India today sought the help of United Kingdom for&nbsp;early extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya and former IPL honcho Lalit Modi and&nbsp;in locating diamantaire Nirav Modi&nbsp;during the third Indo-UK home affairs dialogue here, officials said.

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New Delhi also asked London not to allow the British territory to be used for anti-India activities by Kashmiri and Khalistani separatists.

"We have sought the help of the authorities in the UK in extradition of our wanted persons. The process is on and everyone knows because of our proactive action, Mallya had to go to a court in the UK," an official privy to the two-hour long meeting here.

While the Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, the UK team was led by&nbsp;Patsy Wilkinson.

Issues related to Mallya, Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi figured in the meeting, official said.

India also sought the UK's assistance in extradition of alleged cricket bookie Sanjiv Kapur and&nbsp;legal help in prosecution of 16 other alleged criminals.

Mallya, facing CBI and ED investigations, is accused of defrauding Indian banks of Rs 9,000 crore.&nbsp;

He left India on March 2, 2016, and was arrested by Scotland Yard next year on an extradition warrant. Out on bail, Mallya is fighting the extradition case in a UK court.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who left India early this year, are wanted by authorities for allegedly duping Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,000 crore.&nbsp;

Lalit Modi left India&nbsp;after being charged with money laundering.

During the dialogue, India also raised the visa problems faced by its nationals, including delays in visas to students, the high amount charged for UK visas and lengthy waiting period for tourist visas.&nbsp;

Matters related to the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanism were also taken up, another official said.&nbsp;

The India-UK home affairs dialogue was set up during British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India in November 2016.&nbsp;

New Delhi also asked London not to allow the British territory to be used for anti-India activities by Kashmiri and Khalistani separatists.

India today sought the help of United Kingdom for early extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya and former IPL honcho Lalit Modi and in locating diamantaire Nirav Modi during the third Indo-UK home affairs dialogue here, officials said. × New Delhi also asked London not to allow the British territory to be used for anti-India activities by Kashmiri and Khalistani separatists. "We have sought the help of the authorities in the UK in extradition of our wanted persons. The process is on and everyone knows because of our proactive action, Mallya had to go to a court in the UK," an official privy to the two-hour long meeting here. While the Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, the UK team was led by Patsy Wilkinson. Issues related to Mallya, Lalit Modi and Nirav Modi figured in the meeting, official said. India also sought the UK's assistance in extradition of alleged cricket bookie Sanjiv Kapur and legal help in prosecution of 16 other alleged criminals. Mallya, facing CBI and ED investigations, is accused of defrauding Indian banks of Rs 9,000 crore. He left India on March 2, 2016, and was arrested by Scotland Yard next year on an extradition warrant. Out on bail, Mallya is fighting the extradition case in a UK court. Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who left India early this year, are wanted by authorities for allegedly duping Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,000 crore. Lalit Modi left India after being charged with money laundering. During the dialogue, India also raised the visa problems faced by its nationals, including delays in visas to students, the high amount charged for UK visas and lengthy waiting period for tourist visas. Matters related to the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanism were also taken up, another official said. The India-UK home affairs dialogue was set up during British Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to India in November 2016.

India seeks UK help in extradition of Mallya, Lalit Modi

British manufacturers turned up the pressure on the government to abandon one of its post-Brexit customs proposals on Tuesday, slamming the idea of a technology-based plan for border checks as naive and a waste of money.

Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports.

But the EEF manufacturers' body said it was unrealistic and naive to think a technological border solution, known as "max fac," or maximum facilitation, could be implemented by the time a planned Brexit transition period ends in December 2020.

"It may have some long-term benefits, but suggesting max fac is a solution to our immediate problems is a non-starter," EEF Chief Executive Stephen Phipson said in a statement.

Phipson said a max fac-style arrangement at the U.S.-Canada border had not eliminated the need for checks on most goods.

The customs conundrum - which will define commerce between Britain and its biggest trading partner for decades - is a test of May's leadership as she tries to pacify rival factions in her Conservative Party and her cabinet.

She also needs to win agreement from Brussels where officials have dismissed both the options being considered.

The max fac option is favoured by Erosceptics in May's party who want looser ties with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.

But last week Britain's most senior tax official said such a customs arrangement could cost businesses up to 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) a year.

Under the other option, Britain would collect tariffs on imports from outside the bloc on the EU's behalf.

A senior EU official last week dismissed as "fantasy" some of Britain's main demands for Brexit, including on the Northern Ireland border. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier urged Britain to stop playing "hide and seek."

May's spokesman on Tuesday criticised what he called "sound bites and negative anonymous briefings" and called for a more constructive tone to the negotiations.

The EEF has previously urged the government to give businesses clarity on what Brexit will look and has warned of possible damage to complex cross-border supply chains.

Last week another major employers' group, the Confederation of British Industry said remaining in a customs union was currently the only workable option for Britain. Finance minister Philip Hammond rejected that view.

Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports

British manufacturers turned up the pressure on the government to abandon one of its post-Brexit customs proposals on Tuesday, slamming the idea of a technology-based plan for border checks as naive and a waste of money. Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports. But the EEF manufacturers' body said it was unrealistic and naive to think a technological border solution, known as "max fac," or maximum facilitation, could be implemented by the time a planned Brexit transition period ends in December 2020. "It may have some long-term benefits, but suggesting max fac is a solution to our immediate problems is a non-starter," EEF Chief Executive Stephen Phipson said in a statement. Phipson said a max fac-style arrangement at the U.S.-Canada border had not eliminated the need for checks on most goods. The customs conundrum - which will define commerce between Britain and its biggest trading partner for decades - is a test of May's leadership as she tries to pacify rival factions in her Conservative Party and her cabinet. She also needs to win agreement from Brussels where officials have dismissed both the options being considered. The max fac option is favoured by Erosceptics in May's party who want looser ties with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc. But last week Britain's most senior tax official said such a customs arrangement could cost businesses up to 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) a year. Under the other option, Britain would collect tariffs on imports from outside the bloc on the EU's behalf. A senior EU official last week dismissed as "fantasy" some of Britain's main demands for Brexit, including on the Northern Ireland border. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier urged Britain to stop playing "hide and seek." May's spokesman on Tuesday criticised what he called "sound bites and negative anonymous briefings" and called for a more constructive tone to the negotiations. The EEF has previously urged the government to give businesses clarity on what Brexit will look and has warned of possible damage to complex cross-border supply chains. Last week another major employers' group, the Confederation of British Industry said remaining in a customs union was currently the only workable option for Britain. Finance minister Philip Hammond rejected that view.

Manufacturers slam UK Brexit customs idea as naive

The United Kingdom was hit by lightning and thunderstorms on late Saturday night. The 'Mother of all thunderstorms' blasted parts of southern Britain with as many as nearly 20,000 lightning episodes ravaging parts of the United Kingdom.

The lightning strikes put on a dramatic display for the onlookers who posted the awe-inspiring images on social media. As per reports, torrential rain accompanied the thunderstorm creating chaos for commuters. As many s 500 weather-related calls were received by the London Fire Brigade.

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And another amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lightning?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lightning</a> display from this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cumulonimbus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cumulonimbus</a> to the northwest of London seen from Ealing. (Mix of real-time and time-lapse) <a href="https://t.co/6HhJpa9q8V">pic.twitter.com/6HhJpa9q8V</a>
— Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schafernaker/status/1000856614864392192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Incredible how many thunderstorms there are across Europe right now...look at this from...," tweeted leading UK-based weather presenter, Tomasz Schafernaker.

