The report on Russian influence in politics, published by political website Guido Fawkes, said there was credible open source commentary suggesting that Russia undertook influence campaigns in relation to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014.

WION Dispatch: Kremlin rejects accusations of meddling in UK election

UK Holds Russia responsible for meddling in elections | UK Report on Russian Meddling

Speaking in the Commons, the Tory MP described racial slurs she was called at school, and said she was "racially abused in the street".

'I was asked to drop my surname to advance my career', opens up Priti Patel on racism

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31.

The House of Commons will rush through a final day of hearings and ratify <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s divorce deal with Brussels, drawing a line under an extraordinary period of political chaos.

For much of the time since the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-promises-to-wrap-up-brexit-for-christmas-parliament-to-vote-269264"> 2016 Brexit referendum</a>, lawmakers have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years.

Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, slightly smaller, and somewhat less important nation.

Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from unelected officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might.

Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled with Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone.

But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push Brexit through.

Watch | Few unscripted comments came out during UK PMs quest to get Brexit done

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MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text.

But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text.

The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets his divorce deal to leave the EU sanctioned was all but ignored in Thursday's media.

Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties.&nbsp;

In a striking contrast to much of last year, when every Brexit vote risked bringing down the previous government and eventually did, Commons approval on Thursday is now a done deal.

The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before January 31.

Turning to trade

All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Brexit deal</a> covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership.

Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time.

But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible.

Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe.

"We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead".

In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal.

London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said.

"We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said.

But before they do, Britain must still decide the outstanding issue of Big Ben.

The great bell on parliament's Elizabeth Tower has been mostly silent since restoration work on it began in 2017.&nbsp;

Brexit backing MPs want Big Ben to bong the moment Brexit strikes at 2300 GMT on October 31, celebrating what Conservative Mark Francois described as the moment "we are again a free country".

Parliament has shied away from a formal debate on the bell, there is no law preventing it from being chimed.

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31.

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31. The House of Commons will rush through a final day of hearings and ratify Prime Minister Boris Johnson's divorce deal with Brussels, drawing a line under an extraordinary period of political chaos. For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit referendum, lawmakers have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years. Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, slightly smaller, and somewhat less important nation. Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from unelected officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might. Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled with Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone. But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push Brexit through. Watch | Few unscripted comments came out during UK PMs quest to get Brexit done × MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text. But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text. The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets his divorce deal to leave the EU sanctioned was all but ignored in Thursday's media. Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties. In a striking contrast to much of last year, when every Brexit vote risked bringing down the previous government and eventually did, Commons approval on Thursday is now a done deal. The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before January 31. Turning to trade All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market. The Brexit deal covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership. Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time. But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible. Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe. "We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead". In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal. London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said. "We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said. But before they do, Britain must still decide the outstanding issue of Big Ben. The great bell on parliament's Elizabeth Tower has been mostly silent since restoration work on it began in 2017. Brexit backing MPs want Big Ben to bong the moment Brexit strikes at 2300 GMT on October 31, celebrating what Conservative Mark Francois described as the moment "we are again a free country". Parliament has shied away from a formal debate on the bell, there is no law preventing it from being chimed.

After years of arguments, British MPs set to finally seal Brexit deal

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read&nbsp;out&nbsp;the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">priorities</a>&nbsp;after winning a commanding majority at last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">national election</a>.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done".

The&nbsp;Queen's&nbsp;Speech&nbsp;will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has promised to agree with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">EU</a> by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31.

He will also cement his commitment to spend more on&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;much-loved but struggling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">National&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Service</a> by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24.

"The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of&nbsp;health&nbsp;workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going."

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80.

After more than three years of debate over&nbsp;Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better.

With a&nbsp;healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly.

He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign.

Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-seeks-brexit-assurances-after-johnson-win-268132">outline measures</a> to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get Brexit done". The Queen's Speech will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship Johnson has promised to agree with the EU by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31. He will also cement his commitment to spend more on Britain's much-loved but struggling National Health Service by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24. "The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of health workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going." On Tuesday, Johnson told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better. With a healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get Brexit done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly. He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign. Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to outline measures to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

Brexit and health, Britain's Johnson sets out priorities in Queen's Speech

UK Houses of Parliament officially reopen following the 2019 general election and Queen Elizabeth delivers a Queen's Speech. #UK #UKParliament #QueenElizabeth

Queen Elizabeth officially opens UK Parliament

Parliament welcomed three babies today as female MPs were sworn in with newborns strapped to their chests. #HouseofCommons #UKParliament

Babies day out at the House of Commons

The American public is about evenly split over whether President Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from office. House of Representatives poised to vote on articles of impeachment this week. The impeachment vote in the House of Representatives will take place on December 18. #DonaldTrumpImpeachment #DonaldTrump #America

Americans remain divided on Donald Trump Impeachment

Polling stations have opened across England for voting in the 2019 UK General Election. About 46 million voters are eligible to elect 650 members of Parliament to the House of Commons, 533 of whom are for constituencies in England.

UK Election 2019: Polling stations open across UK

Britain's longest-serving Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz announced his retirement from the parliament on Sunday, weeks after Commons Standards Committee recommended he should be handed a six-month suspension over cocaine and prostitute scandal.

The 62-year-old was found to have "expressed a willingness" to purchase cocaine for others during an encounter with male prostitutes. Subsequently, he had faced calls to step down, including his own party.

A Labour MP for Leicester East from the past 32 years, Vaz announced his retirement, clearing he will not stand in the next month's General Elections, reported the Independent.

"I have decided to retire after completing 32 years as the Member of Parliament for Leicester East," Vaz said in a statement. "In that time I have won eight general elections. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my constituency since I came to the city in 1985." "I want to thank the people of Leicester East for their absolute loyalty and support," he added.

Reacting to Vaz's announcement, Labour party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">Jeremy Corbyn</a> described him as "among the pioneering group of black and Asian Labour MPs elected in 1987."

"Keith has made a substantial and significant contribution to public life, both as a constituency MP for the people of Leicester and for the Asian community across the country. He has helped to pave the way for more BAME people to become involved in politics," Corbyn said.

Vaz's resignation comes after the standards committee found he "caused significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons".

Britain's longest-serving Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz announced his retirement from the parliament on Sunday, weeks after Commons Standards Committee recommended he should be handed a six-month suspension over cocaine and prostitute scandal.

Britain's longest-serving Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz announced his retirement from the parliament on Sunday, weeks after Commons Standards Committee recommended he should be handed a six-month suspension over cocaine and prostitute scandal. The 62-year-old was found to have "expressed a willingness" to purchase cocaine for others during an encounter with male prostitutes. Subsequently, he had faced calls to step down, including his own party. A Labour MP for Leicester East from the past 32 years, Vaz announced his retirement, clearing he will not stand in the next month's General Elections, reported the Independent. "I have decided to retire after completing 32 years as the Member of Parliament for Leicester East," Vaz said in a statement. "In that time I have won eight general elections. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my constituency since I came to the city in 1985." "I want to thank the people of Leicester East for their absolute loyalty and support," he added. Reacting to Vaz's announcement, Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn described him as "among the pioneering group of black and Asian Labour MPs elected in 1987." "Keith has made a substantial and significant contribution to public life, both as a constituency MP for the people of Leicester and for the Asian community across the country. He has helped to pave the way for more BAME people to become involved in politics," Corbyn said. Vaz's resignation comes after the standards committee found he "caused significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons".

Longest-serving British Indian MP announces retirement

British MPs will on Monday select the new speaker of the House of Commons, once an unremarkable event but one now charged with significance following the previous occupant's role in Brexit.

Eight MPs are running to replace John Bercow, who placed himself front and centre of the Brexit saga by choosing amendments and introducing procedures that Leave-supporting MPs claimed were designed to frustrate Britain's departure from the European Union.

