UK's Home Secretary Amber Rudd resigned on Monday. Her resignation came following pressure mounting on Theresa May's government over its treatment of the 'Windrush generation', the first large group of Caribbean migrants that arrived in the UK after the World War II.&nbsp;

According to reports, May's government received flak over 'wrongly labelling' the Caribbean migrants as illegal.&nbsp;

Rudd, who was supposed to make a Commons statement today, stepped down for having 'inadvertently misled' the parliament over targets for deporting illegal immigrants.

"It is with great regret that I am resigning as Home Secretary. I feel it is necessary to do so because I&nbsp;inadvertently misled the Home Affairs Select Committee&nbsp;over targets for removal of illegal immigrants during questions on Windrush," read Rudd's resignation letter.

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UK Home Secretary (interior minister) Amber Rudd has resigned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Windrush?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Windrush</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmberRuddResigns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmberRuddResigns</a> <a href="https://t.co/DoDbE3nWon">pic.twitter.com/DoDbE3nWon</a>
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Rudd took to Twitter and apologised saying that she was not aware of "specific removal targets". "I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't," read her tweet.

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2/4 I wasn't aware of specific removal targets. I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't.
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/989967773785886720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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4/4 As Home Secretary I will work to ensure that our immigration policy is fair and humane.
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/989968657102057474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For two weeks, British ministers have been struggling to explain why some descendants of the so-called "Windrush generation" had been labelled as illegal immigrants.

Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants.

The 'Windrush generation' was invited to Britain after the end of World War II, between 1948 and 1971, to plug labour shortfalls in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants.

UK's Home Secretary Amber Rudd resigned on Monday. Her resignation came following pressure mounting on Theresa May's government over its treatment of the 'Windrush generation', the first large group of Caribbean migrants that arrived in the UK after the World War II. According to reports, May's government received flak over 'wrongly labelling' the Caribbean migrants as illegal. Rudd, who was supposed to make a Commons statement today, stepped down for having 'inadvertently misled' the parliament over targets for deporting illegal immigrants. "It is with great regret that I am resigning as Home Secretary. I feel it is necessary to do so because I inadvertently misled the Home Affairs Select Committee over targets for removal of illegal immigrants during questions on Windrush," read Rudd's resignation letter. UK Home Secretary (interior minister) Amber Rudd has resigned. #Windrush #AmberRuddResigns pic.twitter.com/DoDbE3nWon — WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 29, 2018 × Rudd took to Twitter and apologised saying that she was not aware of "specific removal targets". "I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't," read her tweet. 2/4 I wasn't aware of specific removal targets. I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't. — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) April 27, 2018 × 4/4 As Home Secretary I will work to ensure that our immigration policy is fair and humane. — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) April 27, 2018 × For two weeks, British ministers have been struggling to explain why some descendants of the so-called "Windrush generation" had been labelled as illegal immigrants. Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants. The 'Windrush generation' was invited to Britain after the end of World War II, between 1948 and 1971, to plug labour shortfalls in the region. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK Home Secy resigns, admits having 'inadvertently misled' Parliament over 'Windrush' scandal

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday.

May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said.

"They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said.&nbsp

This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran.&nbsp

Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa Ma's office said in a statement on Sundays

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday. May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said. "They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said. This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran. Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Britain, France and Germany agree support for Iran nuclear deal

Voters in London are expected to punish Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party at local government elections this week which could embolden critics of her Brexit strategy, but are not expected to trigger her downfall.

London and some other regions will on Thursday elect the local officials in charge of day-to-day public spending - a vote as much about issues like refuse collection and road repairs as it is about the national debate on immigration and May’s plan to take Britain out of the European Union after a 2016 referendum.

The elections which are seen as a public sentiment and polls&nbsp

The elections are seen as a bellwether of public sentiment and polls show voters are ready to deliver a critical verdict on both May’s leadership and her party’s eight years spent pursuing a policy of public spending cuts to shore up Britain’s finances.

“A government that’s been in power for eight years with an austerity programme is naturally going to suffer at elections,” said Robert Hayward, a former Conservative lawmaker who now sits in parliament’s upper house and specialises in polling analysis.

A YouGov survey published on April 26 gave the opposition Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, a 22 percentage point lead over the Conservatives in London, putting it on course for its best performance in the capital for 40 years.

Thursday’s vote will come less than a year after a snap parliamentary election splintered the previously rock-solid foundations of May’s position, stripping her party of its majority in a vote she had expected to win easily.

The result of that general election has been a weakened leadership, open dissent among Conservative lawmakers over exiting the EU and a nagging fear for some investors that her government could fall and be replaced by socialist-led Labour.

Thursday will not directly affect May’s practical ability to govern: the vote does not cause seats in parliament to change hands and the slim working majority she has thanks to a deal with a smaller party will be unaffected.

But a below-par performance will embolden critics in her party and could then complicate the already-difficult task of executing her Brexit plan without making concessions to pro-EU factions, such as agreeing to stay in the EU customs union.

“Politicians always look at the last set of election results and by definition they’re going to look at what happens on May 3 and make a judgement on that,” Hayward said.

“It will have an impact on what has to happen in the budget, ‘Do I take a more militant view in relation to the Customs Union, or Brexit, or nurses, or numbers of policemen?’

The key results in London will be Wandsworth and Westminster, both boroughs with a strong Conservative tradition that are now within reach of Labour.

However, anything short of a total Conservative wipeout is not expected to generate renewed calls for her to quit.

Although her party is deeply divided over Brexit, neither the faction that seeks a clean break from the EU nor those who favour a closer relationship have shown an appetite for a leadership contest before Britain has left the bloc.

Low Expectations

Fortunately for May, expectations are low.

London has in recent decades voted more towards Labour, favouring its more liberal policies on immigration and social issues. The Conservatives currently control only eight of 32 boroughs outright.&nbsp

Labour’s surprise surge in popularity under Corbyn, a crucial factor in May 2017’s election flop, was also strongly felt in London. The party won 54.5 per cent of votes in London last year - more than any other party for at least 70 years.

Factor in deep spending cuts overseen by May and her predecessor David Cameron, and the unpopularity of Brexit in a city that voted 60-40 against it - compared with a 52-48 per cent margin in favour nationally, and some of the remaining Conservative strongholds are expected to be under threat.

But the grim outlook leaves room for May to outperform. Polling suggests her handling of a nerve agent attack against a former Russian double agent in England in March and the decision to take military action in Syria has improved her public image.

Conversely, Labour could gain seats and control of boroughs in London but still fail to live up to the huge expectations generated by last summer’s stronger-than-forecast general election result.

“It’s more difficult for Labour to come out of this doing really well than the Tories given how low the expectations are,” said Tony Travers, a professor at the London School of Economics Department of Government.

While May has gained from recent national and international crises, Corbyn has been criticised by opponents and some in his own party for misjudging the public mood in his responses.

The party has also recently found itself bogged down in a high-profile dispute with the Jewish community over what they say is its failure to stamp out anti-Semitism within the party.

That could affect its ability to get control of winnable boroughs like Barnet, which has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 per cent according to the latest census data.

Nevertheless, polls show Labour will still make gains.

Labour activists say that is continuing evidence of the potency of “the Corbyn Project”, and even if headline gains from the Conservatives do not materialise, they have their eyes on a bigger prize.

“We’ve been treating the whole thing as a bit of a general election dry run, really... refining campaigning techniques and trying to come up with new ones,” said Joseph Todd, a spokesman for the influential pro-Corbyn grassroots campaign group Momentum. “This is the next step for the Corbyn Project.”

London and some other regions will on Thursday elect the local officials in charge of day-to-day public spending - a vote as much about issues like refuse collection and road repairs as it is about the national debate on immigration and May’s plan to take Britain out of the European Union after a 2016 referendum

Voters in London are expected to punish Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party at local government elections this week which could embolden critics of her Brexit strategy, but are not expected to trigger her downfall. London and some other regions will on Thursday elect the local officials in charge of day-to-day public spending - a vote as much about issues like refuse collection and road repairs as it is about the national debate on immigration and May’s plan to take Britain out of the European Union after a 2016 referendum. The elections which are seen as a public sentiment and polls The elections are seen as a bellwether of public sentiment and polls show voters are ready to deliver a critical verdict on both May’s leadership and her party’s eight years spent pursuing a policy of public spending cuts to shore up Britain’s finances. “A government that’s been in power for eight years with an austerity programme is naturally going to suffer at elections,” said Robert Hayward, a former Conservative lawmaker who now sits in parliament’s upper house and specialises in polling analysis. A YouGov survey published on April 26 gave the opposition Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, a 22 percentage point lead over the Conservatives in London, putting it on course for its best performance in the capital for 40 years. Thursday’s vote will come less than a year after a snap parliamentary election splintered the previously rock-solid foundations of May’s position, stripping her party of its majority in a vote she had expected to win easily. The result of that general election has been a weakened leadership, open dissent among Conservative lawmakers over exiting the EU and a nagging fear for some investors that her government could fall and be replaced by socialist-led Labour. Thursday will not directly affect May’s practical ability to govern: the vote does not cause seats in parliament to change hands and the slim working majority she has thanks to a deal with a smaller party will be unaffected. But a below-par performance will embolden critics in her party and could then complicate the already-difficult task of executing her Brexit plan without making concessions to pro-EU factions, such as agreeing to stay in the EU customs union. “Politicians always look at the last set of election results and by definition they’re going to look at what happens on May 3 and make a judgement on that,” Hayward said. “It will have an impact on what has to happen in the budget, ‘Do I take a more militant view in relation to the Customs Union, or Brexit, or nurses, or numbers of policemen?’ The key results in London will be Wandsworth and Westminster, both boroughs with a strong Conservative tradition that are now within reach of Labour. However, anything short of a total Conservative wipeout is not expected to generate renewed calls for her to quit. Although her party is deeply divided over Brexit, neither the faction that seeks a clean break from the EU nor those who favour a closer relationship have shown an appetite for a leadership contest before Britain has left the bloc. Low Expectations Fortunately for May, expectations are low. London has in recent decades voted more towards Labour, favouring its more liberal policies on immigration and social issues. The Conservatives currently control only eight of 32 boroughs outright. Labour’s surprise surge in popularity under Corbyn, a crucial factor in May 2017’s election flop, was also strongly felt in London. The party won 54.5 per cent of votes in London last year - more than any other party for at least 70 years. Factor in deep spending cuts overseen by May and her predecessor David Cameron, and the unpopularity of Brexit in a city that voted 60-40 against it - compared with a 52-48 per cent margin in favour nationally, and some of the remaining Conservative strongholds are expected to be under threat. But the grim outlook leaves room for May to outperform. Polling suggests her handling of a nerve agent attack against a former Russian double agent in England in March and the decision to take military action in Syria has improved her public image. Conversely, Labour could gain seats and control of boroughs in London but still fail to live up to the huge expectations generated by last summer’s stronger-than-forecast general election result. “It’s more difficult for Labour to come out of this doing really well than the Tories given how low the expectations are,” said Tony Travers, a professor at the London School of Economics Department of Government. While May has gained from recent national and international crises, Corbyn has been criticised by opponents and some in his own party for misjudging the public mood in his responses. The party has also recently found itself bogged down in a high-profile dispute with the Jewish community over what they say is its failure to stamp out anti-Semitism within the party. That could affect its ability to get control of winnable boroughs like Barnet, which has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 per cent according to the latest census data. Nevertheless, polls show Labour will still make gains. Labour activists say that is continuing evidence of the potency of “the Corbyn Project”, and even if headline gains from the Conservatives do not materialise, they have their eyes on a bigger prize. “We’ve been treating the whole thing as a bit of a general election dry run, really... refining campaigning techniques and trying to come up with new ones,” said Joseph Todd, a spokesman for the influential pro-Corbyn grassroots campaign group Momentum. “This is the next step for the Corbyn Project.”

