With 12 days to go until voting closes for the UK's Prime Ministerial race, the 2 Tory Leadership contenders are attacking each other in their last push for votes. Rishi Sunak has criticised Liz Truss' economic plans saying she cannot afford tax cuts.

Tory Leadership Race: Truss hints direct financial help, Sunak promises reduction of vat

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM&nbsp;Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underdog-has-got-nothing-to-lose-he-fights-for-every-inch-rishi-sunak-in-campaign-video-508901">Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video</a>

As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider.

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Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is&nbsp;laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750.

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In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-warns-imran-khan-mulls-filing-case-against-him-over-threat-speech-508880">Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech'</a>

The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-pound-odesa-as-ukrainian-independence-day-draws-closer-508917">Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer</a>

Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-ahead-of-an-african-trip-508879">Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip</a>

The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive.&nbsp;Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence

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Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred.

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Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential&nbsp;genetic data&nbsp;of over 500,000 Britons with&nbsp;China.&nbsp;Reportedly, under&nbsp;several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank,&nbsp;researchers in China have&nbsp;been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;"I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said&nbsp;Oleksandr Usyk after defeating&nbsp;British boxer Anthony Joshua.

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On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media.

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Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same.

Rishi Sunak is not dropping the towel in the PM race. In a change of strategy, he has dubbed himself as the 'underdog' and even released a video that portrayed him the same. Meanwhile Singapore on Sunday did away with the archaic colonial-era law that criminalised gay sex. In other news, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has tested positive for coronavirus. Click the headlines to read more Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider. Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal actions for Pegasus Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionaly, the company is laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750. Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban In what comes as a landmark moment in the history of Singapore, the country has decided to repeal an archaic law that criminalised gay sex. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement on Sunday during his annual policy address. Pakistan govt warns Imran Khan, mulls filing case against him over 'threat speech' The interior minister for Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Sunday that the government was discussing whether to bring a new case against Imran Khan, the PTI chairman, for his "provocative speech" from the previous day or to add him to an existing case. Russian missiles pound Odesa as Ukrainian Independence Day draws closer Russian missiles have hit Odesa, the Ukrainian port, overnight. Artillery shells have also rained down on a city close to Europe's biggest nuclear plant. The attacks have come as Ukraine heads towards celebrating its Independence Day on August 24. It will be Ukraine's 31st Independence Day. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tests positive for coronavirus ahead of an African trip The Japanese Prime Minister developed a cough and slight fever on Saturday, before taking a PCR test, which returned positive. Kishida, 65, had to depart for a visit to Tunisia but the virus has forced him to recuperate at his official residence Alexander Dugin's daughter killed in car bomb attack: Who is Darya Dugina? Russia President Vladimir Putin's ally Alexander Dugin's daughter Darya Dugina, 30, was killed in a car bomb attack near Moscow, reports said. Alexander was in a car behind Darya's vehicle when the explosion occurred. Darya Dugina's death was confirmed by the Russian news agency TASS. She was reportedly driving a Toyota land cruiser Prado when the explosion occurred. Experts urge UK to rethink its genetics data sharing policy with China Demands are being raised in the United Kingdom to stop the sharing of confidential genetic data of over 500,000 Britons with China. Reportedly, under several hundred ongoing projects of the UK Biobank, researchers in China have been accessing 'detailed genetic information' and other health-related data of UK citizens. This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua "I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." said Oleksandr Usyk after defeating British boxer Anthony Joshua. Netizens strongly react to anonymous death threats made against BTS' Jimin and V On Friday, netizens started reporting suspicious posts containing death threats against BTS' Jimin and V on the fan community platform Weverse. Referring to the upcoming Busan concert, an anonymous person made threats to assassinate the popular South Korean singers and shared a picture of a gun. Screenshots of the death threats have been doing rounds on social media. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, Japan's PM tests positive for COVID-19 and more

As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider.

"They say beware the underdog, because an underdog has got nothing to lose. An underdog fights for every inch," the narrator said in the video.

Over pictures of Sunak napping on a bench and holding an NLAW anti-tank launcher, which he handled during a visit to Belfast this week, it continues, "They work harder, stay longer, and think smarter."

"Underdogs don’t give up, they’ll do the difficult things, and they never, ever get complacent."

"I'll keep fighting for every vote until the final day," Sunak tweeted with the video, which counts down 100 events in 30 days to reach 16,000 party members on the campaign trail.

