Exploring the Labour Party's Anti-India Position & The Need For India To Respond Strongly. #Gravitas #WIONEDIT

WION Edit: What Should India Do To Tackle Pakistan's Infiltration Into U.K. Politics?

Is Pakistan Meddling In United Kingdom's Elections? #Gravitas

Gravitas: Pakistan's I.S.I. 'Sponsoring Membership' To Labour Party

British MPs on Monday selected veteran Labour lawmaker Lindsay Hoyle to be parliament's new speaker, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-on-new-speaker-after-bercows-departure-259774">replacing John Bercow</a> in a role once little-noticed but now reshaped by the fractious turmoil over Brexit.

Hoyle, a Labour MP for 22 years and Bercow's deputy since 2010, beat out six other contenders in a protracted day of voting in the House of Commons, winning the support of 325 of 540 members of parliament in a fourth and final round of votes.

Bercow, whose shouts of "Order! Order!" have rung out across the famous chamber since June 2009, stood down on Thursday, having enraged the ruling Conservatives with a series of decisions they saw as trying to stymie Brexit.

The 56-year-old vehemently denied ever taking sides in the parliamentary tumult over Britain's stalled withdrawal from the European Union but earned praise from pro-Europeans and a global following with his rulings and outsized personality.

Hoyle, the favourite to fill his shoes ahead of Monday's vote, won the first three rounds of voting,&nbsp;knocking out political heavyweight Harriet Harman, the longest-serving female MP,&nbsp;but each time fell short of the required absolute majority.

But in the last round of voting which pitted him against fellow Labour MP Chris Bryant, he finally garnered 60 per cent of lawmakers' votes.

"It's about the challenges ahead for me and this chamber," Hoyle told MPs after being dragged to the speaker's elevated green chair, in keeping with parliamentary tradition.

"We've got to make sure that tarnish is polished away," he added, in reference to recent rancour in the House of Commons largely over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-rejects-calls-for-no-deal-brexit-in-election-pitch-259559">Brexit</a>.

Welcoming him to the role, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Over the years I have observed that you have many good qualities."

Johnson added Hoyle would bring his "signature kindness and reasonableness to our proceedings."

However, Hoyle will not have too long to get comfortable as parliament will be dissolved late Tuesday for the December 12 election, after which he will return to sit in the speaker's green chair.

The new speaker will now give up his party affiliation while rival parties are traditionally not expected to field a candidate to contest his seat in elections.

Chosing a new speaker has been an unremarkable event in the past, but Bercow became a key player in the chaotic process of Britain's exit from the European Union.

With the Commons divided over how, when and even if Brexit should happen, Bercow oversaw more than three years of crucial debates that defined the course of Brexit.

His supporters say he has empowered ordinary MPs by granting time for emergency debates and amendments, which had the effect of pressuring or even tying ministers' hands.

But critics accused him of subverting centuries of parliamentary tradition with the aim of frustrating Brexit.

Bercow, who was a Conservative MP before he took on the politically neutral role of speaker, has also been accused of failing to tackle a culture of bullying.

Last week, Johnson paid guarded tribute, likening Bercow's glare to a "trademark Tony Montana scowl", after Al Pacino's character in the 1983 film "Scarface".

Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn praised Bercow's modernising reforms, which included increasing staff diversity, boosting public access to parliament and switching from traditional robes to suits.

But it was his colourful personality and eccentric performances in parliament that gave him an international profile.

A social media mash-up by German television of footage of Bercow calming rowdy MPs has been seen more than a million times. A Belgian newspaper called him "irreplaceable".

If Johnson succeeds in his goal of winning a majority in the December election,&nbsp;as opinion polls suggest,&nbsp;the next speaker's job could be fairly straightforward as chair of debates.

But if he fails and there is another minority government, the new arrival will have to arbitrate between yet another group of divided MPs.

As a veteran Labour MP and as Bercow's deputy Hoyle has often sat in the speaker's chair in his place, when his distinctive Lancashire accent would grace the Commons.

The 62-year-old is as unimpressed as his predecessor by the shouting and braying from MPs, once chastising Scottish Nationalists for humming the EU anthem "Ode to Joy" in the chamber.

Hoyle pledged in an interview published in the Sunday Times,&nbsp;in which he introduced his parrot "Boris",&nbsp;to repair what he claims has become a "toxic parliament".

"I don't want the abuse of each other and I think we have got to close that down quickly and make sure it is a calmer place to be," he said.

Bryant, an openly gay former Church of England vicar, was a surprise finalist in the contest, winning 213 of the 540 votes in the last round.

British MPs on Monday selected veteran Labour lawmaker Lindsay Hoyle to be parliament's new speaker, replacing John Bercow in a role once little-noticed but now reshaped by the fractious turmoil over Brexit.

British MPs on Monday selected veteran Labour lawmaker Lindsay Hoyle to be parliament's new speaker, replacing John Bercow in a role once little-noticed but now reshaped by the fractious turmoil over Brexit. Hoyle, a Labour MP for 22 years and Bercow's deputy since 2010, beat out six other contenders in a protracted day of voting in the House of Commons, winning the support of 325 of 540 members of parliament in a fourth and final round of votes. Bercow, whose shouts of "Order! Order!" have rung out across the famous chamber since June 2009, stood down on Thursday, having enraged the ruling Conservatives with a series of decisions they saw as trying to stymie Brexit. The 56-year-old vehemently denied ever taking sides in the parliamentary tumult over Britain's stalled withdrawal from the European Union but earned praise from pro-Europeans and a global following with his rulings and outsized personality. Hoyle, the favourite to fill his shoes ahead of Monday's vote, won the first three rounds of voting, knocking out political heavyweight Harriet Harman, the longest-serving female MP, but each time fell short of the required absolute majority. But in the last round of voting which pitted him against fellow Labour MP Chris Bryant, he finally garnered 60 per cent of lawmakers' votes. "It's about the challenges ahead for me and this chamber," Hoyle told MPs after being dragged to the speaker's elevated green chair, in keeping with parliamentary tradition. "We've got to make sure that tarnish is polished away," he added, in reference to recent rancour in the House of Commons largely over Brexit. Welcoming him to the role, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Over the years I have observed that you have many good qualities." Johnson added Hoyle would bring his "signature kindness and reasonableness to our proceedings." However, Hoyle will not have too long to get comfortable as parliament will be dissolved late Tuesday for the December 12 election, after which he will return to sit in the speaker's green chair. The new speaker will now give up his party affiliation while rival parties are traditionally not expected to field a candidate to contest his seat in elections. Chosing a new speaker has been an unremarkable event in the past, but Bercow became a key player in the chaotic process of Britain's exit from the European Union. With the Commons divided over how, when and even if Brexit should happen, Bercow oversaw more than three years of crucial debates that defined the course of Brexit. His supporters say he has empowered ordinary MPs by granting time for emergency debates and amendments, which had the effect of pressuring or even tying ministers' hands. But critics accused him of subverting centuries of parliamentary tradition with the aim of frustrating Brexit. Bercow, who was a Conservative MP before he took on the politically neutral role of speaker, has also been accused of failing to tackle a culture of bullying. Last week, Johnson paid guarded tribute, likening Bercow's glare to a "trademark Tony Montana scowl", after Al Pacino's character in the 1983 film "Scarface". Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn praised Bercow's modernising reforms, which included increasing staff diversity, boosting public access to parliament and switching from traditional robes to suits. But it was his colourful personality and eccentric performances in parliament that gave him an international profile. A social media mash-up by German television of footage of Bercow calming rowdy MPs has been seen more than a million times. A Belgian newspaper called him "irreplaceable". If Johnson succeeds in his goal of winning a majority in the December election, as opinion polls suggest, the next speaker's job could be fairly straightforward as chair of debates. But if he fails and there is another minority government, the new arrival will have to arbitrate between yet another group of divided MPs. As a veteran Labour MP and as Bercow's deputy Hoyle has often sat in the speaker's chair in his place, when his distinctive Lancashire accent would grace the Commons. The 62-year-old is as unimpressed as his predecessor by the shouting and braying from MPs, once chastising Scottish Nationalists for humming the EU anthem "Ode to Joy" in the chamber. Hoyle pledged in an interview published in the Sunday Times, in which he introduced his parrot "Boris", to repair what he claims has become a "toxic parliament". "I don't want the abuse of each other and I think we have got to close that down quickly and make sure it is a calmer place to be," he said. Bryant, an openly gay former Church of England vicar, was a surprise finalist in the contest, winning 213 of the 540 votes in the last round.

British MPs choose Lindsay Hoyle as parliament speaker to replace Bercow

BJP Supporters Seek To Deliver A Body Blow To Labour Party In The Upcoming Elections.

Gravitas: British Indian Community Deserts Labour Party

In an exclusive interview with WION,&nbsp;Indian-origin London assembly member Navin Shah spoke about his letter to London Mayor&nbsp;Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary of Britain&nbsp;Priti Patel&nbsp;to ban anti-India protests planned on Diwali in London.

WION: You wrote a letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan about the upcoming protest march. Are you happy with the response that you have received?

Navin Shah: I am pleased that the Mayor of London has given a very comprehensive response to my letter in which he has strongly condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/london-pak-plans-another-march-outside-indian-high-commission-on-diwali-wion-dispatch-257362">demonstrations planned on Diwali</a>. He has reassured me that the metropolitan police will have a robust policing plan to ensure that violence and the mayhem that took place on India's Independence Day outside the Indian High Commission is not repeated again. The Mayor in the letter has also confirmed the&nbsp;Indian community's rich contribution towards London's&nbsp;success as a&nbsp;world city.

It is further reassuring that the Mayor is concerned about the divisions that such protests can create and he has copied my letter to the Metropolitan Commissioner as well as the Home Secretary to see whether they are prepared to ban the demonstration planned on Diwali day.

WION: The Indian High Commission has witnessed two violent protests already.&nbsp;What do you make of the action the British government has taken so far? &nbsp;

Navin Shah: The ugly and violent incidents that took&nbsp;place outside the India High Commission is&nbsp;certainly not acceptable in any civilised society. There is no excuse for such behaviour in any community and therefore the wide condemnations of those incidents is&nbsp;the right thing.

In my view, the metropolitan&nbsp;police could have done better but I am pretty sure the lessons have been learnt&nbsp;and if the demonstrations go ahead on&nbsp;Diwali, I expect the metropolitan police to be prepared to deal with any behaviour which is unruly and&nbsp;brings about public disorder. It is the reason why in addition to writing to the Mayor of London, I have also written to the commissioner of metropolitan police to make sure there is no repeat of such incidents that had&nbsp;taken place outside the Indian High Commission.

