Britain's next Prime Minister will be announced on Tuesday 23 July. Johnson vs Hunt in a battle to replace Theresa May. Watch the full video to know more.

Johnson vs Hunt: Who will be the next UK Prime Minister?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Boris Johnson</a> is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dancing-queen-theresa-may-boogies-to-abba-in-final-days-as-british-pm-236201">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> on Wednesday.

The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> when the result is announced on Tuesday.

Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory.

While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf.

The threat to the majority&nbsp;

The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-remains-divided-on-brexit-options-207308">House of Commons</a> and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal.

Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson.

Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal.

Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister.

He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation".&nbsp;

The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority.

'Right side of history'&nbsp;

Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office.

The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament.

"I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP.

Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling."

Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised."

'Good relationship': Trump&nbsp;

Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday.

"He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday.

Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster".&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader.

May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state.

The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration.

May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor.

She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England.

"It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper.

The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

"I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May.

The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament.

Boris Johnson is expected to become Britain's next prime minister this week, vowing to deliver Brexit on October 31 come what may, in the face of fierce opposition in parliament. The former London mayor is the runaway favourite to win the governing Conservative Party's leadership contest and replace Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The postal ballot of 160,000 grassroots party members is expected to return Johnson, 55, as the new Conservative leader over Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt when the result is announced on Tuesday. Any remaining ballots must be delivered by the Monday 5:00pm (1600 GMT) deadline. Bookmakers give Hunt around a one in 15 chance of victory. While Johnson spent a relatively trouble-free Saturday, Hunt, his successor in the Foreign Office, was dealing with Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf. The threat to the majority The centre-right Conservatives command a razor-thin majority in parliament's lower House of Commons and Johnson's opponents both within and outside the party are keen to scupper his leadership. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a divorce deal. Opponents of Brexit, and especially of a no-deal departure, are plotting moves against Johnson. Some Conservatives have hinted they are prepared to bring down their own government rather than accept leaving the EU without a deal. Justice Secretary David Gauke said he would quit the government if Johnson became prime minister. He told The Sunday Times newspaper that a no-deal Brexit would trigger national "humiliation". The broadsheet reported that up to six europhile Conservative MPs were considering defecting to the centrist, pro-EU Liberal Democrats should Johnson win leaving him without a Commons majority. 'Right side of history' Pro-EU protesters rallied in central London on Saturday in anticipation of Johnson taking office. The "No to Boris, yes to Europe" protest saw a giant balloon of Johnson inspired by the similar blimp of US President Donald Trump flying outside parliament. "I want to be on the right side of history. I think anybody who considers Brexit to be a good solution, really hasn't considered the facts," demonstrator Tamara Bishop told AFP. Claire Payton said of Johnson: "He's going to be appalling." Michael Fowler, wearing an EU-flag beret, added: "He is a chancer that will say anything, promise anything and then do whatever suits him. Which might be completely the opposite to what he's promised." 'Good relationship': Trump Trump said he spoke to Johnson on Thursday. "He is going to do a great job," the president said Friday. Trump renewed his criticism of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" with Brexit and predicted that Johnson would fix the "disaster". "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. After a month-long campaign, the winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday as the new Conservative Party leader. May will answer questions in parliament as prime minister for the final time on Wednesday before heading to Buckingham Palace to tender her resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state. The sovereign will then invite the new Conservative leader to form an administration. May, who took office following the seismic 2016 Brexit referendum, has vowed to be "absolutely" loyal to her successor. She will remain in parliament as the MP for her Maidenhead constituency in southern England. "It is important that we have a Conservative government, particularly given the nature of the opposition we have," she told the Daily Express newspaper. The Labour main opposition is riven with in-fighting over Brexit, anti-Semitism and veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. "I will be doing everything I can to make sure that we have a Conservative government," said May. The 62-year-old added that initially she would "take some time off, have a holiday and adjust to the new world".

Boris Johnson bracing to become Britain's Brexit Prime Minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-doubt-about-it-we-shot-it-down-says-trump-on-iranian-drone-237194">US President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday."

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job"&nbsp;of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster."&nbsp;

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted.

Watch:&nbsp;Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's next prime minister, would do a "great job" in the post after the pair had a telephone conversation. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "I spoke to him yesterday." "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." Trump renewed his long-standing criticisms of May, saying she had done "a very poor job" of taking Britain out of the EU and predicting that Brexit hardliner Johnson would fix the "disaster." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Earlier this month, Trump lashed out at May following the leak of diplomatic cables from Britain's ambassador to Washington describing the US leader as "inept," and voiced thanks that her premiership would soon be over. "What a mess she and her representatives have created. I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way," he tweeted. Watch: Hunt in final days of battle with Johnson to become UK Johnson is tipped to replace Theresa May as prime minister next week, when the results of a postal ballot by the governing Conservative Party are revealed.

Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM: Donald Trump

By Simon Usherwood

We’re talking a lot about Brexit in Britain. Whether it’s our hopes or – more likely – our frustrations, it’s the subject that we never quite seem to escape from.

But take a step back and think what those conversations focus on: outcomes. I’m guessing many people have a pretty good idea of what their family, friends and colleagues would like the end point of this process to be. It’s no coincidence that more people identify as Leavers or Remainers than as members of political parties.

Probably much less clear is how the potential outcomes – leaving the EU without a deal, leaving with a deal or remaining – are going to come about. The referendum was an exercise in ends, not means.

The two campaigns fought for votes with sweeping promises, but no fixed single plan. The vote wasn’t like a general election, where the winners have to take office and make good on their manifesto. Instead, the incentive was for campaigners to say whatever would get people to send votes their way, and if they won then they’d decide what that meant.

That’s why most of the second half of 2016 was spent with politicians arguing that they knew what the people wanted from Brexit.