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🗓️ 30 days 
💯 100 events 
🫂 16,000 members 
💪 and counting... 
 
I'll keep fighting for every vote until the final day.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ready4Rishi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ready4Rishi</a> 👇 <a href="https://t.co/7GXaOOaUwm">pic.twitter.com/7GXaOOaUwm</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1560692459717500928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The 42-year-old British Indian former minister is seen in the video interacting with voters and taking a quick power nap on a bench while a voiceover commends him for trying to "fight for every inch."

It happens at a time when the majority of recent polls of Tories casting postal and online ballots in the election, as well as bookmaker odds, strongly point to a Truss victory. Truss is running on a tax-cutting platform to address the economic crisis and the UK's skyrocketing prices.

As he endorsed Sunak's emphasis on reducing inflation, former minister Michael Gove became the most recent senior Tory grandee to caution that her plans were a "holiday from reality."

More former cabinet members from Truss' own party have reportedly expressed "jitters" over the current foreign secretary's plans, according to a report in Sunday's "Observer."

The opposition Labour Party, meanwhile, has seen a rise in support from the larger British electorate. According to a recent Opinium poll for the "Observer," Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, has gained significant support due to his plan to freeze the energy price cap in an effort to aid people who are struggling with high household bills.

When asked who they thought would make the best prime minister two weeks ago, Truss received 29% of the vote overall, while Starmer received 28%. This past weekend, Truss' score decreased to 23% while Starmer's score rose to 31%. When given the option between Starmer and Sunak, 29% supported Starmer and 23% Sunak.

According to a survey of 2,001 adults conducted this week, Labour received 39% of the vote to the Conservatives' 11%.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider.

As allies insisted he is still in a position to win, Rishi Sunak has positioned himself as the "underdog" in the race to become the next prime minister of UK. At the Tories' Friday hustings for the party's top job in Manchester, Sunak was introduced in a brand-new video montage that portrayed the former chancellor as an audacious outsider. "They say beware the underdog, because an underdog has got nothing to lose. An underdog fights for every inch," the narrator said in the video. Over pictures of Sunak napping on a bench and holding an NLAW anti-tank launcher, which he handled during a visit to Belfast this week, it continues, "They work harder, stay longer, and think smarter." "Underdogs don’t give up, they’ll do the difficult things, and they never, ever get complacent." "I'll keep fighting for every vote until the final day," Sunak tweeted with the video, which counts down 100 events in 30 days to reach 16,000 party members on the campaign trail. 🗓️ 30 days 💯 100 events 🫂 16,000 members 💪 and counting... I'll keep fighting for every vote until the final day.#Ready4Rishi 👇 pic.twitter.com/7GXaOOaUwm — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) August 19, 2022 × The 42-year-old British Indian former minister is seen in the video interacting with voters and taking a quick power nap on a bench while a voiceover commends him for trying to "fight for every inch." It happens at a time when the majority of recent polls of Tories casting postal and online ballots in the election, as well as bookmaker odds, strongly point to a Truss victory. Truss is running on a tax-cutting platform to address the economic crisis and the UK's skyrocketing prices. As he endorsed Sunak's emphasis on reducing inflation, former minister Michael Gove became the most recent senior Tory grandee to caution that her plans were a "holiday from reality." More former cabinet members from Truss' own party have reportedly expressed "jitters" over the current foreign secretary's plans, according to a report in Sunday's "Observer." The opposition Labour Party, meanwhile, has seen a rise in support from the larger British electorate. According to a recent Opinium poll for the "Observer," Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, has gained significant support due to his plan to freeze the energy price cap in an effort to aid people who are struggling with high household bills. When asked who they thought would make the best prime minister two weeks ago, Truss received 29% of the vote overall, while Starmer received 28%. This past weekend, Truss' score decreased to 23% while Starmer's score rose to 31%. When given the option between Starmer and Sunak, 29% supported Starmer and 23% Sunak. According to a survey of 2,001 adults conducted this week, Labour received 39% of the vote to the Conservatives' 11%. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Underdog has nothing to lose, he fights for every inch: Rishi Sunak in campaign video

British Prime Minister-hopeful Rishi Sunak is trailing Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in the race to 10 Downing Street. Critics suggest Sunak is too rich to be PM, he's too out of touch with reality. Is Sunak too rich or too brown to be British PM? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Why Rishi Sunak is not winning the race to 10 Downing Street

In pics | British PM hopeful Rishi Sunak visits Krishna temple with wife to celebrate Janmashtami

In less than a month, UK will have a new Prime Minister and according to the latest poll results, Foreign Minister Liz Truss can be the candidate to succeed.

