The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks.

"We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc.

"They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added.

Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us".

"They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added.

European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement.

It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels.

But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside.

Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23.

Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on.

"Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said.

However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then.

"Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit.

She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment.

"I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border. Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks. "We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc. "They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added. Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us". "They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added. European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement. It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels. But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside. Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23. Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on. "Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said. However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then. "Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added. Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit. She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment. "I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

UK PM contenders say European Union will drop Irish backstop for Brexit deal

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula.

"We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain is not seeking to escalate the situation with Iran, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday, as tensions continue between London and Tehran over a seized Iranian tanker and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Relations between Iran and the West have been increasingly strained after Britain seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar and London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached by Iranian vessels in the strait between Iran and the Arabian peninsula. "We are reacting to what is happening in a measured and careful way and we are being clear to Iran that we are not seeking to escalate this situation," Jeremy Hunt told Sky News.

UK says it does not want to increase tension with Iran

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 11th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office.

"@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted.

"Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you."

"Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays."

He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy.

Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks.

The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis.

Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain.

She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit.

Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy.

"I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters.

"I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally.

"The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington. Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office. "@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted. "Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you." "Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays." He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy. Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks. The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain. She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit. Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy. "I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters. "I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally. "The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

Trump comments 'disrespectful and wrong': Jeremy Hunt

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt clashed over who could be most trusted on Brexit on Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt face off for UK leadership

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 10th, 2019

UK Foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt has hit out at US President Donald Trump. Jeremy Hunt tweeted that Trump has been "disrespectful" towards the prime minister and the UK. Watch this video to know more on the story.

UK Foreign secretary slams US President over remarks on Theresa May

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Boris Johnson</a> to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/genius-or-joker-british-prime-minister-favourite-boris-johnson-set-to-face-the-world-231110">Johnson has pledged</a> to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October&nbsp;31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit.

The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond.

It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October&nbsp;31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget."

Watch:&nbsp;'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-i-take-personal-responsibility-for-the-vote-to-leave-the-eu-231915/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported.

Britain's interior minister Sajid Javid will this week formally endorse Boris Johnson to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next prime minister, the Sunday Times reported. Johnson is the frontrunner in a contest with foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to be the next leader. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced the following day. Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on October 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said that he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit. The Sunday Times said Javid has positioned himself to be Johnson's finance minister, taking over from current finance minister Philip Hammond. It reported that in a speech on Tuesday, Javid will say: "Trust in our democracy will be at stake if we don't make October 31 a 'deal or no deal' deadline. To prepare that, we are agreed on the need for ramped-up no-deal preparations, including a budget." Watch: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU', says Boris Johnson The newspaper also said that Johnson would visit the United States before the end of September to meet President Donald Trump.

UK interior minister Sajid Javid to endorse Boris Johnson as prime minister: Report

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday.

Ballot papers have been sent to about 160,000 Conservative Party members across the country, asking them to choose between frontrunner Boris Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister, and Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign minister.

Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced a day later.

The BBC said an investigation it had carried out found some party members had received two ballot papers, citing one party insider as estimating that more than 1,000 people could be affected.

It said that in some cases this was because members live and work in different constituencies and may have joined the local Conservative associations in both areas. Other members may have changed their name after marriage.

Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said on Twitter that -- as was the case in a general election -- people would only be able to vote once even if they had been sent more than one ballot paper.

Separately on Saturday, The Times newspaper reported that Johnson is backed by 74% of Conservative Party members with Hunt on 26%, according to a YouGov/Times poll. It said a fortnight ago the last YouGov survey gave almost identical figures.

Both candidates appeared at a campaign event in Nottingham, central England, on Saturday.

Johnson was asked about a Sky News report that said 30 Conservative lawmakers led by finance minister Philip Hammond were plotting to stop a no-deal Brexit in October.

"I'm a great admirer of Phil ... but I sat in the cabinet with him when we were all committed to getting ready for no-deal," he said.

"To the best of my knowledge the chancellor (finance minister) and every other member of the cabinet is still committed to that policy," he added.

Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on Oct. 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit.

Last Monday a group of pro-EU lawmakers failed in their latest bid to prevent Britain leaving the bloc without an exit deal, after parliament's speaker did not choose their proposal to be put to a vote.

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday.

Some members of Britain's Conservative Party have been issued with more than one ballot paper to vote for the party's next leader, who will also become prime minister, the BBC reported on Saturday. Ballot papers have been sent to about 160,000 Conservative Party members across the country, asking them to choose between frontrunner Boris Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister, and Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign minister. Voting is due to close on July 22, with the winner set to be announced a day later. The BBC said an investigation it had carried out found some party members had received two ballot papers, citing one party insider as estimating that more than 1,000 people could be affected. It said that in some cases this was because members live and work in different constituencies and may have joined the local Conservative associations in both areas. Other members may have changed their name after marriage. Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said on Twitter that -- as was the case in a general election -- people would only be able to vote once even if they had been sent more than one ballot paper. Separately on Saturday, The Times newspaper reported that Johnson is backed by 74% of Conservative Party members with Hunt on 26%, according to a YouGov/Times poll. It said a fortnight ago the last YouGov survey gave almost identical figures. Both candidates appeared at a campaign event in Nottingham, central England, on Saturday. Johnson was asked about a Sky News report that said 30 Conservative lawmakers led by finance minister Philip Hammond were plotting to stop a no-deal Brexit in October. "I'm a great admirer of Phil ... but I sat in the cabinet with him when we were all committed to getting ready for no-deal," he said. "To the best of my knowledge the chancellor (finance minister) and every other member of the cabinet is still committed to that policy," he added. Johnson has pledged to leave the European Union with or without a deal on Oct. 31 if he becomes prime minister, while Hunt has said he would, if absolutely necessary, go for a no-deal Brexit. Last Monday a group of pro-EU lawmakers failed in their latest bid to prevent Britain leaving the bloc without an exit deal, after parliament's speaker did not choose their proposal to be put to a vote.

