Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promotes-hard-brexit-must-clarify-his-position-on-europe-macron-230076">deal with the bloc had not been reached</a>.

The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home.

His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him.

Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies.

"My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said.

"And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome."

Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted.

He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels.

Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble'

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"I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said.

On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward.

"Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said.

Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term.

Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached.

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached. The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home. His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him. Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies. "My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said. "And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome." Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted. He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels. Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble' × "I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said. On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward. "Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said. Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term. Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Boris Johnson says he is serious about 'no-deal' Brexit threat

Dissident republican group the New IRA on Tuesday admitted responsibility for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-shot-dead-in-northern-ireland-in-terrorist-incident-211785">killing Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKeen</a> during rioting in Londonderry last week, in a statement to The Irish News.

The New IRA "offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death", it said in a statement reported by the Irish newspaper, which said the paramilitary group used a recognised codeword.

McKee, 29, was shot in the head late Thursday as dissident republicans clashed with police in the Creggan housing estate in Northern Ireland's second city, also known as Derry.

While admitting responsibility, the New IRA attempted to justify its actions by claiming she was killed during an attack on "enemy forces" and accused police of provoking the riot which preceded her death.

"In the course of attacking the enemy Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces," the statement said.

"On Thursday night, following an incursion on the Creggan by heavily armed British crown forces which provoked rioting, the IRA deployed our volunteers to engage," the New IRA statement said, according to The Irish News.

In the wake of her death, Northern Ireland's six main political parties -- including rival unionists and republicans who have been unable to form a devolved government for more than two years -- issued a rare joint statement.

"It was a pointless and futile act to destroy the progress made over the last 20 years, which has the overwhelming support of people everywhere," it read.

The killing, the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region, came in the run-up to Easter weekend, when republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule.

A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group.

The 1998 Good Friday peace deal largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles".

Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

The group called a final ceasefire in 1997 and announced an end to its armed campaign in 2005, stating that it would seek to achieve its aims through peaceful political means.

The New IRA is one of a number of dissident republican paramilitary groups opposed to the shift towards non-violent tactics to bring about a united Ireland.

There have been concerns that paramilitaries could be seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit.

Dissident republican group the New IRA on Tuesday admitted responsibility for killing Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKeen during rioting in Londonderry last week, in a statement to The Irish News.

Dissident republican group the New IRA on Tuesday admitted responsibility for killing Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKeen during rioting in Londonderry last week, in a statement to The Irish News. The New IRA "offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death", it said in a statement reported by the Irish newspaper, which said the paramilitary group used a recognised codeword. McKee, 29, was shot in the head late Thursday as dissident republicans clashed with police in the Creggan housing estate in Northern Ireland's second city, also known as Derry. While admitting responsibility, the New IRA attempted to justify its actions by claiming she was killed during an attack on "enemy forces" and accused police of provoking the riot which preceded her death. "In the course of attacking the enemy Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces," the statement said. "On Thursday night, following an incursion on the Creggan by heavily armed British crown forces which provoked rioting, the IRA deployed our volunteers to engage," the New IRA statement said, according to The Irish News. In the wake of her death, Northern Ireland's six main political parties -- including rival unionists and republicans who have been unable to form a devolved government for more than two years -- issued a rare joint statement. "It was a pointless and futile act to destroy the progress made over the last 20 years, which has the overwhelming support of people everywhere," it read. The killing, the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region, came in the run-up to Easter weekend, when republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule. A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group. The 1998 Good Friday peace deal largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles". Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The group called a final ceasefire in 1997 and announced an end to its armed campaign in 2005, stating that it would seek to achieve its aims through peaceful political means. The New IRA is one of a number of dissident republican paramilitary groups opposed to the shift towards non-violent tactics to bring about a united Ireland. There have been concerns that paramilitaries could be seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit.

New IRA admits responsibility for killing Northern Ireland journalist: Media

Since Game of Thrones began its meteoric rise in 2011 fans of the show have been flocking to Northern Ireland, where much of the series was shot. The once conflict-riven province has become a pilgrimage trail for diehard fans hoping to experience the magic of the show for themselves.

Swords, selfies: Game of Thrones fever boosts N. Ireland tourism

Police in Northern Ireland have arrested two teenagers in connection with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. The men, aged 18 and 19, were detained under anti-terrorism legislation and have been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Saturday.

Police arrest teenagers over killing of journalist in Londonderry

Two teenagers have been arrested over the killing of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-shot-dead-in-northern-ireland-in-terrorist-incident-211785">journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland</a>, police said Saturday, after a murder that has triggered international condemnation.

The 18 and 19-year-old men were arrested in Londonderry under anti-terror laws and taken to Belfast for questioning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.

Journalist Lyra McKee, 29, was shot in the head late Thursday in Derry by, police believe, dissident republicans linked to the New IRA paramilitary group as they clashed with police in Northern Ireland's second city.

Tributes to the 29-year-old were led by her partner, Sara Canning, who said McKee's "amazing potential was snuffed out by this single barbaric act".

The leaders of Northern Ireland's main political parties -- who have been unable to form a regional government for more than two years -- joined together to condemn the killing.

Detectives hunting the gunman had released security camera footage of the unrest on Derry's Creggan estate, hoping that the community would help trace her killers.

The footage showed McKee standing with other reporters by a police vehicle, and the suspected gunman.

Images on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles.

Police chief Mark Hamilton said Friday "a single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee".

Armed groups

Some officials blamed Thursday's unrest on the "New IRA", a republican paramilitary group opposed to the shift towards non-violent tactics to bring about a united Ireland.

The New IRA (Irish Republican Army) is an amalgam of armed groups violently opposed to Northern Ireland's peace process. It claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March.

Catholic priest Father Joseph Gormley, who read the last rites for McKee, told BBC radio: "This rioting was clearly orchestrated. I have no problems saying that: everybody in our community knows that.

"We have a small group of people who want to play political games with our lives."

The IRA sought Northern Ireland's integration into the Republic of Ireland through violence.

The group called a final ceasefire in 1997 and announced an end to its armed campaign in 2005, stating that it would seek to achieve its aims through peaceful political means.

Dissident splinter groups have sought to continue.

The 1998 Good Friday peace deal largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles".

There have been concerns that paramilitaries could be seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland, caused by Brexit.

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said the killing was "a reminder of how fragile peace still is in Northern Ireland. We must all work to preserve the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement."

Former US president Bill Clinton tweeted: "Heartbroken by the murder of Lyra McKee and the violence in Derry.

"The challenges in NI today are real-but we cannot let go of the last 21 years of hard-won peace and progress. This tragedy is a reminder of how much everyone has to lose if we do."

Two teenagers have been arrested over the killing of a journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland, police said Saturday, after a murder that has triggered international condemnation.

