Will the UK government ban Anti-India protest?

Mandy Clark on Anti-India Protest in London on Diwali

The European Union agreed to London's request for a Brexit deadline extension on Friday (October 25), a spokeswoman for the EU executive said, but set no new departure date, giving time for Britain's bitterly divided parliament to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's call for a snap election.

European Union agrees in principle to extend Brexit

Anti-India Protests In London On Diwali Hasn't Been Banned. Will U.K. Government Ban The Protests?

Gravitas: It's India Versus Pakistan In London This Diwali

London's mayor calls for a ban on Sunday's march. WION accesses letter by London's Mayor.

Anti-India march in London on Diwali

Anti-India March In London On Diwali The 'Anti-India' protest march that was planned in London on Diwali has not been completely called off. But things have moved in the last 24 hours.

Gravitas: London Anti-india Protest: On Or Off?

The Scotland Yard on Wednesday banned protesters from assembling outside the Indian High Commission here on October 27 amid reports of the planned protest by pro-Pakistani groups on the said date.

The restrictions have been imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 and forbid the protesters from taking the procession to the area outside Indian High Commission, reported Geo News.

The development comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday insisted in the parliament that "violence and intimidation are wholly unacceptable", in response to a question by an MP over reports of the planned protest. Johnson had added that Home Secretary Priti Patel would be speaking to the police to address the matter.

"This is a police matter, but I was speaking to my Home Secretary and she will be raising it to the police. But we must all be clear in this house that violence and intimidation anywhere are wholly unacceptable," he said.

The October 27 Diwali protest is the third in line outside the Indian High Commission in London after the Indian government's move to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The protest on August 15 had seen pro-Pakistani protesters throwing water bottles, tomatoes, eggs, amongst other things, at the Indians who had gathered outside the diplomatic mission to celebrate Independence Day.&nbsp;

The Scotland Yard on Wednesday banned protesters from assembling outside the Indian High Commission here on October 27 amid reports of the planned protest by pro-Pakistani groups on the said date.

The Scotland Yard on Wednesday banned protesters from assembling outside the Indian High Commission here on October 27 amid reports of the planned protest by pro-Pakistani groups on the said date. The restrictions have been imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 and forbid the protesters from taking the procession to the area outside Indian High Commission, reported Geo News. The development comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday insisted in the parliament that "violence and intimidation are wholly unacceptable", in response to a question by an MP over reports of the planned protest. Johnson had added that Home Secretary Priti Patel would be speaking to the police to address the matter. "This is a police matter, but I was speaking to my Home Secretary and she will be raising it to the police. But we must all be clear in this house that violence and intimidation anywhere are wholly unacceptable," he said. The October 27 Diwali protest is the third in line outside the Indian High Commission in London after the Indian government's move to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The protest on August 15 had seen pro-Pakistani protesters throwing water bottles, tomatoes, eggs, amongst other things, at the Indians who had gathered outside the diplomatic mission to celebrate Independence Day.

Protesters banned from assembling outside Indian High Commission in London on October 27

Britain launched a major murder investigation after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-near-london-in-truck-container-uk-police-257701">39 bodies were found</a> Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from.

All victims were pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London, triggering revulsion among politicians and once again putting the spotlight on the shadowy people trafficking business.

The local Essex Police force, who are working with immigration officials, said their priority was to try to identify the victims, thought at this stage to be 38 adults and one teenager.

The truck driver, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/39-bodies-found-in-a-lorry-container-in-essex-257727/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

Officers in white forensic suits could be seen working by the truck and a white tent was erected outside.

Ambulance services said the victims were already dead by the time they arrived.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," he added.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident, who remains in police custody."

The tragedy sparked questions about the route taken by the truck -&nbsp;and whether people trafficking had played a part.

In August 2015, at the peak of Europe's migration crisis, the bodies of 71 migrants including a baby girl were found piled up in the back of a poultry refrigerator lorry left in Austria.

Investigations later revealed they had been transported along the Balkan migrant route and left to suffocate in the back of the truck after the driver dumped the vehicle near the Hungarian border.&nbsp;

The truck discovered on Thursday is left-hand drive, indicating that it was not British or Irish.

Police said it was thought the lorry entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland.

The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not in the European Union's no-borders Schengen zone but have their own historic Common Travel Area, meaning there are no checks on the movement of goods or people between the two.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association which represents truck drivers in Britain, said: "Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased but whatever the circumstances, it highlights the danger of migrant gangs people-smuggling on lorries."

Jackie Doyle-Price, the MP representing the local Thurrock constituency surrounding Grays, said the news was "sickening".

"People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business," she said.

"Let's hope they bring these murderers to justice."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was receiving regular updates and sent his sympathies to the victims' families.

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I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives &amp; their loved ones.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1186936670169587712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex," he said.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones."

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's interior minister, said she was "shocked and saddened".

"Home Office immigration officials will be working closely alongside them to establish how this horrific event came to happen."

Cases of this kind are rare in Britain.

In 2014, staff at the Tilbury container port -- next to Grays -- heard screaming and banging coming from inside a shipping container, and found 34 Afghan Sikhs alive inside suffering from severe dehydration, hypothermia and lack of air.

One man was found dead, having passed away during the sea crossing from Belgium.

In 2000, the bodies of 58 clandestine Chinese immigrants were discovered in a Dutch truck at the British port of Dover. Two people survived.

Britain launched a major murder investigation after 39 bodies were found Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from.

