After defeat Jeremy Corbyn defends Labour party policies, some of the leftist policies like health care polled well.

Jeremy Corbyn under pressure to step down

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-a-strong-mandate-for-brexit-boris-johnson-after-landslide-victory-268181">Boris Johnson </a>urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election.

The face of the victorious "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police.

Results from the 650 parliamentary constituencies around the United Kingdom showed that Johnson's Conservative Party had trounced its main opponent, winning 365 seats to the Labour Party's 203, the best win for the Conservatives since 1987.

Johnson now faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU, possibly in just 11 months, while also negotiating another trade deal with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Johnson will also be faced with delivering key election promises such as rejuvenating the NHS with 50,000 new nurses and 40 new hospitals, while also strengthening Britain's security by adding thousands more police to the streets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election. The face of the victorious "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police. Results from the 650 parliamentary constituencies around the United Kingdom showed that Johnson's Conservative Party had trounced its main opponent, winning 365 seats to the Labour Party's 203, the best win for the Conservatives since 1987. Johnson now faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU, possibly in just 11 months, while also negotiating another trade deal with US President Donald Trump. Johnson will also be faced with delivering key election promises such as rejuvenating the NHS with 50,000 new nurses and 40 new hospitals, while also strengthening Britain's security by adding thousands more police to the streets.

Boris Johnson urges 'healing' for Brexit-bound Britain

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-a-strong-mandate-for-brexit-boris-johnson-after-landslide-victory-268181">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">Johnson</a> led the Conservatives on Thursday to their biggest election win since Margaret Thatcher's landslide victory of 1987, trouncing his socialist Labour Party foe Jeremy Corbyn by capturing 365 parliamentary seats and securing an overall majority of 80. Labour won 203 seats.

The election saw the crumbling of Labour's "Red Wall" of formerly safe seats in working-class areas across northern and central England where most people voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the European Union.

Johnson, the face of the "Leave" campaign in that referendum, fought the election on the slogan "Get Brexit done".

"I know that people may have been breaking the voting habits of generations to vote for us," Johnson told supporters in Sedgefield, a symbolically important seat as it was once held by former prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader.

"I want the people of the northeast to know that we in the Conservative Party, and I, will repay your trust."

Brexit was widely seen as the decisive factor in the election, with Johnson's promise to take Britain out of the EU by Jan. 31, 2020, winning over many former Labour voters.

"What an incredible thing you have done, you have changed the political landscape, you’ve changed the Conservative Party for the better and you've changed the future of our country for the better," said Johnson.

"First of all, what are we going to do to repay that trust? We are going to get Brexit done."

Johnson, who called the snap election to break years of deadlock in parliament over Brexit, has also promised to spend more money on health, education and the police.

Addressing newly elected Conservative lawmakers, Johnson evoked Blair's own words on taking office.

"When we get down to Westminster and we begin our work, remember we are not the masters, we are the servants now...and our job is to serve the people of this country and to deliver on our priorities. And our priorities and their priorities are the same," he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election. Johnson led the Conservatives on Thursday to their biggest election win since Margaret Thatcher's landslide victory of 1987, trouncing his socialist Labour Party foe Jeremy Corbyn by capturing 365 parliamentary seats and securing an overall majority of 80. Labour won 203 seats. The election saw the crumbling of Labour's "Red Wall" of formerly safe seats in working-class areas across northern and central England where most people voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the European Union. Johnson, the face of the "Leave" campaign in that referendum, fought the election on the slogan "Get Brexit done". "I know that people may have been breaking the voting habits of generations to vote for us," Johnson told supporters in Sedgefield, a symbolically important seat as it was once held by former prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader. "I want the people of the northeast to know that we in the Conservative Party, and I, will repay your trust." Brexit was widely seen as the decisive factor in the election, with Johnson's promise to take Britain out of the EU by Jan. 31, 2020, winning over many former Labour voters. "What an incredible thing you have done, you have changed the political landscape, you’ve changed the Conservative Party for the better and you've changed the future of our country for the better," said Johnson. "First of all, what are we going to do to repay that trust? We are going to get Brexit done." Johnson, who called the snap election to break years of deadlock in parliament over Brexit, has also promised to spend more money on health, education and the police. Addressing newly elected Conservative lawmakers, Johnson evoked Blair's own words on taking office. "When we get down to Westminster and we begin our work, remember we are not the masters, we are the servants now...and our job is to serve the people of this country and to deliver on our priorities. And our priorities and their priorities are the same," he said.