Tory Leadership Race | Poll: Legacy of Johnson looms large over next Tory leader

In a leaked audio tape made public on Tuesday, UK Conservative Liz Truss, the favourite to become the next British prime minister, said Britons needed to put in more effort because they lacked "skill and application."

The unfortunate leak comes as polls consistently show that Truss is decisively ahead of Rishi Sunak in the campaign to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister early next month.

AFP reports that&nbsp;the two-minute audio tape, was recorded between 2017 and 2019, when Truss was a senior minister in the finance ministry.&nbsp;In it she claimed that part of the reason for the UK's comparatively low productivity was down to employees' "mindset and attitude."

Watch |&nbsp;Tory Leadership Race: Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak aim to woo Scottish conservatives at Perth hustings

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In the recording obtained by the Guardian newspaper, she said "It's working culture basically," adding that British workers needed "more graft."

"If you go to China it's quite different, I can assure you," she said, adding&nbsp;"there's a fundamental issue of British working culture... I don't think people are that keen to change."

In the leaked recording, Truss—who supported staying in the European Union during the contentious 2016 referendum before switching to support Brexit—also seemed to imply that the bloc and migration are unfairly criticised.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liz-truss-leads-the-race-for-united-kingdoms-next-pm-by-22-points-poll-506629">Liz Truss leads the race for United Kingdom's next PM by 22 points: Poll</a>

"We say it's all Europe that's causing all these problems. It's all, 'it's migrants that's causing problems...But actually what needs to happen is, you know, a bit more graft," she said, with a laugh, before adding "it's not a popular message".

The inflammatory statements made by Truss are an echo of the contentious claims made in "Britannia Unchained," a book she co-authored in 2012 and in which British employees were referred to as some of the "worst idlers in the world."

When questioned about the book at a leadership contest last month, Truss had claimed that co-author and supporter of Sunak Dominic Raab, who is presently the justice minister, had written the controversial arguments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tory-leader-rishi-sunak-to-make-bureaucracy-sharper-and-leaner-if-elected-to-power-507543" hreflang="en">Tory leader Rishi Sunak to make bureaucracy 'sharper' and 'leaner', if elected to power</a>

Raab later claimed that the book's authors, which comprised a number of other prominent Conservative ministers, had accepted "collective responsibility" for the information included in it.

As per AFP, the leaked remarks were described as "half a decade old" and "lacking context" by a Truss campaign source, who also acknowledged that Britain does "need&nbsp;to boost productivity."

The insider continued, "As prime minister,&nbsp;&nbsp;Liz will deliver an economy that is high wage, high growth and low tax."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a leaked audio tape made public on Tuesday, UK Conservative Liz Truss, the favourite to become the next British prime minister, said Britons needed to put in more effort because they lacked "skill and application.

In a leaked audio tape made public on Tuesday, UK Conservative Liz Truss, the favourite to become the next British prime minister, said Britons needed to put in more effort because they lacked "skill and application." The unfortunate leak comes as polls consistently show that Truss is decisively ahead of Rishi Sunak in the campaign to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister early next month. AFP reports that the two-minute audio tape, was recorded between 2017 and 2019, when Truss was a senior minister in the finance ministry. In it she claimed that part of the reason for the UK's comparatively low productivity was down to employees' "mindset and attitude." Watch | Tory Leadership Race: Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak aim to woo Scottish conservatives at Perth hustings In the recording obtained by the Guardian newspaper, she said "It's working culture basically," adding that British workers needed "more graft." "If you go to China it's quite different, I can assure you," she said, adding "there's a fundamental issue of British working culture... I don't think people are that keen to change." In the leaked recording, Truss—who supported staying in the European Union during the contentious 2016 referendum before switching to support Brexit—also seemed to imply that the bloc and migration are unfairly criticised. Also read | Liz Truss leads the race for United Kingdom's next PM by 22 points: Poll "We say it's all Europe that's causing all these problems. It's all, 'it's migrants that's causing problems...But actually what needs to happen is, you know, a bit more graft," she said, with a laugh, before adding "it's not a popular message". The inflammatory statements made by Truss are an echo of the contentious claims made in "Britannia Unchained," a book she co-authored in 2012 and in which British employees were referred to as some of the "worst idlers in the world." When questioned about the book at a leadership contest last month, Truss had claimed that co-author and supporter of Sunak Dominic Raab, who is presently the justice minister, had written the controversial arguments. Also read | Tory leader Rishi Sunak to make bureaucracy 'sharper' and 'leaner', if elected to power Raab later claimed that the book's authors, which comprised a number of other prominent Conservative ministers, had accepted "collective responsibility" for the information included in it. As per AFP, the leaked remarks were described as "half a decade old" and "lacking context" by a Truss campaign source, who also acknowledged that Britain does "need to boost productivity." The insider continued, "As prime minister, Liz will deliver an economy that is high wage, high growth and low tax." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM hopeful Liz Truss calls UK employees 'lazy' in a controversial leaked audio. Here's what she said

