The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals.

The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland.

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Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win.&nbsp;

The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him.

Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sleaze-house-of-commons-porn-misogyny-sexism-in-uk-parliament-475012">Also see |&nbsp;Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament</a>

Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats.&nbsp;

According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate."

Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election.

In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future. With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland. Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win. The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him. Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives. Also see | Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats. According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate." Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election. In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

UK's Conservative Party loses 53 council seats in local elections

British opposition party on Tuesday (April 19) slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson by calling him a ''man without shame''.

Johnson has been under intense pressure since it was revealed that Downing Street threw booze parties during the period when a three-tier lockdown had been imposed in London.

The scandal was dubbed 'partygate' by the British media after footage of the parties was leaked and went viral on social media.

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The Metropolitan Police found Johnson guitly of violating the COVID-19 guidelines and imposed a fine on him. He became the first British leader to be penalised for breaking the law.

During his first address to the British parliament since paying the fine, Johnson said, ''I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House (of Commons).''

''As soon as I received the notice, I acknowledged the hurt and the anger, and I said that people had a right to expect better of their Prime Minister.''

"It did not occur to me then, or subsequently, that a gathering in the Cabinet Room just before a vital meeting on COVID strategy could amount to a breach of the rules. I repeat that was my mistake, and I apologise for it, unreservedly," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnsons-partygate-timeline-of-a-very-british-scandal-447816">Also see |&nbsp;Boris Johnson's 'partygate': Timeline of a very British scandal</a>

However, Kier Starmer, leader of the UK's Labour Party, called his apology a joke and added that the ''British people do not believe him anymore.''

''This isn't a fixable glitch in the system. It is he who he is and he can't change.''&nbsp;

''He should bring decency, honesty, and integrity back into our politics and stop the denigration of this country," he added.

The Labour Party has asked Johnson to quit for the sake of integrity in politics.

As a result of the controversy, Johnson's approval rating has plummeted with a recent national survey suggesting approximately two-thirds of the public spoke negatively about Johnson.

Conservative Party pollster James Johnson told AFP, "Overall, 'partygate' dominates views of Boris over Ukraine."&nbsp;

"Fury has not receded. Many negative comments are by people who liked him previously but have now changed their minds." 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British opposition party on Tuesday (April 19) slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson by calling him a ''man without shame''. Johnson has been under intense pressure since it was revealed that Downing Street threw booze parties during the period when a three-tier lockdown had been imposed in London.

British opposition party on Tuesday (April 19) slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson by calling him a ''man without shame''. Johnson has been under intense pressure since it was revealed that Downing Street threw booze parties during the period when a three-tier lockdown had been imposed in London. The scandal was dubbed 'partygate' by the British media after footage of the parties was leaked and went viral on social media. The Metropolitan Police found Johnson guitly of violating the COVID-19 guidelines and imposed a fine on him. He became the first British leader to be penalised for breaking the law. During his first address to the British parliament since paying the fine, Johnson said, ''I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House (of Commons).'' ''As soon as I received the notice, I acknowledged the hurt and the anger, and I said that people had a right to expect better of their Prime Minister.'' "It did not occur to me then, or subsequently, that a gathering in the Cabinet Room just before a vital meeting on COVID strategy could amount to a breach of the rules. I repeat that was my mistake, and I apologise for it, unreservedly," he added. Also see | Boris Johnson's 'partygate': Timeline of a very British scandal However, Kier Starmer, leader of the UK's Labour Party, called his apology a joke and added that the ''British people do not believe him anymore.'' ''This isn't a fixable glitch in the system. It is he who he is and he can't change.'' ''He should bring decency, honesty, and integrity back into our politics and stop the denigration of this country," he added. The Labour Party has asked Johnson to quit for the sake of integrity in politics. As a result of the controversy, Johnson's approval rating has plummeted with a recent national survey suggesting approximately two-thirds of the public spoke negatively about Johnson. Conservative Party pollster James Johnson told AFP, "Overall, 'partygate' dominates views of Boris over Ukraine." "Fury has not receded. Many negative comments are by people who liked him previously but have now changed their minds." (With inputs from agencies)

British opposition party slams PM Boris Johnson, calls him 'man without shame'

Malta&nbsp;will&nbsp;hold&nbsp;a general&nbsp;election&nbsp;on&nbsp;March&nbsp;26, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday, adding that he would ask the president to dissolve parliament.

The government's five-year term ends in June and opinion polls say a vote is set to hand a third successive term to Abela's centre-left Labour Party.

"The future is bright because we're strong in the present," Abela told supporters at a rally in Floriana just outside&nbsp;Malta's capital Valletta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-eu-first-malta-legalises-cannabis-at-home-and-for-personal-use-436963">In a EU first, Malta legalises cannabis at home and for personal use</a>

Abela has been prime minister and Labour leader since the resignation in January 2020 of Joseph Muscat, who led the party to landslide victories in 2013 and 2017.

Muscat resigned following the arrest of a top businessman, Yorgen Fenech, who was accused of complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.

Media reported at the time that Muscat and his chief of staff were close friends of Fenech. Neither has been accused of involvement in the murder.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/september-21-in-history-from-france-becoming-republic-to-maltas-independence-329066">&nbsp;September 21 in history: From France becoming Republic to Malta's Independence</a>

Muscat and his Chief of Staff Keith Schembri have confirmed their friendships with Fenech but deny involvement or prior knowledge of the murder.

Despite Muscat's resignation and other controversies over government corruption, Labour remains popular thanks to a strong economy and generous assistance to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its chief rival, the Opposition centre right Nationalist Party has, meanwhile, seen three leaders in five years and is struggling to present itself as a united alternative government.

Watch |&nbsp;Malta to legalise cannabis for personal use, supporters hail decision

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The&nbsp;March&nbsp;26&nbsp;election&nbsp;will be held a week before Pope Francis is due to visit the Mediterranean island. Turnout at general&nbsp;elections is normally strong, exceeding 95 per cent.

Malta will hold a general election on March 26, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday, adding that he would ask the president to dissolve parliament. The government's five-year term ends in June and opinion polls say a vote is set to hand a third successive term to Abela's centre-left Labour Party.

Malta will hold a general election on March 26, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday, adding that he would ask the president to dissolve parliament. The government's five-year term ends in June and opinion polls say a vote is set to hand a third successive term to Abela's centre-left Labour Party. "The future is bright because we're strong in the present," Abela told supporters at a rally in Floriana just outside Malta's capital Valletta. Also read | In a EU first, Malta legalises cannabis at home and for personal use Abela has been prime minister and Labour leader since the resignation in January 2020 of Joseph Muscat, who led the party to landslide victories in 2013 and 2017. Muscat resigned following the arrest of a top businessman, Yorgen Fenech, who was accused of complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017. Media reported at the time that Muscat and his chief of staff were close friends of Fenech. Neither has been accused of involvement in the murder. Also read | September 21 in history: From France becoming Republic to Malta's Independence Muscat and his Chief of Staff Keith Schembri have confirmed their friendships with Fenech but deny involvement or prior knowledge of the murder. Despite Muscat's resignation and other controversies over government corruption, Labour remains popular thanks to a strong economy and generous assistance to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its chief rival, the Opposition centre right Nationalist Party has, meanwhile, seen three leaders in five years and is struggling to present itself as a united alternative government. Watch | Malta to legalise cannabis for personal use, supporters hail decision The March 26 election will be held a week before Pope Francis is due to visit the Mediterranean island. Turnout at general elections is normally strong, exceeding 95 per cent.

Malta to hold parliamentary election on March 26

Labour leader Keir Starmer had to be bundled into a police car after he was accosted by protesters outside parliament. The group called him a ‘traitor’ and shouted at him about Jimmy Savile.

Labour leader Keir Starmer heckled by angry mob outside Parliament

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral.

The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent.

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Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit.

She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-party-video-row-uk-pm-johnsons-adviser-allegra-stratton-quits-435333">Also read |&nbsp;'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits</a>

At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans.

Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign.

Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-from-home-and-vaccine-passports-uk-pm-introduces-plan-b-to-battle-surge-in-covid-cases-435295">Also read |&nbsp;Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases</a>

Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.

Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide.

Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown.

In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov.

The Conservative Party in the UK lost their poll lead after a video of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Christmas party amid last year's lockdown went viral. The rating of the party, also known as Tories dropped 3 percentage points from December 2 to 33 per cent of the vote while Labour rose 4 percentage points to 37 per cent in the poll conducted by YouGov. Another poll held by Survation put Labour on 40 per cent of the vote, up 1 percentage point, and Johnson's Conservatives down 2 to 34 per cent. Party furor deepened for Britain's Johnson after Downing Street Press Secretary Allegra Stratton quit. She was seen at a rehearsal for a daily briefing laughing and joking about a reported gathering. Also read | 'Covid party' video row: UK PM Johnson's adviser Allegra Stratton quits At the time, there were limits on numbers allowed at social gatherings, including a ban on mixing between households, that forced millions to cancel their Christmas plans. Several snap polls indicated a majority of people now think Johnson should resign. Earlier, the Conservative Party was fined $23,500 for funding a renovation at Johnson's official residence as it failed to properly disclose a donation of $90,000. Also read | Work from home and vaccine passports: UK PM introduces Plan B to battle surge in Covid cases Johnson has faced criticism in recent months over his handling of a sleaze scandal along with a claim he intervened to ensure pets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August. Matt Hancock had resigned in June as health secretary after he broke social distancing rules he urged everyone to follow by being pictured in a steamy clinch with an aide. Johnson's former closest aide, Dominic Cummings, sparked fury by driving across the country while suffering Covid symptoms during the first lockdown. In 2019, Johnson had won a landslide victory and procured 365 of 650 seats with Brexit as his main focus. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative Party loses poll lead over Labour after Johnson's Christmas party scandal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street.

Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down?

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Alcohol flowed heavily&nbsp;at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media.

Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.''

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-reportedly-called-british-pm-boris-johnson-a-clown-amid-diplomatic-spat-433496">Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat</a>

However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London.

According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000.

UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-imposes-new-measures-after-uk-reports-omicron-variant-cases-432441">Also read |&nbsp;PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases</a>

Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson.

Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London.

Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues.

It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas. Watch | Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down? Alcohol flowed heavily at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media. Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.'' Also read | Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London. According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000. UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities. Also read | PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson. Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London. Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues. It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson denies flouting coronavirus restrictions at boozy party held in Downing Street

Left-wing British filmmaker&nbsp;Ken&nbsp;Loach&nbsp;said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer.

Veteran socialist&nbsp;Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

"Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted.

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'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL
— Ken Loach &amp; Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenLoachSixteen/status/1426478743225315331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership.

Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values.

Loach&nbsp;tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed.

"I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt.

"Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added.

Loach&nbsp;has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake".

Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace".

"To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted.

"Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change &amp; inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected. "Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted. 'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL — Ken Loach & Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) August 14, 2021 × Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership. Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values. Loach tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed. "I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt. "Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added. Loach has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake". Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace". "To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted. "Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

UK Labour Party kicks out veteran filmmaker Ken Loach

A little after the UK’s health secretary tested positive and Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson?page=1">Boris Johnson</a> and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also self-isolated, another UK leader will be quarantining.

UK’s Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, will be self-isolating after one of his children tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> today.

This news came a little after Starmer had finished attending the Commons for today’s session of PMQs. As per local reports, Starmer got to know about his kid testing positive only after his appearance at the PMQs ended.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-reverses-plan-to-skip-quarantine-after-covid-19-exposure-398957" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure</a>

He had earlier tested negative for coronavirus, when he took a test on Wednesday morning.

However, he will now be beginning the quarantine process, with his whole family.

"One of Keir's children tested positive for COVID this lunchtime,"&nbsp;Labour leader’s spokesperson said. "In line with the rules, Keir and his family will now be self-isolating."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-finance-minister-exposed-to-covid-19-confined-to-office-work-398817" hreflang="en">UK PM, finance minister exposed to COVID-19, confined to office work</a>

This is the fourth time Starmer has had to self-isolate since the pandemic began. The self-isolation will also hinder his plans of launching "safer communities"&nbsp;campaign on Thursday.

“Keir was already doing daily tests and tested negative this morning. He will continue to take daily tests,” the spokesperson added.

The recent breach of Covid in the UK’s leadership has sent a shiver of concern around the country as it signals a surge in cases. However, it has also raised concerns about the reopening of the economy which has been severely criticised by several experts.

A little after the UK’s health secretary tested positive and Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also self-isolated, another UK leader will be quarantining.

A little after the UK’s health secretary tested positive and Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak also self-isolated, another UK leader will be quarantining. UK’s Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, will be self-isolating after one of his children tested positive for coronavirus today. This news came a little after Starmer had finished attending the Commons for today’s session of PMQs. As per local reports, Starmer got to know about his kid testing positive only after his appearance at the PMQs ended. Also read | UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure He had earlier tested negative for coronavirus, when he took a test on Wednesday morning. However, he will now be beginning the quarantine process, with his whole family. "One of Keir's children tested positive for COVID this lunchtime," Labour leader’s spokesperson said. "In line with the rules, Keir and his family will now be self-isolating." Also read | UK PM, finance minister exposed to COVID-19, confined to office work This is the fourth time Starmer has had to self-isolate since the pandemic began. The self-isolation will also hinder his plans of launching "safer communities" campaign on Thursday. “Keir was already doing daily tests and tested negative this morning. He will continue to take daily tests,” the spokesperson added. The recent breach of Covid in the UK’s leadership has sent a shiver of concern around the country as it signals a surge in cases. However, it has also raised concerns about the reopening of the economy which has been severely criticised by several experts.

UK: Labour Party leader to self-isolate after his kid tests positive for Covid

The Labour party wants the UK government to suspend trade deal negotiations with India. While clubbing India with Zimbabwe, Labour says the UK rushing into deals with nations that abuse workers rights. WION's Palki tells you why this is an overreach into India's sovereignty.

Gravitas: Why is the Labour party against an India-UK trade deal?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed plans to lift some of the major COVID-19 restrictions, including face masks and social distancing from July 19, urging personal responsibility rather than a government edict.

Boris Johnson's plan to ease COVID restrictions is 'reckless': Labour party

A Labour party pamphlet in West Yorkshire featured PM Modi with Boris Johnson, warning voters against siding with Conservatives. Why is Labour dragging the Indian PM into their divisive campaign? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: PM Modi dragged into Labour's divisive campaign

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. 
The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster.

The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result.

"There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC.

"It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." 
The Conservatives described it as a historic day.

The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday.

Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two.

"It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News.

Red Wall

Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. 
The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services.

The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament.

Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout.

But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest.

He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules.

Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction.

"Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas. Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster. The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result. "There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC. "It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." The Conservatives described it as a historic day. The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday. Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two. "It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News. Red Wall Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services. The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament. Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout. But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest. He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules. Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction. "Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town

The&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party&nbsp;hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim&nbsp;majority&nbsp;in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum.

The UK voted in a series of local and regional polls on "Super Thursday" in its first major vote since Brexit and the pandemic.

Johnson's Conservative&nbsp;Party&nbsp;performed strongly and claimed a traditional Labour seat in a parliamentary by-election.

But the focus remained on Scotland, where a vote for the devolved parliament in Edinburgh tested public support for the SNP's plan to hold a fresh referendum on&nbsp;independence&nbsp;that could reshape the UK.

The SNP on Friday won 39 of the 48 seats declared but lost two key targets. It needs 65 seats to claim a&nbsp;majority&nbsp;at Holyrood for the first time since 2011.

'Hopes fading'&nbsp;

"Hopes of SNP&nbsp;majority&nbsp;fading", the Herald daily headlined its election story, while The Scotsman wrote: "SNP hopes on a&nbsp;knife-edge&nbsp;amid gains for Nicola Sturgeon's&nbsp;party."

Deputy First Minister John Sweeney told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday morning that the SNP "is going to be the largest&nbsp;party&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Parliament" but said an overall&nbsp;majority&nbsp;"was always a very, very challenging mountain for us to climb".