'I will repay your trust', UK PM Johnson tells ex-Labour voters on trip to north

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 14, 2019

Britons Live Up To Its Tradition Of Carrying Dogs To Polling Stations.

Gravitas: United Kingdom: When dogs defined the elections...

UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday said that he will not be leading his party into another election after a crushing defeat in one of the most important elections in Britain's history as the country prepares to leave European Union.

UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday said that he will not be leading his party into another election after a crushing defeat in one of the most important elections in Britain's history as the country prepares to leave European Union. ''Pressure on people in public life is high and the attacks on people in public life are disgusting,'' the Labour Party leader was quoted as saying by several media. Corbyn thanked his family members and his wife for all ''she has had put up with, especially because of the attacks from the media''. It has been a “very disappointing night” for Labour Party, he said and added that his party had put forward a manifesto of hope and the party’s policies were popular. He quipped that the Brexit has polarised debate. ''I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign and a discussion will take place as to what happens next,'' he added.

Jeremy Corbyn says he will not lead Labour into another election after crushing defeat 

Counting underway in UK general election. According to exit poll may be this is the worst ever result for Labour party.

Counting underway in UK general election

Prime Minister Boris Johnson appears set for a sweeping election victory on a promise to "Get Brexit done", but there is a reality check waiting for jaded voters who are feeling relieved that the messy divorce seems to be finally over.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson appears set for a sweeping election victory on a promise to "Get Brexit done", but there is a reality check waiting for jaded voters who are feeling relieved that the messy divorce seems to be finally over. It's just the beginning. With early vote-counting indicating a handsome Conservative majority, Johnson should be able to finally secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement he struck with the European Union in October so that Brexit happens on Jan. 31. Britain will then go into a status-quo transition period until the end of 2020, which Johnson has said leaves ample time to negotiate a new relationship with the EU, including on trade. But EU diplomats and officials say the following issues will be sticking points which, if not ironed out, could yet take Britain to the cliff edge of a no-deal exit one year from now. Time The EU hopes to start trade talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a deal and get it approved by London and the EU, including member states' parliaments. Trade agreements with the EU typically take years to complete, and few in Brussels believe the transition period will be long enough to seal a deal with Britain. The transition period can be prolonged by one or two years but London must request an extension by the end of June. Level playing field The EU insists it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful and near neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. The EU's demands will focus on environmental and labour standards, as well as state aid rules to ensure Britain would not be able to offer products on the bloc's single market at unfairly low prices. In addition to Johnson's push for a "zero tariff, zero quota" trade deal, the bloc wants a guarantee of "zero dumping". "If the UK becomes a cross between a casino and Singapore on Thames, we will be very focused on level playing field issues,” a senior EU diplomat said. Britain's conundrum is that it will be under pressure to loosen rules on agricultural and food standards to strike a bilateral trade deal with the United States, but this would be crossing a red line for the EU, which would restrict access to its market to protect its own producers. Fisheries Fishing is a thorny issue because EU countries will no longer be able to operate in British waters as they are now. The two sides will probably negotiate fishing quotas, as the EU currently does with Norway, whereby so-called total allowable catches are shared among EU countries but officials say this will be a drawn-out and potentially acrimonious process. Rules of origin With industry supply chains in the EU currently crossing borders multiple times for products like cars and drugs, agreeing exact rules to designate where products come from - and hence what regulations and taxes apply - will also be tricky. Security & data sharing The EU and Britain have vowed to work closely on security, including by sharing sensitive data for criminal cases. However, agreeing such procedures with third countries has proven complicated and time-consuming for the EU in the past. Expect the unexpected? EU diplomats said that with a large majority in parliament, Johnson may pay less heed to his own hardline Brexiteers who want a deep split from the bloc as he negotiates a future relationship. He may also feel under less pressure to stick to his pre-election pledge not to extend the transition period beyond 2020. However, if Johnson fails to reach an agreement with the EU by the end of next year, and he refuses to negotiate past his own deadline, then the legal default would still be a no-deal divorce.

Explainer: Reality check for Johnson's Brexit - It's just the beginning

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-election-2019-young-voters-throng-polling-booths-as-brexit-dominates-267876">election </a>win set the stage for an orderly Brexit.

Some officials at the EU summit in Brussels expressed relief as exit polls arrived from across the Channel, predicting a workable parliamentary majority for the pro-Brexit premier.

"We will wait and we will see what will be the official results but there is a strong message we will give tomorrow," said summit host and new president of the European Council Charles Michel.