Bercow also faced accusations that he fostered a culture of bullying within parliament. But his colourful personality and eccentric performances in parliament gave him an international profile and raised the status of the office.

Lindsay Hoyle, Bercow's deputy since 2010, is the odds-on favourite to fill his shoes but other political heavyweights are also vying for the job.

Hoyle has been a Labour MP for 22 years and was Bercow's deputy from 2010, since when his distinctive Lancashire accent has rung out from the speaker's chair.&nbsp;

In a sign that he may follow a different path from Bercow, he recently rejected amendments that would have made it more difficult for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to force a general election, now due on December 12.

The 62-year-old is as unimpressed as his predecessor by rowdy MPs, once chastising Scottish Nationalists for humming the EU anthem "Ode to Joy" in the chamber.

Hoyle pledged in an interview published in the Sunday Times to repair what he claims has become a "toxic parliament".

"I don't want the abuse of each other and I think we have got to close that down quickly and make sure it is a calmer place to be," he said.

'Irreplaceable'

His closest rival appears to be veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, parliament's longest-serving female MP.

She entered the Commons in 1982 and served as the Labour Party's deputy leader from 2007-2015, leading the party twice, in 2010 and 2015, between leaders.&nbsp;

The former justice minister is known for her ardent feminism and has been a long-time crusader on social justice issues.&nbsp;

Another woman in the running is Eleanor Laing, Bercow's number two deputy since 2013.

The 61-year-old Conservative entered parliament in 1997 and previously served as the party's spokeswoman on Scotland.

One of the more colourful characters in contention is former Church of England vicar, and now Labour MP Chris Bryant.&nbsp;

The openly gay 57-year-old's civil partnership ceremony in 2010 was the first held in the Houses of Parliament.

Bercow stepped down on Thursday after 10 years as speaker.

The man in the middle of more than three years of fiery parliamentary debates has proved a controversial figure, loathed by pro-Brexit supporters and hailed by its foes.

A social media mash-up by German television of Bercow trying to calm down rowdy MPs has been seen more than a million times. A Belgian newspaper called him "irreplaceable".&nbsp;

Johnson paid guarded tribute to the outgoing speaker, likening Bercow's glare to a "trademark Tony Montana scowl", after Al Pacino's character in the 1983 film "Scarface".

Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn added: "You've done so much to reform this House of Commons and our democracy is the stronger for the way you have done it."

Bercow will not stand in next month's general election.

British MPs will on Monday select the new speaker of the House of Commons, once an unremarkable event but one now charged with significance following the previous occupant's role in Brexit.

British MPs will on Monday select the new speaker of the House of Commons, once an unremarkable event but one now charged with significance following the previous occupant's role in Brexit. Eight MPs are running to replace John Bercow, who placed himself front and centre of the Brexit saga by choosing amendments and introducing procedures that Leave-supporting MPs claimed were designed to frustrate Britain's departure from the European Union. Bercow also faced accusations that he fostered a culture of bullying within parliament. But his colourful personality and eccentric performances in parliament gave him an international profile and raised the status of the office. Lindsay Hoyle, Bercow's deputy since 2010, is the odds-on favourite to fill his shoes but other political heavyweights are also vying for the job. Hoyle has been a Labour MP for 22 years and was Bercow's deputy from 2010, since when his distinctive Lancashire accent has rung out from the speaker's chair. In a sign that he may follow a different path from Bercow, he recently rejected amendments that would have made it more difficult for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to force a general election, now due on December 12. The 62-year-old is as unimpressed as his predecessor by rowdy MPs, once chastising Scottish Nationalists for humming the EU anthem "Ode to Joy" in the chamber. Hoyle pledged in an interview published in the Sunday Times to repair what he claims has become a "toxic parliament". "I don't want the abuse of each other and I think we have got to close that down quickly and make sure it is a calmer place to be," he said. 'Irreplaceable' His closest rival appears to be veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, parliament's longest-serving female MP. She entered the Commons in 1982 and served as the Labour Party's deputy leader from 2007-2015, leading the party twice, in 2010 and 2015, between leaders. The former justice minister is known for her ardent feminism and has been a long-time crusader on social justice issues. Another woman in the running is Eleanor Laing, Bercow's number two deputy since 2013. The 61-year-old Conservative entered parliament in 1997 and previously served as the party's spokeswoman on Scotland. One of the more colourful characters in contention is former Church of England vicar, and now Labour MP Chris Bryant. The openly gay 57-year-old's civil partnership ceremony in 2010 was the first held in the Houses of Parliament. Bercow stepped down on Thursday after 10 years as speaker. The man in the middle of more than three years of fiery parliamentary debates has proved a controversial figure, loathed by pro-Brexit supporters and hailed by its foes. A social media mash-up by German television of Bercow trying to calm down rowdy MPs has been seen more than a million times. A Belgian newspaper called him "irreplaceable". Johnson paid guarded tribute to the outgoing speaker, likening Bercow's glare to a "trademark Tony Montana scowl", after Al Pacino's character in the 1983 film "Scarface". Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn added: "You've done so much to reform this House of Commons and our democracy is the stronger for the way you have done it." Bercow will not stand in next month's general election.

British MPs vote on new speaker after Bercow's departure

Anti-European populist Nigel Farage urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday to follow Donald Trump's advice and form a "non-aggression" pact with his Brexit Party in Britain's pre-Christmas general election.

The US president used a lengthy appearance on Farage's radio phone-in show Thursday to share his characteristically blunt views ahead of the December 12 snap poll.

"I know that you and (Johnson) will end up doing something that could be terrific if you and he get together as, you know, an unstoppable force," Trump told Farage.

Trump also warned Johnson Thursday that the terms of his EU divorce deal meant that "under certain aspect... you can't trade" with the United States.

The US president's unannounced intervention turned into top UK news and put Farage in the headlines just as he launched his party's official campaign in London.

It also threatened to hurt Johnson at the outset of a campaign that has huge implications for Britain's future place in Europe and the rest of the world.

Both Trump and Farage are deeply polarising figures in Britain who could hurt Johnson's chances with more moderate voters.

Johnson claims that his revised deal with Brussels will allow Britain to strike lucrative free-trade agreements with global giants such as China and the United States.

'Not interested in any pacts'

Johnson shot down Trump's trade warning, telling the BBC that his deal "enables us to do proper all-singing, all-dancing free-trade deals around the world" and dismissed talk of an alliance with Farage.

"The difficulty about doing deals with any other party is that any other party, I'm afraid, simply risks... putting Jeremy Corbyn into Number 10," he said.

But Farage seized on Trump's remarks and made several references to it at Friday's campaign event.

He urged Johnson to rip up his deal with Brussels and campaign with his Brexit Party for Britain to leave EU with no strings attached -- a prospect that frightens most businesses and the markets.

"If it was done, Boris Johnson really would get a really big majority. And on that manifesto, we really could get Brexit done -- in fact, to quote a friend of mine, we'd become an unstoppable force," Farage told his supporters.

Johnson has publicly resisted the idea of a tie-up with Farage.

The Brexit Party has seen its support slump to around 10 per cent from the 31 per cent it enjoyed when it won the largest share of British votes in European Parliament elections in May.

Targeting Labour voters

Farage argued that Johnson will need his help to win over Brexit-supporting voters who traditionally back Labour and reject the Conservatives for "cultural" reasons.

"It would be fair to say there are around about 150 seats in this country that are Labour Leave constituencies that the Conservative party has never, ever won in their history," he said.

"I think a deal of this kind would work, a non-aggression pact of this kind would work," Farage said, hoping that a clearer picture will emerge before election nominations close on November 14.

Johnson's minority government currently holds 298 seats in the 650-seat lower House of Commons, forcing it to rely on smaller parties and independents for support.