Two teenagers have been arrested over the killing of a journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland, police said Saturday, after a murder that has triggered international condemnation. The 18 and 19-year-old men were arrested in Londonderry under anti-terror laws and taken to Belfast for questioning, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. Journalist Lyra McKee, 29, was shot in the head late Thursday in Derry by, police believe, dissident republicans linked to the New IRA paramilitary group as they clashed with police in Northern Ireland's second city. Tributes to the 29-year-old were led by her partner, Sara Canning, who said McKee's "amazing potential was snuffed out by this single barbaric act". The leaders of Northern Ireland's main political parties -- who have been unable to form a regional government for more than two years -- joined together to condemn the killing. Detectives hunting the gunman had released security camera footage of the unrest on Derry's Creggan estate, hoping that the community would help trace her killers. The footage showed McKee standing with other reporters by a police vehicle, and the suspected gunman. Images on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles. Police chief Mark Hamilton said Friday "a single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee". Armed groups Some officials blamed Thursday's unrest on the "New IRA", a republican paramilitary group opposed to the shift towards non-violent tactics to bring about a united Ireland. The New IRA (Irish Republican Army) is an amalgam of armed groups violently opposed to Northern Ireland's peace process. It claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March. Catholic priest Father Joseph Gormley, who read the last rites for McKee, told BBC radio: "This rioting was clearly orchestrated. I have no problems saying that: everybody in our community knows that. "We have a small group of people who want to play political games with our lives." The IRA sought Northern Ireland's integration into the Republic of Ireland through violence. The group called a final ceasefire in 1997 and announced an end to its armed campaign in 2005, stating that it would seek to achieve its aims through peaceful political means. Dissident splinter groups have sought to continue. The 1998 Good Friday peace deal largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles". There have been concerns that paramilitaries could be seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland, caused by Brexit. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said the killing was "a reminder of how fragile peace still is in Northern Ireland. We must all work to preserve the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement." Former US president Bill Clinton tweeted: "Heartbroken by the murder of Lyra McKee and the violence in Derry. "The challenges in NI today are real-but we cannot let go of the last 21 years of hard-won peace and progress. This tragedy is a reminder of how much everyone has to lose if we do."

Two teenagers held after killing of Northern Irish journalist

A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region.

"Lyra McKee was murdered during orchestrated violence in Creggan last night," Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said in a statement.

McKee had earlier posted an image that appeared to be from the riots in the Creggan housing estate in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry, accompanied by the words "Derry tonight. Absolute madness."&nbsp;

Images of the unrest posted on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles.

"A single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee," said Hamilton, adding that police believed the gunman was a "violent dissident republican."

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and we have launched a murder enquiry," he added.

Journalist Matthew Hughes earlier identified the dead woman as one of his friends.

"I just received the heartbreaking news that my friend @LyraMcKee was murdered tonight in a terrorist incident in Derry," he wrote on Twitter.

McKee had written for The Atlantic magazine and Buzzfeed News and was named by Forbes Magazine in 2016 as one of their "30 under 30" outstanding figures in media, according to her literary agent Janklow &amp; Nesbit.

Leona O'Neill, a reporter with the Belfast Telegraph, said she had been next to McKee when she was shot.

"I was standing beside this young woman when she fell beside a police Land Rover tonight in Creggan #Derry. I called an ambulance for her but police put her in the back of their vehicle and rushed her to the hospital where she died. Just 29 years old. Sick to my stomach tonight," she tweeted.

Good Friday Agreement&nbsp;

The violence came in the run-up to the Easter weekend, when Republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule.

A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group.

Michelle O'Neill, the deputy leader of Irish republican party Sinn Fein, condemned the killing.

"My heart goes out to the family of the young woman shot dead by so-called dissidents," she wrote on Twitter.

"This was an attack on the community, an attack on the peace process and an attack on the Good Friday Agreement," the peace deal that largely brought an end to violence on the island exactly 21 years ago, she added, calling for calm.

Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Union Party, which is in favour of Britain's presence in Northern Ireland, described the death as "heartbreaking news".

"A senseless act. A family has been torn apart. Those who brought guns onto our streets in the 70s, 80s &amp; 90s were wrong. It is equally wrong in 2019. No one wants to go back," she wrote on Twitter.

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles".

Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Police have blamed a group called the New IRA for the flare-up in violence in recent months.

Some have expressed fears that recent attacks could be a sign that paramilitaries are seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit.

Londonderry was the scene of one of the darkest episodes in the Troubles in 1972, known as Bloody Sunday, when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration and killed 13 people. A 14th victim later died of his wounds.

A former British soldier was charged with murder last month over the killings.&nbsp;

A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region.

A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region. "Lyra McKee was murdered during orchestrated violence in Creggan last night," Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said in a statement. McKee had earlier posted an image that appeared to be from the riots in the Creggan housing estate in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry, accompanied by the words "Derry tonight. Absolute madness." Images of the unrest posted on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles. "A single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee," said Hamilton, adding that police believed the gunman was a "violent dissident republican." "We are treating this as a terrorist incident and we have launched a murder enquiry," he added. Journalist Matthew Hughes earlier identified the dead woman as one of his friends. "I just received the heartbreaking news that my friend @LyraMcKee was murdered tonight in a terrorist incident in Derry," he wrote on Twitter. McKee had written for The Atlantic magazine and Buzzfeed News and was named by Forbes Magazine in 2016 as one of their "30 under 30" outstanding figures in media, according to her literary agent Janklow & Nesbit. Leona O'Neill, a reporter with the Belfast Telegraph, said she had been next to McKee when she was shot. "I was standing beside this young woman when she fell beside a police Land Rover tonight in Creggan #Derry. I called an ambulance for her but police put her in the back of their vehicle and rushed her to the hospital where she died. Just 29 years old. Sick to my stomach tonight," she tweeted. Good Friday Agreement The violence came in the run-up to the Easter weekend, when Republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule. A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group. Michelle O'Neill, the deputy leader of Irish republican party Sinn Fein, condemned the killing. "My heart goes out to the family of the young woman shot dead by so-called dissidents," she wrote on Twitter. "This was an attack on the community, an attack on the peace process and an attack on the Good Friday Agreement," the peace deal that largely brought an end to violence on the island exactly 21 years ago, she added, calling for calm. Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Union Party, which is in favour of Britain's presence in Northern Ireland, described the death as "heartbreaking news". "A senseless act. A family has been torn apart. Those who brought guns onto our streets in the 70s, 80s & 90s were wrong. It is equally wrong in 2019. No one wants to go back," she wrote on Twitter. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles". Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Police have blamed a group called the New IRA for the flare-up in violence in recent months. Some have expressed fears that recent attacks could be a sign that paramilitaries are seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit. Londonderry was the scene of one of the darkest episodes in the Troubles in 1972, known as Bloody Sunday, when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration and killed 13 people. A 14th victim later died of his wounds. A former British soldier was charged with murder last month over the killings.

Journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland in 'terrorist incident'

In this segment of WION, we brings you top headlines off the day. Watch full video to know more.

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Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland.

The ex-paratrooper, known only as Soldier F, was charged with murdering two people and the attempted murder of four others when troops opened fire on a demonstration in Derry in which 13 protesters were shot dead.

Soldier F was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation over Bloody Sunday but he was the only one charged.

"This is a remarkable achievement by the families and victims of Bloody Sunday," said Ciaran Shiels, a solicitor for some of the victims' families.

But Shiels added: "We are disappointed that not all of those responsible are to face trial."

Relatives looked sombre as they emerged from a press conference in which the decision was announced by the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland.

"There is sufficient available evidence to prosecute one former soldier, Soldier F, for the murder of James Wray and William McKinney; and for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O'Donnell," said PPS director Stephen Herron.

'Indebted' to soldiers: Williamson&nbsp;

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the defence ministry would support Soldier F and pay his legal costs.

"We are indebted to those soldiers who served with courage and distinction to bring peace to Northern Ireland," he said.

"The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance and we will offer full legal and pastoral support," he said.

He added that the government was working to reform the system "for dealing with legacy issues".

"Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution," he said.

Besides 16 former British soldiers not charged, state prosecutors also declined to bring charges against two alleged ex-members of the Irish Republican Army for their role on the day, one of the seminal events in the three-decades-long Northern Irish conflict known as "The Troubles".

"In respect of the other 18 suspects, including 16 former soldiers and two alleged Official IRA members, it has been concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction," said prosecutor Herron.

Thirteen demonstrators were killed on January 30, 1972 as they participated in a civil rights march in the majority Catholic area of the Bogside in Derry when soldiers from the British Parachute Regiment opened fire.

A fourteenth died of his wounds later.

In 2010, then British prime minister David Cameron issued a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable".

A public inquiry found that British troops fired first and had given misleading accounts of what happened.

March from memorial

On Thursday, families of those who died marched from a memorial to Derry city centre.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was shot dead at the age of 17, said he was "hoping and praying" for justice.

"I'm standing here, where Michael was shot dead, hoping he's looking down on me and saying 'Fair play to you, I'm very proud of you'," he said.

The British government on Wednesday drew criticism with an announcement that veterans found guilty of crimes during the Troubles would be eligible for early release under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The terms of the peace accord, which largely ended the Troubles, allowed some 500 republican and loyalist paramilitaries to leave prison after serving short sentences.

At present, the release scheme only covers offences committed from 1973 to 1998.

However, the government has proposed legislation to widen the programme to offences taking place from 1968, meaning anyone convicted over Bloody Sunday would be eligible.

Northern Ireland minister Karen Bradley has also drawn criticism for saying killings by British security forces and police "were not crimes".

"They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duties in a dignified and appropriate way," she said in parliament last week.

She later apologised for the comments.

Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland.

Northern Irish prosecutors on Thursday charged a former British soldier with murder over the "Bloody Sunday" killings of 1972 in a politically sensitive case that has stirred passions in both Britain and Ireland. The ex-paratrooper, known only as Soldier F, was charged with murdering two people and the attempted murder of four others when troops opened fire on a demonstration in Derry in which 13 protesters were shot dead. Soldier F was one of 17 British veterans who had faced investigation over Bloody Sunday but he was the only one charged. "This is a remarkable achievement by the families and victims of Bloody Sunday," said Ciaran Shiels, a solicitor for some of the victims' families. But Shiels added: "We are disappointed that not all of those responsible are to face trial." Relatives looked sombre as they emerged from a press conference in which the decision was announced by the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland. "There is sufficient available evidence to prosecute one former soldier, Soldier F, for the murder of James Wray and William McKinney; and for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O'Donnell," said PPS director Stephen Herron. 'Indebted' to soldiers: Williamson British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the defence ministry would support Soldier F and pay his legal costs. "We are indebted to those soldiers who served with courage and distinction to bring peace to Northern Ireland," he said. "The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance and we will offer full legal and pastoral support," he said. He added that the government was working to reform the system "for dealing with legacy issues". "Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution," he said. Besides 16 former British soldiers not charged, state prosecutors also declined to bring charges against two alleged ex-members of the Irish Republican Army for their role on the day, one of the seminal events in the three-decades-long Northern Irish conflict known as "The Troubles". "In respect of the other 18 suspects, including 16 former soldiers and two alleged Official IRA members, it has been concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction," said prosecutor Herron. Thirteen demonstrators were killed on January 30, 1972 as they participated in a civil rights march in the majority Catholic area of the Bogside in Derry when soldiers from the British Parachute Regiment opened fire. A fourteenth died of his wounds later. In 2010, then British prime minister David Cameron issued a formal state apology for the killings, calling them "unjustified and unjustifiable". A public inquiry found that British troops fired first and had given misleading accounts of what happened. March from memorial On Thursday, families of those who died marched from a memorial to Derry city centre. John Kelly, whose brother Michael was shot dead at the age of 17, said he was "hoping and praying" for justice. "I'm standing here, where Michael was shot dead, hoping he's looking down on me and saying 'Fair play to you, I'm very proud of you'," he said. The British government on Wednesday drew criticism with an announcement that veterans found guilty of crimes during the Troubles would be eligible for early release under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The terms of the peace accord, which largely ended the Troubles, allowed some 500 republican and loyalist paramilitaries to leave prison after serving short sentences. At present, the release scheme only covers offences committed from 1973 to 1998. However, the government has proposed legislation to widen the programme to offences taking place from 1968, meaning anyone convicted over Bloody Sunday would be eligible. Northern Ireland minister Karen Bradley has also drawn criticism for saying killings by British security forces and police "were not crimes". "They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duties in a dignified and appropriate way," she said in parliament last week. She later apologised for the comments.

Ex-British soldier charged with Northern Ireland 'Bloody Sunday' killings

Britain said on Wednesday it would eliminate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-rejection-of-mays-deal-deepens-brexit-division-202983">import tariffs on a wide range of goods</a> and avoid a so-called hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of a "no-deal"&nbsp;Brexit.

The government announced the moves, which it said would be temporary, ahead of a vote by lawmakers later on Wednesday on whether Britain should leave the European Union without a deal, a prospect that alarms many employers with the scheduled March 29th Brexit date fast approaching.

Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a second, heavy parliamentary defeat on the withdrawal deal she struck with the bloc on Tuesday, leaving open the possibility of an abrupt, economically damaging Brexit without a transition arrangement.

However, lawmakers are expected to vote against a no-deal Brexit and then, on Thursday, vote in favour of seeking a delay to Brexit.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wmv73VqQdv4" width="560"></iframe>

Under the tariff plan for a no-deal Brexit that would last for up to 12 months 87 per cent of total imports to the United Kingdom by value would be eligible for tariff-free access, up from 80 per cent now.