Britain launched a major murder investigation after 39 bodies were found Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from. All victims were pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London, triggering revulsion among politicians and once again putting the spotlight on the shadowy people trafficking business. The local Essex Police force, who are working with immigration officials, said their priority was to try to identify the victims, thought at this stage to be 38 adults and one teenager. The truck driver, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement. Watch Video: The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park. Officers in white forensic suits could be seen working by the truck and a white tent was erected outside. Ambulance services said the victims were already dead by the time they arrived. "We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner. "We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," he added. "We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident, who remains in police custody." The tragedy sparked questions about the route taken by the truck - and whether people trafficking had played a part. In August 2015, at the peak of Europe's migration crisis, the bodies of 71 migrants including a baby girl were found piled up in the back of a poultry refrigerator lorry left in Austria. Investigations later revealed they had been transported along the Balkan migrant route and left to suffocate in the back of the truck after the driver dumped the vehicle near the Hungarian border. The truck discovered on Thursday is left-hand drive, indicating that it was not British or Irish. Police said it was thought the lorry entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland. The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not in the European Union's no-borders Schengen zone but have their own historic Common Travel Area, meaning there are no checks on the movement of goods or people between the two. Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association which represents truck drivers in Britain, said: "Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased but whatever the circumstances, it highlights the danger of migrant gangs people-smuggling on lorries." Jackie Doyle-Price, the MP representing the local Thurrock constituency surrounding Grays, said the news was "sickening". "People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business," she said. "Let's hope they bring these murderers to justice." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was receiving regular updates and sent his sympathies to the victims' families. I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 23, 2019 × "I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex," he said. "My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones." Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's interior minister, said she was "shocked and saddened". "Home Office immigration officials will be working closely alongside them to establish how this horrific event came to happen." Cases of this kind are rare in Britain. In 2014, staff at the Tilbury container port -- next to Grays -- heard screaming and banging coming from inside a shipping container, and found 34 Afghan Sikhs alive inside suffering from severe dehydration, hypothermia and lack of air. One man was found dead, having passed away during the sea crossing from Belgium. In 2000, the bodies of 58 clandestine Chinese immigrants were discovered in a Dutch truck at the British port of Dover. Two people survived.

Britain launches murder investigation after 39 bodies found in truck container

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria.

Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager.

A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened."

The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner.

He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London.

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager. A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement. "Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened." The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park. "We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner. "We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner. He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland. "We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

39 bodies found near London in truck container: UK police

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?".

The works are offered in the "Gross Domestic Product" online store, with prices starting at 10 pounds&nbsp;for a Banksy branded aerosol of paint to 850 pounds for the stab vest as worn by Stormzy at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

Customers can only buy a maximum of one item, according to the rules on the website. Applications will be randomly selected and then narrowed down by the question 'Why does art matter?', with the 'Why' crossed out.

The answers will be assessed by an impartial and independent judge, namely a professional stand-up comedian, the website said.

The original products, which will be awarded a certification of authenticity on the second anniversary of the purchase, are priced far below market value.

"Please refrain from registering at this time if you are a wealthy art collector," the site said.

Works by the elusive street artist, who has never revealed his name, have rocketed in value.

A large Banksy painting of chimps sitting in Britain's parliament sold for more than $12 million earlier this month, a record price at auction for his work.

The products available in the online shop have been on display at Banksy's temporary homewares store in the south London suburb of Croydon.

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?". The works are offered in the "Gross Domestic Product" online store, with prices starting at 10 pounds for a Banksy branded aerosol of paint to 850 pounds for the stab vest as worn by Stormzy at the Glastonbury Festival in June. Customers can only buy a maximum of one item, according to the rules on the website. Applications will be randomly selected and then narrowed down by the question 'Why does art matter?', with the 'Why' crossed out. The answers will be assessed by an impartial and independent judge, namely a professional stand-up comedian, the website said. The original products, which will be awarded a certification of authenticity on the second anniversary of the purchase, are priced far below market value. "Please refrain from registering at this time if you are a wealthy art collector," the site said. Works by the elusive street artist, who has never revealed his name, have rocketed in value. A large Banksy painting of chimps sitting in Britain's parliament sold for more than $12 million earlier this month, a record price at auction for his work. The products available in the online shop have been on display at Banksy's temporary homewares store in the south London suburb of Croydon.

Why does art matter? Banksy asks, offering originals for the right answer

Rockers the 1975 and grime star Stormzy triumphed at the Q Awards in London on Wednesday, winning Q Best Act in the World Today and Q Best Solo Artist, respectively, at the annual ceremony hosted by British music magazine Q. 
 
Eighteen awards, including some, voted upon by readers, were handed out, including new accolades Q Song of the Decade which went to singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey's 2011 hit 'Video Games'&nbsp;and Q Best Vocal Performance given to rapper and actor Little Simz. 
 
Other winners included rock band Foals who scooped Q Best Album for 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)',&nbsp;singer Lewis Capaldi who took Q Best Track for his song 'Someone You Loved'&nbsp;and rapper Dizzee Rascal who won Q Innovation In Sound. 
 
"All of the fodder for the lyrics was to do with feeding off the current time," Foals singer and guitarist Yannis Philippakis told Reuters on the red carpet, referring to the band's album. 
 
"So there's a message, I guess, of confusion ... because we live in confusing times ... like the environment, social disruption, isolation, technological threat ... That's the kind of landscape that the record exists in ". 
 
Capaldi said of his hit song 'Someone You Loved': ''I knew that people who liked my music already would enjoy it. I never thought it would open up doors to anybody else ''. 
 
British rapper and actor Kano was honoured with the Q Outstanding Contribution to Music award, ska band Madness took the Q Inspiration prize and Kevin Rowland of pop group Dexys Midnight Runners, now known as Dexys, was presented with Q Classic Songwriter. 
 
Q Icon went to French singer Christine and the Queens while Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon took Q Hero at the awards, which were established in 1990. 
 
British indie-pop band Pale Waves were named Q Best Breakthrough Act. 
&nbsp;

Rockers the 1975 and grime star Stormzy triumphed at the Q Awards in London on Wednesday, winning Q Best Act in the World Today and Q Best Solo Artist, respectively, at the annual ceremony hosted by British music magazine Q.