As per reports, Rishi Sunak's wife evaded taxes over 20 million pounds. Meanwhile Sunak's approval ratings decreased after 'tax' row surfaced. Tables have turned in UK's PM race?

Rishi Sunak's falling behind in the PM race?

Leadership contest continues in the United Kingdom as contenders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss target Scottish votes at Perth Hustings. In a bid to woo conservatives there, Sunak and Truss have openly expressed their opposition to a second Scottish referendum.

Scottish independence ignites UK PM race: Truss, Sunak oppose Scotland referendum

The two candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak vying to become the UK's next prime minister have now dismissed the idea of a new referendum of Scottish independence.

WION Dispatch: Truss and Sunak target Scottish votes at Perth hustings

From a flooded street in Pakistan's Peshawar following heavy rainfall to UK PM aspirant Rishi Sunak visiting Thales Defence System plant, here are some impactful images from around the world on 17 August 2022.

World in Pictures: Street flooded in Pak's Peshawar; Rishi Sunak visits Thales Defence System plant

The United Kingdom is all set to have a new Prime Minister, with two candidates in the race for the Tory leadership. In the latest, Rishi Sunak has pledged to overhaul the British civil service. Will his latest promise help him in the UK PM race? That is yet to be seen.

Will Rishi Sunak’s latest pledge to overhaul ‘civil service’ help him in the UK PM race?

Tory leader Rishi Sunak, currently in the race for the keys to 10, Downing Street on Tuesday pledged that if elected to power, he will overhaul the country's bureaucracy.

Tory leader Rishi Sunak, currently in the race for the keys to 10, Downing Street on Tuesday pledged that if elected to power, he will overhaul the country's bureaucracy. Claiming to bring 'Rolls Royce' civil service to the masses, Sunak stated the civil servants will no longer be rewarded for the length of their service but for their performance. “I’ll press ahead with cuts to back office Civil Service headcount, recruiting and retaining the brightest and best. I’ll strengthen civil servants’ experience beyond Whitehall, allow ministers to bring in more external expertise, and bring in performance pay so we have a truly Rolls Royce service delivering for and accountable to the British people,” said Sunak. Sunak further remarked that he wanted to create a “sharper, leaner” bureaucracy in the backdrop of a post-Covid UK. “As Chancellor, I saw parts of the British Civil Service at its best, delivering world-class COVID support schemes in record time. But the bloated post-COVID state is in need of a shake up so I will create a sharper, leaner civil service,” added Sunak. Sunak and his battle with Liz Truss Sunak is currently battling foreign secretary Liz Truss for the Prime Minister's post. However, the British Indian former chancellor has been losing ground lately. After Boris Johnson resigned as the PM, Sunak was dubbed the clear front runner. But in recent times, some of his statements and actions have changed the tide in favour of Truss. Reportedly, on Tuesday, Sunak faced flak on social media platforms after news reports suggested that Sunak was spending almost $40 million on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as UK residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living. Read More: UK: Rishi Sunak's opulent private pool amid rising cost of living sparks row Will reduce income tax: Sunak Moreover, as reported by WION, to cut the deficit in his fight with Truss, the Tory leader announced last month that he would reduce the basic rates of income tax by 20 per cent by 2029 if voted to power. Sunak stated that his immediate target was tackling inflation. However, once that is achieved, his government will slash one pence off income tax in 2024, as announced in his tenure as the chancellor. Afterwards, another three pence will be struck off the income tax, come 2029. Read More: Trailing in UK PM race, Rishi Sunak promises 'radical' 20% income tax cuts (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tory leader Rishi Sunak to make bureaucracy 'sharper' and 'leaner', if elected to power

Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drought-hit-uk-faces-danger-of-flash-floods-following-thunderstorm-warning-507046">UK</a>&nbsp;residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living.