He predicted that the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;parliament would however have a&nbsp;majority&nbsp;"of people who are committed to the holding of an&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum." The other pro-independence&nbsp;party&nbsp;with Holyrood seats is, the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Greens.&nbsp;

Johnson in an interview with The Daily Telegraph indicated that he would not agree to a referendum even if the SNP wins a&nbsp;majority.

"I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the right-wing broadsheet.

Asked what he would do if Sturgeon pushed for a referendum without Westminster's consent, he said "there's no case now for such a thing... I don't think it's what the times call for at all."

Sturgeon has stressed that she will only hold a legal referendum and that it will be held when the virus crisis is over and not before the end of 2023.&nbsp;

"I pledge today to get back to work immediately, to lead this country in recovery from Covid, and then, when the time is right, to offer this country the choice of a better future," she said Friday.

The SNP also pledges that independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union after most Scots voted against Brexit.

Johnson told The Telegraph he had the impression that the SNP had "moved away from the idea of a referendum, and I think very wisely."

The last referendum in 2014 saw 55 per cent vote "no". Recent polls suggest "no" would win again in an immediate referendum, as many fear ongoing upheaval post-Brexit.

'Very encouraging'&nbsp;

On Friday Johnson's Tories won a landslide in the northeast parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, in a bitter blow for Labour and its leader Keir Starmer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-party-sweeps-aside-labour-in-northern-english-town-383549">PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town</a>

The Tory mayor for Tees Valley, also in northeast England, won re-election, also by a landslide, increasing his share of the vote compared to 2017.

Johnson described the results as "very encouraging" for his government.

The results continue the trend from the last general election in December 2019, when Brexit was the dominant issue and&nbsp;Conservatives grabbed a string of seats across Labour's so-called "Red Wall" heartlands in northern England.

This time, Johnson may have benefited from Britain's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country also suffering one of the world's worst Covid-19 death tolls.

Dogged by scandals in recent weeks, Johnson campaigned on his record of finally having "got Brexit done".&nbsp;

He also touted government economic support during the pandemic and the vaccine drive.

The Scottish National Party hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim majority in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an independence referendum.

The Scottish National Party hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim majority in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an independence referendum. The UK voted in a series of local and regional polls on "Super Thursday" in its first major vote since Brexit and the pandemic. Johnson's Conservative Party performed strongly and claimed a traditional Labour seat in a parliamentary by-election. But the focus remained on Scotland, where a vote for the devolved parliament in Edinburgh tested public support for the SNP's plan to hold a fresh referendum on independence that could reshape the UK. The SNP on Friday won 39 of the 48 seats declared but lost two key targets. It needs 65 seats to claim a majority at Holyrood for the first time since 2011. 'Hopes fading' "Hopes of SNP majority fading", the Herald daily headlined its election story, while The Scotsman wrote: "SNP hopes on a knife-edge amid gains for Nicola Sturgeon's party." Deputy First Minister John Sweeney told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday morning that the SNP "is going to be the largest party in the Scottish Parliament" but said an overall majority "was always a very, very challenging mountain for us to climb". He predicted that the Scottish parliament would however have a majority "of people who are committed to the holding of an independence referendum." The other pro-independence party with Holyrood seats is, the Scottish Greens. Johnson in an interview with The Daily Telegraph indicated that he would not agree to a referendum even if the SNP wins a majority. "I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the right-wing broadsheet. Asked what he would do if Sturgeon pushed for a referendum without Westminster's consent, he said "there's no case now for such a thing... I don't think it's what the times call for at all." Sturgeon has stressed that she will only hold a legal referendum and that it will be held when the virus crisis is over and not before the end of 2023. "I pledge today to get back to work immediately, to lead this country in recovery from Covid, and then, when the time is right, to offer this country the choice of a better future," she said Friday. The SNP also pledges that independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union after most Scots voted against Brexit. Johnson told The Telegraph he had the impression that the SNP had "moved away from the idea of a referendum, and I think very wisely." The last referendum in 2014 saw 55 per cent vote "no". Recent polls suggest "no" would win again in an immediate referendum, as many fear ongoing upheaval post-Brexit. 'Very encouraging' On Friday Johnson's Tories won a landslide in the northeast parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, in a bitter blow for Labour and its leader Keir Starmer. Also read | PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town The Tory mayor for Tees Valley, also in northeast England, won re-election, also by a landslide, increasing his share of the vote compared to 2017. Johnson described the results as "very encouraging" for his government. The results continue the trend from the last general election in December 2019, when Brexit was the dominant issue and Conservatives grabbed a string of seats across Labour's so-called "Red Wall" heartlands in northern England. This time, Johnson may have benefited from Britain's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country also suffering one of the world's worst Covid-19 death tolls. Dogged by scandals in recent weeks, Johnson campaigned on his record of finally having "got Brexit done". He also touted government economic support during the pandemic and the vaccine drive.

Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit India on April 25, marking the first-ever major overseas visit since he took charge of Number 10.

The trip was initially supposed to last for four days, but his office has now cut short the trip and has limited his travel options.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-all-set-to-visit-india-on-april-25-378090">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-all-set-to-visit-india-on-april-25-378090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There are new variants emerging all around the world. The government is telling people don’t travel if you don’t absolutely have to travel. I can’t see why the prime minister can’t conduct his business with the Indian government by Zoom," Steve Reed, the shadow communities secretary told the Sky news.

Concerns about his trip rose as India registered more than 260,000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours. The Indian variant of the virus has also shaken the world with a new surge,&nbsp;and many scientists have warned the PM against this new variant.

Health experts of the country have also urged the Prime Minister to place a ban on travellers from India and have advised that India should be placed on the 'red list'.

"The decision to add and remove countries from the red list is informed by the latest scientific data and public health advice from a world-leading range of experts," a No 10 spokesperson said. "As with all our coronavirus measures, we keep the red list under constant review and our priority remains to protect the health of the UK public. We will not hesitate to introduce tougher restrictions if necessary."

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country. Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit India on April 25, marking the first-ever major overseas visit since he took charge of Number 10. The trip was initially supposed to last for four days, but his office has now cut short the trip and has limited his travel options. Watch | "There are new variants emerging all around the world. The government is telling people don’t travel if you don’t absolutely have to travel. I can’t see why the prime minister can’t conduct his business with the Indian government by Zoom," Steve Reed, the shadow communities secretary told the Sky news. Concerns about his trip rose as India registered more than 260,000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours. The Indian variant of the virus has also shaken the world with a new surge, and many scientists have warned the PM against this new variant. Health experts of the country have also urged the Prime Minister to place a ban on travellers from India and have advised that India should be placed on the 'red list'. "The decision to add and remove countries from the red list is informed by the latest scientific data and public health advice from a world-leading range of experts," a No 10 spokesperson said. "As with all our coronavirus measures, we keep the red list under constant review and our priority remains to protect the health of the UK public. We will not hesitate to introduce tougher restrictions if necessary."

Labour urges Boris Johnson to cancel India trip amid coronavirus surge

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group.

In a tweet she said, "A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet." Adding, "This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents."

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A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet. This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents.
— Taiwo Owatemi MP (@TaiwoOwatemi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaiwoOwatemi/status/1337715198933815298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In her earlier tweet, she not only extended support for the group banned by India just last year but also said,&nbsp;"I stand with #SIkhForJustice and the Sikh community's right to self-determination on #UNDayOfHumanRights". She later deleted the tweet.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-social-leftist-and-maoist-elements-trying-to-take-control-of-farmers-agitation-says-govt-protesters-in-no-mood-to-budge-349173" hreflang="en">Anti-social, Leftist and Maoist elements trying to take control of farmers' agitation, says Govt; protesters in no mood to budge</a>

But her tweet is being used by a number of "ghost" Khalistani Twitter handles for their own propaganda purposes. SFJ has been very active on social media and promotion of Khalistani activities.

