British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour.

"We abhor the use of prison labour and would never allow it in our supply chain," a Tesco spokesman said on Sunday.

"We were shocked by these allegations and immediately suspended the factory where these cards are produced and launched an investigation. We have also withdrawn these cards from sale whilst we investigate."

Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, donates 300,000 pounds ($390,000) a year from the sale of the cards to the charities British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.

The Sunday Times said the message inside the card read: "We are foreign prisoners in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/change-to-chinese-universitys-charter-dropping-freedom-of-thought-stirs-debate-269066">Shanghai</a> Qingpu Prison China. Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation.

Peter Humphrey is a British former journalist and corporate fraud investigator.

The cards were produced at the Zheijiang Yunguang Printing factory, about 100 km (60 miles) from Shanghai Qingpu prison, Tesco said.

The company, which prints cards and books for food and pharmaceutical companies, says on its website it supplies Tesco.

A staff member who answered the company's main telephone line on Monday told Reuters they were unaware of the press reports or Tesco's comments. She declined to provide her name. The company did not respond to further emailed requests for comment.

Humphrey and his American wife Yu Yingzeng were both sentenced in China in 2014 for illegally obtaining private records of Chinese citizens and selling the information to clients including drugmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gsk-raises-profit-forecast-after-shingles-vaccine-sales-boost-258876">GlaxoSmithKline</a>. The couple were deported from China in June 2015 after their jail terms were reduced.

The message inside the card was found by a 6-year-old girl, Florence Widdicombe, in London. Her father, Ben Widdicombe, contacted Humphrey via the LinkedIn social network.

Florence Widdicombe said she was "shocked" to see the message in the card. "We opened them about a week ago and we were writing in them, and on about my sixth or eighth card, somebody had already written in it," she told BBC TV.

Her father said at first he thought the note was a prank, but he later realised it was potentially a serious matter and he felt a responsibility to pass it on to Peter Humphrey as requested.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Humphrey said he did not know the identities or the nationalities of the prisoners who put the note into the card, but he "had no doubt they are Qingpu prisoners who knew me before my release in June 2015 from the suburban prison where I spent 23 months".

Tesco said it had a comprehensive auditing process in place.

"This supplier was independently audited as recently as last month and no evidence was found to suggest they had broken our rule banning the use of prison labour," the spokesman said.&nbsp;

"If a supplier breaches these rules, we will immediately and permanently de-list them."

Humphrey and his wife said in their trial they had not thought they were doing anything illegal in their activities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">China</a>.

British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour.

British supermarket giant Tesco suspended a Chinese supplier of Christmas cards on Sunday after a press report said a customer found a message written inside a card saying it had been packed by foreign prisoners who were victims of forced labour. "We abhor the use of prison labour and would never allow it in our supply chain," a Tesco spokesman said on Sunday. "We were shocked by these allegations and immediately suspended the factory where these cards are produced and launched an investigation. We have also withdrawn these cards from sale whilst we investigate." Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, donates 300,000 pounds ($390,000) a year from the sale of the cards to the charities British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK. The Sunday Times said the message inside the card read: "We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison China. Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation. Peter Humphrey is a British former journalist and corporate fraud investigator. The cards were produced at the Zheijiang Yunguang Printing factory, about 100 km (60 miles) from Shanghai Qingpu prison, Tesco said. The company, which prints cards and books for food and pharmaceutical companies, says on its website it supplies Tesco. A staff member who answered the company's main telephone line on Monday told Reuters they were unaware of the press reports or Tesco's comments. She declined to provide her name. The company did not respond to further emailed requests for comment. Humphrey and his American wife Yu Yingzeng were both sentenced in China in 2014 for illegally obtaining private records of Chinese citizens and selling the information to clients including drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline. The couple were deported from China in June 2015 after their jail terms were reduced. The message inside the card was found by a 6-year-old girl, Florence Widdicombe, in London. Her father, Ben Widdicombe, contacted Humphrey via the LinkedIn social network. Florence Widdicombe said she was "shocked" to see the message in the card. "We opened them about a week ago and we were writing in them, and on about my sixth or eighth card, somebody had already written in it," she told BBC TV. Her father said at first he thought the note was a prank, but he later realised it was potentially a serious matter and he felt a responsibility to pass it on to Peter Humphrey as requested. Writing in the Sunday Times, Humphrey said he did not know the identities or the nationalities of the prisoners who put the note into the card, but he "had no doubt they are Qingpu prisoners who knew me before my release in June 2015 from the suburban prison where I spent 23 months". Tesco said it had a comprehensive auditing process in place. "This supplier was independently audited as recently as last month and no evidence was found to suggest they had broken our rule banning the use of prison labour," the spokesman said. "If a supplier breaches these rules, we will immediately and permanently de-list them." Humphrey and his wife said in their trial they had not thought they were doing anything illegal in their activities in China.

Tesco suspends Chinese supplier after suspected prisoner message

Queen Elizabeth recently posed with her son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William and great-grandson Prince George foreshadowing royal Christmas celebrations.

The photos released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday depict the Queen and the three immediate members in the line of succession as they prepared traditional Christmas puddings.

Prince George, 6, is shown as stirring the pudding mixture in a bowl.

This has been a stressful year for the Royal Family. Over the past 12 months, Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip got a police warning for his involvement in a car crash, grandsons Princes William and Harry publicly fell out and her second son Prince Andrew became more entangled in the furore over his links to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Additionally, the 98-year-old Philip was taken to hospital for treatment of an existing condition, Buckingham Palace said.

According to the sentiment endorsed by the Palace, the picture represents four generations of the Royal family and their contribution in the armed forces. The Queen has supported the Royal British Legion since 1952.