Social media users shared images of the&nbsp;million dollar&nbsp;property that revealed a mini recreational facility under development.

The approval for the construction of a new stone building on a paddock with a gym, a 12-by-5-meter swimming pool, storage rooms, four showers, and other amenities was given to Rishi Sunak and his family in August.

According to the Independent, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty spend their weekends at the Grade II-listed 19th-century former vicarage in his Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire. Additionally, they requested permission to develop a wildlife refuge and a tennis court outdoors on the adjacent countryside.

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Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak walking up to the journalists waiting outside their home and serving them tea and biscuits. Photo credits: AP&nbsp;&nbsp;

The structures are nearly finished, as evidenced by the photographs going around on social media. The Independent reported that the project's overall cost may be significantly higher than 40 million USD.

The new structure will be 81 metres away from the main home and include a ballet bar for his girls, a hot tub, and a seating space in addition to the tennis fields and swimming pools.

The story may influence Tory voters because they may believe Sunak and his family have not been impacted by the squeeze on living standards. During the election, foreign secretary and rival Liz Truss might use it against him.

Last week, the former chancellor of the exchequer pledged to assist retirees and reduce VAT on energy bills, but it is likely that he will be required to spend an estimated 10 million USD a year to heat the new pool.

The UK's citizens are likewise ready to deal with a water deficit brought on by the heatwaves.

Rishi Sunak and his wife&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-rishi-sunaks-wife-akshata-murthy-being-criticised-for-serving-tea-to-journalists-495856">Akshata Murty</a> have received criticism for their way of living before. Murty has previously come under fire for using pricey china to serve tea to reporters outside Sunak's office. She came under fire for failing to pay taxes on her earnings from abroad.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK to become prime wine growing region as temperature rises

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Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as UK residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living.

Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader candidate, Rishi Sunak came under fire for spending over $4,80,000 (£400,000) on a pool at his North Yorkshire property as UK residents braced for another heatwave and a rise in the cost of living. Social media users shared images of the million dollar property that revealed a mini recreational facility under development. The approval for the construction of a new stone building on a paddock with a gym, a 12-by-5-meter swimming pool, storage rooms, four showers, and other amenities was given to Rishi Sunak and his family in August. According to the Independent, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty spend their weekends at the Grade II-listed 19th-century former vicarage in his Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire. Additionally, they requested permission to develop a wildlife refuge and a tennis court outdoors on the adjacent countryside. Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak walking up to the journalists waiting outside their home and serving them tea and biscuits. Photo credits: AP The structures are nearly finished, as evidenced by the photographs going around on social media. The Independent reported that the project's overall cost may be significantly higher than 40 million USD. The new structure will be 81 metres away from the main home and include a ballet bar for his girls, a hot tub, and a seating space in addition to the tennis fields and swimming pools. The story may influence Tory voters because they may believe Sunak and his family have not been impacted by the squeeze on living standards. During the election, foreign secretary and rival Liz Truss might use it against him. Last week, the former chancellor of the exchequer pledged to assist retirees and reduce VAT on energy bills, but it is likely that he will be required to spend an estimated 10 million USD a year to heat the new pool. The UK's citizens are likewise ready to deal with a water deficit brought on by the heatwaves. Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have received criticism for their way of living before. Murty has previously come under fire for using pricey china to serve tea to reporters outside Sunak's office. She came under fire for failing to pay taxes on her earnings from abroad. Also watch | UK to become prime wine growing region as temperature rises

UK: Rishi Sunak's opulent private pool amid rising cost of living sparks row

Leadership contest continues in the United Kingdom as contenders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss prepare for their next hustings event in Perth, Scotland. In a bid to woo conservatives there Sunak and Truss have openly expressed their opposition to a second Scottish referendum.

Tory Leadership Race: Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak aim to woo Scottish conservatives at Perth hustings

The soaring energy prices in the United Kingdom have left households facing steeper gas and electricity bills with many paying as much as 50 percent more for energy. Ministers have warned that the energy bills can cost two months' wages for an average worker.

