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London attack aftermath: Political blame game over knife attack

By Greg Barton

Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours.

There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse.

Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford.

All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help.

Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog.

In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support."

Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence.

In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed.

In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed.

Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down.

Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant.

In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting.

Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero.

However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy.

On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners:

I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon.

In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released.&nbsp;

The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands.

Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody.

Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. 
 
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture

Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse.

 
(Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-on-terrorism-and-rehabilitation-from-the-london-bridge-attack-128108"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges? These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours. There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse. Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford. All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help. Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog. In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support." Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence. In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed. In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed. Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down. Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant. In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting. Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero. However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy. On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners: I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon. In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released. The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands. Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody. Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse. (Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Lessons on terrorism and rehabilitation from the London Bridge attack

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vows-review-as-convicted-terrorist-named-in-london-attack-265475">review Britain's sentencing system </a>after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-knife-attack-suspect-was-ex-terror-convict-police-265330">London Bridge </a>attack.

Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">Usman Khan </a>-- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead.

Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher.

Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device.

On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

"The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group.

The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market.

On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police.

'Investigate fully'&nbsp;

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital.

Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying.

Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England.

The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign.

Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority.&nbsp;

"It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July.

He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack.

"We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster".

'Human spirit'&nbsp;

The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports.

The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest.

As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan.

They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering.

A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away.

"As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge.&nbsp;

'Enduring thanks'&nbsp;

Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account.

The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law.

Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review.

The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack. Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Usman Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead. Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher. Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device. On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. "The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group. The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market. On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police. 'Investigate fully' Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital. Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying. Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England. The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign. Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority. "It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July. He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack. "We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster". 'Human spirit' The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports. The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest. As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan. They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering. A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away. "As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge. 'Enduring thanks' Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account. The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law. Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review. The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

UK's Johnson vows to act as convicted terrorist named in London Bridge attack

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">convicted terrorist </a>who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.&nbsp;

Usman Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289">who stabbed two people </a>to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

"Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012.&nbsp;

The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not.&nbsp;

Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. &nbsp;

He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs.&nbsp;

Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. &nbsp;

"It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said.

The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011.&nbsp;

Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term.&nbsp;

Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board."

British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and ANI) 
&nbsp;

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012. Usman Khan, who stabbed two people to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange. "Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012. The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not. Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs. Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. "It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said. The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011. Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term. Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board." British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge. (with inputs from Reuters and ANI)

UK judge had warned of London Bridge terror convict's plans to carry out attacks in Kashmir

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-shot-dead-knife-man-at-london-bridge-declare-terrorism-incident-265313">London Bridge </a>was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday.

Police identified the man, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289">shot dead </a>by officers after Friday's attack, as 28-year-old Usman Khan, saying they were not actively seeking any other suspects in relation to the incident.

"This individual was known to authorities, having been convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences. He was released from prison in December 2018 on licence," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement.

Three more people were wounded in the daylight stabbing spree which revived memories of a three-man attack on London Bridge two years ago that killed eight.

Basu said that Khan had been living in the Staffordshire region of central England and officers were searching an address in that area.

"The circumstances, as we currently understand them, are that the attacker attended an event earlier on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall called 'Learning Together'," the statement said.

"We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers."

Fishmonger's Hall is a historic listed building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of the capital.

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on London Bridge was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday.

A man suspected of stabbing two people to death in a terror attack on London Bridge was a former prisoner convicted for terrorism offences and released last year, police said Saturday. Police identified the man, who was shot dead by officers after Friday's attack, as 28-year-old Usman Khan, saying they were not actively seeking any other suspects in relation to the incident. "This individual was known to authorities, having been convicted in 2012 for terrorism offences. He was released from prison in December 2018 on licence," Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said in a statement. Three more people were wounded in the daylight stabbing spree which revived memories of a three-man attack on London Bridge two years ago that killed eight. Basu said that Khan had been living in the Staffordshire region of central England and officers were searching an address in that area. "The circumstances, as we currently understand them, are that the attacker attended an event earlier on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall called 'Learning Together'," the statement said. "We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers." Fishmonger's Hall is a historic listed building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of the capital.

London knife attack suspect was ex-terror convict, say police

The accused of the knife attack at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-knife-attack-suspect-was-ex-terror-convict-police-265330">London bridge </a>was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism.&nbsp;He was released from prison in December 2018 on parole, Neil Basu, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said in a statement.

Khan was sentenced to prison to a minimum of eight years and was also found guilty of planning to go to Pakistan to get "terrorist training".&nbsp;

The 28-year-old suspect, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-shot-dead-knife-man-at-london-bridge-declare-terrorism-incident-265313">stabbed two people </a>to death on Friday, was shot dead by police.

Three people were also wounded in the incident.&nbsp;

Basu said that the accused had attended an event on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall, a historical building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of London.&nbsp;

"We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers," he said.

Eyewitnesses' account claimed that a group of people tried to tackle the suspect on the ground before the cops arrived.&nbsp;

"Everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground", tour guide Stevie Hurst, who ran from his car to the place of incident, told BBC radio.&nbsp;

A report claimed that Khan was wearing an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders. The police said they believed the accused strapped to his body "hoax explosive device".

The attack took hours before another stabbing incident in the centre of the Dutch city, The Hague, where three minors were assaulted.