UK Conservative members sent more than one ballot in leadership vote: Report

China told Britain to keep its hands off Hong Kong on Wednesday (July 3) while London called for Beijing to honour the agreements made when the city was handed over in 1997, escalating a diplomatic spat over the former British colony.

China to Britain: Keep your 'colonial' hands off Hong Kong

Britain's Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Jeremy Hunt</a> said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony.

"Let me clarify what I said. I said that I condemned, and we as the United Kingdom, condemn all violence and that people who supported the pro-democracy demonstrators would have been very dismayed by the scenes they saw," Hunt told BBC radio.

Hunt said authorities had to deal with the root causes of the protests over a now-suspended extradition law in Hong Kong. He also said there was no reason why good relations between Britain and China could not continue.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony. "Let me clarify what I said. I said that I condemned, and we as the United Kingdom, condemn all violence and that people who supported the pro-democracy demonstrators would have been very dismayed by the scenes they saw," Hunt told BBC radio. Hunt said authorities had to deal with the root causes of the protests over a now-suspended extradition law in Hong Kong. He also said there was no reason why good relations between Britain and China could not continue.

United Kingdom's Jeremy Hunt denies he supported violent protests in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/baby-diana-or-little-arthur-bets-on-for-royal-baby-name-for-harry-and-meghans-firstborn-204477">William Hill</a> plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money.

William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year.

The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs.

Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million).

William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business.

The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs.

In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%.

William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling. The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money. William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year. The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs. Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million). William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business. The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs. In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%. William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill to shut 700 betting shops, putting 4,500 jobs at risk

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-broken-enriched-uranium-stockpile-limit-set-by-2015-nuclear-deal-232067">breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves</a> under a 2015 nuclear deal.

"We urge Iran to reverse this step and to refrain from further measures that undermine the nuclear deal," said the joint statement signed by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the three countries' foreign ministers -- France's Jean-Yves Le Drian, Germany's Heiko Maas and Britain's Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;

Tehran said Monday that it had made good on its warning that it would breach the limit in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran, which has sought to pressure the remaining parties to save the deal, announced on May 8 that it would no longer respect the limit set on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles.

It threatened to abandon further nuclear commitments unless the deal's remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- helped it circumvent sanctions, especially to sell its oil.

"We have been consistent and clear that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," said the joint statement on Tuesday.

"We regret this decision by Iran, which calls into question an essential instrument of nuclear nonproliferation."

It added that the group was "urgently considering next steps under the terms" of the deal, which saw Iran commit to never acquiring an atomic bomb, accept drastic limits on its nuclear programme and submit to IAEA inspections in exchange for a partial lifting of international sanctions.

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal.

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal. "We urge Iran to reverse this step and to refrain from further measures that undermine the nuclear deal," said the joint statement signed by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the three countries' foreign ministers -- France's Jean-Yves Le Drian, Germany's Heiko Maas and Britain's Jeremy Hunt. Tehran said Monday that it had made good on its warning that it would breach the limit in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions. Iran, which has sought to pressure the remaining parties to save the deal, announced on May 8 that it would no longer respect the limit set on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles. It threatened to abandon further nuclear commitments unless the deal's remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- helped it circumvent sanctions, especially to sell its oil. "We have been consistent and clear that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," said the joint statement on Tuesday. "We regret this decision by Iran, which calls into question an essential instrument of nuclear nonproliferation." It added that the group was "urgently considering next steps under the terms" of the deal, which saw Iran commit to never acquiring an atomic bomb, accept drastic limits on its nuclear programme and submit to IAEA inspections in exchange for a partial lifting of international sanctions.

European Union, France, Germany and UK urge Iran to reverse uranium decision

China on Wednesday denounced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> as "shameless", saying it had made a diplomatic complaint to London after he warned of consequences if China neglected commitments made when it took back Hong Kong in 1997.

China has stepped up a war of words with Hong Kong's former colonial ruler following mass protests there against a now-suspended bill that would allow extradition to mainland China.

"To say that the freedoms of Hong Kong residents is something Britain strived for is simply shameless," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing.

"I would like to ask Mr. Hunt, during the British colonial era in Hong Kong, was there any democracy to speak of? Hong Kongers didn't even have the right to protest."

Only after Hong Kong's return to China did its people got an "unprecedented" guarantee about democracy and freedom, he said.

