UK PM Rishi Sunak insisted he took responsibility for the Conservatives’ election campaign after a leaked memo criticised MPs and ministers over a lack of effort. Watch in for more details!

UK: Leaked Tory Memo reveals internal conflict

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dismissed claims that he will leave for California if he's faced with an election defeat. Watch in for more details!

UK: Rishi Sunak rubbishes California relocation rumours; calls UK his home, says 'I will stay'

Scores of UK Business Leaders have signed a letter endorsing the Labour Party's economic plans that support letter which comes ahead of the country's July 4th elections yet another indication towards a possible Labour takeover.

UK General Elections 2024: Business leaders confident labour will work for long term gains

UK General Elections: PM Sunak says, will not leave the UK irrespective of the poll result'

The thought of the Tories staying in power is even less appealing to voters than the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn entering downing street was five years ago. According to a YouGov poll, 59% of voters would be “dismayed” or “disappointed” if the Tories remained in power after July 4.

Gravitas: Voters dislike Tories more than disliked Corbyn in 2019

Britain’s ruling Conservative Party has said it will bring back National Service Scheme if it wins power again in the UK General Election on July 4. Watch in for more details!

UK: Tories high-stake battle with Labour party, Starmer says 'Tories are bankrupt of ideas'

Rishi Sunak's National Service Scheme: UK PM says, 'Will bring back scheme if voted for power'

Britain’s ruling Conservative Party has said it will bring back national service if it wins power again in the UK general election on July 4. Watch in for more details!

UK PM Rishi Sunak fields National Service scheme ahead of July 4 polls

The Conservative Party of the United Kingdom acknowledged that it is still lacking people to run in about 150 constituencies. According to a source, the party was prepared with candidates for three-quarters of the seats in the United Kingdom. This means that 474 of the 632 seats are still unfilled, leaving 158 places available. In Northern Ireland, the party usually fields no candidates.

UK: Trouble for Tory as the party is yet to find 150 candidates after MP exodus

Britain's Conservative Party will introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if it wins the national election on July 4, comprising military or community participation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday.

Lagging in polls, UK Conservatives pitch national service at 18

<p>Last weekend, just after this journalist had checked out 'published' icon on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-seals-deal-to-operate-chabahar-port-for-a-decade-723100">The Capitals</a> piece that reported how New Delhi sealed the deal to operate Iran's Chabahar port, a news flash showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter involved in an 'incident'. Next morning on Monday (May 20), Raisi, foreign minister&nbsp;Hossein Amirabdollahian and seven others were confirmed dead in a helicopter crash in north-western Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more">The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more</a></strong></p>

<p>Hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended deceased President Raisi's funeral in Tehran. The crowded street filled mourners while the state-railway company organised special trains to take mourners from Tehran to Mashhad, Raisi's birthplace.&nbsp;Numerous high-ranking political and military representatives, as well as foreign dignitaries&nbsp;— including India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar&nbsp;— paid their respects to Raisi.</p>

<p><img alt="Mourners attend a burial ceremony of the late Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in Mashhad, Iran, May 23, 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="210cb16e-b8e5-4fa1-b54a-00212cf932dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/iranraisi.png" /></p>

<p><em>Mourners attend a burial ceremony of the late Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in Mashhad, Iran, May 23, 2024 | Reuters</em></p>

<p>The five-day mourning period in Iran ended on Friday (May 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>But what is important is where Raisi found his resting place. Raisi was buried in his home town of Mashhad at the shrine of eight Imam of Shia Islam, Imam Reza — one of the holiest sites in Iran. Raisi's grave is very close to the tomb of Imam Reza, an event that could actualise only&nbsp;with special permission from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi News: Iran holds funeral for President killed in helicopter crash</strong></p>

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<p>Iran is now led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebrahim-raisi-dead-who-is-mohammad-mokhber-irans-likely-interim-president-723318">interim President</a> Mohammad Mokhber.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>London, United Kingdom</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c36b1588-0c0d-4dde-b362-6097e3bf9fb1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rishi.png" /></p>

