London police deployed Friday a sweeping security cordon around Heathrow Airport and made seven arrests to thwart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-says-almost-all-uk-flights-cancelled-over-strike-248557">climate activists</a>' efforts to shut down Europe's busiest travel hub using toy drones.

Campaigners from Heathrow Pause an offshoot of the Extinction Rebellion group backed by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg had hoped to disrupt the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-pilots-ground-planes-in-unprecedented-48-hour-strike-248533">travel</a> plans of tens of thousands of passengers from across the world over the weekend.

But their first miniature device failed to take flight after receiving no signal from its hand-held remote control.

"They are jamming we can't get the signal," one campaigner said in a video posted on social media from what appeared to be the airport's outer edge.

"The passengers will be happy. We are not happy."

A London police spokesman refused to confirm or deny the use of jamming devices.

"We do not discuss security tactics," the spokesman told AFP.

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But the department said it was imposing a "dispersal order" under a criminal statute act covering "anti-social behaviour" in areas surrounding the airport's vast grounds through to Sunday morning.

'Not criminal'

The campaigners' official aim is to prevent the construction of a third Heathrow runway and to cut harmful gas emissions to a net level of zero by 2025.

Yet their chosen means of protest also points to the hazards drones of any size pose to airports long term.

Heathrow rules stipulate that it must temporarily close should a drone be spotted within its five-kilometer (three-mile) exclusion zone.

It was expected to make exceptions should this only involve miniature drones flying close to the ground and away from runways or flight paths the rules Heathrow Pause intends to keep.

"Like-minded citizens just know that what we are doing is not a criminal act," group member Sylvia Dell told AFP as she prepared to fly her own drone in the coming days.

The retired mother-of-four said she was stirred to action by a United Nations report warning governments in October that they had 12 years left to stop the earth from warming to dangerous levels.

"We're the fire alarm ringing in the middle of the night telling people to wake up, your house is on fire," Dell said.

'Public nuisance' 
Several still-unexplained drone sightings around Heathrow and London's Gatwick Airport shut them down for several days over the winter holidays.

The group's members have met airport representatives and the London police to arrange precautionary measures aimed at avoiding accidents.

They had hoped to fly the drones at head height at hourly intervals that could keep the airport closed continuously for up to five days.

"You need to make disruption painful before the authorities take notice," Dell said.

A Heathrow spokeswoman said on Friday that the airport remained "strongly committed" to addressing climate concerns.

"We agree with the need for climate change action but illegal protest activity designed with the intention of disrupting thousands of people is not the answer," she said.

London police announced the arrest of five men and two women on Thursday and Friday "on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance".

Dell said she faced "years" in jail because of two prior arrests during an Extinction Rebellion protest that ground parts of London to a halt for more than a week in April.

"Prison is a terrifying prospect," she said.

But "I find the prospect of not acting and allowing the world to collapse that's more terrifying for me."

London police deployed Friday a sweeping security cordon around Heathrow Airport and made seven arrests to thwart climate activists' efforts to shut down Europe's busiest travel hub using toy drones.

London police deployed Friday a sweeping security cordon around Heathrow Airport and made seven arrests to thwart climate activists' efforts to shut down Europe's busiest travel hub using toy drones. Campaigners from Heathrow Pause an offshoot of the Extinction Rebellion group backed by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg had hoped to disrupt the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers from across the world over the weekend. But their first miniature device failed to take flight after receiving no signal from its hand-held remote control. "They are jamming we can't get the signal," one campaigner said in a video posted on social media from what appeared to be the airport's outer edge. "The passengers will be happy. We are not happy." A London police spokesman refused to confirm or deny the use of jamming devices. "We do not discuss security tactics," the spokesman told AFP. × But the department said it was imposing a "dispersal order" under a criminal statute act covering "anti-social behaviour" in areas surrounding the airport's vast grounds through to Sunday morning. 'Not criminal' The campaigners' official aim is to prevent the construction of a third Heathrow runway and to cut harmful gas emissions to a net level of zero by 2025. Yet their chosen means of protest also points to the hazards drones of any size pose to airports long term. Heathrow rules stipulate that it must temporarily close should a drone be spotted within its five-kilometer (three-mile) exclusion zone. It was expected to make exceptions should this only involve miniature drones flying close to the ground and away from runways or flight paths the rules Heathrow Pause intends to keep. "Like-minded citizens just know that what we are doing is not a criminal act," group member Sylvia Dell told AFP as she prepared to fly her own drone in the coming days. The retired mother-of-four said she was stirred to action by a United Nations report warning governments in October that they had 12 years left to stop the earth from warming to dangerous levels. "We're the fire alarm ringing in the middle of the night telling people to wake up, your house is on fire," Dell said. 'Public nuisance' Several still-unexplained drone sightings around Heathrow and London's Gatwick Airport shut them down for several days over the winter holidays. The group's members have met airport representatives and the London police to arrange precautionary measures aimed at avoiding accidents. They had hoped to fly the drones at head height at hourly intervals that could keep the airport closed continuously for up to five days. "You need to make disruption painful before the authorities take notice," Dell said. A Heathrow spokeswoman said on Friday that the airport remained "strongly committed" to addressing climate concerns. "We agree with the need for climate change action but illegal protest activity designed with the intention of disrupting thousands of people is not the answer," she said. London police announced the arrest of five men and two women on Thursday and Friday "on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance". Dell said she faced "years" in jail because of two prior arrests during an Extinction Rebellion protest that ground parts of London to a halt for more than a week in April. "Prison is a terrifying prospect," she said. But "I find the prospect of not acting and allowing the world to collapse that's more terrifying for me."

Police thwart climate activists' drone bid to close Heathrow

Climate activists on Thursday (September 12) had their last drone-flying practice before attempting to shut down London's busiest airport from 3 a.m. (0200GMT) on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

Climate activists say Heathrow drone protest won't put anyone in danger

Climate-change activists who planned to disrupt Heathrow airport with drones were frustrated early on Friday as the devices failed to fly and Europe's biggest airport continued to operate as usual.

But the airport said that the attempted action was not impacting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-pilots-ground-planes-in-unprecedented-48-hour-strike-248533">flights</a>.

Watch Video

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"There's no disruption," a spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said. "Runways and taxiways remain operational."

Police arrested two men at the airport on Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance in relation to operations at the airport, and have established a dispersal zone around the airport for 48 hours. Five others were arrested on Thursday away from the airport on the same grounds.

Heathrow Pause said that authorities had used signal jamming to frustrate the early flights, posting a live stream of activists near the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-says-almost-all-uk-flights-cancelled-over-strike-248557"> airport </a>on a Twitter feed.