The development comes even as the group has organized a number of protests in the United Kingdom in front of the Indian high commission in London and consulate in Birmingham. Last weekend's protest saw around 3,500-4,000 people in front of the Indian mission, violating the COVID protocols. London's Metropolitan Police arrested 13 due to violation of the pandemic protocols. During the protest was present Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is on National Investigation Agency's most wanted list.

Labour party's popularity amongst the Indian diaspora sharply fell under the previous party chief Jeremy Corbyn who had criticized New Delhi after removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian origin people in the UK form a substantial part of the British population, and actions of the Labour leadership dented ties. Under the new leadership led by Keir Starmer, attempts have been made for a reach out, including calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between Indian and Pakistan.

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group.

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group. In a tweet she said, "A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet." Adding, "This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents." A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet. This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents. — Taiwo Owatemi MP (@TaiwoOwatemi) December 12, 2020 × In her earlier tweet, she not only extended support for the group banned by India just last year but also said, "I stand with #SIkhForJustice and the Sikh community's right to self-determination on #UNDayOfHumanRights". She later deleted the tweet. ALso read| Anti-social, Leftist and Maoist elements trying to take control of farmers' agitation, says Govt; protesters in no mood to budge But her tweet is being used by a number of "ghost" Khalistani Twitter handles for their own propaganda purposes. SFJ has been very active on social media and promotion of Khalistani activities. The development comes even as the group has organized a number of protests in the United Kingdom in front of the Indian high commission in London and consulate in Birmingham. Last weekend's protest saw around 3,500-4,000 people in front of the Indian mission, violating the COVID protocols. London's Metropolitan Police arrested 13 due to violation of the pandemic protocols. During the protest was present Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is on National Investigation Agency's most wanted list. Labour party's popularity amongst the Indian diaspora sharply fell under the previous party chief Jeremy Corbyn who had criticized New Delhi after removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian origin people in the UK form a substantial part of the British population, and actions of the Labour leadership dented ties. Under the new leadership led by Keir Starmer, attempts have been made for a reach out, including calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between Indian and Pakistan.

Labour MP apologises for extending support to banned Khalistani group

The Labour Party has been plagued by allegations of antisemitism over the years, with its disastrous electoral defeat in the December 2019 election also linked to the crisis.

Indian-origin peer Lord Meghnad Desai quits Labour Party over racism

&nbsp;Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks.

The 80-year-old peer said he has only ever been a Labour Party supporter but was forced to take the decision to cancel his membership on Thursday after 49 years after former party leader Jeremy Corbyn was readmitted after just 19 days of suspension despite findings of "unlawful acts" by the country's human rights watchdog.

"It was a very peculiar decision to allow him back without any apology. He has been refused the party whip in the House of Commons for a few months, but that is a very lame response to a very big crisis,"&nbsp;Lord Desai said.

"I have been very uncomfortable and slightly ashamed that the party has been injected with this sort of racism. Jewish MPs were abused openly, and female members were trolled. It is out and out racism,"&nbsp;he said.

The Labour Party has been plagued by allegations of antisemitism over the years, with its disastrous electoral defeat in the December 2019 election also linked to the crisis.

Sir Keir Starmer took over as the new party leader this year with the promise of ridding the party of the scourge and had taken the step to suspend Corbyn last month after he seemed to downplay the very critical findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The watchdog had found that Labour had broken the law in its failure to handle antisemitism, or anti-Jewish, complaints and there were "serious failings" by its leadership at the time.

"I don't see things really changing in the foreseeable future and have to ultimately live with my conscience. I can't go on being in an antisemitic party,"&nbsp;said Desai, even as he stressed that he has no plans of joining any other political party.

He has sent in his resignation letter to the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, and despite many appeals for him to reconsider, he will now sit as an independent peer while his application to be part of the Crossbench group of the UK Parliament's Upper House is underway.

Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks.

Indian-origin economist, author and peer Lord Meghnad Desai has resigned as a member of the UK's Opposition Labour Party over its failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks. The 80-year-old peer said he has only ever been a Labour Party supporter but was forced to take the decision to cancel his membership on Thursday after 49 years after former party leader Jeremy Corbyn was readmitted after just 19 days of suspension despite findings of "unlawful acts" by the country's human rights watchdog. "It was a very peculiar decision to allow him back without any apology. He has been refused the party whip in the House of Commons for a few months, but that is a very lame response to a very big crisis," Lord Desai said. "I have been very uncomfortable and slightly ashamed that the party has been injected with this sort of racism. Jewish MPs were abused openly, and female members were trolled. It is out and out racism," he said. The Labour Party has been plagued by allegations of antisemitism over the years, with its disastrous electoral defeat in the December 2019 election also linked to the crisis. Sir Keir Starmer took over as the new party leader this year with the promise of ridding the party of the scourge and had taken the step to suspend Corbyn last month after he seemed to downplay the very critical findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The watchdog had found that Labour had broken the law in its failure to handle antisemitism, or anti-Jewish, complaints and there were "serious failings" by its leadership at the time. "I don't see things really changing in the foreseeable future and have to ultimately live with my conscience. I can't go on being in an antisemitic party," said Desai, even as he stressed that he has no plans of joining any other political party. He has sent in his resignation letter to the Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, and despite many appeals for him to reconsider, he will now sit as an independent peer while his application to be part of the Crossbench group of the UK Parliament's Upper House is underway.

Indian-origin peer Lord Meghnad Desai resigns from Labour Party over racism

Corbyn denounced the report, which highlighted numerous complaints made during his tenure, saying they were “dramatically overstated for political reasons”.

Jeremy Corbyn suspended from Labour party over response to anti-Semitism allegations

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic.&nbsp;

Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-pm-fires-immigration-minister-over-affair-315156">Also watch:&nbsp;New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair</a>

In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source.&nbsp;

"When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs.

"Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery."

Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-sacks-immigration-minister-iain-lees-galloway-over-office-affair-with-ex-staffer-315014">Also read:&nbsp;Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer</a>

Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said.&nbsp;

"If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom."

The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment.&nbsp;

It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week.&nbsp;

"The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern kicked off her Labour Party's election campaign Saturday riding high in the opinion polls after a successful response to the coronavirus outbreak. Ardern's popularity as preferred prime minister — often referred to as "Jacindamania" — topped 60 percent in the latest surveys following her leadership through the Christchurch mosque attacks, the White Island volcanic eruption and the pandemic. Before the virus forced New Zealand to seal its borders, the polls had pointed to a cliffhanger election on September 19, but support swung sharply towards the centre-left Labour Party as the country eliminated community transmission in a matter on months. Also watch: New Zealand PM fires immigration minister over affair In a country of five million people, New Zealand has had only 22 COVID-19 deaths and it has been 99 days since the last recorded case of infection from an unknown source. "When people ask, is this a COVID election, my answer is yes, it is," the charismatic 40-year-old said as she launched the campaign with a NZ$311 million (US$205 million) pledge to boost jobs. "Businesses large and small are crucial to our economic recovery." Labour is the senior partner in a three-party coalition government but if it can maintain the support shown in recent opinion polls, where it has consistently been above 50 percent, it could govern alone after the election. Also read: Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer Ardern was an unheralded MP when thrust into the Labour leadership shortly before the 2017 election when the party was struggling and "there were plenty who thought it couldn't (win)," she said. "If you had told me then that our launch in 2020 would be in the midst of a global pandemic with our borders closed — I would have found that very hard to fathom." The centrepiece of Labour's campaign is to support businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people whose employment has been affected by the coronavirus. It pledged to expand existing job schemes to help employers hire staff at risk of long-term unemployment. It will also help out-of-work New Zealanders start a business through an expanded self-employment programme which will provide the equivalent of the minimum wage for up to 30-hours a week. "The new flexi-wage scheme is a key plank of our economic plan to support businesses to recover and to provide jobs to those who have lost work due to COVID," Ardern said. "Our team-of-five-million approach to fighting COVID means there is huge willingness in our business community to avoid unemployment rising by retaining staff and taking on new employees where they can, but many just need a little bit of extra support to do that, which this package provides."

New Zealand's Ardern kicks off election campaign after taming virus

British&nbsp;Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings&nbsp;defied calls to resign on&nbsp;Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

"I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally."

