The highly unusual meeting was called after the couple's bombshell announcement last week that they wished to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. #WION #QueenVictoria #RoyalFamily

Queen agrees on 'period of transition' for Harry and Meghan

Queen Elizabeth has called her grandson Prince Harry to discuss future arrangements for him and his wife, Meghan, after couple's shock announcement that they want to step back from royal duties. #QueenElizabeth #PrinceHarry #BritishRoyalFamily #WION

UK: Queen Elizabeth summons Prince Harry for crisis meeting

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;was&nbsp;briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;as a "flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law".

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the&nbsp;Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Rob Macaire</a> was&nbsp;arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tehran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tehran</a> has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning <a href="https://t.co/lWfPasQsIH">pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH</a>
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tasnimnews_EN/status/1216104698182356992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of our Ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;without grounds or explanation is a flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

"The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law".

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law". Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Earlier, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British envoy Rob Macaire was arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters. #British ambassador to #Tehran has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH — Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) January 11, 2020 × "The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

UK denounces brief arrest of envoy in Tehran as violation of law

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step away from senior roles in the royal family and shift base to Canada, security experts of the country now feel that the couple's move could prove to be costly for Canadian taxpayers. The taxpayers could be on the hook for millions of dollars a year in security expenses due to the couple, security experts said. 
 
The couple, formally known as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-meghan-markle-quit-royal-front-line-in-shock-move-273083"> Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a>, stunned Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family this week by saying they plan to spend much of their time in North America. 
 
While the pair have not said where in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/looks-like-theres-truth-to-meghan-markle-prince-harry-moving-to-canada-after-palace-refuses-to-deny-it-273019">North America they planned to reside</a>, many observers pointed to Canada as a logical choice. The couple spent the last six weeks of 2019 in that nation, part of the British Commonwealth of countries that have the queen as their head of state. 
 
The Canadian government would likely have a legal obligation to provide them with security because of their royal status, security experts said. 
 
"I don`t believe they can refuse the government of Canada`s security," said Larry Busch, an ex-Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer who directed security for world leaders including U.S. presidents and the royal family.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meghan-markle-zendaya-kylie-jenner-more-among-the-top-10-most-influential-dressers-of-2019-see-pics-263682">Also see:&nbsp;Meghan Markle named top fashion icon of 2019 dethroning Kylie Jenner</a> 
 
The cost could easily run into the millions of dollars, said Mike Zimet, whose eponymous New York executive security firm has protected clients including US&nbsp;Senator Bernie Sanders and actors Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alec Baldwin.&nbsp; 
 
"If they want private protection, then a whole machine needs to be built around them," he said. 
 
The level of security they need would be defined by a threat assessment, said Joe Balz, president of GloProSec Preventative Services, a Toronto-based security company, and an ex-RCMP officer who has worked with the royal family and other heads of state in the past. 
 
"There`s always going to be the odd idiot who causes some type of problem," Balz said, adding that they would be safer in Canada than in the United States, where gun laws are much laxer. 
 
Prince Harry and Meghan have said gaining financial autonomy is a key goal, but declined to say whether this extends to the cost of security, stating that their security detail is mandated by the British Home Office. 
 
They also would need to worry about kidnapping of their son, Archie, said Zimet, who called that threat a "major situation, especially when it comes to terrorists. Kidnap a kid, hold them for ransom, what are the parents going to do?" 
 