"We've got a little technical glitch. The drone isn't flying," and unidentified campaigner says in the video, as another activist holds a drone in the air.

"Unfortunately at this time I don't have any specific updates what the next steps will be."

Earlier this week, police said they were confident the action would not lead to a repeat of the chaos seen at Gatwick last December, when drone sightings grounded planes in the run-up to Christmas.

But they warned that attempted disruption of the airport and flying drones without permission in the exclusion zone were serious crimes.

Heathrow Pause, a splinter group of the climate group Extinction Rebellion which disrupted London streets earlier this year and which is behind Friday's planned action, said it would fly the drones at no higher than head level and say they are not looking to endanger life.

Climate-change activists who planned to disrupt Heathrow airport with drones were frustrated early on Friday as the devices failed to fly and Europe's biggest airport continued to operate as usual.

Climate-change activists who planned to disrupt Heathrow airport with drones were frustrated early on Friday as the devices failed to fly and Europe's biggest airport continued to operate as usual. But the airport said that the attempted action was not impacting flights. Watch Video × "There's no disruption," a spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said. "Runways and taxiways remain operational." Police arrested two men at the airport on Friday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance in relation to operations at the airport, and have established a dispersal zone around the airport for 48 hours. Five others were arrested on Thursday away from the airport on the same grounds. Heathrow Pause said that authorities had used signal jamming to frustrate the early flights, posting a live stream of activists near the airport on a Twitter feed. "We've got a little technical glitch. The drone isn't flying," and unidentified campaigner says in the video, as another activist holds a drone in the air. "Unfortunately at this time I don't have any specific updates what the next steps will be." Earlier this week, police said they were confident the action would not lead to a repeat of the chaos seen at Gatwick last December, when drone sightings grounded planes in the run-up to Christmas. But they warned that attempted disruption of the airport and flying drones without permission in the exclusion zone were serious crimes. Heathrow Pause, a splinter group of the climate group Extinction Rebellion which disrupted London streets earlier this year and which is behind Friday's planned action, said it would fly the drones at no higher than head level and say they are not looking to endanger life.

Climate-change activists' plan to disrupt Heathrow with drones frustrated

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has proposed a 31.6 billion pound ($39 billion) takeover of the London Stock Exchange, it said on Wednesday, just weeks after the London bourse announced a plan to merge with data company Refinitiv.

"The board of HKEX believes a proposed combination with LSEG represents a highly compelling strategic opportunity to create a global market infrastructure leader," the Hong Kong exchange said in a statement.

The proposed transaction would only go ahead if the LSE's proposed takeover of Refinitiv does not proceed, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-hit-pause-to-mark-september-11-attacks-248978">Hong Kong</a> Exchanges already has a base in London as the owner of the London Metal Exchange. The LSE has long sought to bolster its footprint in Asia and recently launched a link with Shanghai.

The LSE had no immediate comment. Refinitiv had no comment, and the Refinitiv majority shareholder Blackstone had no immediate comment.

"The board of HKEX believes that the two businesses are highly complementary and as such, looks forward to working with the relevant authorities to deliver a clear path to completion," the HKEX said.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has proposed a 31.6 billion pound ($39 billion) takeover of the London Stock Exchange, it said on Wednesday, just weeks after the London bourse announced a plan to merge with data company Refinitiv.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has proposed a 31.6 billion pound ($39 billion) takeover of the London Stock Exchange, it said on Wednesday, just weeks after the London bourse announced a plan to merge with data company Refinitiv. "The board of HKEX believes a proposed combination with LSEG represents a highly compelling strategic opportunity to create a global market infrastructure leader," the Hong Kong exchange said in a statement. The proposed transaction would only go ahead if the LSE's proposed takeover of Refinitiv does not proceed, it said. Hong Kong Exchanges already has a base in London as the owner of the London Metal Exchange. The LSE has long sought to bolster its footprint in Asia and recently launched a link with Shanghai. The LSE had no immediate comment. Refinitiv had no comment, and the Refinitiv majority shareholder Blackstone had no immediate comment. "The board of HKEX believes that the two businesses are highly complementary and as such, looks forward to working with the relevant authorities to deliver a clear path to completion," the HKEX said.

Hong Kong Exchanges proposes $39 billion London Stock Exchange takeover

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-will-go-to-eu-to-seek-a-deal-not-a-brexit-delay-finance-minister-248420">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU.

With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government.

Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October&nbsp;31 Brexit deadline.

In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril."

Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches.

"When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit.

"In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view."

A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process.

"It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them."

In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one.

If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31,&nbsp;the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone.

Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament.

In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda.

Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips.

"Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position."

During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims,&nbsp;&nbsp;including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied.

Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament. Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU. With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government. Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October 31 Brexit deadline. In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril." Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches. "When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit. "In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view." A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process. "It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them." In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one. If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31, the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone. Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament. In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda. Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips. "Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position." During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims, including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied. Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow to step down

Indians clean mess created by violent Pakistan protesters

Indians clean Pakistan protesters' mess

In a strong message of solidarity, the Indian community in the UK on Saturday joined hands to clean the mess created by violent protest in front of the Indian mission in London last week.&nbsp;

Indian envoy Ruchi Ghanashyam was also present when the cleanup operation began at 3.30 PM. 
&nbsp; 
In a symbolic move, British Indians community also sent the Mayor of London Sadiq khan the cleaning invoice after volunteering and cleaning the area.

Watch: Indians clean Pakistan protesters' mess

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While Sadiq khan had "condemn this unacceptable behaviour", the British high commission in Delhi had described the incident as "largely peaceful".&nbsp;

Pakistani diaspora members along with several Khalistanis had staged a violent protest outside the mission on September 3. This was the second time in less than a month that the Indian mission in London has been targeted by unruly protesters. The first happened on August 15 on Indian independence day. They were protesting the Indian government's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

<img alt="India house" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b1d2362-19e7-469e-8d4f-a8b2b17adcfa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Cleaning%20India%20house.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
The latest protest saw vandalisation of Indian mission's property with Indian High Commission tweeting a photo of a broken windowpane. 
&nbsp; 
India had strongly raised the matter both in Delhi and London. Indian summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The Indian high commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Two people were arrested after the protest by the metropolitan police.

In a strong message of solidarity, the Indian community in the UK on Saturday joined hands to clean the mess created by violent protest in front of the Indian mission in London last week.