The victims were later released from the hospital.&nbsp;

So far, it is unclear whether both incidents were linked to each other.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

The accused of the knife attack at London bridge was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday. Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism.

The accused of the knife attack at London bridge was an ex-prisoner convicted of terrorism offences and released last year, police said on Saturday. Police named the suspect as 28-year-old Usman Khan and said that he was convicted in 2012 for terrorism. He was released from prison in December 2018 on parole, Neil Basu, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said in a statement. Khan was sentenced to prison to a minimum of eight years and was also found guilty of planning to go to Pakistan to get "terrorist training". The 28-year-old suspect, who stabbed two people to death on Friday, was shot dead by police. Three people were also wounded in the incident. Basu said that the accused had attended an event on Friday afternoon at Fishmonger's Hall, a historical building on the north side of the bridge in the centre of London. "We believe that the attack began inside before he left the building and proceeded onto London Bridge, where he was detained and subsequently confronted and shot by armed officers," he said. Eyewitnesses' account claimed that a group of people tried to tackle the suspect on the ground before the cops arrived. "Everyone was just on top of him trying to bundle him to the ground", tour guide Stevie Hurst, who ran from his car to the place of incident, told BBC radio. A report claimed that Khan was wearing an electronic tag used to monitor criminal offenders. The police said they believed the accused strapped to his body "hoax explosive device". The attack took hours before another stabbing incident in the centre of the Dutch city, The Hague, where three minors were assaulted. The victims were later released from the hospital. So far, it is unclear whether both incidents were linked to each other. (with inputs from AFP)

London Bridge attack suspect was planning to go to Pakistan for 'terrorist training': Police

Iconic London Bridge Has Been Cordoned Off By Police After A Stabbing Incident.

Gravitas: London Bridge Stabbing Incident: A Ground Report

Holly Hudson on Uber operations banned in UK's capital. To know more watch the video

WION Dispatch:  Holly Hudson on Uber operations banned in UK's capital

Uber employs around 45,00 drivers in London. To know more watch the video

Uber loses licence to operate in London over safety concerns

London's transport authority on Monday refused to renew an operating licence for ride-hailing giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-safety-culture-lacking-in-autonomous-car-incident-regulator-263292">Uber</a> — and blamed "unacceptable" safety risks for passengers.

"Transport for London (TfL) has concluded that it will not grant Uber London Limited (Uber) a new private hire operator's licence in response to its latest application," it said in a statement.

The American giant, which has about 3.5 million customers and some 50,000 drivers in the British capital, described the move as "wrong" and added that it will appeal.

The TfL rejection is the latest setback to the firm's London operation, which has suffered previous licence suspensions in addition to protests from traditional black cab drivers.

In September, Uber was granted a two-month extension to its licence following the expiry of a previous 15-month agreement. The extension was conditional on passenger safety improvements.

'Pattern of failures'

TfL on Monday said there were a "pattern of failures", including the use of unauthorised drivers on other drivers' accounts, allowing them to pick up passengers.

The transport authority said this happened at least 14,000 times, endangering users, as it invalidated insurance.

Some trips took place with unlicensed, suspended or dismissed drivers.

TfL added that it recognised steps the company had taken to address such issues but was concerned about the ease with which its checks and balances could be manipulated.

"Despite addressing some of these issues, TfL does not have confidence that similar issues will not reoccur in the future, which has led it to conclude that the company is not fit and proper at this time," said the transport body charged with regulating the capital's taxi services.

Helen Chapman, director of licensing, regulation and charging at TfL, added that it was "unacceptable" that Uber had allowed passengers use taxi drivers who are "potentially unlicensed and uninsured".

Uber has 21 days to appeal, during which time it can continue to operate.

"We think this decision is wrong and we will appeal," Uber said in a brief statement emailed to all of its customers.

"You and the 3.5 million riders who rely on Uber can continue to use the app as normal. We remain 100 percent committed to your safety."

Uber would have to demonstrate on appeal that it has put in place sufficient measures to eliminate risks to passengers.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan insisted companies needed to play by the rules.

"Keeping Londoners safe is my absolute number-one priority, and TfL have identified a pattern of failure by Uber that has directly put passengers' safety at risk.

"I know this decision may be unpopular with Uber users, but their safety is the paramount concern."

Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, welcomed the announcement and called for a level-playing field to allow traditional taxi services to compete.

"There remains fundamental problems in the way the company operates, particularly issues around passenger safety," said Unite official Jim Kelly.

“Uber’s DNA is about driving down standards and creating a race to the bottom which is not in the best interests of professional drivers or customers."

'Hammer blow' to drivers

However, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain -- which represents gig economy workers -- criticised TfL's decision.

"The mayor's decision to once again deny Uber a licence will come as a hammer blow to its 50,000 drivers working under precarious conditions," said James Farrar, chair of the union's United Private Hire Drivers branch.

"We are asking for an urgent meeting with the mayor to discuss what mitigation plan can now be put in place to protect Uber drivers."

Iliya, an Uber driver on duty on Monday, said that the company's loss of licence "will be very very bad news for me, and not (just) for me, for all of us Uber drivers."

He added: "I'm probably going to sell the car because I don't know what I am going to do."