A poll for Canadian news company Postmedia found that more than 60 percent of the 1,515 Canadians surveyed would support the appointment of Prince Harry as governor general, the queen`s representative in Canada, who acts as the head of state on her behalf. 
The poll was conducted on January 6, two days before the couple announced their plan to move away from their senior royal roles.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step away from senior roles in the royal family and shift base to Canada, security experts of the country now feel that the couple's move could prove to be costly for Canadian taxpayers.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step away from senior roles in the royal family and shift base to Canada, security experts of the country now feel that the couple's move could prove to be costly for Canadian taxpayers. The taxpayers could be on the hook for millions of dollars a year in security expenses due to the couple, security experts said. The couple, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stunned Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family this week by saying they plan to spend much of their time in North America. While the pair have not said where in North America they planned to reside, many observers pointed to Canada as a logical choice. The couple spent the last six weeks of 2019 in that nation, part of the British Commonwealth of countries that have the queen as their head of state. The Canadian government would likely have a legal obligation to provide them with security because of their royal status, security experts said. "I don`t believe they can refuse the government of Canada`s security," said Larry Busch, an ex-Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer who directed security for world leaders including U.S. presidents and the royal family.Also see: Meghan Markle named top fashion icon of 2019 dethroning Kylie Jenner The cost could easily run into the millions of dollars, said Mike Zimet, whose eponymous New York executive security firm has protected clients including US Senator Bernie Sanders and actors Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alec Baldwin. "If they want private protection, then a whole machine needs to be built around them," he said. The level of security they need would be defined by a threat assessment, said Joe Balz, president of GloProSec Preventative Services, a Toronto-based security company, and an ex-RCMP officer who has worked with the royal family and other heads of state in the past. "There`s always going to be the odd idiot who causes some type of problem," Balz said, adding that they would be safer in Canada than in the United States, where gun laws are much laxer. Prince Harry and Meghan have said gaining financial autonomy is a key goal, but declined to say whether this extends to the cost of security, stating that their security detail is mandated by the British Home Office. They also would need to worry about kidnapping of their son, Archie, said Zimet, who called that threat a "major situation, especially when it comes to terrorists. Kidnap a kid, hold them for ransom, what are the parents going to do?" A poll for Canadian news company Postmedia found that more than 60 percent of the 1,515 Canadians surveyed would support the appointment of Prince Harry as governor general, the queen`s representative in Canada, who acts as the head of state on her behalf. The poll was conducted on January 6, two days before the couple announced their plan to move away from their senior royal roles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's possible move might affect Canadian taxpayers

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumers-up-borrowing-at-slowest-rates-in-uk-bank-of-england-271888">Boris Johnson's</a> chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday.

The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-must-halt-escalation-of-violence-european-union-270860">European Union</a>, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds".

They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills".

He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise.

It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added.

Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service.

Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" &nbsp;the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole".

"If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote.

One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings.

The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice.

"It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want."

He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business. Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday. The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds". They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills". He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise. It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added. Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service. Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole". "If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote. One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings. The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice. "It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want." He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

From economists to experts to 'weirdos and misfits': Britain wants you!

As per the data received from&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesco-suspends-chinese-supplier-after-suspected-prisoner-message-269636">Bank of England</a>&nbsp;on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November&nbsp;at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year.&nbsp;

The growth rate in unsecured consumer lending slowed to 5.7 per cent&nbsp;in the 12 months to November from 6.1 per cent&nbsp;in October, the BoE said, marking the smallest increase since June 2014.

The figures also showed credit card repayments exceeded borrowing for the first time since July 2013.

Household spending has helped to drive Britain's economy over the last few years, helped by record levels of employment and recovery in wage growth.

But some BoE officials are concerned that the labour market may finally be on the turn, raising questions about the sustainability of solid rates of consumer spending.

Investors are watching for signs that Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">Boris Johnson's</a> victory in the December&nbsp;12 election has lifted worries about Britain's political stability, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the economy.

In cash terms, consumer credit rose by 563 million pounds in November after a 1.339 billion-pound rise in October, the smallest increase since November 2013, the BoE said.

The data also showed the number of mortgages approved for house purchase edged up to 64,994 in November from 64,662 in October, compared with the consensus forecast of 64,450 in a poll of economists.

British house price growth has slowed since 2016's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit referendum</a>, with price falls in London and some neighbouring areas and nationally price growth is around 1-2 per cent, according to figures from the country's two main mortgage lenders.

Earlier on Friday lender, Nationwide said house prices rose in annual terms by more than 1 per cent&nbsp;for the first time in more than 12 months in December.