Britain's responsibilities to Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration have ended, and Hong Kong is purely an internal matter for China, Geng added, repeating earlier remarks.

The comments followed remarks by Hunt on Monday, condemning violence on both sides and warning of consequences if China neglected commitments to allow freedoms to Hong Kong not enjoyed in mainland China, including the right to protest.

Late on Monday, hundreds of protesters in the former British colony had besieged, and broken into, the legislature after a demonstration marking the anniversary of return to Chinese rule.

China called the violence an "undisguised challenge" to the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled for 22 years.

The turbulence in Hong Kong was triggered by an extradition bill opponents say will undermine Hong Kong's much-cherished rule of law and give Beijing powers to prosecute activists in mainland courts, which are controlled by the Communist Party.

Hunt, who is seeking to become Britain's next prime minister, has made no attempt to correct his mistakes in talking about Hong Kong and has "continued to wag his tongue too freely" on the issue, Geng said.

Had Britain's parliament been surrounded and attacked, would authorities have stood by and done nothing, he asked.

"Does he think that the British police's handling of the August, 2011 riots in London was repression?" Geng asked, referring to rioting in London that year.

"We hope that Britain, especially Mr. Hunt, does not overestimate its abilities and wantonly interfere in Hong Kong matters. This is destined to be futile," he said.

China has lodged "stern representations" with Britain both in Beijing and London about Hunt's remarks, he added.

The two countries had been seeking to reset ties after a row over the disputed South China Sea last year, with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua visiting London last month to oversee the start of a link between its stock exchange and that of Shanghai.

Confrontation and lawlessness in Hong Kong could damage its reputation as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-retake-parliament-from-anti-government-protesters-232153">international business hub</a> and seriously hurt its economy, China's top newspaper, the People's Daily, said in an editorial.

"It will not only serve no purpose, but will also severely hinder economic and social development," the ruling Communist Party's official paper said, denouncing what it called artificially created division and opposition.

Hong Kong, facing pressure from changes in the world economy and intensifying competition, could not "bear turbulence and internal friction", it added.

China has blamed Western countries, particularly the United States and Hong Kong's former colonial master Britain, for offering succour to the protests.

In an editorial, the official China Daily, an English-language newspaper Beijing often uses to send its message to the world, condemned "outside agitations".

"What has also been notable is the hypocrisy of some Western governments - the United States and United Kingdom most prominently - which have called for a stop to the violence, as if they have had nothing to do with it," the paper said.

"But, looking back at the whole protest saga, they have been deeply involved in fuelling it since its inception."

China on Wednesday denounced British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt as "shameless", saying it had made a diplomatic complaint to London after he warned of consequences if China neglected commitments made when it took back Hong Kong in 1997.

China on Wednesday denounced British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt as "shameless", saying it had made a diplomatic complaint to London after he warned of consequences if China neglected commitments made when it took back Hong Kong in 1997. China has stepped up a war of words with Hong Kong's former colonial ruler following mass protests there against a now-suspended bill that would allow extradition to mainland China. "To say that the freedoms of Hong Kong residents is something Britain strived for is simply shameless," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing. "I would like to ask Mr. Hunt, during the British colonial era in Hong Kong, was there any democracy to speak of? Hong Kongers didn't even have the right to protest." Only after Hong Kong's return to China did its people got an "unprecedented" guarantee about democracy and freedom, he said. Britain's responsibilities to Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration have ended, and Hong Kong is purely an internal matter for China, Geng added, repeating earlier remarks. The comments followed remarks by Hunt on Monday, condemning violence on both sides and warning of consequences if China neglected commitments to allow freedoms to Hong Kong not enjoyed in mainland China, including the right to protest. Late on Monday, hundreds of protesters in the former British colony had besieged, and broken into, the legislature after a demonstration marking the anniversary of return to Chinese rule. China called the violence an "undisguised challenge" to the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled for 22 years. The turbulence in Hong Kong was triggered by an extradition bill opponents say will undermine Hong Kong's much-cherished rule of law and give Beijing powers to prosecute activists in mainland courts, which are controlled by the Communist Party. Hunt, who is seeking to become Britain's next prime minister, has made no attempt to correct his mistakes in talking about Hong Kong and has "continued to wag his tongue too freely" on the issue, Geng said. Had Britain's parliament been surrounded and attacked, would authorities have stood by and done nothing, he asked. "Does he think that the British police's handling of the August, 2011 riots in London was repression?" Geng asked, referring to rioting in London that year. "We hope that Britain, especially Mr. Hunt, does not overestimate its abilities and wantonly interfere in Hong Kong matters. This is destined to be futile," he said. China has lodged "stern representations" with Britain both in Beijing and London about Hunt's remarks, he added. The two countries had been seeking to reset ties after a row over the disputed South China Sea last year, with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua visiting London last month to oversee the start of a link between its stock exchange and that of Shanghai. Confrontation and lawlessness in Hong Kong could damage its reputation as an international business hub and seriously hurt its economy, China's top newspaper, the People's Daily, said in an editorial. "It will not only serve no purpose, but will also severely hinder economic and social development," the ruling Communist Party's official paper said, denouncing what it called artificially created division and opposition. Hong Kong, facing pressure from changes in the world economy and intensifying competition, could not "bear turbulence and internal friction", it added. China has blamed Western countries, particularly the United States and Hong Kong's former colonial master Britain, for offering succour to the protests. In an editorial, the official China Daily, an English-language newspaper Beijing often uses to send its message to the world, condemned "outside agitations". "What has also been notable is the hypocrisy of some Western governments - the United States and United Kingdom most prominently - which have called for a stop to the violence, as if they have had nothing to do with it," the paper said. "But, looking back at the whole protest saga, they have been deeply involved in fuelling it since its inception."