Making It Up As We Go

The referendum also failed to produce any consensus about what happened next: it was a decision that lacked a rationale and a roadmap. It’s one thing to say we want to take back control, but quite another to translate that into a practical course of action. And so we’ve had to make it up as we go along.

Of course, all politics is like this. The vagaries of life mean we’re never quite confronted with what we expected. But usually that happens within a fairly well-defined range of parameters, with a political system that can make improvised decisions on the basis of generally-agreed principles.

Brexit hasn’t fitted into that mould, for three reasons.

First, its scope is so broad that its implications touch on every area of our political, economic and social lives. Second, its novelty means that we lack useful benchmarks to judge our actions: in legal terms it might simply be leaving an international organisation, but it clearly goes far beyond that.

And third, the division that the referendum exposed and reinforced between different sections of British society have made it very hard to find common ground.

The upshot has been a growing willingness, from all sides, to do whatever it takes to secure the outcome they want. The UK has gone from being one of the more sedate political systems of the world to one where ever more creative takes on the constitutional and parliamentary procedure are being suggested.

Conservative leadership contender Boris Johnson has not ruled out proroguing, or shutting down, parliament in order to push through a no-deal Brexit. Meanwhile, the Conservative MP Dominic Grieve managed to get parliament to approve an amendment to a piece of legislation regarding Northern Ireland, which could make shutting down parliament more difficult. And the former prime minister, John Major, suggested he may take a future Johnson government to court to prevent parliament being shut down.

The Means Matter 
 
Brexit matters. The choice we eventually make will have profound implications for decades to come, both for the UK and for its place in the world. But that is precisely why it’s essential that the manner of taking that decision matters as much as the decision itself.

Already we see how distrust of the people and processes that have got us this far has poisoned our ability to progress. Whether you think campaigners broke the rules in the referendum or you think judges are enemies of the state or you feel the media is a cheerleader rather than a reporter of what’s happening, if we don’t trust the way we make the decisions, then we risk also losing trust in the decisions themselves.

All of which brings us to one of the bigger questions of politics: do the ends always justify the means?

History shows us that part of what makes a democracy work, and work in a sustainable way, is a consensus about rules. Constitutions embody and embed that consensus in a way that is different from other rules for precisely that reason.

But extraordinary exceptions have a habit of becoming the norm, as with the emergency powers given to governments post 9/11; the revolution justifies the counter-revolution. We can disagree on what to do, but we need to agree on how we make a decision between the choices facing us – leaving with a deal, leaving with no deal or remaining – otherwise we risk damaging everything that follows.

Usually, this is the point where the author offers a solution, but you’ll not get that here. It’s not for me to tell you what to do, beyond sitting down together and working together to see where our common ground lies. And if we find that our existing political processes won’t work to resolve this – for example, a general election – then we need to agree on new ones that do.

So as politicians and the public alike work on their plans this summer, they might want to reflect on not the “what” of Brexit, but also the “how”. Maybe that might make some of those Brexit conversations a bit more productive and enlightening.

(Simon Usherwood is Reader in Politics, University of Surrey)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-its-not-just-where-britains-going-that-matters-but-how-it-gets-there-120127">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Simon Usherwood We’re talking a lot about Brexit in Britain. Whether it’s our hopes or – more likely – our frustrations, it’s the subject that we never quite seem to escape from.

By Simon Usherwood We’re talking a lot about Brexit in Britain. Whether it’s our hopes or – more likely – our frustrations, it’s the subject that we never quite seem to escape from. But take a step back and think what those conversations focus on: outcomes. I’m guessing many people have a pretty good idea of what their family, friends and colleagues would like the end point of this process to be. It’s no coincidence that more people identify as Leavers or Remainers than as members of political parties. Probably much less clear is how the potential outcomes – leaving the EU without a deal, leaving with a deal or remaining – are going to come about. The referendum was an exercise in ends, not means. The two campaigns fought for votes with sweeping promises, but no fixed single plan. The vote wasn’t like a general election, where the winners have to take office and make good on their manifesto. Instead, the incentive was for campaigners to say whatever would get people to send votes their way, and if they won then they’d decide what that meant. That’s why most of the second half of 2016 was spent with politicians arguing that they knew what the people wanted from Brexit. Making It Up As We Go The referendum also failed to produce any consensus about what happened next: it was a decision that lacked a rationale and a roadmap. It’s one thing to say we want to take back control, but quite another to translate that into a practical course of action. And so we’ve had to make it up as we go along. Of course, all politics is like this. The vagaries of life mean we’re never quite confronted with what we expected. But usually that happens within a fairly well-defined range of parameters, with a political system that can make improvised decisions on the basis of generally-agreed principles. Brexit hasn’t fitted into that mould, for three reasons. First, its scope is so broad that its implications touch on every area of our political, economic and social lives. Second, its novelty means that we lack useful benchmarks to judge our actions: in legal terms it might simply be leaving an international organisation, but it clearly goes far beyond that. And third, the division that the referendum exposed and reinforced between different sections of British society have made it very hard to find common ground. The upshot has been a growing willingness, from all sides, to do whatever it takes to secure the outcome they want. The UK has gone from being one of the more sedate political systems of the world to one where ever more creative takes on the constitutional and parliamentary procedure are being suggested. Conservative leadership contender Boris Johnson has not ruled out proroguing, or shutting down, parliament in order to push through a no-deal Brexit. Meanwhile, the Conservative MP Dominic Grieve managed to get parliament to approve an amendment to a piece of legislation regarding Northern Ireland, which could make shutting down parliament more difficult. And the former prime minister, John Major, suggested he may take a future Johnson government to court to prevent parliament being shut down. The Means Matter Brexit matters. The choice we eventually make will have profound implications for decades to come, both for the UK and for its place in the world. But that is precisely why it’s essential that the manner of taking that decision matters as much as the decision itself. Already we see how distrust of the people and processes that have got us this far has poisoned our ability to progress. Whether you think campaigners broke the rules in the referendum or you think judges are enemies of the state or you feel the media is a cheerleader rather than a reporter of what’s happening, if we don’t trust the way we make the decisions, then we risk also losing trust in the decisions themselves. All of which brings us to one of the bigger questions of politics: do the ends always justify the means? History shows us that part of what makes a democracy work, and work in a sustainable way, is a consensus about rules. Constitutions embody and embed that consensus in a way that is different from other rules for precisely that reason. But extraordinary exceptions have a habit of becoming the norm, as with the emergency powers given to governments post 9/11; the revolution justifies the counter-revolution. We can disagree on what to do, but we need to agree on how we make a decision between the choices facing us – leaving with a deal, leaving with no deal or remaining – otherwise we risk damaging everything that follows. Usually, this is the point where the author offers a solution, but you’ll not get that here. It’s not for me to tell you what to do, beyond sitting down together and working together to see where our common ground lies. And if we find that our existing political processes won’t work to resolve this – for example, a general election – then we need to agree on new ones that do. So as politicians and the public alike work on their plans this summer, they might want to reflect on not the “what” of Brexit, but also the “how”. Maybe that might make some of those Brexit conversations a bit more productive and enlightening. (Simon Usherwood is Reader in Politics, University of Surrey) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Brexit: It’s not just where Britain’s going that matters, but how it gets there