As per the data received from the Bank of England on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year.

As per the data received from the Bank of England on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year. The growth rate in unsecured consumer lending slowed to 5.7 per cent in the 12 months to November from 6.1 per cent in October, the BoE said, marking the smallest increase since June 2014. The figures also showed credit card repayments exceeded borrowing for the first time since July 2013. Household spending has helped to drive Britain's economy over the last few years, helped by record levels of employment and recovery in wage growth. But some BoE officials are concerned that the labour market may finally be on the turn, raising questions about the sustainability of solid rates of consumer spending. Investors are watching for signs that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's victory in the December 12 election has lifted worries about Britain's political stability, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the economy. In cash terms, consumer credit rose by 563 million pounds in November after a 1.339 billion-pound rise in October, the smallest increase since November 2013, the BoE said. The data also showed the number of mortgages approved for house purchase edged up to 64,994 in November from 64,662 in October, compared with the consensus forecast of 64,450 in a poll of economists. British house price growth has slowed since 2016's Brexit referendum, with price falls in London and some neighbouring areas and nationally price growth is around 1-2 per cent, according to figures from the country's two main mortgage lenders. Earlier on Friday lender, Nationwide said house prices rose in annual terms by more than 1 per cent for the first time in more than 12 months in December.

Consumers up borrowing at slowest rate in UK: Bank of England

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. &nbsp;One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition. The backlash against Labour was, however, only the latest act in a play that saw the mainly Indian, ‘dharmic communities’ (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains) move steadily from being Labour aligned in the 60s-80s toward the Tory camp today, though to different extents.&nbsp;

This does not, however, necessarily mean these communities fit snugly within the right-wing of British politics. In fact, when it comes to deep-seated values and long-term world vision, they may find more in common with Labour than the Conservatives. It is these commonalities that Labour must capitalise on to win back one of Britain’s most important constituencies. As a South Asian-origin Labor candidate in Australia’s election, I drew on these to recruit hundreds of Asian volunteers, many who had been critical of Australian Labour’s positions on South Asia.

Foreign Policy

Labour’s messaging on Kashmir lit the fuse which resulted in the Hindu community rallying against the party. In addressing this, the Conservatives’ position regarding Kashmir, and India more broadly, must be exposed by Labour as essentially temporary and transactional. For as long as New Delhi continues to be seen as a partner and potential bulwark against China by the US foreign policy establishment, the British Conservatives will follow suit. This will last as long as the current global dynamics between Great Powers remain, that is the US/West at number one with China threatening that position, and India at number three. The impermanence of such alliances has long been acknowledged by Indian foreign policymakers themselves.&nbsp;

The establishment media’s daily-repeated lie that Corbyn is ‘soft on terrorism’ struck a particular chord with dharmic communities. This complemented Tory politicians’ identity politics-driven pronouncements that the Conservatives supported India because of shared democratic values, or as a partner against the spectre of Islamist extremism. These could be shot down with constant reference to the Conservatives’ cosiest ally in the developing world – a country that is arguably the least democratic and most extremist – Saudi Arabia, whom they materially support through sales of lethal weapons. It was within our lifetimes that the conservative governments of Reagan and Thatcher allied with Saudi and Pakistan to support the Islamist Mujahedeen against the secular government of Afghanistan and its backers the USSR and India. More recently, from Blair’s Iraq catastrophe that spawned ISIS, to Cameron’s Libya intervention that helped ISIS and Al Qaeda take over the country, to Tories’ eagerness for regime-change elsewhere, it has been Conservative and Centrist policies that assisted jihadists via instability, while opposing it all has been Corbyn and successive Indian governments.&nbsp;

Far more enduring and fundamental at this historical moment, are the two parties’ visions of the future world order. The UK Conservatives, like much of the foreign policy establishment, cannot envision a future without full spectrum Western dominance and values leadership. This presents a fundamental clash with the worldview of India’s leadership, both present and past, including the BJP, Congress, Delhi’s foreign policy establishment, and much of India’s population. They view that India should ultimately become a Great Power, at least an equal to the West and China. Becoming a junior partner in an anti-China, Western-led coalition is not part of the plan. Whether it is branded as ‘non-alignment’, as, during the Cold War, or ‘strategic autonomy’ as it is called now, India still follows an independent foreign policy. These positions are also likely to be reflected in those segments of the British Hindu community who would alter their vote based on a party's policy towards India.

