Britain is mourning the demise of its monarch & bracing itself for the era of King Charles III. His address to UK's parliament was followed by the recital of 'God save the King'. This anthem has made a comeback after 70 years. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: UK lawmakers sing 'God save the King' after 70 years

The British Monarchy is facing its biggest crisis. The U.K's economy is in a mess, its healthcare is on a ventilator. But guess what British Parliamentarians are concerned about? India. WION's Palki Sharma asks-When will the U.K. get over its colonial hangover?

Gravitas: British parliament debates on Indian farmers

The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate among some British lawmakers on an e-petition over the right of peaceful protests and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers' protest against three agricultural laws.

India's high commission slams debate on farmers' protests in UK Parliament

In yet another blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, British MPs on Saturday voted to delay a decision on Brexit deal, arguing they needed more time to study its contents before an October 31 deadline.

In yet another blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, British MPs on Saturday voted to delay a decision on Brexit deal, arguing they needed more time to study its contents before an October 31 deadline. Lawmakers backed an amendment which effectively forces the government to request an extension until January next year, while they scrutinised the proposed domestic legislation to enforce the deal with Brussels, reported news agency AFP. Meanwhile, Johnson has reiterated that he won't ask European Union to delay Brexit and vowed to stick to an October 31 Brexit deadline, He further said that he will put the bill on the deal to leave EU to MPs next week, in an attempt to avoid delay. He told parliament the "meaningful vote" on his divorce agreement with the European Union "has been voided of meaning" but added: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU, and neither does the law compel me to do so." (With inputs from AFP)

British PM Johnson vows to stick to October 31 deadline after MPs vote to delay Brexit deal decision

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hunt-in-final-days-of-battle-with-johnson-to-become-uk-236478">next prime minister </a>to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May next week, has said Britain must leave the European Union on October 31, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">with or without a deal</a>, and has refused to rule out suspending parliament to prevent lawmakers from trying to block his exit plan.

The measure being voted on does not go as far as an outright block on parliament being suspended but lawmakers have put forward a further proposal which could require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been suspended.

The BBC reported some senior ministers, some of whom are likely facing the sack for their opposition to a no deal if Johnson wins, were considering resigning to support the proposal.

"The idea that parliament should be suspended in October ... at a crucial point in this country's history, that parliament should not be able to sit, should not be able to express its opinion and its will, I think would be outrageous," Justice Secretary David Gauke told BBC Radio.

Asked if he would vote for the proposal, something that would require him to resign, he said: "I will have to see what the precise amendments are ... I'm not in a position to necessarily say."

The result is likely to be very close: an earlier ballot on a less far-reaching version of the proposal last week passed by just one vote.

That narrow vote was in favour of a change to a piece of legislation to add a requirement that ministers make fortnightly reports on progress towards re-establishing Northern Ireland's collapsed executive.

Those hoping to stop a no-deal Brexit believe this could require parliament to be in session throughout the run-up to Brexit day, complicating any bid by Britain's new prime minister to "prorogue", or suspend, the legislature.

On Thursday, lawmakers will be asked to give final approval to the measure, which has since been strengthened by parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.

The Lords added a requirement that the government's report on its progress in Northern Ireland would need to be approved by lawmakers, giving them a possible route to try to stop a no-deal such as attaching a vote to request a delay to Brexit.

A further, more far-reaching, clause which would require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been prorogued could also be voted on.

The votes are expected in the early afternoon.

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the next prime minister to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament.

British lawmakers will vote on Thursday on a beefed-up proposal aimed at making it harder for the next prime minister to try to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending parliament. Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May next week, has said Britain must leave the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal, and has refused to rule out suspending parliament to prevent lawmakers from trying to block his exit plan. The measure being voted on does not go as far as an outright block on parliament being suspended but lawmakers have put forward a further proposal which could require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been suspended. The BBC reported some senior ministers, some of whom are likely facing the sack for their opposition to a no deal if Johnson wins, were considering resigning to support the proposal. "The idea that parliament should be suspended in October ... at a crucial point in this country's history, that parliament should not be able to sit, should not be able to express its opinion and its will, I think would be outrageous," Justice Secretary David Gauke told BBC Radio. Asked if he would vote for the proposal, something that would require him to resign, he said: "I will have to see what the precise amendments are ... I'm not in a position to necessarily say." The result is likely to be very close: an earlier ballot on a less far-reaching version of the proposal last week passed by just one vote. That narrow vote was in favour of a change to a piece of legislation to add a requirement that ministers make fortnightly reports on progress towards re-establishing Northern Ireland's collapsed executive. Those hoping to stop a no-deal Brexit believe this could require parliament to be in session throughout the run-up to Brexit day, complicating any bid by Britain's new prime minister to "prorogue", or suspend, the legislature. On Thursday, lawmakers will be asked to give final approval to the measure, which has since been strengthened by parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords. The Lords added a requirement that the government's report on its progress in Northern Ireland would need to be approved by lawmakers, giving them a possible route to try to stop a no-deal such as attaching a vote to request a delay to Brexit. A further, more far-reaching, clause which would require parliament to sit for several days even if it has been prorogued could also be voted on. The votes are expected in the early afternoon.