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Incredible how many <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thunderstorms?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thunderstorms</a> there are across Europe right now...look at this from 5PM. <a href="https://t.co/HYjprQbTKQ">pic.twitter.com/HYjprQbTKQ</a>
— Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schafernaker/status/1000783098412457984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There were also reports of a number of properties being struck by lightning and multiple flood alerts issued across Britain. Almost 1,000 properties across the midlands suffered power outages.

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Here we go again...the power of Mother Nature is being unleashed! It’s going bananas ?⚡️? in The Midlands...and the atmos is so volitile actoss the southern half of you UK that it might, anywhere, go BANG! ????⚡️⚡️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thunderstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thunderstorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/BVH2fZSY3V">pic.twitter.com/BVH2fZSY3V</a>
— Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schafernaker/status/1000763296142778368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A number of flights at London's Stansted airport were delayed, diverted and cancelled after a lightning strike affected an aircraft fueling system. Passengers are likely to bear the brunt as multiple aircraft line up to get refuelled.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thunderstorm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thunderstorm</a> is just skirting us here on Reigate Hill at the moment. Still a great lightning show! <a href="https://twitter.com/EUStormMap?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EUStormMap</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonSnowWatch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LondonSnowWatch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UKWeatherLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKWeatherLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/qljLcpLZDw">pic.twitter.com/qljLcpLZDw</a>
— JackpotRob (@robinpeyton) <a href="https://twitter.com/robinpeyton/status/1000519162647674880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Although the fuelling system was repaired on Sunday morning, passengers have been warned to check before travelling.&nbsp;

There were also reports of a number of properties being struck by lightning and multiple flood alerts issues across Britain

The United Kingdom was hit by lightning and thunderstorms on late Saturday night. The 'Mother of all thunderstorms' blasted parts of southern Britain with as many as nearly 20,000 lightning episodes ravaging parts of the United Kingdom. The lightning strikes put on a dramatic display for the onlookers who posted the awe-inspiring images on social media. As per reports, torrential rain accompanied the thunderstorm creating chaos for commuters. As many s 500 weather-related calls were received by the London Fire Brigade. And another amazing #lightning display from this #Cumulonimbus to the northwest of London seen from Ealing. (Mix of real-time and time-lapse) pic.twitter.com/6HhJpa9q8V — Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) May 27, 2018 × "Incredible how many thunderstorms there are across Europe right now...look at this from...," tweeted leading UK-based weather presenter, Tomasz Schafernaker. Incredible how many #thunderstorms there are across Europe right now...look at this from 5PM. pic.twitter.com/HYjprQbTKQ — Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) May 27, 2018 × There were also reports of a number of properties being struck by lightning and multiple flood alerts issued across Britain. Almost 1,000 properties across the midlands suffered power outages. Here we go again...the power of Mother Nature is being unleashed! It’s going bananas ?⚡️? in The Midlands...and the atmos is so volitile actoss the southern half of you UK that it might, anywhere, go BANG! ????⚡️⚡️#thunderstorm pic.twitter.com/BVH2fZSY3V — Tomasz Schafernaker (@Schafernaker) May 27, 2018 × A number of flights at London's Stansted airport were delayed, diverted and cancelled after a lightning strike affected an aircraft fueling system. Passengers are likely to bear the brunt as multiple aircraft line up to get refuelled. The #thunderstorm is just skirting us here on Reigate Hill at the moment. Still a great lightning show! @EUStormMap @LondonSnowWatch @UKWeatherLive pic.twitter.com/qljLcpLZDw — JackpotRob (@robinpeyton) May 26, 2018 × Although the fuelling system was repaired on Sunday morning, passengers have been warned to check before travelling.

'Mother of all thunderstorms' leaves UK in chaos with nearly 20,000 lightning strikes overnight

India is serious about extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here on Monday and maintained that United Kingdom has been firmly told the stance taken by British courts that they want to visit Indian jails to verify the prison conditions is "unacceptable".

MEA Swaraj in her strong retort reminded the UK that it is the same jail in which they had imprisoned the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Prime Minister of Independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters earlier, while the British ruled India.

According to news reports, the British Prime Minister Theresa May raised concerns over the condition of Indian prisons to PM Modi during her meeting earlier. The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said &nbspSushma to the media during her annual press meet

Along with this, the minister also criticised Pakistan about New Delhi's protests over Islamabad's move to take administrative control over the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The region is a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is central to the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order, under which the Pakistani central government seized more authority from the local council in matters related to the affairs of the region. Sushma remarked over the row: "A country that doesn't know democracy can't preach [to] us."

While Vijay Mallya, the fugitive loan defaulter, is wanted in India after he duped crores of rupees of the State Bank of India by borrowing money fraudulently. Reportedly, Mallya has taken shelter in UK and his extradition case hearing is currently on-going in a UK court. Earlier this week, he also lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in a UK High Court seeking to collect more than $1.55 billion, which dealt him a significant blow.

The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said Sushma to the media during her annual press meet

India is serious about extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here on Monday and maintained that United Kingdom has been firmly told the stance taken by British courts that they want to visit Indian jails to verify the prison conditions is "unacceptable". MEA Swaraj in her strong retort reminded the UK that it is the same jail in which they had imprisoned the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Prime Minister of Independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters earlier, while the British ruled India. According to news reports, the British Prime Minister Theresa May raised concerns over the condition of Indian prisons to PM Modi during her meeting earlier. The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said &nbspSushma to the media during her annual press meet Along with this, the minister also criticised Pakistan about New Delhi's protests over Islamabad's move to take administrative control over the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The region is a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is central to the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order, under which the Pakistani central government seized more authority from the local council in matters related to the affairs of the region. Sushma remarked over the row: "A country that doesn't know democracy can't preach [to] us." While Vijay Mallya, the fugitive loan defaulter, is wanted in India after he duped crores of rupees of the State Bank of India by borrowing money fraudulently. Reportedly, Mallya has taken shelter in UK and his extradition case hearing is currently on-going in a UK court. Earlier this week, he also lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in a UK High Court seeking to collect more than $1.55 billion, which dealt him a significant blow.

Vijay Mallya extradition: Sushma Swaraj slams UK for raising concern over India jail conditions

After heavy floods in Cuba, US and Oman it has now been reported that Britan has now been hit by flash floods with forecasters announcing 'danger to life.'

More than 20 warnings have been given for the Midlands region as huge storms made their way. A prominent route in Birmingham was filled with water up to 5ft deep while&nbsp;homes were flooded and cars submerged in water in other areas.&nbsp;

Also, Highways England was forced to close a stretch of the M5 between Halesowen and Oldbury which had become flooded. Other places hit included&nbsp;eastbound Hagley Road in the Bearwood area, Harborne area of Birmingham.&nbsp;

There are high levels of floodwater and Highways England is working to re-open the road as soon as possible.

As per reports, warnings of rain and thunderstorms are in place this afternoon for East Anglia, London and the South East and the South West.

A total of 42 flood alerts were also issued for other areas, urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.

Meanwhile, as per reports temperatures could hit highs of 28C or 29C in the region.

Earlier, heavy rains and flooding made streets in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-ellicott-city-declared-on-state-of-emergency-due-to-massive-flooding-140225">Ellicott City, Maryland</a> look like a river. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/storm-alberto-drenches-cuba-on-the-way-to-the-usa-140208">Storm Alberto</a> lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisia on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours.