Polls show Johnson's Conservatives leading Jeremy Corbyn's Labour by a 35 to 25 per cent margin.&nbsp;

But Johnson is eyeing an outright majority to make pushing through his Brexit deal easier.

The Conservatives' old alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is in disarray because of sharp disagreement over the terms of Brexit deal.

The other smaller parties all back Europe and are more likely to try to form a coalition designed to stop Brexit.

Farage said there remained two weeks to put together a "leave alliance" but dismissed suggestions his party could split the anti-EU vote.

The party had the funding in place to "contest every single seat in England, Scotland and Wales" if Johnson turned him down.

"Please don't doubt we are ready," Farage said. "I hope that common sense prevails over the next new weeks."

Anti-European populist Nigel Farage urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday to follow Donald Trump's advice and form a "non-aggression" pact with his Brexit Party in Britain's pre-Christmas general election.

Anti-European populist Nigel Farage urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday to follow Donald Trump's advice and form a "non-aggression" pact with his Brexit Party in Britain's pre-Christmas general election. The US president used a lengthy appearance on Farage's radio phone-in show Thursday to share his characteristically blunt views ahead of the December 12 snap poll. "I know that you and (Johnson) will end up doing something that could be terrific if you and he get together as, you know, an unstoppable force," Trump told Farage. Trump also warned Johnson Thursday that the terms of his EU divorce deal meant that "under certain aspect... you can't trade" with the United States. The US president's unannounced intervention turned into top UK news and put Farage in the headlines just as he launched his party's official campaign in London. It also threatened to hurt Johnson at the outset of a campaign that has huge implications for Britain's future place in Europe and the rest of the world. Both Trump and Farage are deeply polarising figures in Britain who could hurt Johnson's chances with more moderate voters. Johnson claims that his revised deal with Brussels will allow Britain to strike lucrative free-trade agreements with global giants such as China and the United States. 'Not interested in any pacts' Johnson shot down Trump's trade warning, telling the BBC that his deal "enables us to do proper all-singing, all-dancing free-trade deals around the world" and dismissed talk of an alliance with Farage. "The difficulty about doing deals with any other party is that any other party, I'm afraid, simply risks... putting Jeremy Corbyn into Number 10," he said. But Farage seized on Trump's remarks and made several references to it at Friday's campaign event. He urged Johnson to rip up his deal with Brussels and campaign with his Brexit Party for Britain to leave EU with no strings attached -- a prospect that frightens most businesses and the markets. "If it was done, Boris Johnson really would get a really big majority. And on that manifesto, we really could get Brexit done -- in fact, to quote a friend of mine, we'd become an unstoppable force," Farage told his supporters. Johnson has publicly resisted the idea of a tie-up with Farage. The Brexit Party has seen its support slump to around 10 per cent from the 31 per cent it enjoyed when it won the largest share of British votes in European Parliament elections in May. Targeting Labour voters Farage argued that Johnson will need his help to win over Brexit-supporting voters who traditionally back Labour and reject the Conservatives for "cultural" reasons. "It would be fair to say there are around about 150 seats in this country that are Labour Leave constituencies that the Conservative party has never, ever won in their history," he said. "I think a deal of this kind would work, a non-aggression pact of this kind would work," Farage said, hoping that a clearer picture will emerge before election nominations close on November 14. Johnson's minority government currently holds 298 seats in the 650-seat lower House of Commons, forcing it to rely on smaller parties and independents for support. Polls show Johnson's Conservatives leading Jeremy Corbyn's Labour by a 35 to 25 per cent margin. But Johnson is eyeing an outright majority to make pushing through his Brexit deal easier. The Conservatives' old alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is in disarray because of sharp disagreement over the terms of Brexit deal. The other smaller parties all back Europe and are more likely to try to form a coalition designed to stop Brexit. Farage said there remained two weeks to put together a "leave alliance" but dismissed suggestions his party could split the anti-EU vote. The party had the funding in place to "contest every single seat in England, Scotland and Wales" if Johnson turned him down. "Please don't doubt we are ready," Farage said. "I hope that common sense prevails over the next new weeks."

Eurosceptic Nigel Farage urges British PM to listen to Donald Trump

European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday he will recommend EU leaders grant another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-go-for-general-elections-if-parliament-refuses-to-allow-brexit-to-happen-johnson-257576">Brexit extension</a>, hours after <a href="What next after UK parliament's votes on Brexit deal?">British MPs rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s bid to force his divorce deal through parliament this week.

Tusk said he would advise the bloc's 27 other member states to accept a postponement request from the UK government, which Johnson was forced to submit Saturday under British law after he had failed to win lawmakers' backing for his new agreement.

However, earlier on Tuesday MPs gave their initial approval to legislation enacting the agreement struck with Brussels last week -- only to then block the British premier's timetable to pass it ahead of the latest October 31 date for Brexit.

Johnson immediately announced he would pause the process of trying to ratify the text -- the first that MPs have backed since the 2016 referendum -- while he consulted European Union leaders on a possible delay.

"Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to pause the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, and in order to avoid a no-deal Brexit, I will recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension," Tusk said in a tweet.

France's European Affairs Minister Amelie de Montchalin said Paris was open to a "technical" Brexit extension of "several days" but ruled out reopening discussions to renegotiate the deal reached by the two sides.

Johnson won a significant victory when the House of Commons voted by 329 to 299 to approve in principle a bill that implements his Brexit deal.

But just minutes later, MPs rejected by 322 to 308 his timetable motion demanding they push through the bill in three days to allow Britain's departure at the end of this month.

Johnson reiterated his desire to stick to the October 31 date and said Britain would step up preparations in case of a disorderly "no-deal" exit. 
Ratifying the bill before October 31 would have allowed him to avoid a legally-mandated delay, which was set provisionally at three months but is open for EU leaders to amend.

With speedy ratification now in doubt, a postponement seems inevitable.

"I will speak to EU member states about their intentions," Johnson told MPs.

"Until we have reached a decision I will say, we will pause this legislation.

"Let me be clear — our policy remains that we should not delay, that we should leave the European Union on October 31. That is what I will say to the EU."

Ahead of the vote, Johnson warned he would seek an election to break the political deadlock, although this requires the support of the Labour party.

Blindside parliament

Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner in the 2016 EU referendum, took office in July promising to deliver on the result come what may.

He defied expectations in striking a new divorce deal at a Brussels summit last month, and despite Saturday's setback, has now shown he has the numbers to get it through parliament.

But to stick to his Brexit deadline he needs to get the deal through in the next week -- and has no majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.

Opposition parties, many of whom dislike his divorce deal, said it was "ludicrous" to expect proper scrutiny of the legislation in less than three days.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, said Johnson was trying to "blindside" MPs into supporting a "rotten bill".

The Democratic Unionist Party, Johnson's Northern Irish allies, accused him of duping them about new trading arrangements for the province. 
DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he "nearly choked" when he heard Johnson's assurances, adding: "The prime minister thinks I can't read the agreement."

EU 'will be ready'

The timetable motion was intended to ensure the House of Commons debated the bill quickly, allowing it to go onto the unelected upper House of Lords.

Johnson warned that seeking further time risked a "no-deal" exit if the EU refused a delay.

Businesses and markets on both sides of the Channel fear such a scenario, where Britain severs ties with its closest trading partner with no new plans in place after 46 years of integration.

The deal covers EU citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlements, a post-Brexit transition period until at least the end of 2020 and new trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

It also sets out vague plans for a loose free trade agreement with the EU after Brexit.

An earlier Brexit text agreed by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May was rejected three times by MPs earlier this year.

European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday he will recommend EU leaders grant another Brexit extension, hours after British MPs rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bid to force his divorce deal through parliament this week.

