Buckling under heavy pressure, Conservative leader&nbsp;Sir Gavin Williamson on Tuesday resigned as a government minister, a little more than a fortnight after&nbsp;his appointment into the Rishi Sunak cabinet.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter,&nbsp;Williamson posted a letter where he stopped short of apologising for his actions but said the controversy was impacting the working of the government and thus he decided to resign.&nbsp;

"As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. I am complying with this process and have apologised to the recipient for those messages," read the letter.&nbsp;

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"Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people," added Williamson.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-minister-gavin-williamson-misconduct-allegations-pm-rishi-sunak-stands-by-him-531705">WATCH |&nbsp;UK Minister Gavin Williamson misconduct allegations; PM Rishi Sunak stands by him</a>

The Tory leader said he was stepping back&nbsp;from the government so that he could "comply fully with the complaints process that is underway" and clear his name.&nbsp;

What is the controversy?

The controversy dates back to the time when Theresa May resided at 10, Downing Street. As the defence secretary, Williamson intimidated a senior civil worker in the Ministry of Defence and asked them to “slit"&nbsp;their throat and suggested that they 'jump' out the window.&nbsp;

The particular allegation comes in the backdrop of&nbsp;Williamson's former deputy Anne Milton in a TV interview stating his behaviour in the office was "threatening" and "intimidating".&nbsp;

"On one occasion, we had an MP who'd got a few financial problems, some financial help was given. It wasn't a great amount, but I do remember him asking me to give the MP in question the cheque," said&nbsp;Milton.

"And he waved it under my nose and said: 'Make sure when you give him this cheque he knows that I now own him'."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-rushed-out-by-his-aides-at-cop27-meet-532060">Watch: UK PM Rishi Sunak rushed out by his aides at COP27 meet</a>

Milton who worked in the Tory whips' office between 2016 and 2017, also added that 46-year-old Williamson loved to engage in&nbsp;salacious gossip which often turned sexual in nature.&nbsp;

"There were a few - the salacious gossip, which I've talked about, people's sexual preferences, that sort of thing. He loved all that. He would come into the office and say,&nbsp;'Guess who enjoys some form of sex or another'."

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Buckling under heavy pressure, Conservative leader Sir Gavin Williamson on Tuesday resigned as a government minister, a little more than a fortnight after his appointment into the Rishi Sunak cabinet.

Buckling under heavy pressure, Conservative leader Sir Gavin Williamson on Tuesday resigned as a government minister, a little more than a fortnight after his appointment into the Rishi Sunak cabinet. Taking to Twitter, Williamson posted a letter where he stopped short of apologising for his actions but said the controversy was impacting the working of the government and thus he decided to resign. "As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. I am complying with this process and have apologised to the recipient for those messages," read the letter. pic.twitter.com/3lMzmHqzsN — Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) November 8, 2022 × "Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people," added Williamson. WATCH | UK Minister Gavin Williamson misconduct allegations; PM Rishi Sunak stands by him The Tory leader said he was stepping back from the government so that he could "comply fully with the complaints process that is underway" and clear his name. What is the controversy? The controversy dates back to the time when Theresa May resided at 10, Downing Street. As the defence secretary, Williamson intimidated a senior civil worker in the Ministry of Defence and asked them to “slit" their throat and suggested that they 'jump' out the window. The particular allegation comes in the backdrop of Williamson's former deputy Anne Milton in a TV interview stating his behaviour in the office was "threatening" and "intimidating". "On one occasion, we had an MP who'd got a few financial problems, some financial help was given. It wasn't a great amount, but I do remember him asking me to give the MP in question the cheque," said Milton. "And he waved it under my nose and said: 'Make sure when you give him this cheque he knows that I now own him'." Watch: UK PM Rishi Sunak rushed out by his aides at COP27 meet Milton who worked in the Tory whips' office between 2016 and 2017, also added that 46-year-old Williamson loved to engage in salacious gossip which often turned sexual in nature. "There were a few - the salacious gossip, which I've talked about, people's sexual preferences, that sort of thing. He loved all that. He would come into the office and say, 'Guess who enjoys some form of sex or another'." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rishi Sunak's close aide Gavin Williamson quits as minister amid 'bullying' allegations

Gavin Williamson has resigned over bullying allegations. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Williamson said that he has decided to step back from the government so that he can comply fully with the complaints process and clear his name.

