Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests.

The appeal from more than 340 groups could further complicate the European Union's bid to conclude 20 years of talks for a free trade agreement with Brazil and its Mercosur partners Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

In an open letter, Greenpeace, as well as an array of NGOs across Europe and Latin America, reminded the EU it had previously suspended trade preferences with Myanmar and the Philippines over alleged human rights abuses.

"It is time that the EU takes a similar, tough stance to prevent a deterioration of the human rights and environmental situation in Brazil," the letter said.

"We, therefore, call on you to immediately halt negotiations for an EU-Mercosur free trade agreement," it added.&nbsp;

It urged Brussels to "guarantee that no Brazilian products sold in the EU, nor the financial markets underpinning them, are leading to increases in deforestation, land grabbing of native lands or human rights violations."

The letter also urged an end to trade talks until Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro gives concrete commitments to implement the 2015 Paris climate deal.

European trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told journalists on Monday that EU officials were in close contact with the growing number of NGOs expressing concern.

EU officials have "listened to them and tried to see what we can do," the Swedish commissioner said.

"There are some measures taken in Brazil that we certainly do not agree with and a trade agreement cannot solve all the miseries of the world," Malmstrom said.

"But we can get a context to discuss these issues. We are certainly trying to get a chapter on trade and sustainable development that is as ambitious as possible but it is not done yet."

Brazil's Bolsonaro and Argentina's Mauricio Macri expressed confidence earlier this month that the deal would soon be signed.

Malmstrom said the two blocs were near an agreement and expressed hope it could be reached before the current European Commission stands down in November.

The main obstacle has been European reluctance to open its market to agricultural products from South America, and more recently differences have emerged with Brazil over trading meat, sugar and automobiles.

Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests.

Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests. The appeal from more than 340 groups could further complicate the European Union's bid to conclude 20 years of talks for a free trade agreement with Brazil and its Mercosur partners Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. In an open letter, Greenpeace, as well as an array of NGOs across Europe and Latin America, reminded the EU it had previously suspended trade preferences with Myanmar and the Philippines over alleged human rights abuses. "It is time that the EU takes a similar, tough stance to prevent a deterioration of the human rights and environmental situation in Brazil," the letter said. "We, therefore, call on you to immediately halt negotiations for an EU-Mercosur free trade agreement," it added. It urged Brussels to "guarantee that no Brazilian products sold in the EU, nor the financial markets underpinning them, are leading to increases in deforestation, land grabbing of native lands or human rights violations." The letter also urged an end to trade talks until Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro gives concrete commitments to implement the 2015 Paris climate deal. European trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told journalists on Monday that EU officials were in close contact with the growing number of NGOs expressing concern. EU officials have "listened to them and tried to see what we can do," the Swedish commissioner said. "There are some measures taken in Brazil that we certainly do not agree with and a trade agreement cannot solve all the miseries of the world," Malmstrom said. "But we can get a context to discuss these issues. We are certainly trying to get a chapter on trade and sustainable development that is as ambitious as possible but it is not done yet." Brazil's Bolsonaro and Argentina's Mauricio Macri expressed confidence earlier this month that the deal would soon be signed. Malmstrom said the two blocs were near an agreement and expressed hope it could be reached before the current European Commission stands down in November. The main obstacle has been European reluctance to open its market to agricultural products from South America, and more recently differences have emerged with Brazil over trading meat, sugar and automobiles.

European Union urged to halt trade talks with South America over Brazil abuses

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday.

Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 but it has yet to secure a divorce settlement with the bloc, the UK financial sector`s single biggest customer.

Uncertainty for finance has increased as a new British prime minister is being selected.

Glen said there must be a "clear plan" to maintain the UK financial sector`s global success as it cannot be taken for granted. 
 
"It would be a tragedy if we lost our competitive advantage by accident," Glen told a TheCityUK conference.

He knew the financial sector, known in Britain as the City, wanted an end to the 'Brexit impasse'.

Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin have been vying to attract new hubs being opened by UK-based financial companies needing an EU base after Brexit.

Bankers see the shift of some jobs and activities from the City to the EU as inevitable and one-way, whatever the future UK trading deal with Brussels.

But Glen said none of those rival financial centres in the EU can match all that London has to offer.

TheCityUK`s new chair, Mark Tucker, said the financial sector was Britain`s most successful economic sector bar none and has a comparative advantage over other countries in that it is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate.

"It's the envy of other nations," said Tucker, who also chairs HSBC bank.

Finance needed to recover the public`s trust and have a "coherent and united front" so that it becomes more than the sum of its parts to demonstrate the benefits that finance brings to the economy and communities, Tucker said.&nbsp;

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday.

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday. Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 but it has yet to secure a divorce settlement with the bloc, the UK financial sector`s single biggest customer. Uncertainty for finance has increased as a new British prime minister is being selected. Glen said there must be a "clear plan" to maintain the UK financial sector`s global success as it cannot be taken for granted. "It would be a tragedy if we lost our competitive advantage by accident," Glen told a TheCityUK conference. He knew the financial sector, known in Britain as the City, wanted an end to the 'Brexit impasse'. Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin have been vying to attract new hubs being opened by UK-based financial companies needing an EU base after Brexit. Bankers see the shift of some jobs and activities from the City to the EU as inevitable and one-way, whatever the future UK trading deal with Brussels. But Glen said none of those rival financial centres in the EU can match all that London has to offer. TheCityUK`s new chair, Mark Tucker, said the financial sector was Britain`s most successful economic sector bar none and has a comparative advantage over other countries in that it is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. "It's the envy of other nations," said Tucker, who also chairs HSBC bank. Finance needed to recover the public`s trust and have a "coherent and united front" so that it becomes more than the sum of its parts to demonstrate the benefits that finance brings to the economy and communities, Tucker said.

Britain says it will do everything to keep finance competitive after Brexit

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

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

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

British prime ministerial rivals clash over Brexit strategy

Iran will break the uranium stockpile limit set by Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in the next 10 days, the spokesman for the country's atomic agency said Monday. He also warned that Iran could enrich uranium up to 20% - just a step away from weapons-grade levels.

Iran says it will break key nuclear deal uranium limit in 10 days

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">terror financing watchdog FATF</a> to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

With this, multilateral lenders like the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-currency-reaches-all-time-low-against-us-dollar-219221"> IMF</a>, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious.

The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999.

Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers.

Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said.

"It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added.

In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.

This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues.

In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days.

Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws.

The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive.

The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee.

Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas.

However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments.

The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated&nbsp;5 million US dollars.

The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore).

The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years.

The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations,&nbsp;the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions.

Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. With this, multilateral lenders like the IMF, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious. The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999. Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers. Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said. "It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added. In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues. In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days. Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws. The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive. The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee. Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas. However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments. The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated 5 million US dollars. The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore). The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years. The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations, the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions. Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan fails to complete points given by terror financing watchdog FATF: Report

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two.

The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive.

Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday.

Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot.

Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party.

"What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office.

"The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives."

He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party.&nbsp;

He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin".

Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19.

There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated.

'Blue on blue' attacks

A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks.

Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through."

Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances.

"The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said.

Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates.

The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson. The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two. The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive. Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday. Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot. Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party. "What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office. "The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives." He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party. He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin". Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19. There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated. 'Blue on blue' attacks A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks. Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through." Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances. "The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said. Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates. The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

Rivals for British PM take aim at Boris Johnson

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said.

Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise.

"To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal."

How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union.

Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop."

He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution.

But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively.

"What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said.

Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal.

"The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday. While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said. Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise. "To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal." How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union. Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop." He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution. But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively. "What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said. Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal. "The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Brexit: Irish PM says no backstop as bad for Ireland as no deal

&nbsp;Japan wants to make reducing the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nations-agree-significant-plastic-cuts-by-2030-un-203593"> glut of plastic waste in the oceans</a> a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution.

Images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic have sparked outrage, with many countries, including more than two dozen in Africa, banning plastic bags outright.

The EU has voted to outlaw 10 single-use plastic items, including straws, forks and knives, by 2021. It has also set targets for all plastic packaging, the top source of plastic waste, to be recyclable by 2030.

Such moves are setting up a showdown with the oil industry, which is pouring billions into new facilities to produce more plastic and other petrochemical products, particularly in Asia.

Refiners such as India's Reliance Industries and China's Sinopec are seeking new revenue sources as electric cars become more popular and gasoline and diesel demand slow.

"If the world goes the direction of European targets, some markets can go from high growth to low growth or no growth. Profits could suffer," said Jeff Brown, president of energy consultancy FGE in Singapore.

Tackling plastic pollution has been less of a priority in Asia, which is the world's biggest producer of the material - and its waste.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, which is hosting the G20 summit, says he wants his country to lead the world in reducing marine plastic trash, including developing biodegradables and other innovations.

The June 28-29 meeting in Osaka, assembling 20 major economies, including China, Brazil, France and the United States, won't yield an agreement on targets or concrete steps, two officials involved in preparations told Reuters, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

A more likely outcome is for G20 environment ministers, gathering this weekend in the mountain town of Karuizawa, to propose ways to enact a vaguely worded "action plan" on marine plastic waste introduced at the 2017 summit in Germany.

Plastic Galore

Japan, while not a major marine plastic polluter, is the world's No. 2 consumer of plastic packaging per person after the United States.

Vegetables and fruit sold in supermarkets in Japan are commonly wrapped in plastic, sometimes individually. The cultural emphasis on hygiene, careful packaging and offering products in small portions adds to the problem.

Japanese bureaucrats are working on a law that would require retailers to charge customers for plastic bags - something many supermarkets already do.

Japan also plans to make the medal podiums at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics out of recycled plastic in an attempt to stir consumer awareness about the issue.

Activists say that although efforts to recycle and ban single-use items are needed, reducing plastic production is also crucial.