European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday he will recommend EU leaders grant another Brexit extension, hours after British MPs rejected Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bid to force his divorce deal through parliament this week. Tusk said he would advise the bloc's 27 other member states to accept a postponement request from the UK government, which Johnson was forced to submit Saturday under British law after he had failed to win lawmakers' backing for his new agreement. However, earlier on Tuesday MPs gave their initial approval to legislation enacting the agreement struck with Brussels last week -- only to then block the British premier's timetable to pass it ahead of the latest October 31 date for Brexit. Johnson immediately announced he would pause the process of trying to ratify the text -- the first that MPs have backed since the 2016 referendum -- while he consulted European Union leaders on a possible delay. "Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to pause the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, and in order to avoid a no-deal Brexit, I will recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension," Tusk said in a tweet. France's European Affairs Minister Amelie de Montchalin said Paris was open to a "technical" Brexit extension of "several days" but ruled out reopening discussions to renegotiate the deal reached by the two sides. Johnson won a significant victory when the House of Commons voted by 329 to 299 to approve in principle a bill that implements his Brexit deal. But just minutes later, MPs rejected by 322 to 308 his timetable motion demanding they push through the bill in three days to allow Britain's departure at the end of this month. Johnson reiterated his desire to stick to the October 31 date and said Britain would step up preparations in case of a disorderly "no-deal" exit. Ratifying the bill before October 31 would have allowed him to avoid a legally-mandated delay, which was set provisionally at three months but is open for EU leaders to amend. With speedy ratification now in doubt, a postponement seems inevitable. "I will speak to EU member states about their intentions," Johnson told MPs. "Until we have reached a decision I will say, we will pause this legislation. "Let me be clear — our policy remains that we should not delay, that we should leave the European Union on October 31. That is what I will say to the EU." Ahead of the vote, Johnson warned he would seek an election to break the political deadlock, although this requires the support of the Labour party. Blindside parliament Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner in the 2016 EU referendum, took office in July promising to deliver on the result come what may. He defied expectations in striking a new divorce deal at a Brussels summit last month, and despite Saturday's setback, has now shown he has the numbers to get it through parliament. But to stick to his Brexit deadline he needs to get the deal through in the next week -- and has no majority in the 650-seat House of Commons. Opposition parties, many of whom dislike his divorce deal, said it was "ludicrous" to expect proper scrutiny of the legislation in less than three days. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, said Johnson was trying to "blindside" MPs into supporting a "rotten bill". The Democratic Unionist Party, Johnson's Northern Irish allies, accused him of duping them about new trading arrangements for the province. DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he "nearly choked" when he heard Johnson's assurances, adding: "The prime minister thinks I can't read the agreement." EU 'will be ready' The timetable motion was intended to ensure the House of Commons debated the bill quickly, allowing it to go onto the unelected upper House of Lords. Johnson warned that seeking further time risked a "no-deal" exit if the EU refused a delay. Businesses and markets on both sides of the Channel fear such a scenario, where Britain severs ties with its closest trading partner with no new plans in place after 46 years of integration. The deal covers EU citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlements, a post-Brexit transition period until at least the end of 2020 and new trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. It also sets out vague plans for a loose free trade agreement with the EU after Brexit. An earlier Brexit text agreed by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May was rejected three times by MPs earlier this year.

Brexit delay looms after UK MPs demand more time to debate deal

Britain's three-year Brexit saga took another dramatic twist on Tuesday, with the outcome still tortuously tough to predict.

In a landmark vote, MPs finally backed an EU divorce deal -- only then to reject Prime Minister Boris Johnson's rushed timetable to turn it into law ahead of the country's scheduled October 31 departure date. &nbsp;

The decision makes that deadline almost impossible to meet, but it does not kill the deal — the first that has got a majority in parliament.&nbsp;

Here are the possible scenarios ahead:

Technical extension?

Legislation passed last month stated that unless MPs backed a divorce deal by October 19, Johnson must write to EU leaders asking for Brexit to be postponed for three months to January 31, 2020.

The prime minister reluctantly sent the letter late on Saturday, and EU leaders are still considering their response.

European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday following the drama in Westminster that he was now recommending they accept the request.

Johnson had earlier told lawmakers who had just defied his bid to fast-track his deal through parliament that he would "pause" the ratification process while the EU decides on an extension.

Although he insisted Britain should still leave on October 31, he may have little choice but to accept a short "technical" delay to allow for a new parliamentary timetable to pass the legislation in the coming weeks.

Longer delay?

Despite Johnson being adamant he will not delay Brexit for months, the EU may also offer Britain the option of a longer extension -- which opposition MPs argue the premier would be compelled by law to accept.

European leaders could claim a longer delay is necessary to give the country enough time to resolve the issue.

Legislation of this type would normally take months and must be approved again by the House of Commons as well as by the upper House of Lords.

There is a real risk MPs could try to hijack its passage and attach various amendments, for example to make approval subject to negotiating a future customs union with the bloc or even to hold a new referendum.

A longer delay could also allow for a general election.

'No-deal' Brexit?

The default legal position is that Britain leaves the EU on October 31 unless the other 27 member states agree to a delay.

Business and markets across Europe fear the shock of a sudden Brexit that even the government's own assessment says would cause economic damage, raising the chances that the EU will offer an extension.

Despite EU leaders claiming they would never cause a no-deal Brexit, their decision to offer a delay must be unanimous and any one of the 27 member states could block such a move.&nbsp;

In that highly unlikely scenario, Britain would crash out of the bloc at the end of next week.

Another election?

Johnson warned MPs ahead of the votes on Tuesday that he would pull his Brexit deal legislation and try to hold a general election if they rejected his timetable -- although he did not repeat the threat afterwards.

Riding high in the polls, he has already unsuccessfully tried twice to get an early election to win back a majority in parliament, and seemed buoyed by having secured MPs' initial approval for his new Brexit deal.

But he needs the support of the main opposition Labour Party for an election to be called and it has so far resisted.

Labour says it would back an election when the threat of a "no deal" Brexit is off the table.

A second referendum?

Labour says any deal should be subject to a new referendum, and has promised to call one if it takes office.

Some MPs may try to force the issue during the passage of the Brexit deal legislation, although it is far from clear that they have the numbers to succeed.

Britain's three-year Brexit saga took another dramatic twist on Tuesday, with the outcome still tortuously tough to predict. In a landmark vote, MPs finally backed an EU divorce deal -- only then to reject Prime Minister Boris Johnson's rushed timetable to turn it into law ahead of the country's scheduled October 31 departure date.

