree on a new deal, quoting Johnson as saying he was only bound 'in theory' by the new legislation. Raab also said that Johnson remains determined to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31 come what may. Johnson, who has lost his majority in parliament and has seen his bid to call an early national election blocked, would stick to his guns on Brexit, Dominic Raab told Ridge. Watch: Another Setback for Boris Johnson × The foreign minister conceded it has been a difficult week for the government. His comments follow the shock resignation of work and pensions minister Amber Rudd late on Saturday (September 7).

UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab says PM Boris Johnson will not break law over Brexit

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

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

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

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

Britain on Monday warned <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-put-your-life-in-danger-iran-publishes-exchange-with-british-warship-during-tanker-seizure-239211&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6u9qi-dnjAhWLM48KHRfTD50QFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw10n5QiTBy-nDC311reqIlE">Iran </a>that it must follow international rules and release a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-links-tanker-row-to-ailing-nuclear-deal-239002&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr2_So9tnjAhWCp48KHfEPBzgQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1IEAgHge9Qw2MnRt8zI6cw">British-flagged vessel seized</a> by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Raab also told BBC radio that "this is not about some kind of barter. This is about the international law and the rules of the international legal system being upheld and that is what we will insist on."

Tensions have spiked between Iran and Britain since after Iranian commandos seized a British-flagged tanker earlier this month. That came after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accused of violating sanctions on Syria.

Britain on Monday warned Iran that it must follow international rules and release a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf.

Britain on Monday warned Iran that it must follow international rules and release a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected the idea that it could release an Iranian tanker in exchange for a British-flagged vessel seized by the Islamic Republic in the Gulf. Raab also told BBC radio that "this is not about some kind of barter. This is about the international law and the rules of the international legal system being upheld and that is what we will insist on." Tensions have spiked between Iran and Britain since after Iranian commandos seized a British-flagged tanker earlier this month. That came after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accused of violating sanctions on Syria.

Iran should 'respect international laws': Britain's Foreign Minister

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">former foreign minister Boris Johnson</a> cement his runaway lead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-candidate-johnson-criticised-for-avoiding-scrutiny-226261">Johnson picked up 126 </a>of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out.&nbsp;Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest.

Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33.

Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal.

But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed.

In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October&nbsp;31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster.

"All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October&nbsp;31," Johnson told BBC radio.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead.

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out. Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest. Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated. Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33. Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal. But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed. In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October 31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster. "All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October 31," Johnson told BBC radio. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

UK PM race: Boris Johnson tops second ballot, ex-Brexit minister Dominic Raab eliminated

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