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">US President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

But front-runner Boris Johnson and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-jeremy-hunt-says-donald-trump-comments-disrespectful-and-wrong-234518">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May.

May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable".

On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour&nbsp;to "go back" to the countries they came from.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago".

"I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson.

"But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said.

"It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister."

Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU.

Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said."

Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens.

"If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that."

Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat.

"Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said.

"I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added.

"But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing."

Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader.

The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable". But front-runner Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May. May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable". On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour to "go back" to the countries they came from. "If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House. Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago". "I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson. "But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said. "It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister." Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU. Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said." Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens. "If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that." Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat. "Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said. "I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added. "But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing." Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader. The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

UK Prime Minister hopeful slam Donald Trump tweets, but refuse to call them racist

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival.

In a video clip, she is shown dancing at the Henley Festival as her husband and other men in black tie swing their arms to the tunes.

May, whose premiership was riven by crises over Brexit and who was cast as robotic by opponents, occasionally sought to bring some humour to the job by performing dances in public.

She last year danced with school children in South Africa and then grooved onto stage at the Conservative Party conference to "Dancing Queen" - exhibiting a puzzling robotic hand movement that went viral on social media. 
&nbsp;

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival.

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival. In a video clip, she is shown dancing at the Henley Festival as her husband and other men in black tie swing their arms to the tunes. May, whose premiership was riven by crises over Brexit and who was cast as robotic by opponents, occasionally sought to bring some humour to the job by performing dances in public. She last year danced with school children in South Africa and then grooved onto stage at the Conservative Party conference to "Dancing Queen" - exhibiting a puzzling robotic hand movement that went viral on social media.

Dancing queen? Theresa May boogies to Abba in final days as British PM

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States.

Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May, are expected to join Macron to watch the annual parade down the Champs Elysees that marks the July 14, 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris in the French Revolution.

Closer European defence cooperation has been one of Macron's key foreign policy aims, and the president shows no sign of wavering despite growing political turbulence in Germany and Britain's looming exit from the European Union.

At the 2017 parade, Macron's guest of honour was the freshly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump as the young French leader sought to take the initiative by forming a bond with his counterpart.

Trump was so taken by the event that he ordered a similar military parade to take place in Washington for the July 4 celebrations.

But since then ties between Trump and Macron have soured, with tensions over the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and Iran nuclear deal, as well as France's new law for a tax on digital giants.

'Never has Europe been so important'

Macron, who pushed the idea of the European Intervention Initiative (E2I) to undertake missions outside of existing structures like NATO, said that European defence cooperation was crucial.

"Never, since the end of World War II, has Europe been so important," Macron said in a statement ahead of the Bastille Day parade.

"The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic alliance whose 70th anniversary we are celebrating, is a priority for France," he added.

Forces from all nine countries taking part alongside France in the E2I -- including Britain and Germany -- will be represented at the parade.

A German A400M transport plane and a Spanish C130 will take part in fly-bys at the parade, as well as two British Chinook helicopters.

The Chinooks are a major symbol of British-French defence cooperation even as Brexit looms, with Britain deploying three of the aircraft for France's operation in the African Sahel region.

The three helicopters and almost 100 service personnel have been deployed to the French-led operation in Mali since 2018. London delighted Paris by announcing that their mission would be extended.

Also present will be members of the 5,000-strong Franco-German Brigade (BFA), which was created in 1989 as a symbol of postwar unity between France and Germany, and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

A day before the parade Macron announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

'Ultra-precise timing'

For Britain's May, the parade will be one of her last major engagements before stepping down as prime minister.

The demeanour of Merkel, who is battling to keep her grand coalition together at home, will again be under scrutiny after she suffered three episodes of shaking at official events in recent weeks.