China criticises Britain for 'shameless' comments on Hong Kong

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts on Sunday as the two men battling to become prime minister pitched themselves as the best candidate to take on the opposition Labour Party.&nbsp;

The rivals to succeed Theresa May as leader of the ruling Conservative Party set out plans to win broader political backing by investing in education, transport and defence, even if that means higher government borrowing. The race should be over by July 23.&nbsp;

Johnson, the favourite, vowed to increase spending on education, adding to earlier pledges to invest in transport, superfast broadband, more police and tax cuts.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Hunt pledged to slash corporation tax, even in the event of a disorderly no-deal Brexit, to drive economic growth and generate the funds to invest more in social care, defence and education.&nbsp;

"Believe me there is cash now available," Johnson told Sky News. "(And) I`m prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility."

With Britain now due to leave the European Union on October&nbsp;31, much of the debate has revolved around how the two candidates would steer the world`s fifth-largest economy out of the world`s biggest trading bloc without crippling growth.&nbsp;

With the winner decided by Conservative Party members, who overwhelmingly back Brexit, Hunt has toughened his language, saying he would take a decision at the beginning of October to go for a disorderly no-deal exit if there was no prospect of getting an agreement through parliament.&nbsp;

The self-proclaimed entrepreneur said a cut to the corporate tax rate to 12.5%, matching the level in Ireland and one of the lowest in any major economy, would become even more important in the event of a no-deal because it would support companies through the upheaval. The rate is currently 19%.

"If we had a no-deal Brexit then some of these spending commitments would have to wait because you would have to divert money to support businesses up and down the country," Hunt told BBC TV. "I wouldn`t drop them but they would take longer.&nbsp;

"(But) of those commitments, the one I would not drop is the one to reduce corporation tax. It would fire up the economy in a way that would be helpful in a no-deal context."

With four months until Britain`s next deadline to leave the EU, the two men also sought to show they had advanced plans for how they would handle Britain`s departure.

Hunt said he had been in talks with the former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, who negotiated a trade deal with the EU.

In other possible government moves, a source said Britain`s lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins was overdue a change of job while Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, could become Britain`s ambassador in Washington under a Johnson government.&nbsp;

According to the Mail on Sunday, Johnson also has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc`s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks once he is in power.&nbsp;

Asked by Sky News how he could seal a new deal when the EU has said it will not reopen the withdrawal agreement, Johnson said "it`s possibly the case that they would say that at this particular stage in the negotiations ... Let`s see".

Talking up his plans for the future, the former foreign secretary echoed Ronald Reagan in quoting the 14th-century scholar Ibn Khaldun`s belief that cutting taxes would spur economic growth and said businesses would be supported under his leadership.&nbsp;

The former London mayor has been heavily criticised for a reported dismissal last year of companies` concerns about Brexit with the comment "fuck business".

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts on Sunday as the two men battling to become prime minister pitched themselves as the best candidate to take on the opposition Labour Party.

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts on Sunday as the two men battling to become prime minister pitched themselves as the best candidate to take on the opposition Labour Party. The rivals to succeed Theresa May as leader of the ruling Conservative Party set out plans to win broader political backing by investing in education, transport and defence, even if that means higher government borrowing. The race should be over by July 23. Johnson, the favourite, vowed to increase spending on education, adding to earlier pledges to invest in transport, superfast broadband, more police and tax cuts. Foreign Secretary Hunt pledged to slash corporation tax, even in the event of a disorderly no-deal Brexit, to drive economic growth and generate the funds to invest more in social care, defence and education. "Believe me there is cash now available," Johnson told Sky News. "(And) I`m prepared to borrow to finance certain great objectives but overall we will keep fiscal responsibility." With Britain now due to leave the European Union on October 31, much of the debate has revolved around how the two candidates would steer the world`s fifth-largest economy out of the world`s biggest trading bloc without crippling growth. With the winner decided by Conservative Party members, who overwhelmingly back Brexit, Hunt has toughened his language, saying he would take a decision at the beginning of October to go for a disorderly no-deal exit if there was no prospect of getting an agreement through parliament. The self-proclaimed entrepreneur said a cut to the corporate tax rate to 12.5%, matching the level in Ireland and one of the lowest in any major economy, would become even more important in the event of a no-deal because it would support companies through the upheaval. The rate is currently 19%. "If we had a no-deal Brexit then some of these spending commitments would have to wait because you would have to divert money to support businesses up and down the country," Hunt told BBC TV. "I wouldn`t drop them but they would take longer. "(But) of those commitments, the one I would not drop is the one to reduce corporation tax. It would fire up the economy in a way that would be helpful in a no-deal context." With four months until Britain`s next deadline to leave the EU, the two men also sought to show they had advanced plans for how they would handle Britain`s departure. Hunt said he had been in talks with the former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper, who negotiated a trade deal with the EU. In other possible government moves, a source said Britain`s lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins was overdue a change of job while Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, could become Britain`s ambassador in Washington under a Johnson government. According to the Mail on Sunday, Johnson also has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc`s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks once he is in power. Asked by Sky News how he could seal a new deal when the EU has said it will not reopen the withdrawal agreement, Johnson said "it`s possibly the case that they would say that at this particular stage in the negotiations ... Let`s see". Talking up his plans for the future, the former foreign secretary echoed Ronald Reagan in quoting the 14th-century scholar Ibn Khaldun`s belief that cutting taxes would spur economic growth and said businesses would be supported under his leadership. The former London mayor has been heavily criticised for a reported dismissal last year of companies` concerns about Brexit with the comment "fuck business".

