Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby on Tuesday visited Jallianwala Bagh memorial and said that he was both 'ashamed and sorry' for the crime which was committed at that site in 1919. Welby also lied on the floor of the memorial after reading out a prayer to God to seek forgiveness. While paying homage at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, Welby said, "I cannot speak for the British Government. I am not the official of the government but can speak in the name of Christ. It is a place for sin and redemption. You have remembered what they have done and their memory will live."

Archbishop: Jallianwala Bagh massacre a huge shame

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

In 2012 Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos. Since then a host of mostly European countries have followed suit, including France, Hungary, and the UK.

Thailand agreed last year to comply with the World Health Organisation guidelines, and packs officially showed up in stores Tuesday.

Businesses have until December 8 to phase out stocks before facing fines of up to 40,000 baht ($1,300).

The standardised packaging includes a graphic picture of tobacco's effects on the body and the logo-free brand name written in plain font.

Keeping a uniform typeface below graphic depictions of smoking-related illnesses will make the products less attractive to buyers, said Prakit Vathesatogkit, vice-chair of the NGO Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

"For non-smokers, for kids, they are less likely to start," Prakit, who was involved in advocacy efforts, told AFP.

There are more than 246 million cigarette smokers in Southeast Asia, where campaigners say low prices help make it one of the largest tobacco-consuming regions in the world.

In Thailand, the health impact is huge and smoking-related illnesses are a leading cause of death.

Singapore is set to implement similar restrictions on packaging next year.

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on Tuesday, the first country in Asia to introduce what activists say is an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking. In 2012 Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be sold without colourful brand logos. Since then a host of mostly European countries have followed suit, including France, Hungary, and the UK. Thailand agreed last year to comply with the World Health Organisation guidelines, and packs officially showed up in stores Tuesday. Businesses have until December 8 to phase out stocks before facing fines of up to 40,000 baht ($1,300). The standardised packaging includes a graphic picture of tobacco's effects on the body and the logo-free brand name written in plain font. Keeping a uniform typeface below graphic depictions of smoking-related illnesses will make the products less attractive to buyers, said Prakit Vathesatogkit, vice-chair of the NGO Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance. "For non-smokers, for kids, they are less likely to start," Prakit, who was involved in advocacy efforts, told AFP. There are more than 246 million cigarette smokers in Southeast Asia, where campaigners say low prices help make it one of the largest tobacco-consuming regions in the world. In Thailand, the health impact is huge and smoking-related illnesses are a leading cause of death. Singapore is set to implement similar restrictions on packaging next year.

Thailand first in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-will-go-to-eu-to-seek-a-deal-not-a-brexit-delay-finance-minister-248420">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU.

With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government.

Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October&nbsp;31 Brexit deadline.

In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril."

Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches.

"When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit.

"In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view."

A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process.

"It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them."

In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one.

If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31,&nbsp;the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone.

Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament.

In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda.

Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips.

"Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position."

During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims,&nbsp;&nbsp;including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied.

Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament. Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU. With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government. Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October 31 Brexit deadline. In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril." Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches. "When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit. "In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view." A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process. "It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them." In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one. If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31, the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone. Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament. In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda. Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips. "Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position." During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims, including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied. Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow to step down

Both houses of the UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October. Watch this video to know more.

Both houses of UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October

Britain's&nbsp;governing&nbsp;Conservative Party plans to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;a&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;against&nbsp;parliamentary&nbsp;speaker&nbsp;John Bercow at the&nbsp;next&nbsp;national&nbsp;election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power.

Breaking with convention, Leadsom said it was right for the&nbsp;Conservatives&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;a&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;against&nbsp;Bercow. With Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit strategy having plunged parliament into chaos, the&nbsp;next&nbsp;national&nbsp;election&nbsp;could take place soon.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Leadsom said Bercow had "failed us" when he allowed lawmakers to seize control of parliament on Tuesday, putting in place a plan to force Johnson to seek a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721">Brexit</a> delay if parliament has not approved either a deal or consented to leaving without one by October 19.

Johnson has said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than seek that extension which businesses say is needed to prevent economic damage from a no-deal Brexit - and has promised to lead Britain out of the bloc by October 31 with or without a deal.

"The&nbsp;Speaker&nbsp;is the senior officer of the House of Commons, and its highest authority. A politically impartial, independent umpire of proceedings, the&nbsp;Speaker&nbsp;is in place to protect the constitution and oversee the behaviour of the House," Leadsom wrote.

"What we saw on Tuesday was a flagrant abuse of this process."

