The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263">Theresa May failed</a> and finally pull the divided country out of the EU.

But European leaders insisted they had made their final offer after months of acrimonious talks that produced an unpopular compromise for which May ended up paying with her job.

May is bowing out with her legacy in tatters and the country in agony over what to do about the voters' decision in 2016 to abandon the European integration project after nearly 50 years.

The markets view the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU bloc when the twice-delayed departure date arrives on October 31 as uncomfortably high.

Their main concern is that some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-to-replace-theresa-may-leaves-brexit-in-limbo-221489">current frontrunners</a> to head May's Conservative Party say they will get Brexit done at any cost.

"We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," former foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-boris-johnson-lied-in-brexit-campaign-court-hears-221247">Boris Johnson</a> said Friday in Switzerland.

Johnson's main challenges will come from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab -- viewed as an even more committed eurosceptic -- and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Both declared their candidacies in the Sunday papers.

Raab wrote in The Mail on Sunday that "I would prefer that we leave with a deal".

But "we will not be taken seriously in Brussels unless we are clear that we will walk away on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if the EU doesn't budge," Raab stressed.

Hunt had campaigned against Brexit in 2016 but has since reversed his stance.

"What matters is whether you believe in Brexit, not how you voted in 2016," he told The Sunday Times.

"We can never take no-deal off the table but the best way of avoiding it is to make sure you have someone who is capable of negotiating a deal," Britain's top diplomat said.

'Enthusiastic about Brexit'

Brexit-backing Environment Secretary Michael Gove is also expected to throw his hat in the ring in a BBC interview to be aired on Sunday evening.

The Sunday Times said Grove will argue that he has "a better track record" and is more "capable" than the other leading contenders for May's post.

The contest is being held against the backdrop of European Parliament elections that the new Brexit Party of the anti-EU populist Nigel Farage is expected to win with about a third of the vote.

Polls indicate that the Conservatives will be punished for their bickering over Brexit and could finish as low as fifth -- their worst result in a national election.

The candidates are also mindful of a party revolt over May's fateful decision to court the pro-EU opposition with the promise of a second Brexit referendum.

The concession was designed to help ram her withdrawal agreement through parliament on the fourth attempt.

But it won her no converts and sparked a party coup attempt that forced May to walk away before she was pushed out.

This prompted more EU-friendly hopefuls such as Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd to concede Saturday that they stood no chance and would not vie for the job.

"I am conscious the Conservative Party wants someone who they believe is very enthusiastic about Brexit," Rudd told The Daily Telegraph.

Johnson is a popular figure viewed by many Conservatives as their best answer to Farage.

But a long political career that also saw him serve as London's mayor has made him enemies in parliament who will try to block his rise to the top.

Dark horses

Parliamentary party members will begin whittling down the field of contenders to a final two on June 10.

The finalists will then be put to a postal ballot of around 100,000 party members in July.

The field grew further on Saturday when Health Secretary Matt Hancock entered the race with a promise to take a more moderate approach.

Leaving the European Union without an agreement is "not an active policy choice that is available to the next prime minister," Hancock told Sky News.

Hancock is view as one of the dark horses who might make it through a crowded field of more than a dozen names.

International Development Secretary Rory Stewart is also positioning himself as a more consensus-seeking alternative to Johnson.

"It now seems that (Johnson) is coming out for a no-deal Brexit," Stewart told BBC radio.

"I think it would be a huge mistake. Damaging, unnecessary, and I think also dishonest."

Yet neither Hancock nor Stewart would say if they would push ahead with May's current agreement or try to secure added concessions from Brussels. 
&nbsp;

The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU.

The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU. But European leaders insisted they had made their final offer after months of acrimonious talks that produced an unpopular compromise for which May ended up paying with her job. May is bowing out with her legacy in tatters and the country in agony over what to do about the voters' decision in 2016 to abandon the European integration project after nearly 50 years. The markets view the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU bloc when the twice-delayed departure date arrives on October 31 as uncomfortably high. Their main concern is that some of the current frontrunners to head May's Conservative Party say they will get Brexit done at any cost. "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," former foreign minister Boris Johnson said Friday in Switzerland. Johnson's main challenges will come from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab -- viewed as an even more committed eurosceptic -- and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Both declared their candidacies in the Sunday papers. Raab wrote in The Mail on Sunday that "I would prefer that we leave with a deal". But "we will not be taken seriously in Brussels unless we are clear that we will walk away on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms if the EU doesn't budge," Raab stressed. Hunt had campaigned against Brexit in 2016 but has since reversed his stance. "What matters is whether you believe in Brexit, not how you voted in 2016," he told The Sunday Times. "We can never take no-deal off the table but the best way of avoiding it is to make sure you have someone who is capable of negotiating a deal," Britain's top diplomat said. 'Enthusiastic about Brexit' Brexit-backing Environment Secretary Michael Gove is also expected to throw his hat in the ring in a BBC interview to be aired on Sunday evening. The Sunday Times said Grove will argue that he has "a better track record" and is more "capable" than the other leading contenders for May's post. The contest is being held against the backdrop of European Parliament elections that the new Brexit Party of the anti-EU populist Nigel Farage is expected to win with about a third of the vote. Polls indicate that the Conservatives will be punished for their bickering over Brexit and could finish as low as fifth -- their worst result in a national election. The candidates are also mindful of a party revolt over May's fateful decision to court the pro-EU opposition with the promise of a second Brexit referendum. The concession was designed to help ram her withdrawal agreement through parliament on the fourth attempt. But it won her no converts and sparked a party coup attempt that forced May to walk away before she was pushed out. This prompted more EU-friendly hopefuls such as Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd to concede Saturday that they stood no chance and would not vie for the job. "I am conscious the Conservative Party wants someone who they believe is very enthusiastic about Brexit," Rudd told The Daily Telegraph. Johnson is a popular figure viewed by many Conservatives as their best answer to Farage. But a long political career that also saw him serve as London's mayor has made him enemies in parliament who will try to block his rise to the top. Dark horses Parliamentary party members will begin whittling down the field of contenders to a final two on June 10. The finalists will then be put to a postal ballot of around 100,000 party members in July. The field grew further on Saturday when Health Secretary Matt Hancock entered the race with a promise to take a more moderate approach. Leaving the European Union without an agreement is "not an active policy choice that is available to the next prime minister," Hancock told Sky News. Hancock is view as one of the dark horses who might make it through a crowded field of more than a dozen names. International Development Secretary Rory Stewart is also positioning himself as a more consensus-seeking alternative to Johnson. "It now seems that (Johnson) is coming out for a no-deal Brexit," Stewart told BBC radio. "I think it would be a huge mistake. Damaging, unnecessary, and I think also dishonest." Yet neither Hancock nor Stewart would say if they would push ahead with May's current agreement or try to secure added concessions from Brussels.

UK leadership hopefuls vow to succeed where Theresa May failed on Brexit

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU.

The polls come a month after general elections on April 28 in which Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) came first but without a majority in parliament.

He is hoping the party will perform well on Sunday so he can opt for his preferred plan of forming a minority government with the support of other parties on a case by case basis when passing laws.

But he will also be looking to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-votes-as-populists-seek-historic-breakthrough-221538">European Union</a>, where Sanchez has emerged as the big hope for European social democrats, the second largest bloc in the European parliament.

Spain could be the only major EU member state where the Socialists come out top in elections to the European parliament.

On Friday, outgoing Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, whom Spain could push to become the EU foreign policy chief, told supporters Sanchez was going to "lead the resurgence of social democracy in Europe".

In a sign of Spain's increasing assertiveness in the EU and as of Sunday's polls neared, the government on Friday reacted strongly to British Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation.

"Under these circumstances, a hard Brexit appears to be a reality that is near impossible to stop," Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa warned as May's resignation paves the way for hardliners to take over.

She added Britain's anticipated "disorderly exit" from the EU was "a clear example of what can happen if we let ourselves get swept along by extremes".

Podemos or not?&nbsp;

On the domestic front, the results of local and regional elections may determine what Spain's new government looks like and Sanchez has urged supporters to "finish the work" of the general election and turn out in force.

"I'm asking for a vote on May 26 that is coherent with that of April 28," he said Friday.

While Sanchez wants to rule alone in a minority government, Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left party Podemos, is pushing him to form a coalition government.

Whether Sanchez accepts or not may depend on how both parties fare.

The Socialists "might need the support of Podemos to retain power in some regions, which Iglesias might use to pressure Sanchez into forming a coalition," said Teneo analyst Antonio Barroso.

But "Iglesias' party is on the decline according to the most recent polls, and PSOE might enjoy a certain 'honeymoon effect' after its victory in the April legislative election.&nbsp;

"If the distance between the two parties widens after Sunday, Sanchez will be in an even stronger position to head a minority government."

Polls suggest the Socialists will come out on top in most of the 12 regions going to the polls on Sunday.

But all eyes will be on Madrid which could swing left after being governed by the conservative Popular Party for 24 years.

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU.

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU. The polls come a month after general elections on April 28 in which Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) came first but without a majority in parliament. He is hoping the party will perform well on Sunday so he can opt for his preferred plan of forming a minority government with the support of other parties on a case by case basis when passing laws. But he will also be looking to the European Union, where Sanchez has emerged as the big hope for European social democrats, the second largest bloc in the European parliament. Spain could be the only major EU member state where the Socialists come out top in elections to the European parliament. On Friday, outgoing Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, whom Spain could push to become the EU foreign policy chief, told supporters Sanchez was going to "lead the resurgence of social democracy in Europe". In a sign of Spain's increasing assertiveness in the EU and as of Sunday's polls neared, the government on Friday reacted strongly to British Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation. "Under these circumstances, a hard Brexit appears to be a reality that is near impossible to stop," Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa warned as May's resignation paves the way for hardliners to take over. She added Britain's anticipated "disorderly exit" from the EU was "a clear example of what can happen if we let ourselves get swept along by extremes". Podemos or not? On the domestic front, the results of local and regional elections may determine what Spain's new government looks like and Sanchez has urged supporters to "finish the work" of the general election and turn out in force. "I'm asking for a vote on May 26 that is coherent with that of April 28," he said Friday. While Sanchez wants to rule alone in a minority government, Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left party Podemos, is pushing him to form a coalition government. Whether Sanchez accepts or not may depend on how both parties fare. The Socialists "might need the support of Podemos to retain power in some regions, which Iglesias might use to pressure Sanchez into forming a coalition," said Teneo analyst Antonio Barroso. But "Iglesias' party is on the decline according to the most recent polls, and PSOE might enjoy a certain 'honeymoon effect' after its victory in the April legislative election. "If the distance between the two parties widens after Sunday, Sanchez will be in an even stronger position to head a minority government." Polls suggest the Socialists will come out on top in most of the 12 regions going to the polls on Sunday. But all eyes will be on Madrid which could swing left after being governed by the conservative Popular Party for 24 years.

Spain votes in 'second round' local, regional, European Union polls

Ireland voted by an overwhelming majority to relax its constitutional restriction on divorce, results showed Sunday, the latest in a series of reforms to modernise the charter of the once-devoutly Catholic nation.

Some 82 per cent of voters cast their ballots in favour of removing a provision requiring couples to live separately for four out of the previous five years before dissolving their marriage.

The Irish government has signalled it will bring forward new legislation shortening the requirement to two out of the prior three years.

At present Irish divorce law is regarded as among the most restrictive in Europe.

It is thought to be responsible for the republic having the lowest separation rate of any<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-rich-poor-divide-widens-but-still-a-worldwide-low-217922"> EU member </a>state, according to 2015 figures from the country's Central Statistics Office.

The outcome of Friday's referendum will also see Irish lawmakers granted powers to recognise foreign divorces once it is signed into law by the president.

The mandated separation period was a hangover condition from the 1995 referendum which granted Irish couples the right to divorce by a slim majority of 50.3 per cent.

Campaigners said it placed an unfair emotional and financial burden on couples and families at a time when Irish rental and property prices are spiking.

The result of the vote comes one year on from the day when 66 per cent of voters cast referendum ballots in favour of repealing the republic's constitutional ban on abortion.

While the result of that vote was hailed by crowds in jubilant scenes in Dublin Castle, Sunday's result was announced without fanfare.

In October of last year voters also chose to lift a rarely enforced -- and oft-ridiculed -- constitutional ban on blasphemy.

A further referendum to excise or alter the constitutional article referring to the "woman's life within the home" is expected to be brought forward soon.

The turnout in the referendum, which took place alongside EU elections, was 51 per cent.

Ireland voted by an overwhelming majority to relax its constitutional restriction on divorce, results showed Sunday, the latest in a series of reforms to modernise the charter of the once-devoutly Catholic nation.