UK: Sunak, Truss announce plan for energy crisis

Rishi Sunak, one of the candidates for the UK PM race has said that the recent attack on author Salman Rushdie is a ‘wake-up call for the West’ over Iran, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Following the stabbing of Rushdie, the former chancellor said that the UK should declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a ‘terrorist organisation'.

Rushdie, an Indian-born author, was stabbed in the neck and torso while on stage for giving a lecture in New York state. The author had spent years in hiding after Iran urged Muslims to kill him over his book "The Satanic Verses."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satan-on-the-way-to-hell-iranian-hardline-newspapers-praise-attack-on-salman-rushdie-506624">'Satan on the way to hell': Iranian hardline newspapers praise attack on Salman Rushdie</a>

Sunak stated, referring to the nuclear deal between the West and Iran, "We urgently need a new, strengthened deal and much tougher sanctions, and if we can’t get results, then we have to start asking whether the JCPOA is at a dead end," the Sunday Telegraph reported. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is a 2015 agreement that allowed Iran to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from US, European Union, and UN sanctions.

Rishi said, "The situation in Iran is extremely serious and in standing up to [Vladimir] Putin we can’t take our eye off the ball elsewhere," The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salman-rushdie-on-ventilator-may-lose-an-eye-unable-to-speak-506386">Salman Rushdie on ventilator after surgery; may lose an eye, unable to speak</a>

The UK is currently making efforts with the US and European Union to revive the agreement.

In 2018, the former president, Donald Trump, withdrew the US from the agreement, which Biden, the current president, is working to revive. Joe Biden claims it to be a way of stopping Iran from developing nuclear bombs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Rishi Sunak, one of the candidates for the UK PM race has said that the recent attack on author Salman Rushdie is a ‘wake-up call for the West’ over Iran, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Rishi Sunak, one of the candidates for the UK PM race has said that the recent attack on author Salman Rushdie is a ‘wake-up call for the West’ over Iran, The Sunday Telegraph reported. Following the stabbing of Rushdie, the former chancellor said that the UK should declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a ‘terrorist organisation'. Rushdie, an Indian-born author, was stabbed in the neck and torso while on stage for giving a lecture in New York state. The author had spent years in hiding after Iran urged Muslims to kill him over his book "The Satanic Verses." Also read | 'Satan on the way to hell': Iranian hardline newspapers praise attack on Salman Rushdie Sunak stated, referring to the nuclear deal between the West and Iran, "We urgently need a new, strengthened deal and much tougher sanctions, and if we can’t get results, then we have to start asking whether the JCPOA is at a dead end," the Sunday Telegraph reported. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is a 2015 agreement that allowed Iran to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for relief from US, European Union, and UN sanctions. Rishi said, "The situation in Iran is extremely serious and in standing up to [Vladimir] Putin we can’t take our eye off the ball elsewhere," The Sunday Telegraph reported. Also read | Salman Rushdie on ventilator after surgery; may lose an eye, unable to speak The UK is currently making efforts with the US and European Union to revive the agreement. In 2018, the former president, Donald Trump, withdrew the US from the agreement, which Biden, the current president, is working to revive. Joe Biden claims it to be a way of stopping Iran from developing nuclear bombs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'The situation in Iran is extremely serious’: Rishi Sunak says attack on Rushdie, a wake-up call for the West

As the race to replace PM Boris Johnson heats up further, a poll of Conservative Party members on Saturday revealed that Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is 22 percentage points ahead of her challenger Rishi Sunak in the contest to become the United Kingdom's next Prime Minister.

Opinium which conducted the poll reported that&nbsp;among 450 party members who had determined how they would vote in the upcoming leadership contest, 61 per cent will vote for Truss, while former finance minister Sunak received a mere 39 per cent votes.

Watch |&nbsp;Tory Leadership Race: Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss clash over economic policies

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The total sample size, including those who did not vote, was 570.&nbsp;

Less than a third of them, 29 per cent as per Reuters, said they had already voted, and 47 per cent claimed to have made up their minds. Only 19 per cent indicated that they might reconsider.

An earlier poll by YouGov had shown similar numbers, it suggested a 24-point lead for the foreign secretary. The results of the July poll showed a headline voting intention of 62 per cent for Truss and 38 per cent for Sunak.

60 per cent of party members said they would vote for Truss in comparison to 26 per cent who supported Sunak, according to a YouGov poll for The Times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-truss-sunak-willing-to-serve-on-the-others-cabinet-in-case-of-loss-505375">Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss</a>

The leadership election, which is being held by postal ballot, began on 4 August and will run until early September.&nbsp;The results will be announced on September 5.