"We are ready for the next steps and we will see if it's possible for the British parliament to accept the Withdrawal Agreement and take a decision," he said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed, adding that Brussels would congratulate the winner and work quickly to draft a mandate for post-Brexit trade talks.&nbsp;

France's minister for European affairs, Amelie de Montchalin, said that -- if confirmed -- the results would comfort President Emmanuel Macron, who has long wanted to see London ratify the Brexit withdrawal agreement and leave the bloc on January 31 as planned.

"If the exit poll results are confirmed it should allow for a clear majority, something that has been missing in the United Kingdom for several years," she said.&nbsp;

"It's not for me to be relieved -- or worried -- but, along with the president, we've been saying for several months: 'We need clarity'."

The EU leaders have a Brexit text ready to adopt on Friday at the end of their two-day summit.

According to the latest draft, seen by AFP, the 27 other EU leaders will restate their support for Britain's "orderly withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement" signed by Johnson at a previous summit and call "for its timely ratification and effective implementation."

They will call for "as close as possible a future relationship with the UK" while warning that "the future relationship will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensure a level playing field" in terms of business and trade rules.

And they will ask the European Commission to submit "a draft comprehensive mandate for a future relationship with the UK immediately after its withdrawal."

While Barnier will direct trade negotiations, the leaders will follow closely "and provide further guidance as necessary fully consistent with the EU's best interest and with the aim of reaching a result that is fair and equitable for all Member States and in the interest of our citizens."

As he arrived at the summit on Thursday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar did not endorse Johnson's vow to "Get Brexit Done", but stressed the need for a decisive verdict.

"I imagine most prime ministers and presidents will be staying up all night to watch the results, so we'll all be a bit bleary eyed in the morning," he told reporters ahead of the summit.

"Obviously, it's entirely a decision for the people of the UK to elect whatever government they want and I just hope the result is decisive so that we know where we're going over the next few months."

Enemies in Brussels&nbsp;

Johnson made a career as a journalist and later as a leader of the pro-Brexit movement by criticising the European Union, making several enemies in Brussels.

But, after three years of chaotic attempts to agree separation terms in the wake of the 2016 British exit referendum, many EU leaders are resigned to Johnson representing their best chance of an orderly divorce.

Ahead of the exit poll forecasts, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the next British leader should have a majority "to fulfil the agreements we decided on both sides".

And he called for "a parliament in London that agrees on the future relationship, and all these things very quickly".

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent election win set the stage for an orderly Brexit.

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent election win set the stage for an orderly Brexit. Some officials at the EU summit in Brussels expressed relief as exit polls arrived from across the Channel, predicting a workable parliamentary majority for the pro-Brexit premier. "We will wait and we will see what will be the official results but there is a strong message we will give tomorrow," said summit host and new president of the European Council Charles Michel. "We are ready for the next steps and we will see if it's possible for the British parliament to accept the Withdrawal Agreement and take a decision," he said. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed, adding that Brussels would congratulate the winner and work quickly to draft a mandate for post-Brexit trade talks. France's minister for European affairs, Amelie de Montchalin, said that -- if confirmed -- the results would comfort President Emmanuel Macron, who has long wanted to see London ratify the Brexit withdrawal agreement and leave the bloc on January 31 as planned. "If the exit poll results are confirmed it should allow for a clear majority, something that has been missing in the United Kingdom for several years," she said. "It's not for me to be relieved -- or worried -- but, along with the president, we've been saying for several months: 'We need clarity'." The EU leaders have a Brexit text ready to adopt on Friday at the end of their two-day summit. According to the latest draft, seen by AFP, the 27 other EU leaders will restate their support for Britain's "orderly withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement" signed by Johnson at a previous summit and call "for its timely ratification and effective implementation." They will call for "as close as possible a future relationship with the UK" while warning that "the future relationship will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensure a level playing field" in terms of business and trade rules. And they will ask the European Commission to submit "a draft comprehensive mandate for a future relationship with the UK immediately after its withdrawal." While Barnier will direct trade negotiations, the leaders will follow closely "and provide further guidance as necessary fully consistent with the EU's best interest and with the aim of reaching a result that is fair and equitable for all Member States and in the interest of our citizens." As he arrived at the summit on Thursday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar did not endorse Johnson's vow to "Get Brexit Done", but stressed the need for a decisive verdict. "I imagine most prime ministers and presidents will be staying up all night to watch the results, so we'll all be a bit bleary eyed in the morning," he told reporters ahead of the summit. "Obviously, it's entirely a decision for the people of the UK to elect whatever government they want and I just hope the result is decisive so that we know where we're going over the next few months." Enemies in Brussels Johnson made a career as a journalist and later as a leader of the pro-Brexit movement by criticising the European Union, making several enemies in Brussels. But, after three years of chaotic attempts to agree separation terms in the wake of the 2016 British exit referendum, many EU leaders are resigned to Johnson representing their best chance of an orderly divorce. Ahead of the exit poll forecasts, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the next British leader should have a majority "to fulfil the agreements we decided on both sides". And he called for "a parliament in London that agrees on the future relationship, and all these things very quickly".