(With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth recently posed with her son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William and great-grandson Prince George foreshadowing royal Christmas celebrations. The photos released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday depict the Queen and the three immediate members in the line of succession as they prepared traditional Christmas puddings.

Queen Elizabeth recently posed with her son Prince Charles, grandson Prince William and great-grandson Prince George foreshadowing royal Christmas celebrations. The photos released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday depict the Queen and the three immediate members in the line of succession as they prepared traditional Christmas puddings. Prince George, 6, is shown as stirring the pudding mixture in a bowl. This has been a stressful year for the Royal Family. Over the past 12 months, Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip got a police warning for his involvement in a car crash, grandsons Princes William and Harry publicly fell out and her second son Prince Andrew became more entangled in the furore over his links to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, the 98-year-old Philip was taken to hospital for treatment of an existing condition, Buckingham Palace said. According to the sentiment endorsed by the Palace, the picture represents four generations of the Royal family and their contribution in the armed forces. The Queen has supported the Royal British Legion since 1952. (With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom: Royal family mixes pudding in anticipation of Christmas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-have-the-momentum-heading-into-chelsea-clash-kane-268958">Tottenham Hotspur</a> Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio&nbsp;Pochettino&nbsp;from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs.

Pochettino&nbsp;led Spurs to the Champions League final last season but was dismissed last month after a run of poor results in the Premier League campaign.

His replacement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-aiming-to-add-to-chelseas-woes-269130">Jose Mourinho</a>, has guided them to four wins in five league games.

"It is not something I ever wanted," Levy said of&nbsp;Pochettino's sacking.

"Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood ... it just got to the point where it felt we needed a divorce," he told the London Evening Standard.

"He's been in football (a long time), he understands. It's not personal and I'm sure he'll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club. Maybe one day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pochettino-leaves-farewell-message-to-spurs-players-263882">he'll come back</a> to us."

Tottenham take on Chelsea in the league on Sunday and would leapfrog their London rivals into fourth place with a victory.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio Pochettino from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy said it had been personally very difficult to relieve Mauricio Pochettino from his duties as manager and backed the Argentine to return to a big club in the future -- maybe even Spurs. Pochettino led Spurs to the Champions League final last season but was dismissed last month after a run of poor results in the Premier League campaign. His replacement, Jose Mourinho, has guided them to four wins in five league games. "It is not something I ever wanted," Levy said of Pochettino's sacking. "Personally, it was incredibly difficult, I told him that and he understood ... it just got to the point where it felt we needed a divorce," he told the London Evening Standard. "He's been in football (a long time), he understands. It's not personal and I'm sure he'll come back stronger and get an opportunity to manage another great club. Maybe one day he'll come back to us." Tottenham take on Chelsea in the league on Sunday and would leapfrog their London rivals into fourth place with a victory.

Pochettino might return to Spurs one day, says chairman Levy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-set-sights-on-flamengo-as-firmino-takes-reds-into-club-world-cup-final-269087">Liverpool</a>&nbsp;midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success.

Liverpool&nbsp;earned their place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-geroginio-wijnaldum-to-miss-club-world-cup-semi-final-268882">Club World Cup</a> by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in June.

"It's like an addiction: you win one medal and you want to win another. You want to win more," Lallana told reporters.

"We're European champions and to be world club champions as well. There's not many people who can say that ... another trophy is up for grabs so bring it on."

Saturday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium is a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup when a Zico-inspired Flamengo powered past&nbsp;Liverpool&nbsp;3-0 in Tokyo.

Lallana, who played the full 90 minutes against Monterrey, said&nbsp;Liverpool's Brazilian players Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker would be able to give them some tips about the Flamengo side they are up against.

"It'll be a very tough game," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-enjoy-derby-demolition-as-it-sets-new-club-record-leicester-still-chasing-266306">Lallana</a> added.

"I'm sure Bobby and Alisson will give us some inside info into them.

"We watched them the other day. They were dynamic, aggressive, physical, and we will have to recover quickly."

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success.

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana says their quest for silverware was like "an addiction" as they chase a maiden Club World Cup crown to add to last season's Champions League success. Liverpool earned their place at the Club World Cup by beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in June. "It's like an addiction: you win one medal and you want to win another. You want to win more," Lallana told reporters. "We're European champions and to be world club champions as well. There's not many people who can say that ... another trophy is up for grabs so bring it on." Saturday's clash at the Khalifa International Stadium is a repeat of the 1981 Intercontinental Cup when a Zico-inspired Flamengo powered past Liverpool 3-0 in Tokyo. Lallana, who played the full 90 minutes against Monterrey, said Liverpool's Brazilian players Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker would be able to give them some tips about the Flamengo side they are up against. "It'll be a very tough game," Lallana added. "I'm sure Bobby and Alisson will give us some inside info into them. "We watched them the other day. They were dynamic, aggressive, physical, and we will have to recover quickly."

Liverpool's hunger for titles like 'an addiction': Lallana

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Brexit deal</a> on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January&nbsp;31.

"Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT.

"Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward."

The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent.

After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year.

Also Watch:&nbsp;The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

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Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit at the top</a> of his agenda to repay the trust of voters.

Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing.

"After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said.

"Next year will be a great year for our country."

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory. After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January 31. "Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT. "Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward." The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent. After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year. Also Watch: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda × Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing Brexit at the top of his agenda to repay the trust of voters. Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing. "After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said. "Next year will be a great year for our country."

PM Boris Johnson promises to wrap up Brexit for Christmas, parliament to vote

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote.

Her Scottish National Party won a landslide north of the border with England in last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">UK-wide election</