The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on Tuesday (Nov 14) that artificial intelligence (AI) posed a threat to the upcoming national election.

The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on Tuesday (Nov 14) that artificial intelligence (AI) posed a threat to the upcoming national election. In its annual review, the NCSC said that this year saw the emergence of state-aligned actors as a new cyber threat to critical national infrastructure such as power, water and internet networks. "We live in a dangerous, volatile world. The events of the last year have demonstrated the extent to which geopolitical crises and technological change impact us all, threatening not just our traditional security but our economic security," the report said. The year 2022 saw the emergence of a new class of cyber adversaries in the form of state-aligned actors, who are often sympathetic to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated. 'Russian actors sought to interfere in 2019 poll' "The UK government assesses that it is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election," NCSC said, and with the upcoming elections in the UK and the United States, "we can expect to see the integrity of our systems tested again." The centre also said that the UK and its allies could not be complacent to the threat of foreign cyber interference and attempts at influencing the democratic process. In the UK, the next general election will take place before the end of January 2025. Local and mayoral elections are scheduled in May 2024. The NCSC said that when the election happens, the process of casting a vote is completed using pencil and paper, significantly reducing the chances of a cyber actor affecting the integrity of the results. "However, the act of voting marks the end of the sprint, as a significant amount of cyber-resilience building needs to take place before this to secure the services which support our elections and the integrity of an open public discourse," it added. The government has established the Joint Election Security Preparedness Unit (JESP), which takes overall responsibility for coordinating electoral security and drives the government’s election preparedness. Threat posed by AI According to the NCSC, technologies like AI might pose from those looking to interfere or otherwise undermine trust in the UK's democratic system. It said the next election would be the first to take place against the backdrop of significant advances in AI. However, rather than presenting new risks, AI's ability to enable existing techniques posed the biggest threat. The centre gave an example- "large language models will almost certainly be used to generate fabricated content, AI-created hyperrealistic bots will make the spread of disinformation easier and the manipulation of media for use in deepfake campaigns will likely become more advanced." The NCSC also said that even though the government was committed to countering the threat from online harms, it was important for people "to be aware that the threat landscape is changing and as with any kind of new technology, alongside realising the benefits, there is always potential for misuse."

UK: Cyber security body NCSC says AI poses threat to upcoming national election

The UK government is set to move ahead with its plans to tackle illegal migration despite strong objections from rights groups. Human Rights watch says that asylum seekers are facing inadequate living conditions in the temporary housing provided by the government the group released a hundred page report criticizing the living conditions from migrants and long-standing policy failings the rights organization interviewed more than 50 Asylum seekers in England and according to the report the people placed in hotel accommodations are also facing serious habitability problems families are reported to be struggling to provide their children with an adequate diet.

UK: Asylum seekers in dire conditions, rights group slams government's migration plans

The next general election in the UK is going to be a real power struggle between the Conservative Party and the Opposition labour but as a Labour Party is gaining grounds in opinion polls.

UK: 36 Tory MPs not to contest next UK election; Dominic Raab one of them | World News | WION

The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Tuesday asked Tories to argue “for a low tax global Britain” and contest the next elections on a pledge to reduce taxes. While speaking at the Carlton Club, Johnson called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to move through with a new bill that would supersede the Northern Ireland Protocol and end the Brexit standoff in Northern Ireland, The Telegraph reported. 
&nbsp; 
He unveiled a portrait of himself at the Conservative Party's spiritual headquarters in Mayfair as he challenged Sunak.

Predicting a poll recovery for the Conservatives, Johnson said, “When the moment of real electoral decision approaches - and it will - people will realise that there is only one party that yearns to reduce the burden of tax.”&nbsp;

“There is only one party that really believes in extending the joys of home ownership. There is only one party with the guts to stand up to the Union barons," he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-faces-fresh-tory-rebellion-from-boris-johson-liz-truss-537384" hreflang="en">UK PM Rishi Sunak faces fresh Tory rebellion from Boris Johnson, Liz Truss</a>

Talking about Brexit, Johnson said, "Only one party, the Conservative Party, believes in the Union with Northern Ireland and will pass the necessary laws to protect the economic integrity of the UK." There was "only one party that will dare to do what is necessary to disrupt the evil gangs that send people across the channel in unseaworthy vessels – by sending illegal immigrants to Rwanda,” he said.

"And there is only one party that really believes in Brexit – and its potential to transform the economy of this country. And only one party will continue to make use of Brexit freedoms from financial services to genetic engineering. When people realise this – I think the political dynamic is going to change. There is no desire to vote for Keir Starmer, for Sir Crasheroonie Snoozefest," Johnson continued.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/boris-johnson-challenges-pm-sunak-to-lower-taxes-551730" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson challenges PM Sunak to lower taxes</a>

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Since being ousted from power by his own MPs last summer, Johnson's rallying appeal to the party's followers is believed to be his most politically heated address to date. It also comes amid speculation that Sunak may face a challenge later this year.

The party must "never give in, keep fighting, keep backing the Government – keep making the case for levelling up, for opportunities and for a dynamic low tax global Britain. That is how we will win again,” Johnson said while addressing the club members.

Johnson also made predictions about inflation, saying it "will come dramatically,"&nbsp;"China will get through Covid" and "Putin will lose in Ukraine,” during his address.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Tuesday asked Tories to argue “for a low tax global Britain” and contest the next elections on a pledge to reduce taxes.

The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Tuesday asked Tories to argue “for a low tax global Britain” and contest the next elections on a pledge to reduce taxes. While speaking at the Carlton Club, Johnson called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to move through with a new bill that would supersede the Northern Ireland Protocol and end the Brexit standoff in Northern Ireland, The Telegraph reported. He unveiled a portrait of himself at the Conservative Party's spiritual headquarters in Mayfair as he challenged Sunak. Predicting a poll recovery for the Conservatives, Johnson said, “When the moment of real electoral decision approaches - and it will - people will realise that there is only one party that yearns to reduce the burden of tax.” “There is only one party that really believes in extending the joys of home ownership. There is only one party with the guts to stand up to the Union barons," he added. Also Read | UK PM Rishi Sunak faces fresh Tory rebellion from Boris Johnson, Liz Truss Talking about Brexit, Johnson said, "Only one party, the Conservative Party, believes in the Union with Northern Ireland and will pass the necessary laws to protect the economic integrity of the UK." There was "only one party that will dare to do what is necessary to disrupt the evil gangs that send people across the channel in unseaworthy vessels – by sending illegal immigrants to Rwanda,” he said. "And there is only one party that really believes in Brexit – and its potential to transform the economy of this country. And only one party will continue to make use of Brexit freedoms from financial services to genetic engineering. When people realise this – I think the political dynamic is going to change. There is no desire to vote for Keir Starmer, for Sir Crasheroonie Snoozefest," Johnson continued. Watch | Boris Johnson challenges PM Sunak to lower taxes Since being ousted from power by his own MPs last summer, Johnson's rallying appeal to the party's followers is believed to be his most politically heated address to date. It also comes amid speculation that Sunak may face a challenge later this year. The party must "never give in, keep fighting, keep backing the Government – keep making the case for levelling up, for opportunities and for a dynamic low tax global Britain. That is how we will win again,” Johnson said while addressing the club members. Johnson also made predictions about inflation, saying it "will come dramatically," "China will get through Covid" and "Putin will lose in Ukraine,” during his address. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Boris Johnson asks Conservatives to contest elections for low tax Britain, challenges Rishi Sunak

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

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

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

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation. As tensions in the area rose before Pelosi’s visit, Chinese jets invaded Taiwan’s air defence zones. In other news, the race to become the UK’s next Prime Minister had to be postponed, which put a snag in the campaign. The decision was made as a result of information from the GCHQ space agency that cyber hackers were attempting to influence the results of the vote, as per a report by the Telegraph. Finally, the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the billionaire who owns the second-largest estate in London were blacklisted by the US as a part of the recent sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion.