This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by&nbsp;travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives&nbsp;when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts</a>

He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson&nbsp;on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”.

''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.''

Cummings said&nbsp;he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned.

''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.''

When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time.

According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules. "I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally." This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms. Also read:Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”. ''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.'' Cummings said he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned. ''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.'' When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time. According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.

UK PM's aide says he behaved 'reasonably'; defies calls to resign

Keir Starmer - the newly appointed Labour leader has repositioned the party on the Kashmir Issue. Keir Starmer says that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. What made the party change its stance?

Gravitas: UK's Labour party changes position on Kashmir

The popularity of video conferencing app&nbsp;Houseparty&nbsp;has skyrocketed in United Kingdom due to the lockdown imposed in the country.

From the British royals to the&nbsp;ministers or even Boy George, the app&nbsp;has&nbsp;become the nation's most popular isolation choice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-hacking-rumour-houseparty-app-offers-1-million-reward-as-evidence-for-sabotage-289720">After hacking rumour, Houseparty app offers $1 million reward as evidence for sabotage</a>

As a result the service, which allows up to eight people to share the same chat and hop uninvited between mutual friends’ conversations, has been transformed in the space of a few weeks into a venue where the public stand a chance of inadvertently bumping into notable figures.

At least four serving British cabinet ministers are on the app, including health secretary Matt Hancock, currently self-isolating with coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantine-together-new-dating-app-links-you-to-new-people-but-only-if-you-wash-hands-289419" hreflang="en">Quarantine Together: New dating app links you to new people, but only if you wash hands!</a>

Keir Starmer, the frontrunner to become the next Labour leader this weekend, has also been spotted on the service, along with many Labour frontbenchers.

Users also found Culture Club frontman Boy George using the app to combat virus blues.

Downloads of the application rose from an average of 130,000 in&nbsp;mid-February to 2 million a week in the middle of March, according to Apptopia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-distancing-appears-to-have-slowed-coronavirus-spread-says-study-289684" hreflang="en">Social distancing appears to have slowed coronavirus spread, says study</a>

The app has been around for about four years but was picked up last year by Epic Games, the company behind the popular video game Fortnite.

Online rumours had emerged on Monday that the Spotify, Netflix and even bank accounts accounts of customers got hacked after downloading the application.&nbsp;

However, the app's owner announced&nbsp;a reward of $1 million&nbsp;for providing a proof regarding its involvement in&nbsp;a commercial smear campaign.

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We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumors were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty. We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign to bounty@houseparty.com.
— Houseparty (@houseparty) <a href="https://twitter.com/houseparty/status/1244827034406121472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<blockquote cite="https://twitter.com/houseparty/status/1244827034406121472" data-scribe="section:subject" data-tweet-id="1244827034406121472">&nbsp;</blockquote>

The popularity of video conferencing app Houseparty has skyrocketed in United Kingdom due to the lockdown imposed in the country. From the British royals to the ministers or even Boy George, the app has become the nation's most popular isolation choice.

The popularity of video conferencing app Houseparty has skyrocketed in United Kingdom due to the lockdown imposed in the country. From the British royals to the ministers or even Boy George, the app has become the nation's most popular isolation choice. Also read: After hacking rumour, Houseparty app offers $1 million reward as evidence for sabotage As a result the service, which allows up to eight people to share the same chat and hop uninvited between mutual friends’ conversations, has been transformed in the space of a few weeks into a venue where the public stand a chance of inadvertently bumping into notable figures. At least four serving British cabinet ministers are on the app, including health secretary Matt Hancock, currently self-isolating with coronavirus. Also read: Quarantine Together: New dating app links you to new people, but only if you wash hands! Keir Starmer, the frontrunner to become the next Labour leader this weekend, has also been spotted on the service, along with many Labour frontbenchers. Users also found Culture Club frontman Boy George using the app to combat virus blues. Downloads of the application rose from an average of 130,000 in mid-February to 2 million a week in the middle of March, according to Apptopia. Also read: Social distancing appears to have slowed coronavirus spread, says study The app has been around for about four years but was picked up last year by Epic Games, the company behind the popular video game Fortnite. Online rumours had emerged on Monday that the Spotify, Netflix and even bank accounts accounts of customers got hacked after downloading the application. However, the app's owner announced a reward of $1 million for providing a proof regarding its involvement in a commercial smear campaign. We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumors were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty. We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign to bounty@houseparty.com. — Houseparty (@houseparty) March 31, 2020 ×

How the Houseparty app has become UK's platform to socialise?

The&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-new-york-city-against-anti-semitism-in-wake-of-attacks-272505">anti-Semitic</a>&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;logged&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Britain&nbsp;</a>last year hit&nbsp;record&nbsp;levels yet&nbsp;again&nbsp;amid accusations the opposition <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Labour Party</a> had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which advises&nbsp;Britain's estimated 280,000 Jews on security matters, said there had been 1,805&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;in 2019, a rise of 7 per cent&nbsp;and the fourth consecutive year the figure had reached a new high.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-new-york-city-against-anti-semitism-in-wake-of-attacks-272505">Thousands march in New York City against anti-Semitism in wake of attacks</a>

CST chief executive David Delew said the&nbsp;record&nbsp;came as no surprise and the organisation believed the real&nbsp;number&nbsp;was likely to be far higher.

"It is clear that both social media and mainstream politics are places where&nbsp;anti-Semitism and racism need to be driven out, if things are to improve in the future," he said.

World leaders warned last month of a growing tide of&nbsp;anti-Jewish sentiment, driven both by far-right white supremacists and those from the far-left, as they commemorated victims of the Holocaust in World War Two.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accuses-icc-of-anti-semitism-in-pursuit-of-war-crimes-probe-269630">Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe</a>

In&nbsp;Britain, the CST said there was an increase in&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;in months when Labour's problems with&nbsp;anti-Semitism were in the news.

Ever since veteran socialist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Jeremy Corbyn</a>, an ardent supporter of Palestinian rights, became leader in 2015, the party has faced accusations that it has failed to stem&nbsp;anti-Semitism among some members.

Corbyn, who is stepping down as leader in April, has said&nbsp;anti-Semitism is "vile and wrong" but the party is now under investigation by&nbsp;Britain's Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-criticism-trump-signs-order-targeting-anti-semitism-at-universities-267765">Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities</a>

Last February, a&nbsp;number&nbsp;of Labour lawmakers left the party citing the issue as a reason, while ahead of December's national election,&nbsp;Britain's chief rabbi said Corbyn was unfit to be prime minister.

Of the total&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;incidents, 224 were connected to Labour, said the CST, which has collated such data since 1984.

"It is hard to precisely disaggregate the impact of the continuing Labour&nbsp;anti-Semitism controversy upon CST’s statistics, but it clearly has an important bearing," the report said.

The charity said the main reason for the overall increase in&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;was a sharp rise in online&nbsp;anti-Semitism.

But there were also 157 assaults&nbsp;a 27 per cent&nbsp;increase on 2018 with almost 50 per cent&nbsp;of these occurring in just three areas of the country Barnet and Hackney in London and Salford in northern England which are home to some of the largest Jewish communities.