WION: Is the British government doing enough to address India's concerns about the protests?

Navin Shah: I appreciate the way the Indian government is concerned about the situation with regard to the situation&nbsp;in Kashmir. I truly believe that UK government or UK politicians should not interfere with the internal affairs of third countries. Those countries should be left to determine on how matters like these should be resolved in a right and&nbsp;responsible way espeically when it involves complex matters like Kashmir.

WION: Should foreign governments and politicians be interfering with India’s constitutional matters such as removal of the special status of Kashmir? &nbsp;

Navin Shah: I am of the view that foreign governments and politicians should not be interfering in what is clearly India's constitutional matter. India should be left alone to determine what it wants to do in terms of such constitutional matters, they tend to be complex and let India deal with that instead of foreign government or politicians.

WION: What actions do you expect after raising your concerns?

Navin Shah: Manning of demonstrations is entirely the responsibility of the Home Secretary and that is why I have written to honourable Priti Patel to ban the planned demonstrations at the earliest opportunity. This is the right thing to do. I hope the Home Secretary, the government and the commissioner of police will listen to me, will listen to the community at large and do the right thing. And let us hope that we will have a happy, peaceful and the kind of Diwali we always expect, appreciate and demand.&nbsp;

WION: The leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, has taken a tough stand against the Indian government on Kashmir. Do you agree with your party's position?

Navin Shah: I am appalled that the accepted protocol of not interfering in the internal affairs of a third country was dumped by the Labour Party at the conference and an ill-conceived, partisan motion was allowed to go through. This demonstrates my party’s astounding insensitivity and failure to scrutinise the motion before accepting it for debate.

The debate was unbalanced and went unchecked - for example one of the speakers supporting the motion made deplorable comments about the Indian army raping women; comparing Modi with Hitler and allegations of 10,000 women being gangraped. I wonder what efforts were made to check the authenticity of such statements!

Given the partisan and ill-conceived position taken by the Labour Party, it is no wonder that the&nbsp;Indian community&nbsp;and community organisations are fuming across the nation. Diplomatic relations with India are in tatters and divisions and conflict have been created within diverse communities.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
REVISED TWEET: Concerned re <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> Rally planned on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> day &amp; resultant disorder+deep offence 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hindu</a> community. Written to <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MayorofLondon</a> to help stop the Rally. Glad Mayor condemns the protest &amp; approached <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a> Commissioner &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/patel4witham?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patel4witham</a> to ban the Rally. <a href="https://t.co/KuuXLqHcxu">pic.twitter.com/KuuXLqHcxu</a>
— Navin Shah AM (@NavinShah2016) <a href="https://twitter.com/NavinShah2016/status/1185585069907419142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

All our hard work of community cohesion and credibility is being challenged due to partisan politics and is seen as an anti-India stance taken by the Labour Party through the disastrous motion on Kashmir.

It is true but very sad that we the Labour politicians were banned by some Indian organisations from attending Navratri celebrations which to me is very painful and does a huge deal of damage to the standing of the party. I fully understand the hurt and the pain the Indian community feels.

To this end, I welcome Jeremy Corbyn’s recent letter offering to meet members across the Indian community and hear their views. This will be a good start but it is imperative that the party also engages positively with the Indian diplomatic service and the Indian government; meets with British-Indian elected representatives to address the way forward to restore relations with the Indian community and see how best the party can genuinely engage with&nbsp;British- Indians and other communities to avoid similar disasters in the future.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Indian-origin London assembly member Navin Shah spoke about his letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary of Britain Priti Patel to ban anti-India protests planned on Diwali in London.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Indian-origin London assembly member Navin Shah spoke about his letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary of Britain Priti Patel to ban anti-India protests planned on Diwali in London. WION: You wrote a letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan about the upcoming protest march. Are you happy with the response that you have received? Navin Shah: I am pleased that the Mayor of London has given a very comprehensive response to my letter in which he has strongly condemned the demonstrations planned on Diwali. He has reassured me that the metropolitan police will have a robust policing plan to ensure that violence and the mayhem that took place on India's Independence Day outside the Indian High Commission is not repeated again. The Mayor in the letter has also confirmed the Indian community's rich contribution towards London's success as a world city. It is further reassuring that the Mayor is concerned about the divisions that such protests can create and he has copied my letter to the Metropolitan Commissioner as well as the Home Secretary to see whether they are prepared to ban the demonstration planned on Diwali day. WION: The Indian High Commission has witnessed two violent protests already. What do you make of the action the British government has taken so far? Navin Shah: The ugly and violent incidents that took place outside the India High Commission is certainly not acceptable in any civilised society. There is no excuse for such behaviour in any community and therefore the wide condemnations of those incidents is the right thing. In my view, the metropolitan police could have done better but I am pretty sure the lessons have been learnt and if the demonstrations go ahead on Diwali, I expect the metropolitan police to be prepared to deal with any behaviour which is unruly and brings about public disorder. It is the reason why in addition to writing to the Mayor of London, I have also written to the commissioner of metropolitan police to make sure there is no repeat of such incidents that had taken place outside the Indian High Commission. WION: Is the British government doing enough to address India's concerns about the protests? Navin Shah: I appreciate the way the Indian government is concerned about the situation with regard to the situation in Kashmir. I truly believe that UK government or UK politicians should not interfere with the internal affairs of third countries. Those countries should be left to determine on how matters like these should be resolved in a right and responsible way espeically when it involves complex matters like Kashmir. WION: Should foreign governments and politicians be interfering with India’s constitutional matters such as removal of the special status of Kashmir? Navin Shah: I am of the view that foreign governments and politicians should not be interfering in what is clearly India's constitutional matter. India should be left alone to determine what it wants to do in terms of such constitutional matters, they tend to be complex and let India deal with that instead of foreign government or politicians. WION: What actions do you expect after raising your concerns? Navin Shah: Manning of demonstrations is entirely the responsibility of the Home Secretary and that is why I have written to honourable Priti Patel to ban the planned demonstrations at the earliest opportunity. This is the right thing to do. I hope the Home Secretary, the government and the commissioner of police will listen to me, will listen to the community at large and do the right thing. And let us hope that we will have a happy, peaceful and the kind of Diwali we always expect, appreciate and demand. WION: The leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, has taken a tough stand against the Indian government on Kashmir. Do you agree with your party's position? Navin Shah: I am appalled that the accepted protocol of not interfering in the internal affairs of a third country was dumped by the Labour Party at the conference and an ill-conceived, partisan motion was allowed to go through. This demonstrates my party’s astounding insensitivity and failure to scrutinise the motion before accepting it for debate. The debate was unbalanced and went unchecked - for example one of the speakers supporting the motion made deplorable comments about the Indian army raping women; comparing Modi with Hitler and allegations of 10,000 women being gangraped. I wonder what efforts were made to check the authenticity of such statements! Given the partisan and ill-conceived position taken by the Labour Party, it is no wonder that the Indian community and community organisations are fuming across the nation. Diplomatic relations with India are in tatters and divisions and conflict have been created within diverse communities. REVISED TWEET: Concerned re #Kashmir Rally planned on #Diwali day & resultant disorder+deep offence 2 #Hindu community. Written to @MayorofLondon to help stop the Rally. Glad Mayor condemns the protest & approached @metpoliceuk Commissioner & @patel4witham to ban the Rally. pic.twitter.com/KuuXLqHcxu — Navin Shah AM (@NavinShah2016) October 19, 2019 × All our hard work of community cohesion and credibility is being challenged due to partisan politics and is seen as an anti-India stance taken by the Labour Party through the disastrous motion on Kashmir. It is true but very sad that we the Labour politicians were banned by some Indian organisations from attending Navratri celebrations which to me is very painful and does a huge deal of damage to the standing of the party. I fully understand the hurt and the pain the Indian community feels. To this end, I welcome Jeremy Corbyn’s recent letter offering to meet members across the Indian community and hear their views. This will be a good start but it is imperative that the party also engages positively with the Indian diplomatic service and the Indian government; meets with British-Indian elected representatives to address the way forward to restore relations with the Indian community and see how best the party can genuinely engage with British- Indians and other communities to avoid similar disasters in the future.

Written to London Mayor to ensure violence outside Indian High Commission is not repeated on Diwali: London assembly member Navin Shah to WION

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

"Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

"Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added.

An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton.

On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India.

Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit. "Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement. "Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added. An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton. On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India. Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.

Clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests: India condemns Labour Party motion on Kashmir

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union.

As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

British lawmakers will on Monday hold another vote on a motion on whether to hold an early election, the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg said.

But opposition parties, including the Labour Party, want to ensure that an election does not allow Johnson to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal on October 31.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will hold a conference call with other opposition parties on Friday, a Labour spokesman said. Johnson on Thursday said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit.

Former Prime Minister John Major said Johnson should fire Dominic Cummings, the advisor behind his high-stakes Brexit strategy.

When asked about Major's call, Cummings told Reuters, "Really? Trust the people"

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union.

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union. As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour. British lawmakers will on Monday hold another vote on a motion on whether to hold an early election, the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg said. But opposition parties, including the Labour Party, want to ensure that an election does not allow Johnson to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal on October 31. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will hold a conference call with other opposition parties on Friday, a Labour spokesman said. Johnson on Thursday said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit. Former Prime Minister John Major said Johnson should fire Dominic Cummings, the advisor behind his high-stakes Brexit strategy. When asked about Major's call, Cummings told Reuters, "Really? Trust the people"

British opposition parties discuss PM Boris Johnson's Brexit election gamble

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign.

Johnson pledged an extra £1.8 billion (2.0 billion euros, $2.2 billion) to immediately help frontline services, in a move that further fuelled speculation he is preparing for a snap election.

During the referendum on Britain's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235"> European Union </a>membership, Johnson's "Vote Leave" campaign promised to divert £350 million a week sent to Brussels to the NHS after Brexit.

But the claim was misleading Britain's gross contribution to the EU budget is £350 million but it gets an £85 million a week rebate.

In an article in the Sunday Times, Johnson paid tribute to NHS staff but noted "the pressures, the delays, the cancellations and the obvious need to get more funding to the front line".

"Which is why I am so determined to deliver now on the promises of that 2016 referendum campaign: not just to honour the will of the people, but to increase the cash available for this amazing national institution," he wrote.

However, the main opposition Labour party questioned whether the money would ever be delivered and said that even if it was, it would not make up for a decade of spending cuts.

The Nuffield Trust health think tank said the NHS has a £6 billion maintenance backlog and the new funds were only a "fraction" of what was needed to fulfil Johnson's pledge to modernise 20 hospitals.