Such a worldview finds less obvious contradiction within Labour. &nbsp;The Party prioritises international law and greater equality amongst nations. Labour focuses on human rights for all peoples more than the need to continue Western dominance.&nbsp;

Closer alignment between Indian and Labour worldviews is borne out in major global debates. Whether it is military interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria, or how to respond to Ukraine, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Cuba, Russia and even apartheid South Africa, Corbyn’s positions have more closely matched India’s (under both Congress and BJP) than have the Tories’ positions (and most of Western media). The current wave of Western Russiaphobia is viewed sceptically by India, its diaspora and Corbyn supporters inside Labour. Even India’s growing military trade with Israel has not prevented New Delhi simultaneously strengthening ties with Iran.

Many of the Hindu diasporas criticised Labour’s Kashmir motion as interference in India’s affairs. The Party must highlight its evolution on the question of interventionism. Pre-Corbyn Labour had been dominated by interventionists, enthusiastic to mobilise Western military might to deliver human rights to those threatened by officially designated enemies e.g. Syrians, while studiously ignoring those persecuted by allies, e.g. Yemenis.&nbsp;

Today’s ascendant group within Labour, however, identifies with the global anti-interventionist trend stretching from Corbyn to Bernie Sanders, to Tulsi Gabbard (America’s only Hindu presidential candidate) and even early-stage Donald Trump.&nbsp;Again this sits more closely with the Indian Government for whom the principle of non-interference remains steadfast, as does tolerance of different types of regimes and the objective of making pragmatic friendships where possible.&nbsp;

The Indian leadership’s worldview is likely shared by much of the diaspora. This stems in part from an impressive knowledge of history and acute awareness of colonial exploitation. The diaspora’s thirst for this type of narrative led to Shashi Tharoor’s eloquent rebuke of Britain’s legacy in India at the Oxford Union going viral.&nbsp;

Social Values

Many basic values emerging from dharmic cultures are more in line with Labour than the Tories. On individualism versus collectivism, cultures of the subcontinent sit closer to socialist Labour than the laissez-fair capitalism that emerged from Protestantism. The diaspora is of course known for entrepreneurism. &nbsp;Voting for the Tories, however, is often based more in personal financial calculations, a reasonable approach to take, though not one rooted in deep ideological affinity. This may be spurred on by a feeling of not fully belonging within Britain, fuelled by decades of discrimination, though this is decreasing in younger generations. It is noteworthy that while the diaspora may vote Conservative for lower taxes, they simultaneously give heavily to charity for the needy in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The community’s emphasis on education too is not necessarily a slam dunk for Conservatives. A strong state that provides services like education and health to improve all of society, the model that has been instrumental in Asia’s success, is closer to Labour’s agenda than the Thatcherite, small-government Tories.

On the external-versus internal control spectrum, dharmic traditions weigh the impact of external factors on one’s circumstances more than Protestant culture. Similarly, Labour’s perspective understands that one’s life-situation is often the product of structural factors outside one’s control rather than personal vices.&nbsp;

Conceptions of interconnectedness with the natural environment, compassion toward animals, non-violence, pluralism and tolerance are all dharmic values which Labour policy matches more closely than the Tories – and values increasingly popular with the younger generation. Vegetarianism and veganism are increasingly politically relevant, both in BJP India and in Britain, and Jeremy Corbyn himself is a vegetarian.