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-nancy-pelosi-in-taiwan-china-summons-us-ambassador-503061">LIVE updates: We will always stand with Taiwan, says Nancy Pelosi</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/03/284048-pelosi11.jpg" />

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it says it will unify by force if necessary. China's view on Taiwan was reflected as vice premier Xie declared:&nbsp;"Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-party-voting-for-next-uk-pm-delayed-after-gchq-hacking-alert-report-503064">Conservative Party voting for next UK PM delayed after GCHQ hacking alert: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282005-sunak.jpg" />

While the agency did not specify the source of the threat, they said that the process was vulnerable to cyber-attacks and advised against going forward with the process. That resulted in the Conservative Party making it clear that new members will no longer be able to change their votes later in the Prime Minister race, the report further stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russian-oligarchs-and-putins-girlfriend-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war-503057">US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/03/284045-2oavnxmxbfocpktnbzdnyze3rq.jpg" />

Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran steps up its nuclear programme after US sanctions

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Watch |&nbsp;China brands Pelosi's Taiwan visit 'extremely dangerous'

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Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation.

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation. As tensions in the area rose before Pelosi’s visit, Chinese jets invaded Taiwan’s air defence zones. In other news, the race to become the UK’s next Prime Minister had to be postponed, which put a snag in the campaign. The decision was made as a result of information from the GCHQ space agency that cyber hackers were attempting to influence the results of the vote, as per a report by the Telegraph. Finally, the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the billionaire who owns the second-largest estate in London were blacklisted by the US as a part of the recent sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion. Click on headlines to read more: LIVE updates: We will always stand with Taiwan, says Nancy Pelosi China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it says it will unify by force if necessary. China's view on Taiwan was reflected as vice premier Xie declared: "Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland". Conservative Party voting for next UK PM delayed after GCHQ hacking alert: Report While the agency did not specify the source of the threat, they said that the process was vulnerable to cyber-attacks and advised against going forward with the process. That resulted in the Conservative Party making it clear that new members will no longer be able to change their votes later in the Prime Minister race, the report further stated. US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters. Watch | Iran steps up its nuclear programme after US sanctions Watch | China brands Pelosi's Taiwan visit 'extremely dangerous'

Morning news brief: ‘Will always stand with Taiwan,’ says Pelosi, voting for UK's next PM postponed, and more

Ben Wallace, the UK defence secretary, has said that he supports Liz Truss in the campaign for the Tory party leadership because she understands the importance of “funded properly” for the “threats we face every day”.&nbsp;Ben Wallace informed Sky News that he had made the decision to support Truss at the outset of the election after deciding to “stand back” and observe their performances during hustings events.

As reported by The Guardian, Wallace said, “I am the Secretary of State for Defence, I want to find a candidate that’s going to do right by the department and recognise that the threats we face every day are very real and are growing and that they need to be funded properly. We can’t just sort of be pretending they will go away by themselves. So you know, I looked at their performances.”

“I looked at them on the hustings, but I also know them both. I’ve been in Cabinet for two years with both the Chancellor and indeed Liz Truss. And so, you know, it was important for me to work out who was the right person to take us forward. So, you know, I know Liz, she’s very straight. She’s authentic, what you see is what you get, but also she has been very consistent in her support for defence and security. She reads the same intelligence reports I do. I felt it was the right person to back,”&nbsp;he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/basilica-cistern-after-a-five-year-makeover-stunning-ancient-water-underworld-reopens-in-istanbul-501776">Basilica Cistern: After a five-year makeover, stunning ancient water underworld reopens in Istanbul</a>

British Conservative candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, who are engaged in a contentious race to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had their first grilling in front of party members on Thursday. The first of 12 nationwide meetings to elect a new leader after a cabinet revolt forced scandal-plagued Johnson to resign was the hustings in Leeds, northern England. The outcome will be announced on September 5, and Truss has consolidated a commanding lead among Conservative members after promising quick tax cuts in response to Britain’s declining living standards.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Ben Wallace, the UK defence secretary, has said that he supports Liz Truss in the campaign for the Tory party leadership because she understands the importance of “funded properly” for the “threats we face every day”.

Ben Wallace, the UK defence secretary, has said that he supports Liz Truss in the campaign for the Tory party leadership because she understands the importance of “funded properly” for the “threats we face every day”. Ben Wallace informed Sky News that he had made the decision to support Truss at the outset of the election after deciding to “stand back” and observe their performances during hustings events. As reported by The Guardian, Wallace said, “I am the Secretary of State for Defence, I want to find a candidate that’s going to do right by the department and recognise that the threats we face every day are very real and are growing and that they need to be funded properly. We can’t just sort of be pretending they will go away by themselves. So you know, I looked at their performances.” “I looked at them on the hustings, but I also know them both. I’ve been in Cabinet for two years with both the Chancellor and indeed Liz Truss. And so, you know, it was important for me to work out who was the right person to take us forward. So, you know, I know Liz, she’s very straight. She’s authentic, what you see is what you get, but also she has been very consistent in her support for defence and security. She reads the same intelligence reports I do. I felt it was the right person to back,” he added. Also Read: Basilica Cistern: After a five-year makeover, stunning ancient water underworld reopens in Istanbul British Conservative candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, who are engaged in a contentious race to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, had their first grilling in front of party members on Thursday. The first of 12 nationwide meetings to elect a new leader after a cabinet revolt forced scandal-plagued Johnson to resign was the hustings in Leeds, northern England. The outcome will be announced on September 5, and Truss has consolidated a commanding lead among Conservative members after promising quick tax cuts in response to Britain’s declining living standards. (with inputs from agencies)

Truss is 'authentic', understands 'threats' UK is facing, says Wallace on backing her

United Kingdom’s race for the next Prime Minister is getting hotter every day. Right now, the two top contenders are Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and both have made a slew of promises in their attempts&nbsp;to woo the party members who will be voting to pick their leader and PM. On Sunday, Sunak promised that if he is chosen to replace Boris Johnson, he will get tough on China. He called the country the “number one threat” to domestic and global security.

As per an AFP report, this comes after Sunak’s rival Liz Truss accused him of being weak on China and Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;The UK gears up for next Prime Minister: Liz Truss vs Rishi Sunak

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China’s government-run Global Times in a report had even called Sunak the only contender in the race who had “a clear and pragmatic view on developing UK-China ties”.

UK’s Daily Mail termed this “the endorsement that nobody wanted”.

Sunak has made a number of proposals in an effort to move past this, including the closure of Chinese Confucius institutes and the use of the intelligence agency MI5 to stop Chinese espionage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-candidates-pledge-to-crack-down-on-illegal-immigration-500269" hreflang="en">British PM&nbsp;candidates pledge to crack down on illegal immigration</a>

He criticised China’s international “belt and road” initiative for “saddling developing countries with insurmountable debt”.

“They torture, detain and indoctrinate their own people, including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in contravention of their human rights. And they have continually rigged the global economy in their favour by suppressing their currency,” he added.&nbsp;

“Enough is enough. For too long, politicians in Britain and across the West have rolled out the red carpet and turned a blind eye to China’s nefarious activity and ambitions.”&nbsp;

“I will change this on Day 1 as PM.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-labels-himself-the-underdog-in-race-to-become-next-uk-prime-minister-500092" hreflang="en">Rishi Sunak labels himself the underdog in race to become next UK Prime Minister</a>

China hawks inside the Tory party, who have consistently urged Johnson to be more assertive with Beijing, would no doubt applaud Sunak for his tough talk.&nbsp;However, this also demonstrates how desperately Sunak is attempting to catch up to Truss. As per polls, Truss is ahead in the vital race.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Kingdom’s race for the next Prime Minister is getting hotter every day. Right now, the two top contenders are Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and both have made a slew of promises in their attempts to woo the party members who will be voting to pick their leader and PM.