<p><em>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak | Reuters</em></p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a national election this week for July 4. Sunak's Conservatives are widely expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party after 14 years in power.</p>

<p>Sunak, 44, stood outside his Downing Street office in pouring rain and called the election several months earlier than expected.</p>

<p>Sunak listed what he said were his achievements in government, not only as prime minister but also as a former finance minister.</p>

<p>"Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future and decide whether it wants to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one and no certainty," he said.</p>

<p>"Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote, I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk."</p>

<h2><strong>Kathmandu, Nepal</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal won the vote of confidence for the fourth time within 18 months but the margin of his parliamentary support waned. When he first went for a vote of confidence in January 2023 shortly after he was elected prime minister, 268 parliamentarians of the 270 present in the 275-member parliament voted in his favour.<br />
<img alt="Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="900f8a2f-0a51-4556-8fa9-634d57bf641f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Prachanda.png" /></p>

<p><em>Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' | Reuters</em></p>

<p>On Monday (May 20), Prachanda secured 157 votes while one parliamentarian stayed neutral and the rest remained absent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rift between Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) and its ally-turned-foe Nepali Congress (NC) — who have 88 members in the parliament -- will be tested again on May 28, when the government is preparing to present the annual budget. As per Nepal's constitution, the government must table the budget in Parliament on May 28.</p>

<h2><strong>Seoul, South Korea</strong></h2>

<p>In a slight move forward between Seoul and Beijing amid deepening distrust between the two sides,&nbsp;South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed to launch a diplomatic and security dialogue and resume talks on a free trade agreement, Yoon's office said.</p>

<p>Yoon and Li met in Seoul a day before a summit with their Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first three-way talks by the three Asian neighbours in more than four years.</p>

<p>China and the US-allied South Korea and Japan are trying to manage rising distrust amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington and tensions over self-ruled island nation Taiwan.</p>

<p>"Just as Korea and China have overcome various difficulties together over the past 30 years and contributed to each other's development and growth, I hope to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation even in the face of today's global complex crises," South Korea's President Yoon Suk-Yeol said, according to his office.</p>

<h2><strong>Damascus, Syria</strong></h2>

<p>Saudi Arabia sent its ambassador to the Syrian capital Damascus in a major development since the closure&nbsp;of the Saudi embassy there in 2012 during the Syrian civil war.</p>

<p>Riyadh's new ambassador to Syria will be Faisal Al-Mujfel,&nbsp;state news agency, SPA said.&nbsp;Syria reopened its embassy in Riyadh last year and appointed a new ambassador in December.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Syria earlier this year after the two countries cut diplomatic ties more than a decade ago.</p>

<p>The resumption of ties between Riyadh and Damascus marks one of the most significant developments in moves by Arab states to normalise ties with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, shunned by many Western and Arab states after Syria's civil war began in 2011.</p>


Last weekend, just after this journalist had checked out 'published' icon on The Capitals piece that reported how New Delhi sealed the deal to operate Iran's Chabahar port, a news flash showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter involved in an 'incident'.