London's transport authority on Monday refused to renew an operating licence for ride-hailing giant Uber — and blamed "unacceptable" safety risks for passengers.

London's transport authority on Monday refused to renew an operating licence for ride-hailing giant Uber — and blamed "unacceptable" safety risks for passengers. "Transport for London (TfL) has concluded that it will not grant Uber London Limited (Uber) a new private hire operator's licence in response to its latest application," it said in a statement. The American giant, which has about 3.5 million customers and some 50,000 drivers in the British capital, described the move as "wrong" and added that it will appeal. The TfL rejection is the latest setback to the firm's London operation, which has suffered previous licence suspensions in addition to protests from traditional black cab drivers. In September, Uber was granted a two-month extension to its licence following the expiry of a previous 15-month agreement. The extension was conditional on passenger safety improvements. 'Pattern of failures' TfL on Monday said there were a "pattern of failures", including the use of unauthorised drivers on other drivers' accounts, allowing them to pick up passengers. The transport authority said this happened at least 14,000 times, endangering users, as it invalidated insurance. Some trips took place with unlicensed, suspended or dismissed drivers. TfL added that it recognised steps the company had taken to address such issues but was concerned about the ease with which its checks and balances could be manipulated. "Despite addressing some of these issues, TfL does not have confidence that similar issues will not reoccur in the future, which has led it to conclude that the company is not fit and proper at this time," said the transport body charged with regulating the capital's taxi services. Helen Chapman, director of licensing, regulation and charging at TfL, added that it was "unacceptable" that Uber had allowed passengers use taxi drivers who are "potentially unlicensed and uninsured". Uber has 21 days to appeal, during which time it can continue to operate. "We think this decision is wrong and we will appeal," Uber said in a brief statement emailed to all of its customers. "You and the 3.5 million riders who rely on Uber can continue to use the app as normal. We remain 100 percent committed to your safety." Uber would have to demonstrate on appeal that it has put in place sufficient measures to eliminate risks to passengers. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan insisted companies needed to play by the rules. "Keeping Londoners safe is my absolute number-one priority, and TfL have identified a pattern of failure by Uber that has directly put passengers' safety at risk. "I know this decision may be unpopular with Uber users, but their safety is the paramount concern." Unite, Britain's biggest trade union, welcomed the announcement and called for a level-playing field to allow traditional taxi services to compete. "There remains fundamental problems in the way the company operates, particularly issues around passenger safety," said Unite official Jim Kelly. “Uber’s DNA is about driving down standards and creating a race to the bottom which is not in the best interests of professional drivers or customers." 'Hammer blow' to drivers However, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain -- which represents gig economy workers -- criticised TfL's decision. "The mayor's decision to once again deny Uber a licence will come as a hammer blow to its 50,000 drivers working under precarious conditions," said James Farrar, chair of the union's United Private Hire Drivers branch. "We are asking for an urgent meeting with the mayor to discuss what mitigation plan can now be put in place to protect Uber drivers." Iliya, an Uber driver on duty on Monday, said that the company's loss of licence "will be very very bad news for me, and not (just) for me, for all of us Uber drivers." He added: "I'm probably going to sell the car because I don't know what I am going to do."

Uber loses license in London over 'unacceptable' safety risks

In London, Transportation department has revoked the license of Uber over safety concerns of the customers. Watch this video to find out more.

London: Uber license revoked over safety concerns

A Northern Irish&nbsp;man, who is charged with the&nbsp;manslaughter of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-in-lorry-in-essex-were-vietnam-nationals-uk-police-260616">39 Vietnamese nationals found dead</a> in a&nbsp;truck&nbsp;near London last month, pleaded&nbsp;guilty&nbsp;on Monday to assisting unlawful&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;and to acquiring criminal&nbsp;property.

Appearing by video link from Belmarsh Prison in east London, Maurice Robinson, 25, was not asked to enter a plea to 41 other charges, including 39 counts of&nbsp;manslaughter.

No trial date was set and Robinson is next due in court on December&nbsp;13.

The victims, 31 men and boys and eight women, were found on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, not far from docks on the River Thames, on Oct. 23. The oldest of the victims was 44 while three were aged under 18.

Another 23-year-old&nbsp;man&nbsp;from Northern Ireland was separately charged on Sunday with charges of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of&nbsp;UK&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;law.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in England on Monday.

A Northern Irish man, who is charged with the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in a truck near London last month, pleaded guilty on Monday to assisting unlawful immigration and to acquiring criminal property.

A Northern Irish man, who is charged with the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in a truck near London last month, pleaded guilty on Monday to assisting unlawful immigration and to acquiring criminal property. Appearing by video link from Belmarsh Prison in east London, Maurice Robinson, 25, was not asked to enter a plea to 41 other charges, including 39 counts of manslaughter. No trial date was set and Robinson is next due in court on December 13. The victims, 31 men and boys and eight women, were found on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, not far from docks on the River Thames, on Oct. 23. The oldest of the victims was 44 while three were aged under 18. Another 23-year-old man from Northern Ireland was separately charged on Sunday with charges of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in England on Monday.

UK man pleads guilty to immigration, property offences in truck deaths case

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-reaches-london-for-treatment-263305">London for medical treatment</a>, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported.