Britain's governing Conservative Party plans to stand a candidate against parliamentary speaker John Bercow at the next national election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power.

Britain's governing Conservative Party plans to stand a candidate against parliamentary speaker John Bercow at the next national election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power. Breaking with convention, Leadsom said it was right for the Conservatives to stand a candidate against Bercow. With Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit strategy having plunged parliament into chaos, the next national election could take place soon. Writing in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Leadsom said Bercow had "failed us" when he allowed lawmakers to seize control of parliament on Tuesday, putting in place a plan to force Johnson to seek a Brexit delay if parliament has not approved either a deal or consented to leaving without one by October 19. Johnson has said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than seek that extension which businesses say is needed to prevent economic damage from a no-deal Brexit - and has promised to lead Britain out of the bloc by October 31 with or without a deal. "The Speaker is the senior officer of the House of Commons, and its highest authority. A politically impartial, independent umpire of proceedings, the Speaker is in place to protect the constitution and oversee the behaviour of the House," Leadsom wrote. "What we saw on Tuesday was a flagrant abuse of this process."

UK's governing Conservatives to stand candidate against speaker at next election

London's India house targeted twice in less than a month. Watch this video to know more.

London's India house targeted twice in less than a month

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London.

India summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The protest, in which two people were arrested by UK's Metropolitan Police took place on Tuesday by members of the Pakistani diaspora and Khalistani who threw objects, one of which broke the windowpane of the mission.

The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement saying, "We consider these incidents to be unacceptable and have strongly urged the Government of UK to take action against those involved."

The Indian High Commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest. The DG had said the "physical damage to High Commission property was completely unacceptable" adding "safety and security of all diplomatic missions and their staff are of utmost concern to UK".

This is the second time in a month that large protest by Pakistani diaspora has taken place outside the Indian High Commission in London. The last was on August 15, India's Independence Day in which four people were arrested.&nbsp;

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London.

India has officially raised the anti-India protests and consequent vandalisation of Indian High Commission's property both with British High Commission in Delhi and the British Foreign Office in London. India summoned the British Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson in Delhi on Wednesday, a day after the protest took place. The protest, in which two people were arrested by UK's Metropolitan Police took place on Tuesday by members of the Pakistani diaspora and Khalistani who threw objects, one of which broke the windowpane of the mission. The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement saying, "We consider these incidents to be unacceptable and have strongly urged the Government of UK to take action against those involved." The Indian High Commissioner in London Ruchi Ghanashyam met DG(Political) Foreign office and raised the issue of violent protest. The DG had said the "physical damage to High Commission property was completely unacceptable" adding "safety and security of all diplomatic missions and their staff are of utmost concern to UK". This is the second time in a month that large protest by Pakistani diaspora has taken place outside the Indian High Commission in London. The last was on August 15, India's Independence Day in which four people were arrested.

Vandalism of Indian High Commission in London: India raises matter in Delhi, UK

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death.

Zimbabwe's former colonial ruler Britain said Zimbabweans had "suffered for too long" under former president Robert Mugabe, who died Friday. "We express our condolences to those who mourn Robert Mugabe's death. However, Zimbabweans suffered for too long as a result of Mugabe's autocratic role," the foreign ministry said in a statement. It noted "mixed emotions" in Zimbabwe at the death of Mugabe, adding, "We hope that in this new era, Zimbabwe can continue to be set on a more democratic and prosperous path." Mugabe won the 1980 elections at the end of a black nationalist guerrilla war against white-minority rule in the rebel colony of Rhodesia. Peter Hain, a leading anti-apartheid campaigner, told AFP he was "elated" at the time. "It was a huge moment in history when he became president in a landslide and all of us cheered him on at the time." But he said Mugabe then "betrayed all of those values of justice and human rights and democracy under the freedom struggle and became a corrupt dictator". In 2000, Mugabe's supporters violently took over white-owned farms a watershed moment in relations between the West and their protege. Zimbabwe was suspended in 2002 from the Commonwealth, a grouping of former British colonies, and pulled out voluntarily in 2003. Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa applied to rejoin the Commonwealth after ousting Mugabe.

Zimbabweans 'suffered for too long' under Mugabe: UK

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union.

As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

British lawmakers will on Monday hold another vote on a motion on whether to hold an early election, the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg said.

But opposition parties, including the Labour Party, want to ensure that an election does not allow Johnson to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal on October 31.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will hold a conference call with other opposition parties on Friday, a Labour spokesman said. Johnson on Thursday said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit.

Former Prime Minister John Major said Johnson should fire Dominic Cummings, the advisor behind his high-stakes Brexit strategy.