The Party needs champions, including in Parliament, who can articulate these connections whilst also highlighting that it was the Left that fought over decades to create the level playing field that supported dharmic communities to excel. All minority shortlists for parliamentary selection, akin to those currently in place for gender-balance, may be an option.

Conclusion

While the Tories’ respectful silence over Kashmir helped solidify the alliance we now see with dharmic communities, the tectonic shifts occurring in the global order already posit its expiry date. Meanwhile, there are profound reasons for dharmic communities to return to Labour. &nbsp;A Labour Party that appeals to deeply shared values combined with a hard-nosed, anti-interventionist foreign policy could capture not only the minds, but also the hearts of this increasingly important diaspora. &nbsp;After all, even the most ardent anti-Labourite could not deny that if we rewound time 100 years, it would be Corbyn out in the street protesting against Britain’s colonial rule of India and Boris touting the civilizing influence of Englishmen upon the natives.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition.

At the recent UK election, it was not only the much-discussed ‘white working-class’ that made a statement. One of Britain’s largest minorities also mobilised to influence, and then oppose Her Majesty’s Opposition. The backlash against Labour was, however, only the latest act in a play that saw the mainly Indian, ‘dharmic communities’ (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains) move steadily from being Labour aligned in the 60s-80s toward the Tory camp today, though to different extents. This does not, however, necessarily mean these communities fit snugly within the right-wing of British politics. In fact, when it comes to deep-seated values and long-term world vision, they may find more in common with Labour than the Conservatives. It is these commonalities that Labour must capitalise on to win back one of Britain’s most important constituencies. As a South Asian-origin Labor candidate in Australia’s election, I drew on these to recruit hundreds of Asian volunteers, many who had been critical of Australian Labour’s positions on South Asia. Foreign Policy Labour’s messaging on Kashmir lit the fuse which resulted in the Hindu community rallying against the party. In addressing this, the Conservatives’ position regarding Kashmir, and India more broadly, must be exposed by Labour as essentially temporary and transactional. For as long as New Delhi continues to be seen as a partner and potential bulwark against China by the US foreign policy establishment, the British Conservatives will follow suit. This will last as long as the current global dynamics between Great Powers remain, that is the US/West at number one with China threatening that position, and India at number three. The impermanence of such alliances has long been acknowledged by Indian foreign policymakers themselves. The establishment media’s daily-repeated lie that Corbyn is ‘soft on terrorism’ struck a particular chord with dharmic communities. This complemented Tory politicians’ identity politics-driven pronouncements that the Conservatives supported India because of shared democratic values, or as a partner against the spectre of Islamist extremism. These could be shot down with constant reference to the Conservatives’ cosiest ally in the developing world – a country that is arguably the least democratic and most extremist – Saudi Arabia, whom they materially support through sales of lethal weapons. It was within our lifetimes that the conservative governments of Reagan and Thatcher allied with Saudi and Pakistan to support the Islamist Mujahedeen against the secular government of Afghanistan and its backers the USSR and India. More recently, from Blair’s Iraq catastrophe that spawned ISIS, to Cameron’s Libya intervention that helped ISIS and Al Qaeda take over the country, to Tories’ eagerness for regime-change elsewhere, it has been Conservative and Centrist policies that assisted jihadists via instability, while opposing it all has been Corbyn and successive Indian governments. Far more enduring and fundamental at this historical moment, are the two parties’ visions of the future world order. The UK Conservatives, like much of the foreign policy establishment, cannot envision a future without full spectrum Western dominance and values leadership. This presents a fundamental clash with the worldview of India’s leadership, both present and past, including the BJP, Congress, Delhi’s foreign policy establishment, and much of India’s population. They view that India should ultimately become a Great Power, at least an equal to the West and China. Becoming a junior partner in an anti-China, Western-led coalition is not part of the plan. Whether it is branded as ‘non-alignment’, as, during the Cold War, or ‘strategic autonomy’ as it is called now, India still follows an independent foreign policy. These positions are also likely to be reflected in those segments of the British Hindu community who would alter their vote based on a party's policy towards India. Such a worldview finds less obvious