Rockers the 1975 and grime star Stormzy triumphed at the Q Awards in London on Wednesday, winning Q Best Act in the World Today and Q Best Solo Artist, respectively, at the annual ceremony hosted by British music magazine Q. Eighteen awards, including some, voted upon by readers, were handed out, including new accolades Q Song of the Decade which went to singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey's 2011 hit 'Video Games' and Q Best Vocal Performance given to rapper and actor Little Simz. Other winners included rock band Foals who scooped Q Best Album for 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)', singer Lewis Capaldi who took Q Best Track for his song 'Someone You Loved' and rapper Dizzee Rascal who won Q Innovation In Sound. "All of the fodder for the lyrics was to do with feeding off the current time," Foals singer and guitarist Yannis Philippakis told Reuters on the red carpet, referring to the band's album. "So there's a message, I guess, of confusion ... because we live in confusing times ... like the environment, social disruption, isolation, technological threat ... That's the kind of landscape that the record exists in ". Capaldi said of his hit song 'Someone You Loved': ''I knew that people who liked my music already would enjoy it. I never thought it would open up doors to anybody else ''. British rapper and actor Kano was honoured with the Q Outstanding Contribution to Music award, ska band Madness took the Q Inspiration prize and Kevin Rowland of pop group Dexys Midnight Runners, now known as Dexys, was presented with Q Classic Songwriter. Q Icon went to French singer Christine and the Queens while Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon took Q Hero at the awards, which were established in 1990. British indie-pop band Pale Waves were named Q Best Breakthrough Act.

Grime star Stormzy, rock band 'The 1975' among Q Awards winners

British environmental campaigners expressed regret Thursday and promised to change their ways after one of their protests caused a near-riot on the London underground.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extinction-rebellion-climate-protests-gain-steam-all-over-the-world-254506">Extinction Rebellion </a>pressure group has been staging 10 days of colourful but disruptive action across London and other global cities to draw attention to climate change.

Protests on Thursday targeted London Underground trains and an overground train station during the morning rush hour commute.

The British Transport Police said it had arrested eight people and was also "reviewing the unacceptable violent clashes" that erupted at the Canning Town underground stop.

A clip that went viral on Twitter showed furious Londoners tossing their morning snacks and cups at an activist who had climbed atop a train at the east London station.

He was then shown being dragged to the ground by his feet before scuffles broke out.

Video journalist Elliot Laughlin told the BBC that he was also attacked while trying to film the incident from the back of the crowd.

"They said I was with them. I said I was here to film this action. Several individuals grabbed me and pulled me on the floor and about 20 Londoners beat me down," Laughlin said.

He said he remained "in a foetal position being kicked" before three Londoners jumped in and covered him to shield him from the blows.

A separate protest saw two priests climb atop a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train and read an impromptu prayer vigil at the Shadwell stop just east of the City of London financial hub.

A third protest member glued himself to the train.

Service along both lines was halted during the morning commute. The disruptions sparked a social media backlash and drew angry headlines in the tabloid press.

"Muppets!" the mass-circulated Sun newspaper fumed.

Extinction Rebellion issued a carefully worded statement several hours later that did not explicitly apologise but did express regret.

"It is regretful that there was violence at today's action at Canning Town tube station. We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way."

Internal splits

London police have reported making more than 1,600 arrests since activists first took to the streets at the start of last week.

The campaign has seen activists try to "occupy" London City Airport and other sites in and around the UK capital's two vibrant financial districts.

The group accuses big businesses and the government of inaction in the face of fast-rising global temperatures that scientists link to polluting carbon emissions.

But the rumbles of Londoners' discontent have been growing and police imposed a blanket ban on gatherings of more than two people at the start of the week.&nbsp;

Campaigners on Thursday were refused an urgent High Court hearing to challenge what they called an "unprecedented and disproportionate" ban.&nbsp;

Anger at the disruption appeared to reach boiling point with the Canning Town incident, prompting Extinction Rebellion to acknowledge the backlash and promise a change of tack.

"In light of today's events, Extinction Rebellion will be looking at ways to bring people together rather than create an unnecessary division," the group's statement said.

It also hinted at disagreements over tactics within its ranks.

"We are a broad and diverse movement with a wide range of views, and are aware that many people were not for this action," the statement said.

"Those that acted this morning planned their action autonomously, within Extinction Rebellion's principles and values."

The group briefly splintered when it refused to sanction an attempted drone attack on London's Heathrow Airport last month.

British environmental campaigners expressed regret Thursday and promised to change their ways after one of their protests caused a near-riot on the London underground.

British environmental campaigners expressed regret Thursday and promised to change their ways after one of their protests caused a near-riot on the London underground. The Extinction Rebellion pressure group has been staging 10 days of colourful but disruptive action across London and other global cities to draw attention to climate change. Protests on Thursday targeted London Underground trains and an overground train station during the morning rush hour commute. The British Transport Police said it had arrested eight people and was also "reviewing the unacceptable violent clashes" that erupted at the Canning Town underground stop. A clip that went viral on Twitter showed furious Londoners tossing their morning snacks and cups at an activist who had climbed atop a train at the east London station. He was then shown being dragged to the ground by his feet before scuffles broke out. Video journalist Elliot Laughlin told the BBC that he was also attacked while trying to film the incident from the back of the crowd. "They said I was with them. I said I was here to film this action. Several individuals grabbed me and pulled me on the floor and about 20 Londoners beat me down," Laughlin said. He said he remained "in a foetal position being kicked" before three Londoners jumped in and covered him to shield him from the blows. A separate protest saw two priests climb atop a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train and read an impromptu prayer vigil at the Shadwell stop just east of the City of London financial hub. A third protest member glued himself to the train. Service along both lines was halted during the morning commute. The disruptions sparked a social media backlash and drew angry headlines in the tabloid press. "Muppets!" the mass-circulated Sun newspaper fumed. Extinction Rebellion issued a carefully worded statement several hours later that did not explicitly apologise but did express regret. "It is regretful that there was violence at today's action at Canning Town tube station. We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way." Internal splits London police have reported making more than 1,600 arrests since activists first took to the streets at the start of last week. The campaign has seen activists try to "occupy" London City Airport and other sites in and around the UK capital's two vibrant financial districts. The group accuses big businesses and the government of inaction in the face of fast-rising global temperatures that scientists link to polluting carbon emissions. But the rumbles of Londoners' discontent have been growing and police imposed a blanket ban on gatherings of more than two people at the start of the week. Campaigners on Thursday were refused an urgent High Court hearing to challenge what they called an "unprecedented and disproportionate" ban. Anger at the disruption appeared to reach boiling point with the Canning Town incident, prompting Extinction Rebellion to acknowledge the backlash and promise a change of tack. "In light of today's events, Extinction Rebellion will be looking at ways to bring people together rather than create an unnecessary division," the group's statement said. It also hinted at disagreements over tactics within its ranks. "We are a broad and diverse movement with a wide range of views, and are aware that many people were not for this action," the statement said. "Those that acted this morning planned their action autonomously, within Extinction Rebellion's principles and values." The group briefly splintered when it refused to sanction an attempted drone attack on London's Heathrow Airport last month.

