Kwasi Kwarteng is no longer the United Kingdom's Chancellor of the Exchequer.&nbsp;As Liz Truss, the Prime Minister struggles to preserve her beleaguered premiership, the minister has as per reports been sacked.

As speculation grew&nbsp;about a possible government u-turn on parts of the recently announced&nbsp;mini-budget in order to calm the markets, Kwarteng who was in the US&nbsp;returned early&nbsp;for "urgent discussions" with Prime Minister&nbsp;Truss, reports the BBC.

Kwarteng&nbsp;had just on Thursday declared he was "not going anywhere" despite market turbulence over the government's contentious economic policies.

In a statement published by the now ex-chancellor, he confirms that he was "asked to stand aside."

He further writes "As&nbsp;I have said many times in the past week, following the status quo was simply not an option. For too long the country has been dodged by low growth rates and high taxation - that must change if this country is to succeed."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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He will now go down in history as the UK chancellor with the second-shortest tenure.&nbsp;Iain Macleod, who passed away from a heart attack 30 days after taking the position in 1970 is the chancellor with the shortest tenure.

Kwarteng's&nbsp;replacement, who will be Britain's fourth finance minister this year, was not immediately announced reports AFP.

Following the news, the pound continued to decline in currency markets.&nbsp;Investors jumped on news that Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng had been fired for his debt-fueled budget.&nbsp;

The value of the pound fell 1.1 per cent to $1.1199.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kwasi Kwarteng is no longer the United Kingdom's Chancellor of the Exchequer. As Liz Truss, the Prime Minister struggles to preserve her beleaguered premiership, the minister has as per reports been sacked.

Kwasi Kwarteng is no longer the United Kingdom's Chancellor of the Exchequer. As Liz Truss, the Prime Minister struggles to preserve her beleaguered premiership, the minister has as per reports been sacked. As speculation grew about a possible government u-turn on parts of the recently announced mini-budget in order to calm the markets, Kwarteng who was in the US returned early for "urgent discussions" with Prime Minister Truss, reports the BBC. Kwarteng had just on Thursday declared he was "not going anywhere" despite market turbulence over the government's contentious economic policies. In a statement published by the now ex-chancellor, he confirms that he was "asked to stand aside." He further writes "As I have said many times in the past week, following the status quo was simply not an option. For too long the country has been dodged by low growth rates and high taxation - that must change if this country is to succeed." pic.twitter.com/4nvtyGWCoA — Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwarteng) October 14, 2022 × He will now go down in history as the UK chancellor with the second-shortest tenure. Iain Macleod, who passed away from a heart attack 30 days after taking the position in 1970 is the chancellor with the shortest tenure. Kwarteng's replacement, who will be Britain's fourth finance minister this year, was not immediately announced reports AFP. Following the news, the pound continued to decline in currency markets. Investors jumped on news that Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng had been fired for his debt-fueled budget. The value of the pound fell 1.1 per cent to $1.1199. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kwasi Kwarteng sacked as United Kingdom's Chancellor of the Exchequer

With the Conservative party leadership race all done and dusted, the new British Prime minister, Liz Truss, has her task cut out to select the new Cabinet team.

On Tuesday, the 47-year-old, hours after meeting Queen Elizabeth II, picked a slew of names for the top ministerial positions.

In a bid to push diversity, Truss has formed a Cabinet team&nbsp;where no white man,&nbsp;for the first time, will hold one of the country's four most important ministerial berths, Reuters reported.

Who all are in the Cabinet?

Kwasi Kwarteng, who is Truss's ally and friend, has been appointed as the new chancellor. He will take charge of the economy. He was previously the business secretary.

Kwarteng, whose parents came from Ghana in the 1960s, is the country’s first Black finance minister.

James Cleverly is the first Black foreign minister. He was earlier the education secretary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liz-truss-to-take-oath-as-uk-prime-minister-on-tuesday-no-place-for-rishi-sunak-in-cabinet-513341">Liz Truss appointed as Britain's PM. What will her Cabinet look like?</a>&nbsp;

Suella Braverman will replace Priti Patel to become the UK’s home secretary. She is the second ethnic minority home secretary, or interior minister, responsible for police and immigration.

&nbsp;While Ben Wallace will remain as defence secretary, Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, running the Cabinet Office.

He's also the minister for intergovernmental relations and minister for equalities.

Penny Mordaunt has been chosen as the Leader of the Commons—the role that looks after legislation.&nbsp;

Brandon Lewis has been appointed as the justice secretary, while Alok Sharma&nbsp;remains as COP president, and&nbsp;Lord True&nbsp;is leader of the Lords.

Wendy Morton&nbsp;is the first Conservative female chief whip.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With the Conservative party leadership race all done and dusted, the new British Prime minister, Liz Truss, has her task cut out to select the new Cabinet team. On Tuesday, the 47-year-old, hours after meeting Queen Elizabeth II, picked a slew of names for the top ministerial positions.

With the Conservative party leadership race all done and dusted, the new British Prime minister, Liz Truss, has her task cut out to select the new Cabinet team. On Tuesday, the 47-year-old, hours after meeting Queen Elizabeth II, picked a slew of names for the top ministerial positions. In a bid to push diversity, Truss has formed a Cabinet team where no white man, for the first time, will hold one of the country's four most important ministerial berths, Reuters reported. Who all are in the Cabinet? Kwasi Kwarteng, who is Truss's ally and friend, has been appointed as the new chancellor. He will take charge of the economy. He was previously the business secretary. Kwarteng, whose parents came from Ghana in the 1960s, is the country’s first Black finance minister. James Cleverly is the first Black foreign minister. He was earlier the education secretary. Also read | Liz Truss appointed as Britain's PM. What will her Cabinet look like? Suella Braverman will replace Priti Patel to become the UK’s home secretary. She is the second ethnic minority home secretary, or interior minister, responsible for police and immigration. While Ben Wallace will remain as defence secretary, Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, running the Cabinet Office. He's also the minister for intergovernmental relations and minister for equalities. Penny Mordaunt has been chosen as the Leader of the Commons—the role that looks after legislation. Brandon Lewis has been appointed as the justice secretary, while Alok Sharma remains as COP president, and Lord True is leader of the Lords. Wendy Morton is the first Conservative female chief whip. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Liz Truss's Cabinet is UK’s first with no white man in top jobs

For the first time in the United Kingdom, a white man will not hold one of the country's four most important ministerial positions—prime minister, treasury, foreign office and home affairs. After Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister, she installed her loyalists into top jobs.&nbsp;

The new Prime Minister found no role for Dominic Raab, and also some Sunak-backers, such as Steve Barclay, Grant Shapps and Shailesh Vara.&nbsp;

Former home secretary Priti Patel resigned and Boris Johnson's uber-loyalist Nadine Dorries&nbsp;also stepped down.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-the-end-of-road-for-priti-patel-or-will-she-fight-back-513660">Is it the end of road for Priti Patel or will she fight back?</a>&nbsp;

Truss appointed Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Cleverly as foreign secretary and Suella Braverman as interior minister.&nbsp;

Ben Wallace is the defence secretary and&nbsp;Kit Malthouse is the education secretary. The health secretary is&nbsp;Coffey, who is also a close ally of Truss.&nbsp;

Chloe Smith will head work and pensions, and Kemi Badenoch will be trade secretary. Penny Mordaunt was named Leader of the Commons. The right-wing Jacob Rees-Mogg will be the business, energy and industrial strategy secretary.&nbsp;

Will the appointment of loyalists backfire at Truss?&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the wife of former minister Johnny Mercer lashed out at Truss for "rewarding her supporters" and branded her an "imbecile" after she sacked him.

It looks like Truss is storing up problems for herself and the party as well because such conflicts inside the party can be troublesome. In case she falters, her choices will be questioned, especially by those who have been sidelined today.&nbsp;

As the country faces multiple crises at the moment, Truss and her team will face a daunting in-tray of issues to tackle, with priority on decades-high inflation.&nbsp;

The new PM will also have to figure out how to deal with energy bills that are set to rise by 80 per cent next month and even more again in January.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Bank of England has tipped the country to fall into recession later this year. But Truss said, "I am confident that together we can ride out the storm."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;New UK PM Liz Truss unveils her top team; first cabinet without a white man in top jobs&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing crises, reports have suggested that the newly appointed ministers may be asked to sign off immediately on a plan to freeze energy bills for the coming winter costing tens of billions of pounds.&nbsp;

Tax cuts and diverting some health funding to social care could also reportedly be on the agenda.&nbsp;

Truss promised, "I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment." She also vowed to take "action this week" on gas and electricity bills and broader energy policy.&nbsp;

UK's promises to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war will also be on the priority list besides&nbsp;contemplating&nbsp;the rising China threat.&nbsp;

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For the first time in the United Kingdom, a white man will not hold one of the country's four most important ministerial positions—prime minister, treasury, foreign office and home affairs.

For the first time in the United Kingdom, a white man will not hold one of the country's four most important ministerial positions—prime minister, treasury, foreign office and home affairs. After Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister, she installed her loyalists into top jobs. The new Prime Minister found no role for Dominic Raab, and also some Sunak-backers, such as Steve Barclay, Grant Shapps and Shailesh Vara. Former home secretary Priti Patel resigned and Boris Johnson's uber-loyalist Nadine Dorries also stepped down. ALSO READ | Is it the end of road for Priti Patel or will she fight back? Truss appointed Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Cleverly as foreign secretary and Suella Braverman as interior minister. Ben Wallace is the defence secretary and Kit Malthouse is the education secretary. The health secretary is Coffey, who is also a close ally of Truss. Chloe Smith will head work and pensions, and Kemi Badenoch will be trade secretary. Penny Mordaunt was named Leader of the Commons. The right-wing Jacob Rees-Mogg will be the business, energy and industrial strategy secretary. Will the appointment of loyalists backfire at Truss? Meanwhile, the wife of former minister Johnny Mercer lashed out at Truss for "rewarding her supporters" and branded her an "imbecile" after she sacked him. It looks like Truss is storing up problems for herself and the party as well because such conflicts inside the party can be troublesome. In case she falters, her choices will be questioned, especially by those who have been sidelined today. As the country faces multiple crises at the moment, Truss and her team will face a daunting in-tray of issues to tackle, with priority on decades-high inflation. The new PM will also have to figure out how to deal with energy bills that are set to rise by 80 per cent next month and even more again in January. Meanwhile, the Bank of England has tipped the country to fall into recession later this year. But Truss said, "I am confident that together we can ride out the storm." WATCH | New UK PM Liz Truss unveils her top team; first cabinet without a white man in top jobs × Amid the ongoing crises, reports have suggested that the newly appointed ministers may be asked to sign off immediately on a plan to freeze energy bills for the coming winter costing tens of billions of pounds. Tax cuts and diverting some health funding to social care could also reportedly be on the agenda. Truss promised, "I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment." She also vowed to take "action this week" on gas and electricity bills and broader energy policy. UK's promises to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war will also be on the priority list besides contemplating the rising China threat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Liz Truss cabinet: Will appointment of loyalists, ouster of Sunak backers, backfire at new UK PM?