contradiction within Labour. The Party prioritises international law and greater equality amongst nations. Labour focuses on human rights for all peoples more than the need to continue Western dominance. Closer alignment between Indian and Labour worldviews is borne out in major global debates. Whether it is military interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria, or how to respond to Ukraine, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Cuba, Russia and even apartheid South Africa, Corbyn’s positions have more closely matched India’s (under both Congress and BJP) than have the Tories’ positions (and most of Western media). The current wave of Western Russiaphobia is viewed sceptically by India, its diaspora and Corbyn supporters inside Labour. Even India’s growing military trade with Israel has not prevented New Delhi simultaneously strengthening ties with Iran. Many of the Hindu diasporas criticised Labour’s Kashmir motion as interference in India’s affairs. The Party must highlight its evolution on the question of interventionism. Pre-Corbyn Labour had been dominated by interventionists, enthusiastic to mobilise Western military might to deliver human rights to those threatened by officially designated enemies e.g. Syrians, while studiously ignoring those persecuted by allies, e.g. Yemenis. Today’s ascendant group within Labour, however, identifies with the global anti-interventionist trend stretching from Corbyn to Bernie Sanders, to Tulsi Gabbard (America’s only Hindu presidential candidate) and even early-stage Donald Trump. Again this sits more closely with the Indian Government for whom the principle of non-interference remains steadfast, as does tolerance of different types of regimes and the objective of making pragmatic friendships where possible. The Indian leadership’s worldview is likely shared by much of the diaspora. This stems in part from an impressive knowledge of history and acute awareness of colonial exploitation. The diaspora’s thirst for this type of narrative led to Shashi Tharoor’s eloquent rebuke of Britain’s legacy in India at the Oxford Union going viral. Social Values Many basic values emerging from dharmic cultures are more in line with Labour than the Tories. On individualism versus collectivism, cultures of the subcontinent sit closer to socialist Labour than the laissez-fair capitalism that emerged from Protestantism. The diaspora is of course known for entrepreneurism. Voting for the Tories, however, is often based more in personal financial calculations, a reasonable approach to take, though not one rooted in deep ideological affinity. This may be spurred on by a feeling of not fully belonging within Britain, fuelled by decades of discrimination, though this is decreasing in younger generations. It is noteworthy that while the diaspora may vote Conservative for lower taxes, they simultaneously give heavily to charity for the needy in India. The community’s emphasis on education too is not necessarily a slam dunk for Conservatives. A strong state that provides services like education and health to improve all of society, the model that has been instrumental in Asia’s success, is closer to Labour’s agenda than the Thatcherite, small-government Tories. On the external-versus internal control spectrum, dharmic traditions weigh the impact of external factors on one’s circumstances more than Protestant culture. Similarly, Labour’s perspective understands that one’s life-situation is often the product of structural factors outside one’s control rather than personal vices. Conceptions of interconnectedness with the natural environment, compassion toward animals, non-violence, pluralism and tolerance are all dharmic values which Labour policy matches more closely than the Tories – and values increasingly popular with the younger generation. Vegetarianism and veganism are increasingly politically relevant, both in BJP India and in Britain, and Jeremy Corbyn himself is a vegetarian. The Party needs champions, including in Parliament, who can articulate these connections whilst also highlighting that it was the Left that fought over decades to create the level playing field that supported dharmic communities to excel. All minority shortlists for parliamentary selection, akin to those currently in place for gender-balance, may be an option. Conclusion While the Tories’ respectful silence over Kashmir helped solidify the alliance we now see with dharmic communities, the tectonic shifts occurring in the global order already posit its expiry date. Meanwhile, there are profound reasons for dharmic communities to return to Labour. A Labour Party that appeals to deeply shared values combined with a hard-nosed, anti-interventionist foreign policy could capture not only the minds, but also the hearts of this increasingly important diaspora. After all, even the most ardent anti-Labourite could not deny that if we rewound time 100 years, it would be Corbyn out in the street protesting against Britain’s colonial rule of India and Boris touting the civilizing influence of Englishmen upon the natives. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK Labour party must talk values to win back the Asian community