In a strong message of solidarity, the Indian community in the UK on Saturday joined hands to clean the mess created by violent protest in front of the Indian mission in London last week. Indian envoy Ruchi Ghanashyam was also present when the cleanup operation began at 3.30 PM. In a symbolic move, British Indians community also sent the Mayor of London Sadiq khan the cleaning invoice after volunteering and cleaning the area. Watch: Indians clean Pakistan protesters' mess × While Sadiq khan had "condemn this unacceptable behaviour", the British high commission in Delhi had described the incident as "largely peaceful". Pakistani diaspora members along with several Khalistanis had staged a violent protest outside the mission on September 3. This was the second time in less than a month that the Indian mission in London has been targeted by unruly protesters. The first happened on August 15 on Indian independence day. They were protesting the Indian government's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The latest protest saw vandalisation of Indian mission's property with Indian High Commission tweeting a photo of a broken windowpane. India had strongly raised the matter both in Delhi and London. Indian summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The Indian high commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest. Two people were arrested after the protest by the metropolitan police.

British Indians join hands to clean High Commission after Pakistani protestors' vandalism

British lawmakers, including Conservatives expelled this week from the party, are preparing legal action in case Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-carmakers-urge-brexit-delay-rather-than-no-deal-exit-248018">Boris Johnson</a> refuses to seek a delay to Brexit, the BBC reported on Saturday.

An opposition bill that would force Johnson to ask the European Union for an extension to Britain's departure to avoid a no-deal Brexit on October&nbsp;31 was approved by parliament's appointed upper chamber, the House of Lords, on Friday.

Queen Elizabeth is expected to sign it into law on Monday.

Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN

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Johnson, a leader of the campaign to leave the EU during the 2016 Brexit referendum, took office in July after his Conservative party predecessor Theresa May quit following three failed attempts to get a deal with Brussels through parliament.

The new prime minister says he wants to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, with or without a deal with the bloc.

Johnson has said he has no intention of seeking an extension and would rather "die in a ditch" than delay Brexit, while on Saturday the Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying he was only bound "in theory" by the new legislation.

The government had no immediate comment on the BBC report, which said lawmakers have lined up a legal team and are willing to go to court to enforce the legislation if necessary.

Johnson says the only solution to the Brexit deadlock is a new election, which he wants to take place on October&nbsp;15, allowing him to win a new mandate with two weeks left to leave on time.

Two-thirds of parliament's lawmakers need to back an early election, but opposition parties, including Labour, said they would either vote against or abstain on this until the law to force Johnson to seek a Brexit delay is implemented.

Johnson failed to win enough support in a vote on Wednesday for an election, with another vote scheduled for Monday.

British lawmakers, including Conservatives expelled this week from the party, are preparing legal action in case Prime Minister Boris Johnson refuses to seek a delay to Brexit, the BBC reported on Saturday.

British lawmakers, including Conservatives expelled this week from the party, are preparing legal action in case Prime Minister Boris Johnson refuses to seek a delay to Brexit, the BBC reported on Saturday. An opposition bill that would force Johnson to ask the European Union for an extension to Britain's departure to avoid a no-deal Brexit on October 31 was approved by parliament's appointed upper chamber, the House of Lords, on Friday. Queen Elizabeth is expected to sign it into law on Monday. Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN × Johnson, a leader of the campaign to leave the EU during the 2016 Brexit referendum, took office in July after his Conservative party predecessor Theresa May quit following three failed attempts to get a deal with Brussels through parliament. The new prime minister says he wants to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, with or without a deal with the bloc. Johnson has said he has no intention of seeking an extension and would rather "die in a ditch" than delay Brexit, while on Saturday the Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying he was only bound "in theory" by the new legislation. The government had no immediate comment on the BBC report, which said lawmakers have lined up a legal team and are willing to go to court to enforce the legislation if necessary. Johnson says the only solution to the Brexit deadlock is a new election, which he wants to take place on October 15, allowing him to win a new mandate with two weeks left to leave on time. Two-thirds of parliament's lawmakers need to back an early election, but opposition parties, including Labour, said they would either vote against or abstain on this until the law to force Johnson to seek a Brexit delay is implemented. Johnson failed to win enough support in a vote on Wednesday for an election, with another vote scheduled for Monday.

British lawmakers willing to go to court to enforce Brexit delay: Report

London's India house targeted twice in less than a month. Watch this video to know more.

London's India house targeted twice in less than a month

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London.

India summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The protest, in which two people were arrested by UK's Metropolitan Police took place on Tuesday by members of the Pakistani diaspora and Khalistani who threw objects, one of which broke the windowpane of the mission.

The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement saying, "We consider these incidents to be unacceptable and have strongly urged the Government of UK to take action against those involved."

The Indian High Commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest. The DG had said the "physical damage to High Commission property was completely unacceptable" adding "safety and security of all diplomatic missions and their staff are of utmost concern to UK".

This is the second time in a month that large protest by Pakistani diaspora has taken place outside the Indian High Commission in London. The last was on August 15, India's Independence Day in which four people were arrested.&nbsp;

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London.

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London. India summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The protest, in which two people were arrested by UK's Metropolitan Police took place on Tuesday by members of the Pakistani diaspora and Khalistani who threw objects, one of which broke the windowpane of the mission. The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement saying, "We consider these incidents to be unacceptable and have strongly urged the Government of UK to take action against those involved." The Indian High Commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest. The DG had said the "physical damage to High Commission property was completely unacceptable" adding "safety and security of all diplomatic missions and their staff are of utmost concern to UK". This is the second time in a month that large protest by Pakistani diaspora has taken place outside the Indian High Commission in London. The last was on August 15, India's Independence Day in which four people were arrested.

Vandalism of Indian High Commission in London: India raises matter in Delhi, UK

Second Pak-Incited Anti-India Violent Protests Outside Indian High Commission In London Since August 25 Pakistan incited another violent anti-India protest outside Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday. This is the second such act of hooliganism outside Indian Commission since August 15. London's Mayor Office as well as British Foreign both describe the protests as 'largely peaceful', while India has urged UK government to take action against the violent protesters. Palki summarises.

Gravitas: Violent protest outside Indian high commission in London

Is Britain Becoming A Breeding Ground For Anti-India Sentiment? Over the last few years, UK's capital London has been the venue for anti-India sentiment. Last year, Khalistan separatists campaigned against India's sovereignty. Some parties backed them too. Since August 14, Pakistan has now incited two violent protests opposing India's stance on Kashmir. Is London the breeding ground for anti-India sentiment? This report explores.

Gravitas: Is London the headquarters of anti-India campaigns?

Britain should delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-hypothesis-im-willing-to-contemplate-johnson-on-resignation-over-brexit-248022">Brexit beyond October 31</a> rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday.