Boris Johnson received a huge round of applause from Conservative MPs when he concluded his last session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ) on Wednesday (July 20).&nbsp;

He was greeted with cheering and chanting (just not by Theresa May for obvious reasons) from his recently mutinous MPs as if nothing happened in the past three-four months and he is leaving with a squeaky clean image, which is not the case.&nbsp;

Johnson's tumultuous term was marred by scandals, controversies, sleaze and whatnot. But his Arnold Schwarzenegger-style exit after his last PMQ portrayed quite a different picture.&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-truss-vs-sunak-for-the-battle-to-be-britains-next-prime-minister-499299">It’s Truss vs Sunak for the battle to be Britain’s next Prime Minister</a>

To a standing ovation, Johnson bowed out by saying: "Hasta la vista, baby!"&nbsp;

We all know this popular catchphrase said by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 science fiction action film 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day'.&nbsp;

'Hasta la vista' is a Spanish term that translates to "see you later". If this is what Johnson meant, then it appears he is dreaming of returning to 10 Downing Street. Even some commentators have hinted that he would be back.&nbsp;

To be precise, at the end of his PMQ, he came up with another invocation of Arnie's famous catchphrase: "I'll be back."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liz-truss-main-contender-against-rishi-sunak-in-race-to-become-next-uk-pm-499227">Liz Truss: Main contender against Rishi Sunak in race to become next UK PM</a>&nbsp;

I have followed UK politics very closely, since the 'Partygate' scandal was first reported. Johnson was slammed for his involvement in alcohol-fuelled, Covid lockdown-breaching parties.&nbsp;

I thought there would be an apology when Boris will wrap up the PMQ but it more or less looked like a soap opera or a dramatic Hollywood movie as he said "Mission largely accomplished - for now!"&nbsp;

If Hollywood is over with their love for Jane Austen adaptations, then 'Boris Johnson as PM' can be a good option.&nbsp;

Jokes apart, it was so shocking to see the MPs cheering for him as if they were not involved in bringing him down. When Rishi Sunak resigned as the finance minister, it led to a massive cabinet and ministerial walkout, eventually causing Johnson to resign.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-on-course-to-be-11th-indian-origin-head-of-state-join-6-still-reigning-499136">Rishi Sunak could become 11th Indian-origin leader in the world, joining 6 in office</a>&nbsp;

Reports have even emerged that Johnson's Downing Street operation is running an "anyone but Rishi" campaign. Sunak faced accusations that he had conspired in the cabinet revolt.&nbsp;

But Boris praised the candidates who are battling to succeed him. The new leader is set to be announced on September 5.&nbsp;

Here's what he said:

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Johnson's final PMQ 
&nbsp; 
On the day when the race to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom narrowed down to two — Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss - Boris delivered his final PMQ.&nbsp;

He said a lot of things, like telling his successor to "stay close to the Americans, stick up for the Ukrainians, stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere".&nbsp;

He told the PM candidates to "cut taxes and deregulate where you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest... focus on the road ahead but always remember to check the rearview mirror.&nbsp;

"And remember above all it's not Twitter that counts, it's the people that sent us here," he added.&nbsp;

Reflecting on his tenure, Boris said that "the greatest privilege" was the time in office. He also mentioned the Conservatives' landslide victory in the 2019 election and the Brexit deal.&nbsp;

He said: "We've transformed our democracy and restored our national independence... I've helped to get this country through a pandemic and helped save another country from barbarism -- and frankly that's enough to be going on with. Mission largely accomplished, for now."&nbsp;

Johnson defended his term

During his PMQ, Johnson defended his three tumultuous years in office - from Brexit to Covid vaccines to Britain's role during the Russia-Ukraine war. &nbsp;

But the question here is: Is Boris planning a comeback? His press secretary denied that he was already eyeing a political comeback. She said, "It was his way of saying farewell."&nbsp;

What will happen next, only time will tell. But it is for sure that at any rate, Boris is far from retired. He's definitely&nbsp;going to get book deals, writing and speaking fees in the millions.&nbsp;

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Boris Johnson received a huge round of applause from Conservative MPs when he concluded his last session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ) on Wednesday (July 20).

Boris Johnson received a huge round of applause from Conservative MPs when he concluded his last session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ) on Wednesday (July 20). He was greeted with cheering and chanting (just not by Theresa May for obvious reasons) from his recently mutinous MPs as if nothing happened in the past three-four months and he is leaving with a squeaky clean image, which is not the case. Johnson's tumultuous term was marred by scandals, controversies, sleaze and whatnot. But his Arnold Schwarzenegger-style exit after his last PMQ portrayed quite a different picture. ALSO READ | It’s Truss vs Sunak for the battle to be Britain’s next Prime Minister To a standing ovation, Johnson bowed out by saying: "Hasta la vista, baby!" We all know this popular catchphrase said by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 science fiction action film 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day'. 'Hasta la vista' is a Spanish term that translates to "see you later". If this is what Johnson meant, then it appears he is dreaming of returning to 10 Downing Street. Even some commentators have hinted that he would be back. To be precise, at the end of his PMQ, he came up with another invocation of Arnie's famous catchphrase: "I'll be back." ALSO READ | Liz Truss: Main contender against Rishi Sunak in race to become next UK PM I have followed UK politics very closely, since the 'Partygate' scandal was first reported. Johnson was slammed for his involvement in alcohol-fuelled, Covid lockdown-breaching parties. I thought there would be an apology when Boris will wrap up the PMQ but it more or less looked like a soap opera or a dramatic Hollywood movie as he said "Mission largely accomplished - for now!" If Hollywood is over with their love for Jane Austen adaptations, then 'Boris Johnson as PM' can be a good option. Jokes apart, it was so shocking to see the MPs cheering for him as if they were not involved in bringing him down. When Rishi Sunak resigned as the finance minister, it led to a massive cabinet and ministerial walkout, eventually causing Johnson to resign. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak could become 11th Indian-origin leader in the world, joining 6 in office Reports have even emerged that Johnson's Downing Street operation is running an "anyone but Rishi" campaign. Sunak faced accusations that he had conspired in the cabinet revolt. But Boris praised the candidates who are battling to succeed him. The new leader is set to be announced on September 5. Here's what he said: × Johnson's final PMQ On the day when the race to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom narrowed down to two — Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss - Boris delivered his final PMQ. He said a lot of things, like telling his successor to "stay close to the Americans, stick up for the Ukrainians, stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere". He told the PM candidates to "cut taxes and deregulate where you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest... focus on the road ahead but always remember to check the rearview mirror. "And remember above all it's not Twitter that counts, it's the people that sent us here," he added. Reflecting on his tenure, Boris said that "the greatest privilege" was the time in office. He also mentioned the Conservatives' landslide victory in the 2019 election and the Brexit deal. He said: "We've transformed our democracy and restored our national independence... I've helped to get this country through a pandemic and helped save another country from barbarism -- and frankly that's enough to be going on with. Mission largely accomplished, for now." Johnson defended his term During his PMQ, Johnson defended his three tumultuous years in office - from Brexit to Covid vaccines to Britain's role during the Russia-Ukraine war. But the question here is: Is Boris planning a comeback? His press secretary denied that he was already eyeing a political comeback. She said, "It was his way of saying farewell." What will happen next, only time will tell. But it is for sure that at any rate, Boris is far from retired. He's definitely going to get book deals, writing and speaking fees in the millions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will Boris Johnson eye No 10 return? Decoding BoJo's Terminator-style exit

The United Kingdom government won the vote of confidence with 349 in support on Monday (July 18). During the debate, Boris Johnson cited the coronavirus vaccine rollout and support of Ukraine to defend his government's record. Meanwhile, 248 MPs voted that they don't have confidence in the government.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of a slew of scandals, Johnson resigned as UK prime minister. However, the main opposition Labour party wants Johnson out of office immediately.&nbsp;

Conservative candidates are in a contest to replace Boris with the due process underway. Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer called the candidates' withdrawal a sign of a party "out of ideas (and) out of purpose".&nbsp;

On Monday, a planned debate between the remaining contenders for Tuesday night was cancelled when former finance minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss pulled out.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Starmer said, "Pulling out of a TV debate when you want to be prime minister doesn't show very much confidence."&nbsp;

Sunak widens lead&nbsp;

Former British finance minister Rishi Sunak won the most support in the third round of voting to find a replacement for Johnson. Sunak got 115 votes on the third ballot of Conservative lawmakers on Monday.&nbsp;

Tom Tugendhat secured the fewest votes with 31. Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch came fourth on the ballot with 58 votes.

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The United Kingdom government won the vote of confidence with 349 in support on Monday (July 18). During the debate, Boris Johnson cited the coronavirus vaccine rollout and support of Ukraine to defend his government's record.