Ireland voted by an overwhelming majority to relax its constitutional restriction on divorce, results showed Sunday, the latest in a series of reforms to modernise the charter of the once-devoutly Catholic nation. Some 82 per cent of voters cast their ballots in favour of removing a provision requiring couples to live separately for four out of the previous five years before dissolving their marriage. The Irish government has signalled it will bring forward new legislation shortening the requirement to two out of the prior three years. At present Irish divorce law is regarded as among the most restrictive in Europe. It is thought to be responsible for the republic having the lowest separation rate of any EU member state, according to 2015 figures from the country's Central Statistics Office. The outcome of Friday's referendum will also see Irish lawmakers granted powers to recognise foreign divorces once it is signed into law by the president. The mandated separation period was a hangover condition from the 1995 referendum which granted Irish couples the right to divorce by a slim majority of 50.3 per cent. Campaigners said it placed an unfair emotional and financial burden on couples and families at a time when Irish rental and property prices are spiking. The result of the vote comes one year on from the day when 66 per cent of voters cast referendum ballots in favour of repealing the republic's constitutional ban on abortion. While the result of that vote was hailed by crowds in jubilant scenes in Dublin Castle, Sunday's result was announced without fanfare. In October of last year voters also chose to lift a rarely enforced -- and oft-ridiculed -- constitutional ban on blasphemy. A further referendum to excise or alter the constitutional article referring to the "woman's life within the home" is expected to be brought forward soon. The turnout in the referendum, which took place alongside EU elections, was 51 per cent.

Ireland votes overwhelmingly to relax strict divorce law

Contenders to succeed Theresa May as Britain's prime minister prepared to launch their leadership campaigns on Saturday, leaving Brexit shrouded in uncertainty.

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-annouces-resignation-over-brexit-deal-221263"> tearful May announced her resignation </a>on Friday, leaving the Brexit process for exiting the European Union in limbo and raising the risk of Britain crashing out of the bloc in a few months.

May's statement inevitably triggered the starting gun on a two-month contest to replace her.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-theresa-may-three-tumultuous-downing-street-years-221355">May will step down</a> as Conservative leader on June 7 but stay on as prime minister until party members have chosen her successor, which will happen by July 20.

Britain's EU departure date is currently fixed for October 31, although any new leader could ask for a further delay.

Conservative Party leadership contests are typically bloodthirsty affairs, with plot twists and betrayals.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite, ahead of former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab.

Both have embraced the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.

But whoever takes over from May will like her face the same razor-thin majority in parliament, an EU with no intention of changing the divorce offer that MPs have rejected three times, and proponents both for and against Brexit who will never compromise.

Main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said whoever wins the contest should call an immediate general election.

That too would be a risky move, with the newly-formed, single-issue Brexit Party set to triumph in the European Parliament elections when the results become clear on Monday.

Waiting in the wings

Raab as well as Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Environment Secretary Michael Gove all held off from throwing their hats in the ring on Friday, but are widely expected to stand.

The next prime minister of the UK, a country of more than 66 million people, will be decided by the 100,000 or so paid-up members of the Conservative Party.

After Johnson and Raab, the next most likely winners are Gove, Hunt and former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, bookmakers say.

They are followed by International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

So far, only Johnson, Stewart and former pensions minister Esther McVey have declared their intention to stand.

"There's a lot of runners and riders in this particular race," Tony Travers, a politics professor at the London School of Economics University, told AFP.

Johnson "would certainly be the party membership's choice but not necessarily members of parliament", he added.

With the House of Commons' arithmetic unchanged, "the question is, could a new prime minister go back to the EU 27 and get a different deal that would be more attractive to parliament," Travers said.

A snap YouGov poll of 2,200 adults on Friday found 67 per cent thought May had made the right choice in standing down.

At the same time, May told her local party branch that she would stay on in parliament and remain an MP.

Labour MP Chris Bryant, calling for a second Brexit referendum, said the new prime minister could not go for a no-deal Brexit.

"If they opt for confrontation, they will suffer Mrs May's fate, but in a matter of months and weeks, not years," he said.

Deep regret

In an emotional address outside her Downing Street Office on Friday, May ended a dramatic three-year tenure of near-constant crisis over Brexit.

May, who took charge in the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum, was forced out following a Conservative mutiny over her ill-fated strategy to end Britain's near five-decade membership of the EU.

"It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit," said May.

"I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold.

"I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love," she said, her voice breaking and close to tears.

May was hastily pushed into the humiliating spectacle after a meeting with the Conservative Party's committee chief in charge of leadership elections.

Her fourth bid to get MPs to agree to her EU divorce deal, this time with changes seeking to woo the opposition, went too far for many key cabinet members and her last remaining authority had all but evaporated.

With her resignation, the manner of Britain's withdrawal from the EU appears more ambiguous than ever.&nbsp;

Contenders to succeed Theresa May as Britain's prime minister prepared to launch their leadership campaigns on Saturday, leaving Brexit shrouded in uncertainty. A tearful May announced her resignation on Friday, leaving the Brexit process for exiting the European Union in limbo and raising the risk of Britain crashing out of the bloc in a few months.

Contenders to succeed Theresa May as Britain's prime minister prepared to launch their leadership campaigns on Saturday, leaving Brexit shrouded in uncertainty. A tearful May announced her resignation on Friday, leaving the Brexit process for exiting the European Union in limbo and raising the risk of Britain crashing out of the bloc in a few months. May's statement inevitably triggered the starting gun on a two-month contest to replace her. May will step down as Conservative leader on June 7 but stay on as prime minister until party members have chosen her successor, which will happen by July 20. Britain's EU departure date is currently fixed for October 31, although any new leader could ask for a further delay. Conservative Party leadership contests are typically bloodthirsty affairs, with plot twists and betrayals. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite, ahead of former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab. Both have embraced the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. But whoever takes over from May will like her face the same razor-thin majority in parliament, an EU with no intention of changing the divorce offer that MPs have rejected three times, and proponents both for and against Brexit who will never compromise. Main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said whoever wins the contest should call an immediate general election. That too would be a risky move, with the newly-formed, single-issue Brexit Party set to triumph in the European Parliament elections when the results become clear on Monday. Waiting in the wings Raab as well as Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Environment Secretary Michael Gove all held off from throwing their hats in the ring on Friday, but are widely expected to stand. The next prime minister of the UK, a country of more than 66 million people, will be decided by the 100,000 or so paid-up members of the Conservative Party. After Johnson and Raab, the next most likely winners are Gove, Hunt and former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, bookmakers say. They are followed by International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Home Secretary Sajid Javid. So far, only Johnson, Stewart and former pensions minister Esther McVey have declared their intention to stand. "There's a lot of runners and riders in this particular race," Tony Travers, a politics professor at the London School of Economics University, told AFP. Johnson "would certainly be the party membership's choice but not necessarily members of parliament", he added. With the House of Commons' arithmetic unchanged, "the question is, could a new prime minister go back to the EU 27 and get a different deal that would be more attractive to parliament," Travers said. A snap YouGov poll of 2,200 adults on Friday found 67 per cent thought May had made the right choice in standing down. At the same time, May told her local party branch that she would stay on in parliament and remain an MP. Labour MP Chris Bryant, calling for a second Brexit referendum, said the new prime minister could not go for a no-deal Brexit. "If they opt for confrontation, they will suffer Mrs May's fate, but in a matter of months and weeks, not years," he said. Deep regret In an emotional address outside her Downing Street Office on Friday, May ended a dramatic three-year tenure of near-constant crisis over Brexit. May, who took charge in the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum, was forced out following a Conservative mutiny over her ill-fated strategy to end Britain's near five-decade membership of the EU. "It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit," said May. "I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold. "I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love," she said, her voice breaking and close to tears. May was hastily pushed into the humiliating spectacle after a meeting with the Conservative Party's committee chief in charge of leadership elections. Her fourth bid to get MPs to agree to her EU divorce deal, this time with changes seeking to woo the opposition, went too far for many key cabinet members and her last remaining authority had all but evaporated. With her resignation, the manner of Britain's withdrawal from the EU appears more ambiguous than ever.

Race to replace Theresa May leaves Brexit in limbo

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

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

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

Contest to replace May as British prime minister hots up

In a shift since the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-elections-five-things-to-watch-220958">European Parliament elections</a>, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes.

With the "Fridays for Future" protest due to continuing in cities across the continent on the second day of voting, the growing consensus for urgent climate action has raised hopes of cross-party cooperation.

But there are also fears populists could torpedo this if they make strong gains.

A Eurobarometer poll shows climate change is now a leading concern for European Union voters, not far behind economic issues and rivalling worries about migration.

And, amid weekly protests over what activists now term the climate emergency, Europe's mainstream political parties have finally grasped the issue.

"It is fair to say that climate and environmental policies now are embedded in all the political parties," said Dara Murphy, campaign director for the European People's Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the outgoing European Parliament.

"If you compare it to 2014, it has really become one of the top issues in the European elections," Murphy told AFP from his native Ireland after trips to other EU countries.

He said the centre-right EPP added climate change to its campaign programme over the last two years based on research showing growing environmental concerns.

But analyst Stella Schaller and Laurence Tubiana, an architect of the Paris climate deal, said global warming's rise to major political prominence is more recent.

"We saw the debate tipping in the last four to six months," Schaller, an analyst at Berlin's Adelphi environmental policy think tank, told AFP.

The shift has occurred, Schaller said, like droughts, fires and floods hurt farmers, scientists multiply dire warnings, street protests increase and the media highlight it all.&nbsp;

'Fridays for Future'&nbsp;

Among the loudest proponents for urgent action are the recent "Fridays for Future" boycott of classes worldwide, with more mass protests set for Berlin later Friday.

Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swede behind the boycott, has warned politicians in Brussels they will be "remembered as the greatest villains of all time" if they fail to act.

Udo Bullmann, who heads the Socialists and Democrats in the assembly, told AFP there is "a historic momentum" for decisive action thanks in part to the student activists.

"We hear their call," Bullmann said in an email.

"Climate change has never been as central to a European election and to our campaign at this time," the German political leader added.

His centre-left group, the second biggest in the outgoing parliament, has reformed its agenda in the past two years to meet the climate challenge in a "holistic" way.

Bultmann said the agenda sought to ensure the poor and unemployed do not carry the burden and to avoid fuelling unrest like the yellow vest protests in France.

The Socialists reject an economic model Bullmann says is "driven by greed and based on the exploitation of people and the planet."

The EPP's Murphy also called for supporting the most vulnerable in society while boosting research and easing the "regulatory burden" on small and medium-sized firms.

Murphy said the climate has risen to the fore because it is a cross-border policy challenge also linked to economic problems and migration, which is partly driven by drought.

He said the problem represents an opportunity for Europe to lead, such as on job-creating, low-carbon technology.

'Jury still out'&nbsp;

Echoing scientists and the student activists, Bullmann said: "We have only ten years left before the damage becomes irreversible."

Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990.

But many scientists and climate activists say Europe must sharply raise its ambition.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) warned in October that warming is on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise, and avoiding global chaos will require a major transformation.

But there is also a powerful backlash.

Joining some other far-right groups, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has discovered climate change denial as a key topic in their campaign for the May 23-26 elections.

They have their sights on voters who see ecological issues as an elitist concern that kills jobs and hurts the industry.

Berlin-based analyst Schaller voiced fears "liberal and conservatives groups will water down proposals" and pander to nationalists, as conservatives did with migration.

But the EPP's Murphy insists "we will not be doing business with the far-right" on climate or other issues.

Greens candidate Bas Eickhout expressed guarded hope for cross-party cooperation in the next parliament on issues like carbon pricing, cutting aviation subsidies and allocating more funds to environmental issues.

But Eickhout, a candidate for the new European Commission, asked whether the centrists have made an "intrinsic change" on climate or are simply trying to win seats.&nbsp; "The jury is still out," the Dutchman told AFP.

In a shift since the last European Parliament elections, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes.

In a shift since the last European Parliament elections, mainstream parties have adopted climate change as a rallying cry -- spurred in part by a wave of student strikes. With the "Fridays for Future" protest due to continuing in cities across the continent on the second day of voting, the growing consensus for urgent climate action has raised hopes of cross-party cooperation. But there are also fears populists could torpedo this if they make strong gains. A Eurobarometer poll shows climate change is now a leading concern for European Union voters, not far behind economic issues and rivalling worries about migration. And, amid weekly protests over what activists now term the climate emergency, Europe's mainstream political parties have finally grasped the issue. "It is fair to say that climate and environmental policies now are embedded in all the political parties," said Dara Murphy, campaign director for the European People's Party (EPP), the largest bloc in the outgoing European Parliament. "If you compare it to 2014, it has really become one of the top issues in the European elections," Murphy told AFP from his native Ireland after trips to other EU countries. He said the centre-right EPP added climate change to its campaign programme over the last two years based on research showing growing environmental concerns. But analyst Stella Schaller and Laurence Tubiana, an architect of the Paris climate deal, said global warming's rise to major political prominence is more recent. "We saw the debate tipping in the last four to six months," Schaller, an analyst at Berlin's Adelphi environmental policy think tank, told AFP. The shift has occurred, Schaller said, like droughts, fires and floods hurt farmers, scientists multiply dire warnings, street protests increase and the media highlight it all. 'Fridays for Future' Among the loudest proponents for urgent action are the recent "Fridays for Future" boycott of classes worldwide, with more mass protests set for Berlin later Friday. Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swede behind the boycott, has warned politicians in Brussels they will be "remembered as the greatest villains of all time" if they fail to act. Udo Bullmann, who heads the Socialists and Democrats in the assembly, told AFP there is "a historic momentum" for decisive action thanks in part to the student activists. "We hear their call," Bullmann said in an email. "Climate change has never been as central to a European election and to our campaign at this time," the German political leader added. His centre-left group, the second biggest in the outgoing parliament, has reformed its agenda in the past two years to meet the climate challenge in a "holistic" way. Bultmann said the agenda sought to ensure the poor and unemployed do not carry the burden and to avoid fuelling unrest like the yellow vest protests in France. The Socialists reject an economic model Bullmann says is "driven by greed and based on the exploitation of people and the planet." The EPP's Murphy also called for supporting the most vulnerable in society while boosting research and easing the "regulatory burden" on small and medium-sized firms. Murphy said the climate has risen to the fore because it is a cross-border policy challenge also linked to economic problems and migration, which is partly driven by drought. He said the problem represents an opportunity for Europe to lead, such as on job-creating, low-carbon technology. 'Jury still out' Echoing scientists and the student activists, Bullmann said: "We have only ten years left before the damage becomes irreversible." Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990. But many scientists and climate activists say Europe must sharply raise its ambition. The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) warned in October that warming is on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise, and avoiding global chaos will require a major transformation. But there is also a powerful backlash. Joining some other far-right groups, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has discovered climate change denial as a key topic in their campaign for the May 23-26 elections. They have their sights on voters who see ecological issues as an elitist concern that kills jobs and hurts the industry. Berlin-based analyst Schaller voiced fears "liberal and conservatives groups will water down proposals" and pander to nationalists, as conservatives did with migration. But the EPP's Murphy insists "we will not be doing business with the far-right" on climate or other issues. Greens candidate Bas Eickhout expressed guarded hope for cross-party cooperation in the next parliament on issues like carbon pricing, cutting aviation subsidies and allocating more funds to environmental issues. But Eickhout, a candidate for the new European Commission, asked whether the centrists have made an "intrinsic change" on climate or are simply trying to win seats. "The jury is still out," the Dutchman told AFP.