The Environment Agency has more than 20 flood warnings and more than 40 flood alerts in place covering much of Central Englan

After heavy floods in Cuba, US and Oman it has now been reported that Britan has now been hit by flash floods with forecasters announcing 'danger to life.' More than 20 warnings have been given for the Midlands region as huge storms made their way. A prominent route in Birmingham was filled with water up to 5ft deep while homes were flooded and cars submerged in water in other areas. Also, Highways England was forced to close a stretch of the M5 between Halesowen and Oldbury which had become flooded. Other places hit included eastbound Hagley Road in the Bearwood area, Harborne area of Birmingham. There are high levels of floodwater and Highways England is working to re-open the road as soon as possible. As per reports, warnings of rain and thunderstorms are in place this afternoon for East Anglia, London and the South East and the South West. A total of 42 flood alerts were also issued for other areas, urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Meanwhile, as per reports temperatures could hit highs of 28C or 29C in the region. Earlier, heavy rains and flooding made streets in Ellicott City, Maryland look like a river. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency. Storm Alberto lashed the western Cuban region of Artemisia on Sunday, swelling a nearby river and dumping up to 12 cm of rain in less than eight hours.

Flash floods now hit UK after Cuba, US, Oman, forecasters announce 'danger to life'

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal.

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit.

In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member.

The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues.

British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October.

Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties.

May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek."

On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides.

The role of British judges would be respected, he added.

But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period."

Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020.

Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said.

"But that will not sway us. That will not sway me."

Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules.

"Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions.

"The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal. In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit. In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member. The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues. British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October. Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties. May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek." On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides. The role of British judges would be respected, he added. But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period." Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020. Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said. "But that will not sway us. That will not sway me." Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules. "Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions. "The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

End 'hide and seek' Brexit approach, Barnier tells UK

Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, who was allegedly poisoned by a nerve agent in Britain almost over a couple of months back, has been discharged from hospital.

66-year-old Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a public bench in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4.

It was found that Skripal and Yulia were poisoned with Novichok, a deadly group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s.

The father-daughter duo was in a critical condition for weeks. Yulia was discharged last month.

"It is fantastic news that Sergei Skripal is well enough to leave Salisbury District Hospital," the hospital's Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said in a statement.

Skripal, a former colonel in Russia's military intelligence and his daughter have accused Russia of being behind the nerve agent attack. Kremlin has denied all charges.

Western governments including the United States have expelled over 100 Russian diplomats.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The father-daughter duo was in a critical condition for weeks. Yulia was discharged last month

Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, who was allegedly poisoned by a nerve agent in Britain almost over a couple of months back, has been discharged from hospital. 66-year-old Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a public bench in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4. It was found that Skripal and Yulia were poisoned with Novichok, a deadly group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet military in the 1970s and 1980s. The father-daughter duo was in a critical condition for weeks. Yulia was discharged last month. "It is fantastic news that Sergei Skripal is well enough to leave Salisbury District Hospital," the hospital's Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said in a statement. Skripal, a former colonel in Russia's military intelligence and his daughter have accused Russia of being behind the nerve agent attack. Kremlin has denied all charges. Western governments including the United States have expelled over 100 Russian diplomats. (With inputs from Reuters)

Ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal discharged from hospital in UK

The ex-boss of Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that closed down after being involved in a scandal about the improper use of the data of millions of Facebook users, will appear in front of British lawmakers on June 6.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said that Alexander Nix had accepted its summons. While Nix has testified once to the committee, lawmakers want him to give further evidence - a request he had previously declined.

"We are glad that Alexander Nix has accepted our summons. The Committee will use the opportunity to address numerous inconsistencies in his previous evidence," Damian Collins, the committee's chairman, said in a statement.

The media committee is investigating fake news, and is increasingly focused on the role of Cambridge Analytica and Facebook in the 2016 Brexit vote and in the election of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Cambridge Analytica has denied doing paid work on the campaign for Brexit, and says its work on the Trump campaign did not use data at the centre of a Facebook scandal, where the details of around 87 million users were allegedly improperly obtained.

Cambridge Analytica said it pitched to Leave.EU, a Brexit campaign group, but did not do any work for them after it missed out on the official campaign designation to Vote Leave, which is separately being investigated for possibly breaches of campaign finance rules.

The committee said that Dominic Cummings, former campaign director Vote Leave, had refused to appear in front of lawmakers to discuss the campaign and its use of data.

Collins said that Cummings would be reported for failing to appear, which "could result in a decision that a contempt of parliament has been committed, a very serious outcome for the individual."

While Nix has testified once to the committee, lawmakers want him to give further evidence - a request he had previously declined

The ex-boss of Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that closed down after being involved in a scandal about the improper use of the data of millions of Facebook users, will appear in front of British lawmakers on June 6. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said that Alexander Nix had accepted its summons. While Nix has testified once to the committee, lawmakers want him to give further evidence - a request he had previously declined. "We are glad that Alexander Nix has accepted our summons. The Committee will use the opportunity to address numerous inconsistencies in his previous evidence," Damian Collins, the committee's chairman, said in a statement. The media committee is investigating fake news, and is increasingly focused on the role of Cambridge Analytica and Facebook in the 2016 Brexit vote and in the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Cambridge Analytica has denied doing paid work on the campaign for Brexit, and says its work on the Trump campaign did not use data at the centre of a Facebook scandal, where the details of around 87 million users were allegedly improperly obtained. Cambridge Analytica said it pitched to Leave.EU, a Brexit campaign group, but did not do any work for them after it missed out on the official campaign designation to Vote Leave, which is separately being investigated for possibly breaches of campaign finance rules. The committee said that Dominic Cummings, former campaign director Vote Leave, had refused to appear in front of lawmakers to discuss the campaign and its use of data. Collins said that Cummings would be reported for failing to appear, which "could result in a decision that a contempt of parliament has been committed, a very serious outcome for the individual."

Former Cambridge Analytica boss to appear before British lawmakers on June 6

The United Kingdom has denied visas&nbsp;to over 1,600 skilled engineers and IT specialists who were offered jobs in the UK between December and March BBC reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period.

Amid the ongoing Brexit issue, locals of UK are threatened with people coming out of UK for employment thus the government has asked employers to focus on recruiting from the UK before looking overseas.

However, reports say that most economists have shown concern on the immigration policy of UK as it may hamper the government's efforts to develop a high-tech economy as hiring talents from other countries would help in innovation.

As per the report of BBC, the home office of UK received a high volume of applications from employers who had offered jobs to workers outside the UK.

Between December and March, 1,226 IT specialists and 383 engineers reportedly denied visas while 1,876 medical professionals and people working in the healthcare sector, 197 teachers and 584 other professions were unable to take up their job offers in the UK due to the formality issues in the UK.

The yearly limit for non-European Union workers to get work visas is set at 20,700 per year with a monthly limit of about 1,600.

Last year in October media reports said that as the British government is seeking to slash the number of immigrants from the European Union following UK's departure there are over 11,000 job vacancies in healthcare service sector.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period

The United Kingdom has denied visas to over 1,600 skilled engineers and IT specialists who were offered jobs in the UK between December and March BBC reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period. Amid the ongoing Brexit issue, locals of UK are threatened with people coming out of UK for employment thus the government has asked employers to focus on recruiting from the UK before looking overseas. However, reports say that most economists have shown concern on the immigration policy of UK as it may hamper the government's efforts to develop a high-tech economy as hiring talents from other countries would help in innovation. As per the report of BBC, the home office of UK received a high volume of applications from employers who had offered jobs to workers outside the UK. Between December and March, 1,226 IT specialists and 383 engineers reportedly denied visas while 1,876 medical professionals and people working in the healthcare sector, 197 teachers and 584 other professions were unable to take up their job offers in the UK due to the formality issues in the UK. The yearly limit for non-European Union workers to get work visas is set at 20,700 per year with a monthly limit of about 1,600. Last year in October media reports said that as the British government is seeking to slash the number of immigrants from the European Union following UK's departure there are over 11,000 job vacancies in healthcare service sector.