When asked about Major's call, Cummings told Reuters, "Really? Trust the people"

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union.

British opposition parties will discuss on Friday how to respond to Boris Johnson's bid to call a snap election after the prime minister said he would rather die in a ditch than delay the planned October 31 departure from the European Union. As the United Kingdom spins towards an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent 'no-deal' exit to abandoning the whole endeavour. British lawmakers will on Monday hold another vote on a motion on whether to hold an early election, the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg said. But opposition parties, including the Labour Party, want to ensure that an election does not allow Johnson to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal on October 31. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will hold a conference call with other opposition parties on Friday, a Labour spokesman said. Johnson on Thursday said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than delay Brexit. Former Prime Minister John Major said Johnson should fire Dominic Cummings, the advisor behind his high-stakes Brexit strategy. When asked about Major's call, Cummings told Reuters, "Really? Trust the people"

British opposition parties discuss PM Boris Johnson's Brexit election gamble

By Chris Stafford

Despite repeatedly insisting he didn’t want a general election, Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, has now tried and failed to get parliament to support one. It now looks like he’ll try again or seek a vote by some other route. Having lost his majority and control of parliament, a general election seems almost inevitable now. The big question, though, is when it will happen.

Johnson and his allies would prefer the vote to happen before October 31 – the date the UK is currently due to leave the European Union. Everyone else wants to wait until after that date.

Holding the vote before October 31 would allow Johnson to claim the Brexit high ground and hopefully nullify the threat of the Brexit Party, saying that only a vote for the Conservatives will get the UK out by Halloween. If he manages to win the election, he can then organise further votes in parliament, overriding those of the past few days and allowing him to take the UK out of the EU without a deal.

Why is Labour Holding Back?

Despite having been pushing for a general election for a long time now, Jeremy Corbyn is now hanging back. The reason for this apparent change of heart is that, at this point in time, many are concerned that a general election may play into Johnson’s hands. If Labour waits and triggers an election so that it takes place after October 31, it means that an extension may have already been granted by the EU. The UK would then, in their view, be safe from a “no-deal” until at least the end of the year.

Politically, it also makes more sense for Labour to hold off on supporting an election for a little while longer. If an extension is granted and a general election is held in November or afterwards, Johnson will have broken his key promise of getting the UK out by October 31. That leaves him more vulnerable to losing votes to the Brexit Party.

Plus, if the past few days are anything to go by, Johnson and his team may have imploded even further by then. He has kicked 21 MPs out of his party and his own brother has quit the government. Things are looking difficult for the prime minister.

How to Call It

Since the introduction of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, if a prime minister wants to call an election before the scheduled date, they need two-thirds of MPs in parliament to vote for it. Johnson tried this on September 4 and failed.

Alternatively, a general election could be triggered by a vote of no confidence in the government. If the motion is successful, a general election will be triggered after 14 days if no new government with the support of parliament can be formed. There is talk that Labour may try to do this soon, however, the chances of it happening may be limited by debate on opposition benches as to exactly when the election should be.

But it has even been suggested that Johnson may call a vote of no confidence in himself. If he can manage to “lose” that, he can try to prevent a new government being formed and force a general election.

Is no-deal Off The Table?

A no-deal Brexit is still very much a possibility, but current events make it less likely for the time being. With no government majority in parliament, the ability of the prime minister to pursue no deal is severely limited. This is assuming Johnson plays by the rules, of course.

 
(Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-general-election-when-and-how-could-it-happen-123027">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Chris Stafford Despite repeatedly insisting he didn’t want a general election, Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, has now tried and failed to get parliament to support one.