Last weekend, just after this journalist had checked out 'published' icon on The Capitals piece that reported how New Delhi sealed the deal to operate Iran's Chabahar port, a news flash showed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter involved in an 'incident'. Next morning on Monday (May 20), Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and seven others were confirmed dead in a helicopter crash in north-western Iran. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more Hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended deceased President Raisi's funeral in Tehran. The crowded street filled mourners while the state-railway company organised special trains to take mourners from Tehran to Mashhad, Raisi's birthplace. Numerous high-ranking political and military representatives, as well as foreign dignitaries — including India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar — paid their respects to Raisi. Mourners attend a burial ceremony of the late Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in Mashhad, Iran, May 23, 2024 | Reuters The five-day mourning period in Iran ended on Friday (May 24). But what is important is where Raisi found his resting place. Raisi was buried in his home town of Mashhad at the shrine of eight Imam of Shia Islam, Imam Reza — one of the holiest sites in Iran. Raisi's grave is very close to the tomb of Imam Reza, an event that could actualise only with special permission from the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also watch | Ebrahim Raisi News: Iran holds funeral for President killed in helicopter crash × Iran is now led by interim President Mohammad Mokhber. London, United Kingdom UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak | Reuters British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a national election this week for July 4. Sunak's Conservatives are widely expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party after 14 years in power. Sunak, 44, stood outside his Downing Street office in pouring rain and called the election several months earlier than expected. Sunak listed what he said were his achievements in government, not only as prime minister but also as a former finance minister. "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future and decide whether it wants to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one and no certainty," he said. "Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote, I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk." Kathmandu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal won the vote of confidence for the fourth time within 18 months but the margin of his parliamentary support waned. When he first went for a vote of confidence in January 2023 shortly after he was elected prime minister, 268 parliamentarians of the 270 present in the 275-member parliament voted in his favour. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' | Reuters On Monday (May 20), Prachanda secured 157 votes while one parliamentarian stayed neutral and the rest remained absent. The rift between Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) and its ally-turned-foe Nepali Congress (NC) — who have 88 members in the parliament -- will be tested again on May 28, when the government is preparing to present the annual budget. As per Nepal's constitution, the government must table the budget in Parliament on May 28. Seoul, South Korea In a slight move forward between Seoul and Beijing amid deepening distrust between the two sides, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed to launch a diplomatic and security dialogue and resume talks on a free trade agreement, Yoon's office said. Yoon and Li met in Seoul a day before a summit with their Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the first three-way talks by the three Asian neighbours in more than four years. China and the US-allied South Korea and Japan are trying to manage rising distrust amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington and tensions over self-ruled island nation Taiwan. "Just as Korea and China have overcome various difficulties together over the past 30 years and contributed to each other's development and growth, I hope to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation even in the face of today's global complex crises," South Korea's President Yoon Suk-Yeol said, according to his office. Damascus, Syria Saudi Arabia sent its ambassador to the Syrian capital Damascus in a major development since the closure of the Saudi embassy there in 2012 during the Syrian civil war. Riyadh's new ambassador to Syria will be Faisal Al-Mujfel, state news agency, SPA said. Syria reopened its embassy in Riyadh last year and appointed a new ambassador in December. Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Syria earlier this year after the two countries cut diplomatic ties more than a decade ago. The resumption of ties between Riyadh and Damascus marks one of the most significant developments in moves by Arab states to normalise ties with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, shunned by many Western and Arab states after Syria's civil war began in 2011.

The Capitals: Churn in power centres — from London to Kathmandu

A key member of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government on Friday became the highest profile Conservative lawmaker to join a growing parliamentary exodus ahead of the July general election. Watch in for more details!

UK: Michael Gove steps down in mass exodus of MPs before election

Following UK Prime Minister's surprise election announcements Scotland has also kickstarted preparations for the July polls. Watch in for more details!

UK PM Rishi Sunak meets Scotland's Conservative leader Douglass Ross before early elections

Each passing day is bringing in more Tory party MP resignations. Since Rishi Sunak's July election announcement five conservative leaders have already resigned. Fear, division within the party and a looming sense of defeat signals that more might follow. Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Five Tory leaders step down after Sunak announces elections

It's Rishi Sunak's biggest bet as UK goes to polls on July 4th. Rishi Sunak's surprise election announcement has triggered a sense of urgency across political parties. As the Rwanda Asylum plan has been one of the most concerning issue for UK amid this the Prime Minister has said that no Rwanda flights will take off before the General Elections in UK. Watch to know more.

UK General Elections 2024: Labour pledges to pass smoking ban if party comes to power

Scotland prepares for early election, Sunak visits the country for poll campaign

<p>Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader who was suspended from the party due to a dispute over antisemitism, has said he would be running as an independent candidate in Islington North in the upcoming UK general elections, as reported by the BBC.</p>

<p>This decision poses a challenge for Sir Keir Starmer, who had barred Corbyn from representing Labour after he did not apologise for his management of antisemitism issues within the party.</p>

<h2><strong>Who's next in line in Islington North?</strong></h2>

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<p>Labour is yet to choose a candidate for Islington North, where Jeremy Corbyn won a big majority of 26,188 votes in the 2019 general election.</p>