UK denies visa to over 1000 IT professionals and engineers

According to a British parliamentary committee, Facebook has failed to answer questions from British lawmakers over data privacy and fake news.

Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details.

The committee had previously noted that Facebook's chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer had not addressed all its concerns during a parliamentary hearing last month after which additional questions were directed to the firm.

Meanwhile, Facebook Inc has so far suspended around 200 apps in the first stage of its review into apps that had access to large quantities of user data, in a response to a scandal around political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

The apps were suspended pending a thorough investigation into whether they misused any data, said Ime Archibong, Facebook's vice president of product partnerships.

Facebook said it has looked into thousands of apps till date as part of an investigation that Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg announced on March 21.

Zuckerberg had said the social network will investigate all apps that had access to large amounts of information before the company curtailed data access in 2014.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details

According to a British parliamentary committee, Facebook has failed to answer questions from British lawmakers over data privacy and fake news. Reports suggest that the social networking giant did not fully answer 39 queries and that it would be asked again for the missing details. The committee had previously noted that Facebook's chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer had not addressed all its concerns during a parliamentary hearing last month after which additional questions were directed to the firm. Meanwhile, Facebook Inc has so far suspended around 200 apps in the first stage of its review into apps that had access to large quantities of user data, in a response to a scandal around political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The apps were suspended pending a thorough investigation into whether they misused any data, said Ime Archibong, Facebook's vice president of product partnerships. Facebook said it has looked into thousands of apps till date as part of an investigation that Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg announced on March 21. Zuckerberg had said the social network will investigate all apps that had access to large amounts of information before the company curtailed data access in 2014. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK lawmakers say Facebook hasn't fully answered queries on data privacy

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue and that any change would not necessarily be for the better.

Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question about whether he thought John Bolton, the US&nbspNational Security Advisor, was seeking regime change in Tehran.

"I have to tell you that I do not believe that regime change in Tehran is the objective that we should be seeking," Johnson said.

"We might conceivably achieve regime change at some stage in the near future but I cannot with any confidence say that would be a change for the better because it seems equally plausible to me to imagine that Qasem Soleimani of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) could put himself in a very good position to take over from Ayatollah Khamenei for instance."

Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue and that any change would not necessarily be for the better. Johnson made the comments in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question about whether he thought John Bolton, the US&nbspNational Security Advisor, was seeking regime change in Tehran. "I have to tell you that I do not believe that regime change in Tehran is the objective that we should be seeking," Johnson said. "We might conceivably achieve regime change at some stage in the near future but I cannot with any confidence say that would be a change for the better because it seems equally plausible to me to imagine that Qasem Soleimani of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) could put himself in a very good position to take over from Ayatollah Khamenei for instance."

UK's Johnson: We should not pursue regime change in Iran

Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday.

"Both leaders agreed the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries, and looked forward to the meeting of UK, German, French and Iranian foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday," according to a readout of the call with President Hassan Rouhani that was issued by May's office.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp

Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

US President Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East

Britain and its European partners remain committed to ensuring the nuclear deal with Iran is upheld and Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the pact, British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Iranian president on Sunday. "Both leaders agreed the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries, and looked forward to the meeting of UK, German, French and Iranian foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday," according to a readout of the call with President Hassan Rouhani that was issued by May's office. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision last week to pull out of the nuclear deal has upset European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Iran has said it will stay committed to the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement can ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy such as oil. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both the leaders met in Beijing earlier today where Zarif hoped that China and other countries will be able to "construct a clear future design" for the nuclear agreement.

UK PM May says committed to ensuring Iran deal is upheld

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? &nbsp;

The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rouhani-agree-to-seek-continued-implementation-of-nuclear-deal-135774">Europeans do</a>. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. &nbsp;

Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. &nbsp;The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds.

So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. &nbsp;

Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. &nbsp;

That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. &nbsp;There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others.

David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. &nbsp;This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon.

Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest&nbsp;Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. &nbsp;But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. &nbsp;Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads.&nbsp;

In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. &nbsp;But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. &nbsp;The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon.

The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. &nbsp;They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year.&nbsp;But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

There were five other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal. Top Indian diplomats say what Iran does next will depend on what the European signatories — France, Germany, and the UK — do

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the Europeans do. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds. So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others. David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon. Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads. In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon. The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year. But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

Will Iran now make the bomb? Depends on Europe

UK Ice cream makers could have a hard time this summer as the prices of vanilla sky-rocket over the last two years.&nbsp;

Ice cream makers around the UK are in panic-mode - at approximately $600 (£443) per kilo, 30 times what it did just a few years ago.&nbsp;

The in-demand ingredient now costs more than silver.

Although major leading retailers may not be as affected by the change, small businesses and pop-up shops could have a tough time in the market, reports said.&nbsp;

Maximum amount of vanilla is grown in Madagascar whose market has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, as per reports. This is because when the ingredient's price escalated in the 80s, companies started producing fake vanilla making it tough for the demand of the real stuff to remain or grow.&nbsp;

But, the more experienced and health-conscious people began to notice the change in flavor and the demand increased and prices reached sky-high.&nbsp;

Many small ice cream shops have to resort to dropping vanilla flavors from their menu due to the reason while another UK-based business reconsidering its vanilla options is the family-run company, Snugburys Ice Cream.

Around a third of their 40 flavours contain vanilla in some form and they are paying their supplier 30 times more for the extract than they did in previous years.

It is tough for the ingredient to cultivate, extracted from the delicate vanilla orchid flower. As a result, vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron.

Vanilla is also a popular ingredient in alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, other food products.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At approximately $600 (£443) per kilo, prices rose 30 times what it did just a few years ago

UK Ice cream makers could have a hard time this summer as the prices of vanilla sky-rocket over the last two years. Ice cream makers around the UK are in panic-mode - at approximately $600 (£443) per kilo, 30 times what it did just a few years ago. The in-demand ingredient now costs more than silver. Although major leading retailers may not be as affected by the change, small businesses and pop-up shops could have a tough time in the market, reports said. Maximum amount of vanilla is grown in Madagascar whose market has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, as per reports. This is because when the ingredient's price escalated in the 80s, companies started producing fake vanilla making it tough for the demand of the real stuff to remain or grow. But, the more experienced and health-conscious people began to notice the change in flavor and the demand increased and prices reached sky-high. Many small ice cream shops have to resort to dropping vanilla flavors from their menu due to the reason while another UK-based business reconsidering its vanilla options is the family-run company, Snugburys Ice Cream. Around a third of their 40 flavours contain vanilla in some form and they are paying their supplier 30 times more for the extract than they did in previous years. It is tough for the ingredient to cultivate, extracted from the delicate vanilla orchid flower. As a result, vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. Vanilla is also a popular ingredient in alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, other food products.

Watch: Vanilla now costs more than silver, ice cream makers in panic

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote.

"That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said.

Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively.

Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time.

Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'. Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote. "That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said. Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively. Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time. Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

We must attract more women to survive, Merkel tells her party

Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party avoided a wipeout in London local elections and eked out gains in Brexit-supporting regions elsewhere, early results on Friday showed, although her Labour opponents did gain ground in the capital.

Below is a list of some facts about the elections and five council results that set the tone for the overall outcome.