United Kingdom’s race for the next Prime Minister is getting hotter every day. Right now, the two top contenders are Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and both have made a slew of promises in their attempts to woo the party members who will be voting to pick their leader and PM. On Sunday, Sunak promised that if he is chosen to replace Boris Johnson, he will get tough on China. He called the country the “number one threat” to domestic and global security. As per an AFP report, this comes after Sunak’s rival Liz Truss accused him of being weak on China and Russia. Watch | The UK gears up for next Prime Minister: Liz Truss vs Rishi Sunak China’s government-run Global Times in a report had even called Sunak the only contender in the race who had “a clear and pragmatic view on developing UK-China ties”. UK’s Daily Mail termed this “the endorsement that nobody wanted”. Sunak has made a number of proposals in an effort to move past this, including the closure of Chinese Confucius institutes and the use of the intelligence agency MI5 to stop Chinese espionage. Also read | British PM candidates pledge to crack down on illegal immigration He criticised China’s international “belt and road” initiative for “saddling developing countries with insurmountable debt”. “They torture, detain and indoctrinate their own people, including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in contravention of their human rights. And they have continually rigged the global economy in their favour by suppressing their currency,” he added. “Enough is enough. For too long, politicians in Britain and across the West have rolled out the red carpet and turned a blind eye to China’s nefarious activity and ambitions.” “I will change this on Day 1 as PM.” Also read | Rishi Sunak labels himself the underdog in race to become next UK Prime Minister China hawks inside the Tory party, who have consistently urged Johnson to be more assertive with Beijing, would no doubt applaud Sunak for his tough talk. However, this also demonstrates how desperately Sunak is attempting to catch up to Truss. As per polls, Truss is ahead in the vital race. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Underdog’ Rishi Sunak vows to get tough on China if he becomes PM

“Hasta la vista, baby!” That’s how Boris Johnson concluded his final major speech in parliament as UK prime minister on Wednesday (July 20), to a standing ovation from his lately mutinous MPs. However, several analysts interpreted his parting remarks referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous line from ‘Terminator’ movies as a hint that he would return. “I’ll be back,” is another line of the Terminator character which Johnson repeated. Johnson left his final session of prime minister’s questions, defended his three turbulent years in office — from Brexit and Covid vaccinations to Ukraine — and hailed the contenders vying to follow him, all the while fending off opposition charges, AFP reported. 
 
As per Johnson’s press secretary, the prime minister isn’t considering his comeback. She further added that it was his way of saying goodbye.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-truss-vs-sunak-for-the-battle-to-be-britains-next-prime-minister-499299">It's Truss vs Sunak for the battle to be Britain's next Prime Minister</a>

Johnson’s Downing Street team is currently waging an “anyone but Rishi” campaign, accusing the former finance minister Rishi Sunak of planning the cabinet coup that led to Johnson’s ouster after a slew of scandals. Those include the ‘Partygate,’ which refers to events held by Johnson at his residence in violation of Covid guidelines when rest of UK was under lockdown imposed by his own government. The prime minister, while laughing, responded that he’s not following the Tory election that closely. 
 
Watch |&nbsp;UK Conservative Election | Poll: Rishi Sunak losing leadership race in final round

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Johnson reflected on the Conservative’s resounding victory in the 2019 election on a platform to ‘get Brexit done’ and described his tenure in power as “the greatest privilege" of his life.&nbsp; 
 
After leaving the parliament, Johnson advised the candidates they should “stay close to the Americans, stick up for the Ukrainians, stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere,” AFP reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-the-indian-origin-leader-who-could-become-the-next-prime-minister-of-uk-499230">Rishi Sunak: The Indian-origin leader who could become the next prime minister of UK</a>

The leader further added, “Cut taxes and deregulate where you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest... focus on the road ahead but always remember to check the rearview mirror.” 
 
"It is important ‘to remember that above everything it’s not about Twitter, it’s the people that sent us here,” Johmson added. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

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“Hasta la vista, baby!” That’s how Boris Johnson concluded his final major speech in parliament as UK prime minister on Wednesday (July 20), to a standing ovation from his lately mutinous MPs.

“Hasta la vista, baby!” That’s how Boris Johnson concluded his final major speech in parliament as UK prime minister on Wednesday (July 20), to a standing ovation from his lately mutinous MPs. However, several analysts interpreted his parting remarks referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous line from ‘Terminator’ movies as a hint that he would return. “I’ll be back,” is another line of the Terminator character which Johnson repeated. Johnson left his final session of prime minister’s questions, defended his three turbulent years in office — from Brexit and Covid vaccinations to Ukraine — and hailed the contenders vying to follow him, all the while fending off opposition charges, AFP reported. As per Johnson’s press secretary, the prime minister isn’t considering his comeback. She further added that it was his way of saying goodbye. Also read | It's Truss vs Sunak for the battle to be Britain's next Prime Minister Johnson’s Downing Street team is currently waging an “anyone but Rishi” campaign, accusing the former finance minister Rishi Sunak of planning the cabinet coup that led to Johnson’s ouster after a slew of scandals. Those include the ‘Partygate,’ which refers to events held by Johnson at his residence in violation of Covid guidelines when rest of UK was under lockdown imposed by his own government. The prime minister, while laughing, responded that he’s not following the Tory election that closely. Watch | UK Conservative Election | Poll: Rishi Sunak losing leadership race in final round Johnson reflected on the Conservative’s resounding victory in the 2019 election on a platform to ‘get Brexit done’ and described his tenure in power as “the greatest privilege" of his life. After leaving the parliament, Johnson advised the candidates they should “stay close to the Americans, stick up for the Ukrainians, stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere,” AFP reported. Also read | Rishi Sunak: The Indian-origin leader who could become the next prime minister of UK The leader further added, “Cut taxes and deregulate where you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest... focus on the road ahead but always remember to check the rearview mirror.” "It is important ‘to remember that above everything it’s not about Twitter, it’s the people that sent us here,” Johmson added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Hasta la vista, baby!’: Boris Johnson bids his final goodbye to UK parliament in style

Boris Johnson has resigned as the leader of the Conservative party and prime minister of the United Kingdom after almost three years in office. The political upheaval in Britain reached its tipping point after almost 50 ministers resigned from the Conservative Party, protesting over a series of alleged scandals — the latest being the allegations of sexual misconduct against a senior lawmaker in Johnson’s government. This ultimately dwindled the party’s faith in Johnson’s ability to lead. He is to stay on until his party chooses the next PM.&nbsp;

How long does Boris Johnson stay?

The Conservative Party’s new leader who will succeed Boris Johnson as the new British PM will be announced on September 5. As the party has a majority in the UK Parliament, the winner of the party leadership vote would automatically become the PM.&nbsp;

Who gets to vote?&nbsp;

First of all, this is not a general election. This is an internal voting that would take place within the Conservative party that holds a majority in the UK Parliament.&nbsp;

The party would choose its leader through a two-stage selection process.&nbsp;

First would be a series of secret ballots where 358 Tory (colloquial term for conservative party members) MPs would vote in the first round.&nbsp;

As of now, former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has won the second round&nbsp;with 101 votes, followed by Penny Mordaunt,&nbsp;with 83 votes, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss with 64 votes.&nbsp;

He also won the first round of voting with 88 votes, followed by trade minister Penny Mordaunt with 67 votes and foreign secretary Liz Truss with 50 votes.&nbsp;

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi,&nbsp;former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and&nbsp;Suella Braverman, the attorney general&nbsp;have been eliminated from the race. 
&nbsp; 
Further ballots will take place in the following week, with the bottom-ranked candidate getting eliminated in each round.&nbsp;

The final round of voting happens with two candidates in a face-off. &nbsp;Around 1,60,000 Tory members would select their leader through postal ballot (voting through post or any electronic mode) as the next party leader and PM. 
The result will be announced on 5 September. 
&nbsp; 
What exactly are hustings?&nbsp;

To put it in simple terms, the final two candidates will campaign for the second round of voting through the summer months. ‘Hustings’ is another term for these campaign events.&nbsp;

The ballot papers would be sent through post to Tory MPs in August.&nbsp;

Take a look at the candidates

Initially, eight MPs from the Conservative Party qualified for the first-round ballot. Each candidate got the backing of at least 20 party members.&nbsp;

<img alt="UK politics contenders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02d3b975-d88f-4714-8f77-97972493c668" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/sne.png" /> 
&nbsp; 
In the order of highest to lowest votes received in the first-round ballot. Top row from left: Rishi Sunak, Penny Mordaunt. Liz Truss, Bottom row from left: Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, Suella Braverman (AFP) 
&nbsp; 
What is the Queen’s role?