Sources close to Sharif`s family on Friday said that the former prime minister will undergo Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scan next week which will help in diagnosing the disease. Meanwhile, Sharif received two therapies at his house.

Sharif's physician Dr. Adnan said that it might take months Nawaz Sharif to fully recover.

Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-hc-admits-plea-seeking-unconditional-travel-permit-to-nawaz-sharif-262508">travel without "condition"</a>, visited Guys` Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported.

He went for a consultation with experts in haematology section of the hospital.

Haematology is a speciality covering the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.

Sharif had arrived in London via Doha in an air ambulance equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board.

The ailing leader was later taken to Avenfield House in London`s Park Lane area. He was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of Sharif and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his residence.

Also watch:&nbsp;WION Dispatch - Is Nawaz Sharif really that ill?

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The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List.

Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case.

Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health.

He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in London for medical treatment, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in London for medical treatment, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported. Sources close to Sharif`s family on Friday said that the former prime minister will undergo Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scan next week which will help in diagnosing the disease. Meanwhile, Sharif received two therapies at his house. Sharif's physician Dr. Adnan said that it might take months Nawaz Sharif to fully recover. Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition", visited Guys` Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported. He went for a consultation with experts in haematology section of the hospital. Haematology is a speciality covering the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Sharif had arrived in London via Doha in an air ambulance equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. The ailing leader was later taken to Avenfield House in London`s Park Lane area. He was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of Sharif and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his residence. Also watch: WION Dispatch - Is Nawaz Sharif really that ill? × The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.

Ailing Nawaz Sharif to undergo tests, scan in London

Contestants for Miss World 2019 posed for photos in front of London's Tower Bridge on Thursday ahead of the final ceremony on December 14.

Miss World 2019 contestants arrive in London

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nawaz-sharif-leaves-for-london-for-medical-treatment-263182">Nawaz Sharif</a> arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). 
 
He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported. 
 
Sharif arrived in London via Doha in Qatar in the air ambulance equipped with an intensive care unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. He was later taken to Avenfield House in London's Park Lane area. 
 
The ailing leader was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of the former Pakistan prime minister and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his Avenfield House residence. 
 
The former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-travel-to-london-via-air-ambulance-263011">prime minister's departure to the UK</a> was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. 
 
Sources had earlier told ANI that Sharif will be admitted to London's Charlestown Clinic. All the arrangements for his medical treatment at the clinic have been completed. 
 
Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He also obtained bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. 
 
The former Pakistan premier was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. 
 
Sharif, who has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder, was recommended by doctors to go abroad as his condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment. Doctors were struggling to bring his platelet count that had dropped to dangerous levels back to normal.

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported.

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London in an air ambulance for medical treatment on Tuesday evening (local time). He will reportedly consult doctors in the city about his ill-health, Geo News reported. Sharif arrived in London via Doha in Qatar in the air ambulance equipped with an intensive care unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. He was later taken to Avenfield House in London's Park Lane area. The ailing leader was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of the former Pakistan prime minister and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his Avenfield House residence. The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. Sources had earlier told ANI that Sharif will be admitted to London's Charlestown Clinic. All the arrangements for his medical treatment at the clinic have been completed. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He also obtained bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. The former Pakistan premier was rushed to the hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Sharif, who has been diagnosed with an immune system disorder, was recommended by doctors to go abroad as his condition continued to deteriorate despite treatment. Doctors were struggling to bring his platelet count that had dropped to dangerous levels back to normal.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaches London for treatment

A Swedish prosecutor dropped a rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, ending the nearly decade-old case that had sent the anti-secrecy campaigner into hiding in London's Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition.

Swedish Court drops rape investigation on WikiLeaks founder after 10 years

Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’.

Nawaz Sharif was seen walking up to greet family members and supporters who had gathered to receive him at London’s Heathrow Airport.&nbsp;

The sight of a suited-booted Sharif walking without support or any medical apparatus rang alarm bells within the Imran Khan administration back home.&nbsp;

Several members of the ruling Imran Khan regime have questioned the severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition.&nbsp;

Faisal Vawda, a minister in the ruling PTI government tweeted saying, 'Nawaz seen leaving the country on his feet, wearing a suit....instead of prayers, flowers were showered on him.'

Fawad Chaudhry, another minister in the Imran Khan administration taunted Nawaz Sharif saying it seemed that the former premier got better as soon as he stood on the plane’s walkway.&nbsp;

When asked about the jibes being aimed at Sharif, a PML-N Senator, Pervaiz Rashid said that the party would issue a response soon but didn’t feel the need to counter the allegations immediately.&nbsp;

The three-time Prime Minister was recently given the go-ahead to fly out of the country by the Lahore High Court to seek treatment abroad.&nbsp;

Sharif, who was tried and convicted by Pakistan’s Accountability Court, is said to be suffering from multiple ailments, including a critically low platelet count due to prolonged kidney disease.

Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’.

Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’. Nawaz Sharif was seen walking up to greet family members and supporters who had gathered to receive him at London’s Heathrow Airport. The sight of a suited-booted Sharif walking without support or any medical apparatus rang alarm bells within the Imran Khan administration back home. Several members of the ruling Imran Khan regime have questioned the severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition. Faisal Vawda, a minister in the ruling PTI government tweeted saying, 'Nawaz seen leaving the country on his feet, wearing a suit....instead of prayers, flowers were showered on him.' Fawad Chaudhry, another minister in the Imran Khan administration taunted Nawaz Sharif saying it seemed that the former premier got better as soon as he stood on the plane’s walkway. When asked about the jibes being aimed at Sharif, a PML-N Senator, Pervaiz Rashid said that the party would issue a response soon but didn’t feel the need to counter the allegations immediately. The three-time Prime Minister was recently given the go-ahead to fly out of the country by the Lahore High Court to seek treatment abroad. Sharif, who was tried and convicted by Pakistan’s Accountability Court, is said to be suffering from multiple ailments, including a critically low platelet count due to prolonged kidney disease.

Imran Khan's PTI questions severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition

Pakistan cabinet having a meeting today. It could decide further course of action on Nawaz Sharif. It may also review the decision of Lahore High Court for relief to Nawaz Sharif. For now, He has flown to London in his air ambulance for treatment. Last week Lahore High Court allowed the Pakistani former Prime Minister to go abroad for the treatment as he urgently needs the medication. Watch this video to find out more in detail.

Pakistan cabinet meet today, may review the decision of Lahore HC for relief to Nawaz Sharif

Nawaz Sharif all set to leave for London in his air ambulance for treatment. Last week Lahore High Court allowed the Pakistani former Prime Minister to go abroad for the treatment as he urgently needs the medication. Watch this video to find out more in detail.

Nawaz Sharif all set to leave for London in his air ambulance for treatment

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment.

Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Last week, &nbsp;the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds.

Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment.&nbsp;

The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif.

Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond.&nbsp;

The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too.

He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London. Last week, the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds. Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment. The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond. The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too. He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for medical treatment

Former Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-travel-to-london-via-air-ambulance-263011">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a>&nbsp;left for&nbsp;London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance.&nbsp;

Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan.

Sharif was recently allowed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minister-asks-government-to-challenge-lahore-high-court-order-concerning-nazaw-sharif-262633">Lahore High Court (LHC)</a> to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment.

According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete.&nbsp;

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Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departs for London for medical treatment. <a href="https://t.co/slrs1PruHQ">pic.twitter.com/slrs1PruHQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1196668398974849024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years.

Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case.

Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health.&nbsp;

His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List.

(With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes. Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan. Sharif was recently allowed by Lahore High Court (LHC) to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment. According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete. Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departs for London for medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/slrs1PruHQ — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2019 × Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years. Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case. Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health. His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal. Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List. (With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for treatment

Britain's Prince Andrew said he could not have had sex with a teenage girl at a socialite's London home because he returned to his house after a children's party on the night in question and has no recollection of ever meeting her.

Britain's Prince Andrew denies sex claims with a teenage girl at London home

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-threatens-one-country-two-systems-xi-jinping-262146">The Hong Kong government</a> condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful".

A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng.

"The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement.

The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations.

A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family.

Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-arm-themselves-for-showdown-amid-talk-of-curfew-262065">The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill</a> that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands.

Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests.

The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll.

Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.

The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a "violent mob" on the city's justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, who was in London to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub, was targeted by a group of protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful". A statement by the Hong Kong government said Cheng suffered "serious bodily harm" but gave no details. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground. Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng. "The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society," the Hong Kong government said in a separate statement. The attack came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations. A 70-year-old street cleaner, who videos on social media showed had been hit in the head by a brick thrown by "masked rioters", died on Thursday, authorities said. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness on Friday at the death of its cleaning worker and said it was providing assistance to his family. Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence. The protests escalated in June over a now-scrapped extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial. They have since evolved into calls for greater democracy, among other demands. Cheng, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's chief legal adviser, played a key role in pushing forward the proposed extradition bill that ignited the protests. The months-long protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Hong Kong is also expected to confirm on Friday it has fallen into recession for the first time in a decade amid concerns the economy could be in even worse shape than feared as the anti-government protests take a heavy toll. Alibaba Group Chairman Daniel Zhang, however, said Hong Kong's future is "bright" as the e-commerce giant kicked off a retail campaign for its secondary listing in the city.

Hong Kong condemns London 'attack' on justice secretary as protests continue

Police in London on Friday said they were investigating an assault after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-attack-on-hong-kong-official-in-london-asks-local-police-to-continue-investigation-262218">Hong Kong minister fell</a> to the ground as she was jostled by demonstrators.

Justice secretary Teresa Cheng had been due to give a lecture at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in Bloomsbury Square, central London, on Thursday evening.

But the CIArb said the event was cancelled because "whilst entering the building (Cheng) was assaulted by a crowd". It added: "As a result she sustained an injury to her arm."

Video of the incident circulating on social media shows Cheng being surrounded by jeering pro-democracy protesters, who followed her through the streets near the CIArb headquarters.

She fell to the ground and was then escorted away.&nbsp;

China called the incident an "appalling attack" and urged London to provide better security.

The CIArb said it was "committed to peacefully resolving conflict and deplores the use of violence, particularly to a guest to the United Kingdom".

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement a probe was "ongoing to establish the full circumstances" of the incident, adding no arrests had been so made far.