The United Kingdom government won the vote of confidence with 349 in support on Monday (July 18). During the debate, Boris Johnson cited the coronavirus vaccine rollout and support of Ukraine to defend his government's record. Meanwhile, 248 MPs voted that they don't have confidence in the government. In the aftermath of a slew of scandals, Johnson resigned as UK prime minister. However, the main opposition Labour party wants Johnson out of office immediately. Conservative candidates are in a contest to replace Boris with the due process underway. Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer called the candidates' withdrawal a sign of a party "out of ideas (and) out of purpose". On Monday, a planned debate between the remaining contenders for Tuesday night was cancelled when former finance minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss pulled out. Meanwhile, Starmer said, "Pulling out of a TV debate when you want to be prime minister doesn't show very much confidence." Sunak widens lead Former British finance minister Rishi Sunak won the most support in the third round of voting to find a replacement for Johnson. Sunak got 115 votes on the third ballot of Conservative lawmakers on Monday. Tom Tugendhat secured the fewest votes with 31. Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch came fourth on the ballot with 58 votes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK politics: Government wins confidence vote; Rishi Sunak widens lead in race to become PM

In the United Kingdom, the five remaining Conservative candidates to become the prime minister of the country faced off in the first TV debate of the contest. They discussed trust, tax policy, the NHS, transexual rights, building a green economy, and energy bills.

In the United Kingdom, the five remaining Conservative candidates to become the prime minister of the country faced off in the first TV debate of the contest. They discussed trust, tax policy, the NHS, transexual rights, building a green economy, and energy bills. Tom Tugendhat, who gained the least votes in the second round of the leadership contest, was the winner of the debate as per a snap poll of 1,000 people. Former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who is one of the frontrunners, clashed over tax policy with British foreign minister Liz Truss. But when they did erupt, it came largely over taxation, with former finance minister Rishi Sunak, forced to defend plans to keep rates at some of the highest levels in decades. Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat, chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also remain in the running. Junior trade minister Penny Mordaunt is also a popular candidate. Mordaunt told television viewers: "I'm very aware that while my party chooses a new leader, you are watching us pick your next prime minister... I hope you like at least one of us." The economic policy remained the topic of discussion between Sunak and Truss as they tussled over in the debate, hosted by broadcaster Channel 4. Truss has proposed scrapping increases in payroll tax and corporation tax proposed by Sunak, at a cost of over $36 billion a year, to be funded by a slower reduction in government debt built up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunak told Truss: "We have to be honest, borrowing your way out of inflation isn't a plan, it's a fairy tale." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK Politics: Remaining Tory leadership candidates clash over tax policy and economic plan

After the former Health Secretary Sajid Javid pulled out of the contest, a total of eight Conservatives are now in the race to replace Boris Johnson as party leader and British prime minister.

After the former Health Secretary Sajid Javid pulled out of the contest, a total of eight Conservatives are now in the race to replace Boris Johnson as party leader and British prime minister. The remaining candidates have won enough nominations from their colleagues to go through to the first round of voting on Wednesday. The candidates had to get the support of at least 20 Tory MPs to be in the race. The remaining candidates are: Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Jeremy Hunt, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Tom Tugendhat and Nadhim Zahawi. Reports have mentioned that just minutes before the deadline, Javid withdrew. he said that he "looked forward to seeing the debate unfold". Apart from the health minister, junior minister Rehman Chishti also pulled out of the contest. The next process will include the first round of voting, which will take place on Wednesday. If a candidate gets less than 30 votes from their fellow MPs, she/he will have to drop out. Further votes, over the next few days, will decide the final two candidates, who will then go to a full ballot of around 160,000 Conservative Party members over the summer. Currently, former finance minister Rishi Sunak and foreign minister Liz Truss are top contenders for the top job. New UK PM will be announced on September 5 The ruling Conservative party earlier said that the new prime minister to replace Johnson will be announced on September 5. Graham Brady, chairman of the Conservatives' influential 1922 Committee, told reporters: "We do need to make sure there is a decent amount of time before the result is announced on 5th September." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sajid Javid pulls out; eight candidates in race to succeed UK PM Johnson

United Kingdom's foreign minister Liz Truss has joined the race to become Tory&nbsp;leader and the nation's next prime minister. Truss entered the fractious contest on Sunday, by announcing her candidacy in the Daily Telegraph newspaper. AFP reports that Truss declared that she had "a clear vision of where we need to be, and the experience and resolve to get us there". The foreign minister is the 11th person to enter their bid trying to replace Boris Johnson and as of now, she is seen as the frontrunner in the nail-biting contest. Before Truss, the former defence minister Penny Mordaunt had submitted their stake in the Tory leadership contest.

Watch |&nbsp;Search for UK's new PM begins: Who will replace Boris Johnson? Wallace, Sunak clear favourites

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However, as AFP puts it Mordaunt is not among the favourites, but, contests like these can be very unpredictable. More than a dozen lawmakers from the many factions of the conservative party are potentially set to compete and political commenters say few candidates can be "discounted".

The early favourite was former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who drew some strong fire from Johnson loyalists, one of whom even referred to him as "a treacherous bastard."

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-tory-lawmakers-including-the-treacherous-rishi-sunak-announce-their-bid-to-replace-boris-johnson-495984">Eight Tory lawmakers, including the 'treacherous' Rishi Sunak announce their bid to replace Boris Johnson</a>

Sajid Javid, former health minister who has also announced his candidacy, and Sunak both announced their resignations late on Tuesday, inspiring others, junior colleagues to do the same. This was the catalyst that led to Boris Johnson announcing his resignation as Tory leader a mere 36 hours later.

But the field is crowded. Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary who came in second to Johnson in the most recent election in 2019, is running again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-defence-minister-ben-wallace-says-he-will-not-stand-to-replace-boris-johnson-as-tory-leader-495924" hreflang="en">UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace says he will not stand to replace Boris Johnson as Tory leader</a>

Grant Shapps, the secretary of transportation, and the recently appointed finance minister Nadhim Zahawi has also put in bids.

They are joined on the increasing list of candidates by the attorney general and ardent Brexiteer Suella Braverman, the relatively obscure former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and backbench&nbsp;Tory MP Tom Tugendhat.

Rehman Chishti, another Tory MP, also declared his intention to run for leader on Sunday night, bringing the total to 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Kingdom's foreign minister Liz Truss has joined the race to become Tory leader and the nation's next prime minister. Truss entered the fractious contest on Sunday, by announcing her candidacy in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

United Kingdom's foreign minister Liz Truss has joined the race to become Tory leader and the nation's next prime minister. Truss entered the fractious contest on Sunday, by announcing her candidacy in the Daily Telegraph newspaper. AFP reports that Truss declared that she had "a clear vision of where we need to be, and the experience and resolve to get us there". The foreign minister is the 11th person to enter their bid trying to replace Boris Johnson and as of now, she is seen as the frontrunner in the nail-biting contest. Before Truss, the former defence minister Penny Mordaunt had submitted their stake in the Tory leadership contest. Watch | Search for UK's new PM begins: Who will replace Boris Johnson? Wallace, Sunak clear favourites However, as AFP puts it Mordaunt is not among the favourites, but, contests like these can be very unpredictable. More than a dozen lawmakers from the many factions of the conservative party are potentially set to compete and political commenters say few candidates can be "discounted". The early favourite was former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who drew some strong fire from Johnson loyalists, one of whom even referred to him as "a treacherous bastard." Also read | Eight Tory lawmakers, including the 'treacherous' Rishi Sunak announce their bid to replace Boris Johnson Sajid Javid, former health minister who has also announced his candidacy, and Sunak both announced their resignations late on Tuesday, inspiring others, junior colleagues to do the same. This was the catalyst that led to Boris Johnson announcing his resignation as Tory leader a mere 36 hours later. But the field is crowded. Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary who came in second to Johnson in the most recent election in 2019, is running again. Also read | UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace says he will not stand to replace Boris Johnson as Tory leader Grant Shapps, the secretary of transportation, and the recently appointed finance minister Nadhim Zahawi has also put in bids. They are joined on the increasing list of candidates by the attorney general and ardent Brexiteer Suella Braverman, the relatively obscure former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and backbench Tory MP Tom Tugendhat. Rehman Chishti, another Tory MP, also declared his intention to run for leader on Sunday night, bringing the total to 11. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

It's getting crowded in the Tory leader race, Liz Truss joins 10 contenders in a bid to replace Boris Johnson

Eight candidates have already entered the already contentious leadership race after United Kingdom's embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson tendered his resignation, amid growing discontent. As per an AFP report,&nbsp;the list now includes heavyweights such as former health ministers Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt and the current Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi. Just hours earlier, the traditionally volatile political race had gained another contender after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that he&nbsp;too will run.&nbsp;The Conservative Party's so-called 1922 Committee of legislators will gather on Monday to decide on the timing and regulations for the expected months-long campaign, which may pit more than a dozen Conservative MPs and various factions of the ruling party against one another.

Watch |&nbsp;Search for UK's new PM begins: Who will replace Boris Johnson? Wallace, Sunak clear favourites

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Who are the contenders?

Suella Braverman, the attorney general, former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and Tory backbencher Tom Tugendhat have also declared their candidacies.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is also expected to join the race on Monday, according to the Mail.

Who is at the frontline of this race?

Former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who played a monumental part in sparking the cabinet uprising that resulted in Johnson's forced resignation on Thursday, is currently the front-runner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-defence-minister-ben-wallace-says-he-will-not-stand-to-replace-boris-johnson-as-tory-leader-495924" hreflang="en">UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace says he will not stand to replace Boris Johnson as Tory leader</a>

Sunak and Javid both announced their resignations late on Tuesday, which prompted scores of their more junior peers to do the same and forced their former boss to step down as Tory leader 36 hours later.

After declaring his bid via social media late Friday, Sunak, who was ahead of Truss in the most recent survey of party members, received rapid support from numerous prominent MPs.

However, in a sign of the animosity that can taint the race, he has also come under fire from Johnson supporters. According to the Financial Times, Sunak's departure caused "huge anger" inside the departing prime minister's team, with one senior official, referring to him as "a treacherous bastard."

How will the party choose between the candidates?