Main European Union parties adopt climate change as rallying cry

By Nicholas Allen

Europe has claimed the career of yet another Conservative prime minister. After less than three years in office, Theresa May has suffered a catastrophic loss of confidence in her leadership among MPs and cabinet ministers. She has finally faced up to the demands from within her party and announced her resignation.

Indicating her intention to step down, May said she had tried her best to deliver Brexit but accepted that she had not managed to get MPs to agree. She said she was leaving with no ill will, only “gratitude”.

She will depart from Downing Street on June 7 and the competition to replace her will formally begin the following week – though in reality, it has been underway for some time.

Indeed, May’s departure has been a long time coming. Many speculated that she couldn’t remain long in office after losing her party’s majority in the 2017 general election. In December, when facing a vote of no confidence among her MPs, she promised not to lead her party into the next general election. In March this year, in a bid to persuade more MPs to back the Brexit withdrawal agreement, she promised to leave sooner rather than later.

May’s resilience has been remarkable. But it is also finite. Leaders can only lead when they have followers and too few Tories are now prepared to follow May any longer.

May’s premiership was brief but eventful. She fought a general election, faced down an internal party vote of no confidence and won a parliamentary vote of no confidence. She also lost the services of more than 30 ministers, many of whom resigned over Brexit disagreements.

Brexit means …

Much of the drama of course has been fuelled by Brexit. It launched May’s premiership in July 2016, when she succeeded David Cameron. It has been the source of most of her woes. And it has finally wrecked her premiership.

May was elected Tory leader in part because she seemed to offer a safe pair of hands for delivering the referendum result after Cameron jumped ship. Brexit would mean Brexit, she told her party; and if no one was clear on what she meant, most thought she would deliver.

So where did it go wrong? Three points in time are worth considering, if only because they focus attention on the challenges she has faced.

The first is of course the decision that ultimately forced May’s hand. This came shortly before her resignation, when she presented a new set of “compromises” on her Brexit plans that would please precisely no one. She had been planning to present them for a parliamentary vote, despite already having lost three votes on her deal. The deal was now utterly toxic, and May’s intention to persist suggested a loss of judgement. Her stubbornness, once valued, was now a significant liability. Her party told her enough was enough.

But while this was the immediate trigger for her announcement, the seeds were sown long ago. The second point at which it all went wrong was the 2017 general election. The Conservatives gained votes but lost their parliamentary majority. May lost much of her personal authority as a result.

At the start of that election campaign, May had looked set to win a commanding majority. But even if she had won big, securing support for a withdrawal agreement would not have been simple. Her authority would have been greater, to be sure, and she would have had more MPs to support her, but it is unlikely that the withdrawal agreement would have looked much different. Many of the fundamentalist Brexiteers in her party could well have opposed it.

Which perhaps suggests that her demise was written into her story from the very moment she decided to run for the leadership in June 2016.

It was always going to be a monumental task to keep her party united as she sought to deliver on the Brexit referendum. Moderates in her party would have opposed a very hard Brexit. Anything less than a very hard Brexit would have been resisted by fundamentalists on the Tory benches.

May has made many mistakes along the way. Her suggestion early on that “no deal is better than a bad deal” was always a hostage to fortune. She might also have offered reassurance to Remainers and talked of the need for compromise, even as she pursued her vision. But this assumes that people in her party and parliament would have been willing to accept compromise.

Brexit has rapidly become a touchstone issue for political identity, akin to abortion and gun control in the US. In the circumstances the window for compromise was always small and fleeting.

As she confirmed that she was giving up, May sent a signal to potential successors, speaking once again about compromise, revealing that the late British humanitarian Nicholas Winton once told her: “Never forget that compromise is not a dirty word. Life depends on compromise.”

 
(Nicholas Allen is Leader in Politics, Royal Holloway)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/theresa-may-resigns-as-british-prime-minister-heres-where-it-all-went-wrong-117763">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Nicholas Allen Europe has claimed the career of yet another Conservative prime minister. After less than three years in office, Theresa May has suffered a catastrophic loss of confidence in her leadership among MPs and cabinet ministers.

By Nicholas Allen Europe has claimed the career of yet another Conservative prime minister. After less than three years in office, Theresa May has suffered a catastrophic loss of confidence in her leadership among MPs and cabinet ministers. She has finally faced up to the demands from within her party and announced her resignation. Indicating her intention to step down, May said she had tried her best to deliver Brexit but accepted that she had not managed to get MPs to agree. She said she was leaving with no ill will, only “gratitude”. She will depart from Downing Street on June 7 and the competition to replace her will formally begin the following week – though in reality, it has been underway for some time. Indeed, May’s departure has been a long time coming. Many speculated that she couldn’t remain long in office after losing her party’s majority in the 2017 general election. In December, when facing a vote of no confidence among her MPs, she promised not to lead her party into the next general election. In March this year, in a bid to persuade more MPs to back the Brexit withdrawal agreement, she promised to leave sooner rather than later. May’s resilience has been remarkable. But it is also finite. Leaders can only lead when they have followers and too few Tories are now prepared to follow May any longer. May’s premiership was brief but eventful. She fought a general election, faced down an internal party vote of no confidence and won a parliamentary vote of no confidence. She also lost the services of more than 30 ministers, many of whom resigned over Brexit disagreements. Brexit means … Much of the drama of course has been fuelled by Brexit. It launched May’s premiership in July 2016, when she succeeded David Cameron. It has been the source of most of her woes. And it has finally wrecked her premiership. May was elected Tory leader in part because she seemed to offer a safe pair of hands for delivering the referendum result after Cameron jumped ship. Brexit would mean Brexit, she told her party; and if no one was clear on what she meant, most thought she would deliver. So where did it go wrong? Three points in time are worth considering, if only because they focus attention on the challenges she has faced. The first is of course the decision that ultimately forced May’s hand. This came shortly before her resignation, when she presented a new set of “compromises” on her Brexit plans that would please precisely no one. She had been planning to present them for a parliamentary vote, despite already having lost three votes on her deal. The deal was now utterly toxic, and May’s intention to persist suggested a loss of judgement. Her stubbornness, once valued, was now a significant liability. Her party told her enough was enough. But while this was the immediate trigger for her announcement, the seeds were sown long ago. The second point at which it all went wrong was the 2017 general election. The Conservatives gained votes but lost their parliamentary majority. May lost much of her personal authority as a result. At the start of that election campaign, May had looked set to win a commanding majority. But even if she had won big, securing support for a withdrawal agreement would not have been simple. Her authority would have been greater, to be sure, and she would have had more MPs to support her, but it is unlikely that the withdrawal agreement would have looked much different. Many of the fundamentalist Brexiteers in her party could well have opposed it. Which perhaps suggests that her demise was written into her story from the very moment she decided to run for the leadership in June 2016. It was always going to be a monumental task to keep her party united as she sought to deliver on the Brexit referendum. Moderates in her party would have opposed a very hard Brexit. Anything less than a very hard Brexit would have been resisted by fundamentalists on the Tory benches. May has made many mistakes along the way. Her suggestion early on that “no deal is better than a bad deal” was always a hostage to fortune. She might also have offered reassurance to Remainers and talked of the need for compromise, even as she pursued her vision. But this assumes that people in her party and parliament would have been willing to accept compromise. Brexit has rapidly become a touchstone issue for political identity, akin to abortion and gun control in the US. In the circumstances the window for compromise was always small and fleeting. As she confirmed that she was giving up, May sent a signal to potential successors, speaking once again about compromise, revealing that the late British humanitarian Nicholas Winton once told her: “Never forget that compromise is not a dirty word. Life depends on compromise.” (Nicholas Allen is Leader in Politics, Royal Holloway) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Theresa May resigns as British prime minister – here’s where it all went wrong

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-adopts-powers-to-respond-to-cyberattacks-219411"> European Union </a>Office in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong issued a formal diplomatic "demarche" protest note to Hong Kong`s leader on Friday over a proposed extradition law that could see individuals sent back to mainland China for trial.

The proposed legislation has stoked mass protests in the former British colony, which was promised a high degree of autonomy, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula when it returned to China in 1997.

Critics, including foreign governments, legal and business groups, have expressed fears the law could erode Hong Kong`s rule of law and leave individuals, including foreign nationals passing through the city, vulnerable to being sent back for an unfair trial on the mainland.

The EU Office in Hong Kong and Macau said in a brief statement in response to press inquiries that it had, together with diplomatic representatives from its member states, met with Hong Kong`s leader Carrie Lam to "carry out a demarche reiterating their concerns regarding the government`s proposed amendments to Hong Kong`s Fugitive Offenders Ordinance".

The 28-member European Union had already come out in recent months to express concern over the extradition bill that Hong Kong authorities say they want to try to get passed in the city`s legislature before the summer recess.

This latest move represents a hardening of the EU position, just days after Lam reiterated that she wouldn`t scrap the bill.&nbsp;

The head of the EU office, Carmen Cano, wasn`t immediately available for comment. There was no immediate comment from Lam`s office.

The European Union Office in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong issued a formal diplomatic "demarche" protest note to Hong Kong`s leader on Friday over a proposed extradition law that could see individuals sent back to mainland China for trial.

The European Union Office in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong issued a formal diplomatic "demarche" protest note to Hong Kong`s leader on Friday over a proposed extradition law that could see individuals sent back to mainland China for trial. The proposed legislation has stoked mass protests in the former British colony, which was promised a high degree of autonomy, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula when it returned to China in 1997. Critics, including foreign governments, legal and business groups, have expressed fears the law could erode Hong Kong`s rule of law and leave individuals, including foreign nationals passing through the city, vulnerable to being sent back for an unfair trial on the mainland. The EU Office in Hong Kong and Macau said in a brief statement in response to press inquiries that it had, together with diplomatic representatives from its member states, met with Hong Kong`s leader Carrie Lam to "carry out a demarche reiterating their concerns regarding the government`s proposed amendments to Hong Kong`s Fugitive Offenders Ordinance". The 28-member European Union had already come out in recent months to express concern over the extradition bill that Hong Kong authorities say they want to try to get passed in the city`s legislature before the summer recess. This latest move represents a hardening of the EU position, just days after Lam reiterated that she wouldn`t scrap the bill. The head of the EU office, Carmen Cano, wasn`t immediately available for comment. There was no immediate comment from Lam`s office.

EU lodges formal diplomatic note against contentious Hong Kong extradition bill

Britain's former foreign secretary Boris Johnson knowingly lied during the 2016<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-may-holds-out-promise-of-new-brexit-referendum-220484/amp"> Brexit referendum </a>campaign over the cost of the UK's EU membership, a court heard on Thursday in an application with potentially far-reaching implications.

A private prosecution bid against Johnson accused him of misconduct in public office over the claim that Britain sends $440 million a week to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/main-european-union-parties-adopt-climate-change-as-rallying-cry-221214">European Union</a>.

In a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowdfunded for the bid, lodged an application to summons Johnson.&nbsp;

After considering the arguments, judge Margot Coleman said she would issue her decision on Wednesday.

Johnson was not present, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the former London mayor and pro-Brexit figurehead -- who is now bidding to replace Prime Minister Theresa May -- staunchly denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Ball's lawyer Lewis Power argued that Johnson knew the £350-million-a-week figure was wrong, but he "repeatedly misrepresented the amount the UK sends to Europe."&nbsp;

Johnson's conduct "was both irresponsible and dishonest. It was, we say, criminal.&nbsp;

"Democracy demands responsible and honest leadership from those in public office. When politicians lie, democracy dies," Lewis said.

In response, Johnson's lawyer, Darbishire, "absolutely denied" that his client had "acted in an improper or dishonest manner at any time," suggesting that the case was politically motivated.&nbsp;

Britain's former foreign secretary Boris Johnson knowingly lied during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign over the cost of the UK's EU membership, a court heard on Thursday in an application with potentially far-reaching implications.