Climate activists vow change of tack after London Tube mayhem

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-on-october-31-a-priority-for-british-government-queen-255851">Brexit</a>.

The 76-year-old property developer is not alone. Bankrolled by a host of global investors, including France's Axa, his big-ticket gamble in London's financial district is - so far - on the money.

The cataclysmic warnings during the 2016 referendum that London would lose its financial throne if it voted to leave the European Union (EU) have, so far, been proven wrong. London is still the world's banker, only bigger by some measures.

"London is extraordinarily resilient and its future as a finance centre is secure because what we have here is unique," Lipton told Reuters on the 61st floor of 22 Bishopsgate, set to become western Europe's second tallest skyscraper when it opens next year.

In the year to June, London has attracted more cross border commercial real estate investment than any other city. It has overtaken New York as a destination for fintech investment and it has increased its dominance of the world's $6.6 trillion daily foreign exchange market.

Since the vote to leave the EU, Britain has leapfrogged the United States to become the largest centre for trading interest rate swaps, despite calls by ex-French President Francois Hollande to end London's dominance in clearing euro-denominated derivatives.

That London has expanded its influence as an international finance centre is one of the biggest riddles of the United Kingdom's tortuous three-year <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">Brexit crisis.</a>

The city's standing ensures the United Kingdom keeps one of its last big chips at the top table of world politics just as it splits from the EU.

It also means EU companies will still come to London to raise finance outside the bloc after Brexit, a fact not lost on Wall Street heavyweights such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

Just a mile away from 22 Bishopsgate, Goldman opened its new 1 million square foot European headquarters - complete with mothers' rooms and wildflowers on the roof - in July, three years on from the 2016 referendum.

Largely abandoned by the British government during Brexit talks, ten senior industry officials told Reuters London's financial services sector has grown since 2016 because there is no realistic competitor in its time zone.

And high-rolling bankers are too attached to its Anglo-Saxon, work-hard, play-hard culture.

The chief executive of the British division of one of Europe's largest banks said although some business will move to the EU, most senior bankers will be reluctant to leave London. He would consider taking a 20 per cent&nbsp;pay cut to remain in the city.

"If you are an Italian banker, who moved out to London 20 years ago, and your kids go to private school around the corner then you are not going to move to Frankfurt," he said.

A global hub for trading, lending and investing, London is the largest net exporter of financial services in the world, with the EU accounting for a quarter of the business.

The 2016 referendum shocked many of the masters of London's financial universe, triggering the biggest one-day fall of the pound since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s.

But so far, most major financial institutions have opted against moving large numbers of people and activities until the loss of access to the EU's lucrative single market is confirmed.

Banks, insurers and asset managers have shifted over a trillion euros of assets such as derivatives and bonds from London to the continent and opened new EU hubs as a hedge against London suddenly being cut off from the bloc if Britain exits the EU without a formal agreement.

The Bank of England estimates around 4,000 people may have moved by the time Britain has exited the EU. But the key decisions are still taken in London.

Reuters contacted JP Morgan and Goldman, and rivals Citi, Bank of America, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse&nbsp;and Deutsche Bank, to seek details on how a 'no-deal Brexit' might accelerate the transfer of resources and activities from London.

All banks said they were prepared for a no-deal Brexit, and had been since the first quarter.

Earlier this year, Morgan Stanley's chief executive, James Gorman, said that he scarcely worried about Brexit. "That's not in my top 200 issues," he said.

British data shows the total number of people employed in the City between 2016 and 2018 overall rose by 31,000, though the total number of people employed specifically in banking and insurance is down 3,000 over the period.

It is not clear how much of that drop is due to Brexit and how much is due to new regulations or structural changes, such as higher numbers of tech specialists at lenders while traditional banking jobs shrink.

Initial estimates of potential job losses ranged from about 30,000 roles within a year of Britain leaving the EU, estimated by the Brussels-based Bruegel research group, to up to 75,000 by 2025 by Oliver Wyman.

Oliver Wyman said they stand by their predictions because it is important to distinguish between job losses on the first day of Brexit and over the longer term. The final number will depend upon the level of market access, which is not clear yet.

Bruegel did not respond to a request for comment.

Financial capitals such as London have remarkable longevity and their rise and fall typically happens at a glacial pace, said Youssef Cassis, a professor of economic history who specialises in financial centres.

"There is no precedent for decoupling between a major economic power- in this case, the European Union- and its financial centre, London," he said.

Some key activities have moved out of London ahead of Brexit. Eurozone government bond and repurchase agreements trading worth around 230 billion euros a day, along with clearing, switched to Amsterdam, Milan and Paris earlier this year.

London-based CBOE Europe, the EU's largest share trading venue, began trading euro shares at its new Amsterdam hub at the start of October.

Nicolas Mackel, who heads a body promoting Luxembourg's financial centre, said it would be a shift in activities and not jobs that will affect London most.

"It's not between now and Christmas you have to look, but on a five, 10, 15 and 20-year framework. It's a false comfort that you are providing by only focusing on jobs," Mackel said.

After Brexit, the $15.9 trillion EU 27 economy will still be reliant on a financial capital outside its borders, which could be politically hard for Brussels to stomach indefinitely.

One European Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the EU had no intention of smothering Britain's financial sector to accelerate its own plans for an EU capital markets union.

But there is scepticism in the market about the longevity of such pledges.

"Why should one expect the EU to give an economic answer to what is a political challenge?" said Xavier Rolet, former head of London Stock Exchange and CEO of investment manager CQS.

"I would expect them to respond politically, even if those answers are not necessarily in the best economic interests of EU-based investors, corporates and banks."

Rolet, who said in the aftermath of the referendum that half of all finance jobs in London may disappear if derivatives clearing left the capital, said it was too early to assess the implications of Brexit.