UK lawmakers to vote on latest bid to try to prevent a no-deal Brexit

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-theresa-may-offers-to-resign-in-parliament-on-brexit-206392">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-no-majority-for-any-options-after-mps-votes-206299">Brexit</a> divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">House of Commons</a> has twice rejected May's withdrawal agreement, both times by large margins, but has been unable to agree any alternative -- and time is running out.

The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union until May asked the bloc's leaders last week for a little more time.

In a last-ditch bid to garner the support of discontented Conservative colleagues, she dramatically promised Wednesday to resign if the deal passed.

She appealed to Brexit supporters to back her, saying that under the delay plan hatched with Brussels, approval on Friday could see Britain out of the bloc on May 22.

But if the deal falls again, she must set out a new plan by April 12 -- with the options including a potentially catastrophic "no deal" Brexit, or a lengthy delay.

May's sacrifice swayed some of her critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but more than a dozen Conservative MPs still publicly oppose her deal.

Her Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), also continue to insist that its arrangements for the Irish border are unacceptable.

'Blindfold Brexit'

Without the support of her own side, May would have to rely on opposition Labour votes to get her deal through, but leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to vote against her.

Tory minister Andrea Leadsom issued a rallying cry, tweeting that "we can still make the 29th March the day we unite to make leaving the EU a reality.&nbsp;

"I hope colleagues across the House will take this last opportunity."

The government has decided to put only one part of the Brexit package to MPs, separating out the withdrawal terms from an accompanying political declaration on future ties.

Another vote will be required for Brexit to happen, but a date has not been set.

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said separating the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration was "not part of a plan, it's a desperate measure," that the party would not vote for.

"Take the political declaration off and it's completely blind, you've no idea what you're really voting for."

Britain is leaving the EU after 46 years of membership following a divisive 2016 referendum in which voters decided 52 to 48 percent for Brexit.

But MPs appear incapable of agreeing on how to implement the result, reflecting the nationwide divisions that persist on the issue.

The ensuing chaos has led business leaders and trade unions to warn of a "national emergency", while the pound slipped again on Thursday amid fears of what might happen.

May admits her agreement, reached last November during more than 18 months of negotiations, is a compromise but insists it is the best available.

It covers citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlement, plans for the Irish border and for a transition period to ease the split until new trade terms are agreed.

'Give people certainty'

Ardent Brexit supporters say it keeps Britain too close to the EU, but others say it does not do enough to protect relations with Britain's largest trading partner.

The crunch vote caps a tumultuous week in Westminster which also saw MPs seize control of parliamentary business for a day to test support for various Brexit options.&nbsp;

However, none of the eight options drawn up by various lawmakers secured a majority, although they are hoping to narrow down the field in another round of votes next Monday.

Any new approach at this point would likely require a much longer extension that would force Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May.

"The EU will only agree an extension until&nbsp;May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved this week," said Leadsom.

"I encourage all MPs to support it and ensure that we leave the EU... giving people and businesses the certainty they need."&nbsp;

MPs were not originally due to sit on Friday but the government called an emergency session, starting at 9.30am (0930 GMT) with voting due at 2.30pm (1430 GMT).