Britain's former foreign secretary Boris Johnson knowingly lied during the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign over the cost of the UK's EU membership, a court heard on Thursday in an application with potentially far-reaching implications. A private prosecution bid against Johnson accused him of misconduct in public office over the claim that Britain sends $440 million a week to the European Union. In a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, lawyers for businessman Marcus Ball, who crowdfunded for the bid, lodged an application to summons Johnson. After considering the arguments, judge Margot Coleman said she would issue her decision on Wednesday. Johnson was not present, but his lawyer Adrian Darbishire said the former London mayor and pro-Brexit figurehead -- who is now bidding to replace Prime Minister Theresa May -- staunchly denied any wrongdoing. Ball's lawyer Lewis Power argued that Johnson knew the £350-million-a-week figure was wrong, but he "repeatedly misrepresented the amount the UK sends to Europe." Johnson's conduct "was both irresponsible and dishonest. It was, we say, criminal. "Democracy demands responsible and honest leadership from those in public office. When politicians lie, democracy dies," Lewis said. In response, Johnson's lawyer, Darbishire, "absolutely denied" that his client had "acted in an improper or dishonest manner at any time," suggesting that the case was politically motivated.

UK's Boris Johnson 'lied' in Brexit campaign, court hears

Prime Minister Theresa May is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-for-new-confidence-vote-if-pm-may-does-not-set-exit-date-1922-treasurer-220969">under pressure to resign </a>after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future.

Below are Conservatives who have either said they plan to put themselves forward or are widely expected to run for the leadership:

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-postpones-brexit-vote-official-220953">British government postpones Brexit vote: Official</a>

Planning to run:

BORIS JOHNSON, 54

The face of the official campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson resigned as foreign minister in July in protest at May's handling of the exit negotiations.

Johnson set out his pitch to the membership in a speech at the party's annual conference in October - some members queued for hours to get a seat. He called on the party to return to its traditional values of low tax and strong policing.

Last week the BBC reported he had told The British Insurance Brokers' Association: "Of course I'm going to go for it."

He is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed May.

ESTHER MCVEY, 51

The pro-Brexit former television presenter, who resigned as work and pensions minister in November in protest at May's exit deal with the EU, has said she plans to run.

McVey told Talkradio: "I have always said quite clearly that if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would (run). Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward."

RORY STEWART, 46

A former diplomat who once walked 6,000 miles across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary this month.

Educated at the exclusive Eton College, Stewart was first elected to parliament in 2010 and backed remaining in the EU in the 2016 referendum. He opposes a 'no deal' exit and has been a vocal advocate of May's deal with Brussels.

"I do want to bring this country together ... I accept Brexit, I am a Brexiteer, but I want to reach out to 'Remain' voters as well," he told the BBC.

Expected to run:

MICHAEL GOVE, 51

Gove, one of the highest-profile Brexit campaigners during the 2016 referendum, has had to rebuild his cabinet career after falling early to May in the contest to replace David Cameron, who resigned the day after losing the referendum.

Seen as one of the most effective members of cabinet in bringing forward new policies, the high-energy environment minister has become a surprise ally to May and has backed her Brexit strategy.

Gove teamed up with Johnson during the 2016 Brexit campaign only to pull his support for Johnson’s subsequent leadership bid at the last moment and run himself.

He has not yet said whether he plans to run.

JEREMY HUNT, 52

Hunt replaced Johnson as foreign minister in July and has urged the Conservative membership to set aside their differences over Brexit and unite against a common foe - the EU.

Hunt voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. He served six years as Britain’s health minister, a role that has made him unpopular with many voters who work in or rely on the state-run, financially stretched National Health Service.

Asked at a lunch with journalists in parliament if he planned to run for leader, he said: "Wait and see."

ANDREA LEADSOM, 56

A pro-Brexit campaigner, Leadsom made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron. She withdrew after a backlash to an interview in which she said being a mother gave her more of a stake in the future of the country than her rival Theresa May.

Leadsom quit as Leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying she did not believe the government's approach would deliver on the Brexit referendum result. She has previously told broadcaster ITV she was "seriously considering standing" to replace May.

DOMINIC RAAB, 45

Raab quit as May’s Brexit minister last year in protest at her draft exit agreement saying it did not match the promises the Conservative Party made in the 2017 election. Raab served only five months as head of the Brexit department.

He had held junior ministerial roles since being elected in 2010. Raab, a black belt in karate, campaigned for Brexit.

Asked if he would like to be prime minister, he said: "Never say never."

SAJID JAVID, 49

Javid, a former banker and a champion of free markets, has served a number of cabinet roles and scores consistently well in polls of party members. A second-generation immigrant of Pakistani heritage, he has a portrait of late Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher on his office wall.

Javid voted 'Remain' in the 2016 referendum but was previously considered to be eurosceptic. He has not said whether he plans to run but is considered to have been setting out his stall in speeches and media interviews.

DAVID DAVIS, 70

Davis, a leading eurosceptic, was appointed Brexit minister to lead negotiations with the EU in July 2016 but resigned two years later in protest at May's plans for a long-term relationship with the bloc.

He ran for the party's leadership in 2005 but lost to Cameron.

PENNY MORDAUNT, 46

Mordaunt is one of the last remaining pro-Brexit members of May's cabinet. She became Britain's first female defence secretary this month.

A Royal Navy reservist, Mordaunt was previously international development minister. Many had expected her to join the wave of resignations that followed the publication of May’s draft withdrawal deal.

AMBER RUDD, 55

Rudd resigned as interior minister last year after facing outrage over her department's treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents wrongly labelled illegal immigrants.

She backed 'Remain' in 2016 and has opposed a 'no deal' exit, meaning she could win support from pro-EU Conservative lawmakers. But she struggled to retain her seat at the 2017 election and has one of the smallest majorities in parliament.

MATT HANCOCK, 40

Health minister Hancock, a former economist at the Bank of England, supported 'Remain' in 2016. First elected to parliament in 2010, he has held several ministerial roles.

JUSTINE GREENING, 50

The former education minister told ITV she would consider running. Greening supports a second Brexit referendum. Many thought she might join several of her colleagues in quitting the party to form a pro-EU group in parliament earlier this year.

LIZ TRUSS, 43

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Truss has held several roles in government including environment minister and justice minister. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 but has said she has since changed her mind on Brexit.

GRAHAM BRADY, 51

Brady is chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers. "It would take an awful lot of people to persuade me. I'm not sure many people are straining at the leash to take on what is an extraordinarily difficult situation," he told BBC Radio.

KIT MALTHOUSE, 52

A former deputy mayor of London, Malthouse became a Member of Parliament in 2015. He is a junior housing minister and helped author the so-called Malthouse Compromise plan to replace the unpopular Irish backstop in Britain's EU exit deal with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border.

The Sun newspaper reported he was setting up a campaign team.

JAMES CLEVERLY, 49

Cleverly was appointed a junior Brexit minister last month, having previously been deputy chair of the Conservative Party. He had a career in publishing before being elected to parliament in 2015.

The Sun reported he was planning to run for leader.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to resign after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to resign after a backlash to her final Brexit gambit and has agreed to meet the chairman of her Conservative Party's 1922 Committee on Friday to discuss her future. Below are Conservatives who have either said they plan to put themselves forward or are widely expected to run for the leadership: Also read- British government postpones Brexit vote: Official Planning to run: BORIS JOHNSON, 54 The face of the official campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson resigned as foreign minister in July in protest at May's handling of the exit negotiations. Johnson set out his pitch to the membership in a speech at the party's annual conference in October - some members queued for hours to get a seat. He called on the party to return to its traditional values of low tax and strong policing. Last week the BBC reported he had told The British Insurance Brokers' Association: "Of course I'm going to go for it." He is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed May. ESTHER MCVEY, 51 The pro-Brexit former television presenter, who resigned as work and pensions minister in November in protest at May's exit deal with the EU, has said she plans to run. McVey told Talkradio: "I have always said quite clearly that if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would (run). Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward." RORY STEWART, 46 A former diplomat who once walked 6,000 miles across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary this month. Educated at the exclusive Eton College, Stewart was first elected to parliament in 2010 and backed remaining in the EU in the 2016 referendum. He opposes a 'no deal' exit and has been a vocal advocate of May's deal with Brussels. "I do want to bring this country together ... I accept Brexit, I am a Brexiteer, but I want to reach out to 'Remain' voters as well," he told the BBC. Expected to run: MICHAEL GOVE, 51 Gove, one of the highest-profile Brexit campaigners during the 2016 referendum, has had to rebuild his cabinet career after falling early to May in the contest to replace David Cameron, who resigned the day after losing the referendum. Seen as one of the most effective members of cabinet in bringing forward new policies, the high-energy environment minister has become a surprise ally to May and has backed her Brexit strategy. Gove teamed up with Johnson during the 2016 Brexit campaign only to pull his support for Johnson’s subsequent leadership bid at the last moment and run himself. He has not yet said whether he plans to run. JEREMY HUNT, 52 Hunt replaced Johnson as foreign minister in July and has urged the Conservative membership to set aside their differences over Brexit and unite against a common foe - the EU. Hunt voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. He served six years as Britain’s health minister, a role that has made him unpopular with many voters who work in or rely on the state-run, financially stretched National Health Service. Asked at a lunch with journalists in parliament if he planned to run for leader, he said: "Wait and see." ANDREA LEADSOM, 56 A pro-Brexit campaigner, Leadsom made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron. She withdrew after a backlash to an interview in which she said being a mother gave her more of a stake in the future of the country than her rival Theresa May. Leadsom quit as Leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday, saying she did not believe the government's approach would deliver on the Brexit referendum result. She has previously told broadcaster ITV she was "seriously considering standing" to replace May. DOMINIC RAAB, 45 Raab quit as May’s Brexit minister last year in protest at her draft exit agreement saying it did not match the promises the Conservative Party made in the 2017 election. Raab served only five months as head of the Brexit department. He had held junior ministerial roles since being elected in 2010. Raab, a black belt in karate, campaigned for Brexit. Asked if he would like to be prime minister, he said: "Never say never." SAJID JAVID, 49 Javid, a former banker and a champion of free markets, has served a number of cabinet roles and scores consistently well in polls of party members. A second-generation immigrant of Pakistani heritage, he has a portrait of late Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher on his office wall. Javid voted 'Remain' in the 2016 referendum but was previously considered to be eurosceptic. He has not said whether he plans to run but is considered to have been setting out his stall in speeches and media interviews. DAVID DAVIS, 70 Davis, a leading eurosceptic, was appointed Brexit minister to lead negotiations with the EU in July 2016 but resigned two years later in protest at May's plans for a long-term relationship with the bloc. He ran for the party's leadership in 2005 but lost to Cameron. PENNY MORDAUNT, 46 Mordaunt is one of the last remaining pro-Brexit members of May's cabinet. She became Britain's first female defence secretary this month. A Royal Navy reservist, Mordaunt was previously international development minister. Many had expected her to join the wave of resignations that followed the publication of May’s draft withdrawal deal. AMBER RUDD, 55 Rudd resigned as interior minister last year after facing outrage over her department's treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents wrongly labelled illegal immigrants. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 and has opposed a 'no deal' exit, meaning she could win support from pro-EU Conservative lawmakers. But she struggled to retain her seat at the 2017 election and has one of the smallest majorities in parliament. MATT HANCOCK, 40 Health minister Hancock, a former economist at the Bank of England, supported 'Remain' in 2016. First elected to parliament in 2010, he has held several ministerial roles. JUSTINE GREENING, 50 The former education minister told ITV she would consider running. Greening supports a second Brexit referendum. Many thought she might join several of her colleagues in quitting the party to form a pro-EU group in parliament earlier this year. LIZ TRUSS, 43 Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Truss has held several roles in government including environment minister and justice minister. She backed 'Remain' in 2016 but has said she has since changed her mind on Brexit. GRAHAM BRADY, 51 Brady is chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers. "It would take an awful lot of people to persuade me. I'm not sure many people are straining at the leash to take on what is an extraordinarily difficult situation," he told BBC Radio. KIT MALTHOUSE, 52 A former deputy mayor of London, Malthouse became a Member of Parliament in 2015. He is a junior housing minister and helped author the so-called Malthouse Compromise plan to replace the unpopular Irish backstop in Britain's EU exit deal with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border. The Sun newspaper reported he was setting up a campaign team. JAMES CLEVERLY, 49 Cleverly was appointed a junior Brexit minister last month, having previously been deputy chair of the Conservative Party. He had a career in publishing before being elected to parliament in 2015. The Sun reported he was planning to run for leader.

Who wants to be Britain's next prime minister?

British Prime Minister Theresa May offered a “new” Brexit plan Tuesday, in a last-ditch effort to get her still-unpopular Brexit deal approved

Prime Minister Theresa May offers a “new” Brexit plan

The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020.

In a revision of its earlier economic outlook, the international body modified downward the figures it had published in January when it said that it expected the world economy to grow by 3.0 per cent both in 2019 and in 2020.

The downward adjustment came as a result of trade tensions and political uncertainty, a complicated confluence of internal and external factors affecting most of the developed and developing economies, the UN said.

Thus, after growing at a 3.0 per cent clip in 2018, according to UN figures, the world economic growth rate is predicted to slow slightly to 2.7 per cent this year, taking these adjusted figures into account, a situation that reinforces the theory that the current cycle of growth has reached its peak.