The new system would mean 82 per cent of imports from the EU would be tariff-free, down from 100 per cent now, while 92 per cent of imports from the rest of the world would pay no duties at the border, up from 56 percent now.

&nbsp;

Some protections for British producers would remain in place, including for the country's carmakers and beef, lamb, pork, poultry and dairy farmers.

Cutting import tariffs on imported goods would ease the hit to British consumers from an expected jump in inflation in the event of a no-deal Brexit which would probably cause sterling to tumble and make imports more expensive.

But it would also expose many manufacturers to cheaper competition from abroad and, if maintained, low or zero tariffs would deprive Britain of ammunition for extracting concessions from other countries in future trade talks.

On the Irish border, the British government said it would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods moving from the Irish Republic to the British province of Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit, stressing the plan was temporary and unilateral.

"The measures announced today recognise the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland," Karen Bradley, Britain's secretary of state for Northern Ireland said in a statement. "These arrangements can only be temporary and short-term."

Britain would seek to enter discussions urgently with the European Commission and the Irish government to agree long-term measures to avoid a hard border.

Goods crossing the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland would not be covered by the new import tariff regime.

Britain, Ireland and the EU have said they want to avoid physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of violence in the region. But they disagree on the "backstop", or insurance mechanism, to exclude such border checks. 
&nbsp;

Britain said on Wednesday it would eliminate import tariffs on a wide range of goods and avoid a so-called hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit.

Britain said on Wednesday it would eliminate import tariffs on a wide range of goods and avoid a so-called hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit. The government announced the moves, which it said would be temporary, ahead of a vote by lawmakers later on Wednesday on whether Britain should leave the European Union without a deal, a prospect that alarms many employers with the scheduled March 29th Brexit date fast approaching. Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a second, heavy parliamentary defeat on the withdrawal deal she struck with the bloc on Tuesday, leaving open the possibility of an abrupt, economically damaging Brexit without a transition arrangement. However, lawmakers are expected to vote against a no-deal Brexit and then, on Thursday, vote in favour of seeking a delay to Brexit. Under the tariff plan for a no-deal Brexit that would last for up to 12 months 87 per cent of total imports to the United Kingdom by value would be eligible for tariff-free access, up from 80 per cent now. The new system would mean 82 per cent of imports from the EU would be tariff-free, down from 100 per cent now, while 92 per cent of imports from the rest of the world would pay no duties at the border, up from 56 percent now. Some protections for British producers would remain in place, including for the country's carmakers and beef, lamb, pork, poultry and dairy farmers. Cutting import tariffs on imported goods would ease the hit to British consumers from an expected jump in inflation in the event of a no-deal Brexit which would probably cause sterling to tumble and make imports more expensive. But it would also expose many manufacturers to cheaper competition from abroad and, if maintained, low or zero tariffs would deprive Britain of ammunition for extracting concessions from other countries in future trade talks. On the Irish border, the British government said it would not introduce any new checks or controls on goods moving from the Irish Republic to the British province of Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit, stressing the plan was temporary and unilateral. "The measures announced today recognise the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland," Karen Bradley, Britain's secretary of state for Northern Ireland said in a statement. "These arrangements can only be temporary and short-term." Britain would seek to enter discussions urgently with the European Commission and the Irish government to agree long-term measures to avoid a hard border. Goods crossing the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland would not be covered by the new import tariff regime. Britain, Ireland and the EU have said they want to avoid physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of violence in the region. But they disagree on the "backstop", or insurance mechanism, to exclude such border checks.

Will cut tariffs, avoid hard border between Ireland and northern Ireland in case of no-deal Brexit: UK

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">Brexit on Wednesday</a> by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

"We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday.

May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict.

MAY TO BRUSSELS

As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked.

But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term.

British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks.

May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.

While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse.

But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit.

Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit. At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. "We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday. May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism. Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict. MAY TO BRUSSELS As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked. But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term. British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks. May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday. While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse. But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit. Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British PM May seeks a border compromise in Northern Ireland

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves.

But with a draft UK-EU deal that would guarantee an open border looking increasingly frail, and the growing risk that Britain could withdraw from the union with no agreement at all, cracks are starting to emerge.

Over months of talks, both Dublin and Brussels have been loath to spell out the implications of having to carry out EU customs and regulations checks on what would become the bloc's new frontier.

A comment from the European Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas earlier this week shattered the taboo.

"In a no-deal scenario in Ireland, I think it's pretty obvious, you will have a hard border," he said.

The remark caught Dublin off-guard and the government pointed to EU promises to keep the border open.

The Irish Independent branded Schinas's comments a "Brexit backstab", suggesting they were intended "to prepare Dublin for some difficult discussions in the weeks ahead".

Schinas softened his remark the following day, saying the EU would do "all it can" to avoid a hard border.

But Ireland, which considers itself an unwilling bystander to Britain's decision to leave the EU after 46 years, is feeling under pressure to compromise over its demands.

"Why is it the country being victimised that's always being asked to give?" Prime Minister Leo Varadkar asked in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday.

Cooling comments

Varadkar has come under some domestic criticism for failing to prepare for the possibility of a hard border.

But Federico Fabbrini, director of Dublin City University's Brexit Institute, said the government's position was "reasonable".

"It doesn't want to take action on the border for as long as reimposing a border is avoidable," he said.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier sought to de-dramatise the concerns, but only raised more questions.

"We will have to find an operational way of carrying out checks and controls without putting back in place a border," he said.

The EU-UK deal includes a "backstop" plan to keep the border open by keeping Britain tied to EU trade rules, but Brexit supporters in London hate it.

They seized on Barnier's comments, saying they proved the backstop was not needed to prevent a hard border.

The backstop is a major block in getting the Brexit deal agreed by the British parliament, and London is pressing the EU to modify the plan.

After months of seeming like the consistent and mature voice in Brexit negotiations, Ireland now risks appearing the stubborn obstacle to a smooth Brexit.

'A period of chaos'

Varadkar this week also warned that a no-deal would lead to a "period of chaos" and that ultimately the EU, Britain and Ireland would have to "agree on full alignment" between Northern Ireland and the Republic to avoid a hard border.

What that chaos might look like and how the EU-brokered accord would function on the 310-mile (500-kilometre) border traversed by more than 200 roads is hard to say.

Brexiteers in London say checks on the border could simply be replaced by trusted trader schemes and as-yet-untested technology.

Speaking in Davos on Friday, Varadkar said it could "involve people in uniform" -- as well as "cameras, physical infrastructure, possibly a police presence, or an army presence to back it up".

That would be a concerning development on a border where the last military checkpoints were dismantled 20 years ago after a peace accord ended three decades of conflict.

Given Ireland's refusal to prepare for a hard border, there could also be days or even weeks when the frontier is effectively ungoverned by international law.

"You could have hundreds of lorries parking up at the border awaiting some kind of clearance," said Seamus Leheny, policy manager of the Freight Transport Association in Northern Ireland.