As per age-old traditions, the outgoing PM appears before the House of Commons for the last time and then outside 10 Downing Street, before visiting Buckingham palace.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The outgoing PM places the resignation letter before the queen, after which a statement is released by the palace saying that the queen is “pleased to accept” the prime minister’s resignation.

After this, the departing PM’s car exits the palace and the one carrying the new PM will visit the queen. The new leader will seek permission from the Queen to form a new government. Once the queen accepts, the UK will have a new PM.&nbsp;

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Boris Johnson has resigned as the leader of the Conservative party and prime minister of the United Kingdom after almost three years in office. The political upheaval in Britain reached its tipping point after almost 50 ministers resigned from the Conservative Party, protesting over a series of alleged scandals — the latest being the allegations of sexual misconduct against a senior lawmaker in Johnson’s government.

Boris Johnson has resigned as the leader of the Conservative party and prime minister of the United Kingdom after almost three years in office. The political upheaval in Britain reached its tipping point after almost 50 ministers resigned from the Conservative Party, protesting over a series of alleged scandals — the latest being the allegations of sexual misconduct against a senior lawmaker in Johnson’s government. This ultimately dwindled the party’s faith in Johnson’s ability to lead. He is to stay on until his party chooses the next PM. How long does Boris Johnson stay? The Conservative Party’s new leader who will succeed Boris Johnson as the new British PM will be announced on September 5. As the party has a majority in the UK Parliament, the winner of the party leadership vote would automatically become the PM. Who gets to vote? First of all, this is not a general election. This is an internal voting that would take place within the Conservative party that holds a majority in the UK Parliament. The party would choose its leader through a two-stage selection process. First would be a series of secret ballots where 358 Tory (colloquial term for conservative party members) MPs would vote in the first round. As of now, former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has won the second round with 101 votes, followed by Penny Mordaunt, with 83 votes, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss with 64 votes. He also won the first round of voting with 88 votes, followed by trade minister Penny Mordaunt with 67 votes and foreign secretary Liz Truss with 50 votes. Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and Suella Braverman, the attorney general have been eliminated from the race. Further ballots will take place in the following week, with the bottom-ranked candidate getting eliminated in each round. The final round of voting happens with two candidates in a face-off. Around 1,60,000 Tory members would select their leader through postal ballot (voting through post or any electronic mode) as the next party leader and PM. The result will be announced on 5 September. What exactly are hustings? To put it in simple terms, the final two candidates will campaign for the second round of voting through the summer months. ‘Hustings’ is another term for these campaign events. The ballot papers would be sent through post to Tory MPs in August. Take a look at the candidates Initially, eight MPs from the Conservative Party qualified for the first-round ballot. Each candidate got the backing of at least 20 party members. In the order of highest to lowest votes received in the first-round ballot. Top row from left: Rishi Sunak, Penny Mordaunt. Liz Truss, Bottom row from left: Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, Suella Braverman (AFP) What is the Queen’s role? As per age-old traditions, the outgoing PM appears before the House of Commons for the last time and then outside 10 Downing Street, before visiting Buckingham palace. The outgoing PM places the resignation letter before the queen, after which a statement is released by the palace saying that the queen is “pleased to accept” the prime minister’s resignation. After this, the departing PM’s car exits the palace and the one carrying the new PM will visit the queen. The new leader will seek permission from the Queen to form a new government. Once the queen accepts, the UK will have a new PM. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Breaking it down: How does the UK elect its new prime minister?

Eight&nbsp;Conservatives will fight it out to&nbsp;succeed&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;as party leader and British prime minister after winning enough nominations from their colleagues to go through to the first round of voting on Wednesday.

Only two hopefuls failed to secure the 20 necessary nominations, leaving a wide field of&nbsp;candidates&nbsp;seeking to win the backing of the party with promises of tax&nbsp;cuts, honesty and serious government - a contrast to&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;who was forced to announce he would resign after a series of scandals.

Former finance minister Rishi Sunak is the bookmakers' favourite, and among those he will be taking on are his successor Nadhim Zahawi and foreign minister Liz Truss in what is becoming an increasingly bitter and divisive contest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-party-is-going-to-introduce-no-confidence-motion-against-johnsons-government-report-496719">UK's Labour Party is going to introduce no-confidence motion against Johnson's government: Report</a>

The next British leader faces a daunting in-tray while support for the Conservatives is also falling, polls show.

Britain's economy is facing rocketing inflation, high debt, and low growth as people grapple with the tightest squeeze on their finances in decades. All of this is set against a backdrop of an energy crunch exacerbated by the war in&nbsp;Ukraine which has sent fuel prices soaring.

As the contest intensifies, rival campaigns stepped up private criticism of each other and pointed to either financial or other questions hanging over their opponents.

Sunak kicked off his campaign by portraying himself as the serious candidate, promising "grown-up" honesty "not fairy tales", seeking to contrast himself with the extensive tax&nbsp;cuts pledged by most of the other&nbsp;candidates.

"It is not credible to promise lots more spending and lower taxes," Sunak said, saying tax&nbsp;cuts could only come after soaring inflation was tackled.

As finance minister, Sunak set Britain on course to have its biggest tax burden since the 1950s after he oversaw a huge rise in government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, and most of the other hopefuls have turned their fire on him by saying they would oversee&nbsp;cuts immediately.

Watch |&nbsp;United Kingdom: 8 leaders in race for the next UK PM and conservative leadership

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Dirty tricks

Sunak has the widest support among colleagues who have publicly expressed their view.

Penny Mordaunt, a junior trade minister who is also heavily tipped, topped a poll of Conservative party members and she too has tried to strike a more measured tone on tax, saying that now is not the time to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;government spending.

"The others will obviously try to secure votes, they will try to put up flares for particular caucuses," she told LBC radio. "This is not the time to be making radical tax policies and promises."

Attorney General Suella Braverman; the former health and foreign minister Jeremy Hunt; Tom Tugendhat, chair of parliament's foreign affairs committee; and Kemi Badenoch, a former junior minister who is scooping up support on the right wing of the party, are the other&nbsp;candidates&nbsp;to enter the first round of the contest.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps earlier became the first candidate to end his bid, throwing his support behind Sunak, while Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel announced she would not be standing.

Foreign Secretary Truss received the backing of two ministers closest to&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;- Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg - who have both been critical of Sunak.

Dorries accused Sunak of using "dirty tricks" to manipulate the leadership contest, with votes being loaned to Hunt's campaign because they view him as easier to beat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-to-have-new-prime-minister-by-september-5-496491">United Kingdom to have new Prime Minister by September 5</a>

Sunak's team did not respond to a request for comment.

The 1922 Committee of Conservative members of parliament which is organising the contest says the field will soon be whittled down with repeated votes in the next few weeks, with the final two then selected by the fewer than 200,000 party members by July 21.