"I do stand by my statement," he said of the potential job losses.

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with Brexit.

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with Brexit. The 76-year-old property developer is not alone. Bankrolled by a host of global investors, including France's Axa, his big-ticket gamble in London's financial district is - so far - on the money. The cataclysmic warnings during the 2016 referendum that London would lose its financial throne if it voted to leave the European Union (EU) have, so far, been proven wrong. London is still the world's banker, only bigger by some measures. "London is extraordinarily resilient and its future as a finance centre is secure because what we have here is unique," Lipton told Reuters on the 61st floor of 22 Bishopsgate, set to become western Europe's second tallest skyscraper when it opens next year. In the year to June, London has attracted more cross border commercial real estate investment than any other city. It has overtaken New York as a destination for fintech investment and it has increased its dominance of the world's $6.6 trillion daily foreign exchange market. Since the vote to leave the EU, Britain has leapfrogged the United States to become the largest centre for trading interest rate swaps, despite calls by ex-French President Francois Hollande to end London's dominance in clearing euro-denominated derivatives. That London has expanded its influence as an international finance centre is one of the biggest riddles of the United Kingdom's tortuous three-year Brexit crisis. The city's standing ensures the United Kingdom keeps one of its last big chips at the top table of world politics just as it splits from the EU. It also means EU companies will still come to London to raise finance outside the bloc after Brexit, a fact not lost on Wall Street heavyweights such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. Just a mile away from 22 Bishopsgate, Goldman opened its new 1 million square foot European headquarters - complete with mothers' rooms and wildflowers on the roof - in July, three years on from the 2016 referendum. Largely abandoned by the British government during Brexit talks, ten senior industry officials told Reuters London's financial services sector has grown since 2016 because there is no realistic competitor in its time zone. And high-rolling bankers are too attached to its Anglo-Saxon, work-hard, play-hard culture. The chief executive of the British division of one of Europe's largest banks said although some business will move to the EU, most senior bankers will be reluctant to leave London. He would consider taking a 20 per cent pay cut to remain in the city. "If you are an Italian banker, who moved out to London 20 years ago, and your kids go to private school around the corner then you are not going to move to Frankfurt," he said. A global hub for trading, lending and investing, London is the largest net exporter of financial services in the world, with the EU accounting for a quarter of the business. The 2016 referendum shocked many of the masters of London's financial universe, triggering the biggest one-day fall of the pound since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s. But so far, most major financial institutions have opted against moving large numbers of people and activities until the loss of access to the EU's lucrative single market is confirmed. Banks, insurers and asset managers have shifted over a trillion euros of assets such as derivatives and bonds from London to the continent and opened new EU hubs as a hedge against London suddenly being cut off from the bloc if Britain exits the EU without a formal agreement. The Bank of England estimates around 4,000 people may have moved by the time Britain has exited the EU. But the key decisions are still taken in London. Reuters contacted JP Morgan and Goldman, and rivals Citi, Bank of America, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, to seek details on how a 'no-deal Brexit' might accelerate the transfer of resources and activities from London. All banks said they were prepared for a no-deal Brexit, and had been since the first quarter. Earlier this year, Morgan Stanley's chief executive, James Gorman, said that he scarcely worried about Brexit. "That's not in my top 200 issues," he said. British data shows the total number of people employed in the City between 2016 and 2018 overall rose by 31,000, though the total number of people employed specifically in banking and insurance is down 3,000 over the period. It is not clear how much of that drop is due to Brexit and how much is due to new regulations or structural changes, such as higher numbers of tech specialists at lenders while traditional banking jobs shrink. Initial estimates of potential job losses ranged from about 30,000 roles within a year of Britain leaving the EU, estimated by the Brussels-based Bruegel research group, to up to 75,000 by 2025 by Oliver Wyman. Oliver Wyman said they stand by their predictions because it is important to distinguish between job losses on the first day of Brexit and over the longer term. The final number will depend upon the level of market access, which is not clear yet. Bruegel did not respond to a request for comment. Financial capitals such as London have remarkable longevity and their rise and fall typically happens at a glacial pace, said Youssef Cassis, a professor of economic history who specialises in financial centres. "There is no precedent for decoupling between a major economic power- in this case, the European Union- and its financial centre, London," he said. Some key activities have moved out of London ahead of Brexit. Eurozone government bond and repurchase agreements trading worth around 230 billion euros a day, along with clearing, switched to Amsterdam, Milan and Paris earlier this year. London-based CBOE Europe, the EU's largest share trading venue, began trading euro shares at its new Amsterdam hub at the start of October. Nicolas Mackel, who heads a body promoting Luxembourg's financial centre, said it would be a shift in activities and not jobs that will affect London most. "It's not between now and Christmas you have to look, but on a five, 10, 15 and 20-year framework. It's a false comfort that you are providing by only focusing on jobs," Mackel said. After Brexit, the $15.9 trillion EU 27 economy will still be reliant on a financial capital outside its borders, which could be politically hard for Brussels to stomach indefinitely. One European Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the EU had no intention of smothering Britain's financial sector to accelerate its own plans for an EU capital markets union. But there is scepticism in the market about the longevity of such pledges. "Why should one expect the EU to give an economic answer to what is a political challenge?" said Xavier Rolet, former head of London Stock Exchange and CEO of investment manager CQS. "I would expect them to respond politically, even if those answers are not necessarily in the best economic interests of EU-based investors, corporates and banks." Rolet, who said in the aftermath of the referendum that half of all finance jobs in London may disappear if derivatives clearing left the capital, said it was too early to assess the implications of Brexit. "I do stand by my statement," he said of the potential job losses.

London retains global finance throne amid Brexit chaos

A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub.

London police reported making more than 1,000 arrests over four days of protests by the group Extinction Rebellion, which have been staging a global effort stretching from Sydney to New York.

Their biggest British action to date saw hundreds try to lay siege of London City Airport in protest at its management's expansion project.

AFP reporters saw uniformed officers carry or escort around 100 demonstrators from outside its main entrance.

One man in a brown business suit climbed over coils of barbed wire and onto the roof of the east London airport's entrance before coming back down and being led away by the police.