London elections set to leave British PM May down, but not out

PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Friday night on the German leg of his European tour which included visits to Sweden and UK.

The prime minister met German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery in Berlin. The two heads of the state will sit down for dinner later tonight.

Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle, which concluded the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK.

The closed-door meetings in Windsor comprised the informal segment of CHOGM, where the leaders meet without any pre-set agenda and without the presence of their close aides.

The retreat marks an end to the week-long summit in Britain, which started on Monday with forums on the theme of business, women, youth and civil society.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the second plenary of the executive session, during which he reiterated India's focus on small island developing nations of the organisation and delivering "demand-driven, rather than donor-driven" assistance to the organisation's smaller member states.

Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle

PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Friday night on the German leg of his European tour which included visits to Sweden and UK. The prime minister met German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery in Berlin. The two heads of the state will sit down for dinner later tonight. Earlier, the PM Modi joined other heads of government for the leaders' retreat at Windsor Castle, which concluded the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the UK. The closed-door meetings in Windsor comprised the informal segment of CHOGM, where the leaders meet without any pre-set agenda and without the presence of their close aides. The retreat marks an end to the week-long summit in Britain, which started on Monday with forums on the theme of business, women, youth and civil society. Prime Minister Modi addressed the second plenary of the executive session, during which he reiterated India's focus on small island developing nations of the organisation and delivering "demand-driven, rather than donor-driven" assistance to the organisation's smaller member states.

PM Modi arrives in Berlin, meets German Chancellor Merkel

As PM Modi met several leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442">at CHOGM, the ministry of </a>external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi.

"No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">neighbour</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">, friends at CHOGM</a>

Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries."

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM.

Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said.

Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

The Indian prime minister later met &nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgYO-6_PJ7s" width="560"></iframe>

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries

As PM Modi met several leaders at CHOGM, the ministry of external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi. "No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said. In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly neighbour, friends at CHOGM Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries." Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM. Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said. Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne. The Indian prime minister later met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

PM Modi not to meet Pak PM Abbasi at CHOGM: External Affairs Ministry

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror.

The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-set-to-speak-at-central-hall-westminster-131249">Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster</a>

During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016.

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I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/axtcWOmPKF">pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986653258969174016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question.

Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change.

"In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy.

"Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London.

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Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cB3Hpsgwqa">pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986643466976407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror. The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora. Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016. I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question. Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it." #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change. "In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy. "Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London. Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 ×

'We never hid surgical strikes, it was 100 per cent successful,' says PM Modi at Central Hall Westminster

On his four-day-long visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be served with special, all-vegetarian gourmet Indian cuisine.&nbsp;

According to reports, Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef at St. James Court, Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare some of the meals for Prime Minister at various events during his visit.&nbsp;

Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi.

For his breakfast with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, PM Modi enjoyed a heart-warming spread comprising tea and coffee, Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi along with his delegation team was served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel.

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Since the whole delegation is in London, our focus is on "home cooked food" so that the delegation don't feel they are away from India. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will be Gujarati food that he loves: Chef Shenoy Karmani. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/qVysb6f4W1">pic.twitter.com/qVysb6f4W1</a>
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The lunch was prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu is believed to be high on the special Gujarati delicacies like Khaman, Dhokla, Khandvi, Dal, Dal Pakora, Torai Masala, Stuffed Karela, Paneer Bhurji, Khichdi, among other dishes.

All food items for PM Modi were and will be cooked in pure clarified butter (ghee).

Later at night, British Prime Minister Theresa May will host&nbsp;dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the CHOGM summit.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chef Shenoy Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi

On his four-day-long visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be served with special, all-vegetarian gourmet Indian cuisine. According to reports, Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef at St. James Court, Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare some of the meals for Prime Minister at various events during his visit. Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi. For his breakfast with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, PM Modi enjoyed a heart-warming spread comprising tea and coffee, Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi along with his delegation team was served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel. Since the whole delegation is in London, our focus is on "home cooked food" so that the delegation don't feel they are away from India. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will be Gujarati food that he loves: Chef Shenoy Karmani. #London pic.twitter.com/qVysb6f4W1 — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 × The lunch was prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu is believed to be high on the special Gujarati delicacies like Khaman, Dhokla, Khandvi, Dal, Dal Pakora, Torai Masala, Stuffed Karela, Paneer Bhurji, Khichdi, among other dishes. All food items for PM Modi were and will be cooked in pure clarified butter (ghee). Later at night, British Prime Minister Theresa May will host dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the CHOGM summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera: PM Modi's heart-warming breakfast with Theresa May

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet.

"The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said.

Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country.

He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores.

India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya.

Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

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During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. <a href="https://t.co/hN88uXuqaA">pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986620981870579713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.&nbsp;

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The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/L5exZsm5kO">pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986616670142844929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet. "The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said. Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country. He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores. India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya. Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK discussed economic offenders like Vijay Mallya taking refuge in Britain: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today.

Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.

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The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986585625783685120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted.&nbsp;

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2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/P59369u7ZC">pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986615678055649280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986579277343752197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM.

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It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today. Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted. 2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK agree to take decisive action against LeT, Jaish, IS & other terror organisations

India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation and agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May this morning and they discussed on various topics including the defence cooperation, chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, legal matters, Chennai six, etc.

Both the leaders "reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's (Theresa May) visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," a Downing Street spokesperson said, in a statement.

The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people.

The leaders discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to working more closely together to ensure it remained free and open. The two leaders also discussed co-operation between the two countries on legal matters.British PM May welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six.

British PM May updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020.

"Finally they looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting tomorrow and agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens," the statement added.

The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria

India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation and agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May this morning and they discussed on various topics including the defence cooperation, chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, legal matters, Chennai six, etc. Both the leaders "reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's (Theresa May) visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," a Downing Street spokesperson said, in a statement. The two sides also discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people. The leaders discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to working more closely together to ensure it remained free and open. The two leaders also discussed co-operation between the two countries on legal matters.British PM May welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six. British PM May updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020. "Finally they looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting tomorrow and agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens," the statement added.

Modi meets May: India, UK review defence cooperation

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Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131172">PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change</a>

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

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After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed."

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-in-uk-prince-charles-greets-pm--131178">After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India. PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed." After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. UN security team was shot at in Douma: Head of chemical weapons watchdog Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first leg of four-day-long UK visit, is all set to address UK's Indian community from London's Central Hall Westminster. Modi's address will be globally telecast while in attendance there will be around 1500 people from the diaspora at the invite-only event.

The invitees for the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath', event were selected by lottery from the registrations received on the website created for the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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London: People from Indian diaspora gather at Parliament Square to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. <a href="https://t.co/az3zYdfagC">pic.twitter.com/az3zYdfagC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986575466172739584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister last such address was in November 2015 at Wembley stadium that saw around 30,000 people from the community in attendance.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at Albert Embankment Gardens a short while ago.&nbsp;

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London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at Albert Embankment Gardens. <a href="https://t.co/Z9SJLRsuE7">pic.twitter.com/Z9SJLRsuE7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986548810691350528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Modi's first day in the UK kicked off with a quick meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Both the leaders discussed a host of issues over breakfast.&nbsp;

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Science Museum in London where he was welcomed by Prince Charles.&nbsp;

Prince Charles welcomed and greeted PM Modi and explored a science and innovation exhibition set up at the museum.

The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will also include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence.

Modi interacted with&nbsp;Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.&nbsp;

Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at Albert Embankment Gardens a short while ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first leg of four-day-long UK visit, is all set to address UK's Indian community from London's Central Hall Westminster. Modi's address will be globally telecast while in attendance there will be around 1500 people from the diaspora at the invite-only event. The invitees for the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath', event were selected by lottery from the registrations received on the website created for the event. London: People from Indian diaspora gather at Parliament Square to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/az3zYdfagC — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Prime Minister last such address was in November 2015 at Wembley stadium that saw around 30,000 people from the community in attendance. The Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at Albert Embankment Gardens a short while ago. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the bust of Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) at Albert Embankment Gardens. pic.twitter.com/Z9SJLRsuE7 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi's first day in the UK kicked off with a quick meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Both the leaders discussed a host of issues over breakfast. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Science Museum in London where he was welcomed by Prince Charles. Prince Charles welcomed and greeted PM Modi and explored a science and innovation exhibition set up at the museum. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will also include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence. Modi interacted with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day.

Modi in UK: PM to address Indian diaspora at Westminster Square

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

"Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.

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Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and HRH Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. <a href="https://t.co/UpvPFMnbNK">pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986564337283358720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London.

The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group.

Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. <a href="https://t.co/xLy7sVHcnq">pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986558986173452288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. <a href="https://t.co/iXHYBj4dnJ">pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ</a>
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Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day.&nbsp;

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The Prince and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the <a href="https://twitter.com/sciencemuseum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sciencemuseum</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOGM2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHOGM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bgtBlIqeMP">pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP</a>
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Earlier today, <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131171">Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

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It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
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"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister.

"I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwQH1l4Wngs" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. "Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM @narendramodi and HRH Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London. The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group. Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. PM @narendramodi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day. The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum.#CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 18, 2018 × Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister. "I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. (With inputs from agencies)

After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

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It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister.

"I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK,"&nbsp;Theresa May told the PM.

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I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK: British PM Theresa May in meeting with PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/39gUMwMh7g">pic.twitter.com/39gUMwMh7g</a>
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Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today.&nbsp;

After his meeting with the British PM, he arrives at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.&nbsp;

The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.

A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue on the banks of the river Thames, which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015, will be followed by his second meeting with Theresa May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.

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The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister. "I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM. I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK: British PM Theresa May in meeting with PM Modi pic.twitter.com/39gUMwMh7g — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today. After his meeting with the British PM, he arrives at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue on the banks of the river Thames, which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015, will be followed by his second meeting with Theresa May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.

PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change

Prime Minister Theresa May today spoke at length in Parliament on Britain's role in Saturday's air strike on Syria jointly conducted along US and France.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-syria-strikes-british-pm-may-to-face-critical-parliament-130817">British PM had gone ahead </a>with the strikes on Syria without seeking Parliamentary approval&nbsp;leading several lawmakers to question the prime minister's decision.

"This was a limited, targeted strike on a legal basis that has been used before, and it was a decision which required the evaluation of intelligence and information," May told the British parliament.

The British prime minister said she "conscious of the gravity of the decisions" to strike Syria.

"While the action was taken to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Syria by degrading the regime's chemical weapons capability, it will also send a clear message to anyone who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," the prime minister declared.

"I am clear the way we protect our national interest is to stand up for the global rules and standards that keep us safe," she to British lawmakers.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, had questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.&nbsp;

"We have not done this because President Trump asked us to do so. We have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do and we are not alone," the PM asserted.

Britain later said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria with foreign minister Boris Johnson saying that the strikes were not aimed at regime change in Syria, but rather designed to send a message.

"We have acted because it is in our national interest. It is in our national interest to prevent the further use of chemical weapons in Syria and to uphold and defend the global consensus that these weapons should not be used," May said.

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The British prime minister said she "conscious of the gravity of the decisions" to strike Syria.

Prime Minister Theresa May today spoke at length in Parliament on Britain's role in Saturday's air strike on Syria jointly conducted along US and France. The British PM had gone ahead with the strikes on Syria without seeking Parliamentary approval leading several lawmakers to question the prime minister's decision. "This was a limited, targeted strike on a legal basis that has been used before, and it was a decision which required the evaluation of intelligence and information," May told the British parliament. The British prime minister said she "conscious of the gravity of the decisions" to strike Syria. "While the action was taken to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Syria by degrading the regime's chemical weapons capability, it will also send a clear message to anyone who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," the prime minister declared. "I am clear the way we protect our national interest is to stand up for the global rules and standards that keep us safe," she to British lawmakers. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, had questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement. "We have not done this because President Trump asked us to do so. We have done it because we believed it was the right thing to do and we are not alone," the PM asserted. Britain later said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria with foreign minister Boris Johnson saying that the strikes were not aimed at regime change in Syria, but rather designed to send a message. "We have acted because it is in our national interest. It is in our national interest to prevent the further use of chemical weapons in Syria and to uphold and defend the global consensus that these weapons should not be used," May said.

Syria strikes right thing to do, not because Trump asked us to do it: British PM Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism on Monday for bypassing parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy. 
 
May, who has regained confidence after winning support for her tough stance on Syria and Russia, will make a statement to parliament on her decision to join the United States and France in Saturday's strikes in retaliation for a suspected gas attack.

She has also requested a so-called emergency debate, which her spokesman presented as an attempt to soothe tensions and offer parliament three more hours to discuss the action. Critics said it was a way to try to stop any "meaningful vote".

"The prime minister has set out very clearly over the weekend her reasons for taking the action... in Syria. Her focus today is on making a statement to parliament, allowing parliament to scrutinise that decision," her spokesman said.

She will repeat Saturday's assertion that Britain is "confident in our own assessment that the Syrian regime was highly likely responsible" and that it could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech.

She has repeatedly said the strikes were "right and legal".

But May will be grilled over why she broke with a convention, which dates back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, to seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly.

Much of the criticism will come from opposition lawmakers, but the prime minister may also have to work hard to defend her speed of action to members of her own Conservative Party who had wanted parliament recalled.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.

"She could have recalled parliament last week," Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said on Sunday.

"I think what we need in this country is something more robust, like a War Powers Act, so governments do get held to account by parliament for what they do in our name," he told BBC television.

Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria. Foreign minister Boris Johnson, in Luxembourg, again said the strikes were not aimed at regime change in Syria, but rather designed to send a message.

Fragile

Corbyn`s drive for legislation to limit the government`s power to launch future military action could win support in parliament, where some Conservatives have expressed fears that the strikes on Syria could worsen the situation.

Many Britons were scarred by the country`s involvement in the Iraq war, especially after an inquiry concluded that then-prime minister Tony Blair`s decision to join the US-led operation was based on flawed intelligence.

In 2013, May`s predecessor, David Cameron, lost a vote on launching air strikes against Assad`s forces.

Citing what he described as a "litany of errors" in Britain`s handling of "previous interventions since 2003 and in Syria", Conservative lawmaker John Baron urged May to "address how she will respond in future to any chemical weapons attacks, and parliament`s role in this process".

Despite winning international backing, May, who has weathered questions over her leadership due to Brexit and party scandals, has a precarious position in parliament after losing the Conservatives` majority in an ill-judged election last June.

She now relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party, which has supported the action in Syria, and has tried to dodge votes that might not go her way.

It was not clear whether Labour or other opposition parties would be able to force an alternative emergency debate, or whether the speaker in the House of Commons would grant what one party source called a "meaningful vote".

But in a sign that the government feels under pressure, one lawmaker said on condition of anonymity that the party`s whips, charged with maintaining voting discipline, had made clear that Conservatives should vote with the government.

Defending May`s decision on Syria, one of her ministers said on Monday only the government had access to the necessary intelligence.

"Outsourcing that decision to people who do not have the full picture is, I think, quite wrong," International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt told BBC radio.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism on Monday for bypassing parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy

British Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism on Monday for bypassing parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy. May, who has regained confidence after winning support for her tough stance on Syria and Russia, will make a statement to parliament on her decision to join the United States and France in Saturday's strikes in retaliation for a suspected gas attack. She has also requested a so-called emergency debate, which her spokesman presented as an attempt to soothe tensions and offer parliament three more hours to discuss the action. Critics said it was a way to try to stop any "meaningful vote". "The prime minister has set out very clearly over the weekend her reasons for taking the action... in Syria. Her focus today is on making a statement to parliament, allowing parliament to scrutinise that decision," her spokesman said. She will repeat Saturday's assertion that Britain is "confident in our own assessment that the Syrian regime was highly likely responsible" and that it could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech. She has repeatedly said the strikes were "right and legal". But May will be grilled over why she broke with a convention, which dates back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, to seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly. Much of the criticism will come from opposition lawmakers, but the prime minister may also have to work hard to defend her speed of action to members of her own Conservative Party who had wanted parliament recalled. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement. "She could have recalled parliament last week," Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said on Sunday. "I think what we need in this country is something more robust, like a War Powers Act, so governments do get held to account by parliament for what they do in our name," he told BBC television. Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria. Foreign minister Boris Johnson, in Luxembourg, again said the strikes were not aimed at regime change in Syria, but rather designed to send a message. Fragile Corbyn`s drive for legislation to limit the government`s power to launch future military action could win support in parliament, where some Conservatives have expressed fears that the strikes on Syria could worsen the situation. Many Britons were scarred by the country`s involvement in the Iraq war, especially after an inquiry concluded that then-prime minister Tony Blair`s decision to join the US-led operation was based on flawed intelligence. In 2013, May`s predecessor, David Cameron, lost a vote on launching air strikes against Assad`s forces. Citing what he described as a "litany of errors" in Britain`s handling of "previous interventions since 2003 and in Syria", Conservative lawmaker John Baron urged May to "address how she will respond in future to any chemical weapons attacks, and parliament`s role in this process". Despite winning international backing, May, who has weathered questions over her leadership due to Brexit and party scandals, has a precarious position in parliament after losing the Conservatives` majority in an ill-judged election last June. She now relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party, which has supported the action in Syria, and has tried to dodge votes that might not go her way. It was not clear whether Labour or other opposition parties would be able to force an alternative emergency debate, or whether the speaker in the House of Commons would grant what one party source called a "meaningful vote". But in a sign that the government feels under pressure, one lawmaker said on condition of anonymity that the party`s whips, charged with maintaining voting discipline, had made clear that Conservatives should vote with the government. Defending May`s decision on Syria, one of her ministers said on Monday only the government had access to the necessary intelligence. "Outsourcing that decision to people who do not have the full picture is, I think, quite wrong," International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt told BBC radio.

After Syria strikes, Theresa May to face critical parliament

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union.

May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit.

The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent.

Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy.&nbsp

"With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said.

"Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices."

The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack.

Commonwealth family

Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving.

May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU.&nbsp

"Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting.

"And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones."

May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier.

May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union. May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit. The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent. Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy. "With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said. "Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices." The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack. Commonwealth family Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving. May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU. "Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting. "And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones." May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier. May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May seeks Commonwealth trade boost as final Brexit talks begin

As Narendra Modi lands <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-heads-to-sweden-clean-technologies-skill-development-india-needs-what-nordic-countries-can-teach-it-130739">in Sweden in a few hours</a>, he will be received by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven at the airport as an ''exceptional gesture'', said &nbsp;Monika Mohta Indian ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.

Modi&nbsp;will be reaching Stockholm on Monday&nbsp;evening.&nbsp;PM Modi is on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom.

"An exceptional gesture is being made by Sweden. Swedish Prime Minister will go, for the first time ever, to receive any foreign dignitary at the airport. We are proud of the fact that he will be there to receive our prime minister'', said Monika Mohta.

The Indian ambassador called it a "historic visit" since this would be the&nbsp;first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden after 30 years. India's late&nbsp;PM Rajiv Gandhi&nbsp;visited Sweden in 1988.

Mohta added that a busy schedule has been lined up for the PM. On the agenda will be issues such as innovation and technology.

During the course of this visit, Modi is scheduled to participate in first ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

On Tuesday, Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Stefan Lofven will hold a bilateral summit during which bilateral, regional and global issues are expected to be discussed.

During Modi's visit, an India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to&nbsp;launch&nbsp;first ever India-Nordic Summit, where, apart from Modi and Lofven, the Prime Ministers of the other four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway will also be present.

After attending the summit PM Modi will be meeting CEOs of Sweden and will interact with the Indian community.

Modi will leave for the UK on April 17, where he will hold a bilateral summit with UK prime minister Theresa May.

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'An exceptional gesture is being made by Sweden. Swedish Prime Minister will go, for the first time ever, to receive any foreign dignitary at the airport. We are proud of the fact that he will be there to receive our prime minister', said Monika Mohta

As Narendra Modi lands in Sweden in a few hours, he will be received by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven at the airport as an ''exceptional gesture'', said Monika Mohta Indian ambassador to Sweden and Latvia. Modi will be reaching Stockholm on Monday evening. PM Modi is on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom. "An exceptional gesture is being made by Sweden. Swedish Prime Minister will go, for the first time ever, to receive any foreign dignitary at the airport. We are proud of the fact that he will be there to receive our prime minister'', said Monika Mohta. The Indian ambassador called it a "historic visit" since this would be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden after 30 years. India's late PM Rajiv Gandhi visited Sweden in 1988. Mohta added that a busy schedule has been lined up for the PM. On the agenda will be issues such as innovation and technology. During the course of this visit, Modi is scheduled to participate in first ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London. On Tuesday, Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Stefan Lofven will hold a bilateral summit during which bilateral, regional and global issues are expected to be discussed. During Modi's visit, an India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to launch first ever India-Nordic Summit, where, apart from Modi and Lofven, the Prime Ministers of the other four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway will also be present. After attending the summit PM Modi will be meeting CEOs of Sweden and will interact with the Indian community. Modi will leave for the UK on April 17, where he will hold a bilateral summit with UK prime minister Theresa May.