<p>This majority makes Islington North one of Labour's safest seats, and Corbyn's supporters believe he can win again.</p>

<p>Labour has shortlisted Sem Moema, a member of the London Assembly, and Praful Nargund, an Islington councillor, as potential candidates for the upcoming election.</p>

<p>Former BBC journalist Paul Mason did not make the final shortlist. The selected candidate will be announced on June 1.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infected-blood-scandal-uk-announces-267000-interim-compensation-for-victims-724038">Also read | Infected blood scandal: UK announces $267,000 interim compensation for victims</a></p>

<p>Corbyn was suspended from Labour for "a failure to retract his words," which he described as a "political" move.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls to reinstate Corbyn ally Diane Abbott to Labour’s parliamentary ranks after welcoming Tory defector Natalie Elphicke.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially launched the general election campaign on Wednesday night (May 22), announcing that the election will take place on July 4.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | PM Sunak says 'no Rwanda flights before General Election</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-sunak-says-no-rwanda-flights-before-general-election-724927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In a speech outside No 10 Downing Street, Sunak defended his track record on the economy, national security, and immigration.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
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Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader who was suspended from the party due to a dispute over antisemitism, has said he would be running as an independent candidate in Islington North in the upcoming UK general elections, as reported by the BBC.

Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader who was suspended from the party due to a dispute over antisemitism, has said he would be running as an independent candidate in Islington North in the upcoming UK general elections, as reported by the BBC. This decision poses a challenge for Sir Keir Starmer, who had barred Corbyn from representing Labour after he did not apologise for his management of antisemitism issues within the party. Who's next in line in Islington North? Labour is yet to choose a candidate for Islington North, where Jeremy Corbyn won a big majority of 26,188 votes in the 2019 general election. This majority makes Islington North one of Labour's safest seats, and Corbyn's supporters believe he can win again. Labour has shortlisted Sem Moema, a member of the London Assembly, and Praful Nargund, an Islington councillor, as potential candidates for the upcoming election. Former BBC journalist Paul Mason did not make the final shortlist. The selected candidate will be announced on June 1. Also read | Infected blood scandal: UK announces $267,000 interim compensation for victims Corbyn was suspended from Labour for "a failure to retract his words," which he described as a "political" move. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls to reinstate Corbyn ally Diane Abbott to Labour’s parliamentary ranks after welcoming Tory defector Natalie Elphicke. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially launched the general election campaign on Wednesday night (May 22), announcing that the election will take place on July 4. Also watch | PM Sunak says 'no Rwanda flights before General Election In a speech outside No 10 Downing Street, Sunak defended his track record on the economy, national security, and immigration. (With inputs from agencies)

UK general elections 2024: Jeremy Corbyn to challenge Labour Party as independent candidate

It's Rishi Sunak's biggest bet as UK goes to polls on July 4th. As the Rwanda Asylum plan has been one of the most concerning issue for UK amid this the Prime Minister has said that no Rwanda flights will take off before the General Elections in UK. Watch to know more.

UK General Elections 2024: Parliament to be dissolved ahead of polls, key bills suspended

UK General Elections: Labour pledges to scrap Rwanda plan if it wins power

Who has the best plan for UK's economy - this question was put to voters who believe Labour Party's Keir Starmer has a better plan for the country than UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Rishi Sunak vs Keir Starmer: UK PM announces early elections on July 4

<p>The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month.</p>

<p>In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the&nbsp;Palestinian militant group Hamas,&nbsp;which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-elections-to-be-held-in-july-reports-724367">UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433235-wion-images-2024-05-23t002655187.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-and-35-injured-as-iowa-reels-from-tornado-724426">At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433240-untitled-design-46.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>At least five&nbsp;people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa.&nbsp;The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-send-out-forces-around-island-after-china-starts-punishment-drills-724443">Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/20/426305-untitled-design-2024-04-20t100808619.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-flag-flown-over-supreme-court-justice-alitos-home-report-724424">Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/29/282959-samuel-alito.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A flag&nbsp;reading&nbsp;‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state</strong></p>

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The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war.