EU leaders prepare for Brexit after Boris Johnson win

Boris Johnson won a massive victory in the UK election, putting the country on course to leave the European Union next month after the biggest shift in British political allegiances for decades. Now the question is will this win get the Brexit done? #UKElections2019 #Brexit #BorisJohnsonWins

UK Elections 2019: Can brute majority 'get Brexit done'?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a thundering election victory that will allow him to take Britain out of the European Union in a matter of weeks.

UK PM Boris Johnson: Threat of 2nd referendum no more

Boris Johnson won a decisive victory in the UK election, putting the country on course to leave the European Union next month after the biggest shift in British political allegiances for decades. The Conservatives have cross-passed the majority mark of 326 seats. It's a historic win for the party as reports suggest that the rival Labour Party has suffered the worst defeat in the last many years. The Labour Party is far behind at 194 seats.

UK Election 2019: Boris Johnson wins parliamentary elections

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said Britain would leave the European Union on January 31 after his sweeping election win. "We will get Brexit done on time by the 31st of January, no ifs, no buts, no maybes," Johnson told cheering supporters on Friday.

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said Britain would leave the European Union on January 31 after his sweeping election win. "We will get Brexit done on time by the 31st of January, no ifs, no buts, no maybes," Johnson told cheering supporters on Friday. Johnson paid tribute to colleagues who lost their seats and said: ''This is the biggest majority for the party since the 1980s''. He further said that he will able to get Brexit done. It was now the “irrefutable, unarguable” decision of the British people, he added. Lauding his party for ending the threat of a second referendum, Johnson said it is his duty to deliver on the promises made by the Tories at the election. Johnson concluded his speech by saying: ''Let’s get Brexit done. But first let’s get breakfast done''.

We will leave EU on January 31, no ifs, no buts, says UK Prime Minister Johnson amid resounding victory 

Corbyn quits as Labour Party Leader. To know more watch

Labour Party Faces Worst Poll Failure

How the mighty fell: Biggest upsets in the UK election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Boris Johnson </a>on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit.&nbsp;

The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987.&nbsp;

Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205368801438707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit. The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987. Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935. US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019 × After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Boris Johnson for win in UK election

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

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

In the last four years this is the third election in UK. Who will be the next Prime Minister of UK.

U.K: Three election in four years all for Brexit

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-brexit-and-economy-at-stake-britain-braces-for-third-election-in-four-years-267352">general election </a>in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation.&nbsp;

So, as the UK heads to polls, let's look at how the last three elections played out.&nbsp;

2010 election: Coalition government

Ahead of the global financial crisis in 2007, Labour's Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair and became the prime minister of the country in 2007.

In the 2010 election, televised debates of leaders took place for the first time. The support for Liberal Democrats rose after Clegg's performance in the debate.&nbsp;

The trends showed that the support for the centre-left Labour declined as voters turned to David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's centrist Liberal Democrats.

However, when the results were announced, Britain witnessed hung parliament, the second since World War II. The Conservatives won 306 seats and Liberal Democrat ended with 57 seats. The hung parliament is rare in Britain as they follow the first-past-the-post system. &nbsp;

Immediately after the results, Cameron reached out to the Liberal Democrats. Brown remained in the office during the coalition talks, hoping to persuade Clegg to shake hands with Labour.&nbsp;

However, Cameron became the prime minister of Britain as Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed an alliance.

2015: Suprise victory for Cameron

Cameron pledged in 2015 that if he will get another term, a referendum will be held to decide Britain's membership in the European Union.&nbsp;

The poll pundits predicted another hung parliament, however, when results were declared, Conservatives pulled off a slender victory and improved its 2010 tally with 330 seats. The results meant that Conservatives can form the government on their own.&nbsp;

The elections saw the worst tally for Liberal Democrats since their formation in 1988, winning only eight seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) gained big as it won 56 out of the 59 seats in Scotland.