By Chris Stafford Despite repeatedly insisting he didn’t want a general election, Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, has now tried and failed to get parliament to support one. It now looks like he’ll try again or seek a vote by some other route. Having lost his majority and control of parliament, a general election seems almost inevitable now. The big question, though, is when it will happen. Johnson and his allies would prefer the vote to happen before October 31 – the date the UK is currently due to leave the European Union. Everyone else wants to wait until after that date. Holding the vote before October 31 would allow Johnson to claim the Brexit high ground and hopefully nullify the threat of the Brexit Party, saying that only a vote for the Conservatives will get the UK out by Halloween. If he manages to win the election, he can then organise further votes in parliament, overriding those of the past few days and allowing him to take the UK out of the EU without a deal. Why is Labour Holding Back? Despite having been pushing for a general election for a long time now, Jeremy Corbyn is now hanging back. The reason for this apparent change of heart is that, at this point in time, many are concerned that a general election may play into Johnson’s hands. If Labour waits and triggers an election so that it takes place after October 31, it means that an extension may have already been granted by the EU. The UK would then, in their view, be safe from a “no-deal” until at least the end of the year. Politically, it also makes more sense for Labour to hold off on supporting an election for a little while longer. If an extension is granted and a general election is held in November or afterwards, Johnson will have broken his key promise of getting the UK out by October 31. That leaves him more vulnerable to losing votes to the Brexit Party. Plus, if the past few days are anything to go by, Johnson and his team may have imploded even further by then. He has kicked 21 MPs out of his party and his own brother has quit the government. Things are looking difficult for the prime minister. How to Call It Since the introduction of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, if a prime minister wants to call an election before the scheduled date, they need two-thirds of MPs in parliament to vote for it. Johnson tried this on September 4 and failed. Alternatively, a general election could be triggered by a vote of no confidence in the government. If the motion is successful, a general election will be triggered after 14 days if no new government with the support of parliament can be formed. There is talk that Labour may try to do this soon, however, the chances of it happening may be limited by debate on opposition benches as to exactly when the election should be. But it has even been suggested that Johnson may call a vote of no confidence in himself. If he can manage to “lose” that, he can try to prevent a new government being formed and force a general election. Is no-deal Off The Table? A no-deal Brexit is still very much a possibility, but current events make it less likely for the time being. With no government majority in parliament, the ability of the prime minister to pursue no deal is severely limited. This is assuming Johnson plays by the rules, of course. (Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK general election: when and how could it happen?

Analysing The Changing Dynamics In India-United Kingdom Ties In The Context Of Brexit India is one of the most important bilateral priorities for the United Kingdom. On #WionEdit, Palki charts the changing dynamics in India's ties with the UK. Any friction in the ties with India would hurt UK's economy, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the Brexit.

WION Edit: Friction in ties with India likely to hurt UK more

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday.

Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies.

Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal.

They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month.

'Fresh legs on the pound'

"News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP.

"After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit.

"Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added.

The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash".

Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31.

"The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP.

"Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23.

"The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels&nbsp;but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added.

The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18.

Stocks mainly climb

Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe.

Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub.

But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month.

However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses.&nbsp;

Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in.

Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance. By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday. Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies. Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal. They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month. 'Fresh legs on the pound' "News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP. "After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit. "Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added. The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash". Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31. "The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP. "Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23. "The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added. The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18. Stocks mainly climb Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe. Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub. But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit. Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month. However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses. Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in. Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

Pound tops $1.23 on fading no-deal Brexit prospect

British PM Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson quits as MP. Watch video to know more.

British PM Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson quits as MP

UK PM faces two setbacks in one day. Watch video to know more.

UK PM faces two setbacks in one day

The leader of the Britain's House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, adopted a laid-back posture on the benches as lawmakers debated an opposition motion to take control of parliamentary business in order to legally rule out a no-deal Brexit.

UK: Leader snoozes during Brexit debate

Leaving the European Union without a trade deal would cost Britain at least $16 billion in lost EU sales, and probably far more after accounting for indirect effects and other markets, a report by the U.N. trade agency UNCTAD said on Tuesday (September 3).

"No deal" Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU – U.N.

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke

After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks.

Much parliamentary action will now play out to determine exactly when the vote will take place. The government remains eager to ensure the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) by October 31. Oppositions parties are eager to ensure this does not happen in a no-deal scenario. But developments at Westminster mean an election at some point soon is almost certain. The key question, therefore, what might the outcome of such an election be in such unpredictable times?

We have considered the results across 138 polls conducted between November 4, 2018, and August 22 2019.

All polls contain a combination of information and noise, the latter resulting from errors in sampling, in interviewing and in other factors which are an inherent part of survey methodology. By “pooling the polls” the figure maximises the information and minimises the noise because the samples are very large and rogue polls which happen by chance do not dominate the picture.

Both Conservative and Labour support declined markedly in the run-up to the European Parliament elections on May 23. Since then, Conservative fortunes have partially revived, but party support is only in the low 30 per cent range – nearly 10 per cent less than its vote in the 2017 general election.

Labour is in even worse shape, languishing in the low to mid-20s. Polls on voting intentions go back as far as the 1930s, but it is safe to say that such a car crash in support for both major parties has never been seen before. So we are in uncharted territory.

The major parties’ poll numbers indicate that, in a two-party contest, the apparent “Boris bounce” in Conservative vote intentions would very likely deliver a majority in the House of Commons.