UK minister Gavin Williamson resigns, quits over bullying allegations

UK: A minister in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet has been accused of sending bullying texts. Gavin Williamson sent some offensive text messages to Tory enforcer Wendy Morton. Interestingly, the minister is backed by Prime Minister Sunak.

UK Minister Gavin Williamson misconduct allegations; PM Rishi Sunak stands by him

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-urges-caution-over-huawei-role-in-5g-network-214290">China's Huawei</a> to develop its 5G network.

"The Prime Minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet," said a spokeswoman from her Downing Street office.

May said in a letter to Williamson that the investigation "provides compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure" from the April 23 meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), although he "strenuously denied" responsibility.

"No other credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified," wrote May.

"This is an extremely serious matter and a deeply disappointing one," she added, with Williamson now facing the possibility of a criminal probe.

"This must now be referred to the Metropolitan Police for a thorough criminal investigation into breaches of the Official Secrets Act," said Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable.

Williamson responded in a letter to May, saying he was "sorry you felt recent leaks" originated from the defence ministry.

"I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position".

He revealed that May had given him the chance to resign, but turned it down as it would have been an acceptance of guilt.

Downing Street later announced that Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Women and Equalities, would replace Williamson and become Britain's first female defence minister while continuing in her current role.

Britain's already splintered government was rocked by the scandal last month over who leaked the news that May was to let Huawei develop Britain's 5G network.

The bitterly disputed decision was reportedly made at the April 23 meeting of the NSC.

NSC discussions are only attended by senior ministers and security officials who first sign the Official Secrets Act that commits them to keep conversations private or risk prosecution.

But The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that May approved granting Huawei permission to build up "non-core" elements of Britain's next-generation telecommunications network.

Political operator

The United States is adamantly opposed to Huawei's involvement because of the firm's obligation under Chinese law to help its home government gather intelligence or provide other security services when required.

May told Williamson it was "vital" that members of the NSC... were able to have "frank and detailed discussions in full confidence" that they would not be made public.

She added that she was "concerned by the manner in which you have engaged with this investigation", saying his conduct "has not been of the same standard" as other members of the NSC.

British media reported that Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill -- the country's most senior civil servant -- gave those present an ultimatum to deny responsibility for the leak.&nbsp;

Williamson was one of the first to do so, calling it "completely unacceptable".

His allies told Sky News reporter Kate McCann that they suspect Sedwill of engineering the sacking over historical disagreements between the pair.

The 42-year-old was a trusted ally of the prime minister.

He was May's parliamentary campaign manager when she successfully ran to become Conservative Party leader and was rewarded with the job of the chief whip -- tasked with enforcing discipline for the Conservative Party in parliament.

He was only elected to parliament in 2010 and was best known for keeping a pet tarantula, Cronus, in a glass-sided tank on his desk.

May raised eyebrows when she appointed Williamson to the key defence job in November 2017 after the previous incumbent Michael Fallon resigned over allegations of sexual harassment.

The move raised questions about whether Williamson's whips' office had a role in preparing the dossier on ministers behind the scandal, and there were reports that Williamson advised May that Fallon may be facing further allegations.