"A woman was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service suffering an injury to her arm," it added without confirming Cheng's identity.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has seen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-central-hong-kong-streets-as-chaos-grips-city-261782">relentless protests</a> since June as many in the city of 7.5 million people have vented fury at eroding freedoms under Chinese rule.

Cheng is in London on a visit to promote its role as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub.

She is one of the most unpopular government officials in Hong Kong, seen as playing a key role in pushing forward the now-shelved extradition bill to China, which sparked the months of unrest there.&nbsp;

Police in London on Friday said they were investigating an assault after a Hong Kong minister fell to the ground as she was jostled by demonstrators. Justice secretary Teresa Cheng had been due to give a lecture at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in Bloomsbury Square, central London, on Thursday evening.

Police in London on Friday said they were investigating an assault after a Hong Kong minister fell to the ground as she was jostled by demonstrators. Justice secretary Teresa Cheng had been due to give a lecture at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in Bloomsbury Square, central London, on Thursday evening. But the CIArb said the event was cancelled because "whilst entering the building (Cheng) was assaulted by a crowd". It added: "As a result she sustained an injury to her arm." Video of the incident circulating on social media shows Cheng being surrounded by jeering pro-democracy protesters, who followed her through the streets near the CIArb headquarters. She fell to the ground and was then escorted away. China called the incident an "appalling attack" and urged London to provide better security. The CIArb said it was "committed to peacefully resolving conflict and deplores the use of violence, particularly to a guest to the United Kingdom". The Metropolitan Police said in a statement a probe was "ongoing to establish the full circumstances" of the incident, adding no arrests had been so made far. "A woman was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service suffering an injury to her arm," it added without confirming Cheng's identity. Hong Kong has seen relentless protests since June as many in the city of 7.5 million people have vented fury at eroding freedoms under Chinese rule. Cheng is in London on a visit to promote its role as a dispute resolution and deal-making hub. She is one of the most unpopular government officials in Hong Kong, seen as playing a key role in pushing forward the now-shelved extradition bill to China, which sparked the months of unrest there.

London police launch assault probe after Hong Kong minister injured

Uber&nbsp;launched a set of new safety features in Britain on Thursday as it battles to retain its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uber-receives-just-a-two-month-london-licence-with-new-safety-conditions-251778">taxi operating licence</a> in the face of concerns about passenger safety.

The measures include a discrimination button enabling drivers and riders to report abuse, enhanced safety training for drivers and a direct connection to the emergency services.

In September,&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;received only a two-month operating licence in London, its most important European market, failing to secure a maximum five-year term in a battle with the regulator Transport for London (TfL) which has previously stripped the app of its right to take rides.

The two-month licence came with "new conditions to ensure passenger safety" and TfL said at the time it wanted more details from the company.

In 2017, TfL rejected the Silicon Valley company's licence renewal request due to failings it said it found in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and driver background checks.&nbsp;Uber&nbsp;was then granted a probationary 15-month licence in 2018.

Drivers of London's traditional black taxis have lobbied hard against a licence renewal, citing safety issues, working standards and the undercutting of their business model.

Uber&nbsp;says its roughly 45,000 drivers in the city enjoy the flexibility of their work and that it has already taken several steps to improve safety for its passengers.

Uber launched a set of new safety features in Britain on Thursday as it battles to retain its taxi operating licence in the face of concerns about passenger safety.

Uber launched a set of new safety features in Britain on Thursday as it battles to retain its taxi operating licence in the face of concerns about passenger safety. The measures include a discrimination button enabling drivers and riders to report abuse, enhanced safety training for drivers and a direct connection to the emergency services. In September, Uber received only a two-month operating licence in London, its most important European market, failing to secure a maximum five-year term in a battle with the regulator Transport for London (TfL) which has previously stripped the app of its right to take rides. The two-month licence came with "new conditions to ensure passenger safety" and TfL said at the time it wanted more details from the company. In 2017, TfL rejected the Silicon Valley company's licence renewal request due to failings it said it found in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and driver background checks. Uber was then granted a probationary 15-month licence in 2018. Drivers of London's traditional black taxis have lobbied hard against a licence renewal, citing safety issues, working standards and the undercutting of their business model. Uber says its roughly 45,000 drivers in the city enjoy the flexibility of their work and that it has already taken several steps to improve safety for its passengers.

Uber launches new safety features in UK as it fights for new licence

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

The Serb was knocked off<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888"> top spot by Rafael Nadal</a> on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back.

Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax.

Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him.

Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach.

He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis.

Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a>, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles.

"It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said.

"As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day."

Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011.

The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38.

Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points.

The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year.

Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title.

He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US&nbsp;Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants.

For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business.

Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London. The Serb was knocked off top spot by Rafael Nadal on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back. Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax. Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him. Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach. He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis. Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion Roger Federer, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles. "It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said. "As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day." Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011. The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38. Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points. The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year. Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title. He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants. For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business. Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

Tennis: Djokovic has world number one Nadal in his sights at London finale

A meeting between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign a long-awaited interim trade deal could be delayed until December as discussions continue over terms and venue, a senior official of the Trump administration told Reuters on Wednesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was still possible the "phase one" agreement aimed at ending a damaging trade war would not be reached, but a deal was more likely than not.

Dozens of venues have been suggested for the meeting, which had originally been scheduled to take place on the sidelines of a now-canceled mid-November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Chile, the official said.