The vote share of Labour improved but, still, they lost more seats as compared to 2010.

2017: Theresa May's gamble fails

After the Brexit referendum, Theresa May became the prime minister of the UK. May feared that in order to pass Brexit a small majority might not be enough and therefore she called a snap election.

However, the gamble did not pay off and the Conservatives lost 13 seats to end up with 307. The results meant that a Conservative minority government came to power after getting support from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionists (DUP).

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's energetic campaign and May's wooden performances were the reasons behind the decline of the Conservatives.&nbsp;

In this election, voters once again entrusted the main parties as the Conservatives won 42 per cent and Labour 40 per cent of votes.&nbsp;

May failed to get the Brexit done and was replaced by Boris Johnson after she quit in July 2019.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third general election in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation.

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third general election in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation. So, as the UK heads to polls, let's look at how the last three elections played out. 2010 election: Coalition government Ahead of the global financial crisis in 2007, Labour's Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair and became the prime minister of the country in 2007. In the 2010 election, televised debates of leaders took place for the first time. The support for Liberal Democrats rose after Clegg's performance in the debate. The trends showed that the support for the centre-left Labour declined as voters turned to David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's centrist Liberal Democrats. However, when the results were announced, Britain witnessed hung parliament, the second since World War II. The Conservatives won 306 seats and Liberal Democrat ended with 57 seats. The hung parliament is rare in Britain as they follow the first-past-the-post system. Immediately after the results, Cameron reached out to the Liberal Democrats. Brown remained in the office during the coalition talks, hoping to persuade Clegg to shake hands with Labour. However, Cameron became the prime minister of Britain as Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed an alliance. 2015: Suprise victory for Cameron Cameron pledged in 2015 that if he will get another term, a referendum will be held to decide Britain's membership in the European Union. The poll pundits predicted another hung parliament, however, when results were declared, Conservatives pulled off a slender victory and improved its 2010 tally with 330 seats. The results meant that Conservatives can form the government on their own. The elections saw the worst tally for Liberal Democrats since their formation in 1988, winning only eight seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) gained big as it won 56 out of the 59 seats in Scotland. The vote share of Labour improved but, still, they lost more seats as compared to 2010. 2017: Theresa May's gamble fails After the Brexit referendum, Theresa May became the prime minister of the UK. May feared that in order to pass Brexit a small majority might not be enough and therefore she called a snap election. However, the gamble did not pay off and the Conservatives lost 13 seats to end up with 307. The results meant that a Conservative minority government came to power after getting support from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionists (DUP). Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's energetic campaign and May's wooden performances were the reasons behind the decline of the Conservatives. In this election, voters once again entrusted the main parties as the Conservatives won 42 per cent and Labour 40 per cent of votes. May failed to get the Brexit done and was replaced by Boris Johnson after she quit in July 2019. (with inputs from AFP)

As Britain heads to polls, a glance at last three elections

To decide the future of Brexit, voters&nbsp;across the United Kingdom went&nbsp;to the polls on Thursday to cast their vote in the third general&nbsp;election in less than five-years.

Soon after the polls were opened, large queues were formed outside the polling venues. Interestingly among the voters, large numbers of young voters were seen standing in the queues to vote for their leader despite the freezing weather.

According to a report by UK daily,&nbsp;almost a third of people who registered to vote are under 25. It is expected that&nbsp;young voters could play a critical role in this general election.

People also took micro-blogging site Twitter to express their surprise over the long queues.

"I've been living in Balham, London for 6 years, I have never seen a queue like this at my polling station," Aidan Conway wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCNews</a> I've been living in Balham, London for 6 years, I have never seen a queue like this at my polling station. <a href="https://t.co/JCjVdeGruo">pic.twitter.com/JCjVdeGruo</a>
— Aidan Cönway (@onzlo99) <a href="https://twitter.com/onzlo99/status/1205034419968446464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"First time in 20 years that I've seen a queue at my polling station," Sue Christoforou tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First time in 20 years that I’ve seen a queue at my polling station. <a href="https://t.co/PddeJ12i19">pic.twitter.com/PddeJ12i19</a>
— Sue Christoforou (@SueChristoforou) <a href="https://twitter.com/SueChristoforou/status/1205039591197233152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Another voter tweeted "Massive queues, feeling hopeful. Could be Brexiters but a lot of those queues seem to be young voters."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Massive queues, feeling hopeful. Could be Brexiters but a lot of those queues seem to be young voters <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralElection2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralElection2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouthQuake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouthQuake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimeForChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimeForChange</a> <a href="https://t.co/o2ApPx9a2w">pic.twitter.com/o2ApPx9a2w</a>
— Francesca (@Francescax456) <a href="https://twitter.com/Francescax456/status/1205078625659297792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the past, long queues have been a rare sight in general elections in the UK.&nbsp;

UK daily The&nbsp;Guardian reported citing a research that, "Only 2% of poll workers reported a problem with queues at the 2018 and 2019 local elections, while 6% reported problems at the 2015 general election."