In race for No. 10, UK's Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt vow to splash the cash

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promotes-hard-brexit-must-clarify-his-position-on-europe-macron-230076">deal with the bloc had not been reached</a>.

The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home.

His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him.

Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies.

"My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said.

"And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome."

Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted.

He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels.

Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble'

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"I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said.

On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward.

"Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said.

Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term.

Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached.

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached. The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home. His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him. Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies. "My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said. "And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome." Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted. He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels. Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble' × "I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said. On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward. "Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said. Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term. Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Boris Johnson says he is serious about 'no-deal' Brexit threat

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

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723"> fellow partyman Boris Johnson</a> said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions.

During an interview with a British television channel, Hunt who finished second in the Conservative party ballot for prime ministership, ahead of his much hyped final clash with Johonson next month, said: "I would say I've been very clear I would leave the European Union if no deal was on the table and there was no prospect of a better deal that could get through Parliament. I would do it with a heavy heart because of the impact on jobs, on businesses, the risks to the union."

Boris Johnson who led the ballot last week had clearly said he would leave the European Union without a deal on October 31 if no deal was struck by then.

"In the end, we must do what the country voted for because we are a very old very respected democracy," Hunt told the television channel.

With just two weeks to go before Conservative party workers decide on the candidate, Hunt added that he would continue to "negotiate" until Britain exits the European Union. "Boris needs to answer what he would do in that situation," he retorted.

Hunt had earlier called Johnson a "coward" over his refusal to go for a head-to-head to debate on Brexit. The UK foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">had garnered 77 votes</a> in the final ballot last week to finish behind Boris Johnson who won an overwhelming 160 votes. Hunt edged out Michael Gove who won 75 votes.

Hunt was quick to point out during the interview&nbsp;that if the Brexit moves&nbsp;were not&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;properly then Britain could "trip into a general election, Jeremy Corbyn will become prime minister and then we'll have no Brexit at all."

Hunt favoured sending someone from Britain who "doesn't blink", while adding that the person should be "someone who is able to negotiate, someone that they(EU) trust."

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against fellow partyman Boris Johnson said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions.

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against fellow partyman Boris Johnson said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions. During an interview with a British television channel, Hunt who finished second in the Conservative party ballot for prime ministership, ahead of his much hyped final clash with Johonson next month, said: "I would say I've been very clear I would leave the European Union if no deal was on the table and there was no prospect of a better deal that could get through Parliament. I would do it with a heavy heart because of the impact on jobs, on businesses, the risks to the union." Boris Johnson who led the ballot last week had clearly said he would leave the European Union without a deal on October 31 if no deal was struck by then. "In the end, we must do what the country voted for because we are a very old very respected democracy," Hunt told the television channel. With just two weeks to go before Conservative party workers decide on the candidate, Hunt added that he would continue to "negotiate" until Britain exits the European Union. "Boris needs to answer what he would do in that situation," he retorted. Hunt had earlier called Johnson a "coward" over his refusal to go for a head-to-head to debate on Brexit. The UK foreign secretary had garnered 77 votes in the final ballot last week to finish behind Boris Johnson who won an overwhelming 160 votes. Hunt edged out Michael Gove who won 75 votes. Hunt was quick to point out during the interview that if the Brexit moves were not carried out properly then Britain could "trip into a general election, Jeremy Corbyn will become prime minister and then we'll have no Brexit at all." Hunt favoured sending someone from Britain who "doesn't blink", while adding that the person should be "someone who is able to negotiate, someone that they(EU) trust."

In 'no deal' Brexit, I would leave EU with a heavy heart: Jeremy Hunt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Jeremy Hunt</a>, one of the two people vying to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>, said on Monday that rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a> was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

"On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates."

Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television.&nbsp;

"People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose."

Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action.

Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit.

When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit. "On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates." Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television. "People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose." Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action. Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit. When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

United Kingdom's Prime Minister candidate Hunt: 'Boris Johnson is a coward for avoiding debate'

Police were called to the home of leadership candidate Boris Johnson and his partner after reports of a heated row, according to British media, hours after he was named in the final two in the race to become prime minister.