A replacement for Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being chosen by the nearly 200,000 members of the ruling Conservative Party. In July, after a slew of scandals and a parliamentary uprising, Johnson announced he would resign once the party selected a replacement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the race to replace PM Boris Johnson heats up further, a poll of Conservative Party members on Saturday revealed that Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is 22 percentage points ahead of her challenger Rishi Sunak in the contest to become the United Kingdom's next Prime Minister.

As the race to replace PM Boris Johnson heats up further, a poll of Conservative Party members on Saturday revealed that Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is 22 percentage points ahead of her challenger Rishi Sunak in the contest to become the United Kingdom's next Prime Minister. Opinium which conducted the poll reported that among 450 party members who had determined how they would vote in the upcoming leadership contest, 61 per cent will vote for Truss, while former finance minister Sunak received a mere 39 per cent votes. Watch | Tory Leadership Race: Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss clash over economic policies The total sample size, including those who did not vote, was 570. Less than a third of them, 29 per cent as per Reuters, said they had already voted, and 47 per cent claimed to have made up their minds. Only 19 per cent indicated that they might reconsider. An earlier poll by YouGov had shown similar numbers, it suggested a 24-point lead for the foreign secretary. The results of the July poll showed a headline voting intention of 62 per cent for Truss and 38 per cent for Sunak. 60 per cent of party members said they would vote for Truss in comparison to 26 per cent who supported Sunak, according to a YouGov poll for The Times. Also read | Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss The leadership election, which is being held by postal ballot, began on 4 August and will run until early September. The results will be announced on September 5. A replacement for Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being chosen by the nearly 200,000 members of the ruling Conservative Party. In July, after a slew of scandals and a parliamentary uprising, Johnson announced he would resign once the party selected a replacement. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Liz Truss leads the race for United Kingdom's next PM by 22 points: Poll

Energy prices set to soar and a heat wave plaguing the majority of England, it is not surprising that the issue of high energy bills dominated the latest clash between the tory candidates. Both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss clash over their economic policy.

Tory Leadership Race: Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss clash over economic policies

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russias-soyuz-rocket-blasts-off-with-iranian-satellite-from-kazakhstan-505381">Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286195-untitled-design-1.png" />

Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-truss-sunak-willing-to-serve-on-the-others-cabinet-in-case-of-loss-505375">Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286192-untitled-design.png" />

Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership.

Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-1094-new-covid-cases-on-august-9-increase-from-939-cases-day-earlier-505379">China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286194-2022-08-10t012005z2lynxmpei7901drtroptp4health-coronavirus-china-hainan.JPG" />

According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-it-abandoned-afghanistan-us-introduces-bill-to-give-thousands-of-afghans-path-to-citizenship-505365">A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286184-new-wion-18.png" />

&nbsp;bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

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Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss.

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.'' Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership. Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5. China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9. A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship. Watch | India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

Morning news brief: Russia’s rocket launches Iranian satellite, Covid in China & more

Foreign Minister Liz Truss and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss.

Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership.

"What I care about is our country and I am prepared to do whatever job to serve our country is required of me,” Truss said at a Conservative Party hustings in Darlington, northeast England.

Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5.

Sunak blamed Johnson for the outgoing leader’s downfall amid accusations from senior Conservatives that he betrayed him.

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Meanwhile, Truss apologised to host Tom Newton Dunn for agreeing with the audience’s opinion that the media were at fault.

Despite facing criticism about her views on transgender rights, Truss defended herself by saying that biological sex and gender were different.

“You can live in the other gender if you if you so wish. And I completely respect that, but that is not the same as biological sex,” she said.

As the two candidates tour the country in a bid to secure votes, Sunak is trailing Truss according to the latest polling.

Amid calls for immediate government action to tackle Britain's cost-of-living crisis, Johnson will not make "major fiscal interventions" before leaving office next month.

Rather than handing over his powers temporarily to Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Johnson went on a belated honeymoon with his wife Carrie to Slovenia. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Foreign Minister Liz Truss and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership.