Meanwhile, people on social media as well encouraged registered voters to vote for their leaders.

Voters went to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union.

After failing to deliver Brexit by an Oct. 31 deadline, Johnson called the election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain's departure and sapped confidence in the economy.

The face of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police.

His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit.

Polls opened at 0700 GMT and will close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of the United Kingdom's 650 constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

To decide the future of Brexit, voters across the United Kingdom went to the polls on Thursday to cast their vote in the third general election in less than five-years.

To decide the future of Brexit, voters across the United Kingdom went to the polls on Thursday to cast their vote in the third general election in less than five-years. Soon after the polls were opened, large queues were formed outside the polling venues. Interestingly among the voters, large numbers of young voters were seen standing in the queues to vote for their leader despite the freezing weather. According to a report by UK daily, almost a third of people who registered to vote are under 25. It is expected that young voters could play a critical role in this general election. People also took micro-blogging site Twitter to express their surprise over the long queues. "I've been living in Balham, London for 6 years, I have never seen a queue like this at my polling station," Aidan Conway wrote on Twitter. @BBCNews I've been living in Balham, London for 6 years, I have never seen a queue like this at my polling station. pic.twitter.com/JCjVdeGruo — Aidan Cönway (@onzlo99) December 12, 2019 × "First time in 20 years that I've seen a queue at my polling station," Sue Christoforou tweeted. First time in 20 years that I’ve seen a queue at my polling station. pic.twitter.com/PddeJ12i19 — Sue Christoforou (@SueChristoforou) December 12, 2019 × Another voter tweeted "Massive queues, feeling hopeful. Could be Brexiters but a lot of those queues seem to be young voters." Massive queues, feeling hopeful. Could be Brexiters but a lot of those queues seem to be young voters #GeneralElection2019 #YouthQuake #TimeForChange pic.twitter.com/o2ApPx9a2w — Francesca (@Francescax456) December 12, 2019 × In the past, long queues have been a rare sight in general elections in the UK. UK daily The Guardian reported citing a research that, "Only 2% of poll workers reported a problem with queues at the 2018 and 2019 local elections, while 6% reported problems at the 2015 general election." Meanwhile, people on social media as well encouraged registered voters to vote for their leaders. Voters went to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union. After failing to deliver Brexit by an Oct. 31 deadline, Johnson called the election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain's departure and sapped confidence in the economy. The face of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police. His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit. Polls opened at 0700 GMT and will close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of the United Kingdom's 650 constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT. (With inputs from agencies)

UK general election 2019: Young voters throng polling booths as Brexit dominates

Polling stations have opened across England for voting in the 2019 UK General Election. About 46 million voters are eligible to elect 650 members of Parliament to the House of Commons, 533 of whom are for constituencies in England.

UK Election 2019: Polling stations open across UK

The United Kingdom will vote in its third election in four years on Thursday. Who will be the next Prime Minister. Will this election settle the chaos over Brexit?

Gravitas: The UK Election: Who will be the next Prime Minister

Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-2019-a-choice-between-low-tax-individualism-or-generous-state-with-unknown-price-tag-264595">general election</a> campaign, which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-general-election-when-and-how-could-it-happen-247993">ends on Wednesday night</a>, has turned the spotlight on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-would-russia-prefer-to-happen-in-the-uk-election-267143"> closed world </a>of the ultra-rich.

The main opposition Labour party has repeatedly attacked tax avoidance and evasion and promised to renationalise key industries, including mail delivery, energy and the railways.

Billionaire mobile phone magnate John Caudwell on Monday warned Labour tax hikes for the top five per cent of earners and business tax would stifle investment.

But the ruling Conservatives, who are promising across-the-board tax cuts, have been more accommodating, proposing few changes that would alter Britain's status as an attractive destination for the elite.

Who are the ultra-rich?