The Guardian daily reported that officers were alerted early on Friday after a neighbour said there had been a loud altercation involving screaming, shouting and banging at the south London property.

The paper said late Friday Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds could be heard telling former London mayor Johnson to "get off me" and "get out of my flat".

London's Metropolitan Police said it responded to a call from a local resident at 12:24 am on Friday (2324 GMT Thursday).

A police spokesman said,&nbsp;"The caller was concerned for the welfare of a female neighbour.

"Police attended and spoke to all occupants of the address, who were all safe and well.

"There were no offences or concerns apparent to the officers and there was no cause for police action."

The neighbour, who said they recorded the altercation from inside their home, told the Guardian, "I (was) hoping that someone would answer the door and say 'We're okay'. I knocked three times and no one came to the door."

It was also reported that the neighbour heard "a couple of very loud screams" and a "loud bang" which shook the house.

The Press Association news agency reported Johnson's spokesman did not respond to repeated calls for comment.

Ex-foreign secretary Johnson on Saturday kicks off a month-long nationwide tour in his bid to win over grassroots Conservatives to become prime minister.

After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls.

Police were called to the home of leadership candidate Boris Johnson and his partner after reports of a heated row, according to British media, hours after he was named in the final two in the race to become prime minister.

Police were called to the home of leadership candidate Boris Johnson and his partner after reports of a heated row, according to British media, hours after he was named in the final two in the race to become prime minister. The Guardian daily reported that officers were alerted early on Friday after a neighbour said there had been a loud altercation involving screaming, shouting and banging at the south London property. The paper said late Friday Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds could be heard telling former London mayor Johnson to "get off me" and "get out of my flat". London's Metropolitan Police said it responded to a call from a local resident at 12:24 am on Friday (2324 GMT Thursday). A police spokesman said, "The caller was concerned for the welfare of a female neighbour. "Police attended and spoke to all occupants of the address, who were all safe and well. "There were no offences or concerns apparent to the officers and there was no cause for police action." The neighbour, who said they recorded the altercation from inside their home, told the Guardian, "I (was) hoping that someone would answer the door and say 'We're okay'. I knocked three times and no one came to the door." It was also reported that the neighbour heard "a couple of very loud screams" and a "loud bang" which shook the house. The Press Association news agency reported Johnson's spokesman did not respond to repeated calls for comment. Ex-foreign secretary Johnson on Saturday kicks off a month-long nationwide tour in his bid to win over grassroots Conservatives to become prime minister. After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls.

Police called to PM hopeful Boris Johnson's home after 'row': UK media

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt</a> each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">former London mayor Johnson</a> and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls.

The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win.&nbsp;

Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31.&nbsp;

The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed.

But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt.

"Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote.

"A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP.

&nbsp;Fearing Farage&nbsp;

The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens.

According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views.

"Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote.

They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party.

Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle.

The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards.

A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge.

The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership.

Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", &nbsp;occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote.

Impossible Brexit promises&nbsp;

But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament.

Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached.

It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade.

There have been few signs that it will ever work.

"Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said.

Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules.

Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement.

"We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister. After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls. The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win. Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31. The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed. But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt. "Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote. "A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP. Fearing Farage The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens. According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views. "Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote. They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party. Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle. The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards. A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge. The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership. Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote. Impossible Brexit promises But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament. Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached. It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade. There have been few signs that it will ever work. "Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said. Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules. Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement. "We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

United Kingdom leadership race finalists woo Tory grassroots

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">next British prime minister</a>, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed.

Hot favourite Boris Johnson will face foreign minister Jeremy Hunt in a run-off vote to decide who takes on the tricky task of piloting the country's departure from the EU.

Both say they want to renegotiate the deal that outgoing PM Theresa May struck with Brussels after two years of painful negotiation, a deal which British lawmakers have rejected three times.

European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc would remain "very precise and also patient" despite the high political drama unfolding in Westminster.

"Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personal decisions in London but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," Tusk told reporters after a summit of EU leaders in Brussels.

The former Polish premier said that all remaining 27 EU leaders were adamant there could be no changes to the near 600-page legal accord struck in November last year.

"We look forward to working together with the next UK prime minister," Tusk said.

"We are open for talks when it comes to the declaration on the future UK-EU relations if the position of the UK were to evolve, but the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation."

Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, which led Brexit talks for the EU side, said there was nothing to add because leaders "repeated unanimously there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement".

Brexit has been delayed twice already and both Hunt and Johnson say Britain should leave the bloc on the current deadline date of October 31 -- even if it means walking away with no deal.

But Hunt has suggested he might delay Brexit briefly if a deal with Brussels was close, and Johnson has refused to absolutely guarantee leaving on October 31.

Patience across the Channel is wearing thin, with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warning at the Brussels summit on Thursday of "enormous hostility" in the EU to granting Britain yet another delay.

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the next British prime minister, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed.