The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”. UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4. At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa At least five people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa. The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released. Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23). Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report A flag reading ‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22). Watch: ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state ×

Morning news brief: Sunak and Starmer kick-off campaigns; Netanyahu blasts Ireland, and more

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's flagship bill aimed at banning smoking appears to be shelved after he called a surprise July general election as there's not much time for bills to be made into law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the general election will be held on July 4, after months of speculations over the polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Downing Street statement, Sunak said he had spoken to the head of state King Charles III and requested the dissolution of parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parties-launch-campaigns-as-sunak-surprises-with-early-election-nigel-farage-opts-out-724600">UK parties launch campaigns as Sunak surprises with early election; Nigel Farage opts out</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"The king has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4," he said. "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dissolution of parliament means that the government would not guarantee the passing of the bill. The Parliament will be adjourned for the election on Friday.</p>

<p>Hence, the government and opposition parties are currently discussing which laws to rush through before the adjournment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russia-taking-advantage-of-its-lack-of-air-defence-by-launching-brutal-strikes-724634">Zelensky claims Russia taking advantage of its 'lack of air defence' by launching brutal strikes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sunak's ambitious plan included introducing some of the world's strictest anti-smoking rules in&nbsp;Britain. He wants to ban anyone aged 15 and under from ever buying cigarettes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ban was not specifically mentioned as being on the parliamentary agenda in the next few days, but one can expect it to be in the Conservative manifesto.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Poland buys US radar systems&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, Penny Mordaunt, the House of Commons leader, did not list the smoking bill in the business scheduled to be debated before parliament shuts down for the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said cross-party negotiations were ongoing over the future of bills not included in the schedule.</p>

<p>Dozens of lawmakers in Sunak's Conservative party voted&nbsp;against it but despite that, the&nbsp;bill had passed its first parliamentary hurdle in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will do everything I can to move these things forward, but it is dependent on the cooperation of other parties across parliament as well," Sunak said on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's flagship bill aimed at banning smoking appears to be shelved after he called a surprise July general election as there's not much time for bills to be made into law.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's flagship bill aimed at banning smoking appears to be shelved after he called a surprise July general election as there's not much time for bills to be made into law. Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the general election will be held on July 4, after months of speculations over the polls. In a Downing Street statement, Sunak said he had spoken to the head of state King Charles III and requested the dissolution of parliament. Also read: UK parties launch campaigns as Sunak surprises with early election; Nigel Farage opts out "The king has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4," he said. "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future." The dissolution of parliament means that the government would not guarantee the passing of the bill. The Parliament will be adjourned for the election on Friday. Hence, the government and opposition parties are currently discussing which laws to rush through before the adjournment. Also read: Zelensky claims Russia taking advantage of its 'lack of air defence' by launching brutal strikes Sunak's ambitious plan included introducing some of the world's strictest anti-smoking rules in Britain. He wants to ban anyone aged 15 and under from ever buying cigarettes. The ban was not specifically mentioned as being on the parliamentary agenda in the next few days, but one can expect it to be in the Conservative manifesto. Watch: Poland buys US radar systems × On Thursday, Penny Mordaunt, the House of Commons leader, did not list the smoking bill in the business scheduled to be debated before parliament shuts down for the election. She said cross-party negotiations were ongoing over the future of bills not included in the schedule. Dozens of lawmakers in Sunak's Conservative party voted against it but despite that, the bill had passed its first parliamentary hurdle in April. "I will do everything I can to move these things forward, but it is dependent on the cooperation of other parties across parliament as well," Sunak said on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak's proposed law to ban smoking for younger generations appears to be in jeopardy

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the general election will be held on July 4 and that the King has granted the dissolution of parliament. Watch in for more details!