Britain's three-year Brexit saga took another dramatic twist on Tuesday, with the outcome still tortuously tough to predict. In a landmark vote, MPs finally backed an EU divorce deal -- only then to reject Prime Minister Boris Johnson's rushed timetable to turn it into law ahead of the country's scheduled October 31 departure date. The decision makes that deadline almost impossible to meet, but it does not kill the deal — the first that has got a majority in parliament. Here are the possible scenarios ahead: Technical extension? Legislation passed last month stated that unless MPs backed a divorce deal by October 19, Johnson must write to EU leaders asking for Brexit to be postponed for three months to January 31, 2020. The prime minister reluctantly sent the letter late on Saturday, and EU leaders are still considering their response. European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday following the drama in Westminster that he was now recommending they accept the request. Johnson had earlier told lawmakers who had just defied his bid to fast-track his deal through parliament that he would "pause" the ratification process while the EU decides on an extension. Although he insisted Britain should still leave on October 31, he may have little choice but to accept a short "technical" delay to allow for a new parliamentary timetable to pass the legislation in the coming weeks. Longer delay? Despite Johnson being adamant he will not delay Brexit for months, the EU may also offer Britain the option of a longer extension -- which opposition MPs argue the premier would be compelled by law to accept. European leaders could claim a longer delay is necessary to give the country enough time to resolve the issue. Legislation of this type would normally take months and must be approved again by the House of Commons as well as by the upper House of Lords. There is a real risk MPs could try to hijack its passage and attach various amendments, for example to make approval subject to negotiating a future customs union with the bloc or even to hold a new referendum. A longer delay could also allow for a general election. 'No-deal' Brexit? The default legal position is that Britain leaves the EU on October 31 unless the other 27 member states agree to a delay. Business and markets across Europe fear the shock of a sudden Brexit that even the government's own assessment says would cause economic damage, raising the chances that the EU will offer an extension. Despite EU leaders claiming they would never cause a no-deal Brexit, their decision to offer a delay must be unanimous and any one of the 27 member states could block such a move. In that highly unlikely scenario, Britain would crash out of the bloc at the end of next week. Another election? Johnson warned MPs ahead of the votes on Tuesday that he would pull his Brexit deal legislation and try to hold a general election if they rejected his timetable -- although he did not repeat the threat afterwards. Riding high in the polls, he has already unsuccessfully tried twice to get an early election to win back a majority in parliament, and seemed buoyed by having secured MPs' initial approval for his new Brexit deal. But he needs the support of the main opposition Labour Party for an election to be called and it has so far resisted. Labour says it would back an election when the threat of a "no deal" Brexit is off the table. A second referendum? Labour says any deal should be subject to a new referendum, and has promised to call one if it takes office. Some MPs may try to force the issue during the passage of the Brexit deal legislation, although it is far from clear that they have the numbers to succeed.

What next after UK parliament's votes on Brexit deal?

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-vote-eu-says-done-all-in-our-power-for-orderly-departure-257542"> Brexit deal and call for general elections </a>if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable.

Johnson has set October 31 as the deadline to pull Britain out of the European Union as British lawmakers vote today on two crucial Brexit bills, if the lawmakers fail to pass any of the bill it would be a huge setback for Conservative prime minister who has promised to take his country out of the 28-nation European body.

“I will in no way allow months more of this. If parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen and instead gets its way and decides to delay everything until January or possibly longer, in no circumstances can the government continue. And with great regret, I must say the bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election,” Johnson told British parliamentarians.

Johnson's government hopes to get the legislation through Britain's lower house the House of Commons by the end of Thursday.

Watch Video:

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"I believe that if we do this deal, if we pass this deal and the legislation that enables it, we can turn the page and allow this parliament and this country to begin to heal and unite," he said.

Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament that everything had been done to make sure UK's departure is "orderly" as UK lawmakers prepared to vote today on the 115-page Withdrawal Agreement Bill and then vote on the government's extremely tight timetable for approving the legislation.

In his speech in Parliament, Johnson said that Brexit can be done which could also "de-escalate those no-deal preparations".

"We can get Brexit done and move our country on and we can de-escalate those no-deal preparations immediately and turn them off next week and instead concentrate on the great enterprise of building a new relationship of the closest cooperation and friendship, as I said on Saturday, with our European neighbour." 
&nbsp;

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the Brexit deal and call for general elections if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable.

British PM Johnson told the Parliament on Tuesday that he will withdraw the Brexit deal and call for general elections if the Parliament does not pass the government's timetable. Johnson has set October 31 as the deadline to pull Britain out of the European Union as British lawmakers vote today on two crucial Brexit bills, if the lawmakers fail to pass any of the bill it would be a huge setback for Conservative prime minister who has promised to take his country out of the 28-nation European body. “I will in no way allow months more of this. If parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen and instead gets its way and decides to delay everything until January or possibly longer, in no circumstances can the government continue. And with great regret, I must say the bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election,” Johnson told British parliamentarians. Johnson's government hopes to get the legislation through Britain's lower house the House of Commons by the end of Thursday. Watch Video: "I believe that if we do this deal, if we pass this deal and the legislation that enables it, we can turn the page and allow this parliament and this country to begin to heal and unite," he said. Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament that everything had been done to make sure UK's departure is "orderly" as UK lawmakers prepared to vote today on the 115-page Withdrawal Agreement Bill and then vote on the government's extremely tight timetable for approving the legislation. In his speech in Parliament, Johnson said that Brexit can be done which could also "de-escalate those no-deal preparations". "We can get Brexit done and move our country on and we can de-escalate those no-deal preparations immediately and turn them off next week and instead concentrate on the great enterprise of building a new relationship of the closest cooperation and friendship, as I said on Saturday, with our European neighbour."

Will go for general elections if Parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen: Johnson

Detailed Profile Of John Bercow, The Iconic Speaker Of House Of Commons Who Has Decided To Step Down

Gravitas: Bercow- A celebrity of Brexit Era & Outgoing speaker of House of Commons

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-vote-to-block-no-deal-brexit-in-fresh-blow-to-pm-johnson-247639"> left in limbo </a>on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-absolutely-ready-to-fight-elections-british-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-247444">early election to break the political deadlock</a>.

Just six weeks after taking office, Johnson lost his majority in the House of Commons as his own MPs joined opposition parties to stop him taking Britain out of the EU next month without a deal.

On Wednesday evening, they approved a bill that could force Johnson to delay Brexit to January or even later if he cannot agree exit terms with Brussels in time.

Johnson says he does not want a "no-deal" exit on October 31 but says he must keep that option open in order to get an agreement.

Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN

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He said the bill, which was being debated in the upper House of Lords into the night, "destroys the ability of government to negotiate" -- and said he had no option to call an election to win a new mandate.

"If I'm still prime minister after (the vote on) Tuesday, October 15 then we will leave on October 31 with, I hope, a much better deal," he told MPs.

Labour rejects 'cynical' move

But in yet another twist in the tortuous Brexit process, the opposition Labour Party refused to vote for the election, which requires the backing of two-thirds of MPs.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that while he wanted an election, he would not support the prime minister's "cynical" call until the law blocking "no deal" was implemented.

The default legal position is that Britain will leave the EU on October 31 unless it delays or asks to stay in the bloc.

Corbyn said: "Let this bill pass, then gain royal assent, then we will back an election so we do not crash out with a no-deal exit from the European Union."

Johnson accused Corbyn of being frightened of losing but urged the opposition to reconsider over the next few days.

For now, he is unable to pursue his Brexit plan -- the central focus of his leadership -- or call an election that might change the situation.

Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump earlier offered his support, telling reporters: "Boris knows how to win. Don't worry about him. He's going to be OK."

'Sham' negotiations

Johnson took office in July, three years after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU, promising to deliver Brexit whatever happens.

He says he wants to renegotiate the divorce deal his predecessor Theresa May agreed with Brussels, while at the same time stepping up preparations for a disorderly exit.

Johnson insisted his team was making "substantial progress".

But the bloc has so far refused to reopen the text, and a senior EU source poured cold water on the idea that a deal could be struck at next month's Brussels summit.

The European Commission says Britain has yet to come up with any alternative for the most controversial element of the current deal, the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border.

Corbyn said the negotiations Johnson talked about "are a sham -- all he's doing is running down the clock".

The European Commission also said the risk of a "no-deal" exit has increased, a prospect many fear because of the economic damage risked by severing 46 years of UK-EU ties overnight.

'Hand power to the EU'

MPs only returned from their summer holiday on Tuesday but had to move fast as Johnson has controversially decided to suspend parliament next week until October 14.

They first had to vote to make time in the Commons to debate their legislation, which they then forced through on Wednesday afternoon in only five hours with the support of rebel Conservatives.

The bill would require the government to delay Brexit until January 31 unless it has agreed an exit deal or secured MPs' approval for "no-deal" by October 19.

Johnson said it would "take away the right of this country to decide how long it must remain in the EU and hand that power to the EU".