The winner, and Britain's new prime minister, will be announced on Sept. 5.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party said the government was "running scared" after it blocked an attempt to call a confidence vote in&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Wednesday to force him from office immediately.

The government said Labour was trying to "play politics" and it would allow Labour to call a confidence vote if the wording of the motion was changed to remove reference to&nbsp;Johnson.

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Eight Conservatives will fight it out to succeed Boris Johnson as party leader and British prime minister after winning enough nominations from their colleagues to go through to the first round of voting on Wednesday.

Eight Conservatives will fight it out to succeed Boris Johnson as party leader and British prime minister after winning enough nominations from their colleagues to go through to the first round of voting on Wednesday. Only two hopefuls failed to secure the 20 necessary nominations, leaving a wide field of candidates seeking to win the backing of the party with promises of tax cuts, honesty and serious government - a contrast to Johnson who was forced to announce he would resign after a series of scandals. Former finance minister Rishi Sunak is the bookmakers' favourite, and among those he will be taking on are his successor Nadhim Zahawi and foreign minister Liz Truss in what is becoming an increasingly bitter and divisive contest. Also read | UK's Labour Party is going to introduce no-confidence motion against Johnson's government: Report The next British leader faces a daunting in-tray while support for the Conservatives is also falling, polls show. Britain's economy is facing rocketing inflation, high debt, and low growth as people grapple with the tightest squeeze on their finances in decades. All of this is set against a backdrop of an energy crunch exacerbated by the war in Ukraine which has sent fuel prices soaring. As the contest intensifies, rival campaigns stepped up private criticism of each other and pointed to either financial or other questions hanging over their opponents. Sunak kicked off his campaign by portraying himself as the serious candidate, promising "grown-up" honesty "not fairy tales", seeking to contrast himself with the extensive tax cuts pledged by most of the other candidates. "It is not credible to promise lots more spending and lower taxes," Sunak said, saying tax cuts could only come after soaring inflation was tackled. As finance minister, Sunak set Britain on course to have its biggest tax burden since the 1950s after he oversaw a huge rise in government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, and most of the other hopefuls have turned their fire on him by saying they would oversee cuts immediately. Watch | United Kingdom: 8 leaders in race for the next UK PM and conservative leadership Dirty tricks Sunak has the widest support among colleagues who have publicly expressed their view. Penny Mordaunt, a junior trade minister who is also heavily tipped, topped a poll of Conservative party members and she too has tried to strike a more measured tone on tax, saying that now is not the time to cut government spending. "The others will obviously try to secure votes, they will try to put up flares for particular caucuses," she told LBC radio. "This is not the time to be making radical tax policies and promises." Attorney General Suella Braverman; the former health and foreign minister Jeremy Hunt; Tom Tugendhat, chair of parliament's foreign affairs committee; and Kemi Badenoch, a former junior minister who is scooping up support on the right wing of the party, are the other candidates to enter the first round of the contest. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps earlier became the first candidate to end his bid, throwing his support behind Sunak, while Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel announced she would not be standing. Foreign Secretary Truss received the backing of two ministers closest to Johnson - Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg - who have both been critical of Sunak. Dorries accused Sunak of using "dirty tricks" to manipulate the leadership contest, with votes being loaned to Hunt's campaign because they view him as easier to beat. Also read | United Kingdom to have new Prime Minister by September 5 Sunak's team did not respond to a request for comment. The 1922 Committee of Conservative members of parliament which is organising the contest says the field will soon be whittled down with repeated votes in the next few weeks, with the final two then selected by the fewer than 200,000 party members by July 21. The winner, and Britain's new prime minister, will be announced on Sept. 5. Meanwhile, the opposition Labour Party said the government was "running scared" after it blocked an attempt to call a confidence vote in Johnson on Wednesday to force him from office immediately. The government said Labour was trying to "play politics" and it would allow Labour to call a confidence vote if the wording of the motion was changed to remove reference to Johnson. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eight candidates make cut in race to succeed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

A new poll conducted by 'Observer' has shown that Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is a worse choice for the British prime minister than Boris Johnson.

Currently, Johnson has a two-point lead over Starmer further raising concerns within Labour over the party leader’s performance.

In comparison to their ratings two weeks ago, Johnson's rating has improved&nbsp;from -30 to -27 but Karmer's has remained unchanged at -6.

While 26 per cent of the pollsters believed that Karmer would make the best prime minister, 28 per cent opted for Johnson.

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According to the latest Observer poll, Labour has a lead with&nbsp;36 per cent of the vote, followed by Tories at 34 per cent and Lib Dems are on 13 per cent with the Greens on 6 per cent.

Despite a no-confidence vote against Johnson, Labour MPs are still feeling gloomy over Starmer’s performance.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-northern-ireland-protocol-divides-britain-and-the-european-union-487135">How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union</a>

Criticising Karmer's line of questioning during the vote, many within Labour’s ranks said it had helped Johnson regain some stability.

After the strife during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Starmer’s main task has been repairing the party’s internal workings.

Labour Party is currently focusing on making progress with significant groups of voters to secure a clear double-digit lead in the 23 June by-election in Wakefield.

''The work that Keir has been doing to reform the party, often without fanfare, means that we can seriously talk about winning the next election,'' a senior Labour source told 'The Guardian'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new poll conducted by 'Observer' has shown that Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is a worse choice for the British prime minister than Boris Johnson. Currently, Johnson has a two-point lead over Starmer further raising concerns within Labour over the party leader’s performance.

A new poll conducted by 'Observer' has shown that Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is a worse choice for the British prime minister than Boris Johnson. Currently, Johnson has a two-point lead over Starmer further raising concerns within Labour over the party leader’s performance. In comparison to their ratings two weeks ago, Johnson's rating has improved from -30 to -27 but Karmer's has remained unchanged at -6. While 26 per cent of the pollsters believed that Karmer would make the best prime minister, 28 per cent opted for Johnson. × According to the latest Observer poll, Labour has a lead with 36 per cent of the vote, followed by Tories at 34 per cent and Lib Dems are on 13 per cent with the Greens on 6 per cent. Despite a no-confidence vote against Johnson, Labour MPs are still feeling gloomy over Starmer’s performance. Also see | How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union Criticising Karmer's line of questioning during the vote, many within Labour’s ranks said it had helped Johnson regain some stability. After the strife during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Starmer’s main task has been repairing the party’s internal workings. Labour Party is currently focusing on making progress with significant groups of voters to secure a clear double-digit lead in the 23 June by-election in Wakefield. ''The work that Keir has been doing to reform the party, often without fanfare, means that we can seriously talk about winning the next election,'' a senior Labour source told 'The Guardian'. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Keir Starmer worse choice for British prime minister than Boris Johnson: Poll

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals.

The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland.

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Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win.&nbsp;

The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him.

Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sleaze-house-of-commons-porn-misogyny-sexism-in-uk-parliament-475012">Also see |&nbsp;Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament</a>

Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats.&nbsp;

According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate."

Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election.

In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future.

The Conservative Party on Friday (May 6) lost 53 council seats in local elections with Prime Minister Boris Johnson facing a string of recent scandals. The early local elections, being held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future. With predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland, the elections could prove historic in Northern Ireland. Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University told AFP that for the first time in the troubled history of the British province Belfast, the contest for the devolved assembly could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win. The ballot, which is the first electoral test for Johnson since he became the first British leader, could potentially be a pivotal mid-term popularity contest for him. Johnson, who broke his own COVID-19 lockdown rules, is facing simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives. Also see | Sleaze House of Commons? Porn, misogyny, sexism in UK parliament Early English local election results showed the main opposition Labour Party had gained one seat and the Liberal Democrats 27 seats. According to John Curtice, a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, "These results are confirming that the Conservatives have suffered something of a rebuff from the electorate." Council in London, Scotland, and Wales, and a third of the seats in most of the rest of England will be elected on the basis of votes on approximately 7,000 council seats in the local election. In 2019's general election, Johnson won the Conservative Party's biggest majority but this year it could lose control of Wandsworth borough, its flagship council in London. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

UK's Conservative Party loses 53 council seats in local elections

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results.&nbsp;

Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader.