Critics also argue that spending plans will never be fulfilled if there is a "no-deal" Brexit.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, after his predecessor Theresa May was forced to twice delay Brexit amid wrangling over the exit terms.

Parliament has rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU but many MPs say they will stop Johnson's threat to leave without a deal, fearing the economic disruption.

EU leaders meanwhile say they will not renegotiate May's deal, creating an impasse that many at Westminster believe can only end in a snap election.

Johnson has fuelled this speculation by touring Britain and making a series of domestic policy pledges in his first days in Downing Street. The NHS pledge follows a promise on police funding. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign. Johnson pledged an extra £1.8 billion (2.0 billion euros, $2.2 billion) to immediately help frontline services, in a move that further fuelled speculation he is preparing for a snap election. During the referendum on Britain's European Union membership, Johnson's "Vote Leave" campaign promised to divert £350 million a week sent to Brussels to the NHS after Brexit. But the claim was misleading Britain's gross contribution to the EU budget is £350 million but it gets an £85 million a week rebate. In an article in the Sunday Times, Johnson paid tribute to NHS staff but noted "the pressures, the delays, the cancellations and the obvious need to get more funding to the front line". "Which is why I am so determined to deliver now on the promises of that 2016 referendum campaign: not just to honour the will of the people, but to increase the cash available for this amazing national institution," he wrote. However, the main opposition Labour party questioned whether the money would ever be delivered and said that even if it was, it would not make up for a decade of spending cuts. The Nuffield Trust health think tank said the NHS has a £6 billion maintenance backlog and the new funds were only a "fraction" of what was needed to fulfil Johnson's pledge to modernise 20 hospitals. Critics also argue that spending plans will never be fulfilled if there is a "no-deal" Brexit. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, after his predecessor Theresa May was forced to twice delay Brexit amid wrangling over the exit terms. Parliament has rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU but many MPs say they will stop Johnson's threat to leave without a deal, fearing the economic disruption. EU leaders meanwhile say they will not renegotiate May's deal, creating an impasse that many at Westminster believe can only end in a snap election. Johnson has fuelled this speculation by touring Britain and making a series of domestic policy pledges in his first days in Downing Street. The NHS pledge follows a promise on police funding.

UK's Boris Johnson offers new health funds to meet Brexit promise

Former British prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-iraq-war-report-due-to-be-published-former-british-pm-tony-blair-comes-under-spotlight-1830">Tony Blair's</a> right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-united-kingdom-prime-minister-must-put-brexit-plan-to-second-referendum-labours-corbyn-234413">Jeremy Corbyn</a> to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down.

"With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine.

Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections.

But Campbell said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Johnson</a> becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook.

"I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote.

"Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country.&nbsp;

"If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required."

The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls.

One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour.

Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote.

He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-means-a-better-deal-for-farmers-pm-johnson-tells-wales-239337">Brexit</a>.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson. In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down. "With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine. Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections. But Campbell said Johnson becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook. "I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote. "Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country. "If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required." The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls. One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour. Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote. He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over Brexit.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's right-hand Alastair Campbell quits Labour party amid 'Boris bounce'

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWts6X9qfjAhUn7HMBHSu2BDEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2cisH69I1RUe1Hp_6dpaoc">European Union </a>membership, saying his party would campaign to remain.

In an email to members, Corbyn said Labour would campaign to stay in the EU to stop a new Conservative Party leader, who will be chosen later this month, taking Britain out of the bloc without a divorce deal or to stop what he called a "damaging" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-economy-shrinks-as-brexit-global-worries-mount-purchasing-managers-index-232725&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_n5nQ9qfjAhWT6XMBHYFuC5sQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SBY8A6E_YzS2LYTww-ZvV">Brexit</a>.

The move by Corbyn inches the opposition party closer to heeding demands from many Labour members and some lawmakers to unequivocally embrace a second referendum to break the impasse in parliament over how to leave the EU.

But it might not be enough to satisfy all in his party, falling short of campaigning for a second referendum in any circumstance - a position some wanted to adapt to counter a challenge from the pro-EU, smaller Liberal Democrats.

Brexit has brought down Prime Minister Theresa May, who failed three times to get the divorce deal she agreed with the EU ratified by parliament.

Former foreign minister and London mayor Boris Johnson is battling current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to replace her as party leader and prime minister. Johnson, who says he will take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal, is favorite.

"Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote," Corbyn said.

"In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign to Remain against either no deal or a Tory (Conservative) deal that does not protect the economy and jobs."

What he did not say in his mail was what his party would campaign for in a parliamentary election - something the veteran socialist renewed his call for by saying:&nbsp;

"We need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many, not the few".

More than three years since voting 52% to 48% to leave the EU, Britain`s two main parties, its parliament and cities and towns across the country are still deeply divided over Brexit, opening the way for smaller parties to grab some share of the vote.

With Labour struggling in some opinion polls, some in the party want it to adopt a clearer message to tackle the twin challenges from the pro-EU Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party, led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage.

Corbyn, an instinctive critic of the EU, has so far resisted calls to make his party a wholesale supporter of a second referendum, keen to keep on board Labour Brexit supporters.

Chuka Umunna, a former Labour lawmaker who has joined the Liberal Democrats, said on Twitter: "Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keeps open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a general election or supporting it in government."&nbsp;

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on European Union membership, saying his party would campaign to remain.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on European Union membership, saying his party would campaign to remain. In an email to members, Corbyn said Labour would campaign to stay in the EU to stop a new Conservative Party leader, who will be chosen later this month, taking Britain out of the bloc without a divorce deal or to stop what he called a "damaging" Brexit. The move by Corbyn inches the opposition party closer to heeding demands from many Labour members and some lawmakers to unequivocally embrace a second referendum to break the impasse in parliament over how to leave the EU. But it might not be enough to satisfy all in his party, falling short of campaigning for a second referendum in any circumstance - a position some wanted to adapt to counter a challenge from the pro-EU, smaller Liberal Democrats. Brexit has brought down Prime Minister Theresa May, who failed three times to get the divorce deal she agreed with the EU ratified by parliament. Former foreign minister and London mayor Boris Johnson is battling current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to replace her as party leader and prime minister. Johnson, who says he will take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal, is favorite. "Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote," Corbyn said. "In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign to Remain against either no deal or a Tory (Conservative) deal that does not protect the economy and jobs." What he did not say in his mail was what his party would campaign for in a parliamentary election - something the veteran socialist renewed his call for by saying: "We need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many, not the few". More than three years since voting 52% to 48% to leave the EU, Britain`s two main parties, its parliament and cities and towns across the country are still deeply divided over Brexit, opening the way for smaller parties to grab some share of the vote. With Labour struggling in some opinion polls, some in the party want it to adopt a clearer message to tackle the twin challenges from the pro-EU Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party, led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage. Corbyn, an instinctive critic of the EU, has so far resisted calls to make his party a wholesale supporter of a second referendum, keen to keep on board Labour Brexit supporters. Chuka Umunna, a former Labour lawmaker who has joined the Liberal Democrats, said on Twitter: "Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keeps open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a general election or supporting it in government."

New United Kingdom Prime Minister must put Brexit plan to second referendum: Labour's Jeremy Corbyn

Anti-EU populist Nigel Farage's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-mays-successor-must-abandon-her-deal-with-european-union-and-leave-on-october-31-pro-brexit-conservatives-224551">Brexit Party failed to win </a>its first seat in Britain's parliament as it lost out to the main opposition Labour Party in a crunch by-election, results on Friday showed.

The poll in the eastern English city of Peterborough was triggered after the sitting MP, Fiona Onasanya, was dumped by voters after being jailed for lying over a speeding offence.

The Brexit Party's candidate Mike Greene, a local entrepreneur, came in second with nearly 29 per cent of the vote, behind Labour's Lisa Forbes.

The ruling Conservatives came third with 21 per cent, while the Liberal Democrats won 12 per cent.&nbsp;

Friday's result is a setback for the Brexit Party -- founded by eurosceptic figurehead Farage only a few months ago -- which came out on top in the European elections in May with 31.6 per cent of votes cast.&nbsp;

It had been seeking to capitalise on that momentum as well as voter disillusionment with the main Conservative and Labour parties, who have historically shared the Peterborough seat.

Prime Minister Theresa May is stepping down after delaying Brexit twice as she tried and failed to get her EU divorce deal through parliament.

Farage, who has called for Britain to leave the bloc without a deal, said last weekend while campaigning he saw the by-election as "the opportunity for the next chapter in this great story".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called said that the result "shows that despite the divisions and deadlock over Brexit, when it comes to a vote on the issues that directly affect people's lives, Labour's case for real change has strong support across the country."&nbsp;

The Brexit Party had been heavy favourites to win the Leave-voting seat, but despite losing, their performance will still be a concern to the two main parties.

Labour's vote share fell by 17 per cent from 2017, and was the lowest ever to win a British by-election, while the Conservatives plunged by 25 per cent.&nbsp;

Leading pollster John Curtice told the BBC said the result showed the country was now in a "different political world".

"A lot of constituencies are now looking at four-party politics and perhaps in others five party politics," added Farage. 
&nbsp;

Anti-EU populist Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party failed to win its first seat in Britain's parliament as it lost out to the main opposition Labour Party in a crunch by-election, results on Friday showed.

Anti-EU populist Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party failed to win its first seat in Britain's parliament as it lost out to the main opposition Labour Party in a crunch by-election, results on Friday showed. The poll in the eastern English city of Peterborough was triggered after the sitting MP, Fiona Onasanya, was dumped by voters after being jailed for lying over a speeding offence. The Brexit Party's candidate Mike Greene, a local entrepreneur, came in second with nearly 29 per cent of the vote, behind Labour's Lisa Forbes. The ruling Conservatives came third with 21 per cent, while the Liberal Democrats won 12 per cent. Friday's result is a setback for the Brexit Party -- founded by eurosceptic figurehead Farage only a few months ago -- which came out on top in the European elections in May with 31.6 per cent of votes cast. It had been seeking to capitalise on that momentum as well as voter disillusionment with the main Conservative and Labour parties, who have historically shared the Peterborough seat. Prime Minister Theresa May is stepping down after delaying Brexit twice as she tried and failed to get her EU divorce deal through parliament. Farage, who has called for Britain to leave the bloc without a deal, said last weekend while campaigning he saw the by-election as "the opportunity for the next chapter in this great story". Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called said that the result "shows that despite the divisions and deadlock over Brexit, when it comes to a vote on the issues that directly affect people's lives, Labour's case for real change has strong support across the country." The Brexit Party had been heavy favourites to win the Leave-voting seat, but despite losing, their performance will still be a concern to the two main parties. Labour's vote share fell by 17 per cent from 2017, and was the lowest ever to win a British by-election, while the Conservatives plunged by 25 per cent. Leading pollster John Curtice told the BBC said the result showed the country was now in a "different political world". "A lot of constituencies are now looking at four-party politics and perhaps in others five party politics," added Farage.