In a first, Swedish PM Stefan Lofven  to receive Modi at airport

British Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism on Monday for bypassing parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy.

May, who has regained confidence after winning support for her tough stance on Syria and Russia, will make a statement to parliament on her decision to join the United States and France in Saturday's strikes in retaliation for a suspected gas attack.

She will repeat Saturday's assertion that Britain was "confident in our own assessment that the Syrian regime was highly likely responsible" and that it could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech.

But she will be grilled over why she broke with a convention to seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly.

Much of the criticism will come from opposition lawmakers, but the prime minister may also have to work hard to defend her speed of action to members of her own Conservative Party who had wanted parliament recalled.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement.

"She could have recalled parliament last week ... or she could have delayed until tomorrow, when parliament returns," Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said on Sunday.

"I think what we need in this country is something more robust, like a War Powers Act, so governments do get held to account by parliament for what they do in our name," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.

Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but foreign minister Boris Johnson warned President Bashar al-Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again.

Fragile

Corbyn's drive for legislation to limit the government's power to launch future military action may win support in parliament, where some Conservatives have expressed fear of fuelling an escalation in Syria.

Despite winning international backing, May, who has weathered questions over her leadership due to Brexit and party scandals, has a precarious position in parliament after losing the Conservatives' majority in an ill-judged election in June.

She now relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party, which has supported the action in Syria, and has tried to dodge votes that might not go her way.

Her predecessor, David Cameron, lost a vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013, with many in Britain wary of entering another conflict, especially after an inquiry concluded that then-prime minister Tony Blair's decision to join the 2003 U.S.-led war against Iraq was based on flawed intelligence.

It was not clear whether Labour or other opposition parties would be able to force an emergency debate after May's statement, or whether the speaker in the House of Commons would grant what one party source called a "meaningful vote".

But in a sign that the government fears it could lose, one lawmaker said on condition of anonymity that the party's whips, charged with maintaining voting discipline, had made clear that Conservatives should vote with the government.

May will also apply for an emergency debate to give lawmakers "an extended opportunity to discuss the military action", her office said, in what could be an attempt to draw the sting out of any opposition motion for the same.

James Cleverly, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said even if May had recalled parliament, she could not have presented lawmakers with the full range of intelligence because of its sensitivity.

"I think it is absolutely appropriate that the prime minister and the cabinet made this decision," he told Sky News.

"She will be coming to the House of Commons where she will be questioned by members of parliament, scrutinising her role as prime minister, and that is the appropriate relationship between government, on the one hand, and parliament, on the other."

 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism on Monday for bypassing parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy. May, who has regained confidence after winning support for her tough stance on Syria and Russia, will make a statement to parliament on her decision to join the United States and France in Saturday's strikes in retaliation for a suspected gas attack. She will repeat Saturday's assertion that Britain was "confident in our own assessment that the Syrian regime was highly likely responsible" and that it could not wait "to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks", according to excerpts of her speech. But she will be grilled over why she broke with a convention to seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly. Much of the criticism will come from opposition lawmakers, but the prime minister may also have to work hard to defend her speed of action to members of her own Conservative Party who had wanted parliament recalled. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has questioned the legal basis for Britain's involvement. "She could have recalled parliament last week ... or she could have delayed until tomorrow, when parliament returns," Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said on Sunday. "I think what we need in this country is something more robust, like a War Powers Act, so governments do get held to account by parliament for what they do in our name," he told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. Britain has said there are no plans for future strikes against Syria, but foreign minister Boris Johnson warned President Bashar al-Assad that all options would be considered if chemical weapons were used against Syrians again. Fragile Corbyn's drive for legislation to limit the government's power to launch future military action may win support in parliament, where some Conservatives have expressed fear of fuelling an escalation in Syria. Despite winning international backing, May, who has weathered questions over her leadership due to Brexit and party scandals, has a precarious position in parliament after losing the Conservatives' majority in an ill-judged election in June. She now relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party, which has supported the action in Syria, and has tried to dodge votes that might not go her way. Her predecessor, David Cameron, lost a vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013, with many in Britain wary of entering another conflict, especially after an inquiry concluded that then-prime minister Tony Blair's decision to join the 2003 U.S.-led war against Iraq was based on flawed intelligence. It was not clear whether Labour or other opposition parties would be able to force an emergency debate after May's statement, or whether the speaker in the House of Commons would grant what one party source called a "meaningful vote". But in a sign that the government fears it could lose, one lawmaker said on condition of anonymity that the party's whips, charged with maintaining voting discipline, had made clear that Conservatives should vote with the government. May will also apply for an emergency debate to give lawmakers "an extended opportunity to discuss the military action", her office said, in what could be an attempt to draw the sting out of any opposition motion for the same. James Cleverly, deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, said even if May had recalled parliament, she could not have presented lawmakers with the full range of intelligence because of its sensitivity. "I think it is absolutely appropriate that the prime minister and the cabinet made this decision," he told Sky News. "She will be coming to the House of Commons where she will be questioned by members of parliament, scrutinising her role as prime minister, and that is the appropriate relationship between government, on the one hand, and parliament, on the other."

After Syria strikes, UK's Theresa May to face critical parliament

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia.

Lavrov said experts from a laboratory based in the Swiss town of Spiez had analysed a sample of the substance used in the poisoning.

Citing a report from the lab dated March 27, Lavrov said the evidence suggested the nerve agent used could be in the arsenal of the United States and Britain.

Lavrov read out parts of the report that he said showed the substance had traces of the BZ agent.

"This formulation was in the inventory of the United States, Britain and other NATO states," Lavrov said, at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.

The global chemical weapons watchdog concluded on Thursday that the poison that struck down the former Russian spy and his daughter Yulia last month was a highly pure type of Novichok nerve agent, backing Britain's own findings.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack.

Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning.

Lavrov on Saturday said the report from the Swiss lab mentioned no nerve agents by name, such as Novichok, but instead gave a long chemical formula that points to a substance that has been developed by many countries.

"We, as you understand, have abilities to receive confidential information. And as this information concerns questions of life and death, we won’t keep this information secret," Lavrov said.

Lavrov said the Swiss laboratory also identified a high concentration of A-234 agent, known as Novichok. Such a concentration would have quickly resulted in Skripal`s death, Lavrov said.

"Taking into account its (A-234) high volatility, the issue of identification of this poisoning substance in its initial state and in high concentration by specialists at the Spiez (research) centre seems to be very suspicious," Lavrov said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday the nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain could have been the BZ substance - which was never produced in the Soviet Union or Russia. Lavrov said experts from a laboratory based in the Swiss town of Spiez had analysed a sample of the substance used in the poisoning. Citing a report from the lab dated March 27, Lavrov said the evidence suggested the nerve agent used could be in the arsenal of the United States and Britain. Lavrov read out parts of the report that he said showed the substance had traces of the BZ agent. "This formulation was in the inventory of the United States, Britain and other NATO states," Lavrov said, at an assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy. The global chemical weapons watchdog concluded on Thursday that the poison that struck down the former Russian spy and his daughter Yulia last month was a highly pure type of Novichok nerve agent, backing Britain's own findings. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said it is highly likely that Moscow was behind the attack. Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the poisoning. Lavrov on Saturday said the report from the Swiss lab mentioned no nerve agents by name, such as Novichok, but instead gave a long chemical formula that points to a substance that has been developed by many countries. "We, as you understand, have abilities to receive confidential information. And as this information concerns questions of life and death, we won’t keep this information secret," Lavrov said. Lavrov said the Swiss laboratory also identified a high concentration of A-234 agent, known as Novichok. Such a concentration would have quickly resulted in Skripal`s death, Lavrov said. "Taking into account its (A-234) high volatility, the issue of identification of this poisoning substance in its initial state and in high concentration by specialists at the Spiez (research) centre seems to be very suspicious," Lavrov said.

Russia's Lavrov says Skripals may have been poisoned by substance Russia never made

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia.

President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week.

"Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV.

If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt."

The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria.

"This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement.

Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis.

He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month.

While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday.

However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation.

The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention.

Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt.

Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military.

The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet.

Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night.

The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now.

The British say

Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-and-france-hit-syria-with-airstrikes-target-military-chemical-weapons-sites-130352">air-launched cruise missile strikes</a> along with the United States and France.

Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said.

May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago.&nbsp;

May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government.

"This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent.

"We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future."

By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest.

May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday.

However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump".

"Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way."

Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied.

"While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said.

"We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world."

May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week.

"So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said.

The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups.

Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons.

Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.

'Targeted strikes'

Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas.

Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region.

A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action.

Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia. President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week. "Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV. If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt." The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria. "This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement. Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis. He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month. While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday. However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said. Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation. The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention. Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt. Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military. The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet. Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night. The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now. The British say Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering air-launched cruise missile strikes along with the United States and France. Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said. May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago. May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent. "We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future." By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest. May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday. However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump". "Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way." Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied. "While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said. "We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world." May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week. "So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said. The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups. Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons. Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. 'Targeted strikes' Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas. Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike. Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region. A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action. Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Strikes on Syria 'highly successful', says Britain; France says more possible if red line crossed

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Twitter praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government on Saturday as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished".

"A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" Trump said in a Twitter post.

Trump's message echoed the words of a banner that hung behind former President George W. Bush when he gave a speech in 2003 from the USS Abraham Lincoln, during the Iraq War.

That visual dogged Bush's presidency as the war dragged out, with worsening American casualties, for the remainder of his two terms in office.&nbsp;

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'A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!' Trump said on Twitter

US President Donald Trump on Twitter praised Western air strikes against the Syrian government on Saturday as "perfectly executed", and added "Mission Accomplished". "A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" Trump said in a Twitter post. Trump's message echoed the words of a banner that hung behind former President George W. Bush when he gave a speech in 2003 from the USS Abraham Lincoln, during the Iraq War. That visual dogged Bush's presidency as the war dragged out, with worsening American casualties, for the remainder of his two terms in office.

'Mission accomplished', tweets Trump. Says Syria strikes 'perfectly executed'

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said today that British forces had conducted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-and-france-launch-combined-strikes-on-syria-chemical-sites-130326">targeted strikes</a> against Syria.