The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday".

Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result".

"I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added.

John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies.

"You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said.

Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vote-is-likely-to-back-johnson-and-an-independent-scotland-383052">UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland</a>

Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters.

"On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said.

However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around.

"We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said.

Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-party-sweeps-aside-labour-in-northern-english-town-383549">PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town</a>

In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February.

It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term.

Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-national-party-projected-to-fall-short-of-majority-383753">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls. Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results. Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader. The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday". Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result". "I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added. John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies. "You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said. Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019. Also read | UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters. "On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said. However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around. "We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said. Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s. Also read | PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February. It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term. Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here". Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

UK election setback sparks Labour infighting

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May.

Human rights activist Park said she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by residents in the northern English town of Bury, her home since 2008, by becoming a councillor in the local government.

She is standing in the May 6 election as a candidate for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in the Moorside electoral ward of Bury, a former industrial town lined with old red brick houses.

"I am really confident because I have already fought totalitarian evils twice, because I escaped North Korea twice," Park, 52, told Reuters from her house adorned with the flag of England and Britain's Union Jack.

"People were really nice to us. I want to pay back this debt," she said.

She grew up in the mountainous North Hamgyong province of North Korea but, hungry and desperate, in 1998 Park fled with her younger brother to China where they fell into the hands of human traffickers.

They were separated - her brother never to be seen again - and she was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave.

"One day I wanted to give up my life but I found that I was pregnant. I had changed my mind because this child was my last family member - and maybe this child would give me hope," she said.

She hid her pregnancy and, fearing arrest in hospital with no ID or papers, gave birth to a boy on her own.

The pair struggled on for five years before Park was captured by the Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea without her son - a parting of "unspeakable" pain, she said.

Imprisoned in a squalid labour camp, she grew seriously ill from a leg injury.

"The police told me that you cannot die inside the camp, you die outside. So they released me," Park said, adding that she prayed to survive so she could be reunited with her son.

She regained enough strength to return to China and in 2005 she found her son, who had been treated badly by her former masters.

Park resolved to find a safe place for them.

She met her now-husband during an abortive move to the Mongolian desert and in 2007 a Korean pastor in Beijing put them in touch with the United Nations, which relocated the family to Britain.

They settled in Bury, birthplace of Robert Peel, a 19th century prime minister and a founder of the modern Conservative Party.

Asked why she joined the Conservatives, whose immigration policies have been criticised by campaign groups like Amnesty International, Park said their emphasis on family values and individual freedom appealed to her.

"Britain taught me what is freedom, and what is human. So that's why I want to help. Last year was a very difficult year and many people lost their family members," Park said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She now spends her time helping other refugees from North Korea adjust to life in Britain.

While Park leads a happy life in Bury and has now raised three children, her thoughts still turn to the past - and her younger brother.

"I still don't know whether he survived or not, but I never give up my hope. One day I want to be reunited with my brother," she said.

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May.

Sixteen years after she was left to die unremembered outside a labour camp in North Korea, Jihyun Park will enter the British political history books if she wins office in local elections this May. Human rights activist Park said she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by residents in the northern English town of Bury, her home since 2008, by becoming a councillor in the local government. She is standing in the May 6 election as a candidate for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party in the Moorside electoral ward of Bury, a former industrial town lined with old red brick houses. "I am really confident because I have already fought totalitarian evils twice, because I escaped North Korea twice," Park, 52, told Reuters from her house adorned with the flag of England and Britain's Union Jack. "People were really nice to us. I want to pay back this debt," she said. She grew up in the mountainous North Hamgyong province of North Korea but, hungry and desperate, in 1998 Park fled with her younger brother to China where they fell into the hands of human traffickers. They were separated - her brother never to be seen again - and she was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave. "One day I wanted to give up my life but I found that I was pregnant. I had changed my mind because this child was my last family member - and maybe this child would give me hope," she said. She hid her pregnancy and, fearing arrest in hospital with no ID or papers, gave birth to a boy on her own. The pair struggled on for five years before Park was captured by the Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea without her son - a parting of "unspeakable" pain, she said. Imprisoned in a squalid labour camp, she grew seriously ill from a leg injury. "The police told me that you cannot die inside the camp, you die outside. So they released me," Park said, adding that she prayed to survive so she could be reunited with her son. She regained enough strength to return to China and in 2005 she found her son, who had been treated badly by her former masters. Park resolved to find a safe place for them. She met her now-husband during an abortive move to the Mongolian desert and in 2007 a Korean pastor in Beijing put them in touch with the United Nations, which relocated the family to Britain. They settled in Bury, birthplace of Robert Peel, a 19th century prime minister and a founder of the modern Conservative Party. Asked why she joined the Conservatives, whose immigration policies have been criticised by campaign groups like Amnesty International, Park said their emphasis on family values and individual freedom appealed to her. "Britain taught me what is freedom, and what is human. So that's why I want to help. Last year was a very difficult year and many people lost their family members," Park said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. She now spends her time helping other refugees from North Korea adjust to life in Britain. While Park leads a happy life in Bury and has now raised three children, her thoughts still turn to the past - and her younger brother. "I still don't know whether he survived or not, but I never give up my hope. One day I want to be reunited with my brother," she said.

From prison camp to ballot box: North Korean defector seeks British election win

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday.

Facebook Inc&nbsp;said the operation, which partly focused on US&nbsp;politics and racial tensions in the run-up to the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, centred around a pseudo media organisation called Peace Data.

The website operated 13 Facebook accounts and two pages, which were set up in May and suspended on Monday for using fake identities and other forms of "coordinated inauthentic behaviour," the company said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-reportedly-raised-300-million-in-august-highest-ever-for-a-us-presidential-candidate-324595" hreflang="en">Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate</a>

Facebook said its investigation "found links to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency", a St Petersburg-based company which US&nbsp;intelligence officials say was central to Russian efforts to sway the 2016 presidential election.

Twitter said it had also suspended five accounts as part of the operation which it could "reliably attribute to Russian state actors."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-says-facebooks-failure-to-remove-militia-page-an-operational-mistake-323884" hreflang="en">Zuckerberg says Facebook's failure to remove militia page an 'operational mistake'</a>

Peace Data did not respond to an emailed request for comment and Russian officials were not immediately available after normal working hours in Moscow. Russia has previously denied US&nbsp;allegations of trying to sway elections and says it does not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries.

Investigators at social media analytics firm Graphika studied the operation and said Peace Data predominately targeted progressive and left-wing groups in the United States and Britain, but also posted about events in other countries including Algeria and Egypt.

It said in a report that the website pushed messages critical of right-wing voices and the centre left, and in the United States "paid particular attention to racial and political tensions", including civil rights protests and criticism of President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Graphika said only around 5 per cent&nbsp;of Peace Data's English-language articles directly concerned the US&nbsp;election, but that "this facet of the operation suggests an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden's campaign."

The findings support an assessment by the United States' top counterintelligence official last month, who said Moscow was using online disinformation to try to undercut the Biden campaign, and could stoke fears about further Russian efforts to interfere in the November vote.

A spokesman for the Trump campaign said the president would win re-election "fair and square and we don’t need or want any foreign interference." The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The US&nbsp;Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions to the FBI. In a statement, the FBI said it had flagged the activity to Facebook.

"The FBI provided information in this matter to better protect against threats to the nation's security and our democratic processes," the statement said.