UK: Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party fails to win by-election against Labour

Alastair Campbell has been expelled from the Labour Party. He defends his decision to vote Liberal Democrat by saying he believes he voted in the best interests of the Labour Party. Watch this video to know more.

UK: Labour party expels Alastair Campbell

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity</a>

Corbyn, who has so far said the option of a second referendum should be kept on the table, is under pressure to endorse one without qualification. The prospect poses a dilemma as many of the party`s supporters backed Brexit.

After being punished by voters in the European elections, which saw both pro-Brexit and pro-European Union parties surge at the expense of Labour and the governing Conservatives, Labour said a public vote was the way to reunite the country, but added this could also be a national election.

Corbyn himself on Monday had said that the British public should be asked again to give its verdict on Brexit, either through a general election or a second referendum.

"With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," Corbyn had said, adding the party would have discussions on the way forward.

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on Brexit and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party.

Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to back a second referendum on Brexit and it could be within days, the Mirror newspaper reported late on Tuesday, citing senior figures of the party. Also read: After European election disaster, Britain's main parties to offer Brexit clarity Corbyn, who has so far said the option of a second referendum should be kept on the table, is under pressure to endorse one without qualification. The prospect poses a dilemma as many of the party`s supporters backed Brexit. After being punished by voters in the European elections, which saw both pro-Brexit and pro-European Union parties surge at the expense of Labour and the governing Conservatives, Labour said a public vote was the way to reunite the country, but added this could also be a national election. Corbyn himself on Monday had said that the British public should be asked again to give its verdict on Brexit, either through a general election or a second referendum. "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," Corbyn had said, adding the party would have discussions on the way forward.

British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set to back second Brexit referendum: Report

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

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

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

Contest to replace May as British prime minister hots up

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago.

The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-may-to-make-mps-a-final-bold-offer-on-brexit-deal-219727">Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives</a> stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points.

The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock.

Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%.

Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave.

After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June.

Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure.

Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections. According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago. The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points. The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock. Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%. Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave. After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June. Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure. Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

UK's Brexit Party maintains big lead in EU election poll

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-voters-tipped-to-elect-labour-government-219514">Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes</a>

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/too-early-to-assess-sri-lanka-economic-damage-from-easter-bombings-imf-219527">Too early to assess Sri Lanka economic damage from Easter bombings: IMF</a>

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was holding its forecast for Sri Lanka's 2019 economic growth at 3.5% in spite of devastating Easter bombings, saying it was too early to assess financial damage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-tough-rhetoric-leaves-trade-talks-with-us-in-limbo-219517">China's tough rhetoric leaves trade talks with US in limbo</a>

China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday, suggesting a resumption of talks between the world's two largest economies would be meaningless unless Washington changed course.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-norway-talks-sought-peaceful-agenda-with-opposition-219519">Venezuela's Maduro says Norway talks sought 'peaceful agenda' with opposition</a>

Talks in Norway this week with representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition sought to "build a peaceful agenda" for the crisis-stricken South American country, President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-pulwama-district-one-terrorist-killed-219516">Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Pulwama &amp; Anantnag, two terrorists killed</a>

The security forces gunned down two terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search.

Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda. Too early to assess Sri Lanka economic damage from Easter bombings: IMF The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was holding its forecast for Sri Lanka's 2019 economic growth at 3.5% in spite of devastating Easter bombings, saying it was too early to assess financial damage. China's tough rhetoric leaves trade talks with US in limbo China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday, suggesting a resumption of talks between the world's two largest economies would be meaningless unless Washington changed course. Venezuela's Maduro says Norway talks sought 'peaceful agenda' with opposition Talks in Norway this week with representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition sought to "build a peaceful agenda" for the crisis-stricken South American country, President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Pulwama & Anantnag, two terrorists killed The security forces gunned down two terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search. Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-election-key-themes-and-contests-219317">economic management</a> the centrepiece of the campaign for his conservative Liberal-National coalition, which has held power since 2013.

Poll opened at 8 am (2200 GMT on Friday) and will close at 6 pm (0800 GMT). Voting is compulsory in Australia and the result should be known on Saturday evening.

The campaign ended on a sombre note, with the death on Thursday of the popular former prime minister and Labour stalwart Bob Hawke. Hawke, who was prime minister from 1983 to 1991, was 89.

While it seems unlikely that Hawke's death will have any impact on how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-pm-launches-official-campaign-six-days-out-from-election-218014">voters cast </a>their ballots, Labour leader Bill Shorten said it had made him more determined than ever.

"I already feel a responsibility to millions of people to win. But sure, I want to do it for Bob as well. I don't want to let his memory down," Shorten told Channel Nine.

Shorten seems to have struck a chord with voters who feel financially left behind and are worried about the environment with his promise to cut both generous tax concessions enjoyed by the wealthy and greenhouse gases.

Morrison has criticised Labor's policy as an attack on people's aspirations.

A final opinion poll conducted by Newspoll for The Weekend Australian on Friday showed Labour's lead over the National-Liberal coalition at 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent.

"I am nervous because it's a big day, it's a very big deal," Shorten said on Saturday. "But I'm confident that we have done the homework."

Shorten will vote in Melbourne in his seat of Maribyrnong, while Morrison is spending the day visiting polling booths in Tasmania before heading home to Sydney to vote.

Opinion polls indicate that Morrison has narrowed Labor's lead during the campaign, but many voters are still angry about the ousting of his socially moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, in a backbench revolt last August.

Turnbull was the second prime minister to be ousted while in office by the ruling Liberal Party amid deep divisions over climate and energy policy.

While polls show most Australians support stronger action to tackle climate change, Morrison's coalition strongly supports the coal industry.

Morrison has said Australia would meet its commitment under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 26% and 28% on 2005 levels but says more ambitious targets would damage the economy.

Shorten said that, if elected, his government would aim to cut carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, with net zero emissions by 2050.

With about 17 million eligible voters, the Electoral Commission is operating more than 7,000 polling stations in venues such as surf clubs, schools and public halls.

There will also be about 90 voting centres overseas.

A time difference of two hours between the east and west coasts means voting centres in Western Australia will still be open as the initial counts start coming on the populous east coast.

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made economic management the centrepiece of the campaign for his conservative Liberal-National coalition, which has held power since 2013. Poll opened at 8 am (2200 GMT on Friday) and will close at 6 pm (0800 GMT). Voting is compulsory in Australia and the result should be known on Saturday evening. The campaign ended on a sombre note, with the death on Thursday of the popular former prime minister and Labour stalwart Bob Hawke. Hawke, who was prime minister from 1983 to 1991, was 89. While it seems unlikely that Hawke's death will have any impact on how voters cast their ballots, Labour leader Bill Shorten said it had made him more determined than ever. "I already feel a responsibility to millions of people to win. But sure, I want to do it for Bob as well. I don't want to let his memory down," Shorten told Channel Nine. Shorten seems to have struck a chord with voters who feel financially left behind and are worried about the environment with his promise to cut both generous tax concessions enjoyed by the wealthy and greenhouse gases. Morrison has criticised Labor's policy as an attack on people's aspirations. A final opinion poll conducted by Newspoll for The Weekend Australian on Friday showed Labour's lead over the National-Liberal coalition at 51.5 per cent to 48.5 per cent. "I am nervous because it's a big day, it's a very big deal," Shorten said on Saturday. "But I'm confident that we have done the homework." Shorten will vote in Melbourne in his seat of Maribyrnong, while Morrison is spending the day visiting polling booths in Tasmania before heading home to Sydney to vote. Opinion polls indicate that Morrison has narrowed Labor's lead during the campaign, but many voters are still angry about the ousting of his socially moderate predecessor, Malcolm Turnbull, in a backbench revolt last August. Turnbull was the second prime minister to be ousted while in office by the ruling Liberal Party amid deep divisions over climate and energy policy. While polls show most Australians support stronger action to tackle climate change, Morrison's coalition strongly supports the coal industry. Morrison has said Australia would meet its commitment under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 26% and 28% on 2005 levels but says more ambitious targets would damage the economy. Shorten said that, if elected, his government would aim to cut carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, with net zero emissions by 2050. With about 17 million eligible voters, the Electoral Commission is operating more than 7,000 polling stations in venues such as surf clubs, schools and public halls. There will also be about 90 voting centres overseas. A time difference of two hours between the east and west coasts means voting centres in Western Australia will still be open as the initial counts start coming on the populous east coast.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership</a>.

Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it is still unclear how, when or if it will ever leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October&nbsp;31.

Brexit talks between May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party have ended without an agreement hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out a timetable for her departure in early June.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday, informing her that talks had "gone as far as they can" due to "the increasing weakness and instability" of the government.

Corbyn said May's government had become unstable and its authority had been eroded undermining confidence in the “government's ability to deliver any compromise agreement”.

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He said the party would oppose May's thrice-rejected deal when it returns to parliament.

May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared that any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor.

Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with the deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum.

The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken swiftly.

May will put her 'European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill' to a vote in parliament in early June even though rebels in her party have pledged to defeat it. Then she must agree a timetable for the election of a successor.

May and Labour may try to agree on a process for parliamentary votes designed to find a consensus, the BBC reported. Those votes could happen as early as next week.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership. Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it is still unclear how, when or if it will ever leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31. Brexit talks between May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party have ended without an agreement hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out a timetable for her departure in early June. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday, informing her that talks had "gone as far as they can" due to "the increasing weakness and instability" of the government. Corbyn said May's government had become unstable and its authority had been eroded undermining confidence in the “government's ability to deliver any compromise agreement”. × He said the party would oppose May's thrice-rejected deal when it returns to parliament. May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared that any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor. Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with the deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum. The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken swiftly. May will put her 'European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill' to a vote in parliament in early June even though rebels in her party have pledged to defeat it. Then she must agree a timetable for the election of a successor. May and Labour may try to agree on a process for parliamentary votes designed to find a consensus, the BBC reported. Those votes could happen as early as next week.

'Talks gone as far as they can,' Jeremy Corbyn writes to Theresa May as Labour party pulls plug on Brexit compromise talks

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eyes-july-brexit-deal-meps-likely-to-take-seats-218795">Theresa May's government </a>will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

The statement came after talks between May and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-tells-labour-lets-do-a-deal-on-brexit-215999">opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn</a> on a possible compromise that would end a deadlock on Brexit in parliament.