Dozens more staged a sit-in at the nearby train station during the morning commute.

"I decided to come and join them because I think they have a just cause," pensioner Steve Phillips told AFP as around 100 campaigners rallied in the presence of dozens of police.

"People are flying in and out, and the cost for the planet is unimaginable."

A morning flight to Dublin was delayed by nearly two hours after a passenger got up to make a speech about the climate as the plane prepared to take off, airport and Aer Lingus airline officials said.

A London City Airport spokesman said the captain exercised his right to arrest the passenger under international flight safety rules.

Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said "some interesting attempts" had been made to disrupt flights.

"One man had glued himself to the top of an aircraft," Taylor said in a video message.

"He has of course now been removed and our policing operation continues there."

UK media identified that person as 2012 London Paralympic Games cycling bronze medallist James Brown.

"I don't know how the hell I got up here," the partially-blind Brown said in a selfie shot atop a British Airways plane that went viral on social media.

"I don't know how the hell I'm gonna get down again," he said before turning off his camera.

Extinction Rebellion is spearheading a two-week global action that kicked off Monday with partial shutdowns of traffic in cities around the world.

Group members also blocked a street outside the Louvre Museum in Paris and a bridge overlooking the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin.

Police more assertive

Extinction Rebellion's colourful protests have managed to attract a mass following since its creation last year by UK academics studying the effects of harmful carbon emissions on Earth.

The group's growing list of prominent supporters include actress Emma Thompson and the Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Extinction Rebellion's last big event in London in April managed to shut down central parts of the city for 11 days and led to more than 1,000 arrests.

Police are now being more assertive.

London's Metropolitan Police on Thursday enacted a rarely-used measure in the 1986 Public Order Act aimed at preventing "serious disruption to the life of the community".

"Any assembly linked to the Extinction Rebellion 'Autumn Uprising' and those linked to it who wish to continue their assembly MUST go Trafalgar Square and only assemble in the pedestrian area," it said.

Deputy assistant commissioner Taylor said the protests had now been mostly contained to the picturesque central London square.

Extinction Rebellion had vowed to continue targeting the airport until Saturday evening -- and to wind down their global action only at the end of next week.

The group wants governments to adopt policies that cut harmful emissions to a net level of zero by 2025.

Britain has set itself the target of 2050.

A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub.

A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub. London police reported making more than 1,000 arrests over four days of protests by the group Extinction Rebellion, which have been staging a global effort stretching from Sydney to New York. Their biggest British action to date saw hundreds try to lay siege of London City Airport in protest at its management's expansion project. AFP reporters saw uniformed officers carry or escort around 100 demonstrators from outside its main entrance. One man in a brown business suit climbed over coils of barbed wire and onto the roof of the east London airport's entrance before coming back down and being led away by the police. Dozens more staged a sit-in at the nearby train station during the morning commute. "I decided to come and join them because I think they have a just cause," pensioner Steve Phillips told AFP as around 100 campaigners rallied in the presence of dozens of police. "People are flying in and out, and the cost for the planet is unimaginable." A morning flight to Dublin was delayed by nearly two hours after a passenger got up to make a speech about the climate as the plane prepared to take off, airport and Aer Lingus airline officials said. A London City Airport spokesman said the captain exercised his right to arrest the passenger under international flight safety rules. Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said "some interesting attempts" had been made to disrupt flights. "One man had glued himself to the top of an aircraft," Taylor said in a video message. "He has of course now been removed and our policing operation continues there." UK media identified that person as 2012 London Paralympic Games cycling bronze medallist James Brown. "I don't know how the hell I got up here," the partially-blind Brown said in a selfie shot atop a British Airways plane that went viral on social media. "I don't know how the hell I'm gonna get down again," he said before turning off his camera. Extinction Rebellion is spearheading a two-week global action that kicked off Monday with partial shutdowns of traffic in cities around the world. Group members also blocked a street outside the Louvre Museum in Paris and a bridge overlooking the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin. Police more assertive Extinction Rebellion's colourful protests have managed to attract a mass following since its creation last year by UK academics studying the effects of harmful carbon emissions on Earth. The group's growing list of prominent supporters include actress Emma Thompson and the Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg. Extinction Rebellion's last big event in London in April managed to shut down central parts of the city for 11 days and led to more than 1,000 arrests. Police are now being more assertive. London's Metropolitan Police on Thursday enacted a rarely-used measure in the 1986 Public Order Act aimed at preventing "serious disruption to the life of the community". "Any assembly linked to the Extinction Rebellion 'Autumn Uprising' and those linked to it who wish to continue their assembly MUST go Trafalgar Square and only assemble in the pedestrian area," it said. Deputy assistant commissioner Taylor said the protests had now been mostly contained to the picturesque central London square. Extinction Rebellion had vowed to continue targeting the airport until Saturday evening -- and to wind down their global action only at the end of next week. The group wants governments to adopt policies that cut harmful emissions to a net level of zero by 2025. Britain has set itself the target of 2050.

Climate protesters lay siege to London City Airport, over 1000 arrested

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sorry-this-is-an-emergency-climate-protesters-block-streets-around-the-world-254412">climate-change protesters</a>&nbsp;"Extinction Rebellion"&nbsp;vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital.

London City is the capital's fifth-biggest - and most central - airport, popular with business travellers, bankers and politicians for short-haul and regional routes.

On Thursday, 18,000 passengers are due to arrive or depart from the airport, with 286 flights scheduled.

Extinction Rebellion, which has targeted government buildings over the last few days, said protesters would lie, sit or glue themselves to "nonviolently use their bodies to close the airport."

They said they were protesting plans to expand the airport, which aims to have 6.5 million passengers a year by 2022, compared to the 4.8 million in 2018, and which has said there could be demand for as many as 11 million a year by 2035.

"Air travel is an icon of our fragile 'just-in-time' economic system. That system will break, as Climate Chaos hits," group spokesman Rupert Read said in a statement.

"By non-violently shutting down this airport... we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours, unwisely, have come to depend upon."