The Sunday Times in May said there were 151 billionaires in Britain. The 1,000 richest families and individuals have a record combined wealth of £771.3 billion ($1.01 trillion, 916 billion euros).

Those with the biggest fortunes come from across the world, including Russia and Asia.

The Indian-origin Gopichand and Srichand Hinduja brothers head the list with £22 billion, with the Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov eighth, just in front of his compatriot Roman Abramovich.

Favourable tax regime

Britain owes its special status to its tax regime, especially the "non-dom" status that allows some British residents to maintain fiscal residency overseas and not pay income tax on earnings from outside the country.

"The UK provides an attractive tax regime for foreigners who have large amounts of income from investments because this is the easiest type of income to shelter from UK taxation using the 'non-dom' regime," said Andrew Summers, from the London School of Economics.

According to the revenue and customs service, 78,300 people were classified as "non-dom" in 2017-2018, allowing them to pay £2 billion less to the Treasury.

Another advantage of the British tax system is that capital gains tax can be offset by much lower taxes on property, even on the most expensive.

Unlike France, there is no fortune tax.

Education and financial services

Efun Chin, founder and principal of Mayfair Legal, said: "The UK has been an attractive destination to many foreigners for many years, decades and many reasons as well.

"It's due probably to historical reasons where Britain used to have an empire and many Commonwealth nationals would see the UK as the destination to study because of the quality of the institutions."

Meanwhile, anyone investing at least £2 million in the country can get a dedicated "Golden Visa" allowing them to stay for five years.

"It would definitely be a mistake to think that the only reason for a wealthy person to move to the UK would be to save some tax," said Summers, an assistant professor of law at the LSE.

He pointed to "well-established advantages for doing business", from international openness, a favourable time zone, a widely spoken language and respected legal system.

Brexit and Labour: A&nbsp;deterrent?

Despite the vote for Brexit in 2016 and uncertainty over the actual departure date from the European Union, Britain is still a favourite destination for the ultra-rich.

"Of course they were talking about Brexit but they have not been stopped by Brexit," said Chin.

Diplomatic tensions in 2018 between Britain and Russia, for example, can have a much more important temporary effect.

Summers observed: "its position as a gateway to the EU has also been an important factor but this status is now less certain."

In the short-term, there is the hypothetical victory at the election for Labour, which has promised to target the rich.

"If Labour says they would like to close down independent private schools, I think that would have an effect," said Chin.

Britain's general election campaign, which ends on Wednesday night, has turned the spotlight on the closed world of the ultra-rich. The main opposition Labour party has repeatedly attacked tax avoidance and evasion and promised to renationalise key industries, including mail delivery, energy and the railways.

Britain's general election campaign, which ends on Wednesday night, has turned the spotlight on the closed world of the ultra-rich. The main opposition Labour party has repeatedly attacked tax avoidance and evasion and promised to renationalise key industries, including mail delivery, energy and the railways. Billionaire mobile phone magnate John Caudwell on Monday warned Labour tax hikes for the top five per cent of earners and business tax would stifle investment. But the ruling Conservatives, who are promising across-the-board tax cuts, have been more accommodating, proposing few changes that would alter Britain's status as an attractive destination for the elite. Who are the ultra-rich? The Sunday Times in May said there were 151 billionaires in Britain. The 1,000 richest families and individuals have a record combined wealth of £771.3 billion ($1.01 trillion, 916 billion euros). Those with the biggest fortunes come from across the world, including Russia and Asia. The Indian-origin Gopichand and Srichand Hinduja brothers head the list with £22 billion, with the Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov eighth, just in front of his compatriot Roman Abramovich. Favourable tax regime Britain owes its special status to its tax regime, especially the "non-dom" status that allows some British residents to maintain fiscal residency overseas and not pay income tax on earnings from outside the country. "The UK provides an attractive tax regime for foreigners who have large amounts of income from investments because this is the easiest type of income to shelter from UK taxation using the 'non-dom' regime," said Andrew Summers, from the London School of Economics. According to the revenue and customs service, 78,300 people were classified as "non-dom" in 2017-2018, allowing them to pay £2 billion less to the Treasury. Another advantage of the British tax system is that capital gains tax can be offset by much lower taxes on property, even on the most expensive. Unlike France, there is no fortune tax. Education and financial services Efun Chin, founder and principal of Mayfair Legal, said: "The UK has been an attractive destination to many foreigners for many years, decades and many reasons as well. "It's due probably to historical reasons where Britain used to have an empire and many Commonwealth nationals would see the UK as the destination to study because of the quality of the institutions." Meanwhile, anyone investing at least £2 million in the country can get a dedicated "Golden Visa" allowing them to stay for five years. "It would definitely be a mistake to think that the only reason for a wealthy person to move to the UK would be to save some tax," said Summers, an assistant professor of law at the LSE. He pointed to "well-established advantages for doing business", from international openness, a favourable time zone, a widely spoken language and respected legal system. Brexit and Labour: A deterrent? Despite the vote for Brexit in 2016 and uncertainty over the actual departure date from the European Union, Britain is still a favourite destination for the ultra-rich. "Of course they were talking about Brexit but they have not been stopped by Brexit," said Chin. Diplomatic tensions in 2018 between Britain and Russia, for example, can have a much more important temporary effect. Summers observed: "its position as a gateway to the EU has also been an important factor but this status is now less certain." In the short-term, there is the hypothetical victory at the election for Labour, which has promised to target the rich. "If Labour says they would like to close down independent private schools, I think that would have an effect," said Chin.