One possible location is London, where the two leaders could meet after a NATO summit that Trump is due to attend from December 3-4, the official said. "It's under consideration but nothing decided," the official said.

Other sites are possible in Europe and Asia, but the former is more likely, with Sweden and Switzerland among the possibilities. Iowa, which Trump has suggested, appeared to have been ruled out, the official said.

China's latest push for more tariff rollbacks would be discussed, but was not expected to derail progress toward an interim deal.

The official said China was believed to see a quick deal as its best chance for favorable terms, given pressure Trump is facing from a congressional impeachment inquiry as he seeks re-election in 2020.

US&nbsp;Treasury prices gained on Wednesday on word that the talks could be delayed, while some investors also repositioned after a three-day sell-off. The dollar slid and the three-day global stock market rally paused as US&nbsp;productivity data disappointed and investors turned a bit cautious about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-meeting-in-iowa-would-be-poignant-reminder-of-better-us-china-ties-260213">US-China trade talks</a>.

"Negotiations are continuing and progress is being made on the text of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-presses-trump-for-more-tariff-roll-backs-in-phase-one-trade-deal-260005">phase one agreement</a>," White House spokesman Judd Deere said. "We will let you know when we have an announcement on a signing location.”

China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

An interim US-China deal is widely expected to include a US&nbsp;pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for December&nbsp;15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys.

People familiar with the negotiations said on Monday that China has been pushing Trump to remove more tariffs imposed in September as part of the first phase of the deal. A US&nbsp;official said the fate of the December&nbsp;15 tariffs is being considered as part of negotiations.

A source briefed on the talks told Reuters on Tuesday that Chinese negotiators want Washington to drop 15% tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that went into effect on September 1. They are also seeking relief from earlier 25% tariffs on about $250 billion of imports from machinery and semiconductors to furniture.

A person familiar with China's negotiating position said it is continuing to press Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible."

Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China.

Analysts say the phase one deal will fail to adequately address these issues, focusing largely on Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm goods and intellectual property protections related to copyright and trademark issues. It will not address industrial subsidies at all.

Venues that have been talked about for the Trump-Xi meeting have ranged from Alaska to Greece.

One Chinese official said Beijing was floating the possibility of a meeting in Greece, where Xi is due to arrive this Sunday, after which he will head to Brazil for a summit of major emerging market countries which starts on November 13.

Multiple US&nbsp;sources have said a signing in Greece was unlikely.

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign a long-awaited interim trade deal could be delayed until December as discussions continue over terms and venue, a senior official of the Trump administration told Reuters on Wednesday.

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign a long-awaited interim trade deal could be delayed until December as discussions continue over terms and venue, a senior official of the Trump administration told Reuters on Wednesday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was still possible the "phase one" agreement aimed at ending a damaging trade war would not be reached, but a deal was more likely than not. Dozens of venues have been suggested for the meeting, which had originally been scheduled to take place on the sidelines of a now-canceled mid-November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Chile, the official said. One possible location is London, where the two leaders could meet after a NATO summit that Trump is due to attend from December 3-4, the official said. "It's under consideration but nothing decided," the official said. Other sites are possible in Europe and Asia, but the former is more likely, with Sweden and Switzerland among the possibilities. Iowa, which Trump has suggested, appeared to have been ruled out, the official said. China's latest push for more tariff rollbacks would be discussed, but was not expected to derail progress toward an interim deal. The official said China was believed to see a quick deal as its best chance for favorable terms, given pressure Trump is facing from a congressional impeachment inquiry as he seeks re-election in 2020. US Treasury prices gained on Wednesday on word that the talks could be delayed, while some investors also repositioned after a three-day sell-off. The dollar slid and the three-day global stock market rally paused as US productivity data disappointed and investors turned a bit cautious about US-China trade talks. "Negotiations are continuing and progress is being made on the text of the phase one agreement," White House spokesman Judd Deere said. "We will let you know when we have an announcement on a signing location.” China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An interim US-China deal is widely expected to include a US pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for December 15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys. People familiar with the negotiations said on Monday that China has been pushing Trump to remove more tariffs imposed in September as part of the first phase of the deal. A US official said the fate of the December 15 tariffs is being considered as part of negotiations. A source briefed on the talks told Reuters on Tuesday that Chinese negotiators want Washington to drop 15% tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that went into effect on September 1. They are also seeking relief from earlier 25% tariffs on about $250 billion of imports from machinery and semiconductors to furniture. A person familiar with China's negotiating position said it is continuing to press Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible." Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China. Analysts say the phase one deal will fail to adequately address these issues, focusing largely on Chinese purchases of US farm goods and intellectual property protections related to copyright and trademark issues. It will not address industrial subsidies at all. Venues that have been talked about for the Trump-Xi meeting have ranged from Alaska to Greece. One Chinese official said Beijing was floating the possibility of a meeting in Greece, where Xi is due to arrive this Sunday, after which he will head to Brazil for a summit of major emerging market countries which starts on November 13. Multiple US sources have said a signing in Greece was unlikely.

