Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch.

Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages. 
&nbsp; 
From cosplaying a Football Goalie to a Barista, these leaders are leaving no stone unturned to win the hearts and minds of the people of the United Kingdom.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In the latest move, to woo the Indian origin voters, Boris Johnson visited a Swami-Narayan ‌temple in London at the occasion of a traditional Hindu festival. He offered prayers and spoke to community leaders, children and addressed an audience. 
&nbsp; 
Johnson also spoke on strengthening ties with India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
&nbsp; 
A day after the Conservative Party announced its plans to invest $706 million for a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Johnson himself entered the football field to play around with children in the city of Cheadle. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, the main opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn did a 'Barista style' campaign in Wales Bakery, where he handed out cookies and made the famous Welsh espresso for the customers at the bakery shop. 
&nbsp; 
Jeremy Corbyn also visited a primary school in Peterborough and interacted with the kids and the staff. Corbyn's visit came just a day after the Labour Party announced to cap class sizes to 30 and recruit nearly 20,000 extra teachers over five years. 
&nbsp; 
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson tried her hand at tennis during a campaign event in Shinfield. 
&nbsp; 
The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage visited small businesses in the English town of Sedgefield. 
&nbsp; 
According to a panel-based survey in the UK, the polls show Johnson's governing party well ahead of Labour. 
&nbsp; 
The survey shows the Conservatives extending their lead slightly over the opposition party to nine points, up from eight a week ago. 
&nbsp; 
Johnson, who renegotiated a new divorce deal with the European Union in October, has promised to get Brexit done, a pitch he has constantly repeated during all his campaigning to try to win over supporters who backed Brexit, and those who are simply fed up of the political haggling over the issue. 
&nbsp; 
In 2016, Britons had voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent for Brexit but Parliament has been stuck in a deadlock for almost three years now. 
&nbsp; 
If Johnson wins the majority, Britain will leave the European Union by January 31, 2020, and then seek to secure a trade deal with the bloc by the end of 2020, as per Johnson's plans and promises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch. Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages.

Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch. Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages. From cosplaying a Football Goalie to a Barista, these leaders are leaving no stone unturned to win the hearts and minds of the people of the United Kingdom. In the latest move, to woo the Indian origin voters, Boris Johnson visited a Swami-Narayan ‌temple in London at the occasion of a traditional Hindu festival. He offered prayers and spoke to community leaders, children and addressed an audience. Johnson also spoke on strengthening ties with India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A day after the Conservative Party announced its plans to invest $706 million for a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Johnson himself entered the football field to play around with children in the city of Cheadle. Meanwhile, the main opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn did a 'Barista style' campaign in Wales Bakery, where he handed out cookies and made the famous Welsh espresso for the customers at the bakery shop. Jeremy Corbyn also visited a primary school in Peterborough and interacted with the kids and the staff. Corbyn's visit came just a day after the Labour Party announced to cap class sizes to 30 and recruit nearly 20,000 extra teachers over five years. Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson tried her hand at tennis during a campaign event in Shinfield. The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage visited small businesses in the English town of Sedgefield. According to a panel-based survey in the UK, the polls show Johnson's governing party well ahead of Labour. The survey shows the Conservatives extending their lead slightly over the opposition party to nine points, up from eight a week ago. Johnson, who renegotiated a new divorce deal with the European Union in October, has promised to get Brexit done, a pitch he has constantly repeated during all his campaigning to try to win over supporters who backed Brexit, and those who are simply fed up of the political haggling over the issue. In 2016, Britons had voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent for Brexit but Parliament has been stuck in a deadlock for almost three years now. If Johnson wins the majority, Britain will leave the European Union by January 31, 2020, and then seek to secure a trade deal with the bloc by the end of 2020, as per Johnson's plans and promises. (With inputs from agencies)

UK election: From cosplaying Football goalie to Barista, Political leaders try to gather votes as Britain enters final stretch of campaign

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-admits-his-naughtiest-sin-266969">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday that the impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-promises-lower-immigration-if-he-wins-election-266941">Thursday's general election</a> would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages.

The prime minister is hoping to regain the majority that his Conservative Party lost in 2019, with a slew of polls released on Saturday suggesting he was narrowly on course to achieve his goal.

The stakes could barely be higher, with the fate of Brexit still to be settled.

"We're fighting for every vote and... this is a critical moment for this country, the choice on Thursday is unbelievably stark," he told Sky News.&nbsp;

He compared the election to other "historic elections" such as 1906, 1945 and 1979.&nbsp;

"The impact of this election will be felt for decades to come," he wrote in an open letter.&nbsp;

A Conservative majority would almost certainly cement Britain's departure from the European Union, but any other result could lead to a second referendum and the 2016 result being overturned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hugh-grant-is-convincing-voters-in-uk-to-not-vote-for-boris-johnson-266017">The prime minister</a> faced scrutiny over promises there would be no checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain as part of his Brexit deal with Brussels.

"There's no question of there being checks," he told Sky, adding "why would we put checks on goods going from NI to GB or GB to NI? It doesn't make sense."

His claims appear to contradict a leaked government document revealed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn this week, which suggested that businesses would need to fill in paperwork when moving goods across the Irish Sea.

Corbyn is banking on a late surge, as he achieved in 2017, to prevent Johnson from winning a majority.

'Bear down on migration'

But polls released on Saturday showed the Conservatives with an average lead of 10 per cent.

Pollsters believe that Johnson needs to be more than six points clear of Labour on Thursday to secure a majority.

The prime minister announced Sunday that he would introduce an "Australian-style" points based immigration system if elected, signalling a tightening of low-skilled immigration.

"I've said that what we want to do is bear down on a migration, particularly of unskilled workers who have no job to come to," he said.

"You've got to have a system by which party politicians can say to people, 'well, yes, we are letting people in but we're doing it in a way that is controlled'."

Exit polls from Thursday's vote will be released at 2000 GMT, but the final result will not be confirmed until Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the impact of Thursday's general election would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the impact of Thursday's general election would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages. The prime minister is hoping to regain the majority that his Conservative Party lost in 2019, with a slew of polls released on Saturday suggesting he was narrowly on course to achieve his goal. The stakes could barely be higher, with the fate of Brexit still to be settled. "We're fighting for every vote and... this is a critical moment for this country, the choice on Thursday is unbelievably stark," he told Sky News. He compared the election to other "historic elections" such as 1906, 1945 and 1979. "The impact of this election will be felt for decades to come," he wrote in an open letter. A Conservative majority would almost certainly cement Britain's departure from the European Union, but any other result could lead to a second referendum and the 2016 result being overturned. The prime minister faced scrutiny over promises there would be no checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain as part of his Brexit deal with Brussels. "There's no question of there being checks," he told Sky, adding "why would we put checks on goods going from NI to GB or GB to NI? It doesn't make sense." His claims appear to contradict a leaked government document revealed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn this week, which suggested that businesses would need to fill in paperwork when moving goods across the Irish Sea. Corbyn is banking on a late surge, as he achieved in 2017, to prevent Johnson from winning a majority. 'Bear down on migration' But polls released on Saturday showed the Conservatives with an average lead of 10 per cent. Pollsters believe that Johnson needs to be more than six points clear of Labour on Thursday to secure a majority. The prime minister announced Sunday that he would introduce an "Australian-style" points based immigration system if elected, signalling a tightening of low-skilled immigration. "I've said that what we want to do is bear down on a migration, particularly of unskilled workers who have no job to come to," he said. "You've got to have a system by which party politicians can say to people, 'well, yes, we are letting people in but we're doing it in a way that is controlled'." Exit polls from Thursday's vote will be released at 2000 GMT, but the final result will not be confirmed until Friday.

Impact of UK polls to be 'felt for decades': PM Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-edge-uks-johnson-ahead-but-polls-suggest-majority-might-be-tough-266912">Boris Johnson </a>promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall.