One important reason why Labour has fallen so far behind is the large decline in Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity since the 2017 general election. His approval ratings then were around 45 per cent. But by August this year they had fallen below 20 per cent and are now very stable from one poll to the next. A large majority of voters appear to have reached the conclusion that he is not up to the job of being prime minister. Negative public feelings about Corbyn are bound to be a drag on his party’s efforts to close the gap with the Conservatives.

Lib Dem Threat

The real problem for the Conservatives is not Labour but the continuing popularity of the Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party. The Liberal Democrats are now consistently polling in the high teens – twice what previously had been typical. In the 2015 general election, the Liberal Democrats’ vote collapsed and the Conservatives took 27 seats from them. While the Liberal Democrats recovered a little in the subsequent 2017 general election, they still only had 12 MPs.

The situation has now completely changed. If the current surge in Liberal Democrat voting intentions holds, there is a good chance that the party will win back all of the seats it lost to the Conservatives in 2015. In addition, the Lib Dems are likely to win extra seats from disgruntled Conservative Remainers who will defect in response to the Conservative’s hard-line stance on Brexit.

It is true that the Liberal Democrats will take votes from Labour as well as the Conservatives, but the policy distance between the Lib Dems and Labour on relations with the EU is now much smaller than it is with the Conservatives. The danger for the Conservatives is that Remainers are likely to vote tactically as a result, supporting the Liberal Democrats in seats in the West Country, for example, and Labour in seats in the North-East and Merseyside.

What of the Brexit Party?

There is a narrative which suggests that Brexit Party support will collapse in a forthcoming election much like UKIP’s did in 2017. But this ignores a key difference between Brexit Party and Conservative supporters. In our national survey conducted shortly after the European elections, 78 per cent of Brexit Party identifiers wanted to leave the EU with no deal. This compared with only 46 per cent of Conservative identifiers who wanted this outcome.

In a rally in London, Nigel Farage committed his party to no deal. He was quick to point out that Johnson had voted for Theresa May’s agreement when it came up for the third time in parliament – and was therefore not to be trusted. The Prime Minister is taking a very hard line against Conservative rebels by threatening to remove the whip from them, but at the same time he is arguing that he wants a deal with the EU – something which is an anathema to the Brexit party supporters.

This lack of trust in the prime minister to deliver a no-deal Brexit puts him in a tricky situation – he needs most of the Brexit Party supporters to produce a no-deal outcome. Given his insistence that he is still seeking a deal with Brussels, Johnson is unlikely to win Brexit Party voters until there is actually a no-deal Brexit.

The Brexit Party will not take seats in a snap election, but it could easily stymie the Conservatives’ chances of winning.

The prime minister has had to seek an early election since the alternative was to stagger on without a majority and with parliamentary action to stop a no-deal Brexit becoming a reality. The campaign hasn’t formally begun yet, but the posturing is underway. The outcome, though, remains very difficult to predict.

(Paul Whiteley is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex; Harold D Clarke is Ashbel Smith Professor, the University of Texas at Dallas)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-general-election-if-so-heres-what-the-polls-are-telling-us-122759">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks.