European Union's frustration with United Kingdom's govt exposed as Brexit dominated the European agenda in 2019. In 2019, the political deadlock over Brexit finally resolved. #BorisJohnson #Brexit #EU

Few unscripted comments came out during UK PMs quest to get Brexit done

Australia has launched a new tourism campaign starring singer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kylie-minogue-sparkles-on-glastonbury-stage-14-years-after-cancer-battle-231919">Kylie Minogue</a> aiming to attract British tourists fatigued by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-stresses-reconciliation-after-bruising-brexit-year-269917">Brexit </a>to escape on a laid-back Down Under holiday.

The three-minute advertisement, which premiered ahead of the queen's televised Christmas Day address in Britain, begins with a primly dressed Minogue apparently at Sandringham, the monarch's country home, before the set disappears to show the pop star on a beach of the same name in Australia.

London-based Minogue begins by singing&nbsp;"This year's been tough and confusing, but&nbsp;progress&nbsp;is moving" before antipodean comedian Adam Hills jumps in with "Well, at a glacial pace".

"But all of Australia loves you, and we'll never judge you," the 51-year-old former Neighbours star continues.

The "Matesong" video later alludes to Brexit again with the lyrics "negotiating tricky trade deals&nbsp;is a shocker".

Tourism Australia said the Aus$15 million ($10 million) campaign was its largest investment in the British market for more than a decade.

"At a time of uncertainty in the UK, the light-hearted musical tribute represents a symbolic hand of friendship from Australia that warmly celebrates the deep and long-standing ties that exist between the two countries," the marketing agency said in a statement.

While the ad is timed to reach Brits as they face the chill of winter, it also comes as Australia's tourism industry weighs the potentially negative effects of devastating bushfires that have been raging across the country for months.

With Sydney's usually pristine blue harbour regularly obscured by thick smoke haze and badly burned koalas losing large swathes of their habitat, traditional tourism drawcards have featured heavily in global media coverage of the disaster.

Some internet users noted an incongruity between the reality of the bushfire crisis and the advertised&nbsp;images of clear blue skies and healthy marsupials.

The ad which also features world tennis number one Ashleigh Barty, Olympic swimmer<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/end-gold-medal-targets-says-australian-ian-thorpe-142334"> Ian Thorpe</a>, and ex-cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-hired-to-coach-lords-based-london-team-in-the-hundred-241877">Shane Warne</a> is part of a three-year global Tourism Australia campaign worth Aus$38 million.

Australia has launched a new tourism campaign starring singer Kylie Minogue aiming to attract British tourists fatigued by Brexit to escape on a laid-back Down Under holiday.

Australia has launched a new tourism campaign starring singer Kylie Minogue aiming to attract British tourists fatigued by Brexit to escape on a laid-back Down Under holiday. The three-minute advertisement, which premiered ahead of the queen's televised Christmas Day address in Britain, begins with a primly dressed Minogue apparently at Sandringham, the monarch's country home, before the set disappears to show the pop star on a beach of the same name in Australia. London-based Minogue begins by singing "This year's been tough and confusing, but progress is moving" before antipodean comedian Adam Hills jumps in with "Well, at a glacial pace". "But all of Australia loves you, and we'll never judge you," the 51-year-old former Neighbours star continues. The "Matesong" video later alludes to Brexit again with the lyrics "negotiating tricky trade deals is a shocker". Tourism Australia said the Aus$15 million ($10 million) campaign was its largest investment in the British market for more than a decade. "At a time of uncertainty in the UK, the light-hearted musical tribute represents a symbolic hand of friendship from Australia that warmly celebrates the deep and long-standing ties that exist between the two countries," the marketing agency said in a statement. While the ad is timed to reach Brits as they face the chill of winter, it also comes as Australia's tourism industry weighs the potentially negative effects of devastating bushfires that have been raging across the country for months. With Sydney's usually pristine blue harbour regularly obscured by thick smoke haze and badly burned koalas losing large swathes of their habitat, traditional tourism drawcards have featured heavily in global media coverage of the disaster. Some internet users noted an incongruity between the reality of the bushfire crisis and the advertised images of clear blue skies and healthy marsupials. The ad which also features world tennis number one Ashleigh Barty, Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe, and ex-cricketer Shane Warne is part of a three-year global Tourism Australia campaign worth Aus$38 million.