The UN predicts for 2019 that the United States' economy will grow at 2.3 per cent, while the European Union's overall economy will expand at 1.5 per cent, Japan at 0.8 per cent and Russia at 1.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, the developing economies as a group will expand at 4.1 per cent, with Latin America and the Caribbean bringing up the rear with growth of just 1.1 per cent.

The UN also emphasized the existence of several risks that could slow economic growth even more, mainly increased trade tensions but also a deterioration in financial conditions and the effects of climate change.

Amid the widening trade war between the US and China, the UN projects that world trade will grow in 2019 by 2.7 per cent, significantly below the 3.6 per cent growth achieved in that area last year.

The international organization warned that if big governments continue raising tariffs and ratcheting up the trade war the less developed economies could suffer, too, above all those whose exports depend in large measure on the larger economies.

At the same time, the UN said that the flexibility of monetary policies adopted by some central banks in response to slower growth could produce financial imbalances if they continue for a prolonged period.

The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020.

The United Nations on Tuesday downgraded its forecast for world economic growth, announcing that it expects overall growth of 2.7 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2020. In a revision of its earlier economic outlook, the international body modified downward the figures it had published in January when it said that it expected the world economy to grow by 3.0 per cent both in 2019 and in 2020. The downward adjustment came as a result of trade tensions and political uncertainty, a complicated confluence of internal and external factors affecting most of the developed and developing economies, the UN said. Thus, after growing at a 3.0 per cent clip in 2018, according to UN figures, the world economic growth rate is predicted to slow slightly to 2.7 per cent this year, taking these adjusted figures into account, a situation that reinforces the theory that the current cycle of growth has reached its peak. The UN predicts for 2019 that the United States' economy will grow at 2.3 per cent, while the European Union's overall economy will expand at 1.5 per cent, Japan at 0.8 per cent and Russia at 1.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the developing economies as a group will expand at 4.1 per cent, with Latin America and the Caribbean bringing up the rear with growth of just 1.1 per cent. The UN also emphasized the existence of several risks that could slow economic growth even more, mainly increased trade tensions but also a deterioration in financial conditions and the effects of climate change. Amid the widening trade war between the US and China, the UN projects that world trade will grow in 2019 by 2.7 per cent, significantly below the 3.6 per cent growth achieved in that area last year. The international organization warned that if big governments continue raising tariffs and ratcheting up the trade war the less developed economies could suffer, too, above all those whose exports depend in large measure on the larger economies. At the same time, the UN said that the flexibility of monetary policies adopted by some central banks in response to slower growth could produce financial imbalances if they continue for a prolonged period.

UN forecasts global economy to grow 2.7% in 2019, 2.9% in 2020

Prime Minister Theresa May will set out on Tuesday a "new deal" for Britain's departure from the European Union, her fourth attempt to break an impasse in parliament over Brexit that has plunged her government into crisis.

Three years since Britain voted to leave the EU and almost two months after the planned departure date, May is mounting a last bid to try to get a deeply divided parliament's backing for a divorce deal, to leave office with some kind of legacy.

The odds do not look good. Despite her spokesman saying the deal will include "certain significant new aspects", many lawmakers, hardened in their positions, have decided not to vote for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation which implements the terms of Britain's departure.

At a meeting of her top team of ministers, May outlined her plan to try to get the bill through parliament to secure Britain's exit from the EU with a deal.

"The prime minister said that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill is the vehicle which gets the United Kingdom out of the European Union and it is vital to find a way to get it over the line," her spokesman told reporters.

"The prime minister will be setting out further details on the way forward in a speech this afternoon." The speech will take place at 1500 GMT.

Her ministers, like parliament and the rest of the country, are split over Brexit, but the spokesman characterised the hours-long meeting as one of "shared determination" to find a way to break the deadlock.

But with dozens of her own Conservative Party lawmakers determined to vote against the bill, May must try to win over opposition Labour lawmakers, including by offering to entrench workers' rights and environmental protections into the legislation.

Concessions&nbsp;

It was not clear whether she would move significantly closer to Labour's position on a post-Brexit customs union and the EU's single market, but could offer some kind of temporary arrangement - something the opposition party has rejected but which will further enrage Brexit-supporting lawmakers.

John McDonnell, Labour's finance policy chief, cast doubt on whether it could win the party's support, saying what he had seen so far "doesn't inspire confidence, and I don't think that many of our members will be inspired by it".

Brexit-supporting Conservatives were equally unconvinced.

"Her bold new offer of the WAB will be a further dilution through Labour-sponsored amendments which will make her already unacceptable withdrawal agreement even more unpalatable," said Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative lawmaker.

"A prime minister heading for the exit desperate to salvage something from her premiership regardless of the cost to our democracy, our country and the Conservative Party."

May wants to get her withdrawal deal, agreed with the EU in November, through parliament, so, as promised, she can leave office having at least finalised the first part of Britain's departure and prevented a "no deal" Brexit, an abrupt departure that many businesses fear will create an economic shock.

May's finance minister, Philip Hammond, rammed the point home in parliament on Tuesday when he said a no deal Brexit would leave Britain poorer. He is expected to send the same message to business leaders in a speech later in the day.

"The 2016 Leave campaign was clear that we would leave with a deal," he will say, according to advance extracts.

"So to advocate for 'no deal' is to hijack the result of the referendum, and in doing so, knowingly to inflict damage on our economy and our living standards. Because all the preparation in the world will not avoid the consequences of no deal."

Prime Minister Theresa May will set out on Tuesday a "new deal" for Britain's departure from the European Union, her fourth attempt to break an impasse in parliament over Brexit that has plunged her government into crisis.

Prime Minister Theresa May will set out on Tuesday a "new deal" for Britain's departure from the European Union, her fourth attempt to break an impasse in parliament over Brexit that has plunged her government into crisis. Three years since Britain voted to leave the EU and almost two months after the planned departure date, May is mounting a last bid to try to get a deeply divided parliament's backing for a divorce deal, to leave office with some kind of legacy. The odds do not look good. Despite her spokesman saying the deal will include "certain significant new aspects", many lawmakers, hardened in their positions, have decided not to vote for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation which implements the terms of Britain's departure. At a meeting of her top team of ministers, May outlined her plan to try to get the bill through parliament to secure Britain's exit from the EU with a deal. "The prime minister said that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill is the vehicle which gets the United Kingdom out of the European Union and it is vital to find a way to get it over the line," her spokesman told reporters. "The prime minister will be setting out further details on the way forward in a speech this afternoon." The speech will take place at 1500 GMT. Her ministers, like parliament and the rest of the country, are split over Brexit, but the spokesman characterised the hours-long meeting as one of "shared determination" to find a way to break the deadlock. But with dozens of her own Conservative Party lawmakers determined to vote against the bill, May must try to win over opposition Labour lawmakers, including by offering to entrench workers' rights and environmental protections into the legislation. Concessions It was not clear whether she would move significantly closer to Labour's position on a post-Brexit customs union and the EU's single market, but could offer some kind of temporary arrangement - something the opposition party has rejected but which will further enrage Brexit-supporting lawmakers. John McDonnell, Labour's finance policy chief, cast doubt on whether it could win the party's support, saying what he had seen so far "doesn't inspire confidence, and I don't think that many of our members will be inspired by it". Brexit-supporting Conservatives were equally unconvinced. "Her bold new offer of the WAB will be a further dilution through Labour-sponsored amendments which will make her already unacceptable withdrawal agreement even more unpalatable," said Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative lawmaker. "A prime minister heading for the exit desperate to salvage something from her premiership regardless of the cost to our democracy, our country and the Conservative Party." May wants to get her withdrawal deal, agreed with the EU in November, through parliament, so, as promised, she can leave office having at least finalised the first part of Britain's departure and prevented a "no deal" Brexit, an abrupt departure that many businesses fear will create an economic shock. May's finance minister, Philip Hammond, rammed the point home in parliament on Tuesday when he said a no deal Brexit would leave Britain poorer. He is expected to send the same message to business leaders in a speech later in the day. "The 2016 Leave campaign was clear that we would leave with a deal," he will say, according to advance extracts. "So to advocate for 'no deal' is to hijack the result of the referendum, and in doing so, knowingly to inflict damage on our economy and our living standards. Because all the preparation in the world will not avoid the consequences of no deal."

British Prime Minister May offers 'new deal' to try to break Brexit deadlock

Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's Brexit Party, was doused in milkshake by a protestor on Monday (May 20), the latest anti-EU figure to be targeted during campaigning for the European parliament elections. Farage, one of the leading figures in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, was covered in the milkshake at an event in the northern English city of Newcastle.

Brexit Party's Nigel Farage doused with milkshake on campaign

European firms are "caught in the crossfire" of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-recession-risk-rises-as-us-china-trade-tensions-heat-up-report-219279">US-China trade war</a> and fewer are optimistic about their future in the world's second-largest economy, a business survey showed Monday.

The clash between Beijing and Washington does not benefit European companies, contrary to what some might have hoped at the beginning of the dispute last year, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

"Now the trade tensions are seen as another uncertainty on the business environment, something that won't be sorted out quickly whether there is a deal or not," said chamber vice president Charlotte Roule.

"The trade tensions, according to our members, are not good for business".

According to the survey, the trade war is one of the top concerns for European firms in China (23 per cent), after the Chinese economic slowdown (45 per cent), the global economy (27 per cent) and rising labour costs in China (23 per cent).

The study, which received replies from 585 firms, was conducted in January, as trans-Pacific trade tensions eased.

They ratcheted up again in early May with the United States and China slapping steep increases in punitive customs tariffs on each other.

But early this year, a quarter of European companies in China said they were already suffering from the US increase in tariffs on Chinese products.

Many European companies manufacture products in China and export them all over the world.

A small number (six per cent) have already relocated to circumvent the US penalties, or are planning to do so elsewhere in Asia or Europe.

But Europeans say they share many of the grievances raised by the Trump administration in its campaign against Beijing.

"The fundamental issues driving the trade war need to be resolved by addressing market access barriers and regulatory challenges while also tackling SOE reform and forced tech transfer," Roule stressed.

Some 20 per cent of the companies surveyed complained of being forced into technology transfers for the benefit of a Chinese partner, double the figure two years ago. For a quarter (24 per cent), such transfers were currently underway.

This state of affairs was "not acceptable", Roule said.

"The authorities are saying there are no technology transfers any more but this is not what we see in our survey," she said.

'Ambiguous rules'

More than half of the companies said legal protection of intellectual property was "inadequate", and 45 per cent say they suffer "unequal treatment" compared to their Chinese counterparts.

State firms and their subsidies are their main bone of contention.

The Europeans largely accuse these companies of enjoying preferential treatment, with 62 per cent saying they have better access to public contracts.

And the outlook is getting gloomier: only 45 per cent of the firms surveyed say they are optimistic about growth prospects for their sector over the next two years, compared to 62 per cent a year ago.

Half do not expect to see a level playing field in the next five years or even beyond.

Fifty-three per cent say business has become more difficult in the past year, up from 48 per cent a year ago, with "ambiguous rules and regulations" topping of the list of obstacles cited by companies.

Difficulties with access to the internet, which is closely monitored and censored by the Communist government, is an unfavourable factor for 51 per cent of respondents.

Despite the problems, China remains one of the top three global destinations for future investment by 62 per cent of the surveyed companies, a slight increase from last year, while 56 per cent plan to expand their business in the country this year.

European firms are "caught in the crossfire" of the US-China trade war and fewer are optimistic about their future in the world's second-largest economy, a business survey showed Monday.

European firms are "caught in the crossfire" of the US-China trade war and fewer are optimistic about their future in the world's second-largest economy, a business survey showed Monday. The clash between Beijing and Washington does not benefit European companies, contrary to what some might have hoped at the beginning of the dispute last year, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. "Now the trade tensions are seen as another uncertainty on the business environment, something that won't be sorted out quickly whether there is a deal or not," said chamber vice president Charlotte Roule. "The trade tensions, according to our members, are not good for business". According to the survey, the trade war is one of the top concerns for European firms in China (23 per cent), after the Chinese economic slowdown (45 per cent), the global economy (27 per cent) and rising labour costs in China (23 per cent). The study, which received replies from 585 firms, was conducted in January, as trans-Pacific trade tensions eased. They ratcheted up again in early May with the United States and China slapping steep increases in punitive customs tariffs on each other. But early this year, a quarter of European companies in China said they were already suffering from the US increase in tariffs on Chinese products. Many European companies manufacture products in China and export them all over the world. A small number (six per cent) have already relocated to circumvent the US penalties, or are planning to do so elsewhere in Asia or Europe. But Europeans say they share many of the grievances raised by the Trump administration in its campaign against Beijing. "The fundamental issues driving the trade war need to be resolved by addressing market access barriers and regulatory challenges while also tackling SOE reform and forced tech transfer," Roule stressed. Some 20 per cent of the companies surveyed complained of being forced into technology transfers for the benefit of a Chinese partner, double the figure two years ago. For a quarter (24 per cent), such transfers were currently underway. This state of affairs was "not acceptable", Roule said. "The authorities are saying there are no technology transfers any more but this is not what we see in our survey," she said. 'Ambiguous rules' More than half of the companies said legal protection of intellectual property was "inadequate", and 45 per cent say they suffer "unequal treatment" compared to their Chinese counterparts. State firms and their subsidies are their main bone of contention. The Europeans largely accuse these companies of enjoying preferential treatment, with 62 per cent saying they have better access to public contracts. And the outlook is getting gloomier: only 45 per cent of the firms surveyed say they are optimistic about growth prospects for their sector over the next two years, compared to 62 per cent a year ago. Half do not expect to see a level playing field in the next five years or even beyond. Fifty-three per cent say business has become more difficult in the past year, up from 48 per cent a year ago, with "ambiguous rules and regulations" topping of the list of obstacles cited by companies. Difficulties with access to the internet, which is closely monitored and censored by the Communist government, is an unfavourable factor for 51 per cent of respondents. Despite the problems, China remains one of the top three global destinations for future investment by 62 per cent of the surveyed companies, a slight increase from last year, while 56 per cent plan to expand their business in the country this year.