"We could be left in a situation where some hauliers will have to take the decision to turn away any freight going across the border. The concern they have is they technically could be seen as smuggling."

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves.

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves. But with a draft UK-EU deal that would guarantee an open border looking increasingly frail, and the growing risk that Britain could withdraw from the union with no agreement at all, cracks are starting to emerge. Over months of talks, both Dublin and Brussels have been loath to spell out the implications of having to carry out EU customs and regulations checks on what would become the bloc's new frontier. A comment from the European Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas earlier this week shattered the taboo. "In a no-deal scenario in Ireland, I think it's pretty obvious, you will have a hard border," he said. The remark caught Dublin off-guard and the government pointed to EU promises to keep the border open. The Irish Independent branded Schinas's comments a "Brexit backstab", suggesting they were intended "to prepare Dublin for some difficult discussions in the weeks ahead". Schinas softened his remark the following day, saying the EU would do "all it can" to avoid a hard border. But Ireland, which considers itself an unwilling bystander to Britain's decision to leave the EU after 46 years, is feeling under pressure to compromise over its demands. "Why is it the country being victimised that's always being asked to give?" Prime Minister Leo Varadkar asked in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday. Cooling comments Varadkar has come under some domestic criticism for failing to prepare for the possibility of a hard border. But Federico Fabbrini, director of Dublin City University's Brexit Institute, said the government's position was "reasonable". "It doesn't want to take action on the border for as long as reimposing a border is avoidable," he said. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier sought to de-dramatise the concerns, but only raised more questions. "We will have to find an operational way of carrying out checks and controls without putting back in place a border," he said. The EU-UK deal includes a "backstop" plan to keep the border open by keeping Britain tied to EU trade rules, but Brexit supporters in London hate it. They seized on Barnier's comments, saying they proved the backstop was not needed to prevent a hard border. The backstop is a major block in getting the Brexit deal agreed by the British parliament, and London is pressing the EU to modify the plan. After months of seeming like the consistent and mature voice in Brexit negotiations, Ireland now risks appearing the stubborn obstacle to a smooth Brexit. 'A period of chaos' Varadkar this week also warned that a no-deal would lead to a "period of chaos" and that ultimately the EU, Britain and Ireland would have to "agree on full alignment" between Northern Ireland and the Republic to avoid a hard border. What that chaos might look like and how the EU-brokered accord would function on the 310-mile (500-kilometre) border traversed by more than 200 roads is hard to say. Brexiteers in London say checks on the border could simply be replaced by trusted trader schemes and as-yet-untested technology. Speaking in Davos on Friday, Varadkar said it could "involve people in uniform" -- as well as "cameras, physical infrastructure, possibly a police presence, or an army presence to back it up". That would be a concerning development on a border where the last military checkpoints were dismantled 20 years ago after a peace accord ended three decades of conflict. Given Ireland's refusal to prepare for a hard border, there could also be days or even weeks when the frontier is effectively ungoverned by international law. "You could have hundreds of lorries parking up at the border awaiting some kind of clearance," said Seamus Leheny, policy manager of the Freight Transport Association in Northern Ireland. "We could be left in a situation where some hauliers will have to take the decision to turn away any freight going across the border. The concern they have is they technically could be seen as smuggling."

With two months to Brexit, cracks form on Irish border

British lawmakers opened the door Wednesday to reform of Northern Ireland's strict abortion and same-sex marriage laws, adopting a legal requirement for the government in London to assess the policies' compatibility with human rights legislation.

The obligation was added to a bill drawn up to clarify how decisions are taken in the province in the absence of its devolved government -- suspended since January 2017 due to a dispute between the two main parties that share power.

Britain's Supreme Court ruled in June that Northern Ireland's abortion ban, which applies even in cases of rape, incest, or when foetuses have fatal physical defects, was incompatible with human rights laws, although the case failed on a procedural technicality.

Opposition Labour MP Stella Creasy argued Wednesday that addressing this problem cannot wait until -- or if -- the assembly in Belfast is eventually reinstated.

"Who can make sure that we don't spend another 10, 20, or 30 years hearing the stories of shame, of hurt, of the rights abuses of the people of Northern Ireland and simply shrugging our shoulders because politicians can't get their act together to have an assembly?" she asked.

She proposed an amendment to compel Britain's minister for Northern Ireland and senior civil servants to address any incompatibilities between legislation in the province and national human rights obligations.

The amendment passed by 207 votes to 117, after Prime Minister Theresa May gave her Conservative MPs a free vote.

Gay marriage and abortion are legal in the rest of the United Kingdom.

May's government has resisted pressure to impose reform on Northern Ireland, arguing that decisions are best made in Belfast.

However, there is no sign that the two main parties there, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein, are close to a deal on resuming office.

The matter is complicated by the fact that the DUP, which strongly opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, props up May's Conservative government in London.

Creasy's amendment was to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill, which was created to enable civil servants to take certain decisions in the absence of provincial ministers.

The bill will now be debated in the unelected House of Lords.

British lawmakers opened the door Wednesday to reform of Northern Ireland's strict abortion and same-sex marriage laws, adopting a legal requirement for the government in London to assess the policies' compatibility with human rights legislation.

British lawmakers opened the door Wednesday to reform of Northern Ireland's strict abortion and same-sex marriage laws, adopting a legal requirement for the government in London to assess the policies' compatibility with human rights legislation. The obligation was added to a bill drawn up to clarify how decisions are taken in the province in the absence of its devolved government -- suspended since January 2017 due to a dispute between the two main parties that share power. Britain's Supreme Court ruled in June that Northern Ireland's abortion ban, which applies even in cases of rape, incest, or when foetuses have fatal physical defects, was incompatible with human rights laws, although the case failed on a procedural technicality. Opposition Labour MP Stella Creasy argued Wednesday that addressing this problem cannot wait until -- or if -- the assembly in Belfast is eventually reinstated. "Who can make sure that we don't spend another 10, 20, or 30 years hearing the stories of shame, of hurt, of the rights abuses of the people of Northern Ireland and simply shrugging our shoulders because politicians can't get their act together to have an assembly?" she asked. She proposed an amendment to compel Britain's minister for Northern Ireland and senior civil servants to address any incompatibilities between legislation in the province and national human rights obligations. The amendment passed by 207 votes to 117, after Prime Minister Theresa May gave her Conservative MPs a free vote. Gay marriage and abortion are legal in the rest of the United Kingdom. May's government has resisted pressure to impose reform on Northern Ireland, arguing that decisions are best made in Belfast. However, there is no sign that the two main parties there, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein, are close to a deal on resuming office. The matter is complicated by the fact that the DUP, which strongly opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, props up May's Conservative government in London. Creasy's amendment was to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill, which was created to enable civil servants to take certain decisions in the absence of provincial ministers. The bill will now be debated in the unelected House of Lords.