Escape Brexit with Down Under holiday, Australia tells UK

Queen's 98-year-old husband Prince Philip was discharged from a private hospital on December 24 morning. Philip had spent four nights at King Edward VII hospital in London, in what Buckingham Palace said was a “precautionary measure” for “observation and treatment” in connection with a pre-existing condition. #Queen #PrincePhilip #Christmas #UK

WION Dispatch: Prince Philip discharged from hospital, Queen to address nation on Christmas

State opening of the U.K. Parliament after the victory of Boris Johnson in recent elections.

Gravitas: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

By David Hastings Dunn

Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson.

I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations.

In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”.

Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters.

Deals brewing

Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”.

With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent&nbsp;to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal.

The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants.

Questions of power

After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington.

Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced.

The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west.

The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone.

Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general.

(David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-the-special-relationship-128727">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020.

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons. In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson. I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations. In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”. Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters. Deals brewing Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”. With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal. The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants. Questions of power After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington. Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced. The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west. The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone. Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general. (David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham) (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)

Donald Trump enthusiastic about Boris Johnson’s victory – but it won’t be smooth sailing for them

On December 19 Queen Elizabeth II formally opened a new session of Britain's Parliament with a speech laying out Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to use his commanding majority to take the U.K. out of the European Union and shake up the country's public services. #UKParliament #UKElections

State opening of the UK Parliament, Queen lays out Boris Johnson's Brexit Plans

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read&nbsp;out&nbsp;the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">priorities</a>&nbsp;after winning a commanding majority at last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">national election</a>.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done".

The&nbsp;Queen's&nbsp;Speech&nbsp;will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has promised to agree with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">EU</a> by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31.

He will also cement his commitment to spend more on&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;much-loved but struggling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">National&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Service</a> by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24.

"The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of&nbsp;health&nbsp;workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going."

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80.

After more than three years of debate over&nbsp;Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better.

With a&nbsp;healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly.

He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign.

Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-seeks-brexit-assurances-after-johnson-win-268132">outline measures</a> to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get Brexit done". The Queen's Speech will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship Johnson has promised to agree with the EU by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31. He will also cement his commitment to spend more on Britain's much-loved but struggling National Health Service by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24. "The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of health workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going." On Tuesday, Johnson told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better. With a healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get Brexit done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly. He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign. Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to outline measures to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

Brexit and health, Britain's Johnson sets out priorities in Queen's Speech

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has finally approved a controversial report on Russian interference in the UK that he blocked before the election.

UK PM Boris Johnson approves release of Russian interference report following election win

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

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

Watch in WION Dispatch: In UK, Who'll be the next labour leader? Indian-origin MP tipped to lead labour. #WIONDispatch #WION

UK: Who'll be the next labour leader? | WION Dispatch

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

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

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

UK opposition chief Corbyn 'sorry' for election wipeout

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The UK election 2019 have resulted in a turn of unexpected and extraordinary events. The exit polls predicted a relatively small majority of the Conservatives but the results where the Conservatives gained a massive majority have shocked the entire world. Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed.The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23. #UKElection #BorisJohnsonWins #UK

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The UK election 2019 have resulted in a turn of unexpected and extraordinary events. The exit polls predicted a relatively small majority of the Conservatives but the results where the Conservatives gained a massive majority have shocked the entire world.

WION Dispatch: Unexpected and extraordinary story of UK election 2019

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

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

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