"There's a misconception that we can recycle our way out of this," said Neil Tangri, global plastics policy adviser at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives in Berkeley, California.

"My fear is that (G20 leaders) will say that plastic production isn't the problem, it's waste management," he added. "We're saying plastic is a problem you need to tackle at the source."

The world produced about 380 million metric tons of plastic in 2015, according to research published in Science Advances journal. The World Bank says humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016.

About 55% of plastic waste was discarded in 2015, 25% incinerated and 20% recycled. But since plastic was introduced into the consumer market in the 1950s, only 9% of the cumulative total has been recycled, the Science Advances study shows.

China Ban

Tackling plastic pollution became more of a global priority after China, which had been accepting a hefty chunk of the world's waste, banned imports at the start of 2018.

Boatloads of plastic debris have been diverted to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, overwhelming them. Last month, Malaysia said it would ship 3,000 tons of garbage back to the countries it came from.

Asia is also home to the biggest contributors to the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic trash that winds up in the ocean each year, according to research published in the journal Science.

The top five marine plastic trash offenders are all in Asia: China and Indonesia - both G-20 members - followed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, that study shows.

Such litter inflicts $1.3 billion in damage annually to fishing, shipping and tourism industries in the Asia-Pacific.

Most commonly used plastic does not biodegrade. Over time in the ocean and exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics that are ingested by sea creatures, raising concerns about chemicals tainting human sources of food.

Plastic was even found last month at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, off the Philippines, the deepest place on Earth.

More Coming

The plastic output seems poised to increase, particularly in Asia.

The region's leading oil companies, including Sinopec, Reliance, Malaysia's Petronas and China's Hengli Petrochemical, are investing billions of dollars into new petrochemical facilities.

They see opportunities in producing household chemicals and materials for electronic goods, piping, packaging and textiles.

Packaging, which includes everything from plastic bags to bubble wrap, accounts for 44% of plastic production, according to industry estimates.

Tightening government policies could crimp that demand - something oil companies say they are monitoring closely.

"If the world keeps introducing bans on plastic bags and straws, our sales would decrease," said an official at a South Korean petrochemical maker, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

"But plastic is still widely used in the industrial sector ... and demand from developing countries is growing," he said. "In the long term, we are looking to develop environment-friendly materials and plastics."

Japan's petrochemical industry wants to cooperate in tackling environmental issues, Takashi Tsukioka, the head of the Petroleum Association of Japan, told a news conference last month. Still, he warned that replacing plastic straws with wooden ones could lead to deforestation.

"We should, in the first place, focus on separating and recycling, which Japan has been doing, and then seek broad solutions, instead of jumping quickly to one approach," he said. "In the end, we should promote innovation."

Japan wants to make reducing the glut of plastic waste in the oceans a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution.

Japan wants to make reducing the glut of plastic waste in the oceans a priority at the Group of 20 summits it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution. Images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic have sparked outrage, with many countries, including more than two dozen in Africa, banning plastic bags outright. The EU has voted to outlaw 10 single-use plastic items, including straws, forks and knives, by 2021. It has also set targets for all plastic packaging, the top source of plastic waste, to be recyclable by 2030. Such moves are setting up a showdown with the oil industry, which is pouring billions into new facilities to produce more plastic and other petrochemical products, particularly in Asia. Refiners such as India's Reliance Industries and China's Sinopec are seeking new revenue sources as electric cars become more popular and gasoline and diesel demand slow. "If the world goes the direction of European targets, some markets can go from high growth to low growth or no growth. Profits could suffer," said Jeff Brown, president of energy consultancy FGE in Singapore. Tackling plastic pollution has been less of a priority in Asia, which is the world's biggest producer of the material - and its waste. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, which is hosting the G20 summit, says he wants his country to lead the world in reducing marine plastic trash, including developing biodegradables and other innovations. The June 28-29 meeting in Osaka, assembling 20 major economies, including China, Brazil, France and the United States, won't yield an agreement on targets or concrete steps, two officials involved in preparations told Reuters, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to speak to the media. A more likely outcome is for G20 environment ministers, gathering this weekend in the mountain town of Karuizawa, to propose ways to enact a vaguely worded "action plan" on marine plastic waste introduced at the 2017 summit in Germany. Plastic Galore Japan, while not a major marine plastic polluter, is the world's No. 2 consumer of plastic packaging per person after the United States. Vegetables and fruit sold in supermarkets in Japan are commonly wrapped in plastic, sometimes individually. The cultural emphasis on hygiene, careful packaging and offering products in small portions adds to the problem. Japanese bureaucrats are working on a law that would require retailers to charge customers for plastic bags - something many supermarkets already do. Japan also plans to make the medal podiums at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics out of recycled plastic in an attempt to stir consumer awareness about the issue. Activists say that although efforts to recycle and ban single-use items are needed, reducing plastic production is also crucial. "There's a misconception that we can recycle our way out of this," said Neil Tangri, global plastics policy adviser at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives in Berkeley, California. "My fear is that (G20 leaders) will say that plastic production isn't the problem, it's waste management," he added. "We're saying plastic is a problem you need to tackle at the source." The world produced about 380 million metric tons of plastic in 2015, according to research published in Science Advances journal. The World Bank says humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016. About 55% of plastic waste was discarded in 2015, 25% incinerated and 20% recycled. But since plastic was introduced into the consumer market in the 1950s, only 9% of the cumulative total has been recycled, the Science Advances study shows. China Ban Tackling plastic pollution became more of a global priority after China, which had been accepting a hefty chunk of the world's waste, banned imports at the start of 2018. Boatloads of plastic debris have been diverted to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, overwhelming them. Last month, Malaysia said it would ship 3,000 tons of garbage back to the countries it came from. Asia is also home to the biggest contributors to the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic trash that winds up in the ocean each year, according to research published in the journal Science. The top five marine plastic trash offenders are all in Asia: China and Indonesia - both G-20 members - followed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, that study shows. Such litter inflicts $1.3 billion in damage annually to fishing, shipping and tourism industries in the Asia-Pacific. Most commonly used plastic does not biodegrade. Over time in the ocean and exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics that are ingested by sea creatures, raising concerns about chemicals tainting human sources of food. Plastic was even found last month at the bottom of the Marianas Trench, off the Philippines, the deepest place on Earth. More Coming The plastic output seems poised to increase, particularly in Asia. The region's leading oil companies, including Sinopec, Reliance, Malaysia's Petronas and China's Hengli Petrochemical, are investing billions of dollars into new petrochemical facilities. They see opportunities in producing household chemicals and materials for electronic goods, piping, packaging and textiles. Packaging, which includes everything from plastic bags to bubble wrap, accounts for 44% of plastic production, according to industry estimates. Tightening government policies could crimp that demand - something oil companies say they are monitoring closely. "If the world keeps introducing bans on plastic bags and straws, our sales would decrease," said an official at a South Korean petrochemical maker, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "But plastic is still widely used in the industrial sector ... and demand from developing countries is growing," he said. "In the long term, we are looking to develop environment-friendly materials and plastics." Japan's petrochemical industry wants to cooperate in tackling environmental issues, Takashi Tsukioka, the head of the Petroleum Association of Japan, told a news conference last month. Still, he warned that replacing plastic straws with wooden ones could lead to deforestation. "We should, in the first place, focus on separating and recycling, which Japan has been doing, and then seek broad solutions, instead of jumping quickly to one approach," he said. "In the end, we should promote innovation."

G20 to tackle ocean plastic waste as petrochemical producers expand in Asia

The European Commission on Wednesday said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-launches-uk-leadership-bid-as-mps-warn-on-brexit-226479">no-deal Brexit was "very much possible"</a> as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout.

The European Union's executive said it would pay particular attention in coming months to crucial areas including citizens rights, financial services, transport and fisheries, ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc, now due on October 31.

Its latest review of the EU's no-deal plans comes as Britain's Conservative Party is picking a new prime minister to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-agrees-brexit-trade-deal-with-south-korea-225990">Theresa May</a>, defeated by her inability to pass through the UK parliament the deal she secured with the bloc seven months ago.

Some possible successors have said Britain would leave the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal.

"In light of the continued uncertainty in the United Kingdom regarding the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement ... and the overall domestic political situation, a 'no-deal' scenario on 1 November 2019 very much remains possible – although undesirable – outcome," the Commission said.

"The Commission considers that a withdrawal of the United Kingdom without an agreement remains a possible outcome, with all its negative economic consequences."

The Brussels-based executive, which leads Brexit negotiations with London on behalf of the bloc's other 27 member states, said contingency measures already in place remain "fit for purpose".

"Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to monitor political developments and assess if any extension of the adopted measures will be needed," it added.

They include EU plans to extend current access to fishing waters and prolong safety clearances for rail, road and air transport between the bloc and the UK if London reciprocates.

They also offer visa-free travel to UK citizens and a year-long extension of cooperation in some financial services.

The European Commission on Wednesday said a no-deal Brexit was "very much possible" as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout.

The European Commission on Wednesday said a no-deal Brexit was "very much possible" as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout. The European Union's executive said it would pay particular attention in coming months to crucial areas including citizens rights, financial services, transport and fisheries, ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc, now due on October 31. Its latest review of the EU's no-deal plans comes as Britain's Conservative Party is picking a new prime minister to replace Theresa May, defeated by her inability to pass through the UK parliament the deal she secured with the bloc seven months ago. Some possible successors have said Britain would leave the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal. "In light of the continued uncertainty in the United Kingdom regarding the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement ... and the overall domestic political situation, a 'no-deal' scenario on 1 November 2019 very much remains possible – although undesirable – outcome," the Commission said. "The Commission considers that a withdrawal of the United Kingdom without an agreement remains a possible outcome, with all its negative economic consequences." The Brussels-based executive, which leads Brexit negotiations with London on behalf of the bloc's other 27 member states, said contingency measures already in place remain "fit for purpose". "Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to monitor political developments and assess if any extension of the adopted measures will be needed," it added. They include EU plans to extend current access to fishing waters and prolong safety clearances for rail, road and air transport between the bloc and the UK if London reciprocates. They also offer visa-free travel to UK citizens and a year-long extension of cooperation in some financial services.