Foreign Minister Liz Truss and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership. "What I care about is our country and I am prepared to do whatever job to serve our country is required of me,” Truss said at a Conservative Party hustings in Darlington, northeast England. Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5. Sunak blamed Johnson for the outgoing leader’s downfall amid accusations from senior Conservatives that he betrayed him. × Meanwhile, Truss apologised to host Tom Newton Dunn for agreeing with the audience’s opinion that the media were at fault. Despite facing criticism about her views on transgender rights, Truss defended herself by saying that biological sex and gender were different. “You can live in the other gender if you if you so wish. And I completely respect that, but that is not the same as biological sex,” she said. As the two candidates tour the country in a bid to secure votes, Sunak is trailing Truss according to the latest polling. Amid calls for immediate government action to tackle Britain's cost-of-living crisis, Johnson will not make "major fiscal interventions" before leaving office next month. Rather than handing over his powers temporarily to Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Johnson went on a belated honeymoon with his wife Carrie to Slovenia. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss

The race for the Tory Leadership continues to heat up. Rishi Sunak has faced a bit of of a setback as severe criticism for his past comments on urban area funding policy have been put forth.

Rishi Sunak faces setback over past comment

Labour Party criticised Conservative leadership candidate Rishi Sunak for his claims that he diverted funds from deprived areas.

Describing the comments as "deeply concerning" Labour's spokeswoman on Levelling up, Lisa Nandy called for an investigation into the policy changes instigated by Sunak.

Sunak, who&nbsp;is lagging behind Foreign Minister Liz Truss, visited Tunbridge Wells, a relatively affluent area in southeast England on July 29.

A video of him published by the New Statesman magazine, shows him saying "I managed to start changing the funding formulas to make sure that areas like this are getting the funding that they deserve because we inherited a bunch of formulas from the Labour Party that shoved all the funding into deprived urban areas ... that needed to be undone. I started the work of undoing that."

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Pointing to his efforts and reforms to ensure rural areas received funding alongside urban centres, a source in Sunak's campaign told news agency Reuters "Levelling up isn't just about city centres, it's also about towns and rural areas all over the country that need help too."

After an electronic voting system broke down, the audience at the Sky News debate overwhelmingly supported Sunak in a show of hands.

Listing policy U-turns made by Truss, presenter Kay Burley challenged Truss on her comments soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine that she would back Brits going to fight on the Ukrainian side.

Facing a potential death penalty in the Donetsk separatist region, British fighters have since been captured and convicted as mercenaries.

Following Boris Johnson's resignation due to a series of scandals and missteps, the ruling Conservative Party is choosing a new leader between Truss and Sunak and the result is due on September 5.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Labour Party criticised Conservative leadership candidate Rishi Sunak for his claims that he diverted funds from deprived areas. Describing the comments as "deeply concerning" Labour's spokeswoman on Levelling up, Lisa Nandy called for an investigation into the policy changes instigated by Sunak.

Labour Party criticised Conservative leadership candidate Rishi Sunak for his claims that he diverted funds from deprived areas. Describing the comments as "deeply concerning" Labour's spokeswoman on Levelling up, Lisa Nandy called for an investigation into the policy changes instigated by Sunak. Sunak, who is lagging behind Foreign Minister Liz Truss, visited Tunbridge Wells, a relatively affluent area in southeast England on July 29. A video of him published by the New Statesman magazine, shows him saying "I managed to start changing the funding formulas to make sure that areas like this are getting the funding that they deserve because we inherited a bunch of formulas from the Labour Party that shoved all the funding into deprived urban areas ... that needed to be undone. I started the work of undoing that." × Pointing to his efforts and reforms to ensure rural areas received funding alongside urban centres, a source in Sunak's campaign told news agency Reuters "Levelling up isn't just about city centres, it's also about towns and rural areas all over the country that need help too." After an electronic voting system broke down, the audience at the Sky News debate overwhelmingly supported Sunak in a show of hands. Listing policy U-turns made by Truss, presenter Kay Burley challenged Truss on her comments soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine that she would back Brits going to fight on the Ukrainian side. Facing a potential death penalty in the Donetsk separatist region, British fighters have since been captured and convicted as mercenaries. Following Boris Johnson's resignation due to a series of scandals and missteps, the ruling Conservative Party is choosing a new leader between Truss and Sunak and the result is due on September 5. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

'Deeply concerning': Labour Party slams Sunak's claims that he diverted funds from deprived areas

In the race to become the next Prime Minister of UK, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have been clashing over a slew of issues. One major topic on which both the contenders have constantly debated is of the future of Britain's economy.

Sunak scores a surprise debate win over Truss

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