London police have made hundreds of arrests as the protesters, labelled "unco-operative crusties" by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-faces-cabinet-revolt-over-no-deal-brexit-report-254678">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>, began two weeks of civil disobedience.

London City Airport said it was working with police to prepare for the protests.

"Our shared priority is the safe operation of the airport and to minimise disruption for passengers using the airport over the coming days," a spokesman said.

All passengers travelling for the rest of this week will have to show their boarding passes to access the terminal.

Extinction Rebellion said that if protesters do not make it into the airport itself, they will occupy the neighbouring Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station and access road to blockade it from the outside.

The airport said it is "committed to building a more sustainable future for the airport and the aviation industry" and has said that it will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after climate-change protesters "Extinction Rebellion" vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital.

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after climate-change protesters "Extinction Rebellion" vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital. London City is the capital's fifth-biggest - and most central - airport, popular with business travellers, bankers and politicians for short-haul and regional routes. On Thursday, 18,000 passengers are due to arrive or depart from the airport, with 286 flights scheduled. Extinction Rebellion, which has targeted government buildings over the last few days, said protesters would lie, sit or glue themselves to "nonviolently use their bodies to close the airport." They said they were protesting plans to expand the airport, which aims to have 6.5 million passengers a year by 2022, compared to the 4.8 million in 2018, and which has said there could be demand for as many as 11 million a year by 2035. "Air travel is an icon of our fragile 'just-in-time' economic system. That system will break, as Climate Chaos hits," group spokesman Rupert Read said in a statement. "By non-violently shutting down this airport... we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours, unwisely, have come to depend upon." London police have made hundreds of arrests as the protesters, labelled "unco-operative crusties" by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, began two weeks of civil disobedience. London City Airport said it was working with police to prepare for the protests. "Our shared priority is the safe operation of the airport and to minimise disruption for passengers using the airport over the coming days," a spokesman said. All passengers travelling for the rest of this week will have to show their boarding passes to access the terminal. Extinction Rebellion said that if protesters do not make it into the airport itself, they will occupy the neighbouring Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station and access road to blockade it from the outside. The airport said it is "committed to building a more sustainable future for the airport and the aviation industry" and has said that it will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

London airport braces for possible shutdown by climate protesters

Climate-change protesters descended on London City Airport, gluing themselves to the terminal building and dancing on a roof but ultimately failing to cancel flights. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Another day of climate protests in London

London woke up on October 9 to the third consecutive day of acts of peaceful civil disobedience staged by the climate action group Extinction Rebellion.

3rd Consecutive Day of Climate Protests in London

London: Another day of climate protests. Watch video to know more.

London: Another day of climate protests

Britain's Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay will meet European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Thursday, as talks on the country's exit from the bloc reach a critical stage, Downing Street said.

"They will discuss the state of play following a week of technical talks," the spokesman from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Wednesday.

Johnson is expected to meet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-says-very-difficult-to-secure-brexit-deal-by-next-week-254692">Irish Prime Minister</a> Leo Varadkar later this week to discuss the Irish border -&nbsp;the thorniest issue in the talks.

Brussels and London have only a few days left to secure agreement on Britain's exit terms before a crucial summit of EU leaders on October 17 and 18.

Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31 and Johnson insists he will keep to that deadline.

However, a law passed by rebel MPs would force him to ask to delay Brexit if he has not reached a deal in time -&nbsp;something he says he will not do.

The government is planning to hold a special Saturday session of parliament on October 19, the day after the EU summit, whether or note there is a deal.

Tempers frayed on both sides of the Channel on Tuesday after a testy phone call between Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Downing Street sources briefed that Merkel's intransigence meant the talks were close to breaking down, and European Council President Donald Tusk accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".

Britain's Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay will meet European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Thursday, as talks on the country's exit from the bloc reach a critical stage, Downing Street said.

Britain's Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay will meet European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Thursday, as talks on the country's exit from the bloc reach a critical stage, Downing Street said. "They will discuss the state of play following a week of technical talks," the spokesman from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said on Wednesday. Johnson is expected to meet Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar later this week to discuss the Irish border - the thorniest issue in the talks. Brussels and London have only a few days left to secure agreement on Britain's exit terms before a crucial summit of EU leaders on October 17 and 18. Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31 and Johnson insists he will keep to that deadline. However, a law passed by rebel MPs would force him to ask to delay Brexit if he has not reached a deal in time - something he says he will not do. The government is planning to hold a special Saturday session of parliament on October 19, the day after the EU summit, whether or note there is a deal. Tempers frayed on both sides of the Channel on Tuesday after a testy phone call between Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Downing Street sources briefed that Merkel's intransigence meant the talks were close to breaking down, and European Council President Donald Tusk accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".

United Kingdom Brexit minister to meet European Union negotiator on Thursday

Extinction Rebellion: Climate protests around world

Climate change protests kicks off central London. Watch video to know more.

Climate change protests kicks off central London

British fashion retailer Ted Baker Plc reported a first-half pretax loss and warned of a slow start to the second half of the year on Thursday, hurt by unseasonably warm weather, heavy discounting by competitors and weak consumer demand.

The company, which had earlier flagged an "extremely difficult" start to the year, reported a pre-tax loss of 23 million pounds ($28.27 million), compared to a profit of 24.5 million pounds a year ago, for the six months ended Aug. 10.

Ted Baker said the slower start will hit its full-year performance and cautioned that second-half results would be lower if the hurdles persist.

British fashion retailer Ted Baker Plc reported a first-half pretax loss and warned of a slow start to the second half of the year on Thursday, hurt by unseasonably warm weather, heavy discounting by competitors and weak consumer demand.

British fashion retailer Ted Baker Plc reported a first-half pretax loss and warned of a slow start to the second half of the year on Thursday, hurt by unseasonably warm weather, heavy discounting by competitors and weak consumer demand. The company, which had earlier flagged an "extremely difficult" start to the year, reported a pre-tax loss of 23 million pounds ($28.27 million), compared to a profit of 24.5 million pounds a year ago, for the six months ended Aug. 10. Ted Baker said the slower start will hit its full-year performance and cautioned that second-half results would be lower if the hurdles persist.

Ted Baker posts loss, warns on full-year results

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament.