"Make no mistake, Gavin Williamson wants to be prime minister. And he knows all the dirt on his colleagues," wrote Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times newspaper.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China's Huawei to develop its 5G network.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China's Huawei to develop its 5G network. "The Prime Minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet," said a spokeswoman from her Downing Street office. May said in a letter to Williamson that the investigation "provides compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure" from the April 23 meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), although he "strenuously denied" responsibility. "No other credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified," wrote May. "This is an extremely serious matter and a deeply disappointing one," she added, with Williamson now facing the possibility of a criminal probe. "This must now be referred to the Metropolitan Police for a thorough criminal investigation into breaches of the Official Secrets Act," said Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable. Williamson responded in a letter to May, saying he was "sorry you felt recent leaks" originated from the defence ministry. "I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position". He revealed that May had given him the chance to resign, but turned it down as it would have been an acceptance of guilt. Downing Street later announced that Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Women and Equalities, would replace Williamson and become Britain's first female defence minister while continuing in her current role. Britain's already splintered government was rocked by the scandal last month over who leaked the news that May was to let Huawei develop Britain's 5G network. The bitterly disputed decision was reportedly made at the April 23 meeting of the NSC. NSC discussions are only attended by senior ministers and security officials who first sign the Official Secrets Act that commits them to keep conversations private or risk prosecution. But The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that May approved granting Huawei permission to build up "non-core" elements of Britain's next-generation telecommunications network. Political operator The United States is adamantly opposed to Huawei's involvement because of the firm's obligation under Chinese law to help its home government gather intelligence or provide other security services when required. May told Williamson it was "vital" that members of the NSC... were able to have "frank and detailed discussions in full confidence" that they would not be made public. She added that she was "concerned by the manner in which you have engaged with this investigation", saying his conduct "has not been of the same standard" as other members of the NSC. British media reported that Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill -- the country's most senior civil servant -- gave those present an ultimatum to deny responsibility for the leak. Williamson was one of the first to do so, calling it "completely unacceptable". His allies told Sky News reporter Kate McCann that they suspect Sedwill of engineering the sacking over historical disagreements between the pair. The 42-year-old was a trusted ally of the prime minister. He was May's parliamentary campaign manager when she successfully ran to become Conservative Party leader and was rewarded with the job of the chief whip -- tasked with enforcing discipline for the Conservative Party in parliament. He was only elected to parliament in 2010 and was best known for keeping a pet tarantula, Cronus, in a glass-sided tank on his desk. May raised eyebrows when she appointed Williamson to the key defence job in November 2017 after the previous incumbent Michael Fallon resigned over allegations of sexual harassment. The move raised questions about whether Williamson's whips' office had a role in preparing the dossier on ministers behind the scandal, and there were reports that Williamson advised May that Fallon may be facing further allegations. "Make no mistake, Gavin Williamson wants to be prime minister. And he knows all the dirt on his colleagues," wrote Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times newspaper.

UK PM Theresa May sacks defence minister Williamson over Huawei leak

British Prime Minister Theresa May fired Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson Wednesday after an investigation into leaks from a secret government meeting about Huawei. He denied any involvement in the leak.

UK Defence Secretary fired over Huawei leaks, denies involvement

Britain's government said on Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-sacks-defence-minister-williamson-over-huawei-leak-215201">Penny Mordaunt had been named defence secretary</a> to replace Gavin Williamson, who was sacked over the leak of information about Chinese telecoms company Huawei.

Mordaunt was previously the minister for international development.

Rory Stewart was named Britain's cabinet secretary for international development in the reshuffle. The move comes after British Prime Minister Theresa May fired her defence minister over a leak of discussions in the National Security Council about Chinese telecoms company Huawei, the latest of her allies to be ousted from government.

In a letter to Williamson, May wrote that an investigation into the leaks had provided "compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure".

"No other, credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified," she added after putting the "latest information from the investigation" to Williamson earlier on Wednesday.

Williamson, who rose quickly up the ranks of the governing Conservative Party after backing May to become prime minister in 2016, denied responsibility.

"I am sorry that you feel recent leaks from the National Security Council originated in my department. I emphatically believe this was not the case."

"I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position."

Britain's government said on Wednesday that Penny Mordaunt had been named defence secretary to replace Gavin Williamson, who was sacked over the leak of information about Chinese telecoms company Huawei.