Some 4,300 members of the armed forces, 196 vehicles, 237 horses, 69 planes and 39 helicopters will be mobilised for the event in the heart of the French capital.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Sunday showcase Europe's defence capabilities by putting European military cooperation at the heart of a Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions with the United States. Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May, are expected to join Macron to watch the annual parade down the Champs Elysees that marks the July 14, 1789 storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris in the French Revolution. Closer European defence cooperation has been one of Macron's key foreign policy aims, and the president shows no sign of wavering despite growing political turbulence in Germany and Britain's looming exit from the European Union. At the 2017 parade, Macron's guest of honour was the freshly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump as the young French leader sought to take the initiative by forming a bond with his counterpart. Trump was so taken by the event that he ordered a similar military parade to take place in Washington for the July 4 celebrations. But since then ties between Trump and Macron have soured, with tensions over the US pullout from the Paris climate accord and Iran nuclear deal, as well as France's new law for a tax on digital giants. 'Never has Europe been so important' Macron, who pushed the idea of the European Intervention Initiative (E2I) to undertake missions outside of existing structures like NATO, said that European defence cooperation was crucial. "Never, since the end of World War II, has Europe been so important," Macron said in a statement ahead of the Bastille Day parade. "The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic alliance whose 70th anniversary we are celebrating, is a priority for France," he added. Forces from all nine countries taking part alongside France in the E2I -- including Britain and Germany -- will be represented at the parade. A German A400M transport plane and a Spanish C130 will take part in fly-bys at the parade, as well as two British Chinook helicopters. The Chinooks are a major symbol of British-French defence cooperation even as Brexit looms, with Britain deploying three of the aircraft for France's operation in the African Sahel region. The three helicopters and almost 100 service personnel have been deployed to the French-led operation in Mali since 2018. London delighted Paris by announcing that their mission would be extended. Also present will be members of the 5,000-strong Franco-German Brigade (BFA), which was created in 1989 as a symbol of postwar unity between France and Germany, and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. A day before the parade Macron announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force. 'Ultra-precise timing' For Britain's May, the parade will be one of her last major engagements before stepping down as prime minister. The demeanour of Merkel, who is battling to keep her grand coalition together at home, will again be under scrutiny after she suffered three episodes of shaking at official events in recent weeks. Some 4,300 members of the armed forces, 196 vehicles, 237 horses, 69 planes and 39 helicopters will be mobilised for the event in the heart of the French capital.

Emmanuel Macron to show off Euro defence cooperation at Paris parade

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

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UK Foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt has hit out at US President Donald Trump. Jeremy Hunt tweeted that Trump has been "disrespectful" towards the prime minister and the UK. Watch this video to know more on the story.

UK Foreign secretary slams US President over remarks on Theresa May

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday that she regretted that Britain's ambassador to the United States had felt the need to resign, adding that officials needed to be able to give "full and frank advice".

Kim Darroch resigned on Wednesday after Donald Trump labelled him "stupid" and "wacky" following the release of confidential memos from the envoy in which he branded the US president's administration inept.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the House of Commons that he too regretted the resignation.

Memos from Darroch were leaked to a British Sunday newspaper, infuriating Trump who launched a stinging Twitter attack on both the envoy and May who had given him her full support.

The souring of relations between Britain and the United States comes at a particularly unwelcome time for London, which is mired in the details of how and when to leave the European Union, a departure currently scheduled for October 31.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday that she regretted that Britain's ambassador to the United States had felt the need to resign, adding that officials needed to be able to give "full and frank advice".

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday that she regretted that Britain's ambassador to the United States had felt the need to resign, adding that officials needed to be able to give "full and frank advice". Kim Darroch resigned on Wednesday after Donald Trump labelled him "stupid" and "wacky" following the release of confidential memos from the envoy in which he branded the US president's administration inept. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the House of Commons that he too regretted the resignation. Memos from Darroch were leaked to a British Sunday newspaper, infuriating Trump who launched a stinging Twitter attack on both the envoy and May who had given him her full support. The souring of relations between Britain and the United States comes at a particularly unwelcome time for London, which is mired in the details of how and when to leave the European Union, a departure currently scheduled for October 31.

UK PM May says she regrets resignation of ambassador to United States

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extradition-bill-is-dead-no-plans-to-restart-legislation-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-234142">Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam</a>

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-possible-22-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-tension-with-china-234130">US approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tension with China</a>

The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-case-may-get-dropped-accuser-could-be-forced-to-testify-about-missing-phone-234144">Kevin Spacey sexual assault case may get dropped, accuser could be forced to testify about missing phone</a>

There's been an unexpected twist to Kevin Spacey's sexual assault case. The man who accused the American actor of groping him at a bar in 2016 may now be forced to testify about his allegedly missing cell phone and the assault case against Spacey might just get dismissed due to the missing phone.&nbsp; 
The former `House of Cards` star`s defense attorneys claimed that they require the phone in order to recover text messages that they allege the accuser deleted that would bolster Spacey`s case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-offers-full-support-to-us-ambassador-trump-lashes-out-at-theresa-may-after-leak-of-damning-cables-234128">UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-man-involved-in-calculated-murder-of-chinese-student-234135">US prosecutors seek death penalty for man involved in 'calculated' murder of Chinese student</a>

US prosecutors argued on Monday that an Illinois man who raped and murdered a Chinese graduate student two years ago should be executed, and called on her heartbroken fiance and friends to tell the jury about the victim's kind, optimistic nature.

Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill.

Extradition bill is dead, no plans to restart legislation: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam announced on Tuesday that proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland "is dead" -- but she again stopped short of protester demands to immediately withdraw the bill. US approves possible $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tension with China The US State Department has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $2.2 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday, despite Chinese criticism of the deal. Kevin Spacey sexual assault case may get dropped, accuser could be forced to testify about missing phone There's been an unexpected twist to Kevin Spacey's sexual assault case. The man who accused the American actor of groping him at a bar in 2016 may now be forced to testify about his allegedly missing cell phone and the assault case against Spacey might just get dismissed due to the missing phone. The former `House of Cards` star`s defense attorneys claimed that they require the phone in order to recover text messages that they allege the accuser deleted that would bolster Spacey`s case. UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him. US prosecutors seek death penalty for man involved in 'calculated' murder of Chinese student US prosecutors argued on Monday that an Illinois man who raped and murdered a Chinese graduate student two years ago should be executed, and called on her heartbroken fiance and friends to tell the jury about the victim's kind, optimistic nature.