Britain votes on Dec. 12 in an election which will decide the fate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-corbyn-wage-brexit-battle-in-final-debate-before-uk-election-266751">Brexit </a>and the world's fifth-largest economy with a stark choice between Johnson's pro-market Conservatives and the socialist-led opposition Labour Party.

"Numbers will come down because we'll be able to control the system in that way," Johnson told Sky News. "And what I don't think is right is to have an uncontrolled and unlimited approach to that."

Johnson has promised a points-based approach to controlling immigration. He said his focus would be cutting down on unskilled migration, but that there would be scope for high skilled and other workers to come to Britain.

"I'm not hostile to immigration ... I'm a believer in allowing people to come to this country and I think if they have talents and they want to do things and make their lives in the UK and they can contribute to our country - fantastic."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall. Britain votes on Dec. 12 in an election which will decide the fate of Brexit and the world's fifth-largest economy with a stark choice between Johnson's pro-market Conservatives and the socialist-led opposition Labour Party. "Numbers will come down because we'll be able to control the system in that way," Johnson told Sky News. "And what I don't think is right is to have an uncontrolled and unlimited approach to that." Johnson has promised a points-based approach to controlling immigration. He said his focus would be cutting down on unskilled migration, but that there would be scope for high skilled and other workers to come to Britain. "I'm not hostile to immigration ... I'm a believer in allowing people to come to this country and I think if they have talents and they want to do things and make their lives in the UK and they can contribute to our country - fantastic."

UK PM Boris Johnson promises lower immigration if he wins election

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn clashed over Brexit on Friday in the last televised debate before next week's election that will determine the path for Britain's departure from the European Union.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn clashed over Brexit on Friday in the last televised debate before next week's election that will determine the path for Britain's departure from the European Union. Six days before Britain votes in its second national election in less than three years, the debate was seen as the last chance for Corbyn to squeeze Johnson's lead in the polls, which mostly point to victory for the prime minister. A snap poll by YouGov found 52% of viewers thought Johnson had won the debate. The two leaders set a combative tone over how to leave the EU and in their very different offers for domestic policy - "socialism carried out in a democratic way" from Corbyn, or "one-nation Conservatism" that will not "rack up debts" from Johnson. More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, the Dec. 12 election will determine when, how and even whether Brexit happens. Johnson ridiculed Corbyn's support for a new referendum in which Corbyn has said he would remain neutral, while the Labour leader said the prime minister's pledge to "get Brexit done" actually meant years of trade talks. "We have ample time to get on and build a new free trade partnership, not just with the EU but with countries around the world," Johnson said in the BBC television debate. But Corbyn countered that it would take the government seven years to negotiate a trade deal with the United States and said business could not live with the uncertainty that Britain might still leave the EU without a deal next year. Polls show Johnson's governing party is well ahead of Labour. A Panelbase survey on Friday showed the Conservatives extending their lead slightly over the opposition party to nine points, up from eight a week ago. Johnson, who renegotiated a new divorce deal with the EU in October, has promised to "get Brexit done", a slogan he has repeated constantly during campaigning to try to win over Labour supporters who backed leaving the bloc, and those who are simply fed up of the political haggling over the issue. Britons voted by 52%-48% in 2016 for Brexit but parliament has been stuck in deadlock over the way forward. If Johnson wins the majority he says he needs, Britain will leave by Jan. 31 and then seek to secure a trade deal with the bloc by the end of 2020. Damaging dossier Keen to land a blow, Corbyn doubled down on an earlier attack on Johnson, calling his Brexit promises a fraud and saying his deal would simply be the start of years of "painful negotiations and broken promises". The Labour leader waved at him documents he had unveiled earlier in the day, which he said showed the divorce deal would lead to customs declarations and security checks between Britain and Northern Ireland, a direct contradiction of Johnson's statements that it would not create any barriers. "How about the prime minister showing a degree of honesty about the arrangements he's actually made with Northern Ireland," Corbyn said. "It is a question of openness." Johnson said the document was "complete nonsense" and his team said they believed he had weathered the attack successfully. Both were taken to task over accusations of prejudice in their parties, and questioned over their approaches to Britain's much loved public health service and their stance on security, a week after another terror attack hit the capital. But with less than a week until the election, it looks as though many people are still undecided and the Conservative lead, so far, intact. Sterling this week hit a 2-1/2-year high versus the euro and a seven-month high against the dollar on expectations that the Conservatives will win the election. "Given the Conservatives went into this debate in the lead, they will hope the lack of a knockout blow means they can maintain this until voting day," said Chris Curtis, YouGov's Political Research Manager.

Johnson, Corbyn wage Brexit battle in final debate before UK election

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn.

UK elections are supposed to be held every five years but this one is the third since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades.

And 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.

650 people will be chosen as members of parliament to decide laws and policies. Most belong to a political party, but some do stand as independents. These MPs are elected to the house of commons.

In the UK, general elections are supposed to be held every five years. But, three elections have already taken place in just &nbsp;4 years.

The national health service and immigration were issues that were the biggest concern for the voters. &nbsp;

Now, Brexit - the UK's departure from the European Union - is a prime concern.

The whole point of these elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament. But it is a huge gamble for prime minister Boris Johnson and leader of the conservative party.

Politicians are divided on this issue, some want the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some would prefer another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether.&nbsp;

Prime minister Boris Johnson doesn't 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.There is the labour party which wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum.

The liberal democrat 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.Voting takes place between 7:00 am and 10 pm on December 12. The results are declared through the night and the following day.&nbsp;

When the overall result is known, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham palace to ask the queen for permission to form a new government.Often they will stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming years.

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn.

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn. UK elections are supposed to be held every five years but this one is the third since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades. And 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. 650 people will be chosen as members of parliament to decide laws and policies. Most belong to a political party, but some do stand as independents. These MPs are elected to the house of commons. In the UK, general elections are supposed to be held every five years. But, three elections have already taken place in just 4 years. The national health service and immigration were issues that were the biggest concern for the voters. Now, Brexit - the UK's departure from the European Union - is a prime concern. The whole point of these elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament. But it is a huge gamble for prime minister Boris Johnson and leader of the conservative party. Politicians are divided on this issue, some want the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some would prefer another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether. Prime minister Boris Johnson doesn't 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.There is the labour party which wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum. The liberal democrat 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.Voting takes place between 7:00 am and 10 pm on December 12. The results are declared through the night and the following day. When the overall result is known, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham palace to ask the queen for permission to form a new government.Often they will stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming years.

Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn: Who will be the next UK Prime Minister

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign.

The prime minister revealed around 74 people with terrorist convictions had been released early from prison in a similar way to Usman Kan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage.

"They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson told the BBC in an interview.

"We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours," he said, adding he would not provide "operation details".

Khan, 28, was shot dead while wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree that also injured three people launched at a nearby prisoner rehabilitation event he was attending.

Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling him -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher.

The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48.

Police, who on Saturday searched two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, have said they believe he was acting alone and are not seeking anybody else.

But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

'Keep you safe'

Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

He had then been conditionally released from jail last December under so-called licensing conditions after serving around half of his jail term.

Khan has become a contentious political issue ahead of Britain's December 12 election, with Johnson blaming the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners.

The Tory leader has vowed that if he reclaims power this month he will end early release for terrorist offences and introduce minimum 14-year sentences, with some convicted never to be released.&nbsp;

The proposals were not in the Conservatives' formal manifesto released last Sunday.

Johnson penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror".

'Knee-jerk reactions'

Critics have hit out fiercely at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the father of the first-named victim.

David Merritt confirmed on Twitter the death of his son Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at the Cambridge University's criminology institute which was hosting the event targeted by Khan.

He described his 25-year-old son as "a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog", in a series of messages that also responded to the political furore around the attack.&nbsp;

"We don't need knee-jerk reactions," Merritt wrote.&nbsp;

"It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, &amp; rehabilitation services," he added.

"Since 2010 these service(s) have been cut to the bone. We are all less safe as a result."

