UK PM Boris Johnson is expected to arrive in India next week in a state visit which will aim to highlight a successful India-UK partnership. The visit of British PM is yet to be formally announced by Downing Street, it follows the successful completion of 4 out of 26 chapters in the ongoing India-UK free trade negotiations

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit India next week to boost free trade talks

UK PM Boris Johnson has announced a controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. PM Johnson has stressed that $157 million scheme has been taken into action to break people's smuggling network

Britain hardens its migration policy, plans to send migrants to Rwanda

UK PM's visit to India for India-UK free trade agreement yet to be formally announced

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak were both fined for breaking lockdown rules. This is what the opposition party and citizens think...

The Prime Minister who broke the law?

In the first confirmation of the Partygate controversy involving UK PM Boris Johnson, Police obtain over 300 photographs & 500 documents. London Police will also issue fines.

1st official confirmation of Partygate: Police obtain over 300 photographs & 500 documents

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has turned in his questionnaire to the police in the partygate scandal. Johnson has maintained that he did not break any rules.

Partygate scandal: UK PM Boris Johnson turns in his questionnaire to police

Reports suggest that UK PM Boris Johnson will deny attending Abba Party at Downing street. Metropolitan Police has served notice to attendees of 12 events.

'Partygate' haunts UK PM British Johnson as reports suggest that he will deny attending Abba party

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made two key appointments to his downing street staff, a day after five senior aides resigned from their positions

United Kingdom: Boris Johnson has made two key appointments to his downing street staff

Boris Johnson continues to remain in all kinds of problems. This time around it's a leaked email that has again brought back negative press for the British prime minister.

United Kingdom: Leaked email exposes UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party

French President Emmanuel Macron referred to Boris Johnson as a "clown" in a private chat, according to a French newspaper.

According to the political magazine Le Canard enchaîné, he said: "BoJo talks to me, full speed, everything's going well.

"We have grown-up conversations, but he strikes me before and after as having an inelegant way about him. It's always the same circus."

The president reportedly added: "It's sad to see such a great country, with which we could do so much, led by a clown."

It happened after Macron chastised Johnson for his behaviour during a phone call between the two leaders following the drowning of a refugee boat in the English Channel last Wednesday. 
 
Watch | France cancels UK invitation to migrant crisis talks after Boris Johnson's letter

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-cancels-uk-invitation-to-migrant-crisis-talks-after-boris-johnsons-letter-432143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After Johnson posted a letter detailing a five-point plan to address the issue of channel crossings, the French president was enraged.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Gaurdian, Macron said that "I spoke two days ago with prime minister Johnson in a serious way,".&nbsp;

"For my part I continue to do that, as I do with all countries and all leaders. I am surprised by methods when they are not serious. We do not communicate from one leader to another on these issues by tweets and letters that we make public. "

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron referred to Boris Johnson as a "clown" in a private chat, according to a French newspaper. According to the political magazine Le Canard enchaîné, he said: "BoJo talks to me, full speed, everything's going well.

French President Emmanuel Macron referred to Boris Johnson as a "clown" in a private chat, according to a French newspaper. According to the political magazine Le Canard enchaîné, he said: "BoJo talks to me, full speed, everything's going well. "We have grown-up conversations, but he strikes me before and after as having an inelegant way about him. It's always the same circus." The president reportedly added: "It's sad to see such a great country, with which we could do so much, led by a clown." It happened after Macron chastised Johnson for his behaviour during a phone call between the two leaders following the drowning of a refugee boat in the English Channel last Wednesday. Watch | France cancels UK invitation to migrant crisis talks after Boris Johnson's letter After Johnson posted a letter detailing a five-point plan to address the issue of channel crossings, the French president was enraged. According to a report by The Gaurdian, Macron said that "I spoke two days ago with prime minister Johnson in a serious way,". "For my part I continue to do that, as I do with all countries and all leaders. I am surprised by methods when they are not serious. We do not communicate from one leader to another on these issues by tweets and letters that we make public. " (With inputs from agencies)

French President reportedly called British PM Boris Johnson a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat

Dominic Cummings, the former chief adviser to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Wednesday cast his former boss as a dithering leader surrounded by fools whose ineptitude led to a 'disastrous' response to the most devastating global pandemic in decades.

Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson's ex-adviser unveils PM's initial COVID-19 strategy to MPs

Britain has the world's fifth largest official COVID-19 death toll, with 127,681 deaths, after the United States, Brazil, Mexico and India, according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine.

PM Boris Johnson faces pressure over alleged 'Let bodies pile high' remark

In the United Kingdom, Britons may be allowed in the pubs as long as they show they have a vaccine certificate. Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificate.

UK: PM Johnson suggests pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificate

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on&nbsp;April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region.

During his India visit, Johnson is also expected to visit Pune. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune.&nbsp;World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in the city. SII has been manufacturing&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID&nbsp;vaccine Covishield.

Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was forced to cancel amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home.

At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

Last month, Britain made a formal request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), seeking membership of the 11-country bloc to open new avenues for post-Brexit trade and influence.

It has also applied to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We are pursuing trade deals from Australia to the US&nbsp;and around the world – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge growth market for the future," foreign minister Dominic Raab wrote in December.

(With inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26 in what will be his first major international trip after Britain's exit from the European Union as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region. During his India visit, Johnson is also expected to visit Pune. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in the city. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was forced to cancel amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home. At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. Last month, Britain made a formal request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), seeking membership of the 11-country bloc to open new avenues for post-Brexit trade and influence. It has also applied to become a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We are pursuing trade deals from Australia to the US and around the world – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge growth market for the future," foreign minister Dominic Raab wrote in December. (With inputs from Sidhant Sibal)

UK PM Boris Johnson to visit India in April

The UK has secured 60 million doses of the jab, which will be made in Stockton-on-Tees in north-east England.

UK has secured 60 Mn doses of highly effective Novavax vaccine, PM Boris Johnson thanks trial volunteers

Last week, the UK government said that a new variant of the virus was detected in that country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made an appeal for a subdued festive season in light of the new potent variant.

UK mutant variant coronavirus cases increase to 20

India has expressed concern over the killing of 82-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/controversy-erupts-over-pakistan-governments-decision-to-include-ahmadis-in-minority-commission-296074">Ahmadi</a> man, Mehmood Khan in the northern city of Peshawar. It&nbsp;is the fourth&nbsp;such killing of an Ahmadi, which are considered minorities in Pakistan, and their views heretical in mainstream Islam.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/guarantee-fundamental-rights-to-all-citizens-uk-prime-minister-to-pakistan-342555">Also Read:&nbsp;Guarantee fundamental rights to all citizens: UK Prime Minister to Pakistan</a>

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "This is, unfortunately, a sad reflection of the state of minorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-13-year-old-christian-girl-married-off-to-muslim-man-after-being-abducted-339906">Pakistan</a>. Over a period of time, we have seen the space for people from the minority community to practice their religion shrink continuously. Besides, their condition remains deplorable."

"We have been consistently raising the issue of the safety, security and well-being of minority communities with the Government of Pakistan,"&nbsp;Shrivastava added.

Earlier the matter was raised in British Parliament. British conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan raising the matter of killing said, "We should not ignore humanitarian injustices and plight of persecuted minorities."

Highlighting, "hatred preached in Pakistan, ends up on the streets of Britain",&nbsp;Imran Ahmad who is&nbsp;himself a member of the Ahmadi community said&nbsp;it is in the "interest of our own security" that the British government&nbsp;makes it "clear to Pakistan, that state-supported persecution must end. "

In response to this, the British PM Boris Johnson said he has asked the Pakistan&nbsp;government to "Guarantee Fundamental right" to all the citizens. The matter has been raised by the minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari.

India has expressed concern over the killing of 82-year-old Ahmadi man, Mehmood Khan in the northern city of Peshawar. It is the fourth such killing of an Ahmadi, which are considered minorities in Pakistan, and their views heretical in mainstream Islam.

India has expressed concern over the killing of 82-year-old Ahmadi man, Mehmood Khan in the northern city of Peshawar. It is the fourth such killing of an Ahmadi, which are considered minorities in Pakistan, and their views heretical in mainstream Islam. Also Read: Guarantee fundamental rights to all citizens: UK Prime Minister to Pakistan The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "This is, unfortunately, a sad reflection of the state of minorities in Pakistan. Over a period of time, we have seen the space for people from the minority community to practice their religion shrink continuously. Besides, their condition remains deplorable." "We have been consistently raising the issue of the safety, security and well-being of minority communities with the Government of Pakistan," Shrivastava added. Earlier the matter was raised in British Parliament. British conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan raising the matter of killing said, "We should not ignore humanitarian injustices and plight of persecuted minorities." Highlighting, "hatred preached in Pakistan, ends up on the streets of Britain", Imran Ahmad who is himself a member of the Ahmadi community said it is in the "interest of our own security" that the British government makes it "clear to Pakistan, that state-supported persecution must end. " In response to this, the British PM Boris Johnson said he has asked the Pakistan government to "Guarantee Fundamental right" to all the citizens. The matter has been raised by the minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari.