No-deal Brexit is very much possible: European Union executive

The EU's powerful antitrust authority on Tuesday blocked the merger of German industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp with Indian steel giant Tata, an expected veto that kills the deal.

"We prohibited the merger to avoid serious harm to European industrial customers and consumers," EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

The aim of the merger had been to create the second largest European steel company behind multinational giant ArcelorMittal and to join forces in the face of the surge of Chinese steel.

The companies last month abandoned the merger on expectations that the EU would refuse the deal, with ThyssenKrupp announcing it would slash 6,000 jobs as a result, mainly in Germany.

The commission, the EU's executive arm, criticised the merger, which "would have reduced competition and increased prices for different types of steel," a statement said.&nbsp;

Proposed solutions "did not offer adequate remedies to address these concerns," it said.

Having shelved the plans and ruled out offering more concessions to Brussels in order to get a green light, ThyssenKrupp said it was now aiming for a stock market listing of its elevators business as part of a massive restructuring.

The failed tie-up contributed to dismal results posted by ThyssenKrupp last month, with a net loss of 86 million euros ($96 million).

The plunge into loss-making at the start of the year contrasted with a 250-million-euro profit in early 2018, reflecting the difficult context for global steel companies.

The European steel industry has been hit by a wave of problems, including overcapacity, cheap Asian imports and punishing US tariffs.

The EU's powerful antitrust authority on Tuesday blocked the merger of German industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp with Indian steel giant Tata, an expected veto that kills the deal.

The EU's powerful antitrust authority on Tuesday blocked the merger of German industrial conglomerate ThyssenKrupp with Indian steel giant Tata, an expected veto that kills the deal. "We prohibited the merger to avoid serious harm to European industrial customers and consumers," EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. The aim of the merger had been to create the second largest European steel company behind multinational giant ArcelorMittal and to join forces in the face of the surge of Chinese steel. The companies last month abandoned the merger on expectations that the EU would refuse the deal, with ThyssenKrupp announcing it would slash 6,000 jobs as a result, mainly in Germany. The commission, the EU's executive arm, criticised the merger, which "would have reduced competition and increased prices for different types of steel," a statement said. Proposed solutions "did not offer adequate remedies to address these concerns," it said. Having shelved the plans and ruled out offering more concessions to Brussels in order to get a green light, ThyssenKrupp said it was now aiming for a stock market listing of its elevators business as part of a massive restructuring. The failed tie-up contributed to dismal results posted by ThyssenKrupp last month, with a net loss of 86 million euros ($96 million). The plunge into loss-making at the start of the year contrasted with a 250-million-euro profit in early 2018, reflecting the difficult context for global steel companies. The European steel industry has been hit by a wave of problems, including overcapacity, cheap Asian imports and punishing US tariffs.

European Union blocks Thyssenkrupp-Tata steel merger plan

Canada plans to ban some single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by early 2021 to reduce waste and litter and protect the world's oceans, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday.

Trudeau announced the move from the banks of a lake in Gault Nature Reserve in Quebec less than five months before a national election in which climate change and pollution are widely expected to be among the top campaign issues.

"To be honest, as a dad, it's tough trying to explain this to my kids. How do you explain dead whales washing up on beaches around the world, their stomachs jam-packed with plastic bags?" Trudeau said.

"As parents, we're at a point when we take our kids to the beach and we have to search out a patch of sand that isn't littered with straws, Styrofoam or bottles. That's a problem, one that we have to do something about."

Canada's move follows one by the European Union, which late last year announced a similar ban.

Last year, Canada sponsored a G7 ocean plastics charter intended to spur a reduction in plastics use, and in May the United Nations said 180 countries reached a deal to sharply reduce the amount of plastic that gets washed into the oceans.

Exactly which types of plastics will be targeted will be a science-based decision, Trudeau said. The initiative includes requiring manufacturers of plastics to be responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, he added.

Canada plans to ban some single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by early 2021 to reduce waste and litter and protect the world's oceans, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday.

Canada plans to ban some single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by early 2021 to reduce waste and litter and protect the world's oceans, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday. Trudeau announced the move from the banks of a lake in Gault Nature Reserve in Quebec less than five months before a national election in which climate change and pollution are widely expected to be among the top campaign issues. "To be honest, as a dad, it's tough trying to explain this to my kids. How do you explain dead whales washing up on beaches around the world, their stomachs jam-packed with plastic bags?" Trudeau said. "As parents, we're at a point when we take our kids to the beach and we have to search out a patch of sand that isn't littered with straws, Styrofoam or bottles. That's a problem, one that we have to do something about." Canada's move follows one by the European Union, which late last year announced a similar ban. Last year, Canada sponsored a G7 ocean plastics charter intended to spur a reduction in plastics use, and in May the United Nations said 180 countries reached a deal to sharply reduce the amount of plastic that gets washed into the oceans. Exactly which types of plastics will be targeted will be a science-based decision, Trudeau said. The initiative includes requiring manufacturers of plastics to be responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, he added.

Plastic straws and bags no more: Canada aims to clean up its act

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-threatens-to-withhold-50-billion-brexit-payment-225603">Boris Johnson</a>, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers.

The contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May begins in earnest on Monday after she resigned last week as Conservative Party leader, having failed to unite her party or deliver Brexit on time.

Writing in his weekly column, Johnson - the face of Brexit for many Britons after he led the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union - outlined his approach to lower taxation.

"We should be cutting business taxes," he wrote, without elaborating.

Watch: Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-boris-johnson-be-the-next-uk-pm-221660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson, a former foreign minister and mayor of London who resigned in protest at May's Brexit strategy, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the leadership battle that will play out over the next six weeks.

The Telegraph reported separately that he would raise the point at which workers begin paying a 40 per cent income tax to 80,000 pounds ($101,824) from 50,000 pounds.

The move would cost 9.6 billion pounds ($12.2 billion)annually and be partly funded by using money set aside in the current budget to deal with the consequences of Brexit, the paper reported.

"We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth."

&nbsp;

Boris Johnson, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers.

Boris Johnson, the front-runner to become Britain's next prime minister, said on Sunday he wanted to cut business taxes and relieve the income tax burden on some workers. The contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May begins in earnest on Monday after she resigned last week as Conservative Party leader, having failed to unite her party or deliver Brexit on time. Writing in his weekly column, Johnson - the face of Brexit for many Britons after he led the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union - outlined his approach to lower taxation. "We should be cutting business taxes," he wrote, without elaborating. Watch: Will Boris Johnson be the next UK PM? Johnson, a former foreign minister and mayor of London who resigned in protest at May's Brexit strategy, is the bookmakers' favourite to win the leadership battle that will play out over the next six weeks. The Telegraph reported separately that he would raise the point at which workers begin paying a 40 per cent income tax to 80,000 pounds ($101,824) from 50,000 pounds. The move would cost 9.6 billion pounds ($12.2 billion)annually and be partly funded by using money set aside in the current budget to deal with the consequences of Brexit, the paper reported. "We should be raising thresholds of income tax – so that we help the huge numbers that have been captured in the higher rate by fiscal drag. We can go for much greater economic growth – and still be the cleanest, greenest society on earth."

United Kingdom's PM candidate Boris Johnson plans tax cuts: Reports

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

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

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

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

Zimbabwe&nbsp;and the&nbsp;European Union began political talks on Wednesday aimed at turning the page on hostile relations during Robert&nbsp;Mugabe's rule, a step that could enable a resumption of direct financial aid for the ailing economy.

During&nbsp;Mugabe's four-decade rule until 2017, he would routinely blame&nbsp;European "colonialists" for&nbsp;Zimbabwe's problems and snarled at&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and U.S. sanctions for rights and vote abuses.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has only kept sanctions on&nbsp;Mugabe, his wife and the state arms manufacturer, but is yet to resume direct funding to the new government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, preferring to channel money through local charities and UN&nbsp;agencies.

With the economy afflicted by dollar shortages, fuel queues, power-cuts, and soaring prices, Mnangagwa has said restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund is one of his major priorities.

At the start of the open-ended talks between diplomats and officials in Harare,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Zimbabwe&nbsp;delegation head Timo Olkkonen said they would discuss issues including economic development, trade, investment, rights, rule of law and good governance.

The government has already signed up to an IMF monitoring programme where it has committed to political and economic reforms in a bid to set a track record of fiscal discipline that could earn it debt forgiveness and future financing.

At a separate event in a Harare hotel, Mnangagwa signed a new bill creating a tripartite negotiating forum intended to bring labour, business and government together to shape policy.

The 76-year-old leader is under pressure to deliver on pre-election promises and wants to avert a repeat of violent protests over a steep fuel price hike in January.

Later on Wednesday, the government is expected to start wage negotiations with public sector unions, who say a pay rise of up to 29% they received in April had already been eroded by inflation, now at a 10-year high of 75.86 %.

Mnangagwa has promised to break with his predecessor and says his "open for business" mantra will woo foreign investors. But critics say under his rule the economy shows no signs of improvement while security forces have continued to crush dissent.

Zimbabwe and the European Union began political talks on Wednesday aimed at turning the page on hostile relations during Robert Mugabe's rule, a step that could enable a resumption of direct financial aid for the ailing economy.