- Councils are the local government authorities with responsibility for providing public services that affect residents' day-to-day lives. They are made up of varying numbers of seats, and run by any party that has an overall majority of those seats.

- More than 4,000 council seats will be contested, determining the make-up of 150 councils. More than 40 percent of the seats are in London.

- All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils. Some councils outside London are only electing one third of their councillors this time around.

- Unlike national elections that decide seats in parliament, or the 2016 EU referendum, Thursday's elections are open to EU nationals registered and resident in electing boroughs.

Results

Peterborough --&nbspConservative gain

The Conservatives won the single extra seat they needed to take overall control of this council which represents an eastern area that voted 61 percent to leave the EU. The anti-EU UK Independence Party lost its only seat on the council as part of a broader collapse in the party's vote.

Trafford -- Conservative gain

A council in the northern city of Manchester which had been the Conservatives' highly prized foothold in a region dominated by the opposition Labour Party. The Conservatives lost five seats, while Labour gained four, leaving the council without a single party in overall control.

Wandsworth --&nbspConservative hold

A hotly contested Conservative borough in southwest London with a tradition of low taxes dating back to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Labour gained seats on the council, but the Conservatives held enough to keep control.

Westminster --&nbspConservative hold

The Conservatives lost three seats on this symbolic council at the heart of London's political district but retained overall control by a wide margin. It has been run by the Conservatives since its creation in 1964.

Yet to be declared

Barnet -- A London borough which Labour has never won since its creation in 1974, Barnet is a big target this time around. The result here will illustrate the extent to which a row between Labour and the Jewish community over the handling of anti-Semitism in the party has affected the public mood. Barnet has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 percent, according to the latest census data.

All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils

Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party avoided a wipeout in London local elections and eked out gains in Brexit-supporting regions elsewhere, early results on Friday showed, although her Labour opponents did gain ground in the capital. Below is a list of some facts about the elections and five council results that set the tone for the overall outcome. - Councils are the local government authorities with responsibility for providing public services that affect residents' day-to-day lives. They are made up of varying numbers of seats, and run by any party that has an overall majority of those seats. - More than 4,000 council seats will be contested, determining the make-up of 150 councils. More than 40 percent of the seats are in London. - All 32 London boroughs are electing their whole councils. Some councils outside London are only electing one third of their councillors this time around. - Unlike national elections that decide seats in parliament, or the 2016 EU referendum, Thursday's elections are open to EU nationals registered and resident in electing boroughs. Results Peterborough --&nbspConservative gain The Conservatives won the single extra seat they needed to take overall control of this council which represents an eastern area that voted 61 percent to leave the EU. The anti-EU UK Independence Party lost its only seat on the council as part of a broader collapse in the party's vote. Trafford -- Conservative gain A council in the northern city of Manchester which had been the Conservatives' highly prized foothold in a region dominated by the opposition Labour Party. The Conservatives lost five seats, while Labour gained four, leaving the council without a single party in overall control. Wandsworth --&nbspConservative hold A hotly contested Conservative borough in southwest London with a tradition of low taxes dating back to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Labour gained seats on the council, but the Conservatives held enough to keep control. Westminster --&nbspConservative hold The Conservatives lost three seats on this symbolic council at the heart of London's political district but retained overall control by a wide margin. It has been run by the Conservatives since its creation in 1964. Yet to be declared Barnet -- A London borough which Labour has never won since its creation in 1974, Barnet is a big target this time around. The result here will illustrate the extent to which a row between Labour and the Jewish community over the handling of anti-Semitism in the party has affected the public mood. Barnet has the highest proportion of Jewish residents in England at 15.5 percent, according to the latest census data.

UK local government elections: Key results and ones to watch

Prince Louis Arthur Charles, the couple's third child, who joins brother George, 4, and sister Charlotte, 2, and becomes fifth-in-line to the throne, was born on Monday last week, weighing in at 8 lbs 7oz.

On Tuesday, William and Kate, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, signed the birth register at their Kensington Palace home in central London in front of an official from Westminster Register Office.

All newborns in Britain have to be registered, with details of the parents and their occupation. William and Kate duly listed their jobs as Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom.

On Tuesday, William and Kate, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, signed the birth register at their Kensington Palace home in central London in front of an official from Westminster Register Office

Prince Louis Arthur Charles, the couple's third child, who joins brother George, 4, and sister Charlotte, 2, and becomes fifth-in-line to the throne, was born on Monday last week, weighing in at 8 lbs 7oz. On Tuesday, William and Kate, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, signed the birth register at their Kensington Palace home in central London in front of an official from Westminster Register Office. All newborns in Britain have to be registered, with details of the parents and their occupation. William and Kate duly listed their jobs as Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom.

UK's Prince William and Kate register new son Louis's birth

Britain's new interior minister Sajid Javid on Monday attempted to distance himself from the "hostile environment" approach to a crackdown on illegal immigration which was favoured by Prime Minister Theresa May during her time in the job.

Javid told parliament he was working to resolve the situation of the so-called "Windrush" migrants after a scandal that forced her predecessor Amber Rudd to resign because she misled parliament over the government's immigration policy.

The government has been struggling to explain why some descendants of the "Windrush generation", invited to Britain to plug labour shortfalls between 1948 and 1971, have been denied basic rights and have been incorrectly labelled as illegal immigrants.

Tighter border policies are in part a legacy of May's time as interior minister - a role she held for six years before becoming prime minister in 2016.

May in 2012 said she wanted to create a "really hostile environment for illegal immigrants" and rules were tightened that ended up affecting people they hadn't been designed to target.

"I don't like the phrase hostile," Javid said. "So the terminology is incorrect and I think it is a phrase that is unhelpful and it doesn't represent our values as country to use that phrase. It is about a compliant environment and it is right that we have a compliant environment."

The government has apologised to Windrush migrants and their families, promised citizenship and compensation to those affected, including to people who have lost their jobs and been threatened with deportation because of the errors.

Javid said the interior ministry is investigating about 2,500 cases and has resolved about 100 cases.

"This should never have been the case and I will do whatever it takes to put it right," he said.

Javid said the interior ministry is investigating about 2,500 cases and has resolved about 100 cases

Britain's new interior minister Sajid Javid on Monday attempted to distance himself from the "hostile environment" approach to a crackdown on illegal immigration which was favoured by Prime Minister Theresa May during her time in the job. Javid told parliament he was working to resolve the situation of the so-called "Windrush" migrants after a scandal that forced her predecessor Amber Rudd to resign because she misled parliament over the government's immigration policy. The government has been struggling to explain why some descendants of the "Windrush generation", invited to Britain to plug labour shortfalls between 1948 and 1971, have been denied basic rights and have been incorrectly labelled as illegal immigrants. Tighter border policies are in part a legacy of May's time as interior minister - a role she held for six years before becoming prime minister in 2016. May in 2012 said she wanted to create a "really hostile environment for illegal immigrants" and rules were tightened that ended up affecting people they hadn't been designed to target. "I don't like the phrase hostile," Javid said. "So the terminology is incorrect and I think it is a phrase that is unhelpful and it doesn't represent our values as country to use that phrase. It is about a compliant environment and it is right that we have a compliant environment." The government has apologised to Windrush migrants and their families, promised citizenship and compensation to those affected, including to people who have lost their jobs and been threatened with deportation because of the errors. Javid said the interior ministry is investigating about 2,500 cases and has resolved about 100 cases. "This should never have been the case and I will do whatever it takes to put it right," he said.