US-China trade deal signing could be delayed to December; London a possible venue: Report

<div class="gmail_attr" dir="ltr" style="text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">
'Article 375' actress Richa Chadha is a busy girl managing&nbsp;professional commitments and personal time off with family and loved ones. Read <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/richa-chadha-to-wion-on-how-it-feels-to-be-a-harassment-survivor-losing-work-to-more-willing-actresses-254405">Richa's interview to WION</a> on being a harassment survivor, her film 'Article 375' and more.&nbsp;

Richa who was in Delhi for Diwali has now flown to London to meet up with boyfriend Ali Fazal. The 'Fukrey' actor Ali&nbsp;has been&nbsp;in London since September shooting for his next international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ali-fazal-to-star-opposite-gal-gadot-in-kenneth-branaghs-death-on-the-nile-249161">'Death in the Nile'</a>&nbsp;that stars Gal Gadot and Kenneth Branagh.

Family time is sacrosanct for the actress so she planned her Diwali break in such a way that she spends a day with her parents in Delhi and makes it in time to London to see her boyfriend&nbsp;as well.

A source says, “Because both 'Fukrey'&nbsp;actors&nbsp;have such packed schedules, it leaves them little time to be around each other. This year itself, the two have constantly been on outdoor schedules. Ali was in Benaras shooting for the second season of 'Mirzapur'. Richa was shooting in Lucknow for 'Abhi toh party Shuru Hui Hai'. But the couple makes it a point to be around each other as much as possible. Ali won’t be back in India till December, which is why Richa decided to pay him a visit ''.

Richa&nbsp;hasn’t had much of a break after the release of 'Section 375'. Immediately after the release of 'Section 375', she started preparing for her next with workshops, readings, and trials.
</div>

'Article 375' actress Richa Chadha is a busy girl managing professional commitments and personal time off with family and loved ones. Read Richa's interview to WION on being a harassment survivor, her film 'Article 375' and more.

'Article 375' actress Richa Chadha is a busy girl managing professional commitments and personal time off with family and loved ones. Read Richa's interview to WION on being a harassment survivor, her film 'Article 375' and more. Richa who was in Delhi for Diwali has now flown to London to meet up with boyfriend Ali Fazal. The 'Fukrey' actor Ali has been in London since September shooting for his next international 'Death in the Nile' that stars Gal Gadot and Kenneth Branagh. Family time is sacrosanct for the actress so she planned her Diwali break in such a way that she spends a day with her parents in Delhi and makes it in time to London to see her boyfriend as well. A source says, “Because both 'Fukrey' actors have such packed schedules, it leaves them little time to be around each other. This year itself, the two have constantly been on outdoor schedules. Ali was in Benaras shooting for the second season of 'Mirzapur'. Richa was shooting in Lucknow for 'Abhi toh party Shuru Hui Hai'. But the couple makes it a point to be around each other as much as possible. Ali won’t be back in India till December, which is why Richa decided to pay him a visit ''. Richa hasn’t had much of a break after the release of 'Section 375'. Immediately after the release of 'Section 375', she started preparing for her next with workshops, readings, and trials.

Richa Chadha leaves for London to spend time with boyfriend Ali Fazal

In London, Pak-backed groups tried to do Anti-India protest in front of Indian Embassy but police personnel succeeded to control. Watch this video to know more.

London: Pak-backed groups tried to do Anti-India protest but police succeeded to control

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission.

Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali.&nbsp;

After being denied the permission to protests outside India House on Diwali, the protesters have now seem to have come up with another plan.&nbsp;

The protesters have planned to hold an alternative 'digital campaign' outside the Indian High Commission today.&nbsp;

With this, the pressure seems to mount on the British government to ban today's anti-India march in London.

London's Pak-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that such a march will only deepen divisions among the people in the British capital.&nbsp;

Khan had said that the march must be canceled, maintaining that he does not have the power to ban it and passing the buck to the UK Home Secretary.&nbsp;

When WION tried to reach the British Home Secretary regarding the anti-India protests, the UK Home Office responded saying that neither the home secretary nor the police has&nbsp;the power to ban a static protest while ministers cannot initiate bans on marches.

On Thursday, the London Mayor wrote a letter to Navin Shah - a British lawmaker of Indian origin. Shah had actively campaigned for a ban on the anti-India march.

In his letter, the London Mayor admitted that the protesters could still breach the conditions and assemble at the Indian High Commission. The India House in London has already witnessed two violent protests this year.&nbsp;

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission. Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali.

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission. Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali. After being denied the permission to protests outside India House on Diwali, the protesters have now seem to have come up with another plan. The protesters have planned to hold an alternative 'digital campaign' outside the Indian High Commission today. With this, the pressure seems to mount on the British government to ban today's anti-India march in London. London's Pak-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that such a march will only deepen divisions among the people in the British capital. Khan had said that the march must be canceled, maintaining that he does not have the power to ban it and passing the buck to the UK Home Secretary. When WION tried to reach the British Home Secretary regarding the anti-India protests, the UK Home Office responded saying that neither the home secretary nor the police has the power to ban a static protest while ministers cannot initiate bans on marches. On Thursday, the London Mayor wrote a letter to Navin Shah - a British lawmaker of Indian origin. Shah had actively campaigned for a ban on the anti-India march. In his letter, the London Mayor admitted that the protesters could still breach the conditions and assemble at the Indian High Commission. The India House in London has already witnessed two violent protests this year.

Anti-India protests expected to hit London, UK Police assures security to Indian High Commission 

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