A rise of intolerance after Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to leave the European Union and the Brexit discourse since, which brought nationalism and immigration to the fore, had also led an atmosphere where people might have felt able to express their "hatred of otherness", the report said.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain last year hit record levels yet again amid accusations the opposition Labour Party had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain last year hit record levels yet again amid accusations the opposition Labour Party had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday. The Community Security Trust (CST), which advises Britain's estimated 280,000 Jews on security matters, said there had been 1,805 incidents in 2019, a rise of 7 per cent and the fourth consecutive year the figure had reached a new high. Also read: Thousands march in New York City against anti-Semitism in wake of attacks CST chief executive David Delew said the record came as no surprise and the organisation believed the real number was likely to be far higher. "It is clear that both social media and mainstream politics are places where anti-Semitism and racism need to be driven out, if things are to improve in the future," he said. World leaders warned last month of a growing tide of anti-Jewish sentiment, driven both by far-right white supremacists and those from the far-left, as they commemorated victims of the Holocaust in World War Two. Also read: Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe In Britain, the CST said there was an increase in incidents in months when Labour's problems with anti-Semitism were in the news. Ever since veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, an ardent supporter of Palestinian rights, became leader in 2015, the party has faced accusations that it has failed to stem anti-Semitism among some members. Corbyn, who is stepping down as leader in April, has said anti-Semitism is "vile and wrong" but the party is now under investigation by Britain's Equality and Human Rights Commission. Also read: Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities Last February, a number of Labour lawmakers left the party citing the issue as a reason, while ahead of December's national election, Britain's chief rabbi said Corbyn was unfit to be prime minister. Of the total number of incidents, 224 were connected to Labour, said the CST, which has collated such data since 1984. "It is hard to precisely disaggregate the impact of the continuing Labour anti-Semitism controversy upon CST’s statistics, but it clearly has an important bearing," the report said. The charity said the main reason for the overall increase in incidents was a sharp rise in online anti-Semitism. But there were also 157 assaults a 27 per cent increase on 2018 with almost 50 per cent of these occurring in just three areas of the country Barnet and Hackney in London and Salford in northern England which are home to some of the largest Jewish communities. A rise of intolerance after Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to leave the European Union and the Brexit discourse since, which brought nationalism and immigration to the fore, had also led an atmosphere where people might have felt able to express their "hatred of otherness", the report said.

Record number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain, again

Political reporters staged a mass walk-out from the&nbsp;British&nbsp;government's&nbsp;briefing at the residence of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Brexit after selected reporters were barred from attending it.

Senior political reporters from the Daily Mail, Times, Sun, BBC and Sky refused to attend the event at 10, Downing street after Lee Cain, Johnson's senior-most communications adviser tried to exclude selected reporters from the Mirror, Independent, the Huffington Post and PA Media from the event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-prosper-prime-minister-johnson-sets-out-tough-terms-for-eu-talks-278292">'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks</a>

Later on, he said in a statement that “we’re welcome to brief whoever we like, whenever we like.”

<img alt="10, Downing Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8004fec0-9032-41f3-9a96-521e7e77de17" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T161710.977.jpg" />

Journalists on the invited list were asked to stand on one side of a rug, while those not allowed in were asked by security to stand on the other side.

All the journalists who were not barred staged a mass walkout to send a message of solidarity and to imply that the Government possesess no right to scrutinise reporters.

Pippa Crerar, the political editor of the Mirror who among the reported who were asked to leave, tweeted about the incident.

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My last word on this - I felt deeply uncomfortable being left to stand on one side of the room while colleagues' names were read out one-by-one and they joined the group who were deemed "acceptable" by No 10. Sinister and sad.
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) <a href="https://twitter.com/PippaCrerar/status/1224351381966000130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tracy Brabin from the Labour party said, “press freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy, and journalists must be able to hold the government to account”.&nbsp;

According to sources, the briefing was meant for a few selected reporters called 'inner lobby' that has been functioning since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-prosper-prime-minister-johnson-sets-out-tough-terms-for-eu-talks-278292">Boris Johnson</a> became the British Prime Minister.

Political reporters staged a mass walk-out from the British government's briefing at the residence of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Brexit after selected reporters were barred from attending it.

Political reporters staged a mass walk-out from the British government's briefing at the residence of the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about Brexit after selected reporters were barred from attending it. Senior political reporters from the Daily Mail, Times, Sun, BBC and Sky refused to attend the event at 10, Downing street after Lee Cain, Johnson's senior-most communications adviser tried to exclude selected reporters from the Mirror, Independent, the Huffington Post and PA Media from the event. Also read: 'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks Later on, he said in a statement that “we’re welcome to brief whoever we like, whenever we like.” Journalists on the invited list were asked to stand on one side of a rug, while those not allowed in were asked by security to stand on the other side. All the journalists who were not barred staged a mass walkout to send a message of solidarity and to imply that the Government possesess no right to scrutinise reporters. Pippa Crerar, the political editor of the Mirror who among the reported who were asked to leave, tweeted about the incident. My last word on this - I felt deeply uncomfortable being left to stand on one side of the room while colleagues' names were read out one-by-one and they joined the group who were deemed "acceptable" by No 10. Sinister and sad. — Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) February 3, 2020 × Tracy Brabin from the Labour party said, “press freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy, and journalists must be able to hold the government to account”. According to sources, the briefing was meant for a few selected reporters called 'inner lobby' that has been functioning since Boris Johnson became the British Prime Minister.

British reporters stage mass walkout from government briefing after seleted reporters banned

January 22 in history: First live radio commentary, creation of the CIA and lots more!

Political&nbsp;newcomer&nbsp;Robert Abela was set to&nbsp;become&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-protesters-block-entry-to-prime-ministers-office-267243">Malta's</a>&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltese-prime-minister-announces-plans-to-step-down-265627">Joseph Muscat</a> is stepping down as leader and&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">Daphne Caruana Galizia</a>.

The election result became known early on Sunday with Abela winning 58 per cent&nbsp;of the votes of some 17,500 members of the party. He was up against Chris Fearne, 56, the deputy&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;and&nbsp;minister&nbsp;of health, who had been the initial favourite to win.

Muscat announced his resignation on December 1, saying he would step down once a new Labour leader was elected.

Watch:&nbsp;Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announces step down

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Abela, 42, a lawyer specialising in industrial and labour law, was elected to parliament for the first time just over two years ago. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-rises-on-malta-pm-to-resign-over-slain-reporter-case-265371">Muscat</a> appointed him a consultant, enabling him to attend Cabinet meetings.

"I am humbled" he told supporters. "I thank my friend Chris (Fearne) and look forward to working together for the good of the party and the country. There is only one winner today, the Labour Party."

Abela has said he will place increased government focus on social issues and affordable housing. He also promised to give free medicines to all pensioners within five years. During the campaign, however, he avoided interviews with the independent press.

His father, George Abela, was deputy leader of the Labour Party until 1998 and had contested the party leadership election which saw Muscat&nbsp;become&nbsp;party leader in 2008. He later served as president of Malta.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/robertabela_mt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robertabela_mt</a> on being elected <a href="https://twitter.com/PL_Malta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PL_Malta</a> leader. Proud to be handing over to him <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Malta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Malta</a> PM office on Monday. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisfearne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrisfearne</a> for your excellent contribution to the party and country -JM
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephMuscat_JM/status/1216157417580437504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-pm-says-no-immunity-for-top-suspect-in-journalist-killing-265179">Joseph Musca</a>t in a tweet said he was proud to hand over to Abela. He said he would formally resign as&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;on Monday.

He has said he will stay on in parliament and promote civil rights reform. He also intends working on a project to raise the level of Malta sports athletes.

Political newcomer Robert Abela was set to become Malta's new prime minister having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday. Joseph Muscat is stepping down as leader and prime minister amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Political newcomer Robert Abela was set to become Malta's new prime minister having been elected leader of the ruling Labour Party following a vote on Saturday. Joseph Muscat is stepping down as leader and prime minister amid claims that he protected associates who had links to people allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The election result became known early on Sunday with Abela winning 58 per cent of the votes of some 17,500 members of the party. He was up against Chris Fearne, 56, the deputy prime minister and minister of health, who had been the initial favourite to win. Muscat announced his resignation on December 1, saying he would step down once a new Labour leader was elected. Watch: Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announces step down × Abela, 42, a lawyer specialising in industrial and labour law, was elected to parliament for the first time just over two years ago. Muscat appointed him a consultant, enabling him to attend Cabinet meetings. "I am humbled" he told supporters. "I thank my friend Chris (Fearne) and look forward to working together for the good of the party and the country. There is only one winner today, the Labour Party." Abela has said he will place increased government focus on social issues and affordable housing. He also promised to give free medicines to all pensioners within five years. During the campaign, however, he avoided interviews with the independent press. His father, George Abela, was deputy leader of the Labour Party until 1998 and had contested the party leadership election which saw Muscat become party leader in 2008. He later served as president of Malta. Congratulations @robertabela_mt on being elected @PL_Malta leader. Proud to be handing over to him #Malta PM office on Monday. Thank you @chrisfearne for your excellent contribution to the party and country -JM — Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) January 12, 2020 × Joseph Muscat in a tweet said he was proud to hand over to Abela. He said he would formally resign as prime minister on Monday. He has said he will stay on in parliament and promote civil rights reform. He also intends working on a project to raise the level of Malta sports athletes.