Zimbabwe and the European Union began political talks on Wednesday aimed at turning the page on hostile relations during Robert Mugabe's rule, a step that could enable a resumption of direct financial aid for the ailing economy. During Mugabe's four-decade rule until 2017, he would routinely blame European "colonialists" for Zimbabwe's problems and snarled at EU and U.S. sanctions for rights and vote abuses. The EU has only kept sanctions on Mugabe, his wife and the state arms manufacturer, but is yet to resume direct funding to the new government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, preferring to channel money through local charities and UN agencies. With the economy afflicted by dollar shortages, fuel queues, power-cuts, and soaring prices, Mnangagwa has said restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund is one of his major priorities. At the start of the open-ended talks between diplomats and officials in Harare, EU Zimbabwe delegation head Timo Olkkonen said they would discuss issues including economic development, trade, investment, rights, rule of law and good governance. The government has already signed up to an IMF monitoring programme where it has committed to political and economic reforms in a bid to set a track record of fiscal discipline that could earn it debt forgiveness and future financing. At a separate event in a Harare hotel, Mnangagwa signed a new bill creating a tripartite negotiating forum intended to bring labour, business and government together to shape policy. The 76-year-old leader is under pressure to deliver on pre-election promises and wants to avert a repeat of violent protests over a steep fuel price hike in January. Later on Wednesday, the government is expected to start wage negotiations with public sector unions, who say a pay rise of up to 29% they received in April had already been eroded by inflation, now at a 10-year high of 75.86 %. Mnangagwa has promised to break with his predecessor and says his "open for business" mantra will woo foreign investors. But critics say under his rule the economy shows no signs of improvement while security forces have continued to crush dissent.

Zimbabwe and European Union seek to move on from Mugabe era strains

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday.

Johnson, 54, a former London mayor and foreign minister, has been rallying support for his leadership bid among Conservative lawmakers and the wider party by saying he is the only candidate who can deliver Brexit and win a national election.

But Hayward, a Conservative member of parliament's upper chamber, told reporters that while the first part of his message - that he can deliver Britain's delayed departure from the European Union - is scoring well with voters, his lack of appeal among so-called middle England could lose him any election.

Referring to recent polls by Delta poll, Opinium and YouGov, Hayward said: "They basically show that a Tory &nbsp;PM or leader can't win without Brexiteers' votes but you can't win without this middle ground."

"It's all very well saying you'll get the Brexit vote but you need others. Therefore I half agree with Boris but he has to complete the sentence, which is that you can't do without the middle ground as well," he said, describing him as "classic Marmite" - a spread that people mostly either love or hate.

More than 10 would-be successors have entered the race to replace May, who announced she was stepping down after failing to deliver Brexit on time. The governing Conservative Party says the contest will be finished by the end of July.&nbsp;

Hayward said Johnson had to win over so-called floating voters, people who do not have strong opinions on either Brexit or remaining in the EU but do want good government, and that many of them were instinctively distrustful of the former mayor.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, among the favourites to replace May, scored the highest among these voters, he said.

Asked whether Johnson could win over middle England, Hayward said: "He has a lot of work to do."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Theresa May, cannot win a general election without broadening his appeal to floating voters who instinctively distrust him, Conservative polling specialist Robert Hayward said on Wednesday. Johnson, 54, a former London mayor and foreign minister, has been rallying support for his leadership bid among Conservative lawmakers and the wider party by saying he is the only candidate who can deliver Brexit and win a national election. But Hayward, a Conservative member of parliament's upper chamber, told reporters that while the first part of his message - that he can deliver Britain's delayed departure from the European Union - is scoring well with voters, his lack of appeal among so-called middle England could lose him any election. Referring to recent polls by Delta poll, Opinium and YouGov, Hayward said: "They basically show that a Tory PM or leader can't win without Brexiteers' votes but you can't win without this middle ground." "It's all very well saying you'll get the Brexit vote but you need others. Therefore I half agree with Boris but he has to complete the sentence, which is that you can't do without the middle ground as well," he said, describing him as "classic Marmite" - a spread that people mostly either love or hate. More than 10 would-be successors have entered the race to replace May, who announced she was stepping down after failing to deliver Brexit on time. The governing Conservative Party says the contest will be finished by the end of July. Hayward said Johnson had to win over so-called floating voters, people who do not have strong opinions on either Brexit or remaining in the EU but do want good government, and that many of them were instinctively distrustful of the former mayor. Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, among the favourites to replace May, scored the highest among these voters, he said. Asked whether Johnson could win over middle England, Hayward said: "He has a lot of work to do."

Boris Johnson must broaden appeal to win any United Kingdom election: Pollster

Steel is being diverted to Europe as a result of US&nbsp;25 per cent tariffs and the European Union needs to act, the European steel industry chiefs say a letter sent to EU leaders and EU institutions.

There has been a sudden downturn in the European steel industry's prospects, underpinned by long-term trends, 45 chief executives representing around 90 per cent&nbsp;of the EU's steel output said in the letter.

"Global overcapacity in steel and the use of the EU market as a dumping ground for the world's excess capacity are at the root of the problem," they said in the letter sent on Monday and seen by Reuters.

Steel imports into the EU have more than doubled since 2013 while demand had increased only marginally and is seen falling in 2019, they said.

The European Commission is currently reviewing its "safeguard" measures designed to limit incoming steel and prevent a surge of imports as a result of Washington's 25% import tariffs, which have effectively closed the U.S. market.

These safeguard measures should be tightened, the steel chiefs said.

Currently, quotas are set at the average level of imports in 2015-2017 plus 5%, with further 5% hikes envisaged on July 1 and a year later. Beyond these quotas, 25% tariffs apply.

The steel bosses urged EU countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission to convene an emergency meeting with the industry to discuss solutions.

The signatories include the chiefs and regional chiefs of steel and stainless steel producers ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Tata Steel and Acerinox.

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, announced production cuts twice in May, while British Steel collapsed into liquidation.

Steel is being diverted to Europe as a result of US 25 per cent tariffs and the European Union needs to act, the European steel industry chiefs say a letter sent to EU leaders and EU institutions.

Steel is being diverted to Europe as a result of US 25 per cent tariffs and the European Union needs to act, the European steel industry chiefs say a letter sent to EU leaders and EU institutions. There has been a sudden downturn in the European steel industry's prospects, underpinned by long-term trends, 45 chief executives representing around 90 per cent of the EU's steel output said in the letter. "Global overcapacity in steel and the use of the EU market as a dumping ground for the world's excess capacity are at the root of the problem," they said in the letter sent on Monday and seen by Reuters. Steel imports into the EU have more than doubled since 2013 while demand had increased only marginally and is seen falling in 2019, they said. The European Commission is currently reviewing its "safeguard" measures designed to limit incoming steel and prevent a surge of imports as a result of Washington's 25% import tariffs, which have effectively closed the U.S. market. These safeguard measures should be tightened, the steel chiefs said. Currently, quotas are set at the average level of imports in 2015-2017 plus 5%, with further 5% hikes envisaged on July 1 and a year later. Beyond these quotas, 25% tariffs apply. The steel bosses urged EU countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission to convene an emergency meeting with the industry to discuss solutions. The signatories include the chiefs and regional chiefs of steel and stainless steel producers ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Tata Steel and Acerinox. ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, announced production cuts twice in May, while British Steel collapsed into liquidation.

European Union needs to act on steel imports in wake of United States tariffs: Industry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">President Donald Trump</a>'s son-in-law and Middle East peace adviser Jared Kushner will hold talks with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Tuesday.

Kushner will travel to Brussels from London, where his father-in-law is making a state visit, and the trip comes with international hopes for a US peace plan for the Middle East running low.

"The president will meet Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the president of the United States of America, Donald Trump. They will discuss the Middle East situation and other geopolitical issues," commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

Trump, whose administration has staunchly backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledged doubts about the plan himself on Monday, while Kushner suggested Palestinians weren't ready to govern themselves.

The US is to lay out an economic component of the plan, which has been spearheaded by Kushner, on June 25 and 26 in Bahrain, where Gulf Arab states are expected to make pledges to boost the troubled Palestinian economy.&nbsp;

But it is not clear when the political aspects of the plan -- which are expected to avoid calling for the creation of a Palestinian state -- will be unveiled.

Abandoning the call for a Palestinian state would end years of US support for the so-called "two-state" solution, which envisages separate homelands for Jews and Palestinians.

The EU is still firmly behind the two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states -- in contrast to Washington, which has recognised the city as Israel's capital.

President Donald Trump's son-in-law and Middle East peace adviser Jared Kushner will hold talks with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump's son-in-law and Middle East peace adviser Jared Kushner will hold talks with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Tuesday. Kushner will travel to Brussels from London, where his father-in-law is making a state visit, and the trip comes with international hopes for a US peace plan for the Middle East running low. "The president will meet Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the president of the United States of America, Donald Trump. They will discuss the Middle East situation and other geopolitical issues," commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters. Trump, whose administration has staunchly backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledged doubts about the plan himself on Monday, while Kushner suggested Palestinians weren't ready to govern themselves. The US is to lay out an economic component of the plan, which has been spearheaded by Kushner, on June 25 and 26 in Bahrain, where Gulf Arab states are expected to make pledges to boost the troubled Palestinian economy. But it is not clear when the political aspects of the plan -- which are expected to avoid calling for the creation of a Palestinian state -- will be unveiled. Abandoning the call for a Palestinian state would end years of US support for the so-called "two-state" solution, which envisages separate homelands for Jews and Palestinians. The EU is still firmly behind the two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states -- in contrast to Washington, which has recognised the city as Israel's capital.