Theresa May said she had authorised the British forces to conduct precision strikes against Syria to degrade its chemical weapons capability.

The British prime minister clarified that the air strikes were not aimed at intervening in a civil war or about regime change.

"This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in a statement. "It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties."

The strike were conducted with the United States and France.

Here is the full text of Theresa May's statement:

"This evening I have authorised British armed forces to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use.

"We are acting together with our American and French allies. In Douma, last Saturday, a chemical weapons attack killed up to 75 people, including young children, in circumstances of pure horror.

"The fact of this attack should surprise no-one. The Syrian regime has a history of using chemical weapons against its own people in the most cruel and abhorrent way.

"And a significant body of information including intelligence indicates the Syrian regime is responsible for this latest attack.

"This persistent pattern of behaviour must be stopped – not just to protect innocent people in Syria from the horrific deaths and casualties caused by chemical weapons but also because we cannot allow the erosion of the international norm that prevents the use of these weapons.

"We have sought to use every possible diplomatic channel to achieve this.

"But our efforts have been repeatedly thwarted. Even this week the Russians vetoed a Resolution at the UN Security Council which would have established an independent investigation into the Douma attack.

"So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Regime. This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change.

"It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties.

"And while this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian Regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity.

"At this time, my thoughts are with our brave British servicemen and women – and our French and American partners – who are carrying out their duty with the greatest professionalism.

"The speed with which we are acting is essential in co-operating with our partners to alleviate further humanitarian suffering and to maintain the vital security of our operations.

"This is the first time as Prime Minister that I have had to take the decision to commit our armed forces in combat – and it is not a decision I have taken lightly.

"I have done so because I judge this action to be in Britain’s national interest.

"We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world. We would have preferred an alternative path. But on this occasion there is none.

"History teaches us that the international community must defend the global rules and standards that keep us all safe. That is what our country has always done. And what we will continue to do."

&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Theresa May said she had authorised the British forces to conduct precision strikes against Syria to degrade its chemical weapons capability

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said today that British forces had conducted targeted strikes against Syria. Theresa May said she had authorised the British forces to conduct precision strikes against Syria to degrade its chemical weapons capability. The British prime minister clarified that the air strikes were not aimed at intervening in a civil war or about regime change. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in a statement. "It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties." The strike were conducted with the United States and France. Here is the full text of Theresa May's statement: "This evening I have authorised British armed forces to conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use. "We are acting together with our American and French allies. In Douma, last Saturday, a chemical weapons attack killed up to 75 people, including young children, in circumstances of pure horror. "The fact of this attack should surprise no-one. The Syrian regime has a history of using chemical weapons against its own people in the most cruel and abhorrent way. "And a significant body of information including intelligence indicates the Syrian regime is responsible for this latest attack. "This persistent pattern of behaviour must be stopped – not just to protect innocent people in Syria from the horrific deaths and casualties caused by chemical weapons but also because we cannot allow the erosion of the international norm that prevents the use of these weapons. "We have sought to use every possible diplomatic channel to achieve this. "But our efforts have been repeatedly thwarted. Even this week the Russians vetoed a Resolution at the UN Security Council which would have established an independent investigation into the Douma attack. "So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Regime. This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change. "It is about a limited and targeted strike that does not further escalate tensions in the region and that does everything possible to prevent civilian casualties. "And while this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian Regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity. "At this time, my thoughts are with our brave British servicemen and women – and our French and American partners – who are carrying out their duty with the greatest professionalism. "The speed with which we are acting is essential in co-operating with our partners to alleviate further humanitarian suffering and to maintain the vital security of our operations. "This is the first time as Prime Minister that I have had to take the decision to commit our armed forces in combat – and it is not a decision I have taken lightly. "I have done so because I judge this action to be in Britain’s national interest. "We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world. We would have preferred an alternative path. But on this occasion there is none. "History teaches us that the international community must defend the global rules and standards that keep us all safe. That is what our country has always done. And what we will continue to do." (With inputs from Reuters)

Precision strikes not about regime change: Theresa May

Testing by four laboratories affiliated with the global&nbsp;chemical&nbsp;weapons watchdog have confirmed&nbsp;British&nbsp;findings&nbsp;on the nerve agent used in last month's attack on a former Russian double agent in England, a summary of the&nbsp;findings&nbsp;published on Thursday showed.

British&nbsp;Prime Minister Theresa May said on March 12 that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia had been poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group of poisons developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 80s.

Both Yulia,33, and Sergei,66, were allegedly poisoned with nerve gas by Russian agents setting off a diplomatic war between the UK and Russia which led to both countries ejecting diplomats from their country in a tit-for-tat move.

The US and several European Union countries later joined the UK in sending back Russian diplomats as the poisoning row escalated last month.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on March 12 that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia had been poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent

Testing by four laboratories affiliated with the global chemical weapons watchdog have confirmed British findings on the nerve agent used in last month's attack on a former Russian double agent in England, a summary of the findings published on Thursday showed. British Prime Minister Theresa May said on March 12 that Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia had been poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent from the Novichok group of poisons developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 80s. Both Yulia,33, and Sergei,66, were allegedly poisoned with nerve gas by Russian agents setting off a diplomatic war between the UK and Russia which led to both countries ejecting diplomats from their country in a tit-for-tat move. The US and several European Union countries later joined the UK in sending back Russian diplomats as the poisoning row escalated last month.

Ex-Russian spy poisoning: Chemical weapons agency confirms UK findings

The leaders of Britain and the United States vowed Tuesday to end chemical weapon attacks in Syria, drawing a red line ahead of possible military action.

"The president and prime minister agreed not to allow the use of chemical weapons to continue," the White House said in a statement after a call between Donald Trump and Theresa May.

The leaders of Britain and the United States vowed Tuesday to end chemical weapon attacks in Syria, drawing a red line ahead of possible military action

The leaders of Britain and the United States vowed Tuesday to end chemical weapon attacks in Syria, drawing a red line ahead of possible military action. "The president and prime minister agreed not to allow the use of chemical weapons to continue," the White House said in a statement after a call between Donald Trump and Theresa May.

Trump, May will 'not allow' Syria chemical attacks to continue: White House

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his backers "must be held to account" if a suspected poison gas attack on the rebel-held town of Douma is confirmed.

Theresa&nbspMay said that if confirmed, the attack would be another example of the "Assad regime's brutality and brazen disregard for its own people."

"If confirmed this is yet another example of the Assad regime's brutality and brazen disregard for its own people and for its legal obligation not to use these weapons," Theresa May told reporters in Copenhagen following talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.&nbsp

"If they're found to be responsible, the regime and its backers, including Russia, must be held to account," the British PM said.

"The UK utterly condemns the use of chemical weapons in any circumstances and we must urgently establish what happened on Saturday," Theresa May said.

"Poisonous chlorine gas" had been used late Saturday, said Syria's White Helmets who act as first responders in rebel-held areas.

International outrage has mounted against the alleged use of the weapons, with US President Donald Trump and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron vowing strong responses.

Syria and its ally Russia have dismissed as "fabrications" allegations that the attack was carried out by Syrian forces. They have warned against using them to justify military action.

Earlier on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russian specialists had found no trace of a chemical attack on Douma.

The global watchdog working to eradicate chemical weapons, the OPCW, is investigating the reports, its head said on Monday.

(With inputs from AFP)

Theresa May said that if confirmed, the attack would be another example of the 'Assad regime's brutality and brazen disregard for its own people'

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his backers "must be held to account" if a suspected poison gas attack on the rebel-held town of Douma is confirmed. Theresa&nbspMay said that if confirmed, the attack would be another example of the "Assad regime's brutality and brazen disregard for its own people." "If confirmed this is yet another example of the Assad regime's brutality and brazen disregard for its own people and for its legal obligation not to use these weapons," Theresa May told reporters in Copenhagen following talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. "If they're found to be responsible, the regime and its backers, including Russia, must be held to account," the British PM said. "The UK utterly condemns the use of chemical weapons in any circumstances and we must urgently establish what happened on Saturday," Theresa May said. "Poisonous chlorine gas" had been used late Saturday, said Syria's White Helmets who act as first responders in rebel-held areas. International outrage has mounted against the alleged use of the weapons, with US President Donald Trump and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron vowing strong responses. Syria and its ally Russia have dismissed as "fabrications" allegations that the attack was carried out by Syrian forces. They have warned against using them to justify military action. Earlier on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russian specialists had found no trace of a chemical attack on Douma. The global watchdog working to eradicate chemical weapons, the OPCW, is investigating the reports, its head said on Monday. (With inputs from AFP)

Assad, backers 'must be held to account' if chemical attack confirmed: Theresa May

Prime Minister Theresa May promised Britain bright prospects outside the European Union on Thursday as she toured a country still profoundly divided about its future as the countdown to Brexit enters its final 12 months.

Britain is on course to leave the European Union at 2300 GMT on March 29, 2019, severing ties that helped define its national identity, its laws, and its international stature over 46 years of integration with European neighbours.

The people of Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, caused a major global shock in 2016 by voting narrowly to quit the EU after a fevered referendum campaign that sharpened regional divisions, pitted young against old and exposed a deep distrust between voters and the political establishment.

In the 21 months since the referendum, May, who became prime minister in the resulting political chaos, has struggled to unite the country behind a single vision of Brexit.

Voters' disparate views on leaving are entrenched, and few have any certainty about Britain's long-term future.

May will meet voters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on a whirlwind tour designed as a rallying cry for the union between the four nations of the United Kingdom, and to paint a positive post-Brexit vision.

"I am determined that our future will be a bright one," she said ahead of the roughly 800-mile (1,280 km) trip ending in London.

Starting her tour in Scotland, May met workers in a textile factory, focusing on the future benefits she said Brexit could bring for trade.

"I believe that we can negotiate a good agreement which is tariff-free and as frictionless trade as possible, so we maintain those markets in the EU, but also that we open up market around the rest of the world. Brexit provides us with opportunities," she told broadcasters.

The EU maintains that by leaving its single market and customs union, Britain will be making trade more difficult.

EU Council President Donald Tusk has remarked that any trade deal with Britain would be the first in history to loosen economic links rather than strengthen them.

Long way to go

May, 61, has 12 months to plot a successful course through difficult political and economic terrain.

Brexiteers fret that the EU divorce is taking too long and could be reversed. Pro-EU campaigners still push for a less radical exit or a second referendum.

A ComRes opinion poll published on Thursday showed 44 per cent of people thought the government's handling of the negotiations had been "a total shambles". Only 29 per cent were optimistic their households would be better off after Brexit.

Britain's economy has defied pre-referendum predictions of a swift plunge into recession, buoyed in part by stronger global growth. But longer term forecasts show growth grinding lower over the next five years and lagging international rivals.