Malta: Robert Abela set to become new PM as Joseph Muscat steps down

Anti-Semitism and the world in 2019; See how Anti-Semitism undid the Labour party #AntiSemitism #WION #LabourParty

How Anti-Semitism undid the Labour Party

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. &nbsp;One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition. The backlash against Labour was, however, only the latest act in a play that saw the mainly Indian, ‘dharmic communities’ (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains) move steadily from being Labour aligned in the 60s-80s toward the Tory camp today, though to different extents.&nbsp;

This does not, however, necessarily mean these communities fit snugly within the right-wing of British politics. In fact, when it comes to deep-seated values and long-term world vision, they may find more in common with Labour than the Conservatives. It is these commonalities that Labour must capitalise on to win back one of Britain’s most important constituencies. As a South Asian-origin Labor candidate in Australia’s election, I drew on these to recruit hundreds of Asian volunteers, many who had been critical of Australian Labour’s positions on South Asia.

Foreign Policy

Labour’s messaging on Kashmir lit the fuse which resulted in the Hindu community rallying against the party. In addressing this, the Conservatives’ position regarding Kashmir, and India more broadly, must be exposed by Labour as essentially temporary and transactional. For as long as New Delhi continues to be seen as a partner and potential bulwark against China by the US foreign policy establishment, the British Conservatives will follow suit. This will last as long as the current global dynamics between Great Powers remain, that is the US/West at number one with China threatening that position, and India at number three. The impermanence of such alliances has long been acknowledged by Indian foreign policymakers themselves.&nbsp;

The establishment media’s daily-repeated lie that Corbyn is ‘soft on terrorism’ struck a particular chord with dharmic communities. This complemented Tory politicians’ identity politics-driven pronouncements that the Conservatives supported India because of shared democratic values, or as a partner against the spectre of Islamist extremism. These could be shot down with constant reference to the Conservatives’ cosiest ally in the developing world – a country that is arguably the least democratic and most extremist – Saudi Arabia, whom they materially support through sales of lethal weapons. It was within our lifetimes that the conservative governments of Reagan and Thatcher allied with Saudi and Pakistan to support the Islamist Mujahedeen against the secular government of Afghanistan and its backers the USSR and India. More recently, from Blair’s Iraq catastrophe that spawned ISIS, to Cameron’s Libya intervention that helped ISIS and Al Qaeda take over the country, to Tories’ eagerness for regime-change elsewhere, it has been Conservative and Centrist policies that assisted jihadists via instability, while opposing it all has been Corbyn and successive Indian governments.&nbsp;

Far more enduring and fundamental at this historical moment, are the two parties’ visions of the future world order. The UK Conservatives, like much of the foreign policy establishment, cannot envision a future without full spectrum Western dominance and values leadership. This presents a fundamental clash with the worldview of India’s leadership, both present and past, including the BJP, Congress, Delhi’s foreign policy establishment, and much of India’s population. They view that India should ultimately become a Great Power, at least an equal to the West and China. Becoming a junior partner in an anti-China, Western-led coalition is not part of the plan. Whether it is branded as ‘non-alignment’, as, during the Cold War, or ‘strategic autonomy’ as it is called now, India still follows an independent foreign policy. These positions are also likely to be reflected in those segments of the British Hindu community who would alter their vote based on a party's policy towards India.

Such a worldview finds less obvious contradiction within Labour. &nbsp;The Party prioritises international law and greater equality amongst nations. Labour focuses on human rights for all peoples more than the need to continue Western dominance.&nbsp;

Closer alignment between Indian and Labour worldviews is borne out in major global debates. Whether it is military interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria, or how to respond to Ukraine, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Cuba, Russia and even apartheid South Africa, Corbyn’s positions have more closely matched India’s (under both Congress and BJP) than have the Tories’ positions (and most of Western media). The current wave of Western Russiaphobia is viewed sceptically by India, its diaspora and Corbyn supporters inside Labour. Even India’s growing military trade with Israel has not prevented New Delhi simultaneously strengthening ties with Iran.

Many of the Hindu diasporas criticised Labour’s Kashmir motion as interference in India’s affairs. The Party must highlight its evolution on the question of interventionism. Pre-Corbyn Labour had been dominated by interventionists, enthusiastic to mobilise Western military might to deliver human rights to those threatened by officially designated enemies e.g. Syrians, while studiously ignoring those persecuted by allies, e.g. Yemenis.&nbsp;

Today’s ascendant group within Labour, however, identifies with the global anti-interventionist trend stretching from Corbyn to Bernie Sanders, to Tulsi Gabbard (America’s only Hindu presidential candidate) and even early-stage Donald Trump.&nbsp;Again this sits more closely with the Indian Government for whom the principle of non-interference remains steadfast, as does tolerance of different types of regimes and the objective of making pragmatic friendships where possible.&nbsp;

The Indian leadership’s worldview is likely shared by much of the diaspora. This stems in part from an impressive knowledge of history and acute awareness of colonial exploitation. The diaspora’s thirst for this type of narrative led to Shashi Tharoor’s eloquent rebuke of Britain’s legacy in India at the Oxford Union going viral.&nbsp;

Social Values

Many basic values emerging from dharmic cultures are more in line with Labour than the Tories. On individualism versus collectivism, cultures of the subcontinent sit closer to socialist Labour than the laissez-fair capitalism that emerged from Protestantism. The diaspora is of course known for entrepreneurism. &nbsp;Voting for the Tories, however, is often based more in personal financial calculations, a reasonable approach to take, though not one rooted in deep ideological affinity. This may be spurred on by a feeling of not fully belonging within Britain, fuelled by decades of discrimination, though this is decreasing in younger generations. It is noteworthy that while the diaspora may vote Conservative for lower taxes, they simultaneously give heavily to charity for the needy in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The community’s emphasis on education too is not necessarily a slam dunk for Conservatives. A strong state that provides services like education and health to improve all of society, the model that has been instrumental in Asia’s success, is closer to Labour’s agenda than the Thatcherite, small-government Tories.

On the external-versus internal control spectrum, dharmic traditions weigh the impact of external factors on one’s circumstances more than Protestant culture. Similarly, Labour’s perspective understands that one’s life-situation is often the product of structural factors outside one’s control rather than personal vices.&nbsp;

Conceptions of interconnectedness with the natural environment, compassion toward animals, non-violence, pluralism and tolerance are all dharmic values which Labour policy matches more closely than the Tories – and values increasingly popular with the younger generation. Vegetarianism and veganism are increasingly politically relevant, both in BJP India and in Britain, and Jeremy Corbyn himself is a vegetarian.

The Party needs champions, including in Parliament, who can articulate these connections whilst also highlighting that it was the Left that fought over decades to create the level playing field that supported dharmic communities to excel. All minority shortlists for parliamentary selection, akin to those currently in place for gender-balance, may be an option.

Conclusion

While the Tories’ respectful silence over Kashmir helped solidify the alliance we now see with dharmic communities, the tectonic shifts occurring in the global order already posit its expiry date. Meanwhile, there are profound reasons for dharmic communities to return to Labour. &nbsp;A Labour Party that appeals to deeply shared values combined with a hard-nosed, anti-interventionist foreign policy could capture not only the minds, but also the hearts of this increasingly important diaspora. &nbsp;After all, even the most ardent anti-Labourite could not deny that if we rewound time 100 years, it would be Corbyn out in the street protesting against Britain’s colonial rule of India and Boris touting the civilizing influence of Englishmen upon the natives.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition.