As Britain spins towards an election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-opposition-parties-discuss-pm-johnsons-brexit-election-gamble-247990">Brexit remains up in the air </a>more than three years after Britons voted to leave the world's biggest trading bloc in a 2016 referendum leading to the country's biggest political crisis in decades.

The autos sector, the country's biggest exporter of goods, has been one of the most vocal opponents of a no-deal Brexit, warning that production would be hit with tariffs, border delays and new bureaucracy, ruining the viability of many plants.

"Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome," the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers of Traders (SMMT) Mike Hawes told Reuters. "If it takes an extra couple of months to get that deal, I think the industry would put up with that," he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been urging companies to ramp up their efforts to prepare for a no-deal Brexit but not everyone can repeat plans in place for the original March exit date.

Ministers have said they could help sectors hit by a disorderly exit and Brexiteers have long argued that Europe's biggest economy, Germany, which exports hundreds of thousands of cars to Britain each year, would protect that trade.

Whilst some preparations, such as new IT systems, can be carried over, others, including building additional component stocks have to be redone, and some plans, such as temporarily shutting plants to cope with no-deal, cannot be repeated by all.

BMW, which moved its annual summertime shutdown at its Mini and Rolls-Royce factories to April to mitigate the effects of a disorderly exit, has said it cannot do the same again this time.

"Some may have a degree of flexibility, others won't," said Hawes.

A series of new models, the key to firms already hit by a collapse in diesel demand, the dented Chinese market and electrification, are due to roll off British production lines over the next few months.

Nissan, which operates Britain's largest car factory, will be producing the new Juke from October, BMW's electric Mini is due in the autumn and Aston Martin's first sport-utility vehicle will be built at a new plant in Wales.

The uncertainty over Brexit leaves the future of Peugeot's British car plant, which builds the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, in question as the firm has committed to keeping the site open "conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union."

Meanwhile, Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose parent company posted record losses earlier this year, has said its Brexit planning costs were more than 100 million pounds ($123 million) between April and June.

All the main car companies in Britain are foreign-owned but the case for investing in the country as a gateway into Europe is at risk, Ian Henry, Professor in Automotive Business Strategy at Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies told Reuters.

"When you're talking about adding billions of pounds to the cost structure of an industry which either makes very low margins or no money at all, that can only undermine the viability of producing vehicles in this country," he said.

Britain should delay Brexit beyond October 31 rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday.

Britain should delay Brexit beyond October 31 rather than leave the European Union without a deal, which would be particularly harmful to large carmakers, the head of the sector's industry body told Reuters on Friday. As Britain spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the world's biggest trading bloc in a 2016 referendum leading to the country's biggest political crisis in decades. The autos sector, the country's biggest exporter of goods, has been one of the most vocal opponents of a no-deal Brexit, warning that production would be hit with tariffs, border delays and new bureaucracy, ruining the viability of many plants. "Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome," the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers of Traders (SMMT) Mike Hawes told Reuters. "If it takes an extra couple of months to get that deal, I think the industry would put up with that," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been urging companies to ramp up their efforts to prepare for a no-deal Brexit but not everyone can repeat plans in place for the original March exit date. Ministers have said they could help sectors hit by a disorderly exit and Brexiteers have long argued that Europe's biggest economy, Germany, which exports hundreds of thousands of cars to Britain each year, would protect that trade. Whilst some preparations, such as new IT systems, can be carried over, others, including building additional component stocks have to be redone, and some plans, such as temporarily shutting plants to cope with no-deal, cannot be repeated by all. BMW, which moved its annual summertime shutdown at its Mini and Rolls-Royce factories to April to mitigate the effects of a disorderly exit, has said it cannot do the same again this time. "Some may have a degree of flexibility, others won't," said Hawes. A series of new models, the key to firms already hit by a collapse in diesel demand, the dented Chinese market and electrification, are due to roll off British production lines over the next few months. Nissan, which operates Britain's largest car factory, will be producing the new Juke from October, BMW's electric Mini is due in the autumn and Aston Martin's first sport-utility vehicle will be built at a new plant in Wales. The uncertainty over Brexit leaves the future of Peugeot's British car plant, which builds the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, in question as the firm has committed to keeping the site open "conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union." Meanwhile, Britain's biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, whose parent company posted record losses earlier this year, has said its Brexit planning costs were more than 100 million pounds ($123 million) between April and June. All the main car companies in Britain are foreign-owned but the case for investing in the country as a gateway into Europe is at risk, Ian Henry, Professor in Automotive Business Strategy at Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies told Reuters. "When you're talking about adding billions of pounds to the cost structure of an industry which either makes very low margins or no money at all, that can only undermine the viability of producing vehicles in this country," he said.

Leaving without a deal would be the worst outcome: UK carmakers on no-deal Brexit

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

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

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

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

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday.

Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies.

Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal.

They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month.

'Fresh legs on the pound'

"News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP.

"After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit.

"Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added.

The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash".

Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31.

"The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP.

"Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23.

"The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels&nbsp;but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added.

The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18.

Stocks mainly climb

Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe.

Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub.

But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month.

However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses.&nbsp;

Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in.

Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance. By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday. Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies. Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal. They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month. 'Fresh legs on the pound' "News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP. "After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit. "Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added. The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash". Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31. "The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP. "Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23. "The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added. The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18. Stocks mainly climb Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe. Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub. But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit. Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month. However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses. Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in. Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

Pound tops $1.23 on fading no-deal Brexit prospect

British Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721"> Boris Johnson</a> was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721">European Union</a>.

As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

After wresting control of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, an alliance of opposition parties and rebels expelled from Johnson's Conservative party voted to force him to seek a three-month delay to Brexit rather than leaving without a deal on October 31, the date now set in law.

Behind the sound and the fury of the Brexit crisis, an election now beckons for a polarised country.

The main choices on offer are Johnson's radical insistence on leaving the EU on October 31, come what may, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's hard-left socialist vision, coupled with a promise of a fresh referendum with an option to stay in the EU.

"Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said.

"Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election."

The opposition Labour Party cast Johnson's language - including calling Corbyn a "chicken" - as pathetic, said he was trying to act like US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, and compared him to a 3-year-old toddler having a tantrum.

An election adds a new twist to a Brexit crisis that has for three years overshadowed European Union affairs, eroded Britain's reputation as a stable pillar of the West and seen sterling twitch in tune to the probability of a 'no-deal' exit.

Asked if Brexit would happen on October 31, Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings told Reuters: "Trust the people."