As the number of contenders grows, several senior politicians have stressed that the field must be narrowed fast and that the final two-person shortlist to be presented to members should be determined within weeks, before parliament's summer holiday begins on July 21.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-rishi-sunaks-wife-akshata-murthy-being-criticised-for-serving-tea-to-journalists-495856" hreflang="en">Why is Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy being criticised for serving tea to journalists?</a>

"Clearly what we would want to do, and I think even the candidates would admit this is, is to eliminate some of those that are clearly not going to get enough support to get in the last two at a relatively early stage," Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the 1922 committee's treasurer, told Times Radio.

As Britain deals with the toxic confluence of rising inflation, widespread cost-of-living rises, a stalled economy, and relatively high tax rates, taxation is expected to be a prominent aspect of the race, along with candidates' stances on Brexit.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Eight candidates have already entered the already contentious leadership race after United Kingdom's embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson tendered his resignation, amid growing discontent.

Eight candidates have already entered the already contentious leadership race after United Kingdom's embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson tendered his resignation, amid growing discontent. As per an AFP report, the list now includes heavyweights such as former health ministers Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt and the current Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi. Just hours earlier, the traditionally volatile political race had gained another contender after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that he too will run. The Conservative Party's so-called 1922 Committee of legislators will gather on Monday to decide on the timing and regulations for the expected months-long campaign, which may pit more than a dozen Conservative MPs and various factions of the ruling party against one another. Watch | Search for UK's new PM begins: Who will replace Boris Johnson? Wallace, Sunak clear favourites Who are the contenders? Suella Braverman, the attorney general, former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and Tory backbencher Tom Tugendhat have also declared their candidacies. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is also expected to join the race on Monday, according to the Mail. Who is at the frontline of this race? Former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who played a monumental part in sparking the cabinet uprising that resulted in Johnson's forced resignation on Thursday, is currently the front-runner. Also read | UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace says he will not stand to replace Boris Johnson as Tory leader Sunak and Javid both announced their resignations late on Tuesday, which prompted scores of their more junior peers to do the same and forced their former boss to step down as Tory leader 36 hours later. After declaring his bid via social media late Friday, Sunak, who was ahead of Truss in the most recent survey of party members, received rapid support from numerous prominent MPs. However, in a sign of the animosity that can taint the race, he has also come under fire from Johnson supporters. According to the Financial Times, Sunak's departure caused "huge anger" inside the departing prime minister's team, with one senior official, referring to him as "a treacherous bastard." How will the party choose between the candidates? As the number of contenders grows, several senior politicians have stressed that the field must be narrowed fast and that the final two-person shortlist to be presented to members should be determined within weeks, before parliament's summer holiday begins on July 21. Also read | Why is Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy being criticised for serving tea to journalists? "Clearly what we would want to do, and I think even the candidates would admit this is, is to eliminate some of those that are clearly not going to get enough support to get in the last two at a relatively early stage," Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the 1922 committee's treasurer, told Times Radio. As Britain deals with the toxic confluence of rising inflation, widespread cost-of-living rises, a stalled economy, and relatively high tax rates, taxation is expected to be a prominent aspect of the race, along with candidates' stances on Brexit. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eight Tory lawmakers, including the 'treacherous' Rishi Sunak announce their bid to replace Boris Johnson

The 'rise and fall' of UK PM: Scandals that dragged down Boris Johnson

UK PM Boris Johnson has stepped down as a leader of ruling Conservative Party. He announced his decision on Thursday (July 7) in a press address outside his official 10 Downing Street residence. Johnson, who came to power three years ago was increasingly cornered due many scandals within his party. The 'partygate' or the alcohol-fuelled parties at Downing Street right when country was under strict lockdown saw him apologise to the parliament number of times.

With Johnson stepping down, speculations are on as to who would succeed him as the leader of the ruling party and UK's next PM. Here are the contenders widely held to have good shot at the top post.

Rishi Sunak

<img alt="Rishi Sunak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eee48d23-f943-428d-8e3a-aa0ba732b690" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32AX3EN.jpg" />

Rishi Sunak was UK's first Hindu chancellor of the exchequer. He quit on Tuesday citing many scandals within the government. He has been favourite to succeed Johnson but his prospects are dented by questions over his private wealth and family's tax arrangements.

Sunak, 42, has a high profile on social media, and won plaudits for shoring up the economy during the pandemic.&nbsp;

His resignation from the Johnson government has again made him a favourite.

Jeremy Hunt

<img alt="Jeremy Hunt " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd6eb6f8-b11a-4a2a-8f94-b054374be061" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1J03FI.jpg" />

Jeremy Hunt (55), former foreign and health secretary lost leadership contest to Boris Johnson in 2019.

 
Hunt sent a thinly veiled campaign message for a new leadership bid last month, arguing that under Johnson "we are no longer trusted by the electorate" and "we are set to lose the next general election".&nbsp;

But the fluent Japanese speaker lacks Johnson's charisma. His pre-pandemic record as health secretary was recently savaged by a Johnson ally.

Liz Truss

<img alt="Liz Truss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="549c137b-1a09-4917-b5dc-f2773bc2328d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32DU4WW.jpg" />

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, 46, commands popularity among her Conservative Party colleagues. She is liked for her outspokenness and willingness to go on the political attack.

But that has also stoked questions about her judgement, for instance when in February she encouraged Britons to fight in Ukraine. Critics say her leadership posturing is too overt.

Sajid Javid

<img alt="Sajid Javid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34dbfaa0-45a4-4620-bc2e-cdb612a55e5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32DV662.jpg" />

Javid, former health secretary in Johnson's government was another high-profile name besides Rishi Sunak to quit on Tuesday. He previously resigned as finance minister in 2020

Like Sunak, he also faces questions about his personal wealth and tax affairs.

Ben Wallace

<img alt="Ben Wallace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67c2a3fd-11c6-4ad3-82a6-73e518f98298" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32DW47K.jpg" />

The defence secretary, 52, is considered to be straight talking and has a competent image. He recently topped &nbsp;polls of Tory grassroots' preferred next leader due to his role in the Ukraine crisis. He is a former army officer.

Nadhim Zahawi

<img alt="Zahawi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e69bfc1-5cbb-44a9-b6e4-b1818a1c5216" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32DW37N.jpg" />

Zahawi has been newly appointed as finance minister. He was previously praised for overseeing UK's pandemic vaccines rollout.

Zahawi is a former refugee from Iraq who came to Britain as a child speaking no English. Before entering politics, he co-founded the prominent polling company YouGov.

Tom Tugendhat

<img alt="Tom Tugendhat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8449dbcb-a7e1-4e5d-bac0-734664801826" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9LZ9NM.jpg" />

The former army officer, 49, is a prominent backbencher who chairs parliament's influential Foreign Affairs Committee.

Tugendhat has indicated he will stand in any leadership contest but there is no love lost between him and Johnson loyalists.

A hawk on China, he has been critical of the government's handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

 
Penny Mordaunt

<img alt="Penny Mordaunt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3c4c387-39d8-4a80-bc3d-31cee9788434" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8WU4WW.jpg" />

Mordaunt, 49, is the first woman to have been UK defence secretary and is currently a junior trade minister.

The Royal navy reservist is seen as likely to run but considered a long shot.

A strong Brexit supporter and key figure in the 2016 "Leave" campaign, she has been tipped as a potential unity candidate who could draw support from the Conservative party's warring factions.

Dominic Raab

<img alt="Raab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="713b8605-7003-45a5-bacc-1c56249f9fe6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32DU4WJ.jpg" />

Deputy prime minister and justice secretary Dominic Raab, 48, led the country when Johnson was in intensive care in hospital with Covid-19 in 2020.

The former lawyer and karate black belt is seen as a reliable ally.

But his move to justice from the post of foreign secretary was seen as a demotion after he initially failed to cut short a holiday as the Afghan capital Kabul fell to the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK PM Boris Johnson has stepped down as a leader of ruling Conservative Party. He announced his decision on Thursday (July 7) in a press address outside his official 10 Downing Street residence.

UK PM Boris Johnson has stepped down as a leader of ruling Conservative Party. He announced his decision on Thursday (July 7) in a press address outside his official 10 Downing Street residence. Johnson, who came to power three years ago was increasingly cornered due many scandals within his party. The 'partygate' or the alcohol-fuelled parties at Downing Street right when country was under strict lockdown saw him apologise to the parliament number of times. With Johnson stepping down, speculations are on as to who would succeed him as the leader of the ruling party and UK's next PM. Here are the contenders widely held to have good shot at the top post. Rishi Sunak Rishi Sunak was UK's first Hindu chancellor of the exchequer. He quit on Tuesday citing many scandals within the government. He has been favourite to succeed Johnson but his prospects are dented by questions over his private wealth and family's tax arrangements. Sunak, 42, has a high profile on social media, and won plaudits for shoring up the economy during the pandemic. His resignation from the Johnson government has again made him a favourite. Jeremy Hunt Jeremy Hunt (55), former foreign and health secretary lost leadership contest to Boris Johnson in 2019. Hunt sent a thinly veiled campaign message for a new leadership bid last month, arguing that under Johnson "we are no longer trusted by the electorate" and "we are set to lose the next general election". But the fluent Japanese speaker lacks Johnson's charisma. His pre-pandemic record as health secretary was recently savaged by a Johnson ally. Liz Truss Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, 46, commands popularity among her Conservative Party colleagues. She is liked for her outspokenness and willingness to go on the political attack. But that has also stoked questions about her judgement, for instance when in February she encouraged Britons to fight in Ukraine. Critics say her leadership posturing is too overt. Sajid Javid Javid, former health secretary in Johnson's government was another high-profile name besides Rishi Sunak to quit on Tuesday. He previously resigned as finance minister in 2020 Like Sunak, he also faces questions about his personal wealth and tax affairs. Ben Wallace The defence secretary, 52, is considered to be straight talking and has a competent image. He recently topped polls of Tory grassroots' preferred next leader due to his role in the Ukraine crisis. He is a former army officer. Nadhim Zahawi Zahawi has been newly appointed as finance minister. He was previously praised for overseeing UK's pandemic vaccines rollout. Zahawi is a former refugee from Iraq who came to Britain as a child speaking no English. Before entering politics, he co-founded the prominent polling company YouGov. Tom Tugendhat The former army officer, 49, is a prominent backbencher who chairs parliament's influential Foreign Affairs Committee. Tugendhat has indicated he will stand in any leadership contest but there is no love lost between him and Johnson loyalists. A hawk on China, he has been critical of the government's handling of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Penny Mordaunt Mordaunt, 49, is the first woman to have been UK defence secretary and is currently a junior trade minister. The Royal navy reservist is seen as likely to run but considered a long shot. A strong Brexit supporter and key figure in the 2016 "Leave" campaign, she has been tipped as a potential unity candidate who could draw support from the Conservative party's warring factions. Dominic Raab Deputy prime minister and justice secretary Dominic Raab, 48, led the country when Johnson was in intensive care in hospital with Covid-19 in 2020. The former lawyer and karate black belt is seen as a reliable ally. But his move to justice from the post of foreign secretary was seen as a demotion after he initially failed to cut short a holiday as the Afghan capital Kabul fell to the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM Boris Johnson resigns, know who can succeed him