To take effect, the bill must now be approved by the Lords, who were braced for a rare overnight sitting on Wednesday, with some bringing sleeping bags into the chamber.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was left in limbo on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an early election to break the political deadlock.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was left in limbo on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an early election to break the political deadlock. Just six weeks after taking office, Johnson lost his majority in the House of Commons as his own MPs joined opposition parties to stop him taking Britain out of the EU next month without a deal. On Wednesday evening, they approved a bill that could force Johnson to delay Brexit to January or even later if he cannot agree exit terms with Brussels in time. Johnson says he does not want a "no-deal" exit on October 31 but says he must keep that option open in order to get an agreement. Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN × He said the bill, which was being debated in the upper House of Lords into the night, "destroys the ability of government to negotiate" -- and said he had no option to call an election to win a new mandate. "If I'm still prime minister after (the vote on) Tuesday, October 15 then we will leave on October 31 with, I hope, a much better deal," he told MPs. Labour rejects 'cynical' move But in yet another twist in the tortuous Brexit process, the opposition Labour Party refused to vote for the election, which requires the backing of two-thirds of MPs. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that while he wanted an election, he would not support the prime minister's "cynical" call until the law blocking "no deal" was implemented. The default legal position is that Britain will leave the EU on October 31 unless it delays or asks to stay in the bloc. Corbyn said: "Let this bill pass, then gain royal assent, then we will back an election so we do not crash out with a no-deal exit from the European Union." Johnson accused Corbyn of being frightened of losing but urged the opposition to reconsider over the next few days. For now, he is unable to pursue his Brexit plan -- the central focus of his leadership -- or call an election that might change the situation. Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump earlier offered his support, telling reporters: "Boris knows how to win. Don't worry about him. He's going to be OK." 'Sham' negotiations Johnson took office in July, three years after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU, promising to deliver Brexit whatever happens. He says he wants to renegotiate the divorce deal his predecessor Theresa May agreed with Brussels, while at the same time stepping up preparations for a disorderly exit. Johnson insisted his team was making "substantial progress". But the bloc has so far refused to reopen the text, and a senior EU source poured cold water on the idea that a deal could be struck at next month's Brussels summit. The European Commission says Britain has yet to come up with any alternative for the most controversial element of the current deal, the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Corbyn said the negotiations Johnson talked about "are a sham -- all he's doing is running down the clock". The European Commission also said the risk of a "no-deal" exit has increased, a prospect many fear because of the economic damage risked by severing 46 years of UK-EU ties overnight. 'Hand power to the EU' MPs only returned from their summer holiday on Tuesday but had to move fast as Johnson has controversially decided to suspend parliament next week until October 14. They first had to vote to make time in the Commons to debate their legislation, which they then forced through on Wednesday afternoon in only five hours with the support of rebel Conservatives. The bill would require the government to delay Brexit until January 31 unless it has agreed an exit deal or secured MPs' approval for "no-deal" by October 19. Johnson said it would "take away the right of this country to decide how long it must remain in the EU and hand that power to the EU". To take effect, the bill must now be approved by the Lords, who were braced for a rare overnight sitting on Wednesday, with some bringing sleeping bags into the chamber.

British PM Boris Johnson in limbo after MPs reject his Brexit plan, elections

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-row-uk-pm-johnson-proposes-early-election-on-october-15-247599">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit.

After wresting control of the parliamentary agenda from Johnson six weeks into his premiership, lawmakers voted 329-300 in the second, most important, reading of a bill that would force the government to request a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-activity-contracts-over-brexit-turmoil-raises-recession-risk-247628">three-month Brexit delay </a>rather than leave without a divorce agreement.

Johnson cast the legislative move in the House of Commons as an attempt to surrender to the EU over Brexit and demanded an October 15 snap election, a step that could free him of any constraints if he won a majority.

The second most powerful man in the Labour Party, John McDonnell, said the no-deal blocking legislation had to get assent from Queen Elizabeth, putting the law onto the statute book, before the party would agree to an election. This could, in theory, happen next Monday.

"We're ... not going to be tricked or conned by Johnson so we're looking at every way in which, having secured the legislation, he can't wriggle out of abiding by the law and implementing it," McDonnell said.

Parliament's bid to tie Johnson's hands leaves Brexit up in the air, with possible outcomes ranging from a turbulent no-deal EU exit to abandoning the whole endeavour - both outcomes that would be unacceptable to swathes of the United Kingdom's voters.

In a heated parliamentary debate, Johnson said that if Corbyn voted in favour of a draft law against the government's Brexit strategy then he should also support an election to "allow the people of this country to have their view".

The Conservative leader said he wanted an early general election on October 15 if lawmakers vote against him again on Wednesday and force him to seek a three-month Brexit extension from Brussels with a new law.

The European Commission also on Wednesday said the risk of a no-deal Brexit had increased, warning that it saw no alternative to the current withdrawal deal. 
&nbsp;

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit.

The British Parliament on Wednesday voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal as the British prime minister sought an election just weeks before Brexit. After wresting control of the parliamentary agenda from Johnson six weeks into his premiership, lawmakers voted 329-300 in the second, most important, reading of a bill that would force the government to request a three-month Brexit delay rather than leave without a divorce agreement. Johnson cast the legislative move in the House of Commons as an attempt to surrender to the EU over Brexit and demanded an October 15 snap election, a step that could free him of any constraints if he won a majority. The second most powerful man in the Labour Party, John McDonnell, said the no-deal blocking legislation had to get assent from Queen Elizabeth, putting the law onto the statute book, before the party would agree to an election. This could, in theory, happen next Monday. "We're ... not going to be tricked or conned by Johnson so we're looking at every way in which, having secured the legislation, he can't wriggle out of abiding by the law and implementing it," McDonnell said. Parliament's bid to tie Johnson's hands leaves Brexit up in the air, with possible outcomes ranging from a turbulent no-deal EU exit to abandoning the whole endeavour - both outcomes that would be unacceptable to swathes of the United Kingdom's voters. In a heated parliamentary debate, Johnson said that if Corbyn voted in favour of a draft law against the government's Brexit strategy then he should also support an election to "allow the people of this country to have their view". The Conservative leader said he wanted an early general election on October 15 if lawmakers vote against him again on Wednesday and force him to seek a three-month Brexit extension from Brussels with a new law. The European Commission also on Wednesday said the risk of a no-deal Brexit had increased, warning that it saw no alternative to the current withdrawal deal.

British lawmakers vote to block no-deal Brexit in fresh blow to PM Johnson

The suspension of House of Commons has sparked a furore in the United Kingdom. The government says that the suspension of parliament happens every year. The Opposition says that the suspension is an attack on democracy even as protests erupt across the country.

WION Gravitas: Britain in protest mode after Parliament suspension

Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-overhauls-cabinet-with-brexit-hardliners-238286">addressed the House of Commons</a> for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan.

In his first address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Johnson said his government's mission was to deliver Brexit by October 31.

"This government wants to make this country the greatest place on earth," PM Johnson said in his address.

"Terms of current withdrawal agreements are unacceptable to this Parliament and to this country," he asserted.

"The Irish backstop must be abolished to reach a Brexit deal," he said.

"I and all ministers are committed to leaving the EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances," he told British Parliamentarians.

In his reply, Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: We will reject any Brexit deal that fails to protect jobs, workers' rights or environmental protections."

Soon after taking over as the prime minister, Johnson on Wednesday evening appointed his cabinet with Sajid Javed named as the new finance minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-facts-about-priti-patel-uks-first-indian-origin-home-secretary-238292">Priti Patel as interior minister</a>.

During the Cabinet meeting, Johnson said: "We are now committed all of us to leaving the European Union on October 31 or indeed earlier. No ifs, no buts."

The EU and Britain had agreed to reach an agreement by October 31, with just 98 days left, Johnson had expressed confidence that Britain would be able to meet the deadline during his inaugural speech at 10 Downing Street.

Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today addressed the House of Commons for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan. In his first address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Johnson said his government's mission was to deliver Brexit by October 31.

Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today addressed the House of Commons for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan. In his first address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Johnson said his government's mission was to deliver Brexit by October 31. "This government wants to make this country the greatest place on earth," PM Johnson said in his address. "Terms of current withdrawal agreements are unacceptable to this Parliament and to this country," he asserted. "The Irish backstop must be abolished to reach a Brexit deal," he said. "I and all ministers are committed to leaving the EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances," he told British Parliamentarians. In his reply, Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: We will reject any Brexit deal that fails to protect jobs, workers' rights or environmental protections." Soon after taking over as the prime minister, Johnson on Wednesday evening appointed his cabinet with Sajid Javed named as the new finance minister and Priti Patel as interior minister. During the Cabinet meeting, Johnson said: "We are now committed all of us to leaving the European Union on October 31 or indeed earlier. No ifs, no buts." The EU and Britain had agreed to reach an agreement by October 31, with just 98 days left, Johnson had expressed confidence that Britain would be able to meet the deadline during his inaugural speech at 10 Downing Street.

Committed to leaving EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances: PM Boris Johnson in Parliament

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Britain's ruling Conservatives</a> and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday.

Former foreign minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-candidate-boris-johnson-would-be-bizarre-for-european-union-to-impose-post-brexit-tariffs-on-united-kingdom-230293"> Boris Johnson is the favourite</a> in the race, battling Britain's current top diplomat, Jeremy Hunt.

The two candidates were chosen from a field of 10 by the Conservative party's 313 MPs, and are now seeking to woo an estimated 160,000 party members who will make the final choice.

Postal ballots will be sent out between July 6 and 8, and the deadline for returning them has been set at 5:00pm on July 22.

"The announcement of the next leader of the Conservative party will be made on Tuesday, July 23. This process has been agreed with both candidates," the statement said.

Once a successor is confirmed, May would be expected to visit Queen Elizabeth II to formally tender her resignation as premier.

Her replacement would then make his own visit to Buckingham Palace to be confirmed in office.

The Conservatives do not have a majority in parliament's lower House of Commons, but govern through an alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

May announced her resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit deal through parliament, faced with opposition from both Conservative MPs and the DUP.

It is possible that the main opposition Labour party calls an immediate vote of confidence in the new prime minister, to force them to prove they have the support to govern.

This would have to happen by July 25 when parliament breaks for its summer holiday, or wait until MPs return on September 3.

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of Britain's ruling Conservatives and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday.

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of Britain's ruling Conservatives and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday. Former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite in the race, battling Britain's current top diplomat, Jeremy Hunt. The two candidates were chosen from a field of 10 by the Conservative party's 313 MPs, and are now seeking to woo an estimated 160,000 party members who will make the final choice. Postal ballots will be sent out between July 6 and 8, and the deadline for returning them has been set at 5:00pm on July 22. "The announcement of the next leader of the Conservative party will be made on Tuesday, July 23. This process has been agreed with both candidates," the statement said. Once a successor is confirmed, May would be expected to visit Queen Elizabeth II to formally tender her resignation as premier. Her replacement would then make his own visit to Buckingham Palace to be confirmed in office. The Conservatives do not have a majority in parliament's lower House of Commons, but govern through an alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). May announced her resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit deal through parliament, faced with opposition from both Conservative MPs and the DUP. It is possible that the main opposition Labour party calls an immediate vote of confidence in the new prime minister, to force them to prove they have the support to govern. This would have to happen by July 25 when parliament breaks for its summer holiday, or wait until MPs return on September 3.

Next British PM to be announced on July 23: Conservative Party

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship.

"The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities,"&nbsp;the report said.

"There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here,"&nbsp;it noted.

On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China.

"There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists "&nbsp;who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties.

"The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China."

While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi.

"As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership,"&nbsp;it said.

The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

"The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India,"&nbsp;it warned.

Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity"&nbsp;which was missed.

He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system,&nbsp;these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership.

"The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last."

The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday. The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship. "The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities," the report said. "There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here," it noted. On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China. "There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists " who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties. "The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China." While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi. "As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership," it said. The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU). Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement. The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries. "The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India," it warned. Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity" which was missed. He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system, these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership. "The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last." The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

UK falling behind in race to engage with India, warns British Parliament report

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-fends-off-dwindling-british-pm-rivals-in-tv-debate-228529">Britain's prime minister,</a> repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

"We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader.

"Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust. "We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader. "Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Britain must leave European Union by October 31 or pay the price: Boris Johnson

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-tops-second-ballot-ex-brexit-minister-dominic-raab-eliminated-228505">Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson </a>said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-ministerial-rivals-clash-over-brexit-strategy-227842">leadership race rivals in his first TV debate</a>.

The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons.

Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose.

He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago.

"We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters.

"I think the British people are thoroughly fed up."

But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31.

Frantic search for leader

The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage.

The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible".

Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brexit-claims-another-pm-may-steps-down-225343/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote.

Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold.

Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41.

Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37.

Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33.

Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time.

Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister.

'Not credible'

Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government.

Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat".

Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach.

"If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said.

Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight.

But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what.

"We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid.

UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc.

Moderate &nbsp;Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners.

Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline.

But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border.

EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year.

Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt.

The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate. The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons. Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose. He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago. "We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters. "I think the British people are thoroughly fed up." But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31. Frantic search for leader The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage. The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible". Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down "Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold. Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41. Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37. Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33. Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time. Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister. 'Not credible' Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government. Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat". Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach. "If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said. Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight. But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what. "We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid. UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc. Moderate Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners. Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline. But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border. EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year. Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt. The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Boris Johnson fends off dwindling British PM rivals in TV debate

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

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

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

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

Canada took a first step toward ratifying a new North American trade agreement on Monday just three days ahead of US Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Ottawa to discuss the passage of the treaty.

Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a "ways and means motion" to the House of Commons, which opens the way for the formal presentation of a bill.

The deal known as the USMCA, which would replace the 25-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-us-reach-nafta-deal-report-168658">North American Free Trade Agreement</a>, has yet to be approved by legislatures of the three participating countries - Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The United States struck deals on May 17 to lift tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-lifts-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-219657">steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico</a>, removing a major obstacle to legislative approval. Pence is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday.

The United States is Canada's top trading partner, taking in 75 per cent of its goods exports. Reaching a new trade deal had been a priority for Trudeau's Liberal government, and a national election is five months away.

Freeland said she had spoken over the weekend with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and less than two weeks ago with Mexico's government about their ratification process.

The administration of US President Donald Trump, a Republican, negotiated the deal but some US Democratic lawmakers demand stronger enforcement provisions for USMCA's new labour and environmental standards.

John Manley, a former Canadian Liberal foreign minister, said on Friday that Canada should pass the new treaty this summer.

"To fail to pass it is going to be a signal to the US Congress that it is still open for renegotiations," Manley told Reuters.

Some US lawmakers have said passing the treaty would become more difficult after the congressional summer recess due to budget battles and increased campaigning ahead of the November 2020 presidential election.

Canada took a first step toward ratifying a new North American trade agreement on Monday just three days ahead of US Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Ottawa to discuss the passage of the treaty.