UK General Elections 2024: PM Sunak announces elections on July 4

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<p>The parties have begun their election campaigns, one day after a drenched Rishi Sunak declared that an early election is expected in the UK. The confirmed date of the election is July 4th, which is a little over six weeks away.</p>

<p>Sunak always stated that the vote will take place in the second part of the year,&nbsp;which July is. Nevertheless, the early call for the vote was surprising.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UK election campaign kicks off: Who's doing what on day 1 of campaigning?</strong></h2>

<p>The Labour Party's leader, Keir Starmer, conducted a campaign rally in Kent. Meanwhile, Sunak is campaigning in Derbyshire and is scheduled to participate in a Q&amp;A. In addition, he is traveling to south Wales and, at around 5.30 p.m., the Inverness region accompanied by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.</p>

<p>Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrats' leader, is campaigning in Cheltenham.</p>

<p>Sunak was also interviewed on the Today show, where&nbsp;Nick Robinson questioned why he was conducting the election now. Sunak stated that the economy is recovering. There's more work to do. But "we have turned a corner," and now is the time to consider the future.</p>

<h2><strong>Short campaigns vs. long campaigns</strong></h2>

<p>In comparison to many other nations, the UK has unusually brief "short campaigns," which are the period between the day the election is announced and the actual election day. They typically last at least 25 working days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunaks-proposed-law-to-ban-smoking-for-younger-generations-appears-to-be-in-jeopardy-724711">Rishi Sunak's proposed law to ban smoking for younger generations appears to be in jeopardy</a></strong></p>

<p>However, a long campaign refers to the time when parties anticipate an election is coming. Given that Sunak was approaching the end of the five-year timeframe, the long campaign has been ongoing for some time.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nigel Farage says he won't run in UK general election</strong></h2>

<p>Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, has announced that he would not run in the UK general election, instead&nbsp;concentrate&nbsp;his efforts on getting Donald Trump re-elected in the United States.</p>

<p>Farage stated that the US election on November 5th has "global significance" and that he wanted "to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way I can". If Farage had run in the 2024 election, it would have been his seventh attempt at entering parliament.</p>

<p>“I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that,” Farage said in a statement on X.</p>

<p>“The choice between Labour and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform&nbsp;have&nbsp;the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country,” he added.</p>

<p>“Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on 5 November has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can,” Farage said in his statement.</p>


The parties have begun their election campaigns, one day after a drenched Rishi Sunak declared that an early election is expected in the UK. The confirmed date of the election is July 4th, which is a little over six weeks away.

The parties have begun their election campaigns, one day after a drenched Rishi Sunak declared that an early election is expected in the UK. The confirmed date of the election is July 4th, which is a little over six weeks away. Sunak always stated that the vote will take place in the second part of the year, which July is. Nevertheless, the early call for the vote was surprising. UK election campaign kicks off: Who's doing what on day 1 of campaigning? The Labour Party's leader, Keir Starmer, conducted a campaign rally in Kent. Meanwhile, Sunak is campaigning in Derbyshire and is scheduled to participate in a Q&A. In addition, he is traveling to south Wales and, at around 5.30 p.m., the Inverness region accompanied by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross. Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrats' leader, is campaigning in Cheltenham. Sunak was also interviewed on the Today show, where Nick Robinson questioned why he was conducting the election now. Sunak stated that the economy is recovering. There's more work to do. But "we have turned a corner," and now is the time to consider the future. Short campaigns vs. long campaigns In comparison to many other nations, the UK has unusually brief "short campaigns," which are the period between the day the election is announced and the actual election day. They typically last at least 25 working days. Also read: Rishi Sunak's proposed law to ban smoking for younger generations appears to be in jeopardy However, a long campaign refers to the time when parties anticipate an election is coming. Given that Sunak was approaching the end of the five-year timeframe, the long campaign has been ongoing for some time. Nigel Farage says he won't run in UK general election Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, has announced that he would not run in the UK general election, instead concentrate his efforts on getting Donald Trump re-elected in the United States. Farage stated that the US election on November 5th has "global significance" and that he wanted "to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way I can". If Farage had run in the 2024 election, it would have been his seventh attempt at entering parliament. “I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that,” Farage said in a statement on X. “The choice between Labour and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform have the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country,” he added. “Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on 5 November has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can,” Farage said in his statement.

UK parties launch campaigns as Sunak surprises with early election; Nigel Farage opts out

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