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the next British prime minister, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed. Hot favourite Boris Johnson will face foreign minister Jeremy Hunt in a run-off vote to decide who takes on the tricky task of piloting the country's departure from the EU. Both say they want to renegotiate the deal that outgoing PM Theresa May struck with Brussels after two years of painful negotiation, a deal which British lawmakers have rejected three times. European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc would remain "very precise and also patient" despite the high political drama unfolding in Westminster. "Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personal decisions in London but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," Tusk told reporters after a summit of EU leaders in Brussels. The former Polish premier said that all remaining 27 EU leaders were adamant there could be no changes to the near 600-page legal accord struck in November last year. "We look forward to working together with the next UK prime minister," Tusk said. "We are open for talks when it comes to the declaration on the future UK-EU relations if the position of the UK were to evolve, but the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation." Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, which led Brexit talks for the EU side, said there was nothing to add because leaders "repeated unanimously there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement". Brexit has been delayed twice already and both Hunt and Johnson say Britain should leave the bloc on the current deadline date of October 31 -- even if it means walking away with no deal. But Hunt has suggested he might delay Brexit briefly if a deal with Brussels was close, and Johnson has refused to absolutely guarantee leaving on October 31. Patience across the Channel is wearing thin, with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warning at the Brussels summit on Thursday of "enormous hostility" in the EU to granting Britain yet another delay.

Brexit withdrawal agreement not open for renegotiation: EU

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">fifth and final ballot </a>on Thursday evening.

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I'm the underdog - but in politics surprises happen as they did today. I do not doubt the responsibility on my shoulders - to show my party how we deliver Brexit and not an election, but also a turbo-charged economy and a country that walks tall in the world
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1141758702913040384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gove who had won 61 votes to edge out Hunt who managed 59 votes in the fourth ballot held earlier in the day saw his fortunes dip in the final ballot falling short by two votes winning 75 to Hunt's final tally of 77 votes.

Former London Mayor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">Boris Johnson</a> who has been the frontrunner in all five ballots extended his lead to win&nbsp;160 votes after having bagged 157 Conservative votes earlier.

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Count me in! Really looking forward to a debate of ideas with my colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jeremy_Hunt</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/ITV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITV</a> <a href="https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ">https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1141759439822893057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Thursday, Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage.

The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members.

The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country. 
&nbsp;

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the fifth and final ballot on Thursday evening.

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the fifth and final ballot on Thursday evening. I'm the underdog - but in politics surprises happen as they did today. I do not doubt the responsibility on my shoulders - to show my party how we deliver Brexit and not an election, but also a turbo-charged economy and a country that walks tall in the world — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) June 20, 2019 × Gove who had won 61 votes to edge out Hunt who managed 59 votes in the fourth ballot held earlier in the day saw his fortunes dip in the final ballot falling short by two votes winning 75 to Hunt's final tally of 77 votes. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson who has been the frontrunner in all five ballots extended his lead to win 160 votes after having bagged 157 Conservative votes earlier. Count me in! Really looking forward to a debate of ideas with my colleague @Jeremy_Hunt on @ITV https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 20, 2019 × Earlier on Thursday, Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage. The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members. The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

UK PM race: Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt to contest Conservative leadership; Michael Gove eliminated in final ballot

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">in favour of Boris Johnson </a>in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

Johnson who had won the third ballot on Wednesday bagging 143 votes, went further ahead today getting 157 votes from British MPs. MP Michael Gove won 61 votes while British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt grabbed 59 votes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-tops-second-ballot-ex-brexit-minister-dominic-raab-eliminated-228505">Sajid Javid was eliminated </a>after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage.

After Javid's elimination, one more candidate needs to withdraw otherwise MPs will vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm today (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT) to whittle the field down to two.

The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members.

The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily in favour of Boris Johnson in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily in favour of Boris Johnson in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom. Johnson who had won the third ballot on Wednesday bagging 143 votes, went further ahead today getting 157 votes from British MPs. MP Michael Gove won 61 votes while British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt grabbed 59 votes. Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage. After Javid's elimination, one more candidate needs to withdraw otherwise MPs will vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm today (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT) to whittle the field down to two. The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members. The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

UK PM race: Boris Johnson wins fourth ballot, Sajid Javed eliminated

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">Boris Johnson in the final two</a> battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot.

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, environment secretary Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid are vying to join Johnson on the ballot paper to be put before 160,000 Conservative Party members.

Two rounds of voting are scheduled to whittle the four down to two,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898"> though Johnson, barring a spectacular</a> collapse in support, already has more than enough backing to ensure he cruises through.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-boris-johnson-be-the-next-uk-pm-221660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The last two will then face 16 hustings meetings around the country and two televised debates before Tory party members send in their postal votes to pick a new leader.

The winner will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

In Wednesday's third ballot of 313 MPs in the governing, centre-right Conservative Party, former foreign secretary Johnson came first with 143 votes, ahead of Hunt on 54, Gove on 51 and Javid on 38.

International development minister Rory Stewart was eliminated with 27 votes.

Thursday's fourth ballot to whittle them down to three opened at 10am (0900 GMT), with the result to be declared at 1pm.&nbsp;

If no candidate then chooses to withdraw, MPs are scheduled to vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT).

Thursday's double round of voting will see candidates frantically scrambling for their colleagues' support -- and arm-twisting galore.

Before Wednesday's vote, Stewart said he had been speaking to Gove about potentially joining forces.

