China&nbsp;has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London&nbsp;stock&nbsp;exchanges because of&nbsp;political&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with Britain.

Suspending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/experts-optimistic-about-chinas-capital-market-249642">Shanghai-London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect</a> scheme casts a shadow&nbsp;over&nbsp;the future of a project meant to build ties between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Britain and&nbsp;China</a>, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/made-up-china-denies-allegations-of-forced-labour-at-shanghai-prison-269719">Shanghai-London deals</a>, all said that politics was behind the suspension.

Two of them highlighted Britain's stance&nbsp;over&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">Hong Kong protests</a> and one pointed to remarks&nbsp;over&nbsp;the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong.

All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke&nbsp;on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly.

British&nbsp;companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Boris Johnson</a> approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests.

China&nbsp;blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain.

The&nbsp;China&nbsp;Securities Regulatory Commission and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-lifts-asian-shares-oil-up-on-drawdowns-mideast-tensions-270929">Shanghai&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange</a> did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibabas-hong-kong-shares-rise-66-on-debut-in-heavy-volume-264639">Stock&nbsp;Connect</a>, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by&nbsp;China&nbsp;to open up its capital markets as well as&nbsp;linking them globally.

Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent&nbsp;of its share capital.

However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason.

Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect.

Other hopefuls such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance</a>, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added.

SDIC Power and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment.

"It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals.

Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE.

The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December&nbsp;4, Refinitiv data showed, with&nbsp;political&nbsp;volatility and concerns&nbsp;over&nbsp;Britain's EU divorce crimping&nbsp;stock&nbsp;market fundraisings.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies. The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential Shanghai-London deals, all said that politics was behind the suspension. Two of them highlighted Britain's stance over the Hong Kong protests and one pointed to remarks over the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong. All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. British companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests. China blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain. The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields". Stock Connect, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by China to open up its capital markets as well as linking them globally. Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent of its share capital. However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason. Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of Stock Connect. Other hopefuls such as China Pacific Insurance, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added. SDIC Power and China Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment. "It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to China's links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals. Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE. The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December 4, Refinitiv data showed, with political volatility and concerns over Britain's EU divorce crimping stock market fundraisings.

China halts listings between Shanghai, London due to tensions: Sources

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work.

The work has seen the 96-metre-tall Elizabeth Tower, one of the most photographed buildings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-royal-family-mixes-pudding-in-anticipation-of-christmas-269546">Britain</a>, enveloped in scaffolding for the last two years as the four clock dials are reglazed, ironwork repainted and intricately carved stonework cleaned and repaired.

In March, part of the scaffolding was removed, showing that the clock's once black numerals and hands have been repainted blue, in line with what scientists say was its original colour.

Since restoration work began in 2017, Big Ben has been largely silenced, sounding only for important events. It last tolled on Remembrance Day on November&nbsp;11.

The bell will be tested several times in the run-up to New Year's Eve, parliament said in a statement.

The 4-billion-pound&nbsp;restoration work is due to be completed in 2021.

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work.

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work. The work has seen the 96-metre-tall Elizabeth Tower, one of the most photographed buildings in Britain, enveloped in scaffolding for the last two years as the four clock dials are reglazed, ironwork repainted and intricately carved stonework cleaned and repaired. In March, part of the scaffolding was removed, showing that the clock's once black numerals and hands have been repainted blue, in line with what scientists say was its original colour. Since restoration work began in 2017, Big Ben has been largely silenced, sounding only for important events. It last tolled on Remembrance Day on November 11. The bell will be tested several times in the run-up to New Year's Eve, parliament said in a statement. The 4-billion-pound restoration work is due to be completed in 2021.

Newly face-lifted Big Ben will ring in London New Year

Goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond earned Southampton a surprise 2-0 win at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-antonio-rudiger-wants-swift-action-against-alleged-racist-abusers-269639">Chelsea</a> in the Premier League on Thursday.