Meanwhile, Johnson's political opponents noted his Conservative Party has been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing.&nbsp;

They have also argued changes to sentencing laws introduced in the 1990s under the Conservatives also contributed to the early release system.

"I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

He would not commit to ending early release in all scenarios for terrorism offences.

"I think it depends on the circumstances and it depends on the sentence but crucially depends on what they've done in prison," Corbyn said.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday the security services were stepping up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, as the London Bridge attack became embroiled in the election campaign. The prime minister revealed around 74 people with terrorist convictions had been released early from prison in a similar way to Usman Kan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage. "They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson told the BBC in an interview. "We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours," he said, adding he would not provide "operation details". Khan, 28, was shot dead while wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree that also injured three people launched at a nearby prisoner rehabilitation event he was attending. Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling him -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher. The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48. Police, who on Saturday searched two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, have said they believe he was acting alone and are not seeking anybody else. But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. 'Keep you safe' Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. He had then been conditionally released from jail last December under so-called licensing conditions after serving around half of his jail term. Khan has become a contentious political issue ahead of Britain's December 12 election, with Johnson blaming the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners. The Tory leader has vowed that if he reclaims power this month he will end early release for terrorist offences and introduce minimum 14-year sentences, with some convicted never to be released. The proposals were not in the Conservatives' formal manifesto released last Sunday. Johnson penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror". 'Knee-jerk reactions' Critics have hit out fiercely at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the father of the first-named victim. David Merritt confirmed on Twitter the death of his son Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at the Cambridge University's criminology institute which was hosting the event targeted by Khan. He described his 25-year-old son as "a beautiful spirit who always took the side of the underdog", in a series of messages that also responded to the political furore around the attack. "We don't need knee-jerk reactions," Merritt wrote. "It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, & rehabilitation services," he added. "Since 2010 these service(s) have been cut to the bone. We are all less safe as a result." Meanwhile, Johnson's political opponents noted his Conservative Party has been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing. They have also argued changes to sentencing laws introduced in the 1990s under the Conservatives also contributed to the early release system. "I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News. He would not commit to ending early release in all scenarios for terrorism offences. "I think it depends on the circumstances and it depends on the sentence but crucially depends on what they've done in prison," Corbyn said.

Terror checks intensified as London attack enters election fray

UK General election: Will Boris Johnson's Brexit gamble pay off? Watch video to know more.

UK General election: Will Boris Johnson's Brexit gamble pay off?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it would be "best" if US President Donald Trump does not get involved in Britain's election when he visits London for a NATO summit next week.

Trump waded into the election in October by saying opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would be "so bad" for Britain and that Johnson should agree a pact with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.

But senior Conservatives are nervous that Trump could upset the campaign when in London, just over a week before the December&nbsp;12 election which polls indicate Johnson is on course to win.

"What we don't do traditionally as loving allies and friends, what we don't do traditionally, is get involved in each other's election campaigns," Johnson, 55, told LBC radio.

"The best (thing) when you have close friends and allies like the US and the UK is for neither side to get involved in each other's election."

Johnson has said that, if he retains power, he will deliver Brexit by Jan. 31 -- after nearly four years of political crisis following a 2016 referendum in which Britons voted to leave the European Union.

He said he wanted to keep in place government preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit - under which Britain would leave without agreement on the terms with Brussels and potentially expose itself to more economic uncertainty - but that he expected to secure a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020.

"Many of those preparations will be extremely valuable as we come out of EU arrangements anyway," he told reporters.

NHA 'not for sale'

The US president, who is due to arrive on Monday, has cast Johnson as "Britain's Trump" and during a previous visit criticised Johnson's predecessor Theresa May over her Brexit policy.

Labour's Corbyn has said Johnson will sell off parts of Britain's widely cherished health service to US businesses after Brexit, but Johnson denied this. Trump previously said everything including health should be on the table in trade talks, though he later said health would not be.

Johnson said he would use Brexit to introduce new state aid rules, change state purchasing policies and reform farming so that public bodies aim to "buy British" goods.

"The NHS is not for sale," he said.

Taking questions from LBC listeners, he declined to say how many children he had or whether he would have any more.

Johnson, 55, is living at the prime minister's Downing Street residence with his partner Carrie Symonds after separating from his wife last year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it would be "best" if US President Donald Trump does not get involved in Britain's election when he visits London for a NATO summit next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it would be "best" if US President Donald Trump does not get involved in Britain's election when he visits London for a NATO summit next week. Trump waded into the election in October by saying opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would be "so bad" for Britain and that Johnson should agree a pact with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. But senior Conservatives are nervous that Trump could upset the campaign when in London, just over a week before the December 12 election which polls indicate Johnson is on course to win. "What we don't do traditionally as loving allies and friends, what we don't do traditionally, is get involved in each other's election campaigns," Johnson, 55, told LBC radio. "The best (thing) when you have close friends and allies like the US and the UK is for neither side to get involved in each other's election." Johnson has said that, if he retains power, he will deliver Brexit by Jan. 31 -- after nearly four years of political crisis following a 2016 referendum in which Britons voted to leave the European Union. He said he wanted to keep in place government preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit - under which Britain would leave without agreement on the terms with Brussels and potentially expose itself to more economic uncertainty - but that he expected to secure a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020. "Many of those preparations will be extremely valuable as we come out of EU arrangements anyway," he told reporters. NHA 'not for sale' The US president, who is due to arrive on Monday, has cast Johnson as "Britain's Trump" and during a previous visit criticised Johnson's predecessor Theresa May over her Brexit policy. Labour's Corbyn has said Johnson will sell off parts of Britain's widely cherished health service to US businesses after Brexit, but Johnson denied this. Trump previously said everything including health should be on the table in trade talks, though he later said health would not be. Johnson said he would use Brexit to introduce new state aid rules, change state purchasing policies and reform farming so that public bodies aim to "buy British" goods. "The NHS is not for sale," he said. Taking questions from LBC listeners, he declined to say how many children he had or whether he would have any more. Johnson, 55, is living at the prime minister's Downing Street residence with his partner Carrie Symonds after separating from his wife last year.

It would be 'best' if Trump doesn't get involved in Britain's election: Boris Johnson

UK Election 2019: Why Corbyn remains unpopular. Watch video to know more.

UK Election 2019: Why Corbyn remains unpopular

YouGov's UK election survey: Gap between Tories and Labour narrows. Watch video to know more.

YouGov's UK election survey: Gap between Tories and Labour narrows

How will Indians impact UK elections? Watch video to know more.

How will Indians impact UK elections?

By Jonquil Lowe

Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive.

The Conservative Party’s manifesto presents a modest £2.9 billion spending increase compared to Labour’s £82.9 billion spending programme. One approach is characterised by a smaller state, lower taxes and less welfare provision. The other by a larger state, more welfare and an increase in tax that is largely directed at business and the wealthy, though it could also cause tax rises for everyone.

Both parties are looking to business to fund a major part of their manifesto proposals. The Conservatives have cancelled a mooted cut in corporation tax. This enables it to spend slightly more, mostly on the National Health Service (NHS) and a National Skills Fund, but also to promise a cut in National Insurance.

Since 2010, the coalition and then Conservative governments have raised the threshold at which income tax starts to be paid (the personal allowance) from £6,475 (2010-11) to £12,500 (2019-20). The Conservatives claim that this has taken 5.7 million people on low incomes “out of tax altogether”. However, this is not strictly correct, because many will be low earners who have continued to pay National Insurance contributions, which start on earnings over £8,632 (in 2019-20).

The Conservative manifesto announces an ambition – not a promise – to increase that National Insurance threshold to £12,500 as well as the personal allowance. This would save £464 per person. But the manifesto only pledges to take the first step toward this aim by raising the National Insurance threshold to £9,500 from 2020-21.

Given that, by default, the threshold would increase anyway in line with inflation, the manifesto commitment is worth about £83 a year to every employee earning above, say, £8,805 in 2020-21. Lower earners already below the threshold do not benefit.