EU firms 'caught in crossfire' of US-China trade war

European firms are "caught in the crossfire" of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-firms-caught-in-crossfire-of-us-china-trade-war-220067">US-China trade war </a>and fewer are optimistic about their future in the world's second-largest economy, a business survey showed Monday.

The clash between Beijing and Washington does not benefit European companies, contrary to what some might have hoped at the beginning of the dispute last year, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

"Now the trade tensions are seen as another uncertainty on the business environment, something that won't be sorted out quickly whether there is a deal or not," said chamber vice president Charlotte Roule.

"The trade tensions, according to our members, are not good for business".

According to the survey, the trade war is one of the top concerns for European firms in China (23 per cent), after the Chinese economic slowdown (45 per cent), the global economy (27 per cent) and rising labour costs in China (23 per cent).

The study, which received replies from 585 firms, was conducted in January, as trans-Pacific trade tensions eased.

They ratcheted up again in early May with the United States and China slapping steep increases in punitive customs tariffs on each other.

But early this year, a quarter of European companies in China said they were already suffering from the US increase in tariffs on Chinese products.

Many European companies manufacture products in China and export them all over the world.

A small number (six per cent) have already relocated to circumvent the US penalties, or are planning to do so elsewhere in Asia or Europe.

But Europeans say they share many of the grievances raised by the Trump administration in its campaign against Beijing.

"The fundamental issues driving the trade war need to be resolved by addressing market access barriers and regulatory challenges while also tackling SOE reform and forced tech transfer," Roule stressed.

Some 20 per cent of the companies surveyed complained of being forced into technology transfers for the benefit of a Chinese partner, double the figure two years ago. For a quarter (24 per cent), such transfers were currently underway.

"The authorities are saying there are no technology transfers any more but this is not what we see in our survey," she said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang reiterated Beijing's denial.

"We do not have a national policy of forcing foreign companies to transfer technology," Lu said at a regular press briefing.

He recalled that the country's rubber-stamp parliament adopted in March a foreign investment law that prohibits the use of "administrative means" to force the transfer of technology.

'Ambiguous rules'&nbsp;

More than half of the companies said legal protection of intellectual property was "inadequate", and 45 per cent say they suffer "unequal treatment" compared to their Chinese counterparts.

State firms and their subsidies are their main bone of contention.

The Europeans largely accuse these companies of enjoying preferential treatment, with 62 per cent saying they have better access to public contracts.

And the outlook is getting gloomier: only 45 per cent of the firms surveyed say they are optimistic about growth prospects for their sector over the next two years, compared to 62 per cent a year ago.

Half do not expect to see a level playing field in the next five years or even beyond.

Fifty-three per cent say business has become more difficult in the past year, up from 48 per cent a year ago, with "ambiguous rules and regulations" topping of the list of obstacles cited by companies.

Difficulties with access to the internet, which is closely monitored and censored by the Communist government, is an unfavourable factor for 51 per cent of respondents.

Despite the problems, China remains one of the top three global destinations for future investment by 62 per cent of the surveyed companies, a slight increase from last year, while 56 per cent plan to expand their business in the country this year.

European firms are "caught in the crossfire" of the US-China trade war and fewer are optimistic about their future in the world's second-largest economy, a business survey showed Monday. The clash between Beijing and Washington does not benefit European companies, contrary to what some might have hoped at the beginning of the dispute last year, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. "Now the trade tensions are seen as another uncertainty on the business environment, something that won't be sorted out quickly whether there is a deal or not," said chamber vice president Charlotte Roule. "The trade tensions, according to our members, are not good for business". According to the survey, the trade war is one of the top concerns for European firms in China (23 per cent), after the Chinese economic slowdown (45 per cent), the global economy (27 per cent) and rising labour costs in China (23 per cent). The study, which received replies from 585 firms, was conducted in January, as trans-Pacific trade tensions eased. They ratcheted up again in early May with the United States and China slapping steep increases in punitive customs tariffs on each other. But early this year, a quarter of European companies in China said they were already suffering from the US increase in tariffs on Chinese products. Many European companies manufacture products in China and export them all over the world. A small number (six per cent) have already relocated to circumvent the US penalties, or are planning to do so elsewhere in Asia or Europe. But Europeans say they share many of the grievances raised by the Trump administration in its campaign against Beijing. "The fundamental issues driving the trade war need to be resolved by addressing market access barriers and regulatory challenges while also tackling SOE reform and forced tech transfer," Roule stressed. Some 20 per cent of the companies surveyed complained of being forced into technology transfers for the benefit of a Chinese partner, double the figure two years ago. For a quarter (24 per cent), such transfers were currently underway. "The authorities are saying there are no technology transfers any more but this is not what we see in our survey," she said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang reiterated Beijing's denial. "We do not have a national policy of forcing foreign companies to transfer technology," Lu said at a regular press briefing. He recalled that the country's rubber-stamp parliament adopted in March a foreign investment law that prohibits the use of "administrative means" to force the transfer of technology. 'Ambiguous rules' More than half of the companies said legal protection of intellectual property was "inadequate", and 45 per cent say they suffer "unequal treatment" compared to their Chinese counterparts. State firms and their subsidies are their main bone of contention. The Europeans largely accuse these companies of enjoying preferential treatment, with 62 per cent saying they have better access to public contracts. And the outlook is getting gloomier: only 45 per cent of the firms surveyed say they are optimistic about growth prospects for their sector over the next two years, compared to 62 per cent a year ago. Half do not expect to see a level playing field in the next five years or even beyond. Fifty-three per cent say business has become more difficult in the past year, up from 48 per cent a year ago, with "ambiguous rules and regulations" topping of the list of obstacles cited by companies. Difficulties with access to the internet, which is closely monitored and censored by the Communist government, is an unfavourable factor for 51 per cent of respondents. Despite the problems, China remains one of the top three global destinations for future investment by 62 per cent of the surveyed companies, a slight increase from last year, while 56 per cent plan to expand their business in the country this year.

European Union firms 'caught in crossfire' of US-China trade war

Swiss voters agreed on Sunday to adopt tighter gun controls in line with changes to European Union rules, heading off a clash with Brussels, projections for Swiss broadcaster SRF showed.

The projections from the gfs.bern polling outfit saw the measure passing in the binding referendum by a comfortable 67-33% margin.

The restrictions, which apply to non-EU member Switzerland because it is part of Europe's Schengen open-border system, had raised hackles among shooting enthusiasts ahead of the vote under the Swiss system of direct democracy.

Failure to adopt the rules could have forced Switzerland to leave the passport-free Schengen zone and the Dublin joint system for handling asylum requests.

After militants killed scores in Paris and elsewhere in 2015, the EU in 2017 toughened laws against purchasing semi-automatic rifles such as the ones used in those attacks, and made it easier to track weapons in national databases.

Opinion polls had shown Swiss voters backing the measure by a two-to-one margin.

The initial EU proposal provoked an outcry because it meant a ban on the Swiss tradition of ex-soldiers keeping their assault rifles.

Swiss officials negotiated concessions for gun enthusiasts who take part in the country's numerous shooting clubs, but any restrictions imported from the EU go too far for right-wing activists concerned about Swiss sovereignty.

Gun rights proponents complained the rules could disarm law-abiding citizens and encroach on Switzerland's heritage and national identity, which includes a well-armed citizenry.

Switzerland has one of the highest rates of private gun ownership in Europe, with nearly 48% of households owning a gun.

Swiss voters agreed on Sunday to adopt tighter gun controls in line with changes to European Union rules, heading off a clash with Brussels, projections for Swiss broadcaster SRF showed.

Swiss voters agreed on Sunday to adopt tighter gun controls in line with changes to European Union rules, heading off a clash with Brussels, projections for Swiss broadcaster SRF showed. The projections from the gfs.bern polling outfit saw the measure passing in the binding referendum by a comfortable 67-33% margin. The restrictions, which apply to non-EU member Switzerland because it is part of Europe's Schengen open-border system, had raised hackles among shooting enthusiasts ahead of the vote under the Swiss system of direct democracy. Failure to adopt the rules could have forced Switzerland to leave the passport-free Schengen zone and the Dublin joint system for handling asylum requests. After militants killed scores in Paris and elsewhere in 2015, the EU in 2017 toughened laws against purchasing semi-automatic rifles such as the ones used in those attacks, and made it easier to track weapons in national databases. Opinion polls had shown Swiss voters backing the measure by a two-to-one margin. The initial EU proposal provoked an outcry because it meant a ban on the Swiss tradition of ex-soldiers keeping their assault rifles. Swiss officials negotiated concessions for gun enthusiasts who take part in the country's numerous shooting clubs, but any restrictions imported from the EU go too far for right-wing activists concerned about Swiss sovereignty. Gun rights proponents complained the rules could disarm law-abiding citizens and encroach on Switzerland's heritage and national identity, which includes a well-armed citizenry. Switzerland has one of the highest rates of private gun ownership in Europe, with nearly 48% of households owning a gun.

Swiss voters approve tighter gun control: Report

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government</a>.

Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it remains unclear how, when or even if it will leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31.

Brexit talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-will-stand-as-uk-pm-agrees-to-set-exit-date-219698">May's Conservative Party</a> and Labour collapsed hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out in early June a timetable for her departure.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday informing her that the Brexit talks, which began on April 3, had "gone as far as they can" due to the instability of her government and its refusal to fundamentally shift its position.

"We have been unable to bridge important policy gaps between us," Corbyn, a socialist who voted against joining the predecessor of the EU in 1975, wrote to May.

"Even more crucially, the increasing weakness and instability of your government means there cannot be confidence in securing whatever might be agreed between us," Corbyn said.

He said Labour would oppose May's deal when it returns to parliament early next month. He later told reporters there was no chance of getting even part of a Brexit deal ratified by the end of July.&nbsp;

The divorce deal, which May agreed last year with the EU, has been rejected three times by parliament. May will put the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation required to enact the exit deal, to a vote in parliament in early June.

A source in May's office said the bill would contain new features to reflect some lawmakers’ concerns.

Looking uncomfortable as she delivered a televised message to voters ahead of the European Parliament elections, May suggested Labour's internal divisions over a second referendum were to blame for the failure of the talks.

The pound sank to $1.275, its lowest level since mid-January.

May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor.

Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal to smooth the transition, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum.

May ends in June

The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken soon.

After she puts her deal to a vote in the week of June 3, when U.S. President Donald Trump is due to make a state visit to Britain, May has said she will agree a timetable for the election of her successor.

Before then, the government is considering holding a series of "indicative votes" to see what path, if any, lawmakers might be able to agree.

"When we come to bring the legislation forward we will think carefully about ... the outcome of these talks, we will also consider whether we have some votes to see if the ideas that have come through command a majority in the House of Commons," May said.

Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said he would be standing as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader and is the clear favourite among party members according to a poll published on Friday.

"As we look to the future, we have to listen to the public," Simon Clarke, a Conservative lawmaker, said on Twitter. "Boris Johnson is the only candidate who increases likelihood to vote Conservative among both our 2017 voters &amp; people planning to vote (for the newly formed) Brexit Party."

The winner of a leadership contest will automatically become prime minister and will take control of the Brexit process, which has plunged Britain into its worst political crisis since World War Two.

Johnson has been one of May's most outspoken critics over Brexit and supports leaving the EU without a deal. Parliament has repeatedly said it does not want a no-deal Brexit.

The Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided and smaller parties - such as Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats - are poaching support from both the Conservative and Labour parties at the fastest rate for decades.