British lawmakers open door to reform of Northern Ireland abortion, gay marriage laws

An Edin Dzeko brace handed Bosnia a 2-0 home win over Northern Ireland in an action-packed Nations League clash on Monday, which further consolidated their place on top of the second tier's Group 3.

The result left the Bosnians on a maximum nine points from three games, ahead of Austria who have three points from two matches. Northern Ireland have none from three games.

Both sides missed chances in an end-to-end contest, with Dzeko firing the home side ahead in the 27th minute when he steered the ball into the bottom left corner from 10 metres after a defensive blunder by Jamal Lewis.

Midfielder George Saville twice came close for Northern Ireland while Dzeko fired over the bar and had a superb goal controversially disallowed for offisde at the other end in a see-saw first half.

Substitute Gavin Whyte missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise in the 56th minute before Dzeko struck again in the 73rd, side-footing the ball past goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell after a defence-splitting pass by Miralem Pjanic.

Bosnia keeper Ibrahim Sehic kept out Saville's piledriver before Northern Ireland hit the woodwork for the third time in the dying minutes, as the home team's defender Ervin Zukanovic deflected a low cross from the right.

An Edin Dzeko brace handed Bosnia a 2-0 home win over Northern Ireland in an action-packed Nations League clash on Monday, which further consolidated their place on top of the second tier's Group 3.

An Edin Dzeko brace handed Bosnia a 2-0 home win over Northern Ireland in an action-packed Nations League clash on Monday, which further consolidated their place on top of the second tier's Group 3. The result left the Bosnians on a maximum nine points from three games, ahead of Austria who have three points from two matches. Northern Ireland have none from three games. Both sides missed chances in an end-to-end contest, with Dzeko firing the home side ahead in the 27th minute when he steered the ball into the bottom left corner from 10 metres after a defensive blunder by Jamal Lewis. Midfielder George Saville twice came close for Northern Ireland while Dzeko fired over the bar and had a superb goal controversially disallowed for offisde at the other end in a see-saw first half. Substitute Gavin Whyte missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise in the 56th minute before Dzeko struck again in the 73rd, side-footing the ball past goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell after a defence-splitting pass by Miralem Pjanic. Bosnia keeper Ibrahim Sehic kept out Saville's piledriver before Northern Ireland hit the woodwork for the third time in the dying minutes, as the home team's defender Ervin Zukanovic deflected a low cross from the right.

Dzeko double gives Bosnia 2-0 win over Northern Ireland

Britain's Supreme Court on Thursday said it could not rule on an appeal against Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws, but that it would have declared them incompatible with human rights laws otherwise.&nbsp;

By a majority decision, the justices said that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), which brought the appeal, did not have the power to "institute abstract proceedings of this nature".

"It follows that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in these proceedings to give relief in respect of the challenge Northern Ireland abortion law," the ruling added.

However, the court also said that a majority of justices would have ruled the current Northern Ireland law incompatible with the European Convention on Human rights (ECHR), raising the pressure on London and Belfast to change their legislation.

"I would have concluded without real hesitation ... that the current state of Northern Ireland is incompatible with Article 8 of the Convention, insofar as it prohibits abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape and incest, but not insofar as it prohibits abortion in cases of serious foetal abnormality," said judge Jonathan Mance.

This view was shared by four of the seven judges.

The court also said that a majority of justices would have ruled the current Northern Ireland law incompatible with the European Convention on Human rights

Britain's Supreme Court on Thursday said it could not rule on an appeal against Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws, but that it would have declared them incompatible with human rights laws otherwise. By a majority decision, the justices said that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), which brought the appeal, did not have the power to "institute abstract proceedings of this nature". "It follows that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in these proceedings to give relief in respect of the challenge Northern Ireland abortion law," the ruling added. However, the court also said that a majority of justices would have ruled the current Northern Ireland law incompatible with the European Convention on Human rights (ECHR), raising the pressure on London and Belfast to change their legislation. "I would have concluded without real hesitation ... that the current state of Northern Ireland is incompatible with Article 8 of the Convention, insofar as it prohibits abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape and incest, but not insofar as it prohibits abortion in cases of serious foetal abnormality," said judge Jonathan Mance. This view was shared by four of the seven judges.

UK top court says cannot rule on Northern Ireland abortion law

Hundreds of women's rights activist rallied in Belfast on Monday to put pressure on British Prime Minister Theresa May to reform Northern Ireland's highly restrictive abortion rules after neighbouring Ireland's vote to liberalise its laws.

Voters in Ireland on Friday backed the removal of a constitutional abortion ban by two-to-one.

That leaves British-ruled Northern Ireland as the only part of the British Isles with a restrictive abortion regime, and May on Sunday faced calls from within her cabinet and the opposition to scrap Northern Ireland's strict rules.

A spokeswoman for May said on Sunday changing the rules should only be undertaken by a government in Northern Ireland.

The province, divided between unionists who favour continued British rule and nationalists who want to unify with Ireland, has had no devolved regional government since January last year after a power-sharing agreement collapsed between the two communities' main parties.

Activists gathered outside Belfast City Hall carrying placards emblazoned with messages such as "I am not a vessel" and "Mind Your Own Uterus". They said it was May's responsibility to act.

"1, 2, 3, 4, we wont' be silenced any more," the crowd chanted. "5, 6, 7, 8, it's time for May to legislate."

Abortion is permitted in Northern Ireland only if a woman’s life is at risk or there is a risk to her mental or physical health that is long-term or permanent. It is not permitted in cases of rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality.

Both Northern Ireland's mainly unionist Protestants and its mainly nationalist Catholics tend to be more socially conservative than elsewhere in Ireland or Britain.

The main unionist party, the DUP, opposes liberalising abortion laws, while the main nationalist party, Sinn Fein, backs some changes. DUP lawmakers in London provide votes needed to support May's minority government.

It is estimated that around three women travel from Northern Ireland to England for an abortion every day, while others risk prosecution by self-medicating with abortion pills.

"It is awfully unfair that people here should not be able to get an abortion," said schoolgirl George Poots, at the rally with her mother and brother. "At present they have to worry about travelling to England and I also think of the women who cannot travel."

Anti-abortion group Precious Life said Ireland's vote would spur it to "up the battle to protect Northern Ireland's unborn children". "Northern Ireland is now the beacon of hope to the pro-life movement around the world," leader Bernie Smyth said.