The Labour manifesto sets out more radical and expansive reforms to welfare benefits and public services, including for example abolishing student tuition fees, free personal care for the over 65s, reforms to universal credit, increased public sector pay and higher spending on health, education and local authorities.

A large part of this would be funded through a major increase in corporation tax (with the main rate rising from its current 19 per cent&nbsp;to 26 per cent&nbsp;by 2023-24). But personal taxes would also rise, with the additional income tax rate (45 per cent) kicking in from earnings of £80,000 a year rather than the current £150,000 and a new 50 per cent&nbsp;rate on incomes over £125,000.

However, it is misleading to assume that the increase in corporation tax proposed by Labour would not also affect households, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank has pointed out. The nature and size of the impact depends on how companies would respond to the increase. It could be passed on to consumers in higher prices, to workers in lower wages, or shareholders in lower dividends (which would also depress share prices). It should be borne in mind that individuals are major shareholders through their pension savings.

Continue or take a leap 
 
In 1990, Danish sociolologist, Gøsta Esping-Andersen, published an influential taxonomy of national welfare systems. He suggested there are three distinct types:

“Liberal” regimes with a heavy reliance on work ethic and market efficiency. State benefits tend to be means-tested, minimal and sometimes stigmatised. Citizens typically pay less in tax but have to spend more personally on insurance and services or go without. Esping-Andersen pointed to the US, Canada and Australia as examples.

“Conservative corporatist” regimes that revolve around the traditional family, with the right to welfare benefits accruing to workers who then support their dependent family. Esping-Andersen cited Austria, France, Germany and Italy as examples.

“Social democratic” regimes which are characterised by the principle of equality, with relatively generous welfare state and public services available to all. Tax rates are typically higher but citizens have to spend less personally on the insurance and services they need. This model is most evident in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Denmark.

Pure examples of these regimes are rare and, as in many countries, the UK has elements of all three. But when the electorate goes to the polls on December 12, UK citizens will be invited to vote for a marked swing towards the “social democratic” system if they vote for Labour or a continuation of a dominantly “liberal” regime if they vote Conservative.

It is an intriguing ideological choice: Continue with the low-tax, small state, individualist regime that has largely characterised the UK since the Thatcher era. Or take a leap into a more “social democratic” regime with more generous and inclusive state provision but a substantial and, at this stage, largely unknown price tag.

(Jonquil Lowe is Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, The Open University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-election-2019-a-choice-between-low-tax-individualism-or-generous-state-with-unknown-price-tag-127738">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Jonquil Lowe Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive.

By Jonquil Lowe Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive. The Conservative Party’s manifesto presents a modest £2.9 billion spending increase compared to Labour’s £82.9 billion spending programme. One approach is characterised by a smaller state, lower taxes and less welfare provision. The other by a larger state, more welfare and an increase in tax that is largely directed at business and the wealthy, though it could also cause tax rises for everyone. Both parties are looking to business to fund a major part of their manifesto proposals. The Conservatives have cancelled a mooted cut in corporation tax. This enables it to spend slightly more, mostly on the National Health Service (NHS) and a National Skills Fund, but also to promise a cut in National Insurance. Since 2010, the coalition and then Conservative governments have raised the threshold at which income tax starts to be paid (the personal allowance) from £6,475 (2010-11) to £12,500 (2019-20). The Conservatives claim that this has taken 5.7 million people on low incomes “out of tax altogether”. However, this is not strictly correct, because many will be low earners who have continued to pay National Insurance contributions, which start on earnings over £8,632 (in 2019-20). The Conservative manifesto announces an ambition – not a promise – to increase that National Insurance threshold to £12,500 as well as the personal allowance. This would save £464 per person. But the manifesto only pledges to take the first step toward this aim by raising the National Insurance threshold to £9,500 from 2020-21. Given that, by default, the threshold would increase anyway in line with inflation, the manifesto commitment is worth about £83 a year to every employee earning above, say, £8,805 in 2020-21. Lower earners already below the threshold do not benefit. The Labour manifesto sets out more radical and expansive reforms to welfare benefits and public services, including for example abolishing student tuition fees, free personal care for the over 65s, reforms to universal credit, increased public sector pay and higher spending on health, education and local authorities. A large part of this would be funded through a major increase in corporation tax (with the main rate rising from its current 19 per cent to 26 per cent by 2023-24). But personal taxes would also rise, with the additional income tax rate (45 per cent) kicking in from earnings of £80,000 a year rather than the current £150,000 and a new 50 per cent rate on incomes over £125,000. However, it is misleading to assume that the increase in corporation tax proposed by Labour would not also affect households, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank has pointed out. The nature and size of the impact depends on how companies would respond to the increase. It could be passed on to consumers in higher prices, to workers in lower wages, or shareholders in lower dividends (which would also depress share prices). It should be borne in mind that individuals are major shareholders through their pension savings. Continue or take a leap In 1990, Danish sociolologist, Gøsta Esping-Andersen, published an influential taxonomy of national welfare systems. He suggested there are three distinct types: “Liberal” regimes with a heavy reliance on work ethic and market efficiency. State benefits tend to be means-tested, minimal and sometimes stigmatised. Citizens typically pay less in tax but have to spend more personally on insurance and services or go without. Esping-Andersen pointed to the US, Canada and Australia as examples. “Conservative corporatist” regimes that revolve around the traditional family, with the right to welfare benefits accruing to workers who then support their dependent family. Esping-Andersen cited Austria, France, Germany and Italy as examples. “Social democratic” regimes which are characterised by the principle of equality, with relatively generous welfare state and public services available to all. Tax rates are typically higher but citizens have to spend less personally on the insurance and services they need. This model is most evident in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Denmark. Pure examples of these regimes are rare and, as in many countries, the UK has elements of all three. But when the electorate goes to the polls on December 12, UK citizens will be invited to vote for a marked swing towards the “social democratic” system if they vote for Labour or a continuation of a dominantly “liberal” regime if they vote Conservative. It is an intriguing ideological choice: Continue with the low-tax, small state, individualist regime that has largely characterised the UK since the Thatcher era. Or take a leap into a more “social democratic” regime with more generous and inclusive state provision but a substantial and, at this stage, largely unknown price tag. (Jonquil Lowe is Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, The Open University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK election 2019: A choice between low-tax, individualism or generous state with unknown price tag

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will promise to bring his Brexit deal back to parliament before Christmas when he launches his manifesto on Sunday, the cornerstone of his pitch to voters to "get Brexit done".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will promise to bring his Brexit deal back to parliament before Christmas when he launches his manifesto on Sunday, the cornerstone of his pitch to voters to "get Brexit done". Voters face a stark choice at the country's Dec. 12 election: opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn's socialist vision, including widespread nationalisation and free public services, or Johnson's drive to deliver Brexit within months and build a "dynamic market economy". Opinion polls show Johnson's Conservative Party commands a sizeable lead over the Labour Party, although large numbers of undecided voters means the outcome is not certain. "My early Christmas present to the nation will be to bring the Brexit bill back before the festive break, and get parliament working for the people," Johnson will say, according to excerpts of his speech that he will make at an event in the West Midlands region of England. Contrasting with Labour's unabashed tax-and-spend approach, Johnson's manifesto -- titled "Get Brexit Done, Unleash Britain's Potential" -- will pledge to freeze income tax, value-added sales tax and social security payments. Johnson will also announce a 3 billion pounds ($3.85 billion) National Skills Fund to retrain workers and an extra 2 billion pounds to fill pot-holes in roads. He will also pledge to maintain the regulatory cap on energy bills. Labour spokesman Andrew Gwynne said Johnson's plans were "pathetic". "This is a no hope manifesto, from a party that has nothing to offer the country, after spending ten years cutting our public services," Gwynne said. Think tanks like the Institute for Fiscal Studies have raised questions about the credibility of plans to fund investment from both the Conservatives and Labour. Held after three years of negotiations to leave the European Union, the December election for the first time will show how far Brexit has torn traditional political allegiances apart and will test an electorate increasingly tired of voting. Amid a heated campaign in which the Conservatives have been criticised for disseminating misleading social media posts, Johnson, 55, will say he will "turn the page from the dither, delay and division" of recent years. Labour has said it will negotiate a better Brexit deal with the EU within six months that it will put to the people in a new referendum -- one which will also offer the choice of remaining in the bloc. Corbyn has said he would remain neutral in such a vote. "We now know the country can be carbon (neutral) by 2050 and Corbyn neutral by 2020, as the leader of the opposition has decided to duck the biggest issue facing our country today," Johnson will say.