Obafemi broke the deadlock with his first goal of the season, bursting inside from the right and curling into the top corner after a tight opening half-hour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-chelseas-frank-lampard-savours-win-over-old-mentor-jose-mourinho-269624">Frank Lampard</a> changed his side's formation from 3-4-3 to 4-2-3-1 at the break and nearly earned an instant dividend as substitute Mason Mount set up Tammy Abraham, who flashed a shot into the side netting.

Saints winger Redmond was denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga on the break but coolly finished for the visitors' second after an impressive team move to silence Stamford Bridge.

The hosts struggled to break down Southampton's tight defence, and Ralph Hasenhuttl's side rises to 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone, building on last weekend's win over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aston-villa-beat-liverpools-kids-to-reach-league-cup-semis-268863">Aston Villa</a>.

Chelsea stays fourth with 32 points from 19 games and must pick themselves up for their visit to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-arsenal-boss-arteta-demands-accountability-from-players-269895">Arsenal</a> on Sunday.

Goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond earned Southampton a surprise 2-0 win at Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday. Obafemi broke the deadlock with his first goal of the season, bursting inside from the right and curling into the top corner after a tight opening half-hour.

Goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond earned Southampton a surprise 2-0 win at Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday. Obafemi broke the deadlock with his first goal of the season, bursting inside from the right and curling into the top corner after a tight opening half-hour. Frank Lampard changed his side's formation from 3-4-3 to 4-2-3-1 at the break and nearly earned an instant dividend as substitute Mason Mount set up Tammy Abraham, who flashed a shot into the side netting. Saints winger Redmond was denied by Kepa Arrizabalaga on the break but coolly finished for the visitors' second after an impressive team move to silence Stamford Bridge. The hosts struggled to break down Southampton's tight defence, and Ralph Hasenhuttl's side rises to 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone, building on last weekend's win over Aston Villa. Chelsea stays fourth with 32 points from 19 games and must pick themselves up for their visit to Arsenal on Sunday.

Premier League: Improving Saints stun Chelsea with 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge

By David Hastings Dunn

Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson.

I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations.

In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”.

Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters.

Deals brewing

Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”.

With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent&nbsp;to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal.

The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants.

Questions of power

After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington.

Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced.

The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west.

The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone.

Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general.

(David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-the-special-relationship-128727">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020.

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons. In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson. I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations. In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”. Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters. Deals brewing Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”. With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal. The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants. Questions of power After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington. Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced. The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west. The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone. Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general. (David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump enthusiastic about Boris Johnson’s victory – but it won’t be smooth sailing for them

Protests against Boris reveal Brexit anxiety. Could Boris's past threatens his future.

Protests against the Boris Johnson erupts in London

Protesters broke out across various parts of London. Protesters reject the result of UK general election

Anti-Johnson protests erupt in London

Several hundreds of protesters marched through central London to protest against Britain's general election result.