Trump's Middle East adviser Jared Kushner to meet European Union leaders

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-uk-to-walk-away-if-eu-does-not-give-what-it-wants-in-brexit-report-223648">Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report</a>

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;</a>talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo</a>

The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-three-blasts-hit-kabul-killing-one-and-injuring-17-223589">Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17</a>

One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-tiananmen-crackdown-was-justified-223616">Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified</a>

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lodges-protest-against-harassment-of-guests-at-high-commissions-iftar-party-by-pakistan-agencies-in-islamabad-223652">India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad</a>

India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants. US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17 One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city. Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then. India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-announce-second-term-run-at-june-florida-rally-223437">US President Donald Trump</a> said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122"> Brexit </a>talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

In an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper ahead of his state visit to Britain starting Monday, Trump said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-boris-johnson-would-be-very-good-as-next-uk-prime-minister-223289">next British leader</a> should send arch-Brexiteer Nigel Farage to conduct talks with the EU.

Trump said Britain must leave the EU this year.

“They've got to get it done,” he said. “They have got to get the deal closed.”

“If they don’t get what they want, I would walk away. If you don’t get a fair deal, you walk away.”

Trump repeated his backing for those candidates to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May who have said Britain must leave on the due date of Oct. 31 with or without a deal.

Those candidates include former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, whom Trump praised in an interview with the Sun newspaper on Friday, along with former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and interior minister Sajid Javid.

Trump also said it was a mistake for the Conservatives not to involve Farage, the Brexit Party leader, in negotiations with Brussels after his success in European Parliament elections last month.

“I like Nigel a lot. He has a lot to offer - he is a very smart person,” Trump said. “They won’t bring him in but think how well they would do if they did. They just haven't figured that out yet.”

On the Brexit divorce bill, Trump said, “If I were them, I wouldn’t pay 50 billion dollars. That is a tremendous number.”

Trump also said he would have “to know” veteran Socialist Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn before authorising US intelligence to share its most sensitive secrets with a hard-left government.

He warned British ministers they must be careful not to jeopardize intelligence-sharing by letting Chinese firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd into Britain’s new 5G mobile phone network.

US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants. In an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper ahead of his state visit to Britain starting Monday, Trump said the next British leader should send arch-Brexiteer Nigel Farage to conduct talks with the EU. Trump said Britain must leave the EU this year. “They've got to get it done,” he said. “They have got to get the deal closed.” “If they don’t get what they want, I would walk away. If you don’t get a fair deal, you walk away.” Trump repeated his backing for those candidates to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May who have said Britain must leave on the due date of Oct. 31 with or without a deal. Those candidates include former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, whom Trump praised in an interview with the Sun newspaper on Friday, along with former Brexit minister Dominic Raab and interior minister Sajid Javid. Trump also said it was a mistake for the Conservatives not to involve Farage, the Brexit Party leader, in negotiations with Brussels after his success in European Parliament elections last month. “I like Nigel a lot. He has a lot to offer - he is a very smart person,” Trump said. “They won’t bring him in but think how well they would do if they did. They just haven't figured that out yet.” On the Brexit divorce bill, Trump said, “If I were them, I wouldn’t pay 50 billion dollars. That is a tremendous number.” Trump also said he would have “to know” veteran Socialist Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn before authorising US intelligence to share its most sensitive secrets with a hard-left government. He warned British ministers they must be careful not to jeopardize intelligence-sharing by letting Chinese firm Huawei Technologies Co Ltd into Britain’s new 5G mobile phone network.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report

The US Department of Justice is preparing an antitrust investigation of Internet titan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-rapped-for-not-doing-enough-in-european-union-fake-news-fight-219412">Google</a>, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The Journal cited unnamed sources close to the matter as saying the department would look into Google practices related to web search and other businesses.

Justice Department officials share antitrust oversight with the Federal Trade Commission, which conducted a wide-ranging investigation of its own into Alphabet-owned Google that ended in 2013 with no action taken.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A new investigation would come as backlash grows against major tech companies that dominate key segments of the online economy.

Democratic presidential candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elizabeth-warren-builds-largest-united-states-presidential-campaign-staff-210823">Elizabeth Warren</a> has argued that big firms such as Facebook, Google and Apple should be broken up through antitrust enforcement.

Alphabet's profit in the first three months of this year sagged under the weight of a hefty antitrust fine in the European Union.

Alphabet said profit in the first quarter fell 29 per cent to $6.7 billion on revenue that climbed 17 per cent to $36.3 billion.

The earnings took a hit from a European Commission fine that amounted to $1.7 billion at the end of March, according to the quarterly update.

Google's lucrative advertising platform remained the largest revenue driver for Alphabet, delivering more than $30 billion in revenue, but costs rose sharply as well.

But Google continues to face pressure around the world from regulators, notably in Europe amid multiple investigations over alleged abuse of its dominance in internet search, advertising and its mobile system.

Watch: Google introduced two new privacy features

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The latest fine imposed by Brussels cited Google's AdSense advertising service, saying it illegally restricted client websites from displaying messages from ad service rivals.

Google is separately working to satisfy EU regulators investigating its hugely popular Android devices following a $5 billion fine last year.

Google earlier this year said it would offer smartphone users five browsers and search engines as part of the company's effort to meet EU competition concerns.

Brussels accused Google of using the Android system's dominance of smartphones and tablets to promote the use of its own Google search engine and Chrome browser and shut out rivals.

In the United States, Google has been a target of President Donald Trump and his allies who have accused the search giant of "bias" and silencing conservative voices, claims denied by the Silicon Valley firm.

The US Department of Justice is preparing an antitrust investigation of Internet titan Google, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The Journal cited unnamed sources close to the matter as saying the department would look into Google practices related to web search and other businesses.

The US Department of Justice is preparing an antitrust investigation of Internet titan Google, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The Journal cited unnamed sources close to the matter as saying the department would look into Google practices related to web search and other businesses. Justice Department officials share antitrust oversight with the Federal Trade Commission, which conducted a wide-ranging investigation of its own into Alphabet-owned Google that ended in 2013 with no action taken. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A new investigation would come as backlash grows against major tech companies that dominate key segments of the online economy. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has argued that big firms such as Facebook, Google and Apple should be broken up through antitrust enforcement. Alphabet's profit in the first three months of this year sagged under the weight of a hefty antitrust fine in the European Union. Alphabet said profit in the first quarter fell 29 per cent to $6.7 billion on revenue that climbed 17 per cent to $36.3 billion. The earnings took a hit from a European Commission fine that amounted to $1.7 billion at the end of March, according to the quarterly update. Google's lucrative advertising platform remained the largest revenue driver for Alphabet, delivering more than $30 billion in revenue, but costs rose sharply as well. But Google continues to face pressure around the world from regulators, notably in Europe amid multiple investigations over alleged abuse of its dominance in internet search, advertising and its mobile system. Watch: Google introduced two new privacy features × The latest fine imposed by Brussels cited Google's AdSense advertising service, saying it illegally restricted client websites from displaying messages from ad service rivals. Google is separately working to satisfy EU regulators investigating its hugely popular Android devices following a $5 billion fine last year. Google earlier this year said it would offer smartphone users five browsers and search engines as part of the company's effort to meet EU competition concerns. Brussels accused Google of using the Android system's dominance of smartphones and tablets to promote the use of its own Google search engine and Chrome browser and shut out rivals. In the United States, Google has been a target of President Donald Trump and his allies who have accused the search giant of "bias" and silencing conservative voices, claims denied by the Silicon Valley firm.

US preparing antitrust probe of Google: Report

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity</a>

Corbyn, who has so far said the option of a second referendum should be kept on the table, is under pressure to endorse one without qualification. The prospect poses a dilemma as many of the party`s supporters backed Brexit.

After being punished by voters in the European elections, which saw both pro-Brexit and pro-European Union parties surge at the expense of Labour and the governing Conservatives, Labour said a public vote was the way to reunite the country, but added this could also be a national election.

Corbyn himself on Monday had said that the British public should be asked again to give its verdict on Brexit, either through a general election or a second referendum.

"With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," Corbyn had said, adding the party would have discussions on the way forward.

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on Brexit and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party.

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on Brexit and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party. Also read: After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Corbyn, who has so far said the option of a second referendum should be kept on the table, is under pressure to endorse one without qualification. The prospect poses a dilemma as many of the party`s supporters backed Brexit. After being punished by voters in the European elections, which saw both pro-Brexit and pro-European Union parties surge at the expense of Labour and the governing Conservatives, Labour said a public vote was the way to reunite the country, but added this could also be a national election. Corbyn himself on Monday had said that the British public should be asked again to give its verdict on Brexit, either through a general election or a second referendum. "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," Corbyn had said, adding the party would have discussions on the way forward.

British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set to back second Brexit referendum: Report

Theresa May earlier this week announces her resignation from her post. The resignation is an outcome over the continues failures of The Brexit deal. But if she is resigning what will happen to Brexit then? Will the deal collapse and its an end to the chapter?

With May's exit, what happens to Brexit?

US President Donald Trump's comment signalling an announcement on trade in August probably reflected his hope for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-shinzo-abe-calls-for-strengthing-ties-with-india-221913">quick progress in negotiations</a>, Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday.

Trump's government is trying to renegotiate trade agreements with major economies, including Japan, to lower the US trade deficit and address what it sees to be unfair trade practices.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-buy-105-f-35-us-stealth-warplanes-donald-trump-221898">Trump met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a> on Monday, he told reporters he expected the two countries to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries" on trade.

However, at a regular cabinet meeting, Motegi told reporters, "When you look at the exact wording of his comments, you can see that the president was voicing his hopes of swift progress in talks toward something that is mutually beneficial."

Japanese officials have denied that the two countries had agreed to reach a trade deal by August.

Motegi, who is in charge of trade talks, said his meeting in Tokyo last week with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer made clear there were differences in views that needed to be ironed out in future negotiations.

Watch: Trump meets new Japanese emperor in ceremonial highlight of state visit

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"We've agreed that we'll strive to narrow the gap, including through possibly holding working-level talks," Motegi said, adding that no timetable had yet been set for future talks.

The United States is in the middle of an expensive trade war with China, and trade tension is also simmering with Japan and the European Union.