Hunt has come second to former London mayor Johnson in the first three rounds and pledged: "If I make it to the final I will put my heart and soul into giving him the contest of his life."

Gove said: "I'm determined to make this a contest of ideas."

Home Secretary Javid was upbeat, saying: "We can do this!"

Former interior minister Amber Rudd on Thursday called on Johnson to denounce reports that some of his supporters were lending their support to other candidates in order to get his less favoured rivals eliminated.

"This is a serious moment," she told BBC Radio. "We don't need that sort of game playing going on in parliament."

His supporters were reported by the Daily Telegraph to be plotting to eliminate Gove in revenge for bringing down Johnson's previous bid to become prime minister in 2016.&nbsp;

Bookmakers say Johnson has a 10 in 11 chance of becoming the next Conservative leader.

May stepped down as Conservative leader earlier this month over her failure to deliver Brexit on time, although she remains prime minister until her successor is chosen.

MPs rejected the divorce deal she struck with Brussels three times, shredding her authority.

May has not revealed who she has voted for. She has repeatedly told journalists "none of your business!" after voting and said she had not even told her husband.

Finance minister Philip Hammond has also kept mum on who he is backing.

All four candidates say they will threaten to leave the EU with "no deal" in a bid to change the withdrawal agreement text, which Brussels has so far said will not be reopened.

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte told BBC Radio on Thursday that a no deal Brexit would leave Britain "a different country.

"It will be a diminished country. It is unavoidable," he warned.

Johnson and Javid insist Britain must leave on the twice-delayed October 31 exit date, while Hunt and Gove are prepared to delay further if a divorce deal with Brussels seems close.

In his annual Mansion House speech to London banking bigwigs, Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond will say he cannot imagine any Conservative government "actively pursuing a no-deal Brexit".

According to his Treasury ministry, he will say it would risk breaking up the United Kingdom, Britain's economic prosperity and triggering a general election that could put Jeremy Corbyn, the main opposition Labour Party's left-wing leader, into Downing Street.

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join Boris Johnson in the final two battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot.

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join Boris Johnson in the final two battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot. Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, environment secretary Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid are vying to join Johnson on the ballot paper to be put before 160,000 Conservative Party members. Two rounds of voting are scheduled to whittle the four down to two, though Johnson, barring a spectacular collapse in support, already has more than enough backing to ensure he cruises through. The last two will then face 16 hustings meetings around the country and two televised debates before Tory party members send in their postal votes to pick a new leader. The winner will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister. In Wednesday's third ballot of 313 MPs in the governing, centre-right Conservative Party, former foreign secretary Johnson came first with 143 votes, ahead of Hunt on 54, Gove on 51 and Javid on 38. International development minister Rory Stewart was eliminated with 27 votes. Thursday's fourth ballot to whittle them down to three opened at 10am (0900 GMT), with the result to be declared at 1pm. If no candidate then chooses to withdraw, MPs are scheduled to vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT). Thursday's double round of voting will see candidates frantically scrambling for their colleagues' support -- and arm-twisting galore. Before Wednesday's vote, Stewart said he had been speaking to Gove about potentially joining forces. Hunt has come second to former London mayor Johnson in the first three rounds and pledged: "If I make it to the final I will put my heart and soul into giving him the contest of his life." Gove said: "I'm determined to make this a contest of ideas." Home Secretary Javid was upbeat, saying: "We can do this!" Former interior minister Amber Rudd on Thursday called on Johnson to denounce reports that some of his supporters were lending their support to other candidates in order to get his less favoured rivals eliminated. "This is a serious moment," she told BBC Radio. "We don't need that sort of game playing going on in parliament." His supporters were reported by the Daily Telegraph to be plotting to eliminate Gove in revenge for bringing down Johnson's previous bid to become prime minister in 2016. Bookmakers say Johnson has a 10 in 11 chance of becoming the next Conservative leader. May stepped down as Conservative leader earlier this month over her failure to deliver Brexit on time, although she remains prime minister until her successor is chosen. MPs rejected the divorce deal she struck with Brussels three times, shredding her authority. May has not revealed who she has voted for. She has repeatedly told journalists "none of your business!" after voting and said she had not even told her husband. Finance minister Philip Hammond has also kept mum on who he is backing. All four candidates say they will threaten to leave the EU with "no deal" in a bid to change the withdrawal agreement text, which Brussels has so far said will not be reopened. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte told BBC Radio on Thursday that a no deal Brexit would leave Britain "a different country. "It will be a diminished country. It is unavoidable," he warned. Johnson and Javid insist Britain must leave on the twice-delayed October 31 exit date, while Hunt and Gove are prepared to delay further if a divorce deal with Brussels seems close. In his annual Mansion House speech to London banking bigwigs, Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond will say he cannot imagine any Conservative government "actively pursuing a no-deal Brexit". According to his Treasury ministry, he will say it would risk breaking up the United Kingdom, Britain's economic prosperity and triggering a general election that could put Jeremy Corbyn, the main opposition Labour Party's left-wing leader, into Downing Street.

UK PM race: Conservative MPs begin voting to pick candidate to join Boris Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Candidates vying for Theresa May's job and what they said about Brexit

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

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

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

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

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