May met with Corbyn "to make clear our determination to bring the talks to a conclusion and deliver on the referendum result to leave the EU".

"We will therefore be bringing forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week beginning June 3," the spokesman said, referring to a draft law based on the divorce deal agreed with EU leaders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-two-main-parties-punished-in-local-election-for-brexit-chaos-partial-results-215592">May's Conservatives, Labour punished in local election over Brexit chaos</a>

May was seeking a "stable majority in parliament that will ensure the safe passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and the UK's swift exit from the EU", the spokesman said.

For the past six weeks, ministers and their Labour counterparts have been discussing how parliament might accept the agreement May struck with the European Union (EU) last year.

Progress has been painfully slow, and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the process.

But her ministers discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday "the compromises which the government was prepared to consider" and agreed to keep talking, May's spokesman said.

They also said it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved by parliament before MPs go on their summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July.

"What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," the spokesman said.

MPs have already rejected May's Brexit deal three times.

She turned to Labour last month in the hope of finding a way through, but the party is insisting on a close trading relationship with the EU that many Conservative MPs reject.

A Labour party spokesperson said Corbyn had raised "concerns about the prime minister's ability to deliver on any compromise agreement".

"He raised doubts over the credibility of government commitments," the spokesperson said, following statements by Conservative MPs seeking to replace May.

After twice delaying Brexit, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote to leave the bloc.

The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for the divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats.

But the goal outlined on Tuesday, of getting the bill to ratify the treaty passed by the end of July, suggests they will have to.

"The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (the British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats," May's spokesman said.

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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday. The statement came after talks between May and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on a possible compromise that would end a deadlock on Brexit in parliament. May met with Corbyn "to make clear our determination to bring the talks to a conclusion and deliver on the referendum result to leave the EU". "We will therefore be bringing forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week beginning June 3," the spokesman said, referring to a draft law based on the divorce deal agreed with EU leaders. Also read: May's Conservatives, Labour punished in local election over Brexit chaos May was seeking a "stable majority in parliament that will ensure the safe passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and the UK's swift exit from the EU", the spokesman said. For the past six weeks, ministers and their Labour counterparts have been discussing how parliament might accept the agreement May struck with the European Union (EU) last year. Progress has been painfully slow, and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the process. But her ministers discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday "the compromises which the government was prepared to consider" and agreed to keep talking, May's spokesman said. They also said it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved by parliament before MPs go on their summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July. "What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," the spokesman said. MPs have already rejected May's Brexit deal three times. She turned to Labour last month in the hope of finding a way through, but the party is insisting on a close trading relationship with the EU that many Conservative MPs reject. A Labour party spokesperson said Corbyn had raised "concerns about the prime minister's ability to deliver on any compromise agreement". "He raised doubts over the credibility of government commitments," the spokesperson said, following statements by Conservative MPs seeking to replace May. After twice delaying Brexit, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote to leave the bloc. The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for the divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats. But the goal outlined on Tuesday, of getting the bill to ratify the treaty passed by the end of July, suggests they will have to. "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (the British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats," May's spokesman said. ×

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-to-replace-pm-may-complicating-brexit-talks-labour-partys-mcdonnell-217910">British Prime Minister Theresa May's government</a> said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman.

But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July.

"What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said.

Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats."

After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit.

The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats.&nbsp;

But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated.

May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition.

But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks.

Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats. Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman. But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July. "What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said. Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats." After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit. The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats. But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated. May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition. But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks. Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

UK eyes July Brexit deal, MEPs likely to take seats

The battle among leading Conservatives to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-theresa-may-should-set-resignation-date-next-week-lawmaker-217747">replace Theresa May</a> as prime minister threatens to derail talks with the opposition Labour Party and the bid to find a Brexit compromise, Labour's John McDonnell said.

May, who has offered to quit if lawmakers accept her Brexit deal, opened cross-party talks with Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party more than a month ago after parliament rejected her European Union withdrawal deal three times.

The talks with Labour are a last resort for May, whose party's deep divisions over Brexit have so far stopped her getting approval for an exit agreement and left the world's fifth largest economy in prolonged political limbo.

McDonnell, Labour's financial spokesman and a member of the party's negotiating team, said the situation was precarious.

"The problem they have is that literally in front of us they will fall out," he told the Sunday Mirror. "So the exercise here is holding themselves together. And that is proving impossible. The administration is falling apart."

In terms of progress, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party said nothing new had been put on the table, and in some cases the talks had gone backwards.

"It's so precarious. We're dealing with an institution that might not be there in three weeks." He said the talks had been made more difficult by May's offer to resign because a new leader could rip up anything agreed by the current administration.

"We're in a position now where we're asking, 'How can we trust them to deliver – not just in the short-term, in the medium term as well?'"

May's Conservatives have said the talks are difficult, as both parties gear up to contest European elections later this month, but that they will continue to try and find a deal that can get parliamentary support.

The battle among leading Conservatives to replace Theresa May as prime minister threatens to derail talks with the opposition Labour Party and the bid to find a Brexit compromise, Labour's John McDonnell said.

The battle among leading Conservatives to replace Theresa May as prime minister threatens to derail talks with the opposition Labour Party and the bid to find a Brexit compromise, Labour's John McDonnell said. May, who has offered to quit if lawmakers accept her Brexit deal, opened cross-party talks with Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party more than a month ago after parliament rejected her European Union withdrawal deal three times. The talks with Labour are a last resort for May, whose party's deep divisions over Brexit have so far stopped her getting approval for an exit agreement and left the world's fifth largest economy in prolonged political limbo. McDonnell, Labour's financial spokesman and a member of the party's negotiating team, said the situation was precarious. "The problem they have is that literally in front of us they will fall out," he told the Sunday Mirror. "So the exercise here is holding themselves together. And that is proving impossible. The administration is falling apart." In terms of progress, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party said nothing new had been put on the table, and in some cases the talks had gone backwards. "It's so precarious. We're dealing with an institution that might not be there in three weeks." He said the talks had been made more difficult by May's offer to resign because a new leader could rip up anything agreed by the current administration. "We're in a position now where we're asking, 'How can we trust them to deliver – not just in the short-term, in the medium term as well?'" May's Conservatives have said the talks are difficult, as both parties gear up to contest European elections later this month, but that they will continue to try and find a deal that can get parliamentary support.

Fight to replace PM May complicating Brexit talks: Labour party's McDonnell

A future&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;government would more than double the minimum wage in Britain for workers under the age of 18 to 10 pounds an hour, its leader said on Saturday, stepping up his campaign over the cost of living.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-216015">Jeremy Corbyn </a>told a party gathering that employers should not be allowed to exploit younger workers and vowed to bring the salaries of those under 18 in line with the broader workforce.

Former&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;leader Tony Blair introduced a minimum wage in Britain in 1999. Overseen by an independent body, it has steadily increased and now stands at 8.21 pounds for workers over 25, while those under 18 are entitled to 4.35 pounds.

Labour&nbsp;has vowed to increase the overall minimum wage to 10 pounds an hour and to include younger workers.

"It's time to end this discrimination. Young people's work should be properly valued, not exploited by employers to cut their wage bill. If they're doing the job, pay them the wage - the real living wage," he said.

With British politics in deadlock over Brexit, company bosses are increasingly examining the policies of&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;to see how they would be affected by a change of government.

Labour, which under socialist leader Corbyn has shifted from a centrist pro-business platform to a more interventionist left-wing pitch, vowed last year that large companies would be forced to transfer as much as 10 per cent of their shares to workers, to help more people share economic prosperity.

It has also announced plans to nationalise key industries such as water, energy and rail, and to give workers seats on boards.

Labour&nbsp;said on Saturday it would give support to small and medium-sized businesses to help them fund the wage increase, by making savings on the benefits that are paid to people already in work.

Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the proposals could deter companies from hiring younger workers.

A future Labour government would more than double the minimum wage in Britain for workers under the age of 18 to 10 pounds an hour, its leader said on Saturday, stepping up his campaign over the cost of living.

A future Labour government would more than double the minimum wage in Britain for workers under the age of 18 to 10 pounds an hour, its leader said on Saturday, stepping up his campaign over the cost of living. Jeremy Corbyn told a party gathering that employers should not be allowed to exploit younger workers and vowed to bring the salaries of those under 18 in line with the broader workforce. Former Labour leader Tony Blair introduced a minimum wage in Britain in 1999. Overseen by an independent body, it has steadily increased and now stands at 8.21 pounds for workers over 25, while those under 18 are entitled to 4.35 pounds. Labour has vowed to increase the overall minimum wage to 10 pounds an hour and to include younger workers. "It's time to end this discrimination. Young people's work should be properly valued, not exploited by employers to cut their wage bill. If they're doing the job, pay them the wage - the real living wage," he said. With British politics in deadlock over Brexit, company bosses are increasingly examining the policies of Labour to see how they would be affected by a change of government. Labour, which under socialist leader Corbyn has shifted from a centrist pro-business platform to a more interventionist left-wing pitch, vowed last year that large companies would be forced to transfer as much as 10 per cent of their shares to workers, to help more people share economic prosperity. It has also announced plans to nationalise key industries such as water, energy and rail, and to give workers seats on boards. Labour said on Saturday it would give support to small and medium-sized businesses to help them fund the wage increase, by making savings on the benefits that are paid to people already in work. Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the proposals could deter companies from hiring younger workers.

UK's Labour vows to more than double youth minimum wage

Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives lost 1,332 seats on English local councils that were up for re-election and Labour, which would typically aim to gain hundreds of seats in a mid-term vote, instead lost 81.

Many voters expressed frustration at May's failure to have taken Britain out of the European Union, almost three years after the country decided to leave in a referendum.

"If local elections down south tell us anything, they remind us that referendum verdicts must be honoured," the environment minister, Michael Gove, told a conference of Scottish Conservatives in Aberdeen.

Health minister Matt Hancock gave a similar message in a BBC radio interview. "I think we need to be in the mood for compromise," he said.

Labour has demanded guarantees on workers' rights and a permanent customs union with the EU as a condition for supporting an EU withdrawal deal.

May's government has opposed a customs union, preferring a looser arrangement that would allow Britain to strike its own trade deals with countries outside the EU.

Hancock suggested there could be greater willingness to compromise following the election losses.

"(Thursday's vote) wasn't about 'deliver this particular form of Brexit!' There was no door that I knocked on and the person said: 'I would like a slight change to paragraph 5 of this agreement in this particular way'."

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he saw a "glimmer of hope" that a compromise was possible, but said Labour's customs plans could not be a long-term solution for Britain.

CUSTOMS UNION

May said on Friday that the message for both the Conservatives and Labour from Thursday's elections was that voters wanted parliament to deliver Brexit.