US President Donald Trump's comment signalling an announcement on trade in August probably reflected his hope for quick progress in negotiations, Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump's comment signalling an announcement on trade in August probably reflected his hope for quick progress in negotiations, Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Tuesday. Trump's government is trying to renegotiate trade agreements with major economies, including Japan, to lower the US trade deficit and address what it sees to be unfair trade practices. After Trump met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday, he told reporters he expected the two countries to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries" on trade. However, at a regular cabinet meeting, Motegi told reporters, "When you look at the exact wording of his comments, you can see that the president was voicing his hopes of swift progress in talks toward something that is mutually beneficial." Japanese officials have denied that the two countries had agreed to reach a trade deal by August. Motegi, who is in charge of trade talks, said his meeting in Tokyo last week with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer made clear there were differences in views that needed to be ironed out in future negotiations. Watch: Trump meets new Japanese emperor in ceremonial highlight of state visit × "We've agreed that we'll strive to narrow the gap, including through possibly holding working-level talks," Motegi said, adding that no timetable had yet been set for future talks. The United States is in the middle of an expensive trade war with China, and trade tension is also simmering with Japan and the European Union.

Japan says Trump's comment reflected hope for progress in trade talks by August

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as&nbsp;European Union&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

An&nbsp;EU-wide election last week returned a&nbsp;European Parliament with a splintered centre and gains by pro-EU&nbsp;liberals and greens as well as&nbsp;eurosceptic nationalists and the far-right.

The centrist&nbsp;European People's Party (EPP) and Socialists &amp; Democrats (S&amp;D) can only count on 326 seats in the new, 751-strong chamber. That is short of the 376-seat majority needed to approve a new head for the bloc's executive&nbsp;European Commission.

Other big roles up for grabs later this year include the head of the&nbsp;European Parliament and the&nbsp;European Central Bank, the bloc's foreign policy chief and the head of the&nbsp;European Council, which gathers&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;of the&nbsp;EU's 28 member states.

Merkel called on Monday for a swift decision and an official from Macron's office said he too would "ideally" want the process finished in June. But the two&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;have differing views on how to pick a Commission chief.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;would risk an institutional logjam if talks are prolonged, leaving it unable to make key policy decisions at a time when it faces a more assertive Russia, China's growing economic might and the unpredictable US&nbsp;president.

Leaders&nbsp;of a majority of parties in the newly elected chamber on Monday called on the national&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;to nominate a lawmaker to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission chief.

Merkel officially favours the EPP candidate, German conservative Manfred Weber, to take over at the Commission.

But Weber has so far failed to rally the other&nbsp;EU&nbsp;assembly groups and a dinner he had wanted to host late on Monday with the S&amp;D, the liberal ALDE and the Greens was cancelled.

"The EPP is ready for all the necessary compromises," Weber said on Monday.

HARD TO CALL

Together, those four parties would hold 504 seats in the new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;chamber, according to the latest provisional results, comfortably enough to approve or reject any pick made by the 28 national&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;for the top Brussels posting.

Macron, meanwhile, will on Tuesday push against the "Spitzenkandidat" system whereby a lawmaker selected by the&nbsp;European assembly should get the Commission job.

On Monday night he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is seeking a bigger political role for Madrid at the top of the&nbsp;EU.

A raft of separate face-to-face talks will take place in Brussels on Tuesday before all the&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;-- including outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May -- meet at 1600 GMT.

Their chairman, ex-Polish premier Donald Tusk, does not expect the package to be agreed on Tuesday but will continue consultations with capitals after the debate among&nbsp;leaders.

He also wants to have names ready for the new&nbsp;European Parliament's approval in July as otherwise the whole process risks getting delayed until autumn.

Unanimity is not required and current Commission president Juncker got the job despite opposition from London and with Budapest abstaining in 2014.

But it is hard to see a candidate succeeding against the will of more than just a handful of&nbsp;leaders, as that would risk hurting their cooperation in the future and stalling the&nbsp;EU's decision-making processes.

The obscure and difficult-to-call recruitment process will be a compromise between requirements of geography and political affiliation, as well as the candidates' own profiles.

Other names already in the running include Juncker's current deputy and Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans, the bloc's Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, and outgoing Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic, a Slovak.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as European Union leaders meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will lock horns in Brussels on Tuesday as European Union leaders meet to begin bargaining over who will take the bloc's top jobs for the next five years. An EU-wide election last week returned a European Parliament with a splintered centre and gains by pro-EU liberals and greens as well as eurosceptic nationalists and the far-right. The centrist European People's Party (EPP) and Socialists & Democrats (S&D) can only count on 326 seats in the new, 751-strong chamber. That is short of the 376-seat majority needed to approve a new head for the bloc's executive European Commission. Other big roles up for grabs later this year include the head of the European Parliament and the European Central Bank, the bloc's foreign policy chief and the head of the European Council, which gathers leaders of the EU's 28 member states. Merkel called on Monday for a swift decision and an official from Macron's office said he too would "ideally" want the process finished in June. But the two leaders have differing views on how to pick a Commission chief. The EU would risk an institutional logjam if talks are prolonged, leaving it unable to make key policy decisions at a time when it faces a more assertive Russia, China's growing economic might and the unpredictable US president. Leaders of a majority of parties in the newly elected chamber on Monday called on the national leaders to nominate a lawmaker to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission chief. Merkel officially favours the EPP candidate, German conservative Manfred Weber, to take over at the Commission. But Weber has so far failed to rally the other EU assembly groups and a dinner he had wanted to host late on Monday with the S&D, the liberal ALDE and the Greens was cancelled. "The EPP is ready for all the necessary compromises," Weber said on Monday. HARD TO CALL Together, those four parties would hold 504 seats in the new EU chamber, according to the latest provisional results, comfortably enough to approve or reject any pick made by the 28 national leaders for the top Brussels posting. Macron, meanwhile, will on Tuesday push against the "Spitzenkandidat" system whereby a lawmaker selected by the European assembly should get the Commission job. On Monday night he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is seeking a bigger political role for Madrid at the top of the EU. A raft of separate face-to-face talks will take place in Brussels on Tuesday before all the leaders -- including outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May -- meet at 1600 GMT. Their chairman, ex-Polish premier Donald Tusk, does not expect the package to be agreed on Tuesday but will continue consultations with capitals after the debate among leaders. He also wants to have names ready for the new European Parliament's approval in July as otherwise the whole process risks getting delayed until autumn. Unanimity is not required and current Commission president Juncker got the job despite opposition from London and with Budapest abstaining in 2014. But it is hard to see a candidate succeeding against the will of more than just a handful of leaders, as that would risk hurting their cooperation in the future and stalling the EU's decision-making processes. The obscure and difficult-to-call recruitment process will be a compromise between requirements of geography and political affiliation, as well as the candidates' own profiles. Other names already in the running include Juncker's current deputy and Dutch social democrat Frans Timmermans, the bloc's Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier, and outgoing Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic, a Slovak.

European Union leaders fire starting gun for top jobs race

The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen finished top in European elections in France, final results showed Monday, dealing a symbolic blow, but not a knock-out punch, to pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron.

Le Pen's National Rally (RN) received 23.31 per cent of the vote, with Macron's centrist alliance trailing with 22.41 per cent.

The two groups will have the same number of seats in the European Parliament, 23, after Britain's expected departure from the EU.

Le Pen, who lost out to Macron in a bitter presidential contest in 2017, called for the head of state to dissolve the parliament and call new elections, a proposal that was immediately rejected by the government.

"It is up to the president of the republic to draw conclusions, he who put his presidential credit on the line in this vote in making it a referendum on his policies and even his personality," Le Pen said in a brief speech late Sunday.

But despite triumphalist comments from RN figures, the final results were a mixed picture for the 50-year-old Le Pen: her party ended up losing ground since European elections in 2014 when it finished top with 24.9 per cent.

In a first reaction after exit polls were released late on Sunday, an aide to Macron called them "respectable". Leading allies of the 41-year-old president sounded satisfied that the margin of defeat looked like it would be slender.

A second-place finish for the ruling Republic on the Move (LREM) party was a disappointment for Macron after he put his reputation on the line by campaigning, but it is a symbolic setback that aides said would have no bearing on his policies.

"The catastrophe that some people predicted for Macron has not taken place and the RN has a significant score, but not a spectacular one when you compare it to five years ago," analyst Zaki Laidi from the Cevipof political institute said.

'Time for action'

An aide to Macron, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said that there would be "no change of line" and that he would intensify his planned reforms which include tax cuts for the middle classes and controversial changes to the pension and unemployment benefits system.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the results confirmed the "redrawing" of French politics, which was evident in the presidential election in 2017 when France's traditional parties were eclipsed by Macron's new centrist movement and the far-right.

"The time is for action because the French people will judge us ultimately on one thing: results," Philippe said in a televised statement on Sunday.

He also said the government had "received a message about the ecological emergency" after France's main green party, EELV, looked set to finish third, with around 13 per cent of the vote compared with 8.9 per cent in 2014.

Macron had made no secret of the significance he attached to the results, telling regional French newspapers last week that the EU elections were the most important for four decades as the union faced an "existential threat".

He is a leading champion of further EU integration and is keen for further advances to link the economies, militaries and political systems of the bloc, which numbers 28 member states including Britain.

At home, the former investment banker started his five-year term as an energetic pro-business reformer intent on cutting unemployment and making France more entrepreneurial.

But for six months he has faced so-called "yellow vest" protesters who have blocked roads and demonstrated to denounce him as a "president of the rich" who has ignored the plight of the working poor and rural France.

Macron has since announced major tax cuts for the middle classes and a rise in the minimum wage.

Allies?

His influence and Le Pen's in the European Parliament will now depend on whether they can make alliances.

Le Pen has previously called for the formation of a "supergroup" of eurosceptic parties, but the hard-right ruling party in Poland -- PiS -- has shunned her because of her pro-Russian views, while Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains aloof.