Ultra-rich attract interest in Britain's general election campaign

Britain is set to go back to the ballot boxes in three days, to pick its Prime Minister for the third time since 2015.

It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades.

It is not just Brexit that is at stake, whoever gets the keys to Downing Street will radically influence the country's economy, public services and the road ahead. 
&nbsp; 
The people of Britain are set to elect 650 Members of Parliament into the House of Commons that is going to decide laws and policies for the country. While most of those contesting elections belong to a political party, some do stand as Independents.

Like India, the United Kingdom also holds general elections every five years but due to Brexit, three elections have already taken place in the last four years.

In the 2015 general elections, the National Health Service and immigration were the biggest concern for the voters. In 2019, however, these concerns have been overtaken by Britain's departure from the European Union - Brexit - as the prime concern for everyone. 
&nbsp; 
The purpose of these Christmas elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament, but it is a huge gamble for Prime Minister of Britain and leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson.

Politicians remain divided on the issue with some demanding the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some demanding another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not currently have enough MPs to easily pass new laws, he hopes an early election will increase the number of Conservative MPs, making his Brexit plans easier to achieve.

If the UK Prime Minister fails, pro-remain parties will try to stop Brexit altogether.

The Labour Party wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum.

The Liberal Democrats under the leadership of Jo Swinson have pledged to cancel Brexit if they are voted to power at the general elections.

The Scottish National Party, Welsh Party plaid CYMRU and the Greens are all in favour of a second referendum.

Britain is to start voting between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm on December 12. The results are to declared through the night and the following day.

Once the final result is announced, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen for permission to form a new government after which they might stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming term.&nbsp;

Britain is set to go back to the ballot boxes in three days, to pick its Prime Minister for the third time since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades.

Britain is set to go back to the ballot boxes in three days, to pick its Prime Minister for the third time since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades. It is not just Brexit that is at stake, whoever gets the keys to Downing Street will radically influence the country's economy, public services and the road ahead. The people of Britain are set to elect 650 Members of Parliament into the House of Commons that is going to decide laws and policies for the country. While most of those contesting elections belong to a political party, some do stand as Independents. Like India, the United Kingdom also holds general elections every five years but due to Brexit, three elections have already taken place in the last four years. In the 2015 general elections, the National Health Service and immigration were the biggest concern for the voters. In 2019, however, these concerns have been overtaken by Britain's departure from the European Union - Brexit - as the prime concern for everyone. The purpose of these Christmas elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament, but it is a huge gamble for Prime Minister of Britain and leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson. Politicians remain divided on the issue with some demanding the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some demanding another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether. Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not currently have enough MPs to easily pass new laws, he hopes an early election will increase the number of Conservative MPs, making his Brexit plans easier to achieve. If the UK Prime Minister fails, pro-remain parties will try to stop Brexit altogether. The Labour Party wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum. The Liberal Democrats under the leadership of Jo Swinson have pledged to cancel Brexit if they are voted to power at the general elections. The Scottish National Party, Welsh Party plaid CYMRU and the Greens are all in favour of a second referendum. Britain is to start voting between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm on December 12. The results are to declared through the night and the following day. Once the final result is announced, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen for permission to form a new government after which they might stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming term.

With Brexit and economy at stake, Britain braces for third election in four years

uk-election

Uk Election, News on Uk Election, stories on Uk Election, articles on Uk Election, Uk Election stories at Wion, Uk Election news, Uk Election latest news

uk election