Protests erupt across Britain after the UK general election results

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today. 
&nbsp; 
The country’s future direction, its place in the world and even its territorial integrity are all at stake, primarily because this is a decisive election for Brexit. 
&nbsp; 
The next Prime Minister is going to be either Boris johnson, whose main agenda is “getting Brexit done” regardless of the consequences or Jeremy Corbyn, who with a Labour-led government will try to remodel society with a programme of nationalisation and public spending. 
&nbsp; 
The Britons have been confronted with two drastically different visions for what comes next and must decide between two very different persons to lead them there. 
&nbsp; 
Candidates have dutifully appeared in a checklist of traditional election photo ops, they have read books to bored school children and piped campaign messages onto doughnuts. 
&nbsp; 
From touring fish markets to making coffee, all the contesting parties have left no stone unturned to try and ensure that the ballot swings in their favour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Boris Johnson is affixed to his only slogan and insists that only Tories can "get Brexit done." 
&nbsp; 
The Prime Minister took a visit to Derby putting his culinary skills to test and cooked a pie on the last day of his election campaign and compared his pie to Brexit by saying getting UK out of the European Union bloc is as easy as making a pie. 
&nbsp; 
Johnson even drove a bulldozer through a wall of foam bricks with the words 'Gridlock' written on it. 
&nbsp; 
His last campaign speech had only one message - break the Brexit deadlock. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed that to end austerity and give "hope to the next generation".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Corbyn started his final day of election campaigning in Glasgow, making paper reindeers with children at primary schools across the country. 
&nbsp; 
The leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson has pitched her promise to stop Brexit in Surrey.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Swinson told the supporters that the time is short to stop UK from exiting the EU bloc and added that if they win they will stop the withdrawal process.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Scotland National Party's Nicola Sturgeon made her final pitch to voters too and was spotted at Edinburgh's Green Grocers, wrapping candles, urging voters to stop Boris Johnson being Prime Minister. 
&nbsp; 
The Conservatives have been consistently leading the opinion polls, with the latest poll forecast showing the Conservatives taking 339 seats - which is up by 22 seats from the last general election in 2017.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The left-wing Labour Party is estimated to take 231 seats - which is down by 31 in comparison to 2017. 
&nbsp; 
The Scottish Nationalist Party is on course for 41 seats while the Liberal Democrats are estimated to secure only 15 seats. 
&nbsp; 
According to You-gov poll, Conservatives are set to gather 339 seats with 43 per cent vote share. 
&nbsp; 
The Labour Party is trailing behind with 231 seats and 34 per cent vote share. 
&nbsp; 
But what's encouraging for the Labour Party has been the trajectory. As over the past week, the Conservatives' lead over the Tories has come down from 12 points to 9. 
&nbsp; 
Implying that the slender majority of 28 is not something Boris Johnson can rely on.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is not expected to win any seats as per this projection. However, it is important to note that the Brexit Party is not contesting seats where the Tories have a strong foothold.

The Scottish National Party is expected to sweep the electorate in Scotland with 41 seats. 
&nbsp; 
London braces for a rare winter election that could be affected by inclement weather across Britain, significantly affecting the turnout in what many are styling a landmark vote that will determine the outcome of Britain's future.

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today.

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today. The country’s future direction, its place in the world and even its territorial integrity are all at stake, primarily because this is a decisive election for Brexit. The next Prime Minister is going to be either Boris johnson, whose main agenda is “getting Brexit done” regardless of the consequences or Jeremy Corbyn, who with a Labour-led government will try to remodel society with a programme of nationalisation and public spending. The Britons have been confronted with two drastically different visions for what comes next and must decide between two very different persons to lead them there. Candidates have dutifully appeared in a checklist of traditional election photo ops, they have read books to bored school children and piped campaign messages onto doughnuts. From touring fish markets to making coffee, all the contesting parties have left no stone unturned to try and ensure that the ballot swings in their favour. Boris Johnson is affixed to his only slogan and insists that only Tories can "get Brexit done." The Prime Minister took a visit to Derby putting his culinary skills to test and cooked a pie on the last day of his election campaign and compared his pie to Brexit by saying getting UK out of the European Union bloc is as easy as making a pie. Johnson even drove a bulldozer through a wall of foam bricks with the words 'Gridlock' written on it. His last campaign speech had only one message - break the Brexit deadlock. Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed that to end austerity and give "hope to the next generation". Corbyn started his final day of election campaigning in Glasgow, making paper reindeers with children at primary schools across the country. The leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson has pitched her promise to stop Brexit in Surrey. Swinson told the supporters that the time is short to stop UK from exiting the EU bloc and added that if they win they will stop the withdrawal process. The Scotland National Party's Nicola Sturgeon made her final pitch to voters too and was spotted at Edinburgh's Green Grocers, wrapping candles, urging voters to stop Boris Johnson being Prime Minister. The Conservatives have been consistently leading the opinion polls, with the latest poll forecast showing the Conservatives taking 339 seats - which is up by 22 seats from the last general election in 2017. The left-wing Labour Party is estimated to take 231 seats - which is down by 31 in comparison to 2017. The Scottish Nationalist Party is on course for 41 seats while the Liberal Democrats are estimated to secure only 15 seats. According to You-gov poll, Conservatives are set to gather 339 seats with 43 per cent vote share. The Labour Party is trailing behind with 231 seats and 34 per cent vote share. But what's encouraging for the Labour Party has been the trajectory. As over the past week, the Conservatives' lead over the Tories has come down from 12 points to 9. Implying that the slender majority of 28 is not something Boris Johnson can rely on. Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is not expected to win any seats as per this projection. However, it is important to note that the Brexit Party is not contesting seats where the Tories have a strong foothold. The Scottish National Party is expected to sweep the electorate in Scotland with 41 seats. London braces for a rare winter election that could be affected by inclement weather across Britain, significantly affecting the turnout in what many are styling a landmark vote that will determine the outcome of Britain's future.