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks. Much parliamentary action will now play out to determine exactly when the vote will take place. The government remains eager to ensure the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) by October 31. Oppositions parties are eager to ensure this does not happen in a no-deal scenario. But developments at Westminster mean an election at some point soon is almost certain. The key question, therefore, what might the outcome of such an election be in such unpredictable times? We have considered the results across 138 polls conducted between November 4, 2018, and August 22 2019. All polls contain a combination of information and noise, the latter resulting from errors in sampling, in interviewing and in other factors which are an inherent part of survey methodology. By “pooling the polls” the figure maximises the information and minimises the noise because the samples are very large and rogue polls which happen by chance do not dominate the picture. Both Conservative and Labour support declined markedly in the run-up to the European Parliament elections on May 23. Since then, Conservative fortunes have partially revived, but party support is only in the low 30 per cent range – nearly 10 per cent less than its vote in the 2017 general election. Labour is in even worse shape, languishing in the low to mid-20s. Polls on voting intentions go back as far as the 1930s, but it is safe to say that such a car crash in support for both major parties has never been seen before. So we are in uncharted territory. The major parties’ poll numbers indicate that, in a two-party contest, the apparent “Boris bounce” in Conservative vote intentions would very likely deliver a majority in the House of Commons. One important reason why Labour has fallen so far behind is the large decline in Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity since the 2017 general election. His approval ratings then were around 45 per cent. But by August this year they had fallen below 20 per cent and are now very stable from one poll to the next. A large majority of voters appear to have reached the conclusion that he is not up to the job of being prime minister. Negative public feelings about Corbyn are bound to be a drag on his party’s efforts to close the gap with the Conservatives. Lib Dem Threat The real problem for the Conservatives is not Labour but the continuing popularity of the Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party. The Liberal Democrats are now consistently polling in the high teens – twice what previously had been typical. In the 2015 general election, the Liberal Democrats’ vote collapsed and the Conservatives took 27 seats from them. While the Liberal Democrats recovered a little in the subsequent 2017 general election, they still only had 12 MPs. The situation has now completely changed. If the current surge in Liberal Democrat voting intentions holds, there is a good chance that the party will win back all of the seats it lost to the Conservatives in 2015. In addition, the Lib Dems are likely to win extra seats from disgruntled Conservative Remainers who will defect in response to the Conservative’s hard-line stance on Brexit. It is true that the Liberal Democrats will take votes from Labour as well as the Conservatives, but the policy distance between the Lib Dems and Labour on relations with the EU is now much smaller than it is with the Conservatives. The danger for the Conservatives is that Remainers are likely to vote tactically as a result, supporting the Liberal Democrats in seats in the West Country, for example, and Labour in seats in the North-East and Merseyside. What of the Brexit Party? There is a narrative which suggests that Brexit Party support will collapse in a forthcoming election much like UKIP’s did in 2017. But this ignores a key difference between Brexit Party and Conservative supporters. In our national survey conducted shortly after the European elections, 78 per cent of Brexit Party identifiers wanted to leave the EU with no deal. This compared with only 46 per cent of Conservative identifiers who wanted this outcome. In a rally in London, Nigel Farage committed his party to no deal. He was quick to point out that Johnson had voted for Theresa May’s agreement when it came up for the third time in parliament – and was therefore not to be trusted. The Prime Minister is taking a very hard line against Conservative rebels by threatening to remove the whip from them, but at the same time he is arguing that he wants a deal with the EU – something which is an anathema to the Brexit party supporters. This lack of trust in the prime minister to deliver a no-deal Brexit puts him in a tricky situation – he needs most of the Brexit Party supporters to produce a no-deal outcome. Given his insistence that he is still seeking a deal with Brussels, Johnson is unlikely to win Brexit Party voters until there is actually a no-deal Brexit. The Brexit Party will not take seats in a snap election, but it could easily stymie the Conservatives’ chances of winning. The prime minister has had to seek an early election since the alternative was to stagger on without a majority and with parliamentary action to stop a no-deal Brexit becoming a reality. The campaign hasn’t formally begun yet, but the posturing is underway. The outcome, though, remains very difficult to predict. (Paul Whiteley is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex; Harold D Clarke is Ashbel Smith Professor, the University of Texas at Dallas) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK general election? If so, here’s what the polls are telling us

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. There is a massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses during the Brexit showdown at British Parliament

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. Reports claimed that conservatives lose the majority. There is a massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

Report: Conservatives lose majority in UK Parliament during Brexit showdown

There are all eyes on the Palace of Westminister. Only 59 days left for the Brexit. Opposition MPs will try to take control of the proceedings. There is massive protest outside the house as well. Watch this video to know more.

Your Story: Brexit showdown at British Parliament, 59 days to Brexit

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave an ultimatum to his lawmakers to support his Brexit plan. If they won't support then he will conduct snap elections. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM gave ultimatum to his lawmakers to support his Brexit plan, Snap election if no support

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">Boris Johnson</a> sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-approves-british-parliament-suspension-246268">suspension of parliament </a>weeks before Britain's European Union (EU)&nbsp; departure date.

The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a "coup" and a "declaration of war" but Johnson claimed was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda.

It came a day after opposition parties vowed to seek legislative changes to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit.

Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition decrying the decision had garnered more than one million signatures within the space of a few hours by late Wednesday.

At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags.

"Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the government's overall programme, and approach to Brexit," Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, vowed in a letter to MPs.

However, his decision incensed lawmakers vehemently against Britain leaving the EU without a deal on October 31 as they will now have less time to try and thwart such a scenario.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated he would call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal.

"It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said.&nbsp;

'Compliant PM'

US President Donald Trump weighed into the row by praising Johnson as "great" and claiming it would be "very hard" for Corbyn to topple him in a no-confidence vote.

The Labour leader shot back, tweeting Johnson was "a compliant Prime Minister who will hand Britain's public services and protections over to US corporations in a free trade deal".

In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided.

Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels.

Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May.

Opposition lawmakers called it a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU.

Johnson wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out.

In Paris, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told a business conference Wednesday the EU would be blamed for a "lack of flexibility" on the backstop issue in the event of no deal.