Britain's government said on Wednesday that Penny Mordaunt had been named defence secretary to replace Gavin Williamson, who was sacked over the leak of information about Chinese telecoms company Huawei. Mordaunt was previously the minister for international development. Rory Stewart was named Britain's cabinet secretary for international development in the reshuffle. The move comes after British Prime Minister Theresa May fired her defence minister over a leak of discussions in the National Security Council about Chinese telecoms company Huawei, the latest of her allies to be ousted from government. In a letter to Williamson, May wrote that an investigation into the leaks had provided "compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure". "No other, credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified," she added after putting the "latest information from the investigation" to Williamson earlier on Wednesday. Williamson, who rose quickly up the ranks of the governing Conservative Party after backing May to become prime minister in 2016, denied responsibility. "I am sorry that you feel recent leaks from the National Security Council originated in my department. I emphatically believe this was not the case." "I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position."

UK government appoints Penny Mordaunt as defence secretary after firing Gavin Williamson

Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland.

The ex-paratrooper, known only as Soldier F, was charged with murdering two people and the attempted murder of four others when troops opened fire on a demonstration in Derry in which 13 protesters were shot dead.

Soldier F was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation over Bloody Sunday but he was the only one charged.

"This is a remarkable achievement by the families and victims of Bloody Sunday," said Ciaran Shiels, a solicitor for some of the victims' families.

But Shiels added: "We are disappointed that not all of those responsible are to face trial."

Relatives looked sombre as they emerged from a press conference in which the decision was announced by the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland.

"There is sufficient available evidence to prosecute one former soldier, Soldier F, for the murder of James Wray and William McKinney; and for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O'Donnell," said PPS director Stephen Herron.

'Indebted' to soldiers: Williamson&nbsp;

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the defence ministry would support Soldier F and pay his legal costs.

"We are indebted to those soldiers who served with courage and distinction to bring peace to Northern Ireland," he said.

"The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance and we will offer full legal and pastoral support," he said.

He added that the government was working to reform the system "for dealing with legacy issues".

"Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution," he said.

Besides 16 former British soldiers not charged, state prosecutors also declined to bring charges against two alleged ex-members of the Irish Republican Army for their role on the day, one of the seminal events in the three-decades-long Northern Irish conflict known as "The Troubles".

"In respect of the other 18 suspects, including 16 former soldiers and two alleged Official IRA members, it has been concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction," said prosecutor Herron.

Thirteen demonstrators were killed on January 30, 1972 as they participated in a civil rights march in the majority Catholic area of the Bogside in Derry when soldiers from the British Parachute Regiment opened fire.

A fourteenth died of his wounds later.

In 2010, then British prime minister David Cameron issued a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable".

A public inquiry found that British troops fired first and had given misleading accounts of what happened.

March from memorial

On Thursday, families of those who died marched from a memorial to Derry city centre.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was shot dead at the age of 17, said he was "hoping and praying" for justice.

"I'm standing here, where Michael was shot dead, hoping he's looking down on me and saying 'Fair play to you, I'm very proud of you'," he said.

The British government on Wednesday drew criticism with an announcement that veterans found guilty of crimes during the Troubles would be eligible for early release under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The terms of the peace accord, which largely ended the Troubles, allowed some 500 republican and loyalist paramilitaries to leave prison after serving short sentences.

At present, the release scheme only covers offences committed from 1973 to 1998.

However, the government has proposed legislation to widen the programme to offences taking place from 1968, meaning anyone convicted over Bloody Sunday would be eligible.

Northern Ireland minister Karen Bradley has also drawn criticism for saying killings by British security forces and police "were not crimes".

"They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duties in a dignified and appropriate way," she said in parliament last week.

She later apologised for the comments.

Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland.

Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland. The ex-paratrooper, known only as Soldier F, was charged with murdering two people and the attempted murder of four others when troops opened fire on a demonstration in Derry in which 13 protesters were shot dead. Soldier F was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation over Bloody Sunday but he was the only one charged. "This is a remarkable achievement by the families and victims of Bloody Sunday," said Ciaran Shiels, a solicitor for some of the victims' families. But Shiels added: "We are disappointed that not all of those responsible are to face trial." Relatives looked sombre as they emerged from a press conference in which the decision was announced by the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland. "There is sufficient available evidence to prosecute one former soldier, Soldier F, for the murder of James Wray and William McKinney; and for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O'Donnell," said PPS director Stephen Herron. 'Indebted' to soldiers: Williamson British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the defence ministry would support Soldier F and pay his legal costs. "We are indebted to those soldiers who served with courage and distinction to bring peace to Northern Ireland," he said. "The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance and we will offer full legal and pastoral support," he said. He added that the government was working to reform the system "for dealing with legacy issues". "Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution," he said. Besides 16 former British soldiers not charged, state prosecutors also declined to bring charges against two alleged ex-members of the Irish Republican Army for their role on the day, one of the seminal events in the three-decades-long Northern Irish conflict known as "The Troubles". "In respect of the other 18 suspects, including 16 former soldiers and two alleged Official IRA members, it has been concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction," said prosecutor Herron. Thirteen demonstrators were killed on January 30, 1972 as they participated in a civil rights march in the majority Catholic area of the Bogside in Derry when soldiers from the British Parachute Regiment opened fire. A fourteenth died of his wounds later. In 2010, then British prime minister David Cameron issued a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable". A public inquiry found that British troops fired first and had given misleading accounts of what happened. March from memorial On Thursday, families of those who died marched from a memorial to Derry city centre. John Kelly, whose brother Michael was shot dead at the age of 17, said he was "hoping and praying" for justice. "I'm standing here, where Michael was shot dead, hoping he's looking down on me and saying 'Fair play to you, I'm very proud of you'," he said. The British government on Wednesday drew criticism with an announcement that veterans found guilty of crimes during the Troubles would be eligible for early release under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The terms of the peace accord, which largely ended the Troubles, allowed some 500 republican and loyalist paramilitaries to leave prison after serving short sentences. At present, the release scheme only covers offences committed from 1973 to 1998. However, the government has proposed legislation to widen the programme to offences taking place from 1968, meaning anyone convicted over Bloody Sunday would be eligible. Northern Ireland minister Karen Bradley has also drawn criticism for saying killings by British security forces and police "were not crimes". "They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duties in a dignified and appropriate way," she said in parliament last week. She later apologised for the comments.

Ex-British soldier charged with Northern Ireland 'Bloody Sunday' killings

Britain is ready to do "all that is required" to neutralise the threat from the Islamic State group, defence minister Gavin Williamson said Wednesday after the US suggested creating a new international mission in northeast Syria.

Acting US defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said he would consult with allies at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels about the "potential" for an observer force in northeast Syria after American forces pull out.

US-backed forces are currently in the fifth day of a fierce battle to expel IS fighters from their last holdout in eastern Syria -- the final remaining scrap of the "caliphate" the jihadists declared in 2014.

But the US is set to withdraw its 2,000 troops from the country, as announced by President Donald Trump in December, in a move that shocked America's allies and raised security fears for the region.&nbsp;

Asked if Britain would support an observer force with boots on the ground, Williamson did not demur but pledged to carry on the fight against IS, also known as Daesh.

"We recognise the fact the threat of Daesh is going to evolve and it's going to change and it's going to disperse," Williamson said as he arrived for the NATO meeting.

"We will continue to do all that is required to ensure that Britain and our allies remain safe."

Shanahan visited Baghdad on Tuesday to reassure Iraqi leaders after President Donald Trump angered many by saying he wanted to maintain some troops at the Al-Asad airbase, northwest of Baghdad, to keep an eye on Iran.

Afterwards, Shanahan said he would use the NATO meeting to discuss "where we can take advantage of the opportunities there... in terms of the potential in the northeast, Syria to establish an observer force" to ensure stability in the longer term.

The international anti-IS coalition, which includes the US and many NATO countries as well as Middle Eastern nations, could be an option for the proposed force, Shanahan said. 
&nbsp;

Britain is ready to do "all that is required" to neutralise the threat from the Islamic State group, defence minister Gavin Williamson said Wednesday after the US suggested creating a new international mission in northeast Syria.