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks. The House of Commons has twice rejected May's withdrawal agreement, both times by large margins, but has been unable to agree any alternative -- and time is running out. The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union until May asked the bloc's leaders last week for a little more time. In a last-ditch bid to garner the support of discontented Conservative colleagues, she dramatically promised Wednesday to resign if the deal passed. She appealed to Brexit supporters to back her, saying that under the delay plan hatched with Brussels, approval on Friday could see Britain out of the bloc on May 22. But if the deal falls again, she must set out a new plan by April 12 -- with the options including a potentially catastrophic "no deal" Brexit, or a lengthy delay. May's sacrifice swayed some of her critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but more than a dozen Conservative MPs still publicly oppose her deal. Her Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), also continue to insist that its arrangements for the Irish border are unacceptable. 'Blindfold Brexit' Without the support of her own side, May would have to rely on opposition Labour votes to get her deal through, but leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to vote against her. Tory minister Andrea Leadsom issued a rallying cry, tweeting that "we can still make the 29th March the day we unite to make leaving the EU a reality. "I hope colleagues across the House will take this last opportunity." The government has decided to put only one part of the Brexit package to MPs, separating out the withdrawal terms from an accompanying political declaration on future ties. Another vote will be required for Brexit to happen, but a date has not been set. Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said separating the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration was "not part of a plan, it's a desperate measure," that the party would not vote for. "Take the political declaration off and it's completely blind, you've no idea what you're really voting for." Britain is leaving the EU after 46 years of membership following a divisive 2016 referendum in which voters decided 52 to 48 percent for Brexit. But MPs appear incapable of agreeing on how to implement the result, reflecting the nationwide divisions that persist on the issue. The ensuing chaos has led business leaders and trade unions to warn of a "national emergency", while the pound slipped again on Thursday amid fears of what might happen. May admits her agreement, reached last November during more than 18 months of negotiations, is a compromise but insists it is the best available. It covers citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlement, plans for the Irish border and for a transition period to ease the split until new trade terms are agreed. 'Give people certainty' Ardent Brexit supporters say it keeps Britain too close to the EU, but others say it does not do enough to protect relations with Britain's largest trading partner. The crunch vote caps a tumultuous week in Westminster which also saw MPs seize control of parliamentary business for a day to test support for various Brexit options. However, none of the eight options drawn up by various lawmakers secured a majority, although they are hoping to narrow down the field in another round of votes next Monday. Any new approach at this point would likely require a much longer extension that would force Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May. "The EU will only agree an extension until May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved this week," said Leadsom. "I encourage all MPs to support it and ensure that we leave the EU... giving people and businesses the certainty they need." MPs were not originally due to sit on Friday but the government called an emergency session, starting at 9.30am (0930 GMT) with voting due at 2.30pm (1430 GMT).

UK lawmakers to vote for pivotal vote on May's Brexit deal

UK lawmakers voted to take control of Brexit process

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament.

Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms.&nbsp;

The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks.

On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. 
"I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country."

The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her.

Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection.

In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament.

"An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue.

"UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS"

Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed.

"We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology.

Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration.&nbsp;

Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament.

While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted.

In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews. More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament. Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms. The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks. On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. "I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country." The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her. Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection. In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament. "An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue. "UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS" Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed. "We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement. Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology. Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration. Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament. While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted. In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

Facing chants of 'Nazi' and 'scum', UK lawmakers ask police to act over Brexit abuse

British lawmakers will vote on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/theresa-may-suffers-parliament-defeats-181569">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom.

The coming week has been filled by other draft legislation, with parliament then breaking for the holidays until January 7.

May has promised to hold the vote by January 21.

The British leader will brief lawmakers on Monday about her latest visit to Brussels, where she is meeting the other 27 EU leaders in a bid to wrest more concessions on the deal.

EU leaders refuse to renegotiate the actual draft but seem willing to offer May non-binding assurances on the main dispute involving measures to prevent the return of a hard border with Ireland.

May pulled a vote on the draft scheduled for last Tuesday because of its certain defeat.

The decision sparked outrage among MPs across party lines, with her own Conservatives trying to oust her on Wednesday in a no-confidence vote.

May <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-majority-of-83-183571">won by a 200-117 margin</a>, underscoring the scale of the resistance from her own ranks to the Brexit draft.

Britain will leave the European Union on March 29 regardless of whether the two sides agree on divorce terms.

British lawmakers will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom.

British lawmakers will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom. The coming week has been filled by other draft legislation, with parliament then breaking for the holidays until January 7. May has promised to hold the vote by January 21. The British leader will brief lawmakers on Monday about her latest visit to Brussels, where she is meeting the other 27 EU leaders in a bid to wrest more concessions on the deal. EU leaders refuse to renegotiate the actual draft but seem willing to offer May non-binding assurances on the main dispute involving measures to prevent the return of a hard border with Ireland. May pulled a vote on the draft scheduled for last Tuesday because of its certain defeat. The decision sparked outrage among MPs across party lines, with her own Conservatives trying to oust her on Wednesday in a no-confidence vote. May won by a 200-117 margin, underscoring the scale of the resistance from her own ranks to the Brexit draft. Britain will leave the European Union on March 29 regardless of whether the two sides agree on divorce terms.

UK lawmakers due to vote on Brexit bill in January

British lawmakers on Monday published evidence that Brexit campaign group Leave.EU benefited from work by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy at the centre of a recent storm over use of Facebook data.

Nigel Oakes, founder of SCL Group, the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, said the consultancy was lined up to do work with Leave.EU in the event that it was designated as the official campaign to leave the European Union, according to transcripts of interviews published by a parliamentary committee.