Information provided by FBI

Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said his team acted on the FBI's tip and suspended the accounts before they gathered a large online following. Only 14,000 people followed one or more of the suspended accounts, he said.

"I think it's very important that we know about this," Gleicher said. "I want people to know that Russian actors are still trying and their tactics are evolving, but I wouldn't want people to think that this was a large, successful campaign."

Peace Data publishes in English and Arabic and says on its website it is a non-profit news organisation seeking "the truth about key world events".

But the three permanent staff listed online are not real, according to the Graphika analysis, which found the profiles used computer-generated photographs of non-existent people and were linked to fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn.

The fake personas advertised for writers on freelance journalism websites and Twitter, offering up to $75 for an article, screenshots of the adverts seen by Reuters showed.

Peace Data's website lists 22 "contributors", mostly freelance journalists in the United States and Britain. Facebook and Graphika said there was no indication the writers knew who was behind the website.

Peace Data "staff" then shared the articles, covering a wide range of political issues, in left-wing social media groups, Graphika said. The website published over 700 articles in English and Arabic between February and August this year.

Ben Nimmo, head of investigations at Graphika, said co-opting real people made it easier for political influence operations to remain undetected.

"What we've seen recently has been much smaller and much lower profile," he said. "It looks like they're trying harder and harder to hide."

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday.

A Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday. Facebook Inc said the operation, which partly focused on US politics and racial tensions in the run-up to the November 3 presidential election, centred around a pseudo media organisation called Peace Data. The website operated 13 Facebook accounts and two pages, which were set up in May and suspended on Monday for using fake identities and other forms of "coordinated inauthentic behaviour," the company said. Also read: Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate Facebook said its investigation "found links to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency", a St Petersburg-based company which US intelligence officials say was central to Russian efforts to sway the 2016 presidential election. Twitter said it had also suspended five accounts as part of the operation which it could "reliably attribute to Russian state actors." Also read: Zuckerberg says Facebook's failure to remove militia page an 'operational mistake' Peace Data did not respond to an emailed request for comment and Russian officials were not immediately available after normal working hours in Moscow. Russia has previously denied US allegations of trying to sway elections and says it does not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries. Investigators at social media analytics firm Graphika studied the operation and said Peace Data predominately targeted progressive and left-wing groups in the United States and Britain, but also posted about events in other countries including Algeria and Egypt. It said in a report that the website pushed messages critical of right-wing voices and the centre left, and in the United States "paid particular attention to racial and political tensions", including civil rights protests and criticism of President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. Graphika said only around 5 per cent of Peace Data's English-language articles directly concerned the US election, but that "this facet of the operation suggests an attempt to build a left-wing audience and steer it away from Biden's campaign." The findings support an assessment by the United States' top counterintelligence official last month, who said Moscow was using online disinformation to try to undercut the Biden campaign, and could stoke fears about further Russian efforts to interfere in the November vote. A spokesman for the Trump campaign said the president would win re-election "fair and square and we don’t need or want any foreign interference." The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence referred questions to the FBI. In a statement, the FBI said it had flagged the activity to Facebook. "The FBI provided information in this matter to better protect against threats to the nation's security and our democratic processes," the statement said. Information provided by FBI Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said his team acted on the FBI's tip and suspended the accounts before they gathered a large online following. Only 14,000 people followed one or more of the suspended accounts, he said. "I think it's very important that we know about this," Gleicher said. "I want people to know that Russian actors are still trying and their tactics are evolving, but I wouldn't want people to think that this was a large, successful campaign." Peace Data publishes in English and Arabic and says on its website it is a non-profit news organisation seeking "the truth about key world events". But the three permanent staff listed online are not real, according to the Graphika analysis, which found the profiles used computer-generated photographs of non-existent people and were linked to fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and business-networking site LinkedIn. The fake personas advertised for writers on freelance journalism websites and Twitter, offering up to $75 for an article, screenshots of the adverts seen by Reuters showed. Peace Data's website lists 22 "contributors", mostly freelance journalists in the United States and Britain. Facebook and Graphika said there was no indication the writers knew who was behind the website. Peace Data "staff" then shared the articles, covering a wide range of political issues, in left-wing social media groups, Graphika said. The website published over 700 articles in English and Arabic between February and August this year. Ben Nimmo, head of investigations at Graphika, said co-opting real people made it easier for political influence operations to remain undetected. "What we've seen recently has been much smaller and much lower profile," he said. "It looks like they're trying harder and harder to hide."

Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway, said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and Oct. 21 last year.

They declined to name which Russian group or organisation they believed was responsible, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States, which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month, saying that “Russian actors” had sought to interfere in the election “through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents”.

Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox’s email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised. It is not clear if Fox, who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle, was a minister at the time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-probes-russian-mercenaries-for-terror-plot-316969">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot</a>

A British government spokeswoman said: “There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.”

She added that the government had “very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff.”

Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings.

The hack of Fox’s account - which has not been previously reported - and subsequent leak of the classified documents ahead of last year’s election is one of the most direct examples of suspected Russian attempts to meddle in British politics.

In the past, Moscow has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in Britain, France, the United States and other countries. Russia’s foreign ministry described the latest British accusations by Raab as “foggy and contradictory”.

A British parliamentary report released last month found that Moscow had tried to influence a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014, and that Britain’s government had failed to adequately investigate possible Russian attempts to sway the 2016 vote on Brexit.

Fox’s email account was hacked using a so-called “spear phishing” message, which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details, the sources said.

The sources said it was not clear if the hackers who stole the trade documents were the same people who later leaked them online.

After first being posted online by an anonymous internet user in the run-up to last year’s vote, the stolen documents were seized on by Britain’s opposition Labour Party during the election campaign.

It said they showed a government plot to sell the much-loved National Health Service to the United States, an accusation Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly denied.

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Classified US-UK trade documents leaked ahead of Britain’s 2019 election were stolen from the email account of former trade minister Liam Fox by suspected Russian hackers, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a law enforcement investigation is underway, said the hackers accessed the account multiple times between July 12 and Oct. 21 last year. They declined to name which Russian group or organisation they believed was responsible, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of a state-backed operation. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies Among the stolen information were six tranches of documents detailing British trade negotiations with the United States, which Reuters first reported last year were leaked and disseminated online by a Russian disinformation campaign. British foreign minister Dominic Raab confirmed that report last month, saying that “Russian actors” had sought to interfere in the election “through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked Government documents”. Reuters was not able to determine which of Fox’s email accounts was hacked and when it was first compromised. It is not clear if Fox, who is still a member of parliament but stood down as trade minister on July 24 last year in a cabinet reshuffle, was a minister at the time. Also read: Belarus probes Russian mercenaries for 'terror' plot A British government spokeswoman said: “There is an ongoing criminal investigation into how the documents were acquired, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.” She added that the government had “very robust systems in place to protect the IT systems of officials and staff.” Representatives for Fox declined to comment on the details of Reuters findings. The hack of Fox’s account - which has not been previously reported - and subsequent leak of the classified documents ahead of last year’s election is one of the most direct examples of suspected Russian attempts to meddle in British politics. In the past, Moscow has repeatedly denied allegations of election meddling in Britain, France, the United States and other countries. Russia’s foreign ministry described the latest British accusations by Raab as “foggy and contradictory”. A British parliamentary report released last month found that Moscow had tried to influence a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014, and that Britain’s government had failed to adequately investigate possible Russian attempts to sway the 2016 vote on Brexit. Fox’s email account was hacked using a so-called “spear phishing” message, which tricks the target into handing over their password and login details, the sources said. The sources said it was not clear if the hackers who stole the trade documents were the same people who later leaked them online. After first being posted online by an anonymous internet user in the run-up to last year’s vote, the stolen documents were seized on by Britain’s opposition Labour Party during the election campaign. It said they showed a government plot to sell the much-loved National Health Service to the United States, an accusation Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly denied.