At home, May only has a small majority in parliament and must find a way to corral her Conservative Party, which is still split over the best Brexit plan, into backing legislation that will prepare Britain for life outside the bloc.

That task has so far swamped her government and its administrative machine, leading to accusations she has taken the eye off the ball on domestic policy and given the socialist-led Labour Party a chance to build support ahead of a 2022 election.

In Brussels, May's ministers have won little in the way of concessions from the EU negotiating team, setting a difficult tone for upcoming talks on long-term trading ties - particularly when it comes to the future of Britain's economic engine: its financial services sector.

But, a transitional deal that effectively keeps Britain inside the EU single market until the end of 2020, agreed in principle last week with Brussels, has calmed anxious businesses and bought May time to work out the details of post-Brexit policy.

Among those challenges will be holding together the United Kingdom, made up of four nations which diverged at the referendum: Wales and England voted to leave the EU, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain.

Scotland and Wales are drawing up contingency plans to protect their own interests in case they cannot reach agreement with May on how powers regained from Brussels are redistributed.

Northern Ireland is into a second year of a political crisis that has left it without a devolved administration, and the future management of its land border with EU-member Ireland is one of the thorniest issues outstanding in talks with Brussels.

Against that backdrop, May's tour is focused on meeting a cross-section of voters to reassure them that she is working to tear down the barriers thrown up by the referendum, and that whether they voted "Leave" or "Remain", they will be better off after Brexit.

"I am determined that as we leave the EU, and in the years ahead, we will strengthen the bonds that unite us, because ours is the world’s most successful union," she said in her statement.

Prime Minister Theresa May promised Britain bright prospects outside the European Union on Thursday as she toured a country still profoundly divided about its future as the countdown to Brexit enters its final 12 months

Prime Minister Theresa May promised Britain bright prospects outside the European Union on Thursday as she toured a country still profoundly divided about its future as the countdown to Brexit enters its final 12 months. Britain is on course to leave the European Union at 2300 GMT on March 29, 2019, severing ties that helped define its national identity, its laws, and its international stature over 46 years of integration with European neighbours. The people of Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, caused a major global shock in 2016 by voting narrowly to quit the EU after a fevered referendum campaign that sharpened regional divisions, pitted young against old and exposed a deep distrust between voters and the political establishment. In the 21 months since the referendum, May, who became prime minister in the resulting political chaos, has struggled to unite the country behind a single vision of Brexit. Voters' disparate views on leaving are entrenched, and few have any certainty about Britain's long-term future. May will meet voters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on a whirlwind tour designed as a rallying cry for the union between the four nations of the United Kingdom, and to paint a positive post-Brexit vision. "I am determined that our future will be a bright one," she said ahead of the roughly 800-mile (1,280 km) trip ending in London. Starting her tour in Scotland, May met workers in a textile factory, focusing on the future benefits she said Brexit could bring for trade. "I believe that we can negotiate a good agreement which is tariff-free and as frictionless trade as possible, so we maintain those markets in the EU, but also that we open up market around the rest of the world. Brexit provides us with opportunities," she told broadcasters. The EU maintains that by leaving its single market and customs union, Britain will be making trade more difficult. EU Council President Donald Tusk has remarked that any trade deal with Britain would be the first in history to loosen economic links rather than strengthen them. Long way to go May, 61, has 12 months to plot a successful course through difficult political and economic terrain. Brexiteers fret that the EU divorce is taking too long and could be reversed. Pro-EU campaigners still push for a less radical exit or a second referendum. A ComRes opinion poll published on Thursday showed 44 per cent of people thought the government's handling of the negotiations had been "a total shambles". Only 29 per cent were optimistic their households would be better off after Brexit. Britain's economy has defied pre-referendum predictions of a swift plunge into recession, buoyed in part by stronger global growth. But longer term forecasts show growth grinding lower over the next five years and lagging international rivals. At home, May only has a small majority in parliament and must find a way to corral her Conservative Party, which is still split over the best Brexit plan, into backing legislation that will prepare Britain for life outside the bloc. That task has so far swamped her government and its administrative machine, leading to accusations she has taken the eye off the ball on domestic policy and given the socialist-led Labour Party a chance to build support ahead of a 2022 election. In Brussels, May's ministers have won little in the way of concessions from the EU negotiating team, setting a difficult tone for upcoming talks on long-term trading ties - particularly when it comes to the future of Britain's economic engine: its financial services sector. But, a transitional deal that effectively keeps Britain inside the EU single market until the end of 2020, agreed in principle last week with Brussels, has calmed anxious businesses and bought May time to work out the details of post-Brexit policy. Among those challenges will be holding together the United Kingdom, made up of four nations which diverged at the referendum: Wales and England voted to leave the EU, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. Scotland and Wales are drawing up contingency plans to protect their own interests in case they cannot reach agreement with May on how powers regained from Brussels are redistributed. Northern Ireland is into a second year of a political crisis that has left it without a devolved administration, and the future management of its land border with EU-member Ireland is one of the thorniest issues outstanding in talks with Brussels. Against that backdrop, May's tour is focused on meeting a cross-section of voters to reassure them that she is working to tear down the barriers thrown up by the referendum, and that whether they voted "Leave" or "Remain", they will be better off after Brexit. "I am determined that as we leave the EU, and in the years ahead, we will strengthen the bonds that unite us, because ours is the world’s most successful union," she said in her statement.

The future is bright, vows PM May on tour of Brexit-divided country

British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for a "long-term response" by the West to the security threat from Russia as NATO followed member states in expelling Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a double agent in England.

In the most sweeping such action against Moscow since the height of the Cold War, the United States and European Union members plan to expel scores of Russian diplomats in action against the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter which they have blamed on Russia.

Russia, which denies any part in the March 4 attack on the Skripals, says the West's action is a "provocative gesture" and has said it will respond.

The coordinated action among Western allies is seen as a huge diplomatic coup for May whose country is preparing to exit the EU bloc and may have had doubts about how much support she could count on.

Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognised the threat it posed.

"Yesterday was a significant moment in our response to this reckless act of aggression, but there is still more to be done as we work with international partners on a long-term response to the challenge posed by Russia," her spokesman reported May as saying.

The U.S.-led NATO alliance followed suit announcing on Tuesday it was expelling seven diplomats from Russia's mission at alliance headquarters in Brussels and blocking the appointment of three others, thus cutting the size of the mission to 20 people from 30.

"It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

EU member Ireland and Moldova on Tuesday joined the list of those countries expelling Russian diplomats over the Skripal poisoning.

The list includes 22 European countries including Britain itself which led the way by expelling 23 diplomats.

In the toughest action that President Donald Trump has taken against Russia since coming to office, the United States has said it will expel 60 Russians, including 12 intelligence officers from Russia's mission to the U.N. headquarters in New York.

It is also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hailed the diplomatic expulsions as a statement to those who doubted the unity of NATO.

"Russia has the potential to be a partner with Europe ... (but) I think right now we have to recognize that they have chosen to seek a different relationship with the NATO nations," he told reporters.

In Prague, Paul Ryan, the Republican U.S. House Speaker, on Tuesday commended unity shown over the affair. "It is important that we work in solidarity with each other, free people in democracies to stop Russia and condemn Russia for this kind of belligerent activity," Ryan said.

Russia has not disclosed yet what retaliatory steps it will take. President Vladimir Putin was on Tuesday in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at the scene of a shopping mall fire which claimed many lives. He made no comment on the Skripal affair.

Skripal's poisoning, which Britain says was caused by use of the Soviet-era military-grade nerve agent Novichok, is the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two.

The attack on the 66-year-old Skripal and Yulia Skripal, his 33-year-old daughter, took place in the English cathedral city of Salisbury where he had been living since being swapped in a spy exchange deal in 2010.

They were found on March 4 unconscious on a public bench in the city and a British court says they may have suffered permanent brain damage in the attack.

The Kremlin has accused Britain of whipping up an anti-Russia campaign and sought to cast doubt on the British analysis that Moscow was responsible.

Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognised the threat it posed

British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for a "long-term response" by the West to the security threat from Russia as NATO followed member states in expelling Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a double agent in England. In the most sweeping such action against Moscow since the height of the Cold War, the United States and European Union members plan to expel scores of Russian diplomats in action against the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter which they have blamed on Russia. Russia, which denies any part in the March 4 attack on the Skripals, says the West's action is a "provocative gesture" and has said it will respond. The coordinated action among Western allies is seen as a huge diplomatic coup for May whose country is preparing to exit the EU bloc and may have had doubts about how much support she could count on. Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognised the threat it posed. "Yesterday was a significant moment in our response to this reckless act of aggression, but there is still more to be done as we work with international partners on a long-term response to the challenge posed by Russia," her spokesman reported May as saying. The U.S.-led NATO alliance followed suit announcing on Tuesday it was expelling seven diplomats from Russia's mission at alliance headquarters in Brussels and blocking the appointment of three others, thus cutting the size of the mission to 20 people from 30. "It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. EU member Ireland and Moldova on Tuesday joined the list of those countries expelling Russian diplomats over the Skripal poisoning. The list includes 22 European countries including Britain itself which led the way by expelling 23 diplomats. In the toughest action that President Donald Trump has taken against Russia since coming to office, the United States has said it will expel 60 Russians, including 12 intelligence officers from Russia's mission to the U.N. headquarters in New York. It is also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle. In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hailed the diplomatic expulsions as a statement to those who doubted the unity of NATO. "Russia has the potential to be a partner with Europe ... (but) I think right now we have to recognize that they have chosen to seek a different relationship with the NATO nations," he told reporters. In Prague, Paul Ryan, the Republican U.S. House Speaker, on Tuesday commended unity shown over the affair. "It is important that we work in solidarity with each other, free people in democracies to stop Russia and condemn Russia for this kind of belligerent activity," Ryan said. Russia has not disclosed yet what retaliatory steps it will take. President Vladimir Putin was on Tuesday in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at the scene of a shopping mall fire which claimed many lives. He made no comment on the Skripal affair. Skripal's poisoning, which Britain says was caused by use of the Soviet-era military-grade nerve agent Novichok, is the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two. The attack on the 66-year-old Skripal and Yulia Skripal, his 33-year-old daughter, took place in the English cathedral city of Salisbury where he had been living since being swapped in a spy exchange deal in 2010. They were found on March 4 unconscious on a public bench in the city and a British court says they may have suffered permanent brain damage in the attack. The Kremlin has accused Britain of whipping up an anti-Russia campaign and sought to cast doubt on the British analysis that Moscow was responsible.

Theresa May calls for 'long-term response' to Russia after spy poisoning

By&nbspJennifer Mathers*

Vladimir Putin has won re-election by an even greater margin than expected. But he begins his fourth term as president facing antagonism from numerous world leaders over a nerve agent attack in the UK that has hospitalised a former Russian spy and his daughter.