With Conservatives leading polls, Britain heads to landmark winter election to determine its road ahead

Polling stations have opened across the UK in the general election. Voters across the UK head to the ballot box for the third general election since 2015. Boris Johnson breaks tradition by not voting in his constituency. Earlier Johnson was photographed casting his vote at a polling station in central London rather than in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

WION Dispatch: Polling underway in UK general elections

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans.

Here is an outline of the possible outcomes:

Conservative majority

A Johnson victory, regaining the Conservative majority lost in 2017, is the most likely result according to bookmakers and pollsters.

But what seemed like a comfortable lead a few days ago now looks more precarious following the release of a major new survey on Tuesday.

The YouGov poll indicated the expected Conservative majority would be slashed from 68 seats to 28 since the last survey at the end of November, with a hung parliament now within the margin of error.

With 650 seats in parliament's lower House of Commons, the poll takes 326 as the magic number, predicting the Tories will win 339 seats.

But with Irish Republican party Sinn Fein having a policy of not sending MPs to the British parliament, and with the speakers not normally involved in parliamentary votes, a working majority can be obtained with fewer seats.

In 2017, the Conservatives won 317 seats and went on to govern after striking a deal with Northern Ireland's 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs.

Any kind of majority should allow Johnson to get through his Brexit deal agreed with Brussels, putting Britain on course to leave the European Union by January 31.

Labour majority

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could upset the odds and secure a majority for his left-wing agenda, which includes the re-nationalisation of key sectors, including the railways and energy, and a massive public spending spree.

Britain would also vote again on whether to leave the EU with the options being a "softer" Brexit deal negotiated by his party or remaining in the union.

A Labour victory would represent a major breakthrough on the global stage for the far-left movement backed by younger voters.

Hung parliament

If no party achieves a working majority, then Britain would have another hung parliament, as in 2010 and 2017.

The Conservatives are still expected to win the most seats and, as incumbent, Johnson would remain prime minister and get first crack at striking a deal with opposition parties, either to join a formal coalition or for them to agree to back him on crucial votes in an informal pact.

But he has few friends outside his own party and is unlikely to win the support of the DUP this time round as they are unhappy with his Brexit deal.

Johnson could then quit or try to go it alone in a minority government, which would require him to win key votes when parliament returns.&nbsp;

He would be obliged to resign if his attempts failed.

Corbyn would then try to form a government, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) indicating they would back him if he agreed to a second Scottish independence referendum.

The Liberal Democrats could also be tempted by Labour's commitment to a second Brexit referendum, but have so far "absolutely categorically" ruled out backing Corbyn, citing his radical economic agenda and anti-Semitism within his party.

Without them, Corbyn would probably fall short of forming a government or securing the backing needed to sustain a minority government.

Another election would be the only way to break the deadlock.

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans.