Against the dollar, the pound fell 0.3 per cent to $1.2211, after jumping 1.4 per cent on Wednesday in the sense that the prospect of a 'no-deal' exit had receded. UBS Global Wealth Management said sterling could rally to $1.30 if Brexit was delayed until January 2020 and an election was held after October.&nbsp;

'Trust the people'

Johnson, the face of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign, has pushed for an election on October 15, two weeks before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, though opposition parties are debating which date they would accept.

"We are saying, yeah, bring on a general election, of course," said John McDonnell, the Labour Party's second most powerful man.

"We will ensure that happens after we have got the legislation to protect against a 'no-deal' Brexit. But we will consult and do it on at the date on which we will think will have the maximum advantage against a 'no-deal'," he said.

While sterling rose on parliament's bid to block a no-deal exit, an election before Brexit would allow him, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill, which was passed by 329-300 and then 327-299 in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The law will pass the upper house, the Lords, by Friday evening.

Johnson's finance minister, Sajid Javid, opened up the possibility of a change to the October 15 date but said the government could strike a renegotiated Brexit deal with Brussels and get it through parliament before October 31.

But the EU, and Germany and France in particular, have repeatedly called on Britain to make specific proposals on how it wants to change the agreement struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, in November.

Diplomats said an election campaign would halt any Brexit talks with the EU and expressed frustration with the turmoil of British politics at such an important juncture in European history.

"The UK side continues to produce chaos and it is very hard to predict anything," said one EU diplomat.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Thursday kicking off what is in effect an election campaign, casting an alliance of opposition parties trying to block a 'no-deal' Brexit as defeatists surrendering to the European Union. As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour. After wresting control of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, an alliance of opposition parties and rebels expelled from Johnson's Conservative party voted to force him to seek a three-month delay to Brexit rather than leaving without a deal on October 31, the date now set in law. Behind the sound and the fury of the Brexit crisis, an election now beckons for a polarised country. The main choices on offer are Johnson's radical insistence on leaving the EU on October 31, come what may, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's hard-left socialist vision, coupled with a promise of a fresh referendum with an option to stay in the EU. "Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said. "Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election." The opposition Labour Party cast Johnson's language - including calling Corbyn a "chicken" - as pathetic, said he was trying to act like US President Donald Trump, and compared him to a 3-year-old toddler having a tantrum. An election adds a new twist to a Brexit crisis that has for three years overshadowed European Union affairs, eroded Britain's reputation as a stable pillar of the West and seen sterling twitch in tune to the probability of a 'no-deal' exit. Asked if Brexit would happen on October 31, Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings told Reuters: "Trust the people." Against the dollar, the pound fell 0.3 per cent to $1.2211, after jumping 1.4 per cent on Wednesday in the sense that the prospect of a 'no-deal' exit had receded. UBS Global Wealth Management said sterling could rally to $1.30 if Brexit was delayed until January 2020 and an election was held after October. 'Trust the people' Johnson, the face of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign, has pushed for an election on October 15, two weeks before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, though opposition parties are debating which date they would accept. "We are saying, yeah, bring on a general election, of course," said John McDonnell, the Labour Party's second most powerful man. "We will ensure that happens after we have got the legislation to protect against a 'no-deal' Brexit. But we will consult and do it on at the date on which we will think will have the maximum advantage against a 'no-deal'," he said. While sterling rose on parliament's bid to block a no-deal exit, an election before Brexit would allow him, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill, which was passed by 329-300 and then 327-299 in the House of Commons on Wednesday. The law will pass the upper house, the Lords, by Friday evening. Johnson's finance minister, Sajid Javid, opened up the possibility of a change to the October 15 date but said the government could strike a renegotiated Brexit deal with Brussels and get it through parliament before October 31. But the EU, and Germany and France in particular, have repeatedly called on Britain to make specific proposals on how it wants to change the agreement struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, in November. Diplomats said an election campaign would halt any Brexit talks with the EU and expressed frustration with the turmoil of British politics at such an important juncture in European history. "The UK side continues to produce chaos and it is very hard to predict anything," said one EU diplomat.

British PM Boris Johnson kicks off election campaign as parliament blocks no-deal Brexit

Two people have been arrested after Pakistan's diaspora, along with Khalistanis, launched a massive protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and broke a windowpane of the premises. The incident drew widespread condemnation. &nbsp;

The Indian Mission in a tweet said, "Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises."&nbsp;

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Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises. <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@foreignoffice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tariqahmadbt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tariqahmadbt</a> <a href="https://t.co/2sv0Qt1xy8">pic.twitter.com/2sv0Qt1xy8</a>
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_London/status/1168921116762693635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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London Mayor Sadiq Khan reacted to the incident saying, "I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with Metropolitan Police to take action."&nbsp;

UK's Metropolitan Police in a statement to WION said, "There were two arrests for criminal damage at yesterday’s event outside the Indian High Commission".

New Delhi is expected to take up the matter with London on Tuesday's protests which were announced by Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi from the national assembly.

The protestors were opposing the revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

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I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a> to take action.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/1168947795597901828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is the second major incident of protest outside the Indian Mission in less than a month in London. The Pakistani diaspora launched a violent protest on Indian Independence Day outside the mission leaving many from the Indian community stranded. Four people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police at that time. &nbsp;

The second incident came on the day when British foreign secretary Dominic Raab "deplored" the violent protest on August 15.&nbsp;

"Such violence should not be conducted anywhere else for that matter. Communities now need to reduce that tension but on a positive note, such as buildup confidence-building measures. This would not only allow reducing tension between communities in Kashmir and also between India and Pakistan," Raab said in the British Parliament in response to a question.&nbsp;

Last week, ahead of their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and raised the issue of violent protests that took place outside the Indian Mission.&nbsp;

An Indian government readout said, that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means."&nbsp;

Adding, "In this context, he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India."&nbsp;

The British Prime minister has regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian Mission.&nbsp;

The readout said, Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors."&nbsp;

India had taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined. &nbsp;

Two people have been arrested after Pakistan's diaspora, along with Khalistanis, launched a massive protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and broke a windowpane of the premises.