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition. The backlash against Labour was, however, only the latest act in a play that saw the mainly Indian, ‘dharmic communities’ (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains) move steadily from being Labour aligned in the 60s-80s toward the Tory camp today, though to different extents. This does not, however, necessarily mean these communities fit snugly within the right-wing of British politics. In fact, when it comes to deep-seated values and long-term world vision, they may find more in common with Labour than the Conservatives. It is these commonalities that Labour must capitalise on to win back one of Britain’s most important constituencies. As a South Asian-origin Labor candidate in Australia’s election, I drew on these to recruit hundreds of Asian volunteers, many who had been critical of Australian Labour’s positions on South Asia. Foreign Policy Labour’s messaging on Kashmir lit the fuse which resulted in the Hindu community rallying against the party. In addressing this, the Conservatives’ position regarding Kashmir, and India more broadly, must be exposed by Labour as essentially temporary and transactional. For as long as New Delhi continues to be seen as a partner and potential bulwark against China by the US foreign policy establishment, the British Conservatives will follow suit. This will last as long as the current global dynamics between Great Powers remain, that is the US/West at number one with China threatening that position, and India at number three. The impermanence of such alliances has long been acknowledged by Indian foreign policymakers themselves. The establishment media’s daily-repeated lie that Corbyn is ‘soft on terrorism’ struck a particular chord with dharmic communities. This complemented Tory politicians’ identity politics-driven pronouncements that the Conservatives supported India because of shared democratic values, or as a partner against the spectre of Islamist extremism. These could be shot down with constant reference to the Conservatives’ cosiest ally in the developing world – a country that is arguably the least democratic and most extremist – Saudi Arabia, whom they materially support through sales of lethal weapons. It was within our lifetimes that the conservative governments of Reagan and Thatcher allied with Saudi and Pakistan to support the Islamist Mujahedeen against the secular government of Afghanistan and its backers the USSR and India. More recently, from Blair’s Iraq catastrophe that spawned ISIS, to Cameron’s Libya intervention that helped ISIS and Al Qaeda take over the country, to Tories’ eagerness for regime-change elsewhere, it has been Conservative and Centrist policies that assisted jihadists via instability, while opposing it all has been Corbyn and successive Indian governments. Far more enduring and fundamental at this historical moment, are the two parties’ visions of the future world order. The UK Conservatives, like much of the foreign policy establishment, cannot envision a future without full spectrum Western dominance and values leadership. This presents a fundamental clash with the worldview of India’s leadership, both present and past, including the BJP, Congress, Delhi’s foreign policy establishment, and much of India’s population. They view that India should ultimately become a Great Power, at least an equal to the West and China. Becoming a junior partner in an anti-China, Western-led coalition is not part of the plan. Whether it is branded as ‘non-alignment’, as, during the Cold War, or ‘strategic autonomy’ as it is called now, India still follows an independent foreign policy. These positions are also likely to be reflected in those segments of the British Hindu community who would alter their vote based on a party's policy towards India. Such a worldview finds less obvious contradiction within Labour. The Party prioritises international law and greater equality amongst nations. Labour focuses on human rights for all peoples more than the need to continue Western dominance. Closer alignment between Indian and Labour worldviews is borne out in major global debates. Whether it is military interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria, or how to respond to Ukraine, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Cuba, Russia and even apartheid South Africa, Corbyn’s positions have more closely matched India’s (under both Congress and BJP) than have the Tories’ positions (and most of Western media). The current wave of Western Russiaphobia is viewed sceptically by India, its diaspora and Corbyn supporters inside Labour. Even India’s growing military trade with Israel has not prevented New Delhi simultaneously strengthening ties with Iran. Many of the Hindu diasporas criticised Labour’s Kashmir motion as interference in India’s affairs. The Party must highlight its evolution on the question of interventionism. Pre-Corbyn Labour had been dominated by interventionists, enthusiastic to mobilise Western military might to deliver human rights to those threatened by officially designated enemies e.g. Syrians, while studiously ignoring those persecuted by allies, e.g. Yemenis. Today’s ascendant group within Labour, however, identifies with the global anti-interventionist trend stretching from Corbyn to Bernie Sanders, to Tulsi Gabbard (America’s only Hindu presidential candidate) and even early-stage Donald Trump. Again this sits more closely with the Indian Government for whom the principle of non-interference remains steadfast, as does tolerance of different types of regimes and the objective of making pragmatic friendships where possible. The Indian leadership’s worldview is likely shared by much of the diaspora. This stems in part from an impressive knowledge of history and acute awareness of colonial exploitation. The diaspora’s thirst for this type of narrative led to Shashi Tharoor’s eloquent rebuke of Britain’s legacy in India at the Oxford Union going viral. Social Values Many basic values emerging from dharmic cultures are more in line with Labour than the Tories. On individualism versus collectivism, cultures of the subcontinent sit closer to socialist Labour than the laissez-fair capitalism that emerged from Protestantism. The diaspora is of course known for entrepreneurism. Voting for the Tories, however, is often based more in personal financial calculations, a reasonable approach to take, though not one rooted in deep ideological affinity. This may be spurred on by a feeling of not fully belonging within Britain, fuelled by decades of discrimination, though this is decreasing in younger generations. It is noteworthy that while the diaspora may vote Conservative for lower taxes, they simultaneously give heavily to charity for the needy in India. The community’s emphasis on education too is not necessarily a slam dunk for Conservatives. A strong state that provides services like education and health to improve all of society, the model that has been instrumental in Asia’s success, is closer to Labour’s agenda than the Thatcherite, small-government Tories. On the external-versus internal control spectrum, dharmic traditions weigh the impact of external factors on one’s circumstances more than Protestant culture. Similarly, Labour’s perspective understands that one’s life-situation is often the product of structural factors outside one’s control rather than personal vices. Conceptions of interconnectedness with the natural environment, compassion toward animals, non-violence, pluralism and tolerance are all dharmic values which Labour policy matches more closely than the Tories – and values increasingly popular with the younger generation. Vegetarianism and veganism are increasingly politically relevant, both in BJP India and in Britain, and Jeremy Corbyn himself is a vegetarian. The Party needs champions, including in Parliament, who can articulate these connections whilst also highlighting that it was the Left that fought over decades to create the level playing field that supported dharmic communities to excel. All minority shortlists for parliamentary selection, akin to those currently in place for gender-balance, may be an option. Conclusion While the Tories’ respectful silence over Kashmir helped solidify the alliance we now see with dharmic communities, the tectonic shifts occurring in the global order already posit its expiry date. Meanwhile, there are profound reasons for dharmic communities to return to Labour. A Labour Party that appeals to deeply shared values combined with a hard-nosed, anti-interventionist foreign policy could capture not only the minds, but also the hearts of this increasingly important diaspora. After all, even the most ardent anti-Labourite could not deny that if we rewound time 100 years, it would be Corbyn out in the street protesting against Britain’s colonial rule of India and Boris touting the civilizing influence of Englishmen upon the natives. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK Labour party must talk values to win back the Asian community

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opposition-chief-corbyn-sorry-for-election-wipeout-268383">Jeremy Corbyn</a>.

Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies.

Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US&nbsp;President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule.

"The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us."

Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent&nbsp;of the vote.

Also watch:&nbsp;UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory

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Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader.

Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced".

He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting.

"To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said.

Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy.

Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented.

"Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that."

Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Get Brexit done</a>" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral.

"We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said.

"The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn. Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies. Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour. After Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule. "The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us." Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent of the vote. Also watch: UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory × Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader. Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced". He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting. "To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said. Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy. Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented. "Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that." Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "Get Brexit done" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral. "We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said. "The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former PM Blair tells Britain's Labour Party: change or you will disappear

Watch in WION Dispatch: In UK, Who'll be the next labour leader? Indian-origin MP tipped to lead labour. #WIONDispatch #WION

UK: Who'll be the next labour leader? | WION Dispatch

The UK election 2019 have resulted in a turn of unexpected and extraordinary events. The exit polls predicted a relatively small majority of the Conservatives but the results where the Conservatives gained a massive majority have shocked the entire world. Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed.The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23. #UKElection #BorisJohnsonWins #UK

Watch: UK general election results breakdown

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