In a rare agreement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said there was now a "huge impetus" on every lawmaker to get a Brexit deal done.

Complicating the picture, however, the main beneficiaries of the swing against the two main parties were the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who campaigned on a demand for a new referendum, aiming to reverse Brexit.

Buzzfeed News reported on Saturday that May was optimistic she could reach a deal with Labour soon, and that behind closed doors the government had already compromised on a customs union.

"In the last week government ministers and officials presented Labour with a new offer on a customs arrangement that would effectively see the UK remain in the key aspects of a customs union with the EU," sources familiar with the talks told BuzzFeed News.

The website said one source had told it "the offer would be tantamount to the government accepting in full Labour's demands".

The political editor of the Spectator magazine, which has close links to the Conservatives, said in a column for the Sun newspaper that there had been an agreement to an initial "comprehensive customs arrangement" very like a customs union.

Labour and the Conservatives would then leave open whether this would lead in future to Labour's preferred customs union, with EU consultation rights, or the looser arrangement preferred by the Conservatives.

It is unclear if the EU would approve a temporary customs deal, as border controls might later be needed between Ireland and Northern Ireland if the deal broke down.

Buzzfeed's sources did not know how soon a deal would be reached, and thought it possible that Corbyn would avoid striking a deal until after European elections due on May 23 to maximise damage to the Conservatives.

And even if May and Corbyn agree, there is no certainty they could convince enough lawmakers in their parties to ensure a majority for the deal.

Many Conservative eurosceptics fear the newly launched Brexit Party of veteran anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage will cost them support in the European elections.

That has encouraged some to call for the government to take a tougher stance on Brexit and demand a clean split with the EU.

Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday.

Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives lost 1,332 seats on English local councils that were up for re-election and Labour, which would typically aim to gain hundreds of seats in a mid-term vote, instead lost 81. Many voters expressed frustration at May's failure to have taken Britain out of the European Union, almost three years after the country decided to leave in a referendum. "If local elections down south tell us anything, they remind us that referendum verdicts must be honoured," the environment minister, Michael Gove, told a conference of Scottish Conservatives in Aberdeen. Health minister Matt Hancock gave a similar message in a BBC radio interview. "I think we need to be in the mood for compromise," he said. Labour has demanded guarantees on workers' rights and a permanent customs union with the EU as a condition for supporting an EU withdrawal deal. May's government has opposed a customs union, preferring a looser arrangement that would allow Britain to strike its own trade deals with countries outside the EU. Hancock suggested there could be greater willingness to compromise following the election losses. "(Thursday's vote) wasn't about 'deliver this particular form of Brexit!' There was no door that I knocked on and the person said: 'I would like a slight change to paragraph 5 of this agreement in this particular way'." Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he saw a "glimmer of hope" that a compromise was possible, but said Labour's customs plans could not be a long-term solution for Britain. CUSTOMS UNION May said on Friday that the message for both the Conservatives and Labour from Thursday's elections was that voters wanted parliament to deliver Brexit. In a rare agreement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said there was now a "huge impetus" on every lawmaker to get a Brexit deal done. Complicating the picture, however, the main beneficiaries of the swing against the two main parties were the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who campaigned on a demand for a new referendum, aiming to reverse Brexit. Buzzfeed News reported on Saturday that May was optimistic she could reach a deal with Labour soon, and that behind closed doors the government had already compromised on a customs union. "In the last week government ministers and officials presented Labour with a new offer on a customs arrangement that would effectively see the UK remain in the key aspects of a customs union with the EU," sources familiar with the talks told BuzzFeed News. The website said one source had told it "the offer would be tantamount to the government accepting in full Labour's demands". The political editor of the Spectator magazine, which has close links to the Conservatives, said in a column for the Sun newspaper that there had been an agreement to an initial "comprehensive customs arrangement" very like a customs union. Labour and the Conservatives would then leave open whether this would lead in future to Labour's preferred customs union, with EU consultation rights, or the looser arrangement preferred by the Conservatives. It is unclear if the EU would approve a temporary customs deal, as border controls might later be needed between Ireland and Northern Ireland if the deal broke down. Buzzfeed's sources did not know how soon a deal would be reached, and thought it possible that Corbyn would avoid striking a deal until after European elections due on May 23 to maximise damage to the Conservatives. And even if May and Corbyn agree, there is no certainty they could convince enough lawmakers in their parties to ensure a majority for the deal. Many Conservative eurosceptics fear the newly launched Brexit Party of veteran anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage will cost them support in the European elections. That has encouraged some to call for the government to take a tougher stance on Brexit and demand a clean split with the EU.

UK Conservatives look for Brexit compromise after local poll losses

<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-sacks-defence-minister-williamson-over-huawei-leak-215201&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4nrjD4f7hAhVEknAKHabdDuM4FBAWMAB6BAgCEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3GpNyB4XNY_NDAXKMAZENx">British Prime Minister Theresa May's</a> Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party were both punished by English voters in a local election for the deadlock over Brexit, partial results showed on Friday.

With more than 40 per cent of English local council vote results declared, the Conservative Party had lost 359 councillors and the Labour Party had lost 74 councillors, according to a BBC tally.

"It just seems voters, period, saying: 'A plague on both your houses'," said John Curtice, Britain’s leading polling expert.

"We knew that voters were unhappy with the way that the Conservatives had handled<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/britons-opt-for-non-eu-holidays-in-face-of-brexit-impasse-thomas-cook-214301&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJgOLp4f7hAhWKP48KHcLTBtEQFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0taZeFwb53GXy80_NAeI-f"> Brexit </a>but looks as though they are also unhappy with Labour's response to the government's position on Brexit," he told the BBC.

As the two major parties, which are both nursing open fissures over Brexit, lost support, smaller parties gained.

The Liberal Democrats won 245 councillors, independent candidates won 188 council seats and Greens gained 34, the partial results showed.

British politicians and polling experts said the results showed that both major parties were being punished for the chaos surrounding Britain's delayed exit from the European Union and that they were losing their traditional dominance.

Nearly three years since the United Kingdom voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, there is still no agreement among British politicians about when, how or even if the divorce should take place.

Britain was due to have left the European Union on March 29, through May has been unable to get her divorce deal approved by parliament so she has turned to the Labour Party, led by socialist Jeremy Corbyn, in a bid to court his support.

It is still unclear how the deadlock might be broken, though there has been speculation that May might call a general election.

"The hold of the Conservative and Labour parties on the British electorate is frankly looking now as weak as it has done at any point in post-war British politics," Curtice said.

"Everybody who keeps on arguing that the only way out of the Brexit impasse is to have another general election should remember that there is perhaps a non-trivial probability that we would end up with another hung parliament," he said.

More than 8,000 seats on English councils - administrative bodies responsible for day-to-day decisions on local policy from education to waste management - are up for grabs.

Full results are due later on Friday.

There are also some local elections taking place in Northern Ireland on Thursday but none in Wales and Scotland, which operate under a different schedule.
</div>

&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party were both punished by English voters in a local election for the deadlock over Brexit, partial results showed on Friday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party were both punished by English voters in a local election for the deadlock over Brexit, partial results showed on Friday. With more than 40 per cent of English local council vote results declared, the Conservative Party had lost 359 councillors and the Labour Party had lost 74 councillors, according to a BBC tally. "It just seems voters, period, saying: 'A plague on both your houses'," said John Curtice, Britain’s leading polling expert. "We knew that voters were unhappy with the way that the Conservatives had handled Brexit but looks as though they are also unhappy with Labour's response to the government's position on Brexit," he told the BBC. As the two major parties, which are both nursing open fissures over Brexit, lost support, smaller parties gained. The Liberal Democrats won 245 councillors, independent candidates won 188 council seats and Greens gained 34, the partial results showed. British politicians and polling experts said the results showed that both major parties were being punished for the chaos surrounding Britain's delayed exit from the European Union and that they were losing their traditional dominance. Nearly three years since the United Kingdom voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, there is still no agreement among British politicians about when, how or even if the divorce should take place. Britain was due to have left the European Union on March 29, through May has been unable to get her divorce deal approved by parliament so she has turned to the Labour Party, led by socialist Jeremy Corbyn, in a bid to court his support. It is still unclear how the deadlock might be broken, though there has been speculation that May might call a general election. "The hold of the Conservative and Labour parties on the British electorate is frankly looking now as weak as it has done at any point in post-war British politics," Curtice said. "Everybody who keeps on arguing that the only way out of the Brexit impasse is to have another general election should remember that there is perhaps a non-trivial probability that we would end up with another hung parliament," he said. More than 8,000 seats on English councils - administrative bodies responsible for day-to-day decisions on local policy from education to waste management - are up for grabs. Full results are due later on Friday. There are also some local elections taking place in Northern Ireland on Thursday but none in Wales and Scotland, which operate under a different schedule.

May's Conservatives, Labour punished in local election over Brexit chaos

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-halts-no-deal-brexit-contingency-plans-210012">Brexit could spark a mass exodus</a> for voters.

Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public.

"If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well."

Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May.

Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out.

The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times.

Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal.

On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote.

May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners.

UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters. Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public. "If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well." Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May. Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out. The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times. Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal. On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote. May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners. UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

Labour's Corbyn urged to back public vote on Brexit or face voter exodus

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-pm-may-holds-out-possibility-of-compromise-with-opposition-labour-party-208558">Theresa May</a> on Sunday conceded that concluding a Brexit deal with the main opposition will need "compromise on both sides" as she faced criticism for being inflexible.

The embattled leader opened negotiations this week with the Labour Party in a bid to end months of political crisis over her divorce deal struck with European leaders last year but repeatedly rejected by MPs.

However after several days of talks Labour complained May's team were rigid over her plan, while the talks sparked fury among some Conservatives who detest involving leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"We need to get a deal over the line and that's why we've been looking for new ways to find an agreement in parliament -- and that means cross-party talks," May said in a video recorded at her country retreat Chequers.

"There's a lot of things on which I disagree with the Labour Party on policy issues but on Brexit I think there are some things we agree on... so we're talking."

On the prospects of reaching a deal, the prime minister added: "It'll mean compromise on both sides."

Time is running out for May to end Britain's 46 years of European Union membership in an orderly manner.

She will head to an EU summit Wednesday seeking to secure another Brexit extension, until June 30, to prevent Britain crashing out the bloc at the end of next week with no deal.

The country's original March 29 departure date was delayed last month to April 12 amid the paralysis in parliament.

EU members, who must unanimously back any further delay, are growing increasingly impatient at the dysfunction in Westminster and want a clear plan to resolve it.