UK's Pak origin Home Secy Sajid Javid not for 'hostile' approach on immigration

A member of Britain's House of Lords was today forced to deny that he is a racist after he called Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a "typical Indian"&nbsp;on social media.

He tweeted the comment in response to a&nbsp;news story in which Varadkar was accused of "poor manners" over his visit to Northern Ireland on Monday.

Former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt&nbsp;tweeted that he could only interpret it as a "racist comment".

Lord Kilclooney told BBC he rejected "false accusations of racism". Lord Kilclooney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party or UUP in Northern Ireland, was responding to a BBC headline on Twitter which read: "DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed disrespect". Mr Kilclooney tweeted back yesterday with the words&nbsp;"typical Indian".

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DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed 'disrespect' <a href="https://t.co/luWmC4BCVR">https://t.co/luWmC4BCVR</a>
— BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcnewsline/status/990952802632511494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group), only yesterday I had a reply from 10, Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM (Varadkar) had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had," he later tweeted, after being accused of racism. 
 
But many took to Twitter to condemn his words, including former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt who said it could only be interpreted as a racist comment. 
 
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Lord Kilclooney was "an embarrassment"

She said his latest comment was a "slur on all Indian people with his use of the word 'typical'" and demanded that the Speaker of the House of Lords raise the matter with the peer. 
 
Democratic Unionist Party or DUP MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: "I don't know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks he's playing at but he doesn't speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behavior." 
 
The 80-year-old life peer defended his remark by saying Varadkar had been "most provocative" over the course of the Brexit negotiations and had "misunderstood the views of many unionists". He added that the Irish premier had a "dismal lack of knowledge" about Northern Ireland affairs. 
 
The comments came after Northern Ireland's DUP accused Maharashtrian-origin&nbsp;Varadkar of breach of protocol saying he visited the region without informing local elected representatives of his visit to counties Armagh and Down. The Irish leader stressed that he followed standard protocol by informing the Northern Ireland Office of his visit. 
 
I can assure anyone that I'm not an invader. I just want to be a good neighbour and I received a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland,"&nbsp;Varadkar said. 
 
"The only future that we have on this island is to work together and that's what I want to do. I'm not here to upset anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. I'm just here as a neighbour," he added. 
 
Ireland and Northern Ireland have a long history of political troubles, brought to the fore by the ongoing Brexit negotiations which will leave European Union member-state Ireland bordering a non-EU member state, Northern Ireland. The border issue is seen as a major stumbling block in Britain and the EU finalising any exit deal. 
 
This is not the first time&nbsp;Kilclooney has been caught up in a racism controversy. Last November, he acknowledged that a remark he made about&nbsp;Varadkar had caused "upset and misunderstanding" and withdrew his tweet that referred to the premier as "the Indian".

"In Twitter one is restricted to a limited number of words and so for shorthand, I used the term Indian for the new PM in Dublin. This has caused upset and misunderstanding and so I withdraw it. I am no way racist and accept that Mr Varadkar is a 100 per cent Irish citizen," he had said at the time.

(With inputs from PTI)

Lord Kilclooney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party or UUP in Northern Ireland, was responding to a BBC headline on Twitter which read: 'DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed disrespect'

A member of Britain's House of Lords was today forced to deny that he is a racist after he called Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a "typical Indian" on social media. He tweeted the comment in response to a news story in which Varadkar was accused of "poor manners" over his visit to Northern Ireland on Monday. Former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt tweeted that he could only interpret it as a "racist comment". Lord Kilclooney told BBC he rejected "false accusations of racism". Lord Kilclooney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party or UUP in Northern Ireland, was responding to a BBC headline on Twitter which read: "DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed disrespect". Mr Kilclooney tweeted back yesterday with the words "typical Indian". DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed 'disrespect' https://t.co/luWmC4BCVR — BBC Newsline (@bbcnewsline) April 30, 2018 × "I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group), only yesterday I had a reply from 10, Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM (Varadkar) had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had," he later tweeted, after being accused of racism. But many took to Twitter to condemn his words, including former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt who said it could only be interpreted as a racist comment. Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Lord Kilclooney was "an embarrassment" She said his latest comment was a "slur on all Indian people with his use of the word 'typical'" and demanded that the Speaker of the House of Lords raise the matter with the peer. Democratic Unionist Party or DUP MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: "I don't know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks he's playing at but he doesn't speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behavior." The 80-year-old life peer defended his remark by saying Varadkar had been "most provocative" over the course of the Brexit negotiations and had "misunderstood the views of many unionists". He added that the Irish premier had a "dismal lack of knowledge" about Northern Ireland affairs. The comments came after Northern Ireland's DUP accused Maharashtrian-origin Varadkar of breach of protocol saying he visited the region without informing local elected representatives of his visit to counties Armagh and Down. The Irish leader stressed that he followed standard protocol by informing the Northern Ireland Office of his visit. I can assure anyone that I'm not an invader. I just want to be a good neighbour and I received a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland," Varadkar said. "The only future that we have on this island is to work together and that's what I want to do. I'm not here to upset anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. I'm just here as a neighbour," he added. Ireland and Northern Ireland have a long history of political troubles, brought to the fore by the ongoing Brexit negotiations which will leave European Union member-state Ireland bordering a non-EU member state, Northern Ireland. The border issue is seen as a major stumbling block in Britain and the EU finalising any exit deal. This is not the first time Kilclooney has been caught up in a racism controversy. Last November, he acknowledged that a remark he made about Varadkar had caused "upset and misunderstanding" and withdrew his tweet that referred to the premier as "the Indian". "In Twitter one is restricted to a limited number of words and so for shorthand, I used the term Indian for the new PM in Dublin. This has caused upset and misunderstanding and so I withdraw it. I am no way racist and accept that Mr Varadkar is a 100 per cent Irish citizen," he had said at the time. (With inputs from PTI)

Irish PM Leo Varadkar called 'typical Indian' by UK peer who says he was not being racist

The UK government today faced an embarrassing defeat on Brexit as the House of Lords voted to give Parliament powers to block or delay the final deal on the country's departure from the European Union (EU).

The peers from the Upper House voted 335 to 244 in favour of an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that could allow Parliament to send Britain back to the negotiating table with Brussels or even halt the country's exit from the EU if it is not happy with the final offer.

"We are disappointed that the House of Lords has voted for this amendment inspite of the assurances we have provided," said Lord Martin Callanan, Britain's Minister for Exiting the EU.

"What this amendment would do is weaken the UK's hand in our negotiations with the EU by giving Parliament unprecedented powers to instruct the government to do anything with regard to the negotiations including trying to keep the UK in the EU indefinitely," he said, adding that the government will now consider the implications of the House of Lords' decision.

The amendment to the Bill can be overturned by MPs in the House of Commons, where British Prime Minister Theresa May's government has a narrow majority.

The government maintains that it is open to Parliament being able to scrutinise the final deal, and has therefore committed to giving both Houses a vote on the final deal.

But on Monday the House of Lords voted for what they believe is a more meaningful say over the final Brexit offer.

Peers have already defeated the government six times, with the vote on the latest amendment tabled by Lord Hailsham marking the seventh defeat.

Meanwhile, there is mounting pressure on the UK from another quarter as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator said that Britain and the EU must reach an agreement on the key points of the Northern Ireland border issue by June.

Michel Barnier, who was speaking at a conference in the Irish border town of Dundalk on Monday, warned that talks were at risk of collapse if no agreement was made on a "backstop" to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland once Britain is a non-member of the EU.