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

The UK government announced their resignation, as Johnson came under fire for handling a sleaze scandal involving a senior colleague.&nbsp;

In his resignation letter, Sunak wrote, "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."&nbsp;

In his resignation letter to Johnson, Javid said that "it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too".&nbsp;

The shocking resignations have plunged Johnson's government into chaos. The UK Prime Minister is under fire after he apologised for appointing Chris Pincher to a government role. Pincher is accused of misconduct.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-markets-act-european-parliament-ratifies-landmark-tech-laws-494751">Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws</a>&nbsp;

The PM is facing criticism as he admitted he had been told about the complaint in 2019. He said that he made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.&nbsp;

Whip Mark Harper tweeted: "Tonight we have seen leadership from Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid. Harper wrote: "Honourable decisions made by honourable men. The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country. It’s time for a fresh start."&nbsp;

Harper used to be in charge of Conservative Party discipline in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-needs-to-defend-iran-nuclear-deal-says-macron-in-front-of-lapid-494759">World needs to 'defend' Iran nuclear deal, says Macron in front of Israel PM Lapid</a>&nbsp;

Notably, both had formerly publicly supported Johnson during months of scandal over his administration's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules.&nbsp;

Senior Labour MP and Chair of the Commons Standards Committee Chris Bryant said: "All these people should have resigned months ago. They should never have put him in Downing Street in the first place. They have been complicit throughout."&nbsp;

'This government is now collapsing'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's clear that this government is now collapsing."&nbsp;

In a statement, Starmer further said: "After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it's clear that this government is now collapsing. Tory Cabinet ministers have known all along who this prime minister is."&nbsp;

"They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga. The British public will not be fooled. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man won't fix that. Only a real change of government can give Britain the fresh start it needs", Starmer added.&nbsp;

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British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The UK government announced their resignation, as Johnson came under fire for handling a sleaze scandal involving a senior colleague. In his resignation letter, Sunak wrote, "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning." In his resignation letter to Johnson, Javid said that "it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too". The shocking resignations have plunged Johnson's government into chaos. The UK Prime Minister is under fire after he apologised for appointing Chris Pincher to a government role. Pincher is accused of misconduct. ALSO READ | Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws The PM is facing criticism as he admitted he had been told about the complaint in 2019. He said that he made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it. Whip Mark Harper tweeted: "Tonight we have seen leadership from Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid. Harper wrote: "Honourable decisions made by honourable men. The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country. It’s time for a fresh start." Harper used to be in charge of Conservative Party discipline in the House of Commons. ALSO READ | World needs to 'defend' Iran nuclear deal, says Macron in front of Israel PM Lapid Notably, both had formerly publicly supported Johnson during months of scandal over his administration's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules. Senior Labour MP and Chair of the Commons Standards Committee Chris Bryant said: "All these people should have resigned months ago. They should never have put him in Downing Street in the first place. They have been complicit throughout." 'This government is now collapsing' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's clear that this government is now collapsing." In a statement, Starmer further said: "After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it's clear that this government is now collapsing. Tory Cabinet ministers have known all along who this prime minister is." "They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga. The British public will not be fooled. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man won't fix that. Only a real change of government can give Britain the fresh start it needs", Starmer added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK finance and health ministers quit in protest at Boris Johnson's leadership

The Boris Johnson government has asked the Metropolitan Police to not publish the hundreds of pictures related to the investigation into the reported Downing Street parties, as per a report by Times.&nbsp;

The parties were held during the strict post-Christmas coronavirus lockdown when such gatherings were strictly banned in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

The report added that some of the Downing Street aides were concerned the related photos could harm their reputations.&nbsp;

ITV News reported citing a leaked document that the Cabinet Office "expects" that Scotland Yard will not publish over 300 related pictures and 500 pages of information once the probe concludes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrews-sexual-assault-case-to-be-raised-in-uk-parliament-as-reports-say-queen-to-help-pay-settlement-454069">Prince Andrew's sexual assault case to be raised in UK parliament as reports say Queen to help pay settlement</a>

As per a report by The Mirror, in one of the images, Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be seen holding a can of beer while standing next to Chancellor Rishi Sunak.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Met has reportedly not responded to the request but the department might give Number 10's request approval.&nbsp;

The UK media reports have carried a statement: "Consistent with its indication that it will not publish the identities of anyone issued a FPN [fixed-penalty notice], we would not expect the Met to publish photographs. The liaison unit has asked the Met to confirm this."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/well-as-you-can-see-i-cant-move-is-queen-elizabeths-health-failing-453977">'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing?</a>

The reports have also specified that the request has been made only to know whether the photos will be made public and there is no attempt to influence the investigation.&nbsp;

Earlier, Johnson apologised after a probe into lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street found that such gatherings should never have taken place when there was a ban across the country. He had vowed to bring about changes not only to his team but to the way he engages with his party.&nbsp;

Johnson faced renewed resignation calls when a senior civil servant Sue Gray highlighted the details of alcohol-fuelled events at the United Kingdom's PM's office and residence.&nbsp;

While pointing out the "serious failures of leadership" in the British government, Gray said that "the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time".&nbsp;

"Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did," she added.&nbsp;

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The Boris Johnson government has asked the Metropolitan Police to not publish the hundreds of pictures related to the investigation into the reported Downing Street parties, as per a report by Times.

The Boris Johnson government has asked the Metropolitan Police to not publish the hundreds of pictures related to the investigation into the reported Downing Street parties, as per a report by Times. The parties were held during the strict post-Christmas coronavirus lockdown when such gatherings were strictly banned in the United Kingdom. The report added that some of the Downing Street aides were concerned the related photos could harm their reputations. ITV News reported citing a leaked document that the Cabinet Office "expects" that Scotland Yard will not publish over 300 related pictures and 500 pages of information once the probe concludes. ALSO READ | Prince Andrew's sexual assault case to be raised in UK parliament as reports say Queen to help pay settlement As per a report by The Mirror, in one of the images, Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be seen holding a can of beer while standing next to Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Meanwhile, the Met has reportedly not responded to the request but the department might give Number 10's request approval. The UK media reports have carried a statement: "Consistent with its indication that it will not publish the identities of anyone issued a FPN [fixed-penalty notice], we would not expect the Met to publish photographs. The liaison unit has asked the Met to confirm this." ALSO READ | 'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing? The reports have also specified that the request has been made only to know whether the photos will be made public and there is no attempt to influence the investigation. Earlier, Johnson apologised after a probe into lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street found that such gatherings should never have taken place when there was a ban across the country. He had vowed to bring about changes not only to his team but to the way he engages with his party. Johnson faced renewed resignation calls when a senior civil servant Sue Gray highlighted the details of alcohol-fuelled events at the United Kingdom's PM's office and residence. While pointing out the "serious failures of leadership" in the British government, Gray said that "the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time". "Some of the events should not have been allowed to take place. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did," she added. ×

Did Boris Johnson government ask police to not publish over 300 'Partygate' pictures?

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.&nbsp;

The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;

In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them.&nbsp;

The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-disagree-with-boris-johnsons-plan-of-delaying-covid-regulations-438667">UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations</a>

The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Who leaked the photo?

The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there.&nbsp;

The office was apparently used by&nbsp;British Chancellor of the Exchequer&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source.&nbsp;

If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-at-work-talking-about-work-boris-johnson-reacts-to-downing-street-garden-party-photo-438627">'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo</a>

Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect."&nbsp;

As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government".

Is there a conspiracy?

The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country.&nbsp;

There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week.&nbsp;

Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career?&nbsp;

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Who said what to defend the government?

Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening."

After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden."

Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."

Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work."

Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work."

Here's how the public reacted

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On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris &amp; Carrie Johnson &amp; breaking all 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> Lockdown rules. 
 
On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. <a href="https://t.co/9gT7Xe5wfZ">pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ</a>
— Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) <a href="https://twitter.com/spaceangel1964/status/1472853079993245696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hey, <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a>, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. 
 
Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 <a href="https://t.co/UamJp05u9Y">pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y</a>
— BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_BTT/status/1472650794684096518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM &amp; friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/ESx6AqZ3um">pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um</a>
— 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKGastroDr/status/1472841398483402755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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My Nan was home alone for months 
 
The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable 
 
The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking 
 
While they, relaxed and had a garden party! <a href="https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS">https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS</a>
— Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarketingproBen/status/1472674971763761158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” <a href="https://t.co/tHn8ITSST8">pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8</a>
— Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackferguson/status/1473379110361698305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day 
 
Hope you enjoyed the garden party <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0">https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0</a>
— Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhistlingDixie4/status/1472931836577947657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them. The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc. ALSO READ | UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo. Who leaked the photo? The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there. The office was apparently used by British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source. If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members. ALSO READ | 'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect." As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government". Is there a conspiracy? The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country. There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week. Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career? × Who said what to defend the government? Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening." After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden." Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done." Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work." Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work." Here's how the public reacted On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris & Carrie Johnson & breaking all 2020 #Covid Lockdown rules. On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ — Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) December 20, 2021 × Hey, @metpoliceuk, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y — BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) December 19, 2021 × On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM & friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um — 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) December 20, 2021 × My Nan was home alone for months The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking While they, relaxed and had a garden party! https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS — Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) December 19, 2021 × Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8 — Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) December 21, 2021 × Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day Hope you enjoyed the garden party @BorisJohnson https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0 — Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) December 20, 2021 ×

Boris garden party: Who leaked the photo? Amid Omicron crisis, UK govt to hunt the 'insider'

Several British politicians are demanding a change in parliamentary rules after a lawmaker was told she couldn't bring her 3-month-old baby to parliament.