 
&nbsp

Voters in Ireland on Friday backed the removal of a constitutional abortion ban by two-to-one

Hundreds of women's rights activist rallied in Belfast on Monday to put pressure on British Prime Minister Theresa May to reform Northern Ireland's highly restrictive abortion rules after neighbouring Ireland's vote to liberalise its laws. Voters in Ireland on Friday backed the removal of a constitutional abortion ban by two-to-one. That leaves British-ruled Northern Ireland as the only part of the British Isles with a restrictive abortion regime, and May on Sunday faced calls from within her cabinet and the opposition to scrap Northern Ireland's strict rules. A spokeswoman for May said on Sunday changing the rules should only be undertaken by a government in Northern Ireland. The province, divided between unionists who favour continued British rule and nationalists who want to unify with Ireland, has had no devolved regional government since January last year after a power-sharing agreement collapsed between the two communities' main parties. Activists gathered outside Belfast City Hall carrying placards emblazoned with messages such as "I am not a vessel" and "Mind Your Own Uterus". They said it was May's responsibility to act. "1, 2, 3, 4, we wont' be silenced any more," the crowd chanted. "5, 6, 7, 8, it's time for May to legislate." Abortion is permitted in Northern Ireland only if a woman’s life is at risk or there is a risk to her mental or physical health that is long-term or permanent. It is not permitted in cases of rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality. Both Northern Ireland's mainly unionist Protestants and its mainly nationalist Catholics tend to be more socially conservative than elsewhere in Ireland or Britain. The main unionist party, the DUP, opposes liberalising abortion laws, while the main nationalist party, Sinn Fein, backs some changes. DUP lawmakers in London provide votes needed to support May's minority government. It is estimated that around three women travel from Northern Ireland to England for an abortion every day, while others risk prosecution by self-medicating with abortion pills. "It is awfully unfair that people here should not be able to get an abortion," said schoolgirl George Poots, at the rally with her mother and brother. "At present they have to worry about travelling to England and I also think of the women who cannot travel." Anti-abortion group Precious Life said Ireland's vote would spur it to "up the battle to protect Northern Ireland's unborn children". "Northern Ireland is now the beacon of hope to the pro-life movement around the world," leader Bernie Smyth said.

Northern Ireland rally calls on Britain's May to ease abortion rules

Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle looked amused during their visit to Northern Ireland. The royal couple interacted with the representatives of a company that specialises in prosthetics at a next-gen science park, Catalyst Inc in Belfast.&nbsp;

Titanic FX had some gory items on display like a fake severed foot, decaying hands among others at the exhibition.&nbsp;

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We are LOVING Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's response to our Prosthetic Limb display at <a href="https://twitter.com/CatalystIncHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CatalystIncHQ</a> on Friday. Their react was the same as most people who encounter our products. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Priceless?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Priceless</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarryandMeghan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarryandMeghan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheRoyalCouple?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheRoyalCouple</a> <a href="https://t.co/rg3StCwZ1i">pic.twitter.com/rg3StCwZ1i</a>
— Titanic FX (@FxTitanic) <a href="https://twitter.com/FxTitanic/status/977812749056200704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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The company is known for manufacturing prosthetics and props for films and television shows and has also worked for the hugely popular television series, Games of Thrones.

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When you see what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were looking at close up, you can see why were freaked them out a little. ?????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarryandMeghan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarryandMeghan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProstheticLimbs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProstheticLimbs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TitanicFX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TitanicFX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HRHHenryWindsor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HRHHenryWindsor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PARoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PARoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> <a href="https://t.co/FSWG7tzRM7">pic.twitter.com/FSWG7tzRM7</a>
— Titanic FX (@FxTitanic) <a href="https://twitter.com/FxTitanic/status/977821186473197568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Despite knowing the artificiality of the horrific items on display, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wore squirmish expression all over their faces throughout their visit to the exhibition.&nbsp;

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Thank you for sharing this photo. What a pleasure it was to meet both Prince Harry and Meghan today. I really hope all my prosthetic prop limbs didn't freak them out too much.
— Nuala Campbell (@NualaCampbellMU) <a href="https://twitter.com/NualaCampbellMU/status/977342300480094208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nuala Campbell, founder and Managing Director of Titanic FX, was thrilled with the response for her prosthetic products. She tweeted out saying that, "I really hope my prosthetic prop limbs didn't freak them out too much".&nbsp;

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wore squirmish expression all over their faces throughout their visit to an exhibition

Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle looked amused during their visit to Northern Ireland. The royal couple interacted with the representatives of a company that specialises in prosthetics at a next-gen science park, Catalyst Inc in Belfast. Titanic FX had some gory items on display like a fake severed foot, decaying hands among others at the exhibition. We are LOVING Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's response to our Prosthetic Limb display at @CatalystIncHQ on Friday. Their react was the same as most people who encounter our products. #Priceless #HarryandMeghan #TheRoyalCouple pic.twitter.com/rg3StCwZ1i — Titanic FX (@FxTitanic) 25 March 2018 × The company is known for manufacturing prosthetics and props for films and television shows and has also worked for the hugely popular television series, Games of Thrones. When you see what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were looking at close up, you can see why were freaked them out a little. ?????? #HarryandMeghan #ProstheticLimbs #TitanicFX @HRHHenryWindsor @KensingtonRoyal @PARoyal @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/FSWG7tzRM7 — Titanic FX (@FxTitanic) 25 March 2018 × Despite knowing the artificiality of the horrific items on display, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wore squirmish expression all over their faces throughout their visit to the exhibition. Thank you for sharing this photo. What a pleasure it was to meet both Prince Harry and Meghan today. I really hope all my prosthetic prop limbs didn't freak them out too much. — Nuala Campbell (@NualaCampbellMU) 24 March 2018 × Nuala Campbell, founder and Managing Director of Titanic FX, was thrilled with the response for her prosthetic products. She tweeted out saying that, "I really hope my prosthetic prop limbs didn't freak them out too much".

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look horrified on visit to Northern Ireland, here's why

The United Kingdom violates women&#39;s rights in Northern Ireland by unduly restricting their access to abortion, a report by the UN&nbsp;Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) said on Friday.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Denial of abortion and criminalisation of abortion amounts to discrimination against women because it is a denial of a service that only women need. And it puts women in horrific situations,&rdquo; the committee&#39;s vice-chairwoman, Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, said in a statement.

&ldquo;The situation in Northern Ireland constitutes violence against women that may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,&rdquo; she said.

In a response to the report, the United Kingdom government said it did not accept women in Northern Ireland had been subject to grave and systematic violations of their rights.&nbsp;

The report recommended changing the law to stop criminal charges being brought against women and girls undergoing abortion or against anyone assisting in the abortion, with a moratorium on the application of existing laws in the interim.

It said abortion should be legal at least in cases of rape or incest or where a woman&#39;s physical or mental health was threatened, or in cases of severe foetal impairment.

Among its other recommendations were ensuring contraception was available, combating gender-based stereotypes regarding women&#39;s primary role as mothers, and protecting women from harassment by anti-abortion campaigners.