Oakes said that "there was no contract and no money" but that they did do work to demonstrate their capabilities. A transcript of another interview with Leave.EU official Andy Wigmore says the campaign group copied Cambridge Analytica's methods.

"Leave.EU benefited from their work with Cambridge Analytica before the decision was made on which Leave campaign would receive the official designation for the referendum," Damian Collins, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said in a statement.

Cambridge Analytica lies at the center of a storm for using data obtained from millions of Facebook users without their permission after it was hired by Donald Trump for his 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign.

The analytics firm is also under scrutiny over campaigning for the 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the European Union, a move seen by critics as a colossal historical mistake but by admirers as a vital reassertion of British sovereignty.

Oakes said Wigmore's claim to have copied Cambridge Analytica's techniques raised "more questions about how Leave.EU developed their database to do this, and whether consumer data from other companies they had a relationship was used to support their campaign."

The interview transcripts were submitted by Emma Briant, an academic who interviewed figures from SCL Group, Cambridge Analytica and Leave.EU.

In the event, "Vote Leave" beat Leave.EU to become the officially designated campaign to leave the EU ahead of Britain's referendum, though Leave.EU continued to campaign for Brexit.

Leave.EU founder Arron Banks has said that because it did not win the designation and due to concerns about the consultancy, it did no work with Cambridge Analytica, and received no benefit in kind.

Former Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix told the committee in February that the firm did not work with Leave.EU, but he has been recalled for a new hearing, which will take place on Wednesday.

The lawmakers were also critical of Wigmore and Oakes for speaking in admiring terms about Nazi propganda techniques, and said there were also questions about Cambridge Analytica's closeness with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

"The propaganda machine of the Nazis, for instance – you take away all the hideous horror and that kind of stuff – it was very clever, the way they managed to do what they did," Wigmore said, according to one interview transcript.

Collins said that the "extreme messaging" around immigration during the campaign meant "these statements will raise concerns that data analytics was used to target voters who were concerned about this issue, and to frighten them with messaging designed to create 'an artificial enemy' for them to act against."

British lawmakers on Monday published evidence that Brexit campaign group Leave.EU benefited from work by Cambridge Analytica

British lawmakers on Monday published evidence that Brexit campaign group Leave.EU benefited from work by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy at the centre of a recent storm over use of Facebook data. Nigel Oakes, founder of SCL Group, the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, said the consultancy was lined up to do work with Leave.EU in the event that it was designated as the official campaign to leave the European Union, according to transcripts of interviews published by a parliamentary committee. Oakes said that "there was no contract and no money" but that they did do work to demonstrate their capabilities. A transcript of another interview with Leave.EU official Andy Wigmore says the campaign group copied Cambridge Analytica's methods. "Leave.EU benefited from their work with Cambridge Analytica before the decision was made on which Leave campaign would receive the official designation for the referendum," Damian Collins, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said in a statement. Cambridge Analytica lies at the center of a storm for using data obtained from millions of Facebook users without their permission after it was hired by Donald Trump for his 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. The analytics firm is also under scrutiny over campaigning for the 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the European Union, a move seen by critics as a colossal historical mistake but by admirers as a vital reassertion of British sovereignty. Oakes said Wigmore's claim to have copied Cambridge Analytica's techniques raised "more questions about how Leave.EU developed their database to do this, and whether consumer data from other companies they had a relationship was used to support their campaign." The interview transcripts were submitted by Emma Briant, an academic who interviewed figures from SCL Group, Cambridge Analytica and Leave.EU. In the event, "Vote Leave" beat Leave.EU to become the officially designated campaign to leave the EU ahead of Britain's referendum, though Leave.EU continued to campaign for Brexit. Leave.EU founder Arron Banks has said that because it did not win the designation and due to concerns about the consultancy, it did no work with Cambridge Analytica, and received no benefit in kind. Former Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix told the committee in February that the firm did not work with Leave.EU, but he has been recalled for a new hearing, which will take place on Wednesday. The lawmakers were also critical of Wigmore and Oakes for speaking in admiring terms about Nazi propganda techniques, and said there were also questions about Cambridge Analytica's closeness with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. "The propaganda machine of the Nazis, for instance – you take away all the hideous horror and that kind of stuff – it was very clever, the way they managed to do what they did," Wigmore said, according to one interview transcript. Collins said that the "extreme messaging" around immigration during the campaign meant "these statements will raise concerns that data analytics was used to target voters who were concerned about this issue, and to frighten them with messaging designed to create 'an artificial enemy' for them to act against."

Cambridge Analytica work helped Brexit group: UK lawmakers

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