The issue of border arrangements between EU member Ireland and soon-to-be non-member Northern Ireland are seen as a major stumbling block in the ongoing negotiations.

The amendment to the Bill can be overturned by MPs in the House of Commons, where British Prime Minister Theresa May's government has a narrow majority.

The UK government today faced an embarrassing defeat on Brexit as the House of Lords voted to give Parliament powers to block or delay the final deal on the country's departure from the European Union (EU). The peers from the Upper House voted 335 to 244 in favour of an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that could allow Parliament to send Britain back to the negotiating table with Brussels or even halt the country's exit from the EU if it is not happy with the final offer. "We are disappointed that the House of Lords has voted for this amendment inspite of the assurances we have provided," said Lord Martin Callanan, Britain's Minister for Exiting the EU. "What this amendment would do is weaken the UK's hand in our negotiations with the EU by giving Parliament unprecedented powers to instruct the government to do anything with regard to the negotiations including trying to keep the UK in the EU indefinitely," he said, adding that the government will now consider the implications of the House of Lords' decision. The amendment to the Bill can be overturned by MPs in the House of Commons, where British Prime Minister Theresa May's government has a narrow majority. The government maintains that it is open to Parliament being able to scrutinise the final deal, and has therefore committed to giving both Houses a vote on the final deal. But on Monday the House of Lords voted for what they believe is a more meaningful say over the final Brexit offer. Peers have already defeated the government six times, with the vote on the latest amendment tabled by Lord Hailsham marking the seventh defeat. Meanwhile, there is mounting pressure on the UK from another quarter as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator said that Britain and the EU must reach an agreement on the key points of the Northern Ireland border issue by June. Michel Barnier, who was speaking at a conference in the Irish border town of Dundalk on Monday, warned that talks were at risk of collapse if no agreement was made on a "backstop" to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland once Britain is a non-member of the EU. The issue of border arrangements between EU member Ireland and soon-to-be non-member Northern Ireland are seen as a major stumbling block in the ongoing negotiations.

UK government suffers Brexit defeat in House of Lords

UK's Home Secretary Amber Rudd resigned on Monday. Her resignation came following pressure mounting on Theresa May's government over its treatment of the 'Windrush generation', the first large group of Caribbean migrants that arrived in the UK after the World War II.&nbsp;

According to reports, May's government received flak over 'wrongly labelling' the Caribbean migrants as illegal.&nbsp;

Rudd, who was supposed to make a Commons statement today, stepped down for having 'inadvertently misled' the parliament over targets for deporting illegal immigrants.

"It is with great regret that I am resigning as Home Secretary. I feel it is necessary to do so because I&nbsp;inadvertently misled the Home Affairs Select Committee&nbsp;over targets for removal of illegal immigrants during questions on Windrush," read Rudd's resignation letter.

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UK Home Secretary (interior minister) Amber Rudd has resigned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Windrush?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Windrush</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmberRuddResigns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmberRuddResigns</a> <a href="https://t.co/DoDbE3nWon">pic.twitter.com/DoDbE3nWon</a>
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Rudd took to Twitter and apologised saying that she was not aware of "specific removal targets". "I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't," read her tweet.

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2/4 I wasn't aware of specific removal targets. I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't.
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/989967773785886720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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4/4 As Home Secretary I will work to ensure that our immigration policy is fair and humane.
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/989968657102057474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For two weeks, British ministers have been struggling to explain why some descendants of the so-called "Windrush generation" had been labelled as illegal immigrants.

Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants.

The 'Windrush generation' was invited to Britain after the end of World War II, between 1948 and 1971, to plug labour shortfalls in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants.

UK's Home Secretary Amber Rudd resigned on Monday. Her resignation came following pressure mounting on Theresa May's government over its treatment of the 'Windrush generation', the first large group of Caribbean migrants that arrived in the UK after the World War II. According to reports, May's government received flak over 'wrongly labelling' the Caribbean migrants as illegal. Rudd, who was supposed to make a Commons statement today, stepped down for having 'inadvertently misled' the parliament over targets for deporting illegal immigrants. "It is with great regret that I am resigning as Home Secretary. I feel it is necessary to do so because I inadvertently misled the Home Affairs Select Committee over targets for removal of illegal immigrants during questions on Windrush," read Rudd's resignation letter. UK Home Secretary (interior minister) Amber Rudd has resigned. #Windrush #AmberRuddResigns pic.twitter.com/DoDbE3nWon — WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 29, 2018 × Rudd took to Twitter and apologised saying that she was not aware of "specific removal targets". "I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't," read her tweet. 2/4 I wasn't aware of specific removal targets. I accept I should have been and I'm sorry that I wasn't. — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) April 27, 2018 × 4/4 As Home Secretary I will work to ensure that our immigration policy is fair and humane. — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) April 27, 2018 × For two weeks, British ministers have been struggling to explain why some descendants of the so-called "Windrush generation" had been labelled as illegal immigrants. Rudd had faced repeated calls from the opposition Labour Party to resign after she gave contradictory statements about meeting targets for deportations of illegal migrants. The 'Windrush generation' was invited to Britain after the end of World War II, between 1948 and 1971, to plug labour shortfalls in the region. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK Home Secy resigns, admits having 'inadvertently misled' Parliament over 'Windrush' scandal

The United Kingdon and the United States have now decided to start a US $25 million projects to study the risks of Thwaites glacier in west Antarctica, dubbed the “doomsday glacier.”

About 100 researchers at Penn State University will soon be descending to West Antarctica to get an idea of the future of global sea level. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration plans to deploy six teams to the remote ice sheet, where they will study it using a host of tools, including instrument-carrying seals and earth-sensing seismographs.&nbsp;

As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, the UK Natural Environment Research Council and US National Science Foundation said in a joint statement.

“Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone," UK science minister Sam Gyimah said.&nbsp;

The Thwaites glacier alone is thought to have accounted for about 4% of global sea-level rises, doubling its contribution since the mid-1990s.

The funds will be used by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the National Science Foundation of the US, involving about 100 scientists, in the biggest joint project by the two countries in Antarctica since the end of a mapping project in the region in the late 1940s. Researchers from other countries, including South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland, will also contribute.

Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica.

If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (3 feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions.

The scientists would deploy planes, hot water drills, satellite measurements, ships and robot submarines to one of the remotest parts of the planet to see "whether the glacier's collapse could begin in the next few decades or centuries," the statement said.

Despite satellites, "there are still many aspects of the ice and ocean that cannot be determined from space," said Ted Scambos, of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the lead U.S. scientific coordinator.

As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain

The United Kingdon and the United States have now decided to start a US $25 million projects to study the risks of Thwaites glacier in west Antarctica, dubbed the “doomsday glacier.” About 100 researchers at Penn State University will soon be descending to West Antarctica to get an idea of the future of global sea level. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration plans to deploy six teams to the remote ice sheet, where they will study it using a host of tools, including instrument-carrying seals and earth-sensing seismographs. As per reports, the collapse of the glacier could begin in the next few centuries or decades. The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, the UK Natural Environment Research Council and US National Science Foundation said in a joint statement. “Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone," UK science minister Sam Gyimah said. The Thwaites glacier alone is thought to have accounted for about 4% of global sea-level rises, doubling its contribution since the mid-1990s. The funds will be used by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council and the National Science Foundation of the US, involving about 100 scientists, in the biggest joint project by the two countries in Antarctica since the end of a mapping project in the region in the late 1940s. Researchers from other countries, including South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland, will also contribute. Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica. If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (3 feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions. The scientists would deploy planes, hot water drills, satellite measurements, ships and robot submarines to one of the remotest parts of the planet to see "whether the glacier's collapse could begin in the next few decades or centuries," the statement said. Despite satellites, "there are still many aspects of the ice and ocean that cannot be determined from space," said Ted Scambos, of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the lead U.S. scientific coordinator.