The government's chief Brexit adviser David Frost was in Brussels for talks, but an EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise.

If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights.

The pound slumped more than one per cent at one point but shares rose as London-listed multinationals stand to gain from a weaker currency.

'Tinpot dictator'

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Johnson of acting like a "tinpot dictator" by pushing through an "outrageous assault on basic democratic principles".

Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, the Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign Thursday in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports.

More than 70 parliamentarians have launched a fast-track legal bid at the highest civil court in Scotland, aimed at preventing Johnson from suspending parliament.

Lawyers for Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said they were also challenging parliament's suspension in English courts.&nbsp;

Parliament typically goes into the recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2.

Robert Craig, a constitutional expert at Durham University, said there was "theoretically absolutely nothing wrong" with the suspension, noting it was normal for a new leader to start afresh parliamentary session.

"But the reason that it is causing outrage is that it's reducing the number of available days for parliament to stop a no-deal." 
John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons, who was not forewarned about Johnson's suspension decision, labelled it a "constitutional outrage".

"It is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop parliament debating Brexit," he said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's European Union (EU) departure date.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's European Union (EU) departure date. The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a "coup" and a "declaration of war" but Johnson claimed was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda. It came a day after opposition parties vowed to seek legislative changes to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit. Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition decrying the decision had garnered more than one million signatures within the space of a few hours by late Wednesday. At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags. "Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the government's overall programme, and approach to Brexit," Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, vowed in a letter to MPs. However, his decision incensed lawmakers vehemently against Britain leaving the EU without a deal on October 31 as they will now have less time to try and thwart such a scenario. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated he would call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat. Former chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal. "It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said. 'Compliant PM' US President Donald Trump weighed into the row by praising Johnson as "great" and claiming it would be "very hard" for Corbyn to topple him in a no-confidence vote. The Labour leader shot back, tweeting Johnson was "a compliant Prime Minister who will hand Britain's public services and protections over to US corporations in a free trade deal". In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided. Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels. Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May. Opposition lawmakers called it a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU. Johnson wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out. In Paris, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told a business conference Wednesday the EU would be blamed for a "lack of flexibility" on the backstop issue in the event of no deal. The government's chief Brexit adviser David Frost was in Brussels for talks, but an EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise. If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights. The pound slumped more than one per cent at one point but shares rose as London-listed multinationals stand to gain from a weaker currency. 'Tinpot dictator' Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Johnson of acting like a "tinpot dictator" by pushing through an "outrageous assault on basic democratic principles". Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, the Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign Thursday in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports. More than 70 parliamentarians have launched a fast-track legal bid at the highest civil court in Scotland, aimed at preventing Johnson from suspending parliament. Lawyers for Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said they were also challenging parliament's suspension in English courts. Parliament typically goes into the recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2. Robert Craig, a constitutional expert at Durham University, said there was "theoretically absolutely nothing wrong" with the suspension, noting it was normal for a new leader to start afresh parliamentary session. "But the reason that it is causing outrage is that it's reducing the number of available days for parliament to stop a no-deal." John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons, who was not forewarned about Johnson's suspension decision, labelled it a "constitutional outrage". "It is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop parliament debating Brexit," he said.

Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparks outrage after forcing suspension of parliament

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit.

The Conservative leader announced the surprise decision Wednesday to dismiss parliament -- known as proroguing -- for nearly five weeks next month, claiming it was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda.

But the move sent shockwaves through the British political system, which relies on centuries of precedents and conventions instead of a codified constitution.

Opponents labelled the suspension a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage" and it prompted immediate court bids in London and Edinburgh to halt the process.

Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said she had applied for an urgent judicial review challenging "the effect and the intention" of the suspension.

"We think that this request is illegal," said Miller, who in 2017 successfully won MPs the right to vote on formally starting to leave the EU in a court challenge.

"There is no example in modern history when prorogation has been used in this way," she told BBC radio.

"It is being used to hamper, in our view, parliament legislating against no deal."

Meanwhile, Scottish National Party (SNP) politician Joanna Cherry said lawyers had applied for an urgent interim hearing at Scotland's highest civil court which they hoped would take place as early as Thursday.

However, arch-Brexiteer minister Jacob Rees-Mogg defended the suspension and insisted MPs would still have time to debate Brexit ahead of Britain's October 31 EU departure date.

"The candyfloss of outrage, which is almost entirely confected, is from people who never wanted to leave the European Union," he told BBC radio. 
'National crisis'

Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition seeking to block the decision had garnered more than 1.2 million signatures by early Thursday.