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans. Here is an outline of the possible outcomes: Conservative majority A Johnson victory, regaining the Conservative majority lost in 2017, is the most likely result according to bookmakers and pollsters. But what seemed like a comfortable lead a few days ago now looks more precarious following the release of a major new survey on Tuesday. The YouGov poll indicated the expected Conservative majority would be slashed from 68 seats to 28 since the last survey at the end of November, with a hung parliament now within the margin of error. With 650 seats in parliament's lower House of Commons, the poll takes 326 as the magic number, predicting the Tories will win 339 seats. But with Irish Republican party Sinn Fein having a policy of not sending MPs to the British parliament, and with the speakers not normally involved in parliamentary votes, a working majority can be obtained with fewer seats. In 2017, the Conservatives won 317 seats and went on to govern after striking a deal with Northern Ireland's 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs. Any kind of majority should allow Johnson to get through his Brexit deal agreed with Brussels, putting Britain on course to leave the European Union by January 31. Labour majority Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could upset the odds and secure a majority for his left-wing agenda, which includes the re-nationalisation of key sectors, including the railways and energy, and a massive public spending spree. Britain would also vote again on whether to leave the EU with the options being a "softer" Brexit deal negotiated by his party or remaining in the union. A Labour victory would represent a major breakthrough on the global stage for the far-left movement backed by younger voters. Hung parliament If no party achieves a working majority, then Britain would have another hung parliament, as in 2010 and 2017. The Conservatives are still expected to win the most seats and, as incumbent, Johnson would remain prime minister and get first crack at striking a deal with opposition parties, either to join a formal coalition or for them to agree to back him on crucial votes in an informal pact. But he has few friends outside his own party and is unlikely to win the support of the DUP this time round as they are unhappy with his Brexit deal. Johnson could then quit or try to go it alone in a minority government, which would require him to win key votes when parliament returns. He would be obliged to resign if his attempts failed. Corbyn would then try to form a government, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) indicating they would back him if he agreed to a second Scottish independence referendum. The Liberal Democrats could also be tempted by Labour's commitment to a second Brexit referendum, but have so far "absolutely categorically" ruled out backing Corbyn, citing his radical economic agenda and anti-Semitism within his party. Without them, Corbyn would probably fall short of forming a government or securing the backing needed to sustain a minority government. Another election would be the only way to break the deadlock.

British general election: A look at possible outcomes of the UK vote

Extinction Rebellion climate activists were arrested after gluing themselves to a roadblock they had erected in central London on Monday (December 9).

Activists glue hands to roadblock to highlight air pollution in London

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deutsche-bank-says-to-slash-18000-jobs-by-2022-233897">Deutsche Bank</a> pared back its revenue growth target on Tuesday, blaming rock-bottom interest rates for hurting its business in a downbeat presentation to investors.

The German bank said it expected revenue at its core banking business to grow by just 1% in the run-up to 2022, half the growth level estimated in July. It put emphasis instead on efforts to cut billions of euros in costs.

Chief Executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressional-probe-finds-possible-lapses-in-deutsche-bank-controls-report-247969">Christian Sewing</a> pointed to "significant progress" in recent months in turning around the bank in the presentation ahead of an investor day. But the bank highlighted the impact of low interest rates in the eurozone on its business.

Deutsche said such low rates would hurt its retail bank as well as corporate banking in the medium term, but it predicted that growth at its investment bank would partly make up for this.

The bank said it had taken steps to cope with low rates, including lending more and "selectively" passing on to customers the costs it faces for keeping cash at the central bank.

Deutsche Bank also said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-federal-reserve-for-not-acting-quickly-as-european-central-bank-249248">European Central Bank</a> had reduced the lender's capital ratio requirement, following a review.

Deutsche Bank pared back its revenue growth target on Tuesday, blaming rock-bottom interest rates for hurting its business in a downbeat presentation to investors.

Deutsche Bank pared back its revenue growth target on Tuesday, blaming rock-bottom interest rates for hurting its business in a downbeat presentation to investors. The German bank said it expected revenue at its core banking business to grow by just 1% in the run-up to 2022, half the growth level estimated in July. It put emphasis instead on efforts to cut billions of euros in costs. Chief Executive Christian Sewing pointed to "significant progress" in recent months in turning around the bank in the presentation ahead of an investor day. But the bank highlighted the impact of low interest rates in the eurozone on its business. Deutsche said such low rates would hurt its retail bank as well as corporate banking in the medium term, but it predicted that growth at its investment bank would partly make up for this. The bank said it had taken steps to cope with low rates, including lending more and "selectively" passing on to customers the costs it faces for keeping cash at the central bank. Deutsche Bank also said that the European Central Bank had reduced the lender's capital ratio requirement, following a review.