News brief: Big stories of the day

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">S President Donald Trump</a> said he would no longer deal with him.

"Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said.

Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency.

London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">"inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional."</a>

Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office.

"What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way."

"The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148298497189392384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him.

"I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch.

"We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed.

But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support."

The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen.

The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington."

'Very serious consequences'

British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington.

"We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said.

"At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country."

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences."

His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party.

Coveted job

British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-envoy-to-us-calls-trump-incompetent-233758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January.

Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does."

Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government on Monday reiterated its "full support" for its ambassador to Washington after US President Donald Trump said he would no longer deal with him. "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support," a spokesman said. Trump launched an extraordinary attack on outgoing British premier Theresa May, following the leak of diplomatic cables highly critical of his presidency. London has been scrambling to stem the damage caused by the weekend release of confidential telegrams in which its envoy to Washington, Kim Darroch, described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional." Visibly angered by May's continuing support for her ambassador -- which Downing Street reiterated on Monday -- Trump assailed the prime minister over her handling of fraught Brexit negotiations, and welcomed her impending departure from office. "What a mess she and her representatives have created," Trump fumed in a series of tweets. "I told her how it should be done, but she decided to go another way." "The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister," he wrote. ....thought of within the U.S. We will no longer deal with him. The good news for the wonderful United Kingdom is that they will soon have a new Prime Minister. While I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent State Visit last month, it was the Queen who I was most impressed with! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2019 × As for London's man in Washington, Trump declared he would have no further contact with him. "I do not know the Ambassador, but he is not liked or well thought of within the US," the president said, doubling down on weekend comments claiming his administration were "not big fans" of Darroch. "We will no longer deal with him," Trump vowed. But even after Trump's remarks, a government spokesman said that "Sir Kim Darroch continues to have the prime minister's full support." The cables' publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper came just a month after Trump enjoyed a state visit to Britain that included a 41-gun salute welcome at Buckingham Palace and a banquet dinner with the queen. The incident threatens to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade agreement with key ally the United States, in hope of mitigating potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. May's office called the leak "unacceptable," but said, "the prime minister has full faith in her ambassador to Washington." 'Very serious consequences' British officials defended Darroch as carrying out his duties by providing "frank" accounts of developments in Washington. "We have made clear to the US how unfortunate this leak is. The selective extracts leaked do not reflect the closeness of, and the esteem in which we hold, the relationship," the government spokesperson said. "At the same time we have also underlined the importance of ambassadors being able to provide honest, unvarnished assessments of the politics in their country." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the culprit, if identified, would face "very serious consequences." His US affairs deputy Alan Duncan told parliament police could launch their own investigation "if evidence of criminality is found." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within the governing Conservative Party. Coveted job British politics are in for a major revamp once May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexit-supporting former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires in January. Commentators note that the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexiter". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage -- who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 -- does." Farage has met Trump on several occasions and has brandished his anti-EU credentials by leading his Brexit Party to victory in European elections in May. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" even as he played down his interest in the job. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine."

UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables

Britain’s ambassador to the United States described the Trump administration as “diplomatically clumsy and inept” according to a leaked diplomatic cable. Watch full video to know more.

WION Fineprint: Leaked memos from Britain's US ambassador call Trump 'clumsy' & 'inept'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/baby-diana-or-little-arthur-bets-on-for-royal-baby-name-for-harry-and-meghans-firstborn-204477">William Hill</a> plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money.

William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year.

The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs.

Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million).

William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business.

The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs.

In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%.

William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling. The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money. William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year. The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs. Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million). William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business. The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs. In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%. William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill to shut 700 betting shops, putting 4,500 jobs at risk

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-adopts-2050-net-zero-emissions-target-230832">Britain's economy</a> appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday.

A day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned of the growing risks from a no-deal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-brexit-meps-turn-backs-at-european-anthem-in-european-parliament-232506">Brexit</a> and protectionist trade policies, a gauge of Britain's huge services industry the IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to 50.2 in June, just above the no-growth level of 50.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the PMI to remain at May's level of 51.0.

Equivalent surveys for manufacturing and construction published earlier this week showed those sectors contracted in June, meaning Britain's economy overall probably shrank by 0.1 per cent in the second quarter, IHS Markit/CIPS said.

British gross domestic product last shrank from one quarter to another in the final three months of 2012, according to official data. The last time GDP shrank for two or more quarters in a row the widely accepted definition of a recession was in 2008-2009, during the global financial crisis.

"The latest downturn has followed a gradual deterioration in demand over the past year as Brexit-related uncertainty has increasingly exacerbated the impact of a broader global economic slowdown," said Chris Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit.

"Risks also remain skewed to the downside as sentiment about the year ahead is worryingly subdued, suggesting the third quarter could see businesses continue to struggle."

British government bond yields fell further after the survey, with the yield on 10-year gilts hitting its lowest level since the months after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Curve Inversion

Investors see more chance of a cut to British interest rates after Carney's speech on Tuesday, in which he said the economy might need more support to cope with the shock of a no-deal Brexit or an escalation of global trade tensions.

The yield curve between two- and five-year British government bonds inverted for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, suggesting investors see a risk of recession.

The BoE says Britain's economy probably flatlined in the second quarter after strong growth early in the year when companies were rushing to get ready for the original March 29 Brexit date.

That deadline has since been pushed back to Oct. 31.

Andrew Wishart, an economist with consultancy Capital Economics, said the pre-March 29 rush accounted for some of the second-quarter weakness.

"But the fact the surveys have not picked up towards the end of the quarter, and global manufacturing is slowing, means the risk is that the economy fails to bounce back in the third quarter," he added.

Many businesses are alarmed by the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, something both candidates to replace Theresa May as prime minister has said they are prepared to do if necessary.

Williamson said the weak reading of Britain's economy should put pressure on the Bank of England to add stimulus.