UK's Johnson pitches 'Christmas present' Brexit push in manifesto

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveils his Conservative Party's manifesto on Sunday, pledging to move on from Brexit and austerity in a bid to secure a general election majority.

Having taken over a minority administration in July and been unable to speed his EU divorce deal through parliament, Johnson is seeking a clear victory at the December 12 snap election.

He sees Britain's third general election in four-and-a-half years as the only way to break the Brexit logjam.

Having got the Brexit date delayed three months from October 31 to January 31, opposition parties backed his call for an early general election.

Johnson is promising to bring back his Brexit deal to parliament before December 25 if the centre-right Conservatives are returned to power.

"As families sit down to carve up their turkeys this Christmas, I want them to enjoy their festive-season free from the seemingly unending Brexit box-set drama," Johnson said ahead of the launch.

"The Conservative manifesto, which I'm proud to launch today, will get Brexit done and allow us to move on and unleash the potential of the whole country," he said.

'Oven-ready' Brexit deal

The main plank of the Conservative manifesto is the Brexit deal Johnson negotiated with Brussels in October. He claims the treaty is "oven-ready" and good to go -- as long as he can get a majority.

He insists the deal will allow Britain to regain control over its laws, money and immigration policy.

Johnson's chief rival, left-wing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, wants to renegotiate a new, softer Brexit agreement within three months and then put that to a referendum alongside remaining in the EU by the end of June. Corbyn would stay neutral during the process.

Johnson has blasted Corbyn for his strategy in refusing to recommend either his own proposed Brexit deal or staying in the EU.

Johnson tweeted: "It's time to turn the page from the dither, delay and division of recent years, and start a new chapter in the incredible history of this country.

"We have achieved amazing things together in the past, and I know we will achieve even more in the future -- if only we choose the right path at this critical election."

The party is pledging it will not raise the three main taxes -- income tax, sales tax and national insurance contributions to state benefits -- in what it branded a triple tax lock.

Other measures being unveiled Sunday include more money for childcare support, energy efficiency measures, skills retraining and road upgrades.

Hospital car parking charges would be axed for certain patients and the National Health Service (NHS) staff.

Poll lead

Britain Elects poll aggregator puts the Conservatives on 42 per cent, ahead of the Labour main opposition on 29 per cent, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats on 15 per cent, the Brexit Party on six per cent and the Greens on three per cent.

The Conservatives have seen their popularity surge since Johnson took over from Theresa May four months ago.

Despite the poll advantage, commentators urge caution, mindful that May had a huge percentage lead in the 2017 general election which rapidly melted.

Johnson has his weak spots, especially after the years of austerity imposed by Conservative governments since 2010.

He promises to end the years of reining in the budget deficit by pumping billions of pounds into public services.

Johnson has pledged to make the streets safer by recruiting 20,000 police officers.

He is also committed to increasing the NHS budget by £33.9 billion ($43.5 billion, 39.5 billion euros) by 2023-24, and has pledged to upgrade 20 hospitals and rebuild 40 over the next decade.

Johnson was criticised by members of the public during a televised questions session on Friday over the Conservatives' handling of the NHS -- but he insisted progress could only be made once the Brexit impasse is resolved.

Johnson has announced a three-year plan to increase state-school spending in England by £7.1 billion by 2022-23.

On immigration, he wants to end freedom of movement for EU citizens and introduce an Australian-style points-based system.

The scale of eastern European immigration since 2004 was one of the key factors behind the Brexit referendum vote in 2016.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveils his Conservative Party's manifesto on Sunday, pledging to move on from Brexit and austerity in a bid to secure a general election majority.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveils his Conservative Party's manifesto on Sunday, pledging to move on from Brexit and austerity in a bid to secure a general election majority. Having taken over a minority administration in July and been unable to speed his EU divorce deal through parliament, Johnson is seeking a clear victory at the December 12 snap election. He sees Britain's third general election in four-and-a-half years as the only way to break the Brexit logjam. Having got the Brexit date delayed three months from October 31 to January 31, opposition parties backed his call for an early general election. Johnson is promising to bring back his Brexit deal to parliament before December 25 if the centre-right Conservatives are returned to power. "As families sit down to carve up their turkeys this Christmas, I want them to enjoy their festive-season free from the seemingly unending Brexit box-set drama," Johnson said ahead of the launch. "The Conservative manifesto, which I'm proud to launch today, will get Brexit done and allow us to move on and unleash the potential of the whole country," he said. 'Oven-ready' Brexit deal The main plank of the Conservative manifesto is the Brexit deal Johnson negotiated with Brussels in October. He claims the treaty is "oven-ready" and good to go -- as long as he can get a majority. He insists the deal will allow Britain to regain control over its laws, money and immigration policy. Johnson's chief rival, left-wing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, wants to renegotiate a new, softer Brexit agreement within three months and then put that to a referendum alongside remaining in the EU by the end of June. Corbyn would stay neutral during the process. Johnson has blasted Corbyn for his strategy in refusing to recommend either his own proposed Brexit deal or staying in the EU. Johnson tweeted: "It's time to turn the page from the dither, delay and division of recent years, and start a new chapter in the incredible history of this country. "We have achieved amazing things together in the past, and I know we will achieve even more in the future -- if only we choose the right path at this critical election." The party is pledging it will not raise the three main taxes -- income tax, sales tax and national insurance contributions to state benefits -- in what it branded a triple tax lock. Other measures being unveiled Sunday include more money for childcare support, energy efficiency measures, skills retraining and road upgrades. Hospital car parking charges would be axed for certain patients and the National Health Service (NHS) staff. Poll lead Britain Elects poll aggregator puts the Conservatives on 42 per cent, ahead of the Labour main opposition on 29 per cent, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats on 15 per cent, the Brexit Party on six per cent and the Greens on three per cent. The Conservatives have seen their popularity surge since Johnson took over from Theresa May four months ago. Despite the poll advantage, commentators urge caution, mindful that May had a huge percentage lead in the 2017 general election which rapidly melted. Johnson has his weak spots, especially after the years of austerity imposed by Conservative governments since 2010. He promises to end the years of reining in the budget deficit by pumping billions of pounds into public services. Johnson has pledged to make the streets safer by recruiting 20,000 police officers. He is also committed to increasing the NHS budget by £33.9 billion ($43.5 billion, 39.5 billion euros) by 2023-24, and has pledged to upgrade 20 hospitals and rebuild 40 over the next decade. Johnson was criticised by members of the public during a televised questions session on Friday over the Conservatives' handling of the NHS -- but he insisted progress could only be made once the Brexit impasse is resolved. Johnson has announced a three-year plan to increase state-school spending in England by £7.1 billion by 2022-23. On immigration, he wants to end freedom of movement for EU citizens and introduce an Australian-style points-based system. The scale of eastern European immigration since 2004 was one of the key factors behind the Brexit referendum vote in 2016.

Boris Johnson unveils manifesto for Brexit Britain

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down.

London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received "two allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice in relation to the 2019 general election", without providing further details.

"Both allegations are currently being assessed," it said in a statement, noting its special enquiry team is responsible for investigating such cases.

The Met added it will not be providing further comment on individual cases.

Arch eurosceptic Nigel Farage, who founded the Brexit Party earlier this year, has accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Tories of "corruption of the worst level" by offering his candidates jobs and peerages to withdraw from the December 12 election.

Farage has alleged figures in Downing Street, including Johnson's chief adviser Edward Lister, called as many as eight candidates to discuss the incentives to quit the race.