India joins UK in raising concern over killing of Ahmadi man in Pakistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-checks-intensified-as-london-attack-enters-election-fray-265598">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in&nbsp;London&nbsp;by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police.

Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services.

Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences.

"I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr.

He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically.

Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uk-judge-warned-of-london-bridge-attack-convicts-plans-to-carry-out-attack-in-kashmir-265543">being monitored</a> to prevent any threat to the public.

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News.

Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site

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Election echoes

Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts".

"You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech.

Khan's attack, which took place on&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital.

On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others.

The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said.

Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-corbyn-says-convicted-terrorists-should-not-necessarily-serve-full-sentence-265566">organising a conference that Khan was attending</a>, where he chose to start his attack.

Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital.

The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early. Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police. Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services. Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences. "I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr. He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically. Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were being monitored to prevent any threat to the public. Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News. Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site Election echoes Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts". "You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech. Khan's attack, which took place on London Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital. On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others. The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said. Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was organising a conference that Khan was attending, where he chose to start his attack. Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital. The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

Will strengthen prison sentences after London Bridge attack: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

British PM Boris Johnson Agrees New Brexit Deal With European Union. The Next Test Is In House Of Commons. #Gravitas

Gravitas: Brexit: Done Deal?

As Britain stares at another election, PM Johnson said that he wasn't contemplating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-opposition-parties-discuss-pm-johnsons-brexit-election-gamble-247990">resigning over the Brexit deal</a> which has got entangled in Parliament.

"That is not a hypothesis I'm willing to contemplate," Johnson said when asked by a reporter on whether he would resign over the Brexit row.

The European Union has set October 31 as the deadline for Britain to exit entity, however, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-in-election-mode-as-he-visits-scotland-after-brexit-setbacks-247908">British Parliament is adamant </a>Johnson cannot walk out with a no-deal. On Thursday, the British prime minister had said he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit.

The House of Commons had voted against Johnson's no-deal Brexit plan on Wednesday as Britain continued to reel in indecision. Johnson is now contemplating snap polls, however, the British Parliament has been adamant against it, despite this, Johnson has put himself on election mode.

"Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said,&nbsp;adding," Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election."

Britain in a referendum had voted against staying in the European Union in 2016 leading to the resignation of former prime minister Cameron, later Theresa May resigned as her party lost confidence in her to deliver Brexit.

Johnson was the face of "Vote Leave" campaign during the refrendum.

On Wednesday, the British Parliament had voted 329 to 300 forcing the government not to leave the EU without a deal allowing a three-month Brexit delay.

As Britain stares at another election, PM Johnson said that he wasn't contemplating resigning over the Brexit deal which has got entangled in Parliament. "That is not a hypothesis I'm willing to contemplate," Johnson said when asked by a reporter on whether he would resign over the Brexit row.

As Britain stares at another election, PM Johnson said that he wasn't contemplating resigning over the Brexit deal which has got entangled in Parliament. "That is not a hypothesis I'm willing to contemplate," Johnson said when asked by a reporter on whether he would resign over the Brexit row. The European Union has set October 31 as the deadline for Britain to exit entity, however, the British Parliament is adamant Johnson cannot walk out with a no-deal. On Thursday, the British prime minister had said he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit. The House of Commons had voted against Johnson's no-deal Brexit plan on Wednesday as Britain continued to reel in indecision. Johnson is now contemplating snap polls, however, the British Parliament has been adamant against it, despite this, Johnson has put himself on election mode. "Boris will argue that it is now time for the people to decide after parliament has failed them, so we can resolve this once and for all," a spokesman for the prime minister said, adding," Jeremy Corbyn continues not only to block Brexit but is now also stopping the people from having their say by refusing a general election." Britain in a referendum had voted against staying in the European Union in 2016 leading to the resignation of former prime minister Cameron, later Theresa May resigned as her party lost confidence in her to deliver Brexit. Johnson was the face of "Vote Leave" campaign during the refrendum. On Wednesday, the British Parliament had voted 329 to 300 forcing the government not to leave the EU without a deal allowing a three-month Brexit delay.