"The gains for our allies in Europe and the emergence of new forces across the continent... open the way for the formation of a powerful group in the European Parliament," the RN's top campaigner, 23-year-old Jordan Bardella, told supporters on Sunday.

Macron meanwhile is in alliance with the ALDE centrist and liberal grouping which is seen as finishing third in the parliament behind the conservative PPE formation and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&amp;D).

But the French president, who redrew French politics in 2017, is still hoping to forge a new broader alliance of pro-European which would bring together so-called "progressives."

"At the European level, the president is still manoeuvring to form a large progressive alliance, a&nbsp;force that will be essential in the new parliament," an aide said on condition of anonymity.

The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen finished top in European elections in France, final results showed Monday, dealing a symbolic blow, but not a knock-out punch, to pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron.

The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen finished top in European elections in France, final results showed Monday, dealing a symbolic blow, but not a knock-out punch, to pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron. Le Pen's National Rally (RN) received 23.31 per cent of the vote, with Macron's centrist alliance trailing with 22.41 per cent. The two groups will have the same number of seats in the European Parliament, 23, after Britain's expected departure from the EU. Le Pen, who lost out to Macron in a bitter presidential contest in 2017, called for the head of state to dissolve the parliament and call new elections, a proposal that was immediately rejected by the government. "It is up to the president of the republic to draw conclusions, he who put his presidential credit on the line in this vote in making it a referendum on his policies and even his personality," Le Pen said in a brief speech late Sunday. But despite triumphalist comments from RN figures, the final results were a mixed picture for the 50-year-old Le Pen: her party ended up losing ground since European elections in 2014 when it finished top with 24.9 per cent. In a first reaction after exit polls were released late on Sunday, an aide to Macron called them "respectable". Leading allies of the 41-year-old president sounded satisfied that the margin of defeat looked like it would be slender. A second-place finish for the ruling Republic on the Move (LREM) party was a disappointment for Macron after he put his reputation on the line by campaigning, but it is a symbolic setback that aides said would have no bearing on his policies. "The catastrophe that some people predicted for Macron has not taken place and the RN has a significant score, but not a spectacular one when you compare it to five years ago," analyst Zaki Laidi from the Cevipof political institute said. 'Time for action' An aide to Macron, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said that there would be "no change of line" and that he would intensify his planned reforms which include tax cuts for the middle classes and controversial changes to the pension and unemployment benefits system. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the results confirmed the "redrawing" of French politics, which was evident in the presidential election in 2017 when France's traditional parties were eclipsed by Macron's new centrist movement and the far-right. "The time is for action because the French people will judge us ultimately on one thing: results," Philippe said in a televised statement on Sunday. He also said the government had "received a message about the ecological emergency" after France's main green party, EELV, looked set to finish third, with around 13 per cent of the vote compared with 8.9 per cent in 2014. Macron had made no secret of the significance he attached to the results, telling regional French newspapers last week that the EU elections were the most important for four decades as the union faced an "existential threat". He is a leading champion of further EU integration and is keen for further advances to link the economies, militaries and political systems of the bloc, which numbers 28 member states including Britain. At home, the former investment banker started his five-year term as an energetic pro-business reformer intent on cutting unemployment and making France more entrepreneurial. But for six months he has faced so-called "yellow vest" protesters who have blocked roads and demonstrated to denounce him as a "president of the rich" who has ignored the plight of the working poor and rural France. Macron has since announced major tax cuts for the middle classes and a rise in the minimum wage. Allies? His influence and Le Pen's in the European Parliament will now depend on whether they can make alliances. Le Pen has previously called for the formation of a "supergroup" of eurosceptic parties, but the hard-right ruling party in Poland -- PiS -- has shunned her because of her pro-Russian views, while Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains aloof. "The gains for our allies in Europe and the emergence of new forces across the continent... open the way for the formation of a powerful group in the European Parliament," the RN's top campaigner, 23-year-old Jordan Bardella, told supporters on Sunday. Macron meanwhile is in alliance with the ALDE centrist and liberal grouping which is seen as finishing third in the parliament behind the conservative PPE formation and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D). But the French president, who redrew French politics in 2017, is still hoping to forge a new broader alliance of pro-European which would bring together so-called "progressives." "At the European level, the president is still manoeuvring to form a large progressive alliance, a force that will be essential in the new parliament," an aide said on condition of anonymity.

Blow for President Emmanuel Macron as Le Pen tops European Union election in France

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-calls-for-europe-to-stand-up-against-far-right-parties-219720">German Chancellor Angela Merkel's</a> embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival.

Voters handed her CDU party and its centre-left coalition partner SPD their worst score in European election history while doubling support for the Greens amid rising fears over global warming.

The Greens also snatched the second spot from the Social Democratic Party, coming in just behind Merkel's centre-right alliance.

Crucially, the environmental party took more than a million votes -- including many from young people -- each from the SPD as well as from the CDU.

Der Spiegel said the coalition is "in danger" after Sunday's drubbing.

"This instability can lead to a break up at any time. The CDU and SPD are deeply insecure parties. If, for example, SPD leader (Andrea) Nahles were to fall, the question of the continued existence of the coalition would immediately arise."

The SPD, stung by a beating at general elections in 2017, had initially sought to go into opposition.

But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel's centre-right alliance, and many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in her shadow while taking the fall for any unpopular policies.

With the SPD also losing the top spot in stronghold Bremen during state elections Sunday, rumblings of discontent against the leadership may yet grow louder.

Already ahead of the vote, Bild is Sonntag quoted unnamed sources as saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September.

Slapping down the speculation, finance minister Olaf Scholz warned against putting Nahles' role in question.&nbsp;

"Calling for personal consequences would not help," he said.

Blindsided&nbsp;

But the SPD was not the only party in crisis mode after Sunday's debacle.

Merkel's CDU too had been blindsided by youth-led anger over global warming.

Key party figures admitted Sunday that they had campaigned on the wrong topics, as they overlooked climate which had overtaken immigration to become the main worry for Germans this year.

The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world.

The Greens were further lent a boost in Germany by a prominent YouTuber whose online assault against Merkel's coalition accusing it of failing to act to halt global warming went viral.

The CDU struggled for days to put out the fire.

Just two days before the vote, the online star Rezo upped the ante and published a joint call with 70 influential YouTubers telling their millions of followers to shun parties in Merkel's coalition as well as the far-right AfD at the polls.

On Sunday, one in three under-30s picked the Greens, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU. The SPD also did not fare better, winning over only 10 per cent of the age group.

Party chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is poised to succeed Merkel when the veteran leader steps down in 2021, conceded, "Yes, we made mistakes in this election campaign, that has to be said."

Markus Soeder, who heads Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party its main rival.

"The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid".

Underlining that the CDU-CSU bloc was struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's embattled coalition will hold crisis talks Monday after a thumping at European polls that has reignited questions over its survival. Voters handed her CDU party and its centre-left coalition partner SPD their worst score in European election history while doubling support for the Greens amid rising fears over global warming. The Greens also snatched the second spot from the Social Democratic Party, coming in just behind Merkel's centre-right alliance. Crucially, the environmental party took more than a million votes -- including many from young people -- each from the SPD as well as from the CDU. Der Spiegel said the coalition is "in danger" after Sunday's drubbing. "This instability can lead to a break up at any time. The CDU and SPD are deeply insecure parties. If, for example, SPD leader (Andrea) Nahles were to fall, the question of the continued existence of the coalition would immediately arise." The SPD, stung by a beating at general elections in 2017, had initially sought to go into opposition. But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel's centre-right alliance, and many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in her shadow while taking the fall for any unpopular policies. With the SPD also losing the top spot in stronghold Bremen during state elections Sunday, rumblings of discontent against the leadership may yet grow louder. Already ahead of the vote, Bild is Sonntag quoted unnamed sources as saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September. Slapping down the speculation, finance minister Olaf Scholz warned against putting Nahles' role in question. "Calling for personal consequences would not help," he said. Blindsided But the SPD was not the only party in crisis mode after Sunday's debacle. Merkel's CDU too had been blindsided by youth-led anger over global warming. Key party figures admitted Sunday that they had campaigned on the wrong topics, as they overlooked climate which had overtaken immigration to become the main worry for Germans this year. The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world. The Greens were further lent a boost in Germany by a prominent YouTuber whose online assault against Merkel's coalition accusing it of failing to act to halt global warming went viral. The CDU struggled for days to put out the fire. Just two days before the vote, the online star Rezo upped the ante and published a joint call with 70 influential YouTubers telling their millions of followers to shun parties in Merkel's coalition as well as the far-right AfD at the polls. On Sunday, one in three under-30s picked the Greens, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU. The SPD also did not fare better, winning over only 10 per cent of the age group. Party chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is poised to succeed Merkel when the veteran leader steps down in 2021, conceded, "Yes, we made mistakes in this election campaign, that has to be said." Markus Soeder, who heads Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party its main rival. "The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid". Underlining that the CDU-CSU bloc was struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open".

Angela Merkel's coalition in crisis talks after European Union vote debacle

The celebration of voters of the French far-right National Rally party contrasted with the dissatisfaction of the supporters of the Renaissance list, the flagbearer team for the European Parliament election of President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move party, as polling results were announced on Sunday night (May 26).

National Rally voters cheer, Macron supporters 'disappointed' with EU election results

From migration crisis to Brexit: A look at European Union's 60 years of ups and downs

Tens of millions of Europeans will vote Sunday as 21 countries choose their representatives in a battle between the nationalist right and pro-EU forces to chart a course for the bloc.

Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania and Cyprus were the first to open their polling stations at 0400 GMT.

Seven EU member states have already voted, and provisional results will be released late on Sunday once the rest of the union has taken part in the European parliamentary election.