Deutsche Bank predicts meagre growth due to low rates

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ted-baker-posts-loss-warns-on-full-year-results-253424">Ted Baker Plc</a> said on Tuesday its chief executive officer and chairman have stepped down, and the British fashion retailer also cut its full-year outlook again and suspended its dividend.

Recently appointed Chief Financial Officer, Rachel Osborne, will take on the CEO role from Lindsay Page on an interim basis.

The departures come a week after the company said it may have overstated inventory by as much as 25 million pounds ($32.08 million).

Page was promoted to the role in April after founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-waves-of-metoo-reach-the-city-of-london-184453">Ray Kelvin</a> stepped down after allegations of misconduct at the company.

Sharon Baylay has assumed the role of acting chair, replacing David Bernstein.

Ted Baker Plc said on Tuesday its chief executive officer and chairman have stepped down, and the British fashion retailer also cut its full-year outlook again and suspended its dividend.

Ted Baker Plc said on Tuesday its chief executive officer and chairman have stepped down, and the British fashion retailer also cut its full-year outlook again and suspended its dividend. Recently appointed Chief Financial Officer, Rachel Osborne, will take on the CEO role from Lindsay Page on an interim basis. The departures come a week after the company said it may have overstated inventory by as much as 25 million pounds ($32.08 million). Page was promoted to the role in April after founder Ray Kelvin stepped down after allegations of misconduct at the company. Sharon Baylay has assumed the role of acting chair, replacing David Bernstein.

Ted Baker CEO, chairman step down; outlook cut, dividend suspended

Uber is unable to make rides safe for Women. London cancelled Uber's License for Inadequate Safety.

Uber-Not Always A Safe Ride Home

NATO leaders gathered at golf resort near London on Wednesday

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-china-says-no-time-limit-on-trade-deal-with-us-266194">Donald Trump</a>'s team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference.

Earlier on Tuesday Trump had addressed issues ranging from NATO to North Korea and trade to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-according-to-call-records-nunes-had-frequent-contact-with-giuliani-266054">impeachment</a> proceedings at two long question-and-answer sessions with reporters, first alongside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">NATO</a> Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and then with French President Emmanuel Macron.

At one, he described earlier comments by Macron as "very nasty".

The later conversation at the reception between Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was recorded on video and snippets were audible. Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne was also there.

"Is that why you were late?" Johnson asked Macron.

"...It was like a 40-minute press conference," Trudeau said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Forty minutes."

Other words were exchanged but could not be heard, before Trudeau added: "I just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US President Donald Trump's team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception on Tuesday evening describing how surprised US President Donald Trump's team appeared to be by his performance at a press conference. Earlier on Tuesday Trump had addressed issues ranging from NATO to North Korea and trade to impeachment proceedings at two long question-and-answer sessions with reporters, first alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and then with French President Emmanuel Macron. At one, he described earlier comments by Macron as "very nasty". The later conversation at the reception between Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was recorded on video and snippets were audible. Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne was also there. "Is that why you were late?" Johnson asked Macron. "...It was like a 40-minute press conference," Trudeau said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Forty minutes." Other words were exchanged but could not be heard, before Trudeau added: "I just watched his team's jaws drop to the floor."

Trudeau says 'jaws drop to the floor' during Trump remarks

U.S President calls Macron's comments Nasty.

WION Dispatch: Storm gathers over London as NATO meets

London attack aftermath: Political blame game over knife attack. Watch video to know more.

London attack aftermath: Political blame game over knife attack

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

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

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

Lessons on terrorism and rehabilitation from the London Bridge attack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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