The British prime minister, Theresa May, has made it clear that she thinks Russia is responsible for poisoning former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury. She has received formal backing from France, Germany and the US.

She described the attack as just one in a long line of audacious foreign policy moves authorised by Moscow since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012. These actions include the annexation of Crimea, military intervention in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, cyber attacks and the interference in elections in the United States and Europe.

But while Russian foreign policy may give the impression of recklessness and unpredictability, Moscow’s words and actions are not the results of random aggression. They fall into distinct patterns. Understanding those patterns can help us interpret and perhaps anticipate Russia’s next moves on the world stage as Putin embarks on his fourth term as president.

Much of what we see in Russian foreign policy has a lot in common with a collection of theoretical approaches in the discipline of international relations known as “realism”. Russia’s political leaders tend to treat foreign policy as a zero-sum game, where one state can only make gains if others lose. Their assessment of Russia’s place in the world is shaped by very traditional ideas about what makes a state strong, powerful and respected. Possessing a large and well-armed military is high on the list.

While Russia also deploys more conventional tools of foreign policy, such as diplomacy and trade, it relies – heavily at times – on a wide range of covert instruments, especially those wielded by its intelligence and security services. Notions of ethics are not absent from the calculations of Russia’s political leaders – but they regard their ethical responsibility as protecting the interests of their own country, rather than following some abstract, philosophical rules for state behaviour.

Russia regards these general principles of foreign policy as universally applicable. In other words, Putin and other senior Russian policymakers expect all states to behave as Russia does. Any claims by other states’ governments that they have very different motives for their foreign policy actions – such as protecting human rights and supporting the development of democracy – are regarded by Moscow as no more than a public relations exercise. This attitude helps to explain why Russian officials feel free to exercise very implausible deniability when it comes to Russia’s actions. We saw an example of this in the spring of 2014, when Putin first denied and then admitted that the “little green men” deployed to Crimea were, in fact, Russian military personnel.

Use of force 
Each situation is different, and Russia’s policymakers calculate the relative strengths and limitations when choosing the instruments to use to advance Moscow’s foreign policy goals. This means that the use of outright military force is only employed where Moscow judges the odds to be strongly in Russia’s favour. Other, less confrontational but perhaps equally effective tools are used where the odds are not thought to be so good.

We can see how this works in practice if we compare the different ways that Russia has behaved in Ukraine. Deploying soldiers to Crimea in 2014 was relatively low risk. Ukraine’s government and armed forces were in disarray and there was a high level of support among the local civilian population for Russia. That said, Moscow still took the precaution of initially disguising its troops in case things went badly wrong.&nbsp

The risks were higher in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, but they were managed in several ways. Military intervention was preceded by a propaganda campaign that exploited existing local concerns about the intentions of the new Ukranian government, especially towards Russian speakers. The actual fighting has been done partly by proxies (local separatists, supplied and directed by Moscow). The participation of Russian soldiers has been presented as the actions of individual volunteers.

In both Crimea and the Donbas, Moscow could be confident that it would not face a direct military confrontation with superior forces. Russia’s calculations are very different when it comes to dealing with NATO members. Russia may base military exercises on fighting NATO forces, but in real life, this is out of the question except as a last resort. Propaganda, social media trolling and cyber attacks are much less risky methods of weakening a potential opponent.

The danger is that Moscow will underestimate the cumulative effects of its actions short of using military force. With each new provocative act, international tensions rise and so do the chances of a confrontation that cannot easily be denied or refused.

Russia may regard the attack on the Skripals as an isolated incident – as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray the motherland. But there are increasing calls for Britain and other Western countries to take more decisive action against Moscow than expelling some diplomats and keeping the royal family away from the World Cup. If the West really is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make Putin’s next six years as president a lot less comfortable.&nbsp

&nbsp

*Jennifer Mathers has a background in the study of Russian politics, history international politics at Aberystwyth University

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Russia may regard the attack on Skripals as an isolated incident, as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray motherland. But if West is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make President Putin’s next six years less comfortable

By&nbspJennifer Mathers* Vladimir Putin has won re-election by an even greater margin than expected. But he begins his fourth term as president facing antagonism from numerous world leaders over a nerve agent attack in the UK that has hospitalised a former Russian spy and his daughter. The British prime minister, Theresa May, has made it clear that she thinks Russia is responsible for poisoning former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury. She has received formal backing from France, Germany and the US. She described the attack as just one in a long line of audacious foreign policy moves authorised by Moscow since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012. These actions include the annexation of Crimea, military intervention in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, cyber attacks and the interference in elections in the United States and Europe. But while Russian foreign policy may give the impression of recklessness and unpredictability, Moscow’s words and actions are not the results of random aggression. They fall into distinct patterns. Understanding those patterns can help us interpret and perhaps anticipate Russia’s next moves on the world stage as Putin embarks on his fourth term as president. Much of what we see in Russian foreign policy has a lot in common with a collection of theoretical approaches in the discipline of international relations known as “realism”. Russia’s political leaders tend to treat foreign policy as a zero-sum game, where one state can only make gains if others lose. Their assessment of Russia’s place in the world is shaped by very traditional ideas about what makes a state strong, powerful and respected. Possessing a large and well-armed military is high on the list. While Russia also deploys more conventional tools of foreign policy, such as diplomacy and trade, it relies – heavily at times – on a wide range of covert instruments, especially those wielded by its intelligence and security services. Notions of ethics are not absent from the calculations of Russia’s political leaders – but they regard their ethical responsibility as protecting the interests of their own country, rather than following some abstract, philosophical rules for state behaviour. Russia regards these general principles of foreign policy as universally applicable. In other words, Putin and other senior Russian policymakers expect all states to behave as Russia does. Any claims by other states’ governments that they have very different motives for their foreign policy actions – such as protecting human rights and supporting the development of democracy – are regarded by Moscow as no more than a public relations exercise. This attitude helps to explain why Russian officials feel free to exercise very implausible deniability when it comes to Russia’s actions. We saw an example of this in the spring of 2014, when Putin first denied and then admitted that the “little green men” deployed to Crimea were, in fact, Russian military personnel. Use of force Each situation is different, and Russia’s policymakers calculate the relative strengths and limitations when choosing the instruments to use to advance Moscow’s foreign policy goals. This means that the use of outright military force is only employed where Moscow judges the odds to be strongly in Russia’s favour. Other, less confrontational but perhaps equally effective tools are used where the odds are not thought to be so good. We can see how this works in practice if we compare the different ways that Russia has behaved in Ukraine. Deploying soldiers to Crimea in 2014 was relatively low risk. Ukraine’s government and armed forces were in disarray and there was a high level of support among the local civilian population for Russia. That said, Moscow still took the precaution of initially disguising its troops in case things went badly wrong. The risks were higher in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, but they were managed in several ways. Military intervention was preceded by a propaganda campaign that exploited existing local concerns about the intentions of the new Ukranian government, especially towards Russian speakers. The actual fighting has been done partly by proxies (local separatists, supplied and directed by Moscow). The participation of Russian soldiers has been presented as the actions of individual volunteers. In both Crimea and the Donbas, Moscow could be confident that it would not face a direct military confrontation with superior forces. Russia’s calculations are very different when it comes to dealing with NATO members. Russia may base military exercises on fighting NATO forces, but in real life, this is out of the question except as a last resort. Propaganda, social media trolling and cyber attacks are much less risky methods of weakening a potential opponent. The danger is that Moscow will underestimate the cumulative effects of its actions short of using military force. With each new provocative act, international tensions rise and so do the chances of a confrontation that cannot easily be denied or refused. Russia may regard the attack on the Skripals as an isolated incident – as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray the motherland. But there are increasing calls for Britain and other Western countries to take more decisive action against Moscow than expelling some diplomats and keeping the royal family away from the World Cup. If the West really is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make Putin’s next six years as president a lot less comfortable. *Jennifer Mathers has a background in the study of Russian politics, history international politics at Aberystwyth University (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How to understand Putin's view of the world

By&nbsp;Jennifer Mathers*

Vladimir Putin has won re-election by an even greater margin than expected. But he begins his fourth term as president facing antagonism from numerous world leaders over a nerve agent attack in the UK that has hospitalised a former Russian spy and his daughter.

The British prime minister, Theresa May, has made it clear that she thinks Russia is responsible for poisoning former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury. She has received formal backing from France, Germany and the US.

She described the attack as just one in a long line of audacious foreign policy moves authorised by Moscow since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012. These actions include the annexation of Crimea, military intervention in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, cyber attacks and the interference in elections in the United States and Europe.

But while Russian foreign policy may give the impression of recklessness and unpredictability, Moscow&rsquo;s words and actions are not the results of random aggression. They fall into distinct patterns. Understanding those patterns can help us interpret and perhaps anticipate Russia&rsquo;s next moves on the world stage as Putin embarks on his fourth term as president.

Much of what we see in Russian foreign policy has a lot in common with a collection of theoretical approaches in the discipline of international relations known as &ldquo;realism&rdquo;. Russia&rsquo;s political leaders tend to treat foreign policy as a zero-sum game, where one state can only make gains if others lose. Their assessment of Russia&rsquo;s place in the world is shaped by very traditional ideas about what makes a state strong, powerful and respected. Possessing a large and well-armed military is high on the list.

While Russia also deploys more conventional tools of foreign policy, such as diplomacy and trade, it relies &ndash; heavily at times &ndash; on a wide range of covert instruments, especially those wielded by its intelligence and security services. Notions of ethics are not absent from the calculations of Russia&rsquo;s political leaders &ndash; but they regard their ethical responsibility as protecting the interests of their own country, rather than following some abstract, philosophical rules for state behaviour.

Russia regards these general principles of foreign policy as universally applicable. In other words, Putin and other senior Russian policymakers expect all states to behave as Russia does. Any claims by other states&rsquo; governments that they have very different motives for their foreign policy actions &ndash; such as protecting human rights and supporting the development of democracy &ndash; are regarded by Moscow as no more than a public relations exercise. This attitude helps to explain why Russian officials feel free to exercise very implausible deniability when it comes to Russia&rsquo;s actions. We saw an example of this in the spring of 2014, when Putin first denied and then admitted that the &ldquo;little green men&rdquo; deployed to Crimea were, in fact, Russian military personnel.

Use of force 
Each situation is different, and Russia&rsquo;s policymakers calculate the relative strengths and limitations when choosing the instruments to use to advance Moscow&rsquo;s foreign policy goals. This means that the use of outright military force is only employed where Moscow judges the odds to be strongly in Russia&rsquo;s favour. Other, less confrontational but perhaps equally effective tools are used where the odds are not thought to be so good.