"Britain is divided down the middle over Brexit: it was in 2016 and it is in 2019 - and that is one of the reasons why this issue is so difficult to resolve," John Curtice, Britain's top polling expert, told Reuters.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday after the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch talks dead due to Prime Minister Theresa May's crumbling government. Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it remains unclear how, when or even if it will leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31. Brexit talks between May's Conservative Party and Labour collapsed hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out in early June a timetable for her departure. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday informing her that the Brexit talks, which began on April 3, had "gone as far as they can" due to the instability of her government and its refusal to fundamentally shift its position. "We have been unable to bridge important policy gaps between us," Corbyn, a socialist who voted against joining the predecessor of the EU in 1975, wrote to May. "Even more crucially, the increasing weakness and instability of your government means there cannot be confidence in securing whatever might be agreed between us," Corbyn said. He said Labour would oppose May's deal when it returns to parliament early next month. He later told reporters there was no chance of getting even part of a Brexit deal ratified by the end of July. The divorce deal, which May agreed last year with the EU, has been rejected three times by parliament. May will put the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, legislation required to enact the exit deal, to a vote in parliament in early June. A source in May's office said the bill would contain new features to reflect some lawmakers’ concerns. Looking uncomfortable as she delivered a televised message to voters ahead of the European Parliament elections, May suggested Labour's internal divisions over a second referendum were to blame for the failure of the talks. The pound sank to $1.275, its lowest level since mid-January. May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor. Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal to smooth the transition, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum. May ends in June The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken soon. After she puts her deal to a vote in the week of June 3, when U.S. President Donald Trump is due to make a state visit to Britain, May has said she will agree a timetable for the election of her successor. Before then, the government is considering holding a series of "indicative votes" to see what path, if any, lawmakers might be able to agree. "When we come to bring the legislation forward we will think carefully about ... the outcome of these talks, we will also consider whether we have some votes to see if the ideas that have come through command a majority in the House of Commons," May said. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said he would be standing as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader and is the clear favourite among party members according to a poll published on Friday. "As we look to the future, we have to listen to the public," Simon Clarke, a Conservative lawmaker, said on Twitter. "Boris Johnson is the only candidate who increases likelihood to vote Conservative among both our 2017 voters & people planning to vote (for the newly formed) Brexit Party." The winner of a leadership contest will automatically become prime minister and will take control of the Brexit process, which has plunged Britain into its worst political crisis since World War Two. Johnson has been one of May's most outspoken critics over Brexit and supports leaving the EU without a deal. Parliament has repeatedly said it does not want a no-deal Brexit. The Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided and smaller parties - such as Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats - are poaching support from both the Conservative and Labour parties at the fastest rate for decades. "Britain is divided down the middle over Brexit: it was in 2016 and it is in 2019 - and that is one of the reasons why this issue is so difficult to resolve," John Curtice, Britain's top polling expert, told Reuters.

Britain's Brexit talks collapse as May's premiership crumbles

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-gone-as-far-as-they-can-jeremy-corbyn-writes-to-theresa-may-as-labour-party-pulls-plug-on-brexit-compromise-talks-219387">Theresa May quits</a>, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month.

"Of course I'm going to go for it," the former foreign minister, ex-mayor of London and leading Brexit campaigner told a business event in Manchester, northwest England, the BBC and Sky News reported.

The decision comes as little surprise as Johnson, one of Britain's most identifiable politicians known simply as "Boris", has long been known to covet the top job.

But it effectively fires the starting gun on a race that already has more than a dozen runners and riders -- even though there is no official vacancy.

May has promised to step down once the first stage of Britain's exit from the European Union is secured, but this has been put in doubt by repeated Brexit delays.

At a meeting of senior members of her Conservative party on Thursday, May resisted growing demands to set out a detailed plan for her departure right now.

But Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs, said May would do this after a parliamentary vote in the week beginning June 3 on legislation to approve her EU divorce deal.

"We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading (first vote) of the bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party," he said.

Many of May's ministers and senior lawmakers are already making moves for the leadership, holding photo opportunities and giving wide-ranging speeches that go well beyond their official briefs.

Johnson, who botched his chance to run against May when she took office after the 2016 referendum, has long been assumed to be a candidate but has recently kept out the limelight.

Known abroad for his gaffes and accused of misleading voters over Brexit, he is nonetheless loved by many ordinary members of the ruling Conservative party, who will have a say in their new leader.

Johnson quit as foreign minister last year over the government's Brexit strategy and has been an outspoken critic of the divorce deal May struck with Brussels last November.

The deal has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, forcing May to delay Brexit twice.

She announced this week she would put it to MPs for a fourth time in early June, in the form of a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

May hopes the bill could be passed by July, allowing Britain to leave the EU at the end of that month, and is expected to step down at that point.

If the plan is rejected again next month, however, few expect her to hold on that long.

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when Theresa May quits, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month.

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when Theresa May quits, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month. "Of course I'm going to go for it," the former foreign minister, ex-mayor of London and leading Brexit campaigner told a business event in Manchester, northwest England, the BBC and Sky News reported. The decision comes as little surprise as Johnson, one of Britain's most identifiable politicians known simply as "Boris", has long been known to covet the top job. But it effectively fires the starting gun on a race that already has more than a dozen runners and riders -- even though there is no official vacancy. May has promised to step down once the first stage of Britain's exit from the European Union is secured, but this has been put in doubt by repeated Brexit delays. At a meeting of senior members of her Conservative party on Thursday, May resisted growing demands to set out a detailed plan for her departure right now. But Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs, said May would do this after a parliamentary vote in the week beginning June 3 on legislation to approve her EU divorce deal. "We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading (first vote) of the bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party," he said. Many of May's ministers and senior lawmakers are already making moves for the leadership, holding photo opportunities and giving wide-ranging speeches that go well beyond their official briefs. Johnson, who botched his chance to run against May when she took office after the 2016 referendum, has long been assumed to be a candidate but has recently kept out the limelight. Known abroad for his gaffes and accused of misleading voters over Brexit, he is nonetheless loved by many ordinary members of the ruling Conservative party, who will have a say in their new leader. Johnson quit as foreign minister last year over the government's Brexit strategy and has been an outspoken critic of the divorce deal May struck with Brussels last November. The deal has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, forcing May to delay Brexit twice. She announced this week she would put it to MPs for a fourth time in early June, in the form of a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. May hopes the bill could be passed by July, allowing Britain to leave the EU at the end of that month, and is expected to step down at that point. If the plan is rejected again next month, however, few expect her to hold on that long.

Boris Johnson says will stand as UK PM agrees to set exit date

Cross-party talks over Brexit ended on Friday without an agreement, six weeks after they started. British opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May that talks with the government to find a compromise over Brexit have gone as far as they can. Watch full video to know more.

UK cross-party Brexit talks end without agreement

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

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after e<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-government-teeters-after-video-of-far-right-leader-219573">xplosive revelations from a hidden camera sting</a>, just days before key EU elections.&nbsp;

"I tendered my resignation as vice-chancellor of Austria to Chancellor Kurz, and he accepted this decision," an emotional Strache said in a televised statement.

Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met in a luxury villa on the island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria.

On Saturday Strache insisted he was the "victim of a targeted political attack" which had used illegal means, but that he was leaving in order to avoid further damage to the government.

Germany's Der Spiegel and Sueddeutsche Zeitung published hidden-camera recordings of the sophisticated sting operation.

In the recordings, Strache and his party's group leader in parliament, Johann Gudenus are seen discussing with a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch how she can invest in Austria.

She says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Krone Zeitung.

Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes at the Krone and use the paper to help his Freedom Party (FPOe) in its election campaign.

He goes on to suggest the woman would then be able to gain access to public contracts.

According to the newspapers, Strache says that there would be no resistance among the Krone's editorial staff as "journalists are the biggest whores on the planet".

Both the newspapers that published the footage say they don't have any firm information over who set up the elaborate sting.

'Done for!'

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was due to give his reaction to the scandal on Saturday, with rumours rife that he may push for early elections.

The Krone Zeitung took a particularly outraged tone in its coverage, with its Saturday edition sporting a banner headline reading "The FPOe is done for!".

The Die Presse newspaper's headline talks of a "coalition on the brink".

The Austrian APA agency reports FPOe party sources as saying they want to try to save the coalition with Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) by replacing Strache as vice-chancellor with Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, also from the FPOe.

Elsewhere in the video Strache evokes the possibility of privatising part of Austria's public broadcaster ORF and says he would like Austria's media landscape to resemble that of neighbouring Hungary.

Hungary's right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has overhauled the country's public media into a government propaganda organ while allies have steadily bought up swathes of the private media sector.

The FPOe has mounted repeated attacks on the ORF's coverage, accusing it of being biased against the party.

Strache also appeared to hint at possible ways political donations could be made to a foundation linked to the FPOe and not to the party directly, apparently in order to escape legal scrutiny.

In recent weeks Kurz has already had to defend his decision to enter government with the far-right after a string of revelations about extremist sympathies in the FPOe's ranks.&nbsp;

The putative link to Russia in the scandal is particularly embarrassing as the FPOe has a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, leading many to accuse the FPOe of an overly close relationship with Moscow.

The FPOe's lead candidate in next week's elections, MEP Harald Vilimsky, cancelled a planned trip to Milan on Saturday where he was due to take part in a campaign event with far-right Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

Strache, 49, succeeded the mercurial Joerg Haider as leader of the party in 2005.

He himself flirted with neo-Nazism in his youth, but as leader sought to clean up the party's image and make it more electable.

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections.

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections. "I tendered my resignation as vice-chancellor of Austria to Chancellor Kurz, and he accepted this decision," an emotional Strache said in a televised statement. Media reports emerged on Friday alleging that Strache promised public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer he met in a luxury villa on the island of Ibiza a few months before 2017's parliamentary elections in Austria. On Saturday Strache insisted he was the "victim of a targeted political attack" which had used illegal means, but that he was leaving in order to avoid further damage to the government. Germany's Der Spiegel and Sueddeutsche Zeitung published hidden-camera recordings of the sophisticated sting operation. In the recordings, Strache and his party's group leader in parliament, Johann Gudenus are seen discussing with a woman purporting to be the niece of a Russian oligarch how she can invest in Austria. She says she specifically wants to gain control of the country's largest-circulation tabloid, the Krone Zeitung. Strache is seen suggesting that new owners could make staff changes at the Krone and use the paper to help his Freedom Party (FPOe) in its election campaign. He goes on to suggest the woman would then be able to gain access to public contracts. According to the newspapers, Strache says that there would be no resistance among the Krone's editorial staff as "journalists are the biggest whores on the planet". Both the newspapers that published the footage say they don't have any firm information over who set up the elaborate sting. 'Done for!' Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was due to give his reaction to the scandal on Saturday, with rumours rife that he may push for early elections. The Krone Zeitung took a particularly outraged tone in its coverage, with its Saturday edition sporting a banner headline reading "The FPOe is done for!". The Die Presse newspaper's headline talks of a "coalition on the brink". The Austrian APA agency reports FPOe party sources as saying they want to try to save the coalition with Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) by replacing Strache as vice-chancellor with Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, also from the FPOe. Elsewhere in the video Strache evokes the possibility of privatising part of Austria's public broadcaster ORF and says he would like Austria's media landscape to resemble that of neighbouring Hungary. Hungary's right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has overhauled the country's public media into a government propaganda organ while allies have steadily bought up swathes of the private media sector. The FPOe has mounted repeated attacks on the ORF's coverage, accusing it of being biased against the party. Strache also appeared to hint at possible ways political donations could be made to a foundation linked to the FPOe and not to the party directly, apparently in order to escape legal scrutiny. In recent weeks Kurz has already had to defend his decision to enter government with the far-right after a string of revelations about extremist sympathies in the FPOe's ranks. The putative link to Russia in the scandal is particularly embarrassing as the FPOe has a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, leading many to accuse the FPOe of an overly close relationship with Moscow. The FPOe's lead candidate in next week's elections, MEP Harald Vilimsky, cancelled a planned trip to Milan on Saturday where he was due to take part in a campaign event with far-right Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini. Strache, 49, succeeded the mercurial Joerg Haider as leader of the party in 2005. He himself flirted with neo-Nazism in his youth, but as leader sought to clean up the party's image and make it more electable.

Austrian far-right leader resigns over 'Ibiza affair'

Facebook, Google and Twitter were reprimanded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-have-to-do-more-to-fight-fake-news-european-union-212915">European Commission</a> on Friday for not doing enough to tackle fake news plaguing the election campaign to the European Parliament, seven months after promising to do more.

The tech giants took a voluntary pledge last October to combat the spread of fake news, hoping to avoid more heavy-handed rules. Elections to the European Parliament will be held in the 28 countries making up the European Union on May 23-26.

Foreign interference during the campaign and in national elections in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Ukraine in the coming months has been a key concern for the Commission and EU governments.

Facebook, Google and Twitter are still falling, the EU executive said in its report on their efforts in April.

"More needs to be done to strengthen the integrity of their services, including advertising services," the Commission's digital chief Andrus Ansip, Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova, Security Commissioner Julian King and Digital Economy Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said in a joint statement.

"The data provided still lacks the level of detail necessary to allow for an independent and accurate assessment of how the platforms' policies have actually contributed to reducing the spread of disinformation in the EU," they said.

Google and Twitter were criticised for failing to develop and implement policies for identifying and disclosing issue-based ads before next week's vote. Such ads can stoke divisive public debate during elections and are prone to disinformation.

Facebook, which took down a fake Russian network targeting Ukraine, was rapped for not saying whether the network also affected users in the EU.

Facebook, Google and Twitter were reprimanded by the European Commission on Friday for not doing enough to tackle fake news plaguing the election campaign to the European Parliament, seven months after promising to do more.

Facebook, Google and Twitter were reprimanded by the European Commission on Friday for not doing enough to tackle fake news plaguing the election campaign to the European Parliament, seven months after promising to do more. The tech giants took a voluntary pledge last October to combat the spread of fake news, hoping to avoid more heavy-handed rules. Elections to the European Parliament will be held in the 28 countries making up the European Union on May 23-26. Foreign interference during the campaign and in national elections in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Ukraine in the coming months has been a key concern for the Commission and EU governments. Facebook, Google and Twitter are still falling, the EU executive said in its report on their efforts in April. "More needs to be done to strengthen the integrity of their services, including advertising services," the Commission's digital chief Andrus Ansip, Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova, Security Commissioner Julian King and Digital Economy Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said in a joint statement. "The data provided still lacks the level of detail necessary to allow for an independent and accurate assessment of how the platforms' policies have actually contributed to reducing the spread of disinformation in the EU," they said. Google and Twitter were criticised for failing to develop and implement policies for identifying and disclosing issue-based ads before next week's vote. Such ads can stoke divisive public debate during elections and are prone to disinformation. Facebook, which took down a fake Russian network targeting Ukraine, was rapped for not saying whether the network also affected users in the EU.