United Kingdom: British lawmakers reject ban on babies in parliament

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considered one of the best and sought after managers in the history of the English Premier League, some even say best in the world. He is known for his team management skills, but his comments on managing a country are also valuable.&nbsp;

Klopp said the system should be such where people should be elected in top positions to sort the problems. The voting should not be based on "most funny" or the "weirdest haircut". There should right people in the system.&nbsp;

Klopp has said that the elections of Donald Trump, the former US president,&nbsp;and Boris Johnson, the current UK prime minister, were a "bad sign" for the whole world.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-scores-4-goals-as-france-thump-kazakhstan-8-0-to-qualify-for-fifa-world-cup-2022-429209">Kylian Mbappe scores 4 goals as France thump Kazakhstan 8-0 to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022</a>

During a podcast with British presenter Gabby Logan's Mid Point, Klopp weighed in on the value of leadership with a rant on the current political system. He also talked about the problems in Western society.&nbsp;

The German called out Trump, Johnson and Farage as he criticised the culture in many elections, he said, "Obviously people with common sense are not needed – or used, at least – in this time."&nbsp;

"They should be, but what is the problem, the people we vote for or the whole system which gives us the opportunity to vote for these kinds of people? I really have to say that the last two elections, the first with Donald Trump and then with Boris Johnson, that's really a bad sign for the whole world, that something like this can happen."

"Because everybody knew beforehand that it would not work, but we still let it happen as a society. I cannot believe that. But one is now gone, the other one struggles still. It's incredible. We have to find a system where we can bring people in the position to sort all our problems, or help us with sorting the problems, who are the best possible people."

"And not the most funny or the weirdest haircut or whatever, you have to have the right people in that. [We should] not [be] voting for them and accepting for this specific amount of time that they are there now, and you look at it and go ‘oh my god, that’s not funny anymore'."&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/may-modi-merkel-macron-past-and-present-world-leaders-with-impeccable-fashion-sense-424294">May, Modi, Merkel, Macron: Past and present world leaders with impeccable fashion sense</a>

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Loved chatting to Jurgen Klopp on the Midpoint <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/aBI2piayTW">pic.twitter.com/aBI2piayTW</a>
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/GabbyLogan/status/1458572083873652736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On being asked about the slightest chance of Klopp's future as a politician, he said, "You need the right people – and for sure not someone like me who you like from television and has a slightly over-average intelligence."&nbsp;

"But there are people out there, definitely, you just have to give them a platform so they can show up without leading us in that direction or that direction," the manager added.&nbsp;

He added, "Why do we let people like Farage and Johnson lead any kind of group of people in any direction? And the day after [a problem] happens, they disappear – and one of them comes back! How can we forget? It’s like 'where has he been?', that’s absolutely insane. Then we sit here and think 'it's not that bad'…"&nbsp;

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considered one of the best and sought after managers in the history of the English Premier League, some even say best in the world.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considered one of the best and sought after managers in the history of the English Premier League, some even say best in the world. He is known for his team management skills, but his comments on managing a country are also valuable. Klopp said the system should be such where people should be elected in top positions to sort the problems. The voting should not be based on "most funny" or the "weirdest haircut". There should right people in the system. Klopp has said that the elections of Donald Trump, the former US president, and Boris Johnson, the current UK prime minister, were a "bad sign" for the whole world. ALSO READ | Kylian Mbappe scores 4 goals as France thump Kazakhstan 8-0 to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 During a podcast with British presenter Gabby Logan's Mid Point, Klopp weighed in on the value of leadership with a rant on the current political system. He also talked about the problems in Western society. The German called out Trump, Johnson and Farage as he criticised the culture in many elections, he said, "Obviously people with common sense are not needed – or used, at least – in this time." "They should be, but what is the problem, the people we vote for or the whole system which gives us the opportunity to vote for these kinds of people? I really have to say that the last two elections, the first with Donald Trump and then with Boris Johnson, that's really a bad sign for the whole world, that something like this can happen." "Because everybody knew beforehand that it would not work, but we still let it happen as a society. I cannot believe that. But one is now gone, the other one struggles still. It's incredible. We have to find a system where we can bring people in the position to sort all our problems, or help us with sorting the problems, who are the best possible people." "And not the most funny or the weirdest haircut or whatever, you have to have the right people in that. [We should] not [be] voting for them and accepting for this specific amount of time that they are there now, and you look at it and go ‘oh my god, that’s not funny anymore'." IN PICS | May, Modi, Merkel, Macron: Past and present world leaders with impeccable fashion sense Loved chatting to Jurgen Klopp on the Midpoint @LFC 🙌 pic.twitter.com/aBI2piayTW — Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) November 10, 2021 × On being asked about the slightest chance of Klopp's future as a politician, he said, "You need the right people – and for sure not someone like me who you like from television and has a slightly over-average intelligence." "But there are people out there, definitely, you just have to give them a platform so they can show up without leading us in that direction or that direction," the manager added. He added, "Why do we let people like Farage and Johnson lead any kind of group of people in any direction? And the day after [a problem] happens, they disappear – and one of them comes back! How can we forget? It’s like 'where has he been?', that’s absolutely insane. Then we sit here and think 'it's not that bad'…"

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says elections of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson 'bad sign for whole world'

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches.

But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally.

Nobody captured the bonhomie better than Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who told a whooping crowd of party faithful, “You all represent the most jiving, hip, happening and generally funkapolitan party in the world.”

The cognitive dissonance extended beyond the Mardi Gras atmosphere. In his upbeat keynote speech, Johnson characterized the multiple ills afflicting Britain as a “function of growth and economic revival” — challenging but necessary post-Brexit adjustments on the way to a more prosperous future.

It was at least his third explanation for the food and fuel shortages, which continued in some areas after three weeks. Initially, he denied there was a crisis. Then, he said the shortages were not about Brexit — contradicting analysts, union leaders, food producers and business owners — but were hitting every Western country as they emerged from the pandemic. And finally, he cited the stresses as evidence that Brexit was doing its job in shaking up the economy.

“It is the ultimate in post-hoc rationalization — the idea that this is a well-thought-out plan, that we intended to do this all along,” said Jill Rutter, a senior research fellow at U.K. in a Changing Europe, a London think tank.

Few politicians have either the indomitable cheer or the ideological flexibility of Johnson, so it was hardly surprising that he tried to put the best face on Britain’s run of bad news. He remains utterly in command of the Conservative Party, which has an 80-seat majority in the Parliament, and comfortably ahead of the opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, in opinion polls.

Yet political analysts and economists said there were risks in the Panglossian tone he struck in Manchester. With inflation projected to continue at a relatively high level, and the government admitting that shortages could continue until Christmas, voters could quickly sour on Johnson. Then next year come tax rises, after he broke his promise not to increase them last month.

In hindsight, some said, the conference might be seen as a high-water mark for the prime minister.

“A few days of disruption to fuel supplies makes the government look foolish,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at King’s College London. “Much larger fuel bills are a much bigger deal.”

Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, said Johnson could come to resemble James Callaghan, a Labour prime minister who was toppled in 1979 after a winter of fuel shortages and runaway inflation, when he did not appear sufficiently alarmed about the pileup of problems.

When Johnson bounded into the auditorium at the conference last week, stopping to kiss his wife, Carrie, he looked anything but alarmed. Between jokes and jibes at the opposition, he presented a blueprint for a post-Brexit economy that he said would deliver high wages for skilled British workers, rather than lower-cost immigrants from the European Union, and put the onus on businesses to foot the bill.

Companies and previous governments “reached for the same old lever of uncontrolled immigration to keep wages low,” Johnson said. “The answer is to control immigration, to allow people of talent to come to this country, but not to use immigration as an excuse for failure to invest in people, in skills and in the equipment, the facilities, the machinery they need to do their jobs.”

That model is worlds away from Singapore-on-Thames, the catchphrase once used by the intellectual authors of Brexit to describe an open, lightly regulated, business-friendly hub that they said Britain would become once it cast off the labor laws and other shackles of Brussels. Nobody is talking about removing labor laws now (indeed, Johnson may soon move to raise Britain’s minimum wage).

Contradictions between protectionists and free-marketeers have run through the Brexit movement from the start.

“I describe it as Little England versus Global Britain,” Portes said, noting that Johnson, because of his lack of fixed convictions, was well-suited to hold this coalition together.

Since Johnson’s landslide election victory in 2019, however, the gravity in the Conservative Party has shifted decisively toward protectionism and anti-immigration policies. That was the message that helped the Tories lure disenchanted, working-class, former Labour voters in the industrial Midlands and north of England.

Many of these voters want the jobs that would come with the revival of British heavy industry, not better opportunities for hedge fund managers in London. Conservative politicians who once championed the Singapore-on-Thames model now play it down.

Johnson has embraced a blame-it-on-business message, which, while at odds with his party’s traditional principles, is popular with his new base. He singled out the trucking industry, arguing that its failure to invest in better truck stops — “with basic facilities where you don’t have to urinate in the bushes,” he said — was one of the reasons young people did not aspire to becoming drivers.

“It’s all of a piece with his move toward a much more populist style,” Bale said. “Johnson is pressing the right buttons, as far as these people are concerned.”

His tough-on-business language has scrambled the traditional lines in British politics. On Friday, voters were treated to the curious spectacle of Starmer lashing out at Johnson for his attacks on business and presenting the Labour Party as the better partner for Britain’s corporations.