Ann Widdecombe, a Brexit Party candidate in a seat in southwest England, said she was offered a role in the government's post-election Brexit negotiating team if she withdrew.

The prime minister has denied any peerages have been offered, while cabinet colleague Michael Gove told BBC Radio on Saturday that he was "not aware" of any such offers.

"I can't imagine for a second that this is true," he said of Widdecombe's accusation.

The police investigation comes after Charles Falconer, a House of Lords peer from the main opposition Labour Party, wrote to Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and public prosecutors urging them to examine the allegations.

The Brexit Party are standing in 275 of Britain's 650 parliamentary constituencies in next month's poll.

It unilaterally withdrew from 317 seats the Conservatives won in the last election in 2017, amid fears of splitting the eurosceptic vote and allowing pro-European parties to get a working majority.

But Farage has refused to stand down in other key battleground seats, despite calls to do so from pro-Brexit public figures.

He argues his party has a better chance of winning constituencies traditionally held by Labour than the Conservatives.

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down.

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down. London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received "two allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice in relation to the 2019 general election", without providing further details. "Both allegations are currently being assessed," it said in a statement, noting its special enquiry team is responsible for investigating such cases. The Met added it will not be providing further comment on individual cases. Arch eurosceptic Nigel Farage, who founded the Brexit Party earlier this year, has accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Tories of "corruption of the worst level" by offering his candidates jobs and peerages to withdraw from the December 12 election. Farage has alleged figures in Downing Street, including Johnson's chief adviser Edward Lister, called as many as eight candidates to discuss the incentives to quit the race. Ann Widdecombe, a Brexit Party candidate in a seat in southwest England, said she was offered a role in the government's post-election Brexit negotiating team if she withdrew. The prime minister has denied any peerages have been offered, while cabinet colleague Michael Gove told BBC Radio on Saturday that he was "not aware" of any such offers. "I can't imagine for a second that this is true," he said of Widdecombe's accusation. The police investigation comes after Charles Falconer, a House of Lords peer from the main opposition Labour Party, wrote to Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and public prosecutors urging them to examine the allegations. The Brexit Party are standing in 275 of Britain's 650 parliamentary constituencies in next month's poll. It unilaterally withdrew from 317 seats the Conservatives won in the last election in 2017, amid fears of splitting the eurosceptic vote and allowing pro-European parties to get a working majority. But Farage has refused to stand down in other key battleground seats, despite calls to do so from pro-Brexit public figures. He argues his party has a better chance of winning constituencies traditionally held by Labour than the Conservatives.

UK police probing election fraud allegations

Britain's main opposition Labour party on Friday promised free, fast broadband internet for everyone, in the most eye-catching of a series of big spending pledges ahead of next month's election.

Labour said it would bring the parts of telecoms giant BT that deal with broadband into public ownership, as part of a sweeping programme of nationalisations.

"The internet has become such a central part of our lives. It opens up opportunities for work, creativity, entertainment and friendship," said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"What was once a luxury is now an essential utility."

"That's why full-fibre broadband must be a public service, bringing communities together, with equal access, in an inclusive and connected society."

Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously promised to deliver high-speed broadband to all households by 2025 via the private sector.

He condemned Labour's plan as "slightly fantastical" saying it would cost "many tens of billions" of taxpayers' money.

Lobby group TechUK said the move was "fundamentally misguided" and would spell "disaster" for the telecoms industry and the fast-growing digital sector.

"Renationalisation would immediately halt the investment being driven not just by BT but the growing number of new and innovative companies that compete with BT," said chief executive Julian David.

But Labour's finance chief, John McDonnell, accused BT of diverting billions of pounds of profits to shareholders since it was privatised in 1984, saying his plan would lead to long-term investment.

Very ambitious

Labour proposes to privatise BT's Openreach, which runs almost all of Britain's existing digital network, and other elements of the firm to create a new public entity, British Broadband.

But BT, whose shares fell 3.7 per cent on the news before rebounding, warned that Labour had underestimated the cost of its proposal of full, free coverage by 2030.

Labour foresees a one-off cost to establish the network of £20.3 billion (23.7 billion euros, $26.1 billion), part of a previously announced £250 billion fund.

The cost of privatising the relevant parts of BT would be set by parliament and paid for by swapping bonds for shares, Labour said.

Meanwhile, it said a new tax on global digital companies such as Amazon, Facebook and Google would "more than" cover annual maintenance costs of around £230 million.

But BT chief executive Philip Jansen said Labour's goal was "very, very ambitious", telling the BBC that building the network alone could cost £30 to 40 billion.&nbsp;

There would be further costs associated with staff pensions, while Openreach currently has a revenue of £5 billion a year, he said.

Johnson has already committed £5 billion to boost coverage and 5G networks in the hardest to reach areas.

Boosting productivity

The pledge is the most radical so far in the campaign for the December 12 election, which has been dominated by Britain's looming exit from the EU but also by promises to end a decade of austerity measures.

Labour wants to nationalise the water, railways and mail delivery companies, and invest hundreds of billions of pounds in infrastructure and public services.

Johnson's Conservatives, who were responsible for the belt-tightening measures since 2010, have also promised big investments but not on the same scale.

Improving broadband coverage and speeds has become a priority for both parties in a bid to improve productivity, particularly in rural areas.

Only eight per cent of UK premises are connected to full-fibre broadband, compared to 97 per cent in Japan and 98 per cent in South Korea, Labour says.

It claims that by allowing fast, the comprehensive network could boost productivity by £59 billion by 2025.

Britain's main opposition Labour party on Friday promised free, fast broadband internet for everyone, in the most eye-catching of a series of big spending pledges ahead of next month's election.

Britain's main opposition Labour party on Friday promised free, fast broadband internet for everyone, in the most eye-catching of a series of big spending pledges ahead of next month's election. Labour said it would bring the parts of telecoms giant BT that deal with broadband into public ownership, as part of a sweeping programme of nationalisations. "The internet has become such a central part of our lives. It opens up opportunities for work, creativity, entertainment and friendship," said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. "What was once a luxury is now an essential utility." "That's why full-fibre broadband must be a public service, bringing communities together, with equal access, in an inclusive and connected society." Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously promised to deliver high-speed broadband to all households by 2025 via the private sector. He condemned Labour's plan as "slightly fantastical" saying it would cost "many tens of billions" of taxpayers' money. Lobby group TechUK said the move was "fundamentally misguided" and would spell "disaster" for the telecoms industry and the fast-growing digital sector. "Renationalisation would immediately halt the investment being driven not just by BT but the growing number of new and innovative companies that compete with BT," said chief executive Julian David. But Labour's finance chief, John McDonnell, accused BT of diverting billions of pounds of profits to shareholders since it was privatised in 1984, saying his plan would lead to long-term investment. Very ambitious Labour proposes to privatise BT's Openreach, which runs almost all of Britain's existing digital network, and other elements of the firm to create a new public entity, British Broadband. But BT, whose shares fell 3.7 per cent on the news before rebounding, warned that Labour had underestimated the cost of its proposal of full, free coverage by 2030. Labour foresees a one-off cost to establish the network of £20.3 billion (23.7 billion euros, $26.1 billion), part of a previously announced £250 billion fund. The cost of privatising the relevant parts of BT would be set by parliament and paid for by swapping bonds for shares, Labour said. Meanwhile, it said a new tax on global digital companies such as Amazon, Facebook and Google would "more than" cover annual maintenance costs of around £230 million. But BT chief executive Philip Jansen said Labour's goal was "very, very ambitious", telling the BBC that building the network alone could cost £30 to 40 billion. There would be further costs associated with staff pensions, while Openreach currently has a revenue of £5 billion a year, he said. Johnson has already committed £5 billion to boost coverage and 5G networks in the hardest to reach areas. Boosting productivity The pledge is the most radical so far in the campaign for the December 12 election, which has been dominated by Britain's looming exit from the EU but also by promises to end a decade of austerity measures. Labour wants to nationalise the water, railways and mail delivery companies, and invest hundreds of billions of pounds in infrastructure and public services. Johnson's Conservatives, who were responsible for the belt-tightening measures since 2010, have also promised big investments but not on the same scale. Improving broadband coverage and speeds has become a priority for both parties in a bid to improve productivity, particularly in rural areas. Only eight per cent of UK premises are connected to full-fibre broadband, compared to 97 per cent in Japan and 98 per cent in South Korea, Labour says. It claims that by allowing fast, the comprehensive network could boost productivity by £59 billion by 2025.