Britain is ready to do "all that is required" to neutralise the threat from the Islamic State group, defence minister Gavin Williamson said Wednesday after the US suggested creating a new international mission in northeast Syria. Acting US defence secretary Patrick Shanahan said he would consult with allies at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels about the "potential" for an observer force in northeast Syria after American forces pull out. US-backed forces are currently in the fifth day of a fierce battle to expel IS fighters from their last holdout in eastern Syria -- the final remaining scrap of the "caliphate" the jihadists declared in 2014. But the US is set to withdraw its 2,000 troops from the country, as announced by President Donald Trump in December, in a move that shocked America's allies and raised security fears for the region. Asked if Britain would support an observer force with boots on the ground, Williamson did not demur but pledged to carry on the fight against IS, also known as Daesh. "We recognise the fact the threat of Daesh is going to evolve and it's going to change and it's going to disperse," Williamson said as he arrived for the NATO meeting. "We will continue to do all that is required to ensure that Britain and our allies remain safe." Shanahan visited Baghdad on Tuesday to reassure Iraqi leaders after President Donald Trump angered many by saying he wanted to maintain some troops at the Al-Asad airbase, northwest of Baghdad, to keep an eye on Iran. Afterwards, Shanahan said he would use the NATO meeting to discuss "where we can take advantage of the opportunities there... in terms of the potential in the northeast, Syria to establish an observer force" to ensure stability in the longer term. The international anti-IS coalition, which includes the US and many NATO countries as well as Middle Eastern nations, could be an option for the proposed force, Shanahan said.

Britain will 'do what it takes' to beat IS: Defence minister Gavin Williamson

Britain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-deal-brexit-could-cost-600000-jobs-worldwide-study-196733">will use military force to support its interests after Brexit</a>, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities.

Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit.

"Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said.

He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests".

The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling".

In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget.

Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more.

Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole.

"We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said.

He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US&nbsp;F-35 jets.

In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing.

PAPER TIGER

Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade.

Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia.

Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed.

Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need.

“To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term. Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities. Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit. "Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said. He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests". The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling". In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget. Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more. Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole. "We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said. He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US F-35 jets. In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing. PAPER TIGER Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade. Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia. Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed. Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need. “To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Post-Brexit Britain ready to use 'hard power': Defence minister

Russia on Friday condemned British plans to open military bases in south-east Asia and the Caribbean and said it stood ready to take retaliatory measures if its own interests or those of its allies were threatened.

British defence minister Gavin Williamson told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper last month that London was working on plans to build two new foreign bases "within the next couple of years" after it left the European Union.

Williamson did not specify where the bases might be built, but the newspaper reported that options included Singapore or Brunei near the South China Sea and Montserrat or Guyana in the Caribbean.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry, on Friday described Williamson's comments as baffling and warned such plans could destabilise world affairs.

"Of course, Britain like any other country is independent when it comes to its military construction plans. But against the backdrop of overall rising military and political tensions in the world ... statements about the desire to build up its military presence in third countries are counter-productive, destabilising and possibly of a provocational nature," she said.

"In the event of any measures that pose a threat to Russia's security or that of its allies our country reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures."

Russia has military bases in several countries across the former Soviet Union and operates military facilities in Syria and Vietnam.

Russia on Friday condemned British plans to open military bases in south-east Asia and the Caribbean and said it stood ready to take retaliatory measures if its own interests or those of its allies were threatened.

Russia on Friday condemned British plans to open military bases in south-east Asia and the Caribbean and said it stood ready to take retaliatory measures if its own interests or those of its allies were threatened. British defence minister Gavin Williamson told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper last month that London was working on plans to build two new foreign bases "within the next couple of years" after it left the European Union. Williamson did not specify where the bases might be built, but the newspaper reported that options included Singapore or Brunei near the South China Sea and Montserrat or Guyana in the Caribbean. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's foreign ministry, on Friday described Williamson's comments as baffling and warned such plans could destabilise world affairs. "Of course, Britain like any other country is independent when it comes to its military construction plans. But against the backdrop of overall rising military and political tensions in the world ... statements about the desire to build up its military presence in third countries are counter-productive, destabilising and possibly of a provocational nature," she said. "In the event of any measures that pose a threat to Russia's security or that of its allies our country reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures." Russia has military bases in several countries across the former Soviet Union and operates military facilities in Syria and Vietnam.