"For policymakers to not loosen policy with the all-sector PMI at its current level would be unprecedented in the survey's two-decade history," he said.

Britain's economy appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday.

Britain's economy appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday. A day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned of the growing risks from a no-deal Brexit and protectionist trade policies, a gauge of Britain's huge services industry the IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to 50.2 in June, just above the no-growth level of 50. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the PMI to remain at May's level of 51.0. Equivalent surveys for manufacturing and construction published earlier this week showed those sectors contracted in June, meaning Britain's economy overall probably shrank by 0.1 per cent in the second quarter, IHS Markit/CIPS said. British gross domestic product last shrank from one quarter to another in the final three months of 2012, according to official data. The last time GDP shrank for two or more quarters in a row the widely accepted definition of a recession was in 2008-2009, during the global financial crisis. "The latest downturn has followed a gradual deterioration in demand over the past year as Brexit-related uncertainty has increasingly exacerbated the impact of a broader global economic slowdown," said Chris Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit. "Risks also remain skewed to the downside as sentiment about the year ahead is worryingly subdued, suggesting the third quarter could see businesses continue to struggle." British government bond yields fell further after the survey, with the yield on 10-year gilts hitting its lowest level since the months after the 2016 Brexit referendum. Curve Inversion Investors see more chance of a cut to British interest rates after Carney's speech on Tuesday, in which he said the economy might need more support to cope with the shock of a no-deal Brexit or an escalation of global trade tensions. The yield curve between two- and five-year British government bonds inverted for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, suggesting investors see a risk of recession. The BoE says Britain's economy probably flatlined in the second quarter after strong growth early in the year when companies were rushing to get ready for the original March 29 Brexit date. That deadline has since been pushed back to Oct. 31. Andrew Wishart, an economist with consultancy Capital Economics, said the pre-March 29 rush accounted for some of the second-quarter weakness. "But the fact the surveys have not picked up towards the end of the quarter, and global manufacturing is slowing, means the risk is that the economy fails to bounce back in the third quarter," he added. Many businesses are alarmed by the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, something both candidates to replace Theresa May as prime minister has said they are prepared to do if necessary. Williamson said the weak reading of Britain's economy should put pressure on the Bank of England to add stimulus. "For policymakers to not loosen policy with the all-sector PMI at its current level would be unprecedented in the survey's two-decade history," he said.

United Kingdom economy shrinks as Brexit, global worries mount: Survey

Britain's lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">Olly Robbins</a> will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported.

Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-has-irrefutable-evidence-russia-behind-attack-on-skripal-theresa-may-to-putin-at-g20-231275">Theresa May</a>'s Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters.

In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31.

Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday.

Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc.

"If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper.

He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers. Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters. In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31. Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday. Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said. Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc. "If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

United Kingdom Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins to leave role: Report

May tells Putin to end 'Destabilising' acts against UK. UK said Russia must end 'irresponsible & Destabilising' acts. Watch this video to know more.

Theresa May Warns Russia Over Skripal Poisoning

The UK's ruling Conservative Party said Tuesday that Britain's new Prime Minister, either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt, will be announced on July 23, Watch full video to know more.

New British PM announcement on July 23

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Britain's ruling Conservatives</a> and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday.

Former foreign minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-candidate-boris-johnson-would-be-bizarre-for-european-union-to-impose-post-brexit-tariffs-on-united-kingdom-230293"> Boris Johnson is the favourite</a> in the race, battling Britain's current top diplomat, Jeremy Hunt.

The two candidates were chosen from a field of 10 by the Conservative party's 313 MPs, and are now seeking to woo an estimated 160,000 party members who will make the final choice.

Postal ballots will be sent out between July 6 and 8, and the deadline for returning them has been set at 5:00pm on July 22.

"The announcement of the next leader of the Conservative party will be made on Tuesday, July 23. This process has been agreed with both candidates," the statement said.

Once a successor is confirmed, May would be expected to visit Queen Elizabeth II to formally tender her resignation as premier.

Her replacement would then make his own visit to Buckingham Palace to be confirmed in office.

The Conservatives do not have a majority in parliament's lower House of Commons, but govern through an alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

May announced her resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit deal through parliament, faced with opposition from both Conservative MPs and the DUP.

It is possible that the main opposition Labour party calls an immediate vote of confidence in the new prime minister, to force them to prove they have the support to govern.

This would have to happen by July 25 when parliament breaks for its summer holiday, or wait until MPs return on September 3.

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of Britain's ruling Conservatives and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday.

The winner of the contest to replace Theresa May as leader of Britain's ruling Conservatives and prime minister will be announced on July 23, the ruling party said Tuesday. Former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favourite in the race, battling Britain's current top diplomat, Jeremy Hunt. The two candidates were chosen from a field of 10 by the Conservative party's 313 MPs, and are now seeking to woo an estimated 160,000 party members who will make the final choice. Postal ballots will be sent out between July 6 and 8, and the deadline for returning them has been set at 5:00pm on July 22. "The announcement of the next leader of the Conservative party will be made on Tuesday, July 23. This process has been agreed with both candidates," the statement said. Once a successor is confirmed, May would be expected to visit Queen Elizabeth II to formally tender her resignation as premier. Her replacement would then make his own visit to Buckingham Palace to be confirmed in office. The Conservatives do not have a majority in parliament's lower House of Commons, but govern through an alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). May announced her resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit deal through parliament, faced with opposition from both Conservative MPs and the DUP. It is possible that the main opposition Labour party calls an immediate vote of confidence in the new prime minister, to force them to prove they have the support to govern. This would have to happen by July 25 when parliament breaks for its summer holiday, or wait until MPs return on September 3.

Next British PM to be announced on July 23: Conservative Party

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Jeremy Hunt</a>, one of the two people vying to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>, said on Monday that rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a> was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

"On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates."

Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television.&nbsp;

"People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose."

Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action.

Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit.

When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit. "On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates." Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television. "People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose." Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action. Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit. When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

United Kingdom's Prime Minister candidate Hunt: 'Boris Johnson is a coward for avoiding debate'

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 20th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 19th, 2019

Health minister Matt Hancock pulled out of the contest to be the next British prime minister on Friday, leaving six candidates remaining in the fight to replace Theresa May. "The party clearly is looking for a candidate to deal with the here and now. I very much put myself forward as the candidate focused on the future and so I've decided to withdraw from the race," he said in an interview with the BBC on Friday.

UK health minister Hancock pulls out of contest to be next prime minister

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two.

The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive.

Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday.

Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot.

Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party.

"What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office.

"The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives."

He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party.&nbsp;

He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin".

Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19.

There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated.

'Blue on blue' attacks

A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks.

Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through."

Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances.

"The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said.

Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates.

The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson. The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two. The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive. Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday. Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot. Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party. "What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office. "The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives." He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party. He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin". Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19. There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated. 'Blue on blue' attacks A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks. Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through." Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances. "The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said. Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates. The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

Rivals for British PM take aim at Boris Johnson

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said.

Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise.

"To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal."

How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union.

Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop."

He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution.

But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively.

"What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said.

Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal.

"The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday. While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said. Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise. "To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal." How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union. Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop." He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution. But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively. "What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said. Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal. "The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Brexit: Irish PM says no backstop as bad for Ireland as no deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a>, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October&nbsp;31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes.

Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes.

The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around.

But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires".

He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels.

A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy.

Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs.

Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May.

Boris Johnson, who has pledged to deliver Brexit on October 31, edged closer to power on Thursday when he won by far the most support from Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the contest to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. Johnson got 114 votes, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in second place on 43 votes and Environment Minister Michael Gove third with 37 votes. Three candidates -- Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey and Mark Harper -- were eliminated after they failed to receive the required minimum of 17 votes. The former foreign secretary, 54, says he would get Britain out of the EU "deal or no deal" when the October 31 deadline set by EU leaders comes around. But he has also said a no-deal Brexit would be "a last resort, not something that anybody desires". He has threatened to withhold the country's Brexit bill if the EU does not offer improved withdrawal terms, and to scrap a controversial provision for the Irish border contained in the current divorce deal -- both of which would be unacceptable to Brussels. A figurehead in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he was May's foreign secretary until he resigned over her Brexit strategy. Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, he is seen as the favourite in the race, scooping up a growing number of pledges of support from cabinet members and MPs. Johnson picked up 114 votes in the first round of voting by Conservative MPs in the leadership race on Thursday.

Boris Johnson 'delighted' to win first round of race for British Prime Minister

The European Commission on Wednesday said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-launches-uk-leadership-bid-as-mps-warn-on-brexit-226479">no-deal Brexit was "very much possible"</a> as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout.

The European Union's executive said it would pay particular attention in coming months to crucial areas including citizens rights, financial services, transport and fisheries, ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc, now due on October 31.

Its latest review of the EU's no-deal plans comes as Britain's Conservative Party is picking a new prime minister to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-agrees-brexit-trade-deal-with-south-korea-225990">Theresa May</a>, defeated by her inability to pass through the UK parliament the deal she secured with the bloc seven months ago.

Some possible successors have said Britain would leave the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal.

"In light of the continued uncertainty in the United Kingdom regarding the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement ... and the overall domestic political situation, a 'no-deal' scenario on 1 November 2019 very much remains possible – although undesirable – outcome," the Commission said.

"The Commission considers that a withdrawal of the United Kingdom without an agreement remains a possible outcome, with all its negative economic consequences."

The Brussels-based executive, which leads Brexit negotiations with London on behalf of the bloc's other 27 member states, said contingency measures already in place remain "fit for purpose".

"Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to monitor political developments and assess if any extension of the adopted measures will be needed," it added.

They include EU plans to extend current access to fishing waters and prolong safety clearances for rail, road and air transport between the bloc and the UK if London reciprocates.

They also offer visa-free travel to UK citizens and a year-long extension of cooperation in some financial services.

The European Commission on Wednesday said a no-deal Brexit was "very much possible" as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout.

The European Commission on Wednesday said a no-deal Brexit was "very much possible" as it updated its contingency preparations and told countries, companies and people to be ready for the expected economic fallout. The European Union's executive said it would pay particular attention in coming months to crucial areas including citizens rights, financial services, transport and fisheries, ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc, now due on October 31. Its latest review of the EU's no-deal plans comes as Britain's Conservative Party is picking a new prime minister to replace Theresa May, defeated by her inability to pass through the UK parliament the deal she secured with the bloc seven months ago. Some possible successors have said Britain would leave the EU at the end of October, deal or no deal. "In light of the continued uncertainty in the United Kingdom regarding the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement ... and the overall domestic political situation, a 'no-deal' scenario on 1 November 2019 very much remains possible – although undesirable – outcome," the Commission said. "The Commission considers that a withdrawal of the United Kingdom without an agreement remains a possible outcome, with all its negative economic consequences." The Brussels-based executive, which leads Brexit negotiations with London on behalf of the bloc's other 27 member states, said contingency measures already in place remain "fit for purpose". "Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to monitor political developments and assess if any extension of the adopted measures will be needed," it added. They include EU plans to extend current access to fishing waters and prolong safety clearances for rail, road and air transport between the bloc and the UK if London reciprocates. They also offer visa-free travel to UK citizens and a year-long extension of cooperation in some financial services.

No-deal Brexit is very much possible: European Union executive

The British government on Wednesday presented draft legislation to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 in what it said would be a first for a major economy.

The new target was broadly welcomed across the political spectrum but environmental groups said it would require radical action to decarbonise the entire economy.