In election pledge, UK Labour promises free broadband for all

UK Labour Party hit by cyber attack ahead of election. Watch video to know more.

UK Labour Party hit by cyber attack ahead of election

Eighteen women serving in British Parliament said that they are not seeking election due to abuse threats and a culture of intimidation, New York Times reported on Monday.

"I am exhausted by the invasion into my privacy and the nastiness and intimidation that has become commonplace," Heidi Allen, a member of Parliament, wrote in a detailed letter to her constituents explaining why she will not be on the ballot.

"Nobody in any job should have to put up with threats, aggressive emails, being shouted at in the street, sworn at on social media, nor have to install panic alarms at home" she said.

The women are among 50 members of Parliament who will not stand in the election scheduled for December 12.

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed the threats of violence as "humbug" during a parliamentary debate in September, a remark that was heavily criticized by other lawmakers, according to the Times.

The situation even prompted 72 female members of Parliament to sign a letter of solidarity to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who has spoken about the difficulty of public life in Britain.

"Although we find ourselves being women in public life in a very different way to you," the letter read, "we share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women in public office from getting on with our very important work." 
&nbsp;

Eighteen women serving in British Parliament said that they are not seeking election due to abuse threats and a culture of intimidation, New York Times reported on Monday.

Eighteen women serving in British Parliament said that they are not seeking election due to abuse threats and a culture of intimidation, New York Times reported on Monday. "I am exhausted by the invasion into my privacy and the nastiness and intimidation that has become commonplace," Heidi Allen, a member of Parliament, wrote in a detailed letter to her constituents explaining why she will not be on the ballot. "Nobody in any job should have to put up with threats, aggressive emails, being shouted at in the street, sworn at on social media, nor have to install panic alarms at home" she said. The women are among 50 members of Parliament who will not stand in the election scheduled for December 12. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed the threats of violence as "humbug" during a parliamentary debate in September, a remark that was heavily criticized by other lawmakers, according to the Times. The situation even prompted 72 female members of Parliament to sign a letter of solidarity to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who has spoken about the difficulty of public life in Britain. "Although we find ourselves being women in public life in a very different way to you," the letter read, "we share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women in public office from getting on with our very important work."

18 Woman MPs to not seek re-election in British Parliament due to abuse

US President Donald Trump waded into the British election campaign on Thursday, launching a stinging attack on the country's main opposition leader and warning Prime Minister Boris Johnson that his EU divorce deal could imperil a future US-UK trade agreement.

In unprecedented criticism of a candidate to be British premier from a sitting president, Trump said that Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would be "so bad" in the role.

He also urged Johnson to unite with eurosceptic hardliner Nigel Farage, a key figure in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership who now leads the newly-founded Brexit Party, to deliver Britain's departure from the bloc.

"Corbyn would be so bad for your country," Trump told Farage during a phone interview broadcast on his talkshow on British radio station LBC.

"He'd take you in such a bad way. He'd take you into such bad places.

"I'd like to see you and Boris get together... I think it'd be a great thing," Trump added.

Farage, whose new party is campaigning for Britain to leave the EU without any deal in place, has urged Johnson to form an electoral alliance but has so far been rebuffed.&nbsp;

Within minutes of the interview airing, Corbyn shot back on Twitter that "Trump is trying to interfere in Britain's election to get his friend Boris Johnson elected".

But the president, whose impeachment in the United States moved a stage closer on Thursday following a key vote in Congress, also criticised Johnson's Brexit deal, saying it made it impossible to strike a future trade agreement.

"This deal... you can't do it, you can't trade. We can't make a trade deal with the UK," he added.

Trump's comments appear at odds with his previous pledge in September that he was working closely with Johnson to strike a "magnificent trade deal" once Britain left the EU.

'Failure is his alone'

Johnson agreed new divorce terms with the bloc's leaders earlier this month, ahead of the country's scheduled departure on Thursday. &nbsp;

But he was unable to push the plan through parliament and instead opted to hold a snap pre-Christmas election, blaming his Labour rivals for the latest Brexit delay and promising to now take the country out by a new January 31 deadline.

"If you vote for us and we get our programme through, which we will... we can be out, at the absolute latest, by January next year," Johnson said during a campaign stop Thursday at a hospital.

The Conservative leader is riding high in opinion polls going into the December 12 vote that will be Britain's third in four years.&nbsp;

But he risks a backlash over his unkept "do or die" promise to deliver Brexit on October 31 -- and has again set himself up for another potential fall by promising to meet the next deadline.

"He said he would rather be dead in a ditch than delay beyond today. But he has failed. And that failure is his alone," Corbyn said at his own campaign event.

Brexit divisions

Pro-EU campaigners and business executives have breathed a sigh of relief that Britain avoided a Halloween Brexit nightmare that could have seen it crash out of the EU after 46 years without a plan.

Johnson confounded expectations by securing a revised divorce deal but was forced to ask EU leaders for more time after Labour mustered enough cross-party support to extend parliamentary debates and delay a final vote.

Labour has vowed to throw out Johnson's plan and get Brexit "sorted" within the first six months of taking power by negotiating more EU-friendly separation terms.

It would then put its deal up for a vote against the option of simply staying the 27-nation bloc.

Corbyn has been accused of seeking to shift the debate onto more domestic subjects such as health and social care to avoid scrutiny of his much-criticised position on Europe.

Meanwhile, business leaders warn that Labour's plan to reimpose state ownership over railways and other major industries would cost at least £196 billion ($253 billion, 228 billion euros).

But a National Institute of Economic and Social Research study suggested Wednesday that Johnson's Brexit deal could leave Britain £70 billion worse off in 10 years.&nbsp;

Divisions over Brexit have seen sometimes toxic rhetoric on all sides. Death threats against lawmakers and attacks on social media have risen in recent years.

Almost 60 members of the 650-seat lower House of Commons have announced they will not stand in the coming election.

The number has raised eyebrows because -- while dozens usually leave before general election -- many came from the more moderate and wing of Johnson's party. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump waded into the British election campaign on Thursday, launching a stinging attack on the country's main opposition leader and warning Prime Minister Boris Johnson that his EU divorce deal could imperil a future US-UK trade agreement.