Not a hypothesis I'm willing to contemplate, Johnson on resignation over Brexit

Britain's new Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Boris Johnson urged the EU </a>on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.&nbsp;

In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Theresa May were "unacceptable"</a> and would "sign away our economic independence".

"I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs.

"If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31.

The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome.

Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative".

"PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios.&nbsp;

"This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council."

With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday.

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one."

Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet.

Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades.

The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn.

The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief.

The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves.

Other appointments were more divisive.

Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative.

New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage.

Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States.

Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland.

Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise.

"I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said.

Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office.

He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives.

But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent.&nbsp;Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit.

Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump.

Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels. In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor Theresa May were "unacceptable" and would "sign away our economic independence". "I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs. "If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31. The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome. Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative". "PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios. "This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council." With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday. A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one." Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet. Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades. The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn. The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief. The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves. Other appointments were more divisive. Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative. New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage. Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States. Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland. Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise. "I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said. Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office. He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives. But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent. Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit. Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump. Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

PM Johnson's backstop elimination unacceptable: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on Wednesday (July 24) to protest against Britain's newly appointed Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Colourful street party protesters reject Britain’s new PM

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-sacks-jeremy-hunt-as-foreign-secretary-several-ministers-resign-238269">as finance minister </a>in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs.

Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's&nbsp;office.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people".

In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">to leave the EU</a> without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility".

In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country.

"We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared.

Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again".

But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson named former interior minister Sajid Javid to take over from Philip Hammond as finance minister in his first cabinet appointment, the government said in a statement on Wednesday. Javid, a former banker from a modest background, was a contender for the premiership but endorsed Johnson when he failed to get enough support from fellow Conservative MPs. Before he took office, several pro-European ministers quit in protest at his threat of a "no deal" Brexit, fearing the economic consequences among them were de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. Johnson sacked Jeremy Hunt who challenged him to the prime minister's office. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn challenged Johnson to call a general election, saying he "has no mandate from the people". In a speech in Downing Street, Johnson repeated that he would prepare to leave the EU without an agreement with Brussels but suggested this was a "remote possibility". In typically upbeat fashion, Johnson insisted he could find a way through and unite the country. "We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October 31, no ifs or buts," he declared. Watched by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds, the former London mayor said "the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters are going to get it wrong again". But he added: "It is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no-deal."

PM Johnson names Sajid Javid as Britain's new finance minister

New British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Boris Johnson sacked</a> foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet.

Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

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1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet &amp; over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt/status/1154073618244128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister.

"I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well &amp; to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter.

He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers.

"I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister.

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I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceHQ</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenEqualities?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WomenEqualities</a> 
Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧
— Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) <a href="https://twitter.com/PennyMordaunt/status/1154054783835107328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily.

New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sacked foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, as he prepared to replace most of the cabinet. Hunt, who had been Johnson's rival for the top job, tweeted that he was "kindly" offered another role but turned it down to become one of more than a dozen cabinet ministers heading out the door, some of them voluntarily. 1/4 I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 24, 2019 × Britain's de facto deputy prime minister David Lidington also resigned from the government ahead of Boris Johnson being appointed prime minister. "I wrote to @BorisJohnson yesterday to congratulate him on his election, to wish him well & to say I've decided that after 20 yrs on the front bench it's the right moment to move on," Lidington said on Twitter. He joins the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, international development secretary Rory Stewart and justice minister David Gauke in resigning from the cabinet. Meanwhile, Britain's defence secretary Penny Mordaunt too resigned. Mordaunt said she will not serve in new Prime Minister Boris Johnson's team of senior ministers. "I'm heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support," Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who backed Johnson's opponent Jeremy Hunt in the leadership race, said on Twitter. She had also been serving as Women and Equalities minister. I’m heading to the backbenches from where the PM will have my full support, as will my successors at @DefenceHQ & @WomenEqualities Thank you to everyone who’s helped me get things done, especially our Armed Forces and civilians in defence for the last 85 days. We achieved much🇬🇧 — Penny Mordaunt MP (@PennyMordaunt) July 24, 2019 ×

PM Johnson sacks Jeremy Hunt as foreign secretary, several ministers resign

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