Two people have been arrested after Pakistan's diaspora, along with Khalistanis, launched a massive protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and broke a windowpane of the premises. The incident drew widespread condemnation. The Indian Mission in a tweet said, "Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises." Another violent protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today, 3 September 2019. Damage caused to the premises. @foreignoffice @UKinIndia @MEAIndia @DominicRaab @DrSJaishankar @PMOIndia @tariqahmadbt pic.twitter.com/2sv0Qt1xy8 — India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 3, 2019 × London Mayor Sadiq Khan reacted to the incident saying, "I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with Metropolitan Police to take action." UK's Metropolitan Police in a statement to WION said, "There were two arrests for criminal damage at yesterday’s event outside the Indian High Commission". New Delhi is expected to take up the matter with London on Tuesday's protests which were announced by Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi from the national assembly. The protestors were opposing the revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir. I utterly condemn this unacceptable behaviour and have raised this incident with @metpoliceuk to take action. — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) September 3, 2019 × This is the second major incident of protest outside the Indian Mission in less than a month in London. The Pakistani diaspora launched a violent protest on Indian Independence Day outside the mission leaving many from the Indian community stranded. Four people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police at that time. The second incident came on the day when British foreign secretary Dominic Raab "deplored" the violent protest on August 15. "Such violence should not be conducted anywhere else for that matter. Communities now need to reduce that tension but on a positive note, such as buildup confidence-building measures. This would not only allow reducing tension between communities in Kashmir and also between India and Pakistan," Raab said in the British Parliament in response to a question. Last week, ahead of their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and raised the issue of violent protests that took place outside the Indian Mission. An Indian government readout said, that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means." Adding, "In this context, he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India." The British Prime minister has regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian Mission. The readout said, Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors." India had taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.

Two arrested for violent pro-Pakistan protests outside Indian High Commission in London

Indian High Commission in London has been targeted by Pakistanis second time in a month. According to the latest reports, UK Police have arrested 2 people for criminal damage. Watch this video to know more.

Indian High Commission in UK targeted again, 2 people got arrested

This is a second time in a month that Indian High Commission in London has been targeted by Pakistanis. Watch this video to know more.

UK: Indian High Commission targeted again

Two persons were on Wednesday arrested after Pakistani diaspora along with Khalistanis launched a massive protest outside the Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday and broke a window pane, drawing widespread condemnation.

Pakistani protesters vandalise Indian High Commission in London

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to his British counterpart Boris Johnson regarding the violence that took place outside Indian Embassy in London. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi speaks to UK PM, raises concern over violence infront of Indian High Commission in London

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday.&nbsp;

Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, British High Commission spokesperson said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day."

Meanwhile, reports have emerged stating that the London Police have arrested four Pak nationals in the matter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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British High Commission <a href="https://twitter.com/UKinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKinIndia</a> spokx to <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> : Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day. <a href="https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0">https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162329716742742018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of people protested outside the Indian High Commission in London on Thursday over Centre's recent move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

A small counter-demonstration was kept apart from the main protest by the police, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Four people were arrested for affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon, police said.

"One person was injured during the demonstrations," they said.

In a statement,&nbsp;London's Metropolitan Police&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon".

"Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the statement added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday. Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis.

The United Kingdom on Friday reacted on protests that took place outside the Indian High Commission on Thursday. Indians gathered in London outside the Indian High Commission were reportedly attacked by Pakistanis. While speaking to WION, British High Commission spokesperson said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day." Meanwhile, reports have emerged stating that the London Police have arrested four Pak nationals in the matter. British High Commission @UKinIndia spokx to @WIONews : Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day. https://t.co/IFZcscrJE0 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Thousands of people protested outside the Indian High Commission in London on Thursday over Centre's recent move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. A small counter-demonstration was kept apart from the main protest by the police, news agency Reuters reported. Four people were arrested for affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon, police said. "One person was injured during the demonstrations," they said. In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police said, "The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon". "Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the statement added. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Overwhelmingly peaceful,' says British High Commission on protests outside Indian High Commission in London

Pakistanis attack peaceful Indians gathered in London. Watch video to know more.

Pakistanis attack peaceful Indians gathered in London

Swedish teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-gets-amnesty-prize-225552">Greta Thunberg </a>will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit.

To avoid travelling by air, Thunberg is making her trans-Atlantic trip onboard the 60-ft yacht, the Malizia II, fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines that produce electricity on board, with the aim of making the journey zero-carbon.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-right-wingers-to-shun-greta-thunberg-at-parliament-237929">Thunberg </a>tweeted a picture of herself on board the boat with the caption: "Test sailing off the English coast today!"

Earlier this month, the boat's skipper told Reuters the 16-year-old activist, who has become a figurehead for young environmental protesters, faced an uncomfortable voyage onboard the yacht which is designed for speed rather than a luxury.

"Greta taking on this challenge of sailing across on a race boat with zero comforts really shows her commitment to the cause and how far she’s willing to push herself," Boris Herrmann said.

Thunberg is due to depart this week from an as-yet-undisclosed location in Britain and will be accompanied by her father, Svante, and a cameraman on the journey.

When she arrives, she will join the UN&nbsp;Climate Action Summit in New York in September and the COP 25 climate change conference in Santiago, Chile in December.

"Me speaking to the UN&nbsp;is not going to change the situation but if that can help to create awareness ... then I think that together we can try to ... make a change," Thunberg said on a visit to a German anti-coal protest camp on Friday.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit. To avoid travelling by air, Thunberg is making her trans-Atlantic trip onboard the 60-ft yacht, the Malizia II, fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines that produce electricity on board, with the aim of making the journey zero-carbon. On Monday, Thunberg tweeted a picture of herself on board the boat with the caption: "Test sailing off the English coast today!" Earlier this month, the boat's skipper told Reuters the 16-year-old activist, who has become a figurehead for young environmental protesters, faced an uncomfortable voyage onboard the yacht which is designed for speed rather than a luxury. "Greta taking on this challenge of sailing across on a race boat with zero comforts really shows her commitment to the cause and how far she’s willing to push herself," Boris Herrmann said. Thunberg is due to depart this week from an as-yet-undisclosed location in Britain and will be accompanied by her father, Svante, and a cameraman on the journey. When she arrives, she will join the UN Climate Action Summit in New York in September and the COP 25 climate change conference in Santiago, Chile in December. "Me speaking to the UN is not going to change the situation but if that can help to create awareness ... then I think that together we can try to ... make a change," Thunberg said on a visit to a German anti-coal protest camp on Friday.

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg prepares to sail to US to avoid flying

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded.