US President Donald Trump waded into the British election campaign on Thursday, launching a stinging attack on the country's main opposition leader and warning Prime Minister Boris Johnson that his EU divorce deal could imperil a future US-UK trade agreement. In unprecedented criticism of a candidate to be British premier from a sitting president, Trump said that Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would be "so bad" in the role. He also urged Johnson to unite with eurosceptic hardliner Nigel Farage, a key figure in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership who now leads the newly-founded Brexit Party, to deliver Britain's departure from the bloc. "Corbyn would be so bad for your country," Trump told Farage during a phone interview broadcast on his talkshow on British radio station LBC. "He'd take you in such a bad way. He'd take you into such bad places. "I'd like to see you and Boris get together... I think it'd be a great thing," Trump added. Farage, whose new party is campaigning for Britain to leave the EU without any deal in place, has urged Johnson to form an electoral alliance but has so far been rebuffed. Within minutes of the interview airing, Corbyn shot back on Twitter that "Trump is trying to interfere in Britain's election to get his friend Boris Johnson elected". But the president, whose impeachment in the United States moved a stage closer on Thursday following a key vote in Congress, also criticised Johnson's Brexit deal, saying it made it impossible to strike a future trade agreement. "This deal... you can't do it, you can't trade. We can't make a trade deal with the UK," he added. Trump's comments appear at odds with his previous pledge in September that he was working closely with Johnson to strike a "magnificent trade deal" once Britain left the EU. 'Failure is his alone' Johnson agreed new divorce terms with the bloc's leaders earlier this month, ahead of the country's scheduled departure on Thursday. But he was unable to push the plan through parliament and instead opted to hold a snap pre-Christmas election, blaming his Labour rivals for the latest Brexit delay and promising to now take the country out by a new January 31 deadline. "If you vote for us and we get our programme through, which we will... we can be out, at the absolute latest, by January next year," Johnson said during a campaign stop Thursday at a hospital. The Conservative leader is riding high in opinion polls going into the December 12 vote that will be Britain's third in four years. But he risks a backlash over his unkept "do or die" promise to deliver Brexit on October 31 -- and has again set himself up for another potential fall by promising to meet the next deadline. "He said he would rather be dead in a ditch than delay beyond today. But he has failed. And that failure is his alone," Corbyn said at his own campaign event. Brexit divisions Pro-EU campaigners and business executives have breathed a sigh of relief that Britain avoided a Halloween Brexit nightmare that could have seen it crash out of the EU after 46 years without a plan. Johnson confounded expectations by securing a revised divorce deal but was forced to ask EU leaders for more time after Labour mustered enough cross-party support to extend parliamentary debates and delay a final vote. Labour has vowed to throw out Johnson's plan and get Brexit "sorted" within the first six months of taking power by negotiating more EU-friendly separation terms. It would then put its deal up for a vote against the option of simply staying the 27-nation bloc. Corbyn has been accused of seeking to shift the debate onto more domestic subjects such as health and social care to avoid scrutiny of his much-criticised position on Europe. Meanwhile, business leaders warn that Labour's plan to reimpose state ownership over railways and other major industries would cost at least £196 billion ($253 billion, 228 billion euros). But a National Institute of Economic and Social Research study suggested Wednesday that Johnson's Brexit deal could leave Britain £70 billion worse off in 10 years. Divisions over Brexit have seen sometimes toxic rhetoric on all sides. Death threats against lawmakers and attacks on social media have risen in recent years. Almost 60 members of the 650-seat lower House of Commons have announced they will not stand in the coming election. The number has raised eyebrows because -- while dozens usually leave before general election -- many came from the more moderate and wing of Johnson's party.

Trump wades into UK election with attack on opposition leader and Brexit warning

UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson will push for an early election in the parliament today. European Union leaders will be meeting to discuss yet another Brexit delay. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM Johnson will push for an early election in parliament today

Britain's former finance minister Philip Hammond said on Sunday he would vote against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bid on Monday to force an election, saying parliament should be focused on trying to secure a deal to leave the European Union.

Britain's former finance minister Philip Hammond said on Sunday he would vote against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bid on Monday to force an election, saying parliament should be focused on trying to secure a deal to leave the European Union. "I shall be voting against him. This is not the time to be holding a general election, it is a time for cool heads and grown up government," Hammond told Sky News, adding that parliament should instead be scrutinising the Brexit deal. "The government should stop making threats, stop throwing tantrums and get on with the grown up business of doing its business," he said.

I will not back government's election bid, says UK former finance minister

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-warrior-trumps- friend-chinas-frenemy-237975">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;no&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;with his Irish counterpart Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said on Monday.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-why-is-there-an-irish-backstop-188953">Irish backstop</a> had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British&nbsp;Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has accepted an offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;Irish leader Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources.

"The UK has accepted&nbsp;Varadkar's offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper.

Johnson&nbsp;has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal</a>&nbsp;it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British&nbsp;province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

May's agreement, rejected three times by the&nbsp;British&nbsp;parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border.

The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting&nbsp;between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August.

The&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;also said&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October&nbsp;31, "no ifs or buts".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accepted an offer to meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources. "The UK has accepted Varadkar's offer to meet and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper. Johnson has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May. The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. May's agreement, rejected three times by the British parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border. The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August. The spokesman also said Johnson had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October 31, "no ifs or buts".

Irish backstop: No meeting scheduled between Johnson, Varadkar

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters.

Johnson has promised voters Britain will leave the EU on October 31 with or without an exit deal, demanding that Brussels drop parts of the existing proposed deal relating to the Irish border and negotiate a fresh exit arrangement.

But the EU is adamant that the legal terms of the deal cannot be rewritten, raising expectations among politicians and financial markets that Britain is headed for an unmanaged divorce from the bloc in less than three months.

"I would very much prefer to leave with a deal – one that must abolish the anti-democratic Irish backstop, which has unacceptable consequences for our country," Johnson said in the email.

"But I recognise this may not happen. That is why preparing urgently and rapidly for the possibility of an exit without a deal will be my top priority, and it will be the top priority for the Civil Service too."

Previously, pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the ranks of Britain's civil service, which adopts a politically neutral stance while working to enact government policy, saying they were biased towards remaining in the EU and trying to obstruct the exit process.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

"I know many of you have already done a great deal of hard work in mobilising to prepare for a No Deal scenario, so that we can leave on 31 October come what may," Johnson wrote in the email, first reported by Sky News.

"Between now and then, we must engage and communicate clearly with the British people about what our plans for taking back control mean, what people and businesses need to do, and the support we will provide."

Although advocates of a no-deal exit say that Britain would swiftly recover from any disruption and benefit over the long term from improved economic flexibility, sterling and other economic indicators reflect a broadly pessimistic outlook.

Data on Friday showed the British economy shrank unexpectedly for the first time since 2012 in the second quarter, dragged down by a slump in manufacturing.

Johnson, however praised the work of government employees in the 650-word bulletin issued on Friday afternoon, and promised a reforming agenda beyond Brexit, highlighting plans for improved public services.

"The Government I lead is fully committed to leaving the European Union by 31 October 2019 and getting a grip of the vital issues that affect people’s lives: the NHS, education and crime," he wrote.

"While there are no grounds for complacency, there is every reason for optimism."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters. Johnson has promised voters Britain will leave the EU on October 31 with or without an exit deal, demanding that Brussels drop parts of the existing proposed deal relating to the Irish border and negotiate a fresh exit arrangement. But the EU is adamant that the legal terms of the deal cannot be rewritten, raising expectations among politicians and financial markets that Britain is headed for an unmanaged divorce from the bloc in less than three months. "I would very much prefer to leave with a deal – one that must abolish the anti-democratic Irish backstop, which has unacceptable consequences for our country," Johnson said in the email. "But I recognise this may not happen. That is why preparing urgently and rapidly for the possibility of an exit without a deal will be my top priority, and it will be the top priority for the Civil Service too." Previously, pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the ranks of Britain's civil service, which adopts a politically neutral stance while working to enact government policy, saying they were biased towards remaining in the EU and trying to obstruct the exit process. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. "I know many of you have already done a great deal of hard work in mobilising to prepare for a No Deal scenario, so that we can leave on 31 October come what may," Johnson wrote in the email, first reported by Sky News. "Between now and then, we must engage and communicate clearly with the British people about what our plans for taking back control mean, what people and businesses need to do, and the support we will provide." Although advocates of a no-deal exit say that Britain would swiftly recover from any disruption and benefit over the long term from improved economic flexibility, sterling and other economic indicators reflect a broadly pessimistic outlook. Data on Friday showed the British economy shrank unexpectedly for the first time since 2012 in the second quarter, dragged down by a slump in manufacturing. Johnson, however praised the work of government employees in the 650-word bulletin issued on Friday afternoon, and promised a reforming agenda beyond Brexit, highlighting plans for improved public services. "The Government I lead is fully committed to leaving the European Union by 31 October 2019 and getting a grip of the vital issues that affect people’s lives: the NHS, education and crime," he wrote. "While there are no grounds for complacency, there is every reason for optimism."

UK's Boris Johnson tells civil servants their top priority is preparing for no deal Brexit: Report

Is it too late to hold an election before Brexit? Yes, probably

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