Eurosceptic parties opposed to the project of ever closer union hope to capture as many as a thirds of the seats in the 751-member Strasbourg assembly, disrupting the pro-integration consensus.

The far-right parties of Italian deputy PM Matteo Salvini and France's Marine Le Pen will lead this charge, and anti-EU ranks will be swelled by the Brexit Party of British populist Nigel Farage.

France's President Emmanuel Macron has taken it upon himself to act as a figurehead for the centrist and liberal parties hoping to shut the nationalists out of key EU jobs and decision-making.

"Once again Macron is daring us to challenge him. Well let's take him at his word: On May 26, we'll challenge him in the voting booth," Le Pen told a rally in France on Friday.

'Extremists are mobilising'

Meanwhile, the mainstream parties are vying between themselves for influence over the choice of a new generation of top European officials, including the powerful president of the European Commission.

And Brussels insiders are closely following the turnout figures, fearing that another drop in participation will undermine the credibility of the EU parliament as it seeks to establish its authority.

Britain and the Netherlands were first to vote, on Thursday, followed by Ireland and the Czech Republic on Friday and Slovakia, Malta and Latvia on Saturday, leaving the bulk of the 400 million eligible voters to join in on Sunday.

At the last EU election in 2014, Slovakia had the lowest turnout of any country, at less than 14 per cent, and centrist president Andrej Kiska is worried that the far-right is poised to profit.

"We see that extremists are mobilising, we see a lot their billboards and activities all over Slovakia. We can't let someone steal Europe from us. It's our Europe," Kiska told reporters.

But the right and the far-right have not had everything their own way so far.

In the Netherlands, the centre-left party of EU vice president Frans Timmermans won the most votes and added two seats to the Socialists and Democrats (S&amp;D) bloc in parliament, according to exit polls.

A day later, the S&amp;D's centre-right rival the European People's Party (EPP) was buoyed by exit polls suggesting that Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's pro-EU Fine Gael party was in the lead in Ireland.

Jobs fair

If Britain leaves the European Union on October 31, the latest deadline for Brexit, then its MEPs will not sit for long in the EU parliament but could still play a role in the scramble to hand out top jobs.

Thursday's votes from Britain won't be counted until after polls close in Italy, but Farage's Brexit Party appears on course to send a large delegation to a parliament its wants to abolish.

Macron is pinning his hopes on his Renaissance movement joining with the liberal ALDE voting bloc and other centrist groups to give impetus to his plans for deeper EU integration.

But much will depend on who gets the top jobs: the presidencies of the Council and the Commission, the speaker of parliament, the high representative for foreign policy and director of the European Central Bank.

The 29 EU leaders have been invited to a summit dinner on Tuesday to decide how to choose the nominees, and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to back the lead EPP candidate Manfred Weber for the Commission.

Macron and some other leaders oppose both Weber, a German conservative MEP with no executive experience, and the idea that the parliament should get to choose one of its own for Brussels' prime post.

But whichever way the leaders' council leans, there will be no immediate decision. Instead, Council president Donald Tusk will take note of how the debate went and draft the nominations before a June 21 EU summit.

Tens of millions of Europeans will vote Sunday as 21 countries choose their representatives in a battle between the nationalist right and pro-EU forces to chart a course for the bloc.

Tens of millions of Europeans will vote Sunday as 21 countries choose their representatives in a battle between the nationalist right and pro-EU forces to chart a course for the bloc. Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania and Cyprus were the first to open their polling stations at 0400 GMT. Seven EU member states have already voted, and provisional results will be released late on Sunday once the rest of the union has taken part in the European parliamentary election. Eurosceptic parties opposed to the project of ever closer union hope to capture as many as a thirds of the seats in the 751-member Strasbourg assembly, disrupting the pro-integration consensus. The far-right parties of Italian deputy PM Matteo Salvini and France's Marine Le Pen will lead this charge, and anti-EU ranks will be swelled by the Brexit Party of British populist Nigel Farage. France's President Emmanuel Macron has taken it upon himself to act as a figurehead for the centrist and liberal parties hoping to shut the nationalists out of key EU jobs and decision-making. "Once again Macron is daring us to challenge him. Well let's take him at his word: On May 26, we'll challenge him in the voting booth," Le Pen told a rally in France on Friday. 'Extremists are mobilising' Meanwhile, the mainstream parties are vying between themselves for influence over the choice of a new generation of top European officials, including the powerful president of the European Commission. And Brussels insiders are closely following the turnout figures, fearing that another drop in participation will undermine the credibility of the EU parliament as it seeks to establish its authority. Britain and the Netherlands were first to vote, on Thursday, followed by Ireland and the Czech Republic on Friday and Slovakia, Malta and Latvia on Saturday, leaving the bulk of the 400 million eligible voters to join in on Sunday. At the last EU election in 2014, Slovakia had the lowest turnout of any country, at less than 14 per cent, and centrist president Andrej Kiska is worried that the far-right is poised to profit. "We see that extremists are mobilising, we see a lot their billboards and activities all over Slovakia. We can't let someone steal Europe from us. It's our Europe," Kiska told reporters. But the right and the far-right have not had everything their own way so far. In the Netherlands, the centre-left party of EU vice president Frans Timmermans won the most votes and added two seats to the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) bloc in parliament, according to exit polls. A day later, the S&D's centre-right rival the European People's Party (EPP) was buoyed by exit polls suggesting that Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's pro-EU Fine Gael party was in the lead in Ireland. Jobs fair If Britain leaves the European Union on October 31, the latest deadline for Brexit, then its MEPs will not sit for long in the EU parliament but could still play a role in the scramble to hand out top jobs. Thursday's votes from Britain won't be counted until after polls close in Italy, but Farage's Brexit Party appears on course to send a large delegation to a parliament its wants to abolish. Macron is pinning his hopes on his Renaissance movement joining with the liberal ALDE voting bloc and other centrist groups to give impetus to his plans for deeper EU integration. But much will depend on who gets the top jobs: the presidencies of the Council and the Commission, the speaker of parliament, the high representative for foreign policy and director of the European Central Bank. The 29 EU leaders have been invited to a summit dinner on Tuesday to decide how to choose the nominees, and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to back the lead EPP candidate Manfred Weber for the Commission. Macron and some other leaders oppose both Weber, a German conservative MEP with no executive experience, and the idea that the parliament should get to choose one of its own for Brussels' prime post. But whichever way the leaders' council leans, there will be no immediate decision. Instead, Council president Donald Tusk will take note of how the debate went and draft the nominations before a June 21 EU summit.

Final votes cast as Europe chooses future course

Belgium holds national elections on Sunday, with an expected surge by the Flemish far right and a good showing by the Greens after a wave of climate protests.

Voters will cast ballots in three elections -- national, regional and European -- a political hat-trick that will determine the country's course for the next five years.

A country of 11 million people, Belgium is one of the EU's most divided member states, with Dutch and French speakers choosing separate candidates and parties. There is also a small German-speaking constituency.

This makes coalition building extremely complicated. Belgium took a record 541 days to form a government in 2010 and 2011 amid deep divisions between the Dutch speakers in Flanders and francophones in Wallonia and Brussels.

Making matters worse, economically booming Flanders votes traditionally to the right, while the socialists are the major political force in Brussels and post-industrial Wallonia, where unemployment runs high.

In Wallonia, the socialists look set to confirm their dominance, with the Greens expected to make big gains across the country where months of climate protests by students have captured headlines.

Polls in Flanders show that the far right and separatist Vlaams Belang could make major inroads to rival the nationalist N-VA that will likely remain Belgium's biggest party.

The N-VA broke party tradition in 2014 and joined the coalition government, with French-speaking liberal Charles Michel as prime minister.

The coalition collapsed in late 2018 when the N-VA jumped ship in opposition to Belgium's ratification of a United Nations migration pact.

If the N-VA, which is headed by powerful Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever, fails to win a commanding score, analysts predict a long wait to find a stable ruling coalition.

Voting is compulsory in Belgium. Polling precincts will open at 8:00 am (0600 GMT), and close at 4:00 pm with first results expected in the late afternoon.

Belgium holds national elections on Sunday, with an expected surge by the Flemish far right and a good showing by the Greens after a wave of climate protests. Voters will cast ballots in three elections -- national, regional and European -- a political hat-trick that will determine the country's course for the next five years.

Belgium holds national elections on Sunday, with an expected surge by the Flemish far right and a good showing by the Greens after a wave of climate protests. Voters will cast ballots in three elections -- national, regional and European -- a political hat-trick that will determine the country's course for the next five years. A country of 11 million people, Belgium is one of the EU's most divided member states, with Dutch and French speakers choosing separate candidates and parties. There is also a small German-speaking constituency. This makes coalition building extremely complicated. Belgium took a record 541 days to form a government in 2010 and 2011 amid deep divisions between the Dutch speakers in Flanders and francophones in Wallonia and Brussels. Making matters worse, economically booming Flanders votes traditionally to the right, while the socialists are the major political force in Brussels and post-industrial Wallonia, where unemployment runs high. In Wallonia, the socialists look set to confirm their dominance, with the Greens expected to make big gains across the country where months of climate protests by students have captured headlines. Polls in Flanders show that the far right and separatist Vlaams Belang could make major inroads to rival the nationalist N-VA that will likely remain Belgium's biggest party. The N-VA broke party tradition in 2014 and joined the coalition government, with French-speaking liberal Charles Michel as prime minister. The coalition collapsed in late 2018 when the N-VA jumped ship in opposition to Belgium's ratification of a United Nations migration pact. If the N-VA, which is headed by powerful Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever, fails to win a commanding score, analysts predict a long wait to find a stable ruling coalition. Voting is compulsory in Belgium. Polling precincts will open at 8:00 am (0600 GMT), and close at 4:00 pm with first results expected in the late afternoon.

Belgium votes with expected surge by Greens, far right

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