Russia condemns UK foreign army base plans, says ready to defend interests

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia.

President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week.

"Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV.

If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt."

The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria.

"This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement.

Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis.

He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month.

While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday.

However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation.

The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention.

Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt.

Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military.

The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet.

Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night.

The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now.

The British say

Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-and-france-hit-syria-with-airstrikes-target-military-chemical-weapons-sites-130352">air-launched cruise missile strikes</a> along with the United States and France.

Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said.

May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago.&nbsp;

May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government.

"This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent.

"We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future."

By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest.

May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday.

However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump".

"Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way."

Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied.

"While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said.

"We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world."

May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week.

"So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said.

The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups.

Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons.

Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.

'Targeted strikes'

Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas.

Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region.

A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action.

Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia. President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week. "Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV. If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt." The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria. "This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement. Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis. He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month. While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday. However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said. Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation. The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention. Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt. Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military. The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet. Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night. The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now. The British say Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering air-launched cruise missile strikes along with the United States and France. Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said. May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago. May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent. "We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future." By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest. May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday. However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump". "Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way." Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied. "While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said. "We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world." May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week. "So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said. The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups. Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons. Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. 'Targeted strikes' Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas. Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike. Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region. A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action. Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Strikes on Syria 'highly successful', says Britain; France says more possible if red line crossed

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain&#39;s new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians. 
 
Fallon,65, resigned as defence secretary saying his conduct may have fallen below the high standards expected amid revelations that he had made unwanted advances towards a journalist years ago. 
 
He was replaced by 41-year-old Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire, who has been responsible for exerting discipline over the prime minister&#39;s fractious parliamentary party since last year. 
 
Williamson was closely involved in negotiating the confidence and supply deal with the Democratic Unionist party that secured the parliamentary support May needed to govern in the aftermath of June&#39;s general election. 
 
&quot;A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false, but I accept in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent,&quot; Fallon said in his resignation letter to May. 
 
It remains unclear if it was the particular revelation of Fallon repeatedly placing his hand on the knee of journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer that triggered his decision to step down or there were other incidents involving an abuse of power that may have precipitated his departure. 
 
Hartley-Brewer, at the centre of the allegations that came to light earlier this week, has stressed that she did not see herself as a victim and that the incident had not &quot;remotely upset or distressed&quot; anyone. 
 
&quot;If this is over kneegate, him touching my knee 15 years ago and me not having any issue with it today, this is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a Cabinet minister ever,&quot; she said. 
 
The British Prime Minister in her response to Fallon&#39;s resignation letter praised his &quot;diligent service&quot; and welcomed the &quot;particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others&quot;. 
 
Fallon, described as a Conservative party heavyweight and even tipped as a future Prime Minister, becomes the first victim of a deepening scandal over sexual misconduct in the corridors of political power in the UK. 
 
Williamson has been running the Tory whips&#39; office since being appointed chief whip by Theresa May in 2016. He has been replaced by Julian Smith, Tory MP for Skipton and Ripon, as chief whip of the Conservative party. 
 
While May moved quickly to appoint a new defence minister without the need for a very wide reshuffle, the position of another of her senior ministers, First Secretary of State Damian Green, remains precarious after disclosures by an academic and Conservative party activist Kate Maltby. 
 
He has categorically denied making unwanted sexual advances towards Maltby but remains under investigation by Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Heywood on the orders of May. 
 
There are growing fears that Fallon&#39;s surprise resignation could trigger a freefall within government ranks and lead to more shake-ups. 
 
&quot;Parliament now has to look at itself and the Prime Minister has made very clear that conduct needs to be improved and we need to protect the staff of Westminster against any particular allegations of harassment,&quot; Fallon said soon after his resignation. 
 
His name had appeared on an unverified list of sexual misconduct, a so-called dirty dossier, circulating in Westminster. 
 
It has attracted a mixed response because it implicates MPs who have had consensual affairs with colleagues in the same space as more serious accusations of sexual abuse. 
 
The Prime Minister is struggling to contain the crisis and opened parliamentary proceedings yesterday with a statement on the issue, stressing that she had been holding a series of meetings to set up a &quot;common, transparent, independent&quot; grievance procedure. 
 