UK, US launch $25 million project to study 'doomsday' glacier in West Antarctica

The European Union must be prepared for the real risk that negotiations over Britain's departure from the bloc will end without a deal, the EU's Brexit negotiator said on Monday.

"In the coming months of negotiations the key point is to conclude a withdrawal agreement. We are not yet there and to be clear, not only because of the Irish/Northern Ireland border," Michel Barnier said at a conference in Ireland.

"There is a real risk and we have to be prepared for any options, including no deal. It's not my option."

Speaking to reporters on his third visit to Ireland since the referendum, Michel Barnier said he was “not optimistic” and “not pessimistic” but “determined” that the two sides can break the current impasse on talks.

But he hinted that the UK would not have to come up with the final deal for Ireland, describing the June summit as “a stepping stone” to the October deadline for the wider Brexit deal to be completed.

The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said Britain’s “approach to negotiations will need to change in some way” if there is to be agreement over the issue.

Irish and EU negotiators are getting increasingly exasperated by what they see as Britain’s refusal to move forward on talks on the border issue before the June deadline.

Speaking to reporters on his third visit to Ireland since the referendum, Michel Barnier said he was 'not optimistic' and 'not pessimistic' but 'determined' that the two sides can break the current impasse on talks

The European Union must be prepared for the real risk that negotiations over Britain's departure from the bloc will end without a deal, the EU's Brexit negotiator said on Monday. "In the coming months of negotiations the key point is to conclude a withdrawal agreement. We are not yet there and to be clear, not only because of the Irish/Northern Ireland border," Michel Barnier said at a conference in Ireland. "There is a real risk and we have to be prepared for any options, including no deal. It's not my option." Speaking to reporters on his third visit to Ireland since the referendum, Michel Barnier said he was “not optimistic” and “not pessimistic” but “determined” that the two sides can break the current impasse on talks. But he hinted that the UK would not have to come up with the final deal for Ireland, describing the June summit as “a stepping stone” to the October deadline for the wider Brexit deal to be completed. The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said Britain’s “approach to negotiations will need to change in some way” if there is to be agreement over the issue. Irish and EU negotiators are getting increasingly exasperated by what they see as Britain’s refusal to move forward on talks on the border issue before the June deadline.

EU's Barnier says must be prepared for risk of no Brexit deal

An Indian official who worked at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London has won an employment tribunal claim that he was unlawfully forced out of his job and is entitled to thousands of pounds in damages.

Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for.

The 45-year-old's lawyers had argued that the former deputy head of office at the Secretariat had been "marked out" by Scotland after he raised concerns over her decision to spend 50,000 pounds on a garden party shortly after she had taken office in 2016.

The specially-convened employment tribunal concluded that Venuprasad was unlawfully forced out of his job and the disciplinary processes used against the former senior civil servant were "seriously flawed", The Times reported.

The ruling from the tribunal, held at the Secretariat headquarters in Marlborough House in London, came soon after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) concluded on April 20.

"Despite receiving the judgment last week, I did not want to speak publicly until the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London," Venuprasad told the newspaper.

The Indian citizen who has lived in Britain for 20 years hopes to find work at another international organisation but had been told by head-hunters that the case would hinder his chances.

Venuprasad's legal team told the tribunal that when media reports highlighted Scotland's alleged "extravagant and overzealous spending", the civil servant was blamed for the leak and suffered a campaign of "intimidation and hostility", which he said was "designed to damage his reputation and damage him psychologically".

The civil servant, who joined the Secretariat in 2001, said the tipping point came when Scotland, 62, organised a major meeting for staff and caused a stir by telling the meeting that no one outside of the organisation had ever heard of her predecessor, Kamalesh Sharma, the former Indian high commissioner to the UK.

"That really did not go down well," Venuprasad recalls, claiming that Scotland – a former UK Attorney-General – appeared to suggest that she was a big name who was going to raise the profile of the Secretariat.

"I spoke to her directly and frankly about her comments. I told her that I thought her criticisms were very unfair as (Sharma) was not there to defend himself. I saw it as a question of common courtesy. And she did not like that," he claims.

The employment tribunal, chaired by David Goddard, concluded that Venuprasad's suspension was a "breach of the secretariat's obligations" under its employment contract and is now set to take submissions regarding the amount of compensation to be awarded.

The panel also criticised Scotland for not giving evidence. Failing to do so "overlooks the Secretariat's responsibility to assist the tribunal to reach an informed decision, and the real risk of adverse inferences being drawn," it noted.

Disciplinary action was brought against Venuprasad in July 2016, when it was alleged that he was "disaffected" and had leaked information to the media, which he continues to deny.

"We are reviewing the tribunal's judgment and will consider our next steps," a Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson said.

Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for

An Indian official who worked at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London has won an employment tribunal claim that he was unlawfully forced out of his job and is entitled to thousands of pounds in damages. Ram Venuprasad had brought the case against Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for unfairly disciplining him over leaks of information to the media, which he denied responsibility for. The 45-year-old's lawyers had argued that the former deputy head of office at the Secretariat had been "marked out" by Scotland after he raised concerns over her decision to spend 50,000 pounds on a garden party shortly after she had taken office in 2016. The specially-convened employment tribunal concluded that Venuprasad was unlawfully forced out of his job and the disciplinary processes used against the former senior civil servant were "seriously flawed", The Times reported. The ruling from the tribunal, held at the Secretariat headquarters in Marlborough House in London, came soon after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) concluded on April 20. "Despite receiving the judgment last week, I did not want to speak publicly until the conclusion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London," Venuprasad told the newspaper. The Indian citizen who has lived in Britain for 20 years hopes to find work at another international organisation but had been told by head-hunters that the case would hinder his chances. Venuprasad's legal team told the tribunal that when media reports highlighted Scotland's alleged "extravagant and overzealous spending", the civil servant was blamed for the leak and suffered a campaign of "intimidation and hostility", which he said was "designed to damage his reputation and damage him psychologically". The civil servant, who joined the Secretariat in 2001, said the tipping point came when Scotland, 62, organised a major meeting for staff and caused a stir by telling the meeting that no one outside of the organisation had ever heard of her predecessor, Kamalesh Sharma, the former Indian high commissioner to the UK. "That really did not go down well," Venuprasad recalls, claiming that Scotland – a former UK Attorney-General – appeared to suggest that she was a big name who was going to raise the profile of the Secretariat. "I spoke to her directly and frankly about her comments. I told her that I thought her criticisms were very unfair as (Sharma) was not there to defend himself. I saw it as a question of common courtesy. And she did not like that," he claims. The employment tribunal, chaired by David Goddard, concluded that Venuprasad's suspension was a "breach of the secretariat's obligations" under its employment contract and is now set to take submissions regarding the amount of compensation to be awarded. The panel also criticised Scotland for not giving evidence. Failing to do so "overlooks the Secretariat's responsibility to assist the tribunal to reach an informed decision, and the real risk of adverse inferences being drawn," it noted. Disciplinary action was brought against Venuprasad in July 2016, when it was alleged that he was "disaffected" and had leaked information to the media, which he continues to deny. "We are reviewing the tribunal's judgment and will consider our next steps," a Commonwealth Secretariat spokesperson said.

Indian Commonwealth official wins unfair dismissal case in UK

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