Canada took a first step toward ratifying a new North American trade agreement on Monday just three days ahead of US Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Ottawa to discuss the passage of the treaty. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a "ways and means motion" to the House of Commons, which opens the way for the formal presentation of a bill. The deal known as the USMCA, which would replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, has yet to be approved by legislatures of the three participating countries - Canada, Mexico and the United States. The United States struck deals on May 17 to lift tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico, removing a major obstacle to legislative approval. Pence is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday. The United States is Canada's top trading partner, taking in 75 per cent of its goods exports. Reaching a new trade deal had been a priority for Trudeau's Liberal government, and a national election is five months away. Freeland said she had spoken over the weekend with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and less than two weeks ago with Mexico's government about their ratification process. The administration of US President Donald Trump, a Republican, negotiated the deal but some US Democratic lawmakers demand stronger enforcement provisions for USMCA's new labour and environmental standards. John Manley, a former Canadian Liberal foreign minister, said on Friday that Canada should pass the new treaty this summer. "To fail to pass it is going to be a signal to the US Congress that it is still open for renegotiations," Manley told Reuters. Some US lawmakers have said passing the treaty would become more difficult after the congressional summer recess due to budget battles and increased campaigning ahead of the November 2020 presidential election.

Canada takes first step toward ratifying trade deal with US, Mexico

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mays-brexit-strategy-on-uk-visit-151227">Donald Trump</a> will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip.

"We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit.

She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead."

The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament.

May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties.

An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed.

On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels".

Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said.

British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president.

When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.

Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted".

Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added,&nbsp;"All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him. Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip. "We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit. She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead." The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament. May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties. An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed. On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels". Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said. British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president. When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets. Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted". Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added, "All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

Donald Trump to make state visit to UK June 3-5: Palace

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">Brexit</a> by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-meet-to-decide-another-brexit-delay-209279">chaotic no-deal departure</a> at the end of the week.

The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections.

Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution."

France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21.

Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year.

But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time.

May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid".

Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel.&nbsp;

May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through.

'As soon as possible'

But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise.

As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible".

"I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said.

She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections.

For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid.

EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30.

A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than."

"If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate.

"We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week. The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections. Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet. "This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution." France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21. Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year. But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time. May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid". Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel. May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through. 'As soon as possible' But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise. As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible". "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said. She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections. For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid. EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30. A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than." "If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate. "We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European Union gives Britain six-month delay to Brexit date

Leaking roof suspends UK Parliament proceedings

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/short-extension-possible-on-brexit-if-british-lawmakers-approve-withdrawal-deal-european-council-president-tusk-204602">Brexit chaos gripping Britain </a>-- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal.

May made a rare address to the public on Wednesday, putting the onus on MPs to break the deadlock with just eight days to go until Britain is officially due to leave the European Union.

"You the public have had enough. You're tired of the infighting. You're tired of the political games and the arcane procedural rows," she said.

"Tired of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit. You want this stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with. I agree. I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide," she added.

May is in Brussels on Thursday to ask for a short extension to the March 29 deadline, with a third vote on her unpopular deal expected in parliament next week.

She lost the two previous votes by majorities of 230 and 149, but did little to win over MPs by portraying them as being against the public.

"Her speech was incendiary and irresponsible," said Labour MP Wes Streeting.

"If any harm comes to any of us, she will have to accept her share of responsibility."

Labour colleague Lisa Nandy, a Brexit supporter who has previously suggested she was open to May's deal, called the comments "dangerous and reckless".

'I could have wept'

Pro-EU backbencher Dominic Grieve led the Conservative backlash, criticising a similar speech made by May in the House of Commons earlier in the day.

The former attorney general is one of those the premier is trying to win over to vote for her deal, but said he had "never felt more ashamed to be a member of the Conservative party, or to lend her my support."

"When the prime minister came to despatch box today... I confessed I think it was the worst moment I have experienced since I came into the House of Commons," he said.

"She spent most of her time castigating the House for its misconduct and at no stage did she pause to consider whether it is in fact the way she is leading this government which might be contributing to this situation.

"I have to say I could have wept."

Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London, told BBC Radio London that it was "strange" for May to court MPs by "abusing them".

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended his leader, telling BBC Radio 4 on Thursday that "no prime minister in recent years has been tested in the way that she has."

"Let's not forget the extraordinary pressure she is personally under," he said.

'Brexit paralysis'

May has not ruled out any outcome, including leaving with no deal and also cancelling Brexit altogether, apparently in the hope that hardliners on both sides will drop their opposition in order to prevent their worst-case-scenarios from being realised.

But MPs and cabinet members have instead capitalised on May's weakness, with government ministers on both sides threatening mass resignations.

Some pro-EU ministers have said they would quit if she proceeded with plans to leave without a deal, forcing May to hold a symbolic parliamentary vote on ruling it out.

Brexit-backing ministers this week threatened to walk out if she asked the EU for a long delay to the Brexit deadline, forcing her to limit her request to Brussels for an extension until June 30.

Conservative MP Nigel Evans said that if May couldn't deliver Brexit on time "she has to go", suggesting that MPs were hardening against May ahead of the possible vote.

But ministers loyal to the prime minister remained confident that May could still win the day, despite her personal unpopularity.

"Right now the choice is, do&nbsp;we resolve this or do we have Brexit paralysis?" Foreign Secretary Hunt told the BBC.&nbsp;

"I think it's entirely possible when people look at the choices... people will say actually what the country wants is to get on with it."

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the Brexit chaos gripping Britain -- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the Brexit chaos gripping Britain -- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal. May made a rare address to the public on Wednesday, putting the onus on MPs to break the deadlock with just eight days to go until Britain is officially due to leave the European Union. "You the public have had enough. You're tired of the infighting. You're tired of the political games and the arcane procedural rows," she said. "Tired of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit. You want this stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with. I agree. I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide," she added. May is in Brussels on Thursday to ask for a short extension to the March 29 deadline, with a third vote on her unpopular deal expected in parliament next week. She lost the two previous votes by majorities of 230 and 149, but did little to win over MPs by portraying them as being against the public. "Her speech was incendiary and irresponsible," said Labour MP Wes Streeting. "If any harm comes to any of us, she will have to accept her share of responsibility." Labour colleague Lisa Nandy, a Brexit supporter who has previously suggested she was open to May's deal, called the comments "dangerous and reckless". 'I could have wept' Pro-EU backbencher Dominic Grieve led the Conservative backlash, criticising a similar speech made by May in the House of Commons earlier in the day. The former attorney general is one of those the premier is trying to win over to vote for her deal, but said he had "never felt more ashamed to be a member of the Conservative party, or to lend her my support." "When the prime minister came to despatch box today... I confessed I think it was the worst moment I have experienced since I came into the House of Commons," he said. "She spent most of her time castigating the House for its misconduct and at no stage did she pause to consider whether it is in fact the way she is leading this government which might be contributing to this situation. "I have to say I could have wept." Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London, told BBC Radio London that it was "strange" for May to court MPs by "abusing them". Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended his leader, telling BBC Radio 4 on Thursday that "no prime minister in recent years has been tested in the way that she has." "Let's not forget the extraordinary pressure she is personally under," he said. 'Brexit paralysis' May has not ruled out any outcome, including leaving with no deal and also cancelling Brexit altogether, apparently in the hope that hardliners on both sides will drop their opposition in order to prevent their worst-case-scenarios from being realised. But MPs and cabinet members have instead capitalised on May's weakness, with government ministers on both sides threatening mass resignations. Some pro-EU ministers have said they would quit if she proceeded with plans to leave without a deal, forcing May to hold a symbolic parliamentary vote on ruling it out. Brexit-backing ministers this week threatened to walk out if she asked the EU for a long delay to the Brexit deadline, forcing her to limit her request to Brussels for an extension until June 30. Conservative MP Nigel Evans said that if May couldn't deliver Brexit on time "she has to go", suggesting that MPs were hardening against May ahead of the possible vote. But ministers loyal to the prime minister remained confident that May could still win the day, despite her personal unpopularity. "Right now the choice is, do we resolve this or do we have Brexit paralysis?" Foreign Secretary Hunt told the BBC. "I think it's entirely possible when people look at the choices... people will say actually what the country wants is to get on with it."

Desperate for votes, Theresa May angers MPs in Brexit blame-game

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