Indian-origin Opposition Labour MP Lisa Nandy challenged her in the House of Commons over her failure to act over sexual abuse cover-up she had informed her about three years ago when May was the UK home secretary. 
 
&quot;On three occasions, I asked her [Theresa May] to act and on three occasions she did not,&quot; Nandy claimed. 
 
May assured the House that she was determined to take firm action and is set to hold a meeting with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn early next week to address the issue across party lines. 
 
She has reportedly read the &quot;riot act&quot; to her Cabinet, warning them to ensure exemplary behaviour.

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain's new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians.

Gavin Williamson, a close aide of Prime Minister Theresa May, was today appointed as Britain's new defence secretary after his predecessor Michael Fellon resigned amid a deepening sexual harassment scandal engulfing UK parliamentarians. Fallon,65, resigned as defence secretary saying his conduct may have fallen below the high standards expected amid revelations that he had made unwanted advances towards a journalist years ago. He was replaced by 41-year-old Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire, who has been responsible for exerting discipline over the prime minister's fractious parliamentary party since last year. Williamson was closely involved in negotiating the confidence and supply deal with the Democratic Unionist party that secured the parliamentary support May needed to govern in the aftermath of June's general election. "A number of allegations have surfaced about MPs in recent days, including some about my previous conduct. Many of these have been false, but I accept in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces that I have the honour to represent," Fallon said in his resignation letter to May. It remains unclear if it was the particular revelation of Fallon repeatedly placing his hand on the knee of journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer that triggered his decision to step down or there were other incidents involving an abuse of power that may have precipitated his departure. Hartley-Brewer, at the centre of the allegations that came to light earlier this week, has stressed that she did not see herself as a victim and that the incident had not "remotely upset or distressed" anyone. "If this is over kneegate, him touching my knee 15 years ago and me not having any issue with it today, this is the most insane, absurd and ridiculous resignation of a Cabinet minister ever," she said. The British Prime Minister in her response to Fallon's resignation letter praised his "diligent service" and welcomed the "particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others". Fallon, described as a Conservative party heavyweight and even tipped as a future Prime Minister, becomes the first victim of a deepening scandal over sexual misconduct in the corridors of political power in the UK. Williamson has been running the Tory whips' office since being appointed chief whip by Theresa May in 2016. He has been replaced by Julian Smith, Tory MP for Skipton and Ripon, as chief whip of the Conservative party. While May moved quickly to appoint a new defence minister without the need for a very wide reshuffle, the position of another of her senior ministers, First Secretary of State Damian Green, remains precarious after disclosures by an academic and Conservative party activist Kate Maltby. He has categorically denied making unwanted sexual advances towards Maltby but remains under investigation by Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Heywood on the orders of May. There are growing fears that Fallon's surprise resignation could trigger a freefall within government ranks and lead to more shake-ups. "Parliament now has to look at itself and the Prime Minister has made very clear that conduct needs to be improved and we need to protect the staff of Westminster against any particular allegations of harassment," Fallon said soon after his resignation. His name had appeared on an unverified list of sexual misconduct, a so-called dirty dossier, circulating in Westminster. It has attracted a mixed response because it implicates MPs who have had consensual affairs with colleagues in the same space as more serious accusations of sexual abuse. The Prime Minister is struggling to contain the crisis and opened parliamentary proceedings yesterday with a statement on the issue, stressing that she had been holding a series of meetings to set up a "common, transparent, independent" grievance procedure. Indian-origin Opposition Labour MP Lisa Nandy challenged her in the House of Commons over her failure to act over sexual abuse cover-up she had informed her about three years ago when May was the UK home secretary. "On three occasions, I asked her [Theresa May] to act and on three occasions she did not," Nandy claimed. May assured the House that she was determined to take firm action and is set to hold a meeting with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn early next week to address the issue across party lines. She has reportedly read the "riot act" to her Cabinet, warning them to ensure exemplary behaviour.

UK PM replaces defence secy amid sexual harassment scandal