Global meat consumption must fall to curb global warming, reduce growing strains on land and water and improve food security, health, and biodiversity, a United Nations report on the effects of climate change concluded. Although the report stopped short of explicitly advocating going meat-free, it called for big changes to farming and eating habits to limit the impact of population growth and changing consumption patterns on stretched land and water resources. Plant-based foods and sustainable animal-sourced food could free up several million square kilometers of land by 2050 and cut 0.7-8.0 gigatonnes a year of carbon dioxide equivalent, the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said. "There are certain kinds of diets that have a lower carbon footprint and put less pressure on land," Jim Skea, professor at London's Imperial College, said on Thursday. The IPCC met this week in Geneva, Switzerland to finalize its report which should help to guide the government's meeting this year in Chile on ways to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement. "The IPCC does not recommend people's diets ... Dietary choices are very often shaped or influenced by local production practices and cultural habits," Skea, who is one of the report's authors, told reporters in Geneva. Land can be both a source and sink of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, and better land management can help to tackle climate change, the IPCC said. But it is not the only solution and cutting emissions from all sectors is essential to quickly curtail global warming. "The window for making these changes is closing fast. If there is a further delay in reducing emissions, we will miss the opportunity to successfully manage the climate change transition in the land sector," it said. Since the pre-industrial era, the land surface air temperature has risen by 1.53 degrees Celsius, twice as much as the global average temperature (0.87C), causing more heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rain, as well as land degradation and desertification. Human use directly affects more than 70 per cent of the global, ice-free land surface and agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater use, the IPCC added in the report. Agriculture, forestry and other land use activities accounted for 23 per cent of total net man-made greenhouse gas emissions from 2007-2016. When pre- and post-production activities in the food system are included, that rises to up to 37 per cent . Last year the IPCC's first special report warned that keeping the Earth's temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), rather than the 2C target agreed under the Paris accord, required rapid change across society. FOOD SECURITY The IPCC warned of more disruption to global food chains as extreme weather becomes more frequent due to climate change and said environmental costs should be factored into food. It projects a median increase of 7.6 per cent in cereal prices by 2050, meaning higher food prices and an increased risk of hunger. While an estimated 821 million people are undernourished, changing consumption habits have already contributed to about 2 billion adults being overweight or obese. Per capita supply of vegetable oils and meat has more than doubled based on data since 1961 but 25-30 per cent of the total food produced is still lost or wasted. Yields of crops such as maize and wheat have declined in some regions, while those of maize, wheat, and sugar beets have increased in others in recent decades. FOREST FACTOR While forests can soak up heat-trapping gases from the atmosphere, desertification and deforestation can amplify warming due to the loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion. Measures to cut emissions, such as the production of biofuels, biochar - made from biomass - as well as planting trees, will also increase demand for land conversion. Reducing deforestation and forest degradation could result in a reduction of 0.4-5.8 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent, the report said. The Amazon, about 60 per cent of which lies in Brazil, is sometimes called the "lungs of the world" due to the amount of CO2 it can absorb but it was not directly mentioned in the IPCC's summary for policymakers. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has supported opening up protected areas of the world's largest tropical rainforest to facilitate agriculture and mining since taking office in January. The report text is prepared by over 100 scientists but has to be approved by governments. In those discussions, Brazil and India were very active to protect their national agro-industrial interests, a source familiar with the talks said.

UN flags need to cut meat to curb land use impact on global warming

Arsenal could bolster their defence significantly in the final 24 hours before the Premier League transfer window closes on Thursday with the signings of Kieran Tierney and David Luiz, according to reports.

Arsenal could bolster their defence significantly in the final 24 hours before the Premier League transfer window closes on Thursday with the signings of Kieran Tierney and David Luiz, according to reports. Scottish left-back Tierney has been a target all summer for the Gunners, who have had two bids previously rejected by Celtic. However, Tierney, who sat out Celtic's 1-1 draw with CFR Cluj in Romania on Wednesday as he recovers from a hernia operation, is set to travel to London after the clubs finally agreed on the payment structure of a £25 million move according to widespread reports. "I've said the last few days it wouldn't surprise me," Celtic boss Neil Lennon told the BBC on the possibility of losing Tierney. "If he goes, he goes with everyone's best wishes. He's an outstanding talent and a great kid." Arsenal's long search for centre-back cover could also be resolved on Thursday should Luiz move across London from Chelsea. The 32-year-old did not train with the rest of his Chelsea teammates on Wednesday. "If we can on the last day, we will try to sign another centre-back, but one who has the capacity to help us," said Arsenal coach Unai Emery. Arsenal conceded 51 goals in the Premier League last season to miss out on Champions League football for a third consecutive season.

Arsenal agree deal for Tierney, closing in on Luiz

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics.

The surprise announcement came shortly before an earlier than expected results release in which the London-headquartered behemoth reported pre-tax profit was up 15.8 per cent at $12.4 billion for the first half of the year.

Flint, who has spent three decades at HSBC, was keen to lower costs with the Asia-focused bank facing the double uncertainties caused by both the US-China trade war and Britain's impending departure from the European Union.

HSBC gave no specific reason for Flint's sudden departure, but said it needed a change at the top as it warned investors of difficult times ahead.&nbsp;

"In the increasingly complex and challenging global environment in which the bank operates, the board believes a change is needed to meet the challenges that we face and to capture the very significant opportunities before us," Group Chairman Mark Tucker said.

Flint, 51, said: "I have agreed with the board that today's good interim results indicate that this is the right time for change, both for me and the bank."

HSBC said it would look both internally and externally for a new leader and that Noel Quinn, head of the commercial banking division, will be interim CEO in the meantime.

"Although not carrying out his day-to-day duties after today, he (Flint) remains available to assist HSBC with the transition," the bank said in a statement.&nbsp;

The move comes just weeks after its US chief Patrick Burke retired following a reorganisation of its North American business.

Flint's departure came despite the good results announced on Tuesday with pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion for the second quarter.&nbsp;

The bank also said it would soon begin a buyback of up to $1 billion, according to a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

But there are headwinds on the horizon.&nbsp;

In Asia -- which is acutely vulnerable to the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing -- the bank said the outlook "is less certain". 
Brexit was also weighing on the bank's future.&nbsp;

"The outlook has changed. Interest rates in the US dollar bloc are now expected to fall rather than rise, and geopolitical issues could impact a significant number of our major markets," the bank said.&nbsp;

"In the near term, the nature and impact of the UK's departure from the European Union remain highly uncertain," it added.

"We are managing operating expenses and investment spending in line with the increased risks to revenue," the Asia-focused firm said.

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics.