We can see how this works in practice if we compare the different ways that Russia has behaved in Ukraine. Deploying soldiers to Crimea in 2014 was relatively low risk. Ukraine&rsquo;s government and armed forces were in disarray and there was a high level of support among the local civilian population for Russia. That said, Moscow still took the precaution of initially disguising its troops in case things went badly wrong.&nbsp;

The risks were higher in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, but they were managed in several ways. Military intervention was preceded by a propaganda campaign that exploited existing local concerns about the intentions of the new Ukranian government, especially towards Russian speakers. The actual fighting has been done partly by proxies (local separatists, supplied and directed by Moscow). The participation of Russian soldiers has been presented as the actions of individual volunteers.

In both Crimea and the Donbas, Moscow could be confident that it would not face a direct military confrontation with superior forces. Russia&rsquo;s calculations are very different when it comes to dealing with NATO members. Russia may base military exercises on fighting NATO forces, but in real life this is out of the question except as a last resort. Propaganda, social media trolling and cyber attacks are much less risky methods of weakening a potential opponent.

The danger is that Moscow will underestimate the cumulative effects of its actions short of using military force. With each new provocative act, international tensions rise and so do the chances of a confrontation that cannot easily be denied or defused.

Russia may regard the attack on the Skripals as an isolated incident &ndash; as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray the motherland. But there are increasing calls for Britain and other Western countries to take more decisive action against Moscow than expelling some diplomats and keeping the royal family away from the World Cup. If the West really is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make Putin&rsquo;s next six years as president a lot less comfortable.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

*Jennifer Mathers has a background in the study of Russian politics, history international politics at Aberystwyth University

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Russia may regard the attack on Skripals as an isolated incident, as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray motherland. But if West is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make President Putin’s next six years less comfortable.

By Jennifer Mathers* Vladimir Putin has won re-election by an even greater margin than expected. But he begins his fourth term as president facing antagonism from numerous world leaders over a nerve agent attack in the UK that has hospitalised a former Russian spy and his daughter. The British prime minister, Theresa May, has made it clear that she thinks Russia is responsible for poisoning former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury. She has received formal backing from France, Germany and the US. She described the attack as just one in a long line of audacious foreign policy moves authorised by Moscow since Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012. These actions include the annexation of Crimea, military intervention in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, cyber attacks and the interference in elections in the United States and Europe. But while Russian foreign policy may give the impression of recklessness and unpredictability, Moscow’s words and actions are not the results of random aggression. They fall into distinct patterns. Understanding those patterns can help us interpret and perhaps anticipate Russia’s next moves on the world stage as Putin embarks on his fourth term as president. Much of what we see in Russian foreign policy has a lot in common with a collection of theoretical approaches in the discipline of international relations known as “realism”. Russia’s political leaders tend to treat foreign policy as a zero-sum game, where one state can only make gains if others lose. Their assessment of Russia’s place in the world is shaped by very traditional ideas about what makes a state strong, powerful and respected. Possessing a large and well-armed military is high on the list. While Russia also deploys more conventional tools of foreign policy, such as diplomacy and trade, it relies – heavily at times – on a wide range of covert instruments, especially those wielded by its intelligence and security services. Notions of ethics are not absent from the calculations of Russia’s political leaders – but they regard their ethical responsibility as protecting the interests of their own country, rather than following some abstract, philosophical rules for state behaviour. Russia regards these general principles of foreign policy as universally applicable. In other words, Putin and other senior Russian policymakers expect all states to behave as Russia does. Any claims by other states’ governments that they have very different motives for their foreign policy actions – such as protecting human rights and supporting the development of democracy – are regarded by Moscow as no more than a public relations exercise. This attitude helps to explain why Russian officials feel free to exercise very implausible deniability when it comes to Russia’s actions. We saw an example of this in the spring of 2014, when Putin first denied and then admitted that the “little green men” deployed to Crimea were, in fact, Russian military personnel. Use of force Each situation is different, and Russia’s policymakers calculate the relative strengths and limitations when choosing the instruments to use to advance Moscow’s foreign policy goals. This means that the use of outright military force is only employed where Moscow judges the odds to be strongly in Russia’s favour. Other, less confrontational but perhaps equally effective tools are used where the odds are not thought to be so good. We can see how this works in practice if we compare the different ways that Russia has behaved in Ukraine. Deploying soldiers to Crimea in 2014 was relatively low risk. Ukraine’s government and armed forces were in disarray and there was a high level of support among the local civilian population for Russia. That said, Moscow still took the precaution of initially disguising its troops in case things went badly wrong. The risks were higher in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, but they were managed in several ways. Military intervention was preceded by a propaganda campaign that exploited existing local concerns about the intentions of the new Ukranian government, especially towards Russian speakers. The actual fighting has been done partly by proxies (local separatists, supplied and directed by Moscow). The participation of Russian soldiers has been presented as the actions of individual volunteers. In both Crimea and the Donbas, Moscow could be confident that it would not face a direct military confrontation with superior forces. Russia’s calculations are very different when it comes to dealing with NATO members. Russia may base military exercises on fighting NATO forces, but in real life this is out of the question except as a last resort. Propaganda, social media trolling and cyber attacks are much less risky methods of weakening a potential opponent. The danger is that Moscow will underestimate the cumulative effects of its actions short of using military force. With each new provocative act, international tensions rise and so do the chances of a confrontation that cannot easily be denied or defused. Russia may regard the attack on the Skripals as an isolated incident – as retribution to a traitor and a warning to others who might be tempted to betray the motherland. But there are increasing calls for Britain and other Western countries to take more decisive action against Moscow than expelling some diplomats and keeping the royal family away from the World Cup. If the West really is coming to the end of its patience with Russia, it could make Putin’s next six years as president a lot less comfortable. *Jennifer Mathers has a background in the study of Russian politics, history international politics at Aberystwyth University (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

International chemical weapons experts were due to arrive in Britain Monday to collect samples of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy as London accused Moscow of stockpiling the toxin used in the attack.

The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4 has triggered a crisis with Britain and Russia expelling diplomats in tit-for-tat measures.

London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left the Skripals in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent.

Technical experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will visit Britain on Monday to collect samples of the toxin, which London says is a Soviet-designed military grade nerve agent called Novichok.

&quot;These will then be despatched to highly-reputable international laboratories selected by the OPCW for testing with results expected to take a minimum of two weeks,&quot; Britain&#39;s Foreign Office said in a statement.

President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations Russia was behind the attack.

&quot;It&#39;s complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup,&quot; Putin told supporters Sunday after winning a fourth term as president.

&quot;We have destroyed all chemical weapons,&quot; he said, adding that Russia was ready to take part in the investigation.

Putin&#39;s comments came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused Russia of stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack.

&quot;We actually have evidence within the last 10 years that Russia has not only been investigating the delivery of nerve agents for the purposes of assassination, but has also been creating and stockpiling Novichok,&quot; Johnson told the BBC&#39;s Andrew Marr Show.

&#39;Sarcasm and denial&#39; 
Johnson said Britain would target wealth linked to the Kremlin in response to the poisoning of the former Russian double agent.

&quot;Where people have obtained wealth by corruption and where we can see a link with the Kremlin, with Vladimir Putin, it may be possible to have unexplained wealth orders and other sanctions on those individuals,&quot; he said.

Johnson said the government was considering something similar to the US &quot;Magnitsky Act&quot; which was adopted in 2012 to punish Russian officials accused of human rights violations.

The act imposed a visa ban and froze the assets of Russian officials implicated in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a tax fraud whistleblower who died in Russian custody in 2009.

Johnson accused the Russians of &quot;smug sarcasm and denial&quot; in response to the accusations, and said the international community was behind Britain.

Moscow&#39;s &quot;malign, disruptive behaviour&quot; internationally was the reason why allies were &quot;inclined not to give Russia the benefit of the doubt,&quot; he added.

Johnson is expected to brief his EU counterparts on the case at a meeting of foreign ministers and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday.

Russia&#39;s ambassador to the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, has also insisted Moscow &quot;had nothing to do&quot; with the attack and appeared to suggest that Britain itself may have been the source of the chemical agent.&nbsp;

&quot;When you have a nerve agent, you check it against certain samples you have in your laboratories,&quot; he said Saturday.

&quot;And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the UK that has been dealing with chemical weapons research -- and it&#39;s actually only eight miles from Salisbury.&quot;

Johnson called the accusation &quot;satirical&quot;, adding it was &quot;not the response of a country that really believes itself it to be innocent.&quot;

London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yuliya in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent

International chemical weapons experts were due to arrive in Britain Monday to collect samples of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy as London accused Moscow of stockpiling the toxin used in the attack. The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4 has triggered a crisis with Britain and Russia expelling diplomats in tit-for-tat measures. London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack which left the Skripals in critical condition after exposure to a nerve agent. Technical experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will visit Britain on Monday to collect samples of the toxin, which London says is a Soviet-designed military grade nerve agent called Novichok. "These will then be despatched to highly-reputable international laboratories selected by the OPCW for testing with results expected to take a minimum of two weeks," Britain's Foreign Office said in a statement. President Vladimir Putin has rejected allegations Russia was behind the attack. "It's complete drivel, rubbish, nonsense that somebody in Russia would allow themselves to do such a thing ahead of elections and the World Cup," Putin told supporters Sunday after winning a fourth term as president. "We have destroyed all chemical weapons," he said, adding that Russia was ready to take part in the investigation. Putin's comments came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson accused Russia of stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack. "We actually have evidence within the last 10 years that Russia has not only been investigating the delivery of nerve agents for the purposes of assassination, but has also been creating and stockpiling Novichok," Johnson told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. 'Sarcasm and denial' Johnson said Britain would target wealth linked to the Kremlin in response to the poisoning of the former Russian double agent. "Where people have obtained wealth by corruption and where we can see a link with the Kremlin, with Vladimir Putin, it may be possible to have unexplained wealth orders and other sanctions on those individuals," he said. Johnson said the government was considering something similar to the US "Magnitsky Act" which was adopted in 2012 to punish Russian officials accused of human rights violations. The act imposed a visa ban and froze the assets of Russian officials implicated in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, a tax fraud whistleblower who died in Russian custody in 2009. Johnson accused the Russians of "smug sarcasm and denial" in response to the accusations, and said the international community was behind Britain. Moscow's "malign, disruptive behaviour" internationally was the reason why allies were "inclined not to give Russia the benefit of the doubt," he added. Johnson is expected to brief his EU counterparts on the case at a meeting of foreign ministers and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday. Russia's ambassador to the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, has also insisted Moscow "had nothing to do" with the attack and appeared to suggest that Britain itself may have been the source of the chemical agent. "When you have a nerve agent, you check it against certain samples you have in your laboratories," he said Saturday. "And Porton Down, as we now all know, is the largest military facility in the UK that has been dealing with chemical weapons research -- and it's actually only eight miles from Salisbury." Johnson called the accusation "satirical", adding it was "not the response of a country that really believes itself it to be innocent."

Chemical weapons experts head to Britain in Russia spy case

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