"The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "There was no ignition and the man was detained."

The man was assessed by ambulance workers and taken to the hospital. His age or condition was not immediately released.

One lawmaker who was at the scene tweeted the substance "smells like petrol".

The incident came against a background of heightened tension over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Britain's</a> imminent departure from the European Union, which has divided the country.

MPs are currently debating ways to make sure Britain does not crash out of the EU without a negotiated agreement on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-leave-eu-on-october-31-finance-minister-javid-says-252779">October 31</a> departure date.

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament. "The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament. "The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "There was no ignition and the man was detained." The man was assessed by ambulance workers and taken to the hospital. His age or condition was not immediately released. One lawmaker who was at the scene tweeted the substance "smells like petrol". The incident came against a background of heightened tension over Britain's imminent departure from the European Union, which has divided the country. MPs are currently debating ways to make sure Britain does not crash out of the EU without a negotiated agreement on its October 31 departure date.

Man held outside UK parliament in 'petrol' incident: Police

Nearly&nbsp;one&nbsp;in&nbsp;12&nbsp;employees working in the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;of London&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;market&nbsp;has&nbsp;witnessed&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture&nbsp;survey&nbsp;published by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The&nbsp;market, which employees around 45,000 people in&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;and daytime drinking.

According to the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;of 6,000, 8 per cent&nbsp;of respondents had seen&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;at&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;in the last&nbsp;12&nbsp;months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour.

"I don't think anyone&nbsp;can deny there is a problem to address here,"&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change.

Lloyd's&nbsp;has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower.

It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the&nbsp;survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;board member Fiona Luck.

Sixty per cent of the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;respondents were men and 90 per cent&nbsp;of respondents based in London.

Trade body the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Market&nbsp;Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;misconduct in the&nbsp;marketplace after the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with.

The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior&nbsp;market&nbsp;leaders from&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence."

"With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday. The market, which employees around 45,000 people in insurance and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of sexual harassment and daytime drinking. According to the survey of 6,000, 8 per cent of respondents had seen sexual harassment at Lloyd's in the last 12 months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour. "I don't think anyone can deny there is a problem to address here," Lloyd's Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the survey in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change. Lloyd's has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower. It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by Lloyd's board member Fiona Luck. Sixty per cent of the survey respondents were men and 90 per cent of respondents based in London. Trade body the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of sexual misconduct in the marketplace after the survey revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with. The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior market leaders from Lloyd's managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence." "With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

One in 12 witnessed sexual harassment in Lloyd's insurance market: Survey

Uber on Tuesday received only a two-month London operating licence, failing to secure a maximum five-year term in a battle with the regulator which has previously stripped the app of its right to take rides.

Transport for London (TfL) rejected the Silicon Valley company's licence renewal request in 2017 due to failings it said it found in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and driver background checks, prompting legal action.

A judge in 2018 then granted Uber a probationary 15-month licence, which expires on September 25, after the firm had made several changes to its business model in London, its most important European market.

TfL said the new two-month licence comes with "new conditions to ensure passenger safety" and it wanted more details from the company.

"Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application," said a spokesman.

Uber said it will work closely with TfL and provide any additional information.

"We will keep listening, learning and improving to provide the best service while being a trusted partner to London," said Jamie Heywood, Uber's Regional General Manager for Northern &amp; Eastern Europe.

The 2017 licence loss came just weeks after Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi took over and became a test of his ability to assuage regulatory concerns as the app faced disputes with rival firms and the authorities in different markets.

Drivers of the city's traditional black taxis have lobbied hard against a licence renewal, having long cited safety issues, working standards and the undercutting of their business model.

Uber says its roughly 45,000 drivers in the city enjoy the flexibility of their work and that it has taken several steps to improve safety for its passengers.

The new conditions set by TfL cover ride-sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber.

Uber received a five-year licence in 2012 but fellow ride-hailing service Ola gained just a 15-month right to operate earlier this year, in a possible sign that the regulator wants to have more power over new entrants.

Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is also the chairman of TfL, has long been critical of Uber, telling LBC radio last month that they need to play by the rules.

"You will know my track record which is standing up to the big boys, and they are boys, and make sure everyone plays by the rules," he told listeners to a phone-in. "I don't care how many lawyers you employ or how big your PR budget."

Uber on Tuesday received only a two-month London operating licence, failing to secure a maximum five-year term in a battle with the regulator which has previously stripped the app of its right to take rides.

Uber on Tuesday received only a two-month London operating licence, failing to secure a maximum five-year term in a battle with the regulator which has previously stripped the app of its right to take rides. Transport for London (TfL) rejected the Silicon Valley company's licence renewal request in 2017 due to failings it said it found in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and driver background checks, prompting legal action. A judge in 2018 then granted Uber a probationary 15-month licence, which expires on September 25, after the firm had made several changes to its business model in London, its most important European market. TfL said the new two-month licence comes with "new conditions to ensure passenger safety" and it wanted more details from the company. "Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application," said a spokesman. Uber said it will work closely with TfL and provide any additional information. "We will keep listening, learning and improving to provide the best service while being a trusted partner to London," said Jamie Heywood, Uber's Regional General Manager for Northern & Eastern Europe. The 2017 licence loss came just weeks after Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi took over and became a test of his ability to assuage regulatory concerns as the app faced disputes with rival firms and the authorities in different markets. Drivers of the city's traditional black taxis have lobbied hard against a licence renewal, having long cited safety issues, working standards and the undercutting of their business model. Uber says its roughly 45,000 drivers in the city enjoy the flexibility of their work and that it has taken several steps to improve safety for its passengers. The new conditions set by TfL cover ride-sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber. Uber received a five-year licence in 2012 but fellow ride-hailing service Ola gained just a 15-month right to operate earlier this year, in a possible sign that the regulator wants to have more power over new entrants. Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is also the chairman of TfL, has long been critical of Uber, telling LBC radio last month that they need to play by the rules. "You will know my track record which is standing up to the big boys, and they are boys, and make sure everyone plays by the rules," he told listeners to a phone-in. "I don't care how many lawyers you employ or how big your PR budget."

Uber receives just a two-month London licence with new safety conditions

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