At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags.

Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit.

The House of Commons typically goes into recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2, but critics slammed this more lengthy break.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated that he may call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat.

Labour's Barry Gardiner said Thursday that the party would push for an emergency debate when parliament returned on Monday to kickstart the legislative process to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

Former Conservative chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal.

"It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said.&nbsp; 
The pound remained under pressure Thursday after sliding on news of the suspension.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports.

'Affront to democracy'

In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided.

Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels.

Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May.

Opposition lawmakers opposed it as a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU.

Johnson, who took office barely a month ago, wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out.

An EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise.

If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights.

The prime minister's move dominated the newspapers Thursday, with The Times saying Johnson had "pushed Britain to the brink of a constitutional crisis".

The Guardian predicted a "historic parliamentary clash" as his opponents seek to prevent a no-deal Brexit, while The Financial Times in an editorial said Johnson's suspension of parliament "is an affront to democracy".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit. The Conservative leader announced the surprise decision Wednesday to dismiss parliament -- known as proroguing -- for nearly five weeks next month, claiming it was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda. But the move sent shockwaves through the British political system, which relies on centuries of precedents and conventions instead of a codified constitution. Opponents labelled the suspension a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage" and it prompted immediate court bids in London and Edinburgh to halt the process. Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said she had applied for an urgent judicial review challenging "the effect and the intention" of the suspension. "We think that this request is illegal," said Miller, who in 2017 successfully won MPs the right to vote on formally starting to leave the EU in a court challenge. "There is no example in modern history when prorogation has been used in this way," she told BBC radio. "It is being used to hamper, in our view, parliament legislating against no deal." Meanwhile, Scottish National Party (SNP) politician Joanna Cherry said lawyers had applied for an urgent interim hearing at Scotland's highest civil court which they hoped would take place as early as Thursday. However, arch-Brexiteer minister Jacob Rees-Mogg defended the suspension and insisted MPs would still have time to debate Brexit ahead of Britain's October 31 EU departure date. "The candyfloss of outrage, which is almost entirely confected, is from people who never wanted to leave the European Union," he told BBC radio. 'National crisis' Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition seeking to block the decision had garnered more than 1.2 million signatures by early Thursday. At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags. Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit. The House of Commons typically goes into recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2, but critics slammed this more lengthy break. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated that he may call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat. Labour's Barry Gardiner said Thursday that the party would push for an emergency debate when parliament returned on Monday to kickstart the legislative process to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Former Conservative chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal. "It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said. The pound remained under pressure Thursday after sliding on news of the suspension. Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports. 'Affront to democracy' In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided. Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels. Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May. Opposition lawmakers opposed it as a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU. Johnson, who took office barely a month ago, wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out. An EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise. If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights. The prime minister's move dominated the newspapers Thursday, with The Times saying Johnson had "pushed Britain to the brink of a constitutional crisis". The Guardian predicted a "historic parliamentary clash" as his opponents seek to prevent a no-deal Brexit, while The Financial Times in an editorial said Johnson's suspension of parliament "is an affront to democracy".

Court bids launched to stop Johnson suspending UK parliament

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">US President Donald Trump and his Western allies</a>.

The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances.

Trump joined the leaders from France, Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada in the French coastal resort of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-fire-tear-gas-water-cannons-at-anti-g7-protesters-245391">Biarritz</a> for three days of talks that kicked off on Saturday with an ambitious agenda that includes the defence of democracy, gender equality, education and climate change.

The delegations had barely arrived before divergences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns.

France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction.

Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets.

"I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday.

"Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true."

Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies.

Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat.

"This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations.

Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment among other issues.

Brexit squabbles

Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document.

France has got around that problem by doing away with the time-honoured communique, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language.

While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the bloc.

Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday on the sidelines of the summit, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides.

"I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation European Union.

Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry the mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement.

Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest.

Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the blazes, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between US President Donald Trump and his Western allies.

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between US President Donald Trump and his Western allies. The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances. Trump joined the leaders from France, Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada in the French coastal resort of Biarritz for three days of talks that kicked off on Saturday with an ambitious agenda that includes the defence of democracy, gender equality, education and climate change. The delegations had barely arrived before divergences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns. France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction. Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets. "I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday. "Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true." Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies. Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations. Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment among other issues. Brexit squabbles Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document. France has got around that problem by doing away with the time-honoured communique, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language. While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the bloc. Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday on the sidelines of the summit, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides. "I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation European Union. Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry the mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement. Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest. Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the blazes, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Trade and economy in focus as G7 leaders get down to work

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