For Johnson, critics said, the biggest risk is a lack of credibility. His initial claim that the food and fuel shortages were not caused by Brexit sounded unconvincing, given that his own government predicted rising prices and shortages of both in a 2019 report on the potential disruptions in the event of a “no-deal Brexit,” in which Britain would leave the European Union without a trade agreement.

The report, known as Operation Yellowhammer, laid out “reasonable worst-case planning assumptions,” among them that “certain types of fresh food supply will decrease” and that “customer behavior could lead to local shortages” of fuel. Although Britain negotiated a bare-bones trade deal with Brussels, its effect was similar to that of no deal.

While it is true that Johnson is indisputably setting his party’s agenda, it is not clear that the internal debates over the shape of a post-Brexit future are entirely settled. Rishi Sunak, the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke at the conference about his years in California, and how he viewed Silicon Valley as a model for Britain.

“I’m not sure that having a truck driver shortage is part of that vision,” said Rutter, the research fellow.

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches. But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally.

Britons are lining up for gas, staring at empty grocery shelves, paying higher taxes and worrying about spiraling prices as a grim winter approaches. But to visit the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this past week was to enter a kind of happy valley, where Cabinet ministers danced, sang karaoke and drained flutes of Champagne — Pol Roger, Winston Churchill’s favorite brand, naturally. Nobody captured the bonhomie better than Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who told a whooping crowd of party faithful, “You all represent the most jiving, hip, happening and generally funkapolitan party in the world.” The cognitive dissonance extended beyond the Mardi Gras atmosphere. In his upbeat keynote speech, Johnson characterized the multiple ills afflicting Britain as a “function of growth and economic revival” — challenging but necessary post-Brexit adjustments on the way to a more prosperous future. It was at least his third explanation for the food and fuel shortages, which continued in some areas after three weeks. Initially, he denied there was a crisis. Then, he said the shortages were not about Brexit — contradicting analysts, union leaders, food producers and business owners — but were hitting every Western country as they emerged from the pandemic. And finally, he cited the stresses as evidence that Brexit was doing its job in shaking up the economy. “It is the ultimate in post-hoc rationalization — the idea that this is a well-thought-out plan, that we intended to do this all along,” said Jill Rutter, a senior research fellow at U.K. in a Changing Europe, a London think tank. Few politicians have either the indomitable cheer or the ideological flexibility of Johnson, so it was hardly surprising that he tried to put the best face on Britain’s run of bad news. He remains utterly in command of the Conservative Party, which has an 80-seat majority in the Parliament, and comfortably ahead of the opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, in opinion polls. Yet political analysts and economists said there were risks in the Panglossian tone he struck in Manchester. With inflation projected to continue at a relatively high level, and the government admitting that shortages could continue until Christmas, voters could quickly sour on Johnson. Then next year come tax rises, after he broke his promise not to increase them last month. In hindsight, some said, the conference might be seen as a high-water mark for the prime minister. “A few days of disruption to fuel supplies makes the government look foolish,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at King’s College London. “Much larger fuel bills are a much bigger deal.” Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, said Johnson could come to resemble James Callaghan, a Labour prime minister who was toppled in 1979 after a winter of fuel shortages and runaway inflation, when he did not appear sufficiently alarmed about the pileup of problems. When Johnson bounded into the auditorium at the conference last week, stopping to kiss his wife, Carrie, he looked anything but alarmed. Between jokes and jibes at the opposition, he presented a blueprint for a post-Brexit economy that he said would deliver high wages for skilled British workers, rather than lower-cost immigrants from the European Union, and put the onus on businesses to foot the bill. Companies and previous governments “reached for the same old lever of uncontrolled immigration to keep wages low,” Johnson said. “The answer is to control immigration, to allow people of talent to come to this country, but not to use immigration as an excuse for failure to invest in people, in skills and in the equipment, the facilities, the machinery they need to do their jobs.” That model is worlds away from Singapore-on-Thames, the catchphrase once used by the intellectual authors of Brexit to describe an open, lightly regulated, business-friendly hub that they said Britain would become once it cast off the labor laws and other shackles of Brussels. Nobody is talking about removing labor laws now (indeed, Johnson may soon move to raise Britain’s minimum wage). Contradictions between protectionists and free-marketeers have run through the Brexit movement from the start. “I describe it as Little England versus Global Britain,” Portes said, noting that Johnson, because of his lack of fixed convictions, was well-suited to hold this coalition together. Since Johnson’s landslide election victory in 2019, however, the gravity in the Conservative Party has shifted decisively toward protectionism and anti-immigration policies. That was the message that helped the Tories lure disenchanted, working-class, former Labour voters in the industrial Midlands and north of England. Many of these voters want the jobs that would come with the revival of British heavy industry, not better opportunities for hedge fund managers in London. Conservative politicians who once championed the Singapore-on-Thames model now play it down. Johnson has embraced a blame-it-on-business message, which, while at odds with his party’s traditional principles, is popular with his new base. He singled out the trucking industry, arguing that its failure to invest in better truck stops — “with basic facilities where you don’t have to urinate in the bushes,” he said — was one of the reasons young people did not aspire to becoming drivers. “It’s all of a piece with his move toward a much more populist style,” Bale said. “Johnson is pressing the right buttons, as far as these people are concerned.” His tough-on-business language has scrambled the traditional lines in British politics. On Friday, voters were treated to the curious spectacle of Starmer lashing out at Johnson for his attacks on business and presenting the Labour Party as the better partner for Britain’s corporations. For Johnson, critics said, the biggest risk is a lack of credibility. His initial claim that the food and fuel shortages were not caused by Brexit sounded unconvincing, given that his own government predicted rising prices and shortages of both in a 2019 report on the potential disruptions in the event of a “no-deal Brexit,” in which Britain would leave the European Union without a trade agreement. The report, known as Operation Yellowhammer, laid out “reasonable worst-case planning assumptions,” among them that “certain types of fresh food supply will decrease” and that “customer behavior could lead to local shortages” of fuel. Although Britain negotiated a bare-bones trade deal with Brussels, its effect was similar to that of no deal. While it is true that Johnson is indisputably setting his party’s agenda, it is not clear that the internal debates over the shape of a post-Brexit future are entirely settled. Rishi Sunak, the popular chancellor of the Exchequer, spoke at the conference about his years in California, and how he viewed Silicon Valley as a model for Britain. “I’m not sure that having a truck driver shortage is part of that vision,” said Rutter, the research fellow.

As Johnson draws a happy face, Britons confront a run of bad news

A British Labour MP Stella Creasy, who represents Walthamstow, brought her baby into the House of Commons chamber to highlight a "lack of support" for new mothers as she spoke in a debate, demanding rights and protections for women with children.&nbsp;

The newborn baby boy was strapped to the MP's chest as a symbol to support the new mothers' return to work. The 44-year-old Creasy urged Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to take action.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Creasy, who has been an active campaigner for better maternity practices for MPs, gave birth to her second child.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/designer-coder-and-cool-dude-teenagers-behind-australias-covid-19-data-tracking-website-415674">Designer, coder and cool dude: Teenagers behind Australia's COVID-19 data tracking website</a>

She said: "We know that the Leader of the House is keen to see MPs return to the chambers of Parliament, and indeed the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority refused to fund appropriate maternity cover for myself on the basis that people needed to be able to speak in the chamber."

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Schools in Walthamstow spent their own money on external counsellors to help children cope with the pandemic - pressed ministers today to reimburse them so not in debt for supporting good mental health. <a href="https://t.co/i9zsh24WlK">pic.twitter.com/i9zsh24WlK</a>
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) <a href="https://twitter.com/stellacreasy/status/1440987674278612992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Yet today, in order to speak I have had to abandon my baby proxy leave vote or else be reprimanded by the House authorities for speaking in the chamber, making Parliament one of the few workplaces in this country where, when a new mother comes in for a “keep in touch day”, she is rebuked, not supported," &nbsp;Creasy added.&nbsp;

"I know some in this place are not fans of mothers in the mother of all parliaments, but I’m sure the leader is not among them, so will he meet with a cross-party delegation of MPs to look at how we can make sure everybody in this Parliament upholds the law on maternity cover and leave?" she further said.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/side-eyeing-chloe-to-cash-in-on-her-popularity-by-selling-her-meme-as-nft-415623">'Side-eyeing Chloe’ to cash in on her popularity by selling her meme as NFT</a>

Rees-Mogg congratulated Creasy for the "impeccable behaviour of her infant" and said it was a "pleasure" to see her in the chamber.&nbsp;

He noted that the rules provide for maternity and paternity leave and for proxy voting for people who want to take that and he said that the rules as they are currently constructed are "perfectly reasonable and entirely in line with the law".&nbsp;

A British Labour MP Stella Creasy, who represents Walthamstow, brought her baby into the House of Commons chamber to highlight a "lack of support" for new mothers as she spoke in a debate, demanding rights and protections for women with children.

A British Labour MP Stella Creasy, who represents Walthamstow, brought her baby into the House of Commons chamber to highlight a "lack of support" for new mothers as she spoke in a debate, demanding rights and protections for women with children. The newborn baby boy was strapped to the MP's chest as a symbol to support the new mothers' return to work. The 44-year-old Creasy urged Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to take action. Earlier this year, Creasy, who has been an active campaigner for better maternity practices for MPs, gave birth to her second child. ALSO READ | Designer, coder and cool dude: Teenagers behind Australia's COVID-19 data tracking website She said: "We know that the Leader of the House is keen to see MPs return to the chambers of Parliament, and indeed the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority refused to fund appropriate maternity cover for myself on the basis that people needed to be able to speak in the chamber." Schools in Walthamstow spent their own money on external counsellors to help children cope with the pandemic - pressed ministers today to reimburse them so not in debt for supporting good mental health. pic.twitter.com/i9zsh24WlK — stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) September 23, 2021 × "Yet today, in order to speak I have had to abandon my baby proxy leave vote or else be reprimanded by the House authorities for speaking in the chamber, making Parliament one of the few workplaces in this country where, when a new mother comes in for a “keep in touch day”, she is rebuked, not supported," Creasy added. "I know some in this place are not fans of mothers in the mother of all parliaments, but I’m sure the leader is not among them, so will he meet with a cross-party delegation of MPs to look at how we can make sure everybody in this Parliament upholds the law on maternity cover and leave?" she further said. Watch the video here: × ALSO READ | 'Side-eyeing Chloe’ to cash in on her popularity by selling her meme as NFT Rees-Mogg congratulated Creasy for the "impeccable behaviour of her infant" and said it was a "pleasure" to see her in the chamber. He noted that the rules provide for maternity and paternity leave and for proxy voting for people who want to take that and he said that the rules as they are currently constructed are "perfectly reasonable and entirely in line with the law".