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics. The surprise announcement came shortly before an earlier than expected results release in which the London-headquartered behemoth reported pre-tax profit was up 15.8 per cent at $12.4 billion for the first half of the year. Flint, who has spent three decades at HSBC, was keen to lower costs with the Asia-focused bank facing the double uncertainties caused by both the US-China trade war and Britain's impending departure from the European Union. HSBC gave no specific reason for Flint's sudden departure, but said it needed a change at the top as it warned investors of difficult times ahead. "In the increasingly complex and challenging global environment in which the bank operates, the board believes a change is needed to meet the challenges that we face and to capture the very significant opportunities before us," Group Chairman Mark Tucker said. Flint, 51, said: "I have agreed with the board that today's good interim results indicate that this is the right time for change, both for me and the bank." HSBC said it would look both internally and externally for a new leader and that Noel Quinn, head of the commercial banking division, will be interim CEO in the meantime. "Although not carrying out his day-to-day duties after today, he (Flint) remains available to assist HSBC with the transition," the bank said in a statement. The move comes just weeks after its US chief Patrick Burke retired following a reorganisation of its North American business. Flint's departure came despite the good results announced on Tuesday with pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion for the second quarter. The bank also said it would soon begin a buyback of up to $1 billion, according to a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. But there are headwinds on the horizon. In Asia -- which is acutely vulnerable to the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing -- the bank said the outlook "is less certain". Brexit was also weighing on the bank's future. "The outlook has changed. Interest rates in the US dollar bloc are now expected to fall rather than rise, and geopolitical issues could impact a significant number of our major markets," the bank said. "In the near term, the nature and impact of the UK's departure from the European Union remain highly uncertain," it added. "We are managing operating expenses and investment spending in line with the increased risks to revenue," the Asia-focused firm said.

HSBC CEO John Flint resigns as bank faces 'challenging' geopolitics

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Friday, regaining some ground after their biggest falls in years on US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on Chinese imports.

The move, due to take effect on September&nbsp;1, intensifies a trade war between the world's top two economies and oil consumers that has disrupted global supply chains and roiled financial markets.

Any resulting economic slowdown could dent oil demand.

Benchmark Brent rose $1.56, or 2.6%, to $62.06 a barrel by 1210 GMT on Friday, after slumping more than 7% on Thursday, their steepest drop in more than three years.

US crude gained $1.29, or 2.4%, to $55.24 on Friday, after tumbling nearly 8% the previous day when they posted their biggest drop in more than four years.

Thursday's slide ended a fragile rally built on steady drawdowns in US inventories, even though global demand looked shaky due to the trade dispute.

"Given the latest turn in US-Sino trade relations, sustaining this uplift may be subject to how China chooses to respond to President Trump's new tariff initiative", said Harry Tchilinguirian, global oil strategist at BNP Paribas in London.

"The rise in oil prices may be simply the result of a technical bounce back from an oversold close," he told the Reuters Global Oil Forum, referring to Thursday's tumble.

Trump said on Thursday he would impose a 10% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese imports and could raise tariffs further if China's President Xi Jinping failed to move more quickly to strike a trade deal.

The announcement extends Trump's tariffs to nearly all of China's imports into the United States.

China said it would not accept any "intimidation or blackmail" and pledged countermeasures should the tariffs go into effect.

The US&nbsp;economy expanded by 2.1% in the second quarter, government data showed on July 26, beating economists' expectations although it was lower than first-quarter growth.

Still, there are signs of the economic toll of the trade dispute between the United States and China, which this week reported slowing manufacturing activity in July.

US&nbsp;manufacturing activity also slipped last month, dropping to a near three-year low, and construction spending fell in June as an investment in private construction projects tumbled to its lowest level in 1-1/2 years, data showed.

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Friday, regaining some ground after their biggest falls in years on US President Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on Chinese imports.

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Friday, regaining some ground after their biggest falls in years on US President Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on Chinese imports. The move, due to take effect on September 1, intensifies a trade war between the world's top two economies and oil consumers that has disrupted global supply chains and roiled financial markets. Any resulting economic slowdown could dent oil demand. Benchmark Brent rose $1.56, or 2.6%, to $62.06 a barrel by 1210 GMT on Friday, after slumping more than 7% on Thursday, their steepest drop in more than three years. US crude gained $1.29, or 2.4%, to $55.24 on Friday, after tumbling nearly 8% the previous day when they posted their biggest drop in more than four years. Thursday's slide ended a fragile rally built on steady drawdowns in US inventories, even though global demand looked shaky due to the trade dispute. "Given the latest turn in US-Sino trade relations, sustaining this uplift may be subject to how China chooses to respond to President Trump's new tariff initiative", said Harry Tchilinguirian, global oil strategist at BNP Paribas in London. "The rise in oil prices may be simply the result of a technical bounce back from an oversold close," he told the Reuters Global Oil Forum, referring to Thursday's tumble. Trump said on Thursday he would impose a 10% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese imports and could raise tariffs further if China's President Xi Jinping failed to move more quickly to strike a trade deal. The announcement extends Trump's tariffs to nearly all of China's imports into the United States. China said it would not accept any "intimidation or blackmail" and pledged countermeasures should the tariffs go into effect. The US economy expanded by 2.1% in the second quarter, government data showed on July 26, beating economists' expectations although it was lower than first-quarter growth. Still, there are signs of the economic toll of the trade dispute between the United States and China, which this week reported slowing manufacturing activity in July. US manufacturing activity also slipped last month, dropping to a near three-year low, and construction spending fell in June as an investment in private construction projects tumbled to its lowest level in 1-1/2 years, data showed.

Oil prices rebound more than 2% after plunging on Donald Trump's tariff plan

Indians working on the merchant vessels are stuck in the cold war between the UK-Iran. 4 Indians are set to face judicial processes for violating EU sanctions.

Iran-UK tanker row: 4 Indians charged for violating EU sanctions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stormy-sterling-sinks-again-stocks-wilt-before-fed-239448">sterling tumbled</a> and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.

The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets.

Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago.

"The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal.

"The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said.

The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic".

Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May.

"The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said.

"Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said.

Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s.

Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen.

"We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management.

Brexit Crisis

Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017.

On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation.

Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union.

Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal. The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets. Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago. "The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal. "The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said. The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic". Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May. "The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said. "Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said. Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s. Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen. "We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management. Brexit Crisis Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017. On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation. Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union. Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Brexit 'no matter what', Prime Minister Johnson promises as sterling falls

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-had-become-a-serious-possibility-cbi-chief-carolyn-fairbairn-239206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xcXFitrjAhVO7mEKHQlcAkYQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07JQut3Vw9Gy2-8QTnDxFn">no-deal Brexit</a> because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017.

Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament.

The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely.

"There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-should-respect-international-laws-britains-foreign-minister-239218">Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab</a> said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations.

Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening."

Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high.

Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday.

Our&nbsp;Union

Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave.

The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom.

Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

"Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom."

Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson.

Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists.

Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017. Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament. The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely. "There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations. Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening." Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high. Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Our Union Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave. The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom. Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit. "Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit. "So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom." Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson. Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists. Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

UK plays hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes

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