The deadline is far more ambitious than Britain's current policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period and Finance Minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could cost more than £1.0 trillion.

The 2050 date will be introduced in existing climate change laws through a piece of legislation known as a statutory instrument that parliament is expected to approve.

"As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change," Prime Minister Theresa May said.

In one of her final acts before she steps down next month, she said Britain "must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth".

"Standing by is not an option," she added.

'A strong signal'

Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050.

But the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added that the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production.

"This step will send a strong signal to other countries to follow suit," said John Gummer, the committee's chief.

Carolyn Fairbairn, head of the Confederation of British Industry big business lobby, said companies were "squarely behind" the commitment but she urged the government to come up with long-term policies to decarbonise the economy.

The deadline would put Britain on track to fully meet its commitments under The Paris Agreement, under which countries have pledged to keep the global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

If replicated across the world and coupled with near-term emissions reductions, there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the temperature increases to just 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" upper limit identified by the UN's International Panel on Climate Change last October, the CCC said.

Other EU countries have also pencilled in various emission reduction deadlines, although none have been adopted into law.

In France, the government introduced a bill in April setting a 2050 target date, while Norway is discussing 2030.

The world's net carbon emissions grew by an "unsustainable" rate of 2.0 per cent last year, according to a closely-watched review by energy giant BP published on Tuesday.

The review also found that global energy demand grew by 2.8 per cent, with the United States recording the biggest increase of any country.

'Crucial first step'

The UK government's move was quickly welcomed by environmental campaigners from Greenpeace, which called it "a big moment for everyone in the climate movement".

"While the loopholes being woven into the legislation by the Treasury will need to be unpicked, and the date moved forward, this decision fires the starting gun for a fundamental transformation of our economy," the group's chief UK scientist Doug Parr said.

Craig Bennett, UK chief executive of Friends of the Earth, said May's premiership had been "characterised by chronic inaction on climate breakdown" and 2050 was "still too slow to address catastrophic climate change".

Gareth Redmond King, head of climate change at the environmental charity WWF, said the announcement was a "crucial first step" that would be helped by technological advances in solar panel and wind turbine technology.

The British government on Wednesday presented draft legislation to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 in what it said would be a first for a major economy.

The British government on Wednesday presented draft legislation to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 in what it said would be a first for a major economy. The new target was broadly welcomed across the political spectrum but environmental groups said it would require radical action to decarbonise the entire economy. The deadline is far more ambitious than Britain's current policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period and Finance Minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could cost more than £1.0 trillion. The 2050 date will be introduced in existing climate change laws through a piece of legislation known as a statutory instrument that parliament is expected to approve. "As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change," Prime Minister Theresa May said. In one of her final acts before she steps down next month, she said Britain "must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth". "Standing by is not an option," she added. 'A strong signal' Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050. But the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added that the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production. "This step will send a strong signal to other countries to follow suit," said John Gummer, the committee's chief. Carolyn Fairbairn, head of the Confederation of British Industry big business lobby, said companies were "squarely behind" the commitment but she urged the government to come up with long-term policies to decarbonise the economy. The deadline would put Britain on track to fully meet its commitments under The Paris Agreement, under which countries have pledged to keep the global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. If replicated across the world and coupled with near-term emissions reductions, there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the temperature increases to just 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" upper limit identified by the UN's International Panel on Climate Change last October, the CCC said. Other EU countries have also pencilled in various emission reduction deadlines, although none have been adopted into law. In France, the government introduced a bill in April setting a 2050 target date, while Norway is discussing 2030. The world's net carbon emissions grew by an "unsustainable" rate of 2.0 per cent last year, according to a closely-watched review by energy giant BP published on Tuesday. The review also found that global energy demand grew by 2.8 per cent, with the United States recording the biggest increase of any country. 'Crucial first step' The UK government's move was quickly welcomed by environmental campaigners from Greenpeace, which called it "a big moment for everyone in the climate movement". "While the loopholes being woven into the legislation by the Treasury will need to be unpicked, and the date moved forward, this decision fires the starting gun for a fundamental transformation of our economy," the group's chief UK scientist Doug Parr said. Craig Bennett, UK chief executive of Friends of the Earth, said May's premiership had been "characterised by chronic inaction on climate breakdown" and 2050 was "still too slow to address catastrophic climate change". Gareth Redmond King, head of climate change at the environmental charity WWF, said the announcement was a "crucial first step" that would be helped by technological advances in solar panel and wind turbine technology.

Britain sets deadline for carbon neutrality by 2050

theresa-may

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Johnson vs Hunt: Who will be the next UK Prime Minister?

Boris Johnson bracing to become Britain's Brexit Prime Minister

Boris Johnson would do 'great job' as British PM: Donald Trump

Brexit: It’s not just where Britain’s going that matters, but how it gets there

UK Prime Minister hopeful slam Donald Trump tweets, but refuse to call them racist

Dancing queen? Theresa May boogies to Abba in final days as British PM

Emmanuel Macron to show off Euro defence cooperation at Paris parade

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 11th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 10th, 2019

UK Foreign secretary slams US President over remarks on Theresa May

UK PM May says she regrets resignation of ambassador to United States

UK PM May says she regrets resignation of ambassador to United States

News brief: Big stories of the day

UK offers 'full support' to US ambassador, Trump lashes out at Theresa May after leak of damning cables

WION Fineprint: Leaked memos from Britain's US ambassador call Trump 'clumsy' & 'inept'

William Hill to shut 700 betting shops, putting 4,500 jobs at risk

United Kingdom economy shrinks as Brexit, global worries mount: Survey

United Kingdom Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins to leave role: Report

Theresa May Warns Russia Over Skripal Poisoning

New British PM announcement on July 23

Next British PM to be announced on July 23: Conservative Party

United Kingdom's Prime Minister candidate Hunt: 'Boris Johnson is a coward for avoiding debate'