Depending on what May proposes, they could offer just a shorter postponement -- or a longer period of up to a year.

'Prepared to move' 
Negotiations between the government and Labour are set to resume next week after a weekend of exchanges "clarifying our position", according to shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey.

One of the Labour team in the talks, she told the BBC the lack of compromise so far was "disappointing" but the mood was "quite positive and hopeful".

"We are currently waiting for the government to come back to us now to state whether they are prepared to move on any of their red lines," Long Bailey said.

Labour is pushing for a much closer post-Brexit alliance with the EU, including participation in a customs union.

May has previously dismissed the idea because it bars Britain from striking its own trade deals around the world.

Andrea Leadsom, a senior Brexiteer in her divided cabinet, said the government was talking to Labour "through gritted teeth".

She would not confirm if senior Tory eurosceptics would now accept a customs union, and hinted she would back a no-deal departure over a long delay.

"For me, whatever we deliver, it has to be Brexit," she told the BBC.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday conceded that concluding a Brexit deal with the main opposition will need "compromise on both sides" as she faced criticism for being inflexible.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday conceded that concluding a Brexit deal with the main opposition will need "compromise on both sides" as she faced criticism for being inflexible. The embattled leader opened negotiations this week with the Labour Party in a bid to end months of political crisis over her divorce deal struck with European leaders last year but repeatedly rejected by MPs. However after several days of talks Labour complained May's team were rigid over her plan, while the talks sparked fury among some Conservatives who detest involving leftist leader Jeremy Corbyn. "We need to get a deal over the line and that's why we've been looking for new ways to find an agreement in parliament -- and that means cross-party talks," May said in a video recorded at her country retreat Chequers. "There's a lot of things on which I disagree with the Labour Party on policy issues but on Brexit I think there are some things we agree on... so we're talking." On the prospects of reaching a deal, the prime minister added: "It'll mean compromise on both sides." Time is running out for May to end Britain's 46 years of European Union membership in an orderly manner. She will head to an EU summit Wednesday seeking to secure another Brexit extension, until June 30, to prevent Britain crashing out the bloc at the end of next week with no deal. The country's original March 29 departure date was delayed last month to April 12 amid the paralysis in parliament. EU members, who must unanimously back any further delay, are growing increasingly impatient at the dysfunction in Westminster and want a clear plan to resolve it. Depending on what May proposes, they could offer just a shorter postponement -- or a longer period of up to a year. 'Prepared to move' Negotiations between the government and Labour are set to resume next week after a weekend of exchanges "clarifying our position", according to shadow business secretary Rebecca Long Bailey. One of the Labour team in the talks, she told the BBC the lack of compromise so far was "disappointing" but the mood was "quite positive and hopeful". "We are currently waiting for the government to come back to us now to state whether they are prepared to move on any of their red lines," Long Bailey said. Labour is pushing for a much closer post-Brexit alliance with the EU, including participation in a customs union. May has previously dismissed the idea because it bars Britain from striking its own trade deals around the world. Andrea Leadsom, a senior Brexiteer in her divided cabinet, said the government was talking to Labour "through gritted teeth". She would not confirm if senior Tory eurosceptics would now accept a customs union, and hinted she would back a no-deal departure over a long delay. "For me, whatever we deliver, it has to be Brexit," she told the BBC.

'Both sides' must compromise in cross-party Brexit talks: British PM May

Britain's government held out the possibility of compromise on Sunday with the opposition Labour Party to try to win support in parliament for leaving the European Union with a deal, just days before the latest Brexit date.

Prime Minister Theresa May, weaker than ever after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">her Brexit deal was rejected by parliament three times</a>, has been forced to turn to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after giving up on winning over eurosceptics in her Conservative Party, whose opposition has hardened.

With Britain's departure now set for April 12, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">May's government is running out of time</a> to get a deal through Britain's divided parliament, and must come up with a new plan to secure a new delay from EU leaders at a summit on Wednesday.

Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years is mired in uncertainty, with ministers saying Brexit may never happen, businesses worried the country could leave without a deal, and others just wanting to reverse it.

In a last-ditch bid to get her deal through parliament, May opened talks with Corbyn last week to try to strike a deal on Britain's future ties with the EU in exchange for his support for her divorce deal, the Withdrawal Agreement.

So far those talks have failed to yield any kind of accord, with Labour policy chiefs saying the government has yet to move from its "red lines", above all over a customs union, which sets tariffs for goods imported into the EU.

"Specifically provided we are leaving the European Union then it is important that we compromise, that's what this is about and it is through gritted teeth," said Andrea Leadsom, the Brexit-supporting leader of the House of Commons (lower house of parliament).

"But nevertheless the most important thing is to actually leave the EU," she told the BBC's Andrew Marr show, adding that May's proposal for a customs arrangement after Brexit was not too far from Labour's desire for a customs union.

But, while describing the talks so far as positive, Labour's business policy chief Rebecca Long-Bailey said there had as yet been no "real changes" to the deal.

"I think both sides are committed to working quite rigorously to compromise as much as possible so that we can provide that compromise Brexit deal that I think parliament desperately needs at the moment," she told the BBC.

Shami Chakrabarti, Labour's legal policy chief, was more blunt. "It's hard to imagine that we are going to make real progress now without either a general election or a second referendum on any deal she can get over the line in parliament," she told Sky News.

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent in 2016 to leave the EU, and parliament, May's cabinet and the country at large remain deeply polarised over the terms of Brexit and even whether to depart at all.

Despite the lack of convergence between the two major parties over a deal, there was one thing they did agree on - time is running out for Brexit to be secured.

May, who has been verbally mauled by members of her own party for turning to Labour, herself warned Brexit-supporting lawmakers that "the longer this takes, the greater the risk of the UK never leaving at all".

In an attempt to avoid falling out of the EU without a deal, she again heads to Brussels this week to ask for a further delay until June 30 — something EU leaders have said requires her setting out an alternative path to getting her deal approved.

Any extension would require unanimous approval from the other EU countries, all weary of Britain's Brexit indecision, and could come with conditions. EU summit chair Donald Tusk plans to propose an extension of a year, which could be shortened if Britain's parliament eventually ratifies the deal.

But even the threat of losing Brexit has so far failed to change the minds of hardline eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers, and some are now suggesting that Britain make the EU's life a misery if Britain is forced to accept a long delay.

"If we are forced to remain in we must be the most difficult member possible," Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the European Research Group, a Conservative eurosceptic group, told Sky News.

"When the multi-annual financial framework comes forward, if we're still in, this is our one in seven-year opportunity to veto the budget and to be really very difficult."

Britain's government held out the possibility of compromise on Sunday with the opposition Labour Party to try to win support in parliament for leaving the European Union with a deal, just days before the latest Brexit date.

Britain's government held out the possibility of compromise on Sunday with the opposition Labour Party to try to win support in parliament for leaving the European Union with a deal, just days before the latest Brexit date. Prime Minister Theresa May, weaker than ever after her Brexit deal was rejected by parliament three times, has been forced to turn to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after giving up on winning over eurosceptics in her Conservative Party, whose opposition has hardened. With Britain's departure now set for April 12, May's government is running out of time to get a deal through Britain's divided parliament, and must come up with a new plan to secure a new delay from EU leaders at a summit on Wednesday. Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years is mired in uncertainty, with ministers saying Brexit may never happen, businesses worried the country could leave without a deal, and others just wanting to reverse it. In a last-ditch bid to get her deal through parliament, May opened talks with Corbyn last week to try to strike a deal on Britain's future ties with the EU in exchange for his support for her divorce deal, the Withdrawal Agreement. So far those talks have failed to yield any kind of accord, with Labour policy chiefs saying the government has yet to move from its "red lines", above all over a customs union, which sets tariffs for goods imported into the EU. "Specifically provided we are leaving the European Union then it is important that we compromise, that's what this is about and it is through gritted teeth," said Andrea Leadsom, the Brexit-supporting leader of the House of Commons (lower house of parliament). "But nevertheless the most important thing is to actually leave the EU," she told the BBC's Andrew Marr show, adding that May's proposal for a customs arrangement after Brexit was not too far from Labour's desire for a customs union. But, while describing the talks so far as positive, Labour's business policy chief Rebecca Long-Bailey said there had as yet been no "real changes" to the deal. "I think both sides are committed to working quite rigorously to compromise as much as possible so that we can provide that compromise Brexit deal that I think parliament desperately needs at the moment," she told the BBC. Shami Chakrabarti, Labour's legal policy chief, was more blunt. "It's hard to imagine that we are going to make real progress now without either a general election or a second referendum on any deal she can get over the line in parliament," she told Sky News. RUNNING OUT OF TIME Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent in 2016 to leave the EU, and parliament, May's cabinet and the country at large remain deeply polarised over the terms of Brexit and even whether to depart at all. Despite the lack of convergence between the two major parties over a deal, there was one thing they did agree on - time is running out for Brexit to be secured. May, who has been verbally mauled by members of her own party for turning to Labour, herself warned Brexit-supporting lawmakers that "the longer this takes, the greater the risk of the UK never leaving at all". In an attempt to avoid falling out of the EU without a deal, she again heads to Brussels this week to ask for a further delay until June 30 — something EU leaders have said requires her setting out an alternative path to getting her deal approved. Any extension would require unanimous approval from the other EU countries, all weary of Britain's Brexit indecision, and could come with conditions. EU summit chair Donald Tusk plans to propose an extension of a year, which could be shortened if Britain's parliament eventually ratifies the deal. But even the threat of losing Brexit has so far failed to change the minds of hardline eurosceptic Conservative lawmakers, and some are now suggesting that Britain make the EU's life a misery if Britain is forced to accept a long delay. "If we are forced to remain in we must be the most difficult member possible," Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the European Research Group, a Conservative eurosceptic group, told Sky News. "When the multi-annual financial framework comes forward, if we're still in, this is our one in seven-year opportunity to veto the budget and to be really very difficult."

Brexit: PM May holds out possibility of compromise with opposition Labour party

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union.

The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, nearly three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will quit the bloc it joined in 1973.

After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, May invited Corbyn, a veteran socialist, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-may-to-meet-opposition-leader-corbyn-but-deal-could-tear-her-party-apart-207740">to talks in parliament to try to plot a way out of the crisis</a>.

"There hasn't been as much change as I expected," Corbyn, 69, said. "The meeting was useful but inconclusive."

Asked if May had accepted his preference for a post-Brexit customs union with the EU, he said: "We did have a discussion about all of that."

Corbyn is under pressure from some in his party not to agree a Brexit deal without ensuring that it can be confirmed or rejected in a new referendum that also offers the option to stay in the EU.