The British government said that for years women from Northern Ireland had travelled to England, Scotland and Wales to access abortions, which was legal, although they had to pay for abortions, which are available for free on the National Health Service for residents of those parts of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Since June 2017, women from Northern Ireland have no longer had to pay for abortions in England, and Scotland and Wales had similar plans to ensure they were not charged, it said.&nbsp;

Northern Ireland does not currently have its own government, since Irish nationalists Sinn Fein withdrew from the power-sharing government with their rivals, the Democratic Unionist Party, more than a year ago.

&quot;The Committee&rsquo;s findings and recommendations which focus on changes to the criminal law on abortion cannot be addressed in the absence of a legislature with authority to legislate on such matters in Northern Ireland,&quot; Britain`s response said.&nbsp;

But the report will be brought to the attention of a minister as soon as one was appointed, it added.

CEDAW is composed of 23 independent human rights experts and oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women by countries that have ratified it, but it does not have powers of enforcement. 
&nbsp;

In a response to the report, the United Kingdom government said it did not accept women in Northern Ireland had been subject to grave and systematic violations of their rights

The United Kingdom violates women's rights in Northern Ireland by unduly restricting their access to abortion, a report by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) said on Friday. “Denial of abortion and criminalisation of abortion amounts to discrimination against women because it is a denial of a service that only women need. And it puts women in horrific situations,” the committee's vice-chairwoman, Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, said in a statement. “The situation in Northern Ireland constitutes violence against women that may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” she said. In a response to the report, the United Kingdom government said it did not accept women in Northern Ireland had been subject to grave and systematic violations of their rights. The report recommended changing the law to stop criminal charges being brought against women and girls undergoing abortion or against anyone assisting in the abortion, with a moratorium on the application of existing laws in the interim. It said abortion should be legal at least in cases of rape or incest or where a woman's physical or mental health was threatened, or in cases of severe foetal impairment. Among its other recommendations were ensuring contraception was available, combating gender-based stereotypes regarding women's primary role as mothers, and protecting women from harassment by anti-abortion campaigners. The British government said that for years women from Northern Ireland had travelled to England, Scotland and Wales to access abortions, which was legal, although they had to pay for abortions, which are available for free on the National Health Service for residents of those parts of the United Kingdom. Since June 2017, women from Northern Ireland have no longer had to pay for abortions in England, and Scotland and Wales had similar plans to ensure they were not charged, it said. Northern Ireland does not currently have its own government, since Irish nationalists Sinn Fein withdrew from the power-sharing government with their rivals, the Democratic Unionist Party, more than a year ago. "The Committee’s findings and recommendations which focus on changes to the criminal law on abortion cannot be addressed in the absence of a legislature with authority to legislate on such matters in Northern Ireland," Britain`s response said. But the report will be brought to the attention of a minister as soon as one was appointed, it added. CEDAW is composed of 23 independent human rights experts and oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women by countries that have ratified it, but it does not have powers of enforcement.

Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body

British Prime Minister Theresa May will press her case on Monday for a strong union in Scotland, using a visit to staff working on international aid to say &quot;there is no limit to what we can do&quot; when Britain works together.

May is battling to keep the United Kingdom together after Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union revealed deep divisions, with England and Wales voting for Brexit, while Scotland and Northern Ireland supported staying in the bloc.

Just days before the British leader launches the formal divorce procedure with the EU, May wants to try to stem demands in Scotland for a new independence referendum by promising to get a Brexit deal that will suit all parts of the country.

Due to visit staff from the Department for International Development in East Kilbride in southern Scotland before meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, May will also say Britain will not turn its back on the world as it negotiates Brexit.

&quot;Indeed, we are going to take this opportunity to forge a more global Britain. The closest friend and ally with Europe, but also a country that looks beyond Europe to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike,&quot; she will say, according to excerpts of a speech released by her office.

Referencing British support for programmes in Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Syria and Afghanistan, May will say &quot;UK Aid is a badge of hope for so many around the world&quot;.

&quot;And it says this: That when this great union of nations &ndash; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland &ndash; sets its mind on something and works together with determination, we are an unstoppable force,&quot; she said.

May is a fierce unionist and hopes to stall plans by Sturgeon to hold a new referendum on independence in late 2018 or early 2019 after the country voted against breaking away in 2014 by 55 to 45 per cent.

A debate in the Scottish parliament before voting on Sturgeon&#39;s proposal was suspended last week when an attacker, later identified as British-born Khalid Masood, ploughed his car into pedestrians and tried to force his way into parliament in London, killing four. He was shot dead.

That debate is due to resume on Tuesday.

On Monday May will appeal to a sense of history and shared values to make her case for a strong union in Scotland, saying Britain has a &quot;proud shared heritage&quot;.

&quot;And on that foundation we have built a country where we share the challenges that we face, and bring all the expertise, ingenuity and goodwill we share across this union to bear to tackle them,&quot; she will say.

&quot;So as Britain leaves the European Union, and we forge a new role for ourselves in the world, the strength and stability of our union will become even more important.&quot;

(Reuters)

May is battling to keep the United Kingdom together: England and Wales voted to leave the EU but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay

British Prime Minister Theresa May will press her case on Monday for a strong union in Scotland, using a visit to staff working on international aid to say "there is no limit to what we can do" when Britain works together. May is battling to keep the United Kingdom together after Britain's vote to leave the European Union revealed deep divisions, with England and Wales voting for Brexit, while Scotland and Northern Ireland supported staying in the bloc. Just days before the British leader launches the formal divorce procedure with the EU, May wants to try to stem demands in Scotland for a new independence referendum by promising to get a Brexit deal that will suit all parts of the country. Due to visit staff from the Department for International Development in East Kilbride in southern Scotland before meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, May will also say Britain will not turn its back on the world as it negotiates Brexit. "Indeed, we are going to take this opportunity to forge a more global Britain. The closest friend and ally with Europe, but also a country that looks beyond Europe to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike," she will say, according to excerpts of a speech released by her office. Referencing British support for programmes in Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Syria and Afghanistan, May will say "UK Aid is a badge of hope for so many around the world". "And it says this: That when this great union of nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – sets its mind on something and works together with determination, we are an unstoppable force," she said. May is a fierce unionist and hopes to stall plans by Sturgeon to hold a new referendum on independence in late 2018 or early 2019 after the country voted against breaking away in 2014 by 55 to 45 per cent. A debate in the Scottish parliament before voting on Sturgeon's proposal was suspended last week when an attacker, later identified as British-born Khalid Masood, ploughed his car into pedestrians and tried to force his way into parliament in London, killing four. He was shot dead. That debate is due to resume on Tuesday. On Monday May will appeal to a sense of history and shared values to make her case for a strong union in Scotland, saying Britain has a "proud shared heritage". "And on that foundation we have built a country where we share the challenges that we face, and bring all the expertise, ingenuity and goodwill we share across this union to bear to tackle them," she will say. "So as Britain leaves the European Union, and we forge a new role for ourselves in the world, the strength and stability of our union will become even more important." (Reuters)

British PM Theresa May to press for stronger union on Scotland visit

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