Google, Facebook, Twitter rapped for not doing enough in European Union fake news fight

The European Union on Friday adopted powers to punish those outside the bloc who launch cyber attacks that cripple hospitals and banks, sway elections and steal company secrets or funds.

EU ministers meeting in Brussels said the 28-nation group would now, for the first time, be able to impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals, firms and state bodies implicated in such attacks.

"The Council (of EU countries) established a framework which allows the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber attacks," it said in a statement.

It said sanctions will be considered if a cyber attack is determined to have had a &nbsp;"significant impact" on its target.

The goal is to bolster the security of EU institutions, firms and individuals against what one diplomat called an increase in the "scale and severity" of cyber attacks globally.

Under the legislation, diplomats said, the 28 EU countries would have to vote unanimously to impose sanctions after meeting a legal threshold of significant impact.

For example, countries would look at the scope and severity of disruption to economic and other activities, essential services, critical state functions, public order or public safety, diplomats said.

They would examine the number of people and EU countries affected and determine how much money, intellectual property and data is stolen.

EU diplomats told reporters it could also cover the hacking of European elections by a third party or country, amid fears that Russia is working to undermine democracy in its western rivals.

They would also study how much the perpetrator has gained through such action.&nbsp;

A Dutch diplomat told reporters that the powers amount to a "big step forward" toward building more secure cyberspace.

"We have seen a seen increase in the scale and severity of cyber attacks globally," an EU diplomat said. "Hostile actors have been threatening EU security."

The new regime "sends a clear message that the EU is willing and able to impose consequences on irresponsible behaviour in cyberspace," he said.

In line with US intelligence assessments, EU officials highlight in particular the threat of disinformation and election hacking from Russia.

European leaders in October had called for a law to impose sanctions against cyber attacks.

The European Union on Friday adopted powers to punish those outside the bloc who launch cyber attacks that cripple hospitals and banks, sway elections and steal company secrets or funds.

The European Union on Friday adopted powers to punish those outside the bloc who launch cyber attacks that cripple hospitals and banks, sway elections and steal company secrets or funds. EU ministers meeting in Brussels said the 28-nation group would now, for the first time, be able to impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals, firms and state bodies implicated in such attacks. "The Council (of EU countries) established a framework which allows the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber attacks," it said in a statement. It said sanctions will be considered if a cyber attack is determined to have had a "significant impact" on its target. The goal is to bolster the security of EU institutions, firms and individuals against what one diplomat called an increase in the "scale and severity" of cyber attacks globally. Under the legislation, diplomats said, the 28 EU countries would have to vote unanimously to impose sanctions after meeting a legal threshold of significant impact. For example, countries would look at the scope and severity of disruption to economic and other activities, essential services, critical state functions, public order or public safety, diplomats said. They would examine the number of people and EU countries affected and determine how much money, intellectual property and data is stolen. EU diplomats told reporters it could also cover the hacking of European elections by a third party or country, amid fears that Russia is working to undermine democracy in its western rivals. They would also study how much the perpetrator has gained through such action. A Dutch diplomat told reporters that the powers amount to a "big step forward" toward building more secure cyberspace. "We have seen a seen increase in the scale and severity of cyber attacks globally," an EU diplomat said. "Hostile actors have been threatening EU security." The new regime "sends a clear message that the EU is willing and able to impose consequences on irresponsible behaviour in cyberspace," he said. In line with US intelligence assessments, EU officials highlight in particular the threat of disinformation and election hacking from Russia. European leaders in October had called for a law to impose sanctions against cyber attacks.

European Union adopts powers to respond to cyberattacks

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-rich-poor-divide-widens-but-still-a-worldwide-low-217922&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs1dmXg6DiAhVJsY8KHXszAnoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hBsJFYXqKFsAl5kCKNlfx">The EU's</a> powerful anti-trust authority on Thursday fined five major banks -- including Barclays and Citigroup -- more than a billion euros for collusion in the massive foreign exchange currency market.

The European Commission sanctioned Barclays, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-bank-of-scotland-ceo-ross-mcewan-resigns-after-more-than-five-years-213380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit0qrFg6DiAhVEpI8KHVMXAuEQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3G1fLU1ztQFdRbBJj8U0qy">Royal Bank of Scotland</a>, Citigroup, JPMorgan and Japan's MUFG Bank a total of $1.2 billion&nbsp;after finding that traders colluded to fix exchange rates using electronic chat rooms, a statement said.

The commission said Swiss giant UBS received no fine as it revealed the collusion to the authorities.

"These cartel decisions send a clear message that the commission will not tolerate collusive behaviour in any sector of the financial markets," said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-supports-iran-nuclear-deal-may-talk-to-uss-pompeo-mogherini-218310&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs1dmXg6DiAhVJsY8KHXszAnoQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Igy-Keyh3SfqugD1QW3id">EU </a>Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

"The behaviour of these banks undermined the integrity of the sector at the expense of the European economy and consumers," she added.

The decision involves two cases of forex manipulation, with the first known as "Essex Express 'n the Jimmy" because all the traders (except Jimmy) lived in the county to the east of London, the commission said.

The other one was called "Three-way banana split", though the EU's executive arm did not explain why.

"Some of the traders created the chat rooms and then invited one another to join, based on their trading activities and personal affinities, creating closed circles of trust," the commission explained.

The collusion took place between 2007 and 2013, roughly the years of the financial crisis and has been sanctioned by other authorities, including the US.

Except Japan's MUFG, the banks cooperated with the commission and in return received lighter fines than the EU's maximum amount.

"We are pleased to resolve this historical matter, which relates to the conduct of one former employee. We have since made significant control improvements," said a spokesperson for JPMorgan.

Several of the banks, including Barclays, had already provisioned for the fines in earlier filings.

The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Thursday fined five major banks -- including Barclays and Citigroup -- more than a billion euros for collusion in the massive foreign exchange currency market.

The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Thursday fined five major banks -- including Barclays and Citigroup -- more than a billion euros for collusion in the massive foreign exchange currency market. The European Commission sanctioned Barclays, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Citigroup, JPMorgan and Japan's MUFG Bank a total of $1.2 billion after finding that traders colluded to fix exchange rates using electronic chat rooms, a statement said. The commission said Swiss giant UBS received no fine as it revealed the collusion to the authorities. "These cartel decisions send a clear message that the commission will not tolerate collusive behaviour in any sector of the financial markets," said EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. "The behaviour of these banks undermined the integrity of the sector at the expense of the European economy and consumers," she added. The decision involves two cases of forex manipulation, with the first known as "Essex Express 'n the Jimmy" because all the traders (except Jimmy) lived in the county to the east of London, the commission said. The other one was called "Three-way banana split", though the EU's executive arm did not explain why. "Some of the traders created the chat rooms and then invited one another to join, based on their trading activities and personal affinities, creating closed circles of trust," the commission explained. The collusion took place between 2007 and 2013, roughly the years of the financial crisis and has been sanctioned by other authorities, including the US. Except Japan's MUFG, the banks cooperated with the commission and in return received lighter fines than the EU's maximum amount. "We are pleased to resolve this historical matter, which relates to the conduct of one former employee. We have since made significant control improvements," said a spokesperson for JPMorgan. Several of the banks, including Barclays, had already provisioned for the fines in earlier filings.

European Union fines five major banks $1.2 billion for currency collusion

How the European Union will vote and why it matters

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

Theresa May to put forward Brexit bill in Parliament in June

The European Union told United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation on the military side with Iran. Tensions have been mounting in the Gulf a year after Washington withdrew from a landmark deal that curbed Iran's nuclear programme.

'Maximum restraint': EU reject US escalation with Iran

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations.

Some 20,000 people gathered in the capital's historic Old Town Square for a third week in a row, according to Czech media, and thousands of others protested in the second city of Brno.&nbsp;

Police charged billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis in connection with a two-million-euro EU subsidy scam last year and called on prosecutors to indict him last month.

The protesters are concerned that Justice Minister Marie Benesova, named last month, might try to clear Babis of the accusations.

If found guilty, Babis could be jailed for up to 10 years.

He has repeatedly rejected the allegations against him as a plot and politically inspired.

Protesters blew whistles, rang bells and jangled keys, chanting "step down" and "shame".

"You lie, you steal, and you are called Bures," read one banner referring to a nickname Babis was given when allegedly serving as a Communist secret police agent in the 1980s.

Babis is the Czech Republic's second wealthiest man, according to Forbes.

Benesova, 71, was the Czech justice minister in 2013-2014 and the country's chief prosecutor in 1999-2005.

Babis is facing an EU probe into his ownership of the Agrofert chemicals, food and media group, which he has technically transferred to a trust to avoid a conflict of interest.

"This goes beyond any ethical boundaries," said Filip Chmel, a young civil engineer on a bike, clutching a sign reading "justice".

"I disagree with people like Benesova holding a public post. And I don't like the prime minister's conflict of interest and his arrogance," he said.

Babis's populist ANO emerged as the biggest party in October 2017 legislative elections with 78 of 200 seats in the lower house of parliament.&nbsp;

ANO joined forces with the CSSD Social Democratic party to form a minority government, supported by the communists.

ANO boasts 30-per cent support, according to opinion polls.

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations.

Thousands of people rallied in Prague on Monday in fresh protests against the new justice minister over concerns she could clear the prime minister of fraud allegations. Some 20,000 people gathered in the capital's historic Old Town Square for a third week in a row, according to Czech media, and thousands of others protested in the second city of Brno. Police charged billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis in connection with a two-million-euro EU subsidy scam last year and called on prosecutors to indict him last month. The protesters are concerned that Justice Minister Marie Benesova, named last month, might try to clear Babis of the accusations. If found guilty, Babis could be jailed for up to 10 years. He has repeatedly rejected the allegations against him as a plot and politically inspired. Protesters blew whistles, rang bells and jangled keys, chanting "step down" and "shame". "You lie, you steal, and you are called Bures," read one banner referring to a nickname Babis was given when allegedly serving as a Communist secret police agent in the 1980s. Babis is the Czech Republic's second wealthiest man, according to Forbes. Benesova, 71, was the Czech justice minister in 2013-2014 and the country's chief prosecutor in 1999-2005. Babis is facing an EU probe into his ownership of the Agrofert chemicals, food and media group, which he has technically transferred to a trust to avoid a conflict of interest. "This goes beyond any ethical boundaries," said Filip Chmel, a young civil engineer on a bike, clutching a sign reading "justice". "I disagree with people like Benesova holding a public post. And I don't like the prime minister's conflict of interest and his arrogance," he said. Babis's populist ANO emerged as the biggest party in October 2017 legislative elections with 78 of 200 seats in the lower house of parliament. ANO joined forces with the CSSD Social Democratic party to form a minority government, supported by the communists. ANO boasts 30-per cent support, according to opinion polls.

Fresh rally against Czech government draws thousands

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, who met privately with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, said EU member states continued "to fully support the nuclear deal with Iran." Washington has increased its pressure on the European Union to isolate Iran internationally and walk away from the 2015 nuclear deal.

EU to continue to do business with Iran despite sanctions by US

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-rich-poor-divide-widens-but-still-a-worldwide-low-217922">European Union </a>fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

"We will continue to support it as much as we can with all our instruments and all our political will," Mogherini told reporters before a meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, who are signatories to the deal.

United States Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-to-visit-brussels-monday-to-discuss-iran-official-218245">Mike Pompeo</a> is also expected to meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to talk about Iran.

Mogherini said she was informed during the night of Pompeo's arrival to Brussels where EU foreign ministers are gathered for a regular monthly meeting.

"We will be here all day with a busy agenda. So we will see during the day how and if will manage to arrange a meeting. He's always welcome obviously, but there are no precise plans at the moment," Mogherini said.

Pompeo is on his way to the Black Sea resort of Sochi where he plans to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday to discuss Iran.

European countries said last week they wanted to preserve Iran's nuclear deal and rejected "ultimatums" from Tehran, after Iran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened moves that might breach the 2015 international pact.

Iran's move was in response to US sanctions imposed following Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with Tehran a year ago.

The European Union fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

The European Union fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. "We will continue to support it as much as we can with all our instruments and all our political will," Mogherini told reporters before a meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, who are signatories to the deal. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also expected to meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to talk about Iran. Mogherini said she was informed during the night of Pompeo's arrival to Brussels where EU foreign ministers are gathered for a regular monthly meeting. "We will be here all day with a busy agenda. So we will see during the day how and if will manage to arrange a meeting. He's always welcome obviously, but there are no precise plans at the moment," Mogherini said. Pompeo is on his way to the Black Sea resort of Sochi where he plans to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday to discuss Iran. European countries said last week they wanted to preserve Iran's nuclear deal and rejected "ultimatums" from Tehran, after Iran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened moves that might breach the 2015 international pact. Iran's move was in response to US sanctions imposed following Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with Tehran a year ago.

European Union supports Iran nuclear deal, may talk to US' Pompeo: Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini

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