Watch: British MP brings newborn son into House of Commons, demands better maternity rules

By: Rakib Ehsan*

A recent survey looking into attitudes towards immigrants of different origins has thrown up some interesting figures.

YouGov asked 1,668 UK adults whether immigrants from various parts of the world had made a positive or negative contribution to British life.

While immigrants from India received a healthy positive figure of +25, their South Asian counterparts are in negative territory. Bangladeshis have a net figure of -3. Pakistanis fare even worse at -4. Net figures are calculated by taking away the figure for "negative contribution" from the figure for "positive contribution".

There are a range of factors that might account for these differences - some historical, some economic and some social and religious.

Migratory story

The initial flow of steady Indian migration started in the 1950s. As well as a notable number of politically disaffected Punjabi Sikhs, this flow included a stream of highly educated Gujarati migrants. Many ended up working as medical professionals in the NHS.

In the 1970s, a number of migrants of Indian origin sought refuge in the UK following their expulsion from Uganda. The stream of Indian migration from East Africa also included people fleeing state discrimination in Kenya.

The vast proportion of these migrants were well-educated and entrepreneurial. Indeed, following their expulsion, the backbone of the Ugandan economy crumbled under Idi Amin’s dictatorship. Ugandan Indians are collectively a British success story.

Many of the initial Pakistani and Bangladeshi migrants, on the other hand, originated from deprived regions such as Azad Kashmir, where the rate of Pakistani migration increased following the construction of the Mangla Dam in the 1960s, a project that left more than 250 villages submerged. Many others are from Sylhet and migrated following the damage caused by the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.

Settlers from Pakistan and Bangladesh often filled manual jobs, particularly those in steel mills and the textiles industry. Due to poor English skills, many were unable to progress in terms of employment or to interact with the wider population. This continues to be a problem within Britain’s Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, particularly among women.

Socio-economic status

Then there are differences in economic performance. According to 2010 data, Indians in the UK are far more likely to work in higher-skilled professional jobs than Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. A recent population survey found that 59% of UK women in a combined Bangladeshi-Pakistani category were economically inactive. The corresponding figure for Indian-origin women was only 32%.

British Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities have historically ranked highly when measuring average fertility rates by ethnicity in the UK. The fertility rate for British Indians is noticeably lower in comparison.

What this data collectively suggest is that due to superior occupational status, a higher proportion of two-income households and substantially lower fertility rates, British Indian households are far less likely to be dependent on welfare. Therefore perceptions regarding welfare dependency may have fed into the YouGov figures.

Social integration

The YouGov figures could also be influenced by differences in social contact. There is the possibility that a high number of the respondents simply don’t have much experience of communicating with people of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin.

The 2010 data shows that Bangladeshis and Pakistanis living in the UK have far higher levels of residential and social segregation than Indians. They are more likely to be part of social and economic networks which are predominantly made out of people from their own ethnic group. This is partly down to being occupationally segregated in the transport and hospitality sectors.

British Indians have higher levels of “social mixing” through friends, neighbours and work colleagues. This creates greater opportunities for positive contact across ethnic groups. “Outgroupers” may be less likely to experience positive contact with British Bangladeshis and Pakistanis due to the comparatively higher levels of social, economic and residential segregation within these groups.

Religious effect

The religious composition of the ethnic groups cannot be ignored either. A substantial proportion of UK Indians are either Hindu or Sikh. Britain’s Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are nearly all Sunni Muslim. And the 2010 data shows that UK Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are more likely to identify more with their faith (when traded-off against British identification).

Perceptions of homegrown terrorism and Islamic radicalisation could also have played a part in the negative net figures for the Bangladeshi and Pakistani groups. The ethnic background of perpetrators involved in domestic terrorist activities and UK citizens who have joined Daesh “as jihadis” or “jihadi brides” may be implicated in negative group perceptions, even if these people make up a tiny proportion of the population. Major cases of child sexual exploitation in places such as Rochdale and Rotherham are unlikely to have helped.

Looking to the future

The YouGov figures suggest that economic performance, social relations and religio-cultural values can all influence perceptions on immigration.

The negative actions of a minority can certainly lead to unfair generalisations. But considering the group trends in socioeconomic status and sociocultural integration, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Bangladeshi and Pakistani immigrants are viewed more negatively than those of Indian origin. The question remains what to do about it.

The state does have a role to play in improving social and economic outcomes. But frank discussions need to be held within certain groups over socioeconomic progress and sociocultural modernisation. And their place in Britain’s liberal democracy.

*Rakib Ehsan is Doctoral Researcher in Political Science at Royal Holloway

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/poll-finds-more-favourable-attitudes-towards-indian-immigrants-than-pakistanis-and-bangladeshis-why-96040">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A recent survey looking into attitudes towards immigrants of different origins asked 1,668 UK adults whether immigrants had made a positive or negative contribution to British life

By: Rakib Ehsan* A recent survey looking into attitudes towards immigrants of different origins has thrown up some interesting figures. YouGov asked 1,668 UK adults whether immigrants from various parts of the world had made a positive or negative contribution to British life. While immigrants from India received a healthy positive figure of +25, their South Asian counterparts are in negative territory. Bangladeshis have a net figure of -3. Pakistanis fare even worse at -4. Net figures are calculated by taking away the figure for "negative contribution" from the figure for "positive contribution". There are a range of factors that might account for these differences - some historical, some economic and some social and religious. Migratory story The initial flow of steady Indian migration started in the 1950s. As well as a notable number of politically disaffected Punjabi Sikhs, this flow included a stream of highly educated Gujarati migrants. Many ended up working as medical professionals in the NHS. In the 1970s, a number of migrants of Indian origin sought refuge in the UK following their expulsion from Uganda. The stream of Indian migration from East Africa also included people fleeing state discrimination in Kenya. The vast proportion of these migrants were well-educated and entrepreneurial. Indeed, following their expulsion, the backbone of the Ugandan economy crumbled under Idi Amin’s dictatorship. Ugandan Indians are collectively a British success story. Many of the initial Pakistani and Bangladeshi migrants, on the other hand, originated from deprived regions such as Azad Kashmir, where the rate of Pakistani migration increased following the construction of the Mangla Dam in the 1960s, a project that left more than 250 villages submerged. Many others are from Sylhet and migrated following the damage caused by the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. Settlers from Pakistan and Bangladesh often filled manual jobs, particularly those in steel mills and the textiles industry. Due to poor English skills, many were unable to progress in terms of employment or to interact with the wider population. This continues to be a problem within Britain’s Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, particularly among women. Socio-economic status Then there are differences in economic performance. According to 2010 data, Indians in the UK are far more likely to work in higher-skilled professional jobs than Bangladeshis and Pakistanis. A recent population survey found that 59% of UK women in a combined Bangladeshi-Pakistani category were economically inactive. The corresponding figure for Indian-origin women was only 32%. British Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities have historically ranked highly when measuring average fertility rates by ethnicity in the UK. The fertility rate for British Indians is noticeably lower in comparison. What this data collectively suggest is that due to superior occupational status, a higher proportion of two-income households and substantially lower fertility rates, British Indian households are far less likely to be dependent on welfare. Therefore perceptions regarding welfare dependency may have fed into the YouGov figures. Social integration The YouGov figures could also be influenced by differences in social contact. There is the possibility that a high number of the respondents simply don’t have much experience of communicating with people of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin. The 2010 data shows that Bangladeshis and Pakistanis living in the UK have far higher levels of residential and social segregation than Indians. They are more likely to be part of social and economic networks which are predominantly made out of people from their own ethnic group. This is partly down to being occupationally segregated in the transport and hospitality sectors. British Indians have higher levels of “social mixing” through friends, neighbours and work colleagues. This creates greater opportunities for positive contact across ethnic groups. “Outgroupers” may be less likely to experience positive contact with British Bangladeshis and Pakistanis due to the comparatively higher levels of social, economic and residential segregation within these groups. Religious effect The religious composition of the ethnic groups cannot be ignored either. A substantial proportion of UK Indians are either Hindu or Sikh. Britain’s Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are nearly all Sunni Muslim. And the 2010 data shows that UK Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are more likely to identify more with their faith (when traded-off against British identification). Perceptions of homegrown terrorism and Islamic radicalisation could also have played a part in the negative net figures for the Bangladeshi and Pakistani groups. The ethnic background of perpetrators involved in domestic terrorist activities and UK citizens who have joined Daesh “as jihadis” or “jihadi brides” may be implicated in negative group perceptions, even if these people make up a tiny proportion of the population. Major cases of child sexual exploitation in places such as Rochdale and Rotherham are unlikely to have helped. Looking to the future The YouGov figures suggest that economic performance, social relations and religio-cultural values can all influence perceptions on immigration. The negative actions of a minority can certainly lead to unfair generalisations. But considering the group trends in socioeconomic status and sociocultural integration, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Bangladeshi and Pakistani immigrants are viewed more negatively than those of Indian origin. The question remains what to do about it. The state does have a role to play in improving social and economic outcomes. But frank discussions need to be held within certain groups over socioeconomic progress and sociocultural modernisation. And their place in Britain’s liberal democracy. *Rakib Ehsan is Doctoral Researcher in Political Science at Royal Holloway (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)

Opinion: Why Britishers have favourable attitude towards Indian immigrants

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