"I said: 'Look, this is a policy of our party that we would want to pursue the option of a public vote to prevent crashing out or prevent leaving on a bad deal,'" he said. "There was no agreement reached on that. We just put it there as one of the issues."

A Downing Street spokesman said the meeting, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, had been "constructive, with both sides showing flexibility and a commitment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close".

"We have agreed a programme of work to ensure we deliver for the British people, protecting jobs and security," he added.

May's overture to Corbyn, whose party has 245 out of 650 lawmakers, offers a possible way for her to secure a majority for an exit deal as she seeks a second short delay to Brexit.

But some in the Labour Party have cast her gambit as a trap aimed at scaring her own lawmakers into backing her thrice-defeated deal, or as a way to extend responsibility for the difficulties of Brexit to the Labour Party.

CORBYN AND MAY

May's last-ditch approach to Corbyn, who is loathed by many of her Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, provoked anger in her febrile party.

Two junior ministers quit on Wednesday - one of them from the Brexit department.

"It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales.

May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of her own Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'.

Using a nickname that plays on May's reputed robotic inflexibility, one Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmaker told Reuters: "The Maybot has gone haywire - we've got to find the 'off' switch."

Corbyn, who voted against EU membership in a 1975 referendum, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and access to its Single Market as well as protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights.

Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that such a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Sterling hit its highest level since March 28.&nbsp;

May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he believed EU leaders were open to further delay and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would "fight until the last minute" for an orderly British exit.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in crisis talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Britain's exit from the European Union. The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, nearly three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will quit the bloc it joined in 1973. After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, May invited Corbyn, a veteran socialist, to talks in parliament to try to plot a way out of the crisis. "There hasn't been as much change as I expected," Corbyn, 69, said. "The meeting was useful but inconclusive." Asked if May had accepted his preference for a post-Brexit customs union with the EU, he said: "We did have a discussion about all of that." Corbyn is under pressure from some in his party not to agree a Brexit deal without ensuring that it can be confirmed or rejected in a new referendum that also offers the option to stay in the EU. "I said: 'Look, this is a policy of our party that we would want to pursue the option of a public vote to prevent crashing out or prevent leaving on a bad deal,'" he said. "There was no agreement reached on that. We just put it there as one of the issues." A Downing Street spokesman said the meeting, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, had been "constructive, with both sides showing flexibility and a commitment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close". "We have agreed a programme of work to ensure we deliver for the British people, protecting jobs and security," he added. May's overture to Corbyn, whose party has 245 out of 650 lawmakers, offers a possible way for her to secure a majority for an exit deal as she seeks a second short delay to Brexit. But some in the Labour Party have cast her gambit as a trap aimed at scaring her own lawmakers into backing her thrice-defeated deal, or as a way to extend responsibility for the difficulties of Brexit to the Labour Party. CORBYN AND MAY May's last-ditch approach to Corbyn, who is loathed by many of her Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, provoked anger in her febrile party. Two junior ministers quit on Wednesday - one of them from the Brexit department. "It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales. May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of her own Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'. Using a nickname that plays on May's reputed robotic inflexibility, one Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmaker told Reuters: "The Maybot has gone haywire - we've got to find the 'off' switch." Corbyn, who voted against EU membership in a 1975 referendum, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and access to its Single Market as well as protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights. Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that such a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Sterling hit its highest level since March 28. May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he believed EU leaders were open to further delay and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would "fight until the last minute" for an orderly British exit.

May meets opposition leader Corbyn to avoid no-deal Brexit, he says meeting 'useful but inconclusive'

British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to seek a Brexit compromise with opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-soldiers-used-labour-leader-photo-for-target-practice-army-says-its-probing-207709">Jeremy Corbyn</a> on Wednesday, a gamble that could see a European Union divorce deal finally clear parliament but also tear her party apart.

The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will exit the bloc.

After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, with parliament and her Conservative Party hopelessly divided over Brexit, May said she would talk to the Labour Party leader in a bid to overcome what is now a national crisis.

"There are actually a number of areas we agree on in relation to Brexit ... what we want to do now is to find a way forward that can command the support of this House and deliver on Brexit," May told parliament.

However, by approaching Corbyn, a veteran socialist loathed by many of May's Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, she risks further inflaming divisions in her party. One minister quit on Wednesday.

"It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales.

May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'.

Labour wants to stay in a customs union with the EU, raising the likelihood of a "soft" Brexit option that keeps Britain's economy closely aligned to the world's biggest trading bloc.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it.

Sterling hit its highest level since March 28.&nbsp;

SHORT DELAY?

May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12, having repeatedly said she did not want Britain to have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Ireland would support a delay but Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said there was currently no reason to agree an extension.

And European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Britain would not get any further short delays to Brexit unless its parliament ratified a deal by April 12 - the date set by EU leaders as the effective cut-off for avoiding the European Parliament elections.

"A 'no-deal' at midnight on the 12th of April is now a very likely scenario," he told the European Parliament.

He reiterated that Britain would not get a transition period to soften the impact of leaving the EU unless it ratified the exit deal: "UK will be affected more than EU because there is no such thing as a 'managed or negotiated no-deal' and there is no such thing as a 'no-deal transition'."

As things stand, Britain will still leave the EU on April 12 without a deal, a scenario many Conservative lawmakers would welcome, but that businesses fear could cause huge economic damage.

A survey of services firms ranging from banks to high-street hairdressers on Wednesday suggested the world's fifth-biggest economy was likely to shrink in the coming months because of Brexit uncertainty.

May and Corbyn will meet at 1330 GMT but may struggle to find a compromise position that can satisfy their own parties.

"I realise some of you will be concerned about the government discussing the way forward with the opposition," May said in a letter to Conservative lawmakers on Wednesday.

"However, with some colleagues unwilling to support the government ... this is the only way to deliver the smooth, orderly Brexit that we promised."

Conservative divisions over Europe are decades old and have led to the demise of three prime ministers: David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.

'IT'S A TRAP'

Labour is also far from united. Corbyn, who voted against joining the bloc in 1975, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights.

Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal.

A Labour spokesman said the party was ready for serious discussion if May was ready to relax the 'red lines' she had so far set in negotiations.

Corbyn said any agreement that he struck with May - who has promised to resign if a Brexit deal is passed - must be set in law to guarantee that it could not be changed by any successor.

Pro-EU Labour lawmaker Ben Bradshaw warned: "It is clearly a trap designed to try to get May’s terrible deal through, which some people have fallen for, but Labour mustn’t."

It is also unclear where May's last-ditch bid will leave her minority government. The Democratic Unionist Party, the small Northern Irish party whose support she needs to govern, said it was wary of making any deal with a man whom many in May's party have demonised.

"I would simply counsel my government and my party and my prime minister: 'Stop, think very carefully what you are doing'," former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told BBC TV.

"If you give legitimacy to a man that I think is genuinely not fit to run Britain and will do it damage, you will damage the very prospects of your own party and, most importantly for people like me, the prospects for our country."

British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to seek a Brexit compromise with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday, a gamble that could see a European Union divorce deal finally clear parliament but also tear her party apart.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to seek a Brexit compromise with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday, a gamble that could see a European Union divorce deal finally clear parliament but also tear her party apart. The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday, but, three years after Britons narrowly voted for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will exit the bloc. After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, with parliament and her Conservative Party hopelessly divided over Brexit, May said she would talk to the Labour Party leader in a bid to overcome what is now a national crisis. "There are actually a number of areas we agree on in relation to Brexit ... what we want to do now is to find a way forward that can command the support of this House and deliver on Brexit," May told parliament. However, by approaching Corbyn, a veteran socialist loathed by many of May's Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, she risks further inflaming divisions in her party. One minister quit on Wednesday. "It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than 'no- deal'," Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales. May turned to Labour after a hardcore eurosceptic group of Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a 'vassal state'. Labour wants to stay in a customs union with the EU, raising the likelihood of a "soft" Brexit option that keeps Britain's economy closely aligned to the world's biggest trading bloc. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Sterling hit its highest level since March 28. SHORT DELAY? May said on Tuesday she would seek "as short as possible" a delay to the current Brexit date of April 12, having repeatedly said she did not want Britain to have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Ireland would support a delay but Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said there was currently no reason to agree an extension. And European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Britain would not get any further short delays to Brexit unless its parliament ratified a deal by April 12 - the date set by EU leaders as the effective cut-off for avoiding the European Parliament elections. "A 'no-deal' at midnight on the 12th of April is now a very likely scenario," he told the European Parliament. He reiterated that Britain would not get a transition period to soften the impact of leaving the EU unless it ratified the exit deal: "UK will be affected more than EU because there is no such thing as a 'managed or negotiated no-deal' and there is no such thing as a 'no-deal transition'." As things stand, Britain will still leave the EU on April 12 without a deal, a scenario many Conservative lawmakers would welcome, but that businesses fear could cause huge economic damage. A survey of services firms ranging from banks to high-street hairdressers on Wednesday suggested the world's fifth-biggest economy was likely to shrink in the coming months because of Brexit uncertainty. May and Corbyn will meet at 1330 GMT but may struggle to find a compromise position that can satisfy their own parties. "I realise some of you will be concerned about the government discussing the way forward with the opposition," May said in a letter to Conservative lawmakers on Wednesday. "However, with some colleagues unwilling to support the government ... this is the only way to deliver the smooth, orderly Brexit that we promised." Conservative divisions over Europe are decades old and have led to the demise of three prime ministers: David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher. 'IT'S A TRAP' Labour is also far from united. Corbyn, who voted against joining the bloc in 1975, has said Brexit should include a customs union with the EU and protection for consumer and environmental standards and workers’ rights. Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum. But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that a 'soft' Brexit would be seen as a betrayal. A Labour spokesman said the party was ready for serious discussion if May was ready to relax the 'red lines' she had so far set in negotiations. Corbyn said any agreement that he struck with May - who has promised to resign if a Brexit deal is passed - must be set in law to guarantee that it could not be changed by any successor. Pro-EU Labour lawmaker Ben Bradshaw warned: "It is clearly a trap designed to try to get May’s terrible deal through, which some people have fallen for, but Labour mustn’t." It is also unclear where May's last-ditch bid will leave her minority government. The Democratic Unionist Party, the small Northern Irish party whose support she needs to govern, said it was wary of making any deal with a man whom many in May's party have demonised. "I would simply counsel my government and my party and my prime minister: 'Stop, think very carefully what you are doing'," former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told BBC TV. "If you give legitimacy to a man that I think is genuinely not fit to run Britain and will do it damage, you will damage the very prospects of your own party and, most importantly for people like me, the prospects for our country."

Brexit: May to meet opposition leader Corbyn but a deal, if reached, could tear her party apart

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