Papers leaked before UK election in suspected Russian operation were hacked from ex-trade minister: Sources

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Brexit deal</a> on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January&nbsp;31.

"Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT.

"Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward."

The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent.

After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year.

Also Watch:&nbsp;The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

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Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit at the top</a> of his agenda to repay the trust of voters.

Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing.

"After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said.

"Next year will be a great year for our country."

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory. After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January 31. "Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT. "Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward." The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent. After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year. Also Watch: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda × Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing Brexit at the top of his agenda to repay the trust of voters. Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing. "After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said. "Next year will be a great year for our country."

PM Boris Johnson promises to wrap up Brexit for Christmas, parliament to vote

Britain stands to lose more than the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-agrees-on-2050-climate-neutrality-without-poland-268400">European Union</a> if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain set a hard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">deadline of December 2020</a> on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord.

"The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said.

"This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday. Britain set a hard deadline of December 2020 on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord. "The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said. "This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than European Union from lack of trade deal by end-2020: EU

Profile Of Lisa Nandy, The Labour Lawmaker Who Is The Front-Runner To Replace Jeremy Corbyn. #Gravitas #Jeremy Corbyn #UK #UKelection

Gravitas: Indian Origin Lisa Nandy In Race To Replace Corbyn?

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 #SpeedNews #Speednews

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 15, 2019

Protests against Boris reveal Brexit anxiety. Could Boris's past threatens his future.

Protests against the Boris Johnson erupts in London

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeremy-corbyn-says-he-will-not-lead-labour-into-another-election-after-crushing-defeat-267990">Britain's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn</a> apologised Sunday for waging a disastrous campaign that handed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> a mandate to take the UK out of the EU next month.

But the veteran socialist defended his far-left platform and blamed the media for helping relegate his century-old party to its worst performance since before World War II.

"I will make no bones about it. The election result on Thursday was a body blow for everyone who so desperately needs real change in our country," Corbyn wrote in the Sunday Mirror newspaper.

"I wanted to unite the country that I love but I'm sorry that we came up short and I take my responsibility for it."

Thursday's snap general election turned into a re-run of the 2016 EU membership referendum in which Johnson championed the Brexit cause.

Johnson now commands an 80-vote majority in the 650-seat House of Commons -- a margin last enjoyed by the late Tory icon Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.

A sombre but combative Corbyn said Friday that he will step aside once Labour completes a period of "reflection" about its mistakes.&nbsp;

The party is expected to have a new leader in place before England votes yet again in local polls in May.

Yet the 70-year-old has no clear successor after a year of infighting between a protectionist old guard backed by the unions and more metropolitan members with pro-European views.

Corbyn tried to find a balance between the two camps by taking a neutral position on Brexit -- a decision that Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell proved to be fatal.

"What we tried to do is bring both sides together and we failed," McDonnell told the BBC.

Labour's campaign was also dogged by allegations of anti-Semitism that forced a handful of senior lawmakers to resign.

Corbyn tried to shift the campaign's focus on bread-and-butter social issues important to Labour voters.

"But despite our best efforts, this election was ultimately about Brexit," Corbyn admitted in his letter.

"The Tory campaign, amplified by most of the media, managed to persuade many that only Boris Johnson could 'get Brexit done'," he said in reference to Johnson's campaign slogan.

"We will learn the lessons of this defeat."

Soul-searching

The soul-searching and recriminations have been accompanied by questions in other Western countries about how far left traditionally liberal voters are prepared to go.

"Look what happens when the Labour party moves so, so far to the left," US Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden warned Friday.

Yet Corbyn signalled Sunday that he wanted to leave behind a radical legacy that keeps Labour's focus on vast social spending and redistribution of wealth.

He came under intense citicism from more moderate supporters Sunday for claiming that his platform ultimately proved right.

"I am proud that on austerity, on corporate power, on inequality and on the climate emergency we have won the arguments and rewritten the terms of political debate," he wrote in a separate column in The Observer newspaper.

Several prominent Labour members who are viewed as potential leaders sharply disagreed.

"It's time to try something different, rather than re-enacting old battles," lawmaker Jess Phillips wrote in The Observer.

"Everywhere I campaign, I heard the same thing. It was less about Brexit and more about belief. In these places of generations of Labour voting, they did not believe a Labour government would or could deliver for them."

Labour parliamentarian Lisa Nandy agreed that the party had "lost touch with the day-to-day... experience of many of the people we want to represent".

"If we are going to represent the country, we need to understand it, to see it as it really is, not how we might imagine it to be," she wrote in The Observer.

Britain's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn apologised Sunday for waging a disastrous campaign that handed Prime Minister Boris Johnson a mandate to take the UK out of the EU next month.

Britain's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn apologised Sunday for waging a disastrous campaign that handed Prime Minister Boris Johnson a mandate to take the UK out of the EU next month. But the veteran socialist defended his far-left platform and blamed the media for helping relegate his century-old party to its worst performance since before World War II. "I will make no bones about it. The election result on Thursday was a body blow for everyone who so desperately needs real change in our country," Corbyn wrote in the Sunday Mirror newspaper. "I wanted to unite the country that I love but I'm sorry that we came up short and I take my responsibility for it." Thursday's snap general election turned into a re-run of the 2016 EU membership referendum in which Johnson championed the Brexit cause. Johnson now commands an 80-vote majority in the 650-seat House of Commons -- a margin last enjoyed by the late Tory icon Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. A sombre but combative Corbyn said Friday that he will step aside once Labour completes a period of "reflection" about its mistakes. The party is expected to have a new leader in place before England votes yet again in local polls in May. Yet the 70-year-old has no clear successor after a year of infighting between a protectionist old guard backed by the unions and more metropolitan members with pro-European views. Corbyn tried to find a balance between the two camps by taking a neutral position on Brexit -- a decision that Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell proved to be fatal. "What we tried to do is bring both sides together and we failed," McDonnell told the BBC. Labour's campaign was also dogged by allegations of anti-Semitism that forced a handful of senior lawmakers to resign. Corbyn tried to shift the campaign's focus on bread-and-butter social issues important to Labour voters. "But despite our best efforts, this election was ultimately about Brexit," Corbyn admitted in his letter. "The Tory campaign, amplified by most of the media, managed to persuade many that only Boris Johnson could 'get Brexit done'," he said in reference to Johnson's campaign slogan. "We will learn the lessons of this defeat." Soul-searching The soul-searching and recriminations have been accompanied by questions in other Western countries about how far left traditionally liberal voters are prepared to go. "Look what happens when the Labour party moves so, so far to the left," US Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden warned Friday. Yet Corbyn signalled Sunday that he wanted to leave behind a radical legacy that keeps Labour's focus on vast social spending and redistribution of wealth. He came under intense citicism from more moderate supporters Sunday for claiming that his platform ultimately proved right. "I am proud that on austerity, on corporate power, on inequality and on the climate emergency we have won the arguments and rewritten the terms of political debate," he wrote in a separate column in The Observer newspaper. Several prominent Labour members who are viewed as potential leaders sharply disagreed. "It's time to try something different, rather than re-enacting old battles," lawmaker Jess Phillips wrote in The Observer. "Everywhere I campaign, I heard the same thing. It was less about Brexit and more about belief. In these places of generations of Labour voting, they did not believe a Labour government would or could deliver for them." Labour parliamentarian Lisa Nandy agreed that the party had "lost touch with the day-to-day... experience of many of the people we want to represent". "If we are going to represent the country, we need to understand it, to see it as it really is, not how we might imagine it to be," she wrote in The Observer.

UK opposition chief Corbyn 'sorry' for election wipeout

Boris Johnson's pet dog "Dilyn"steals the show in London. Politicians and voters carried dogs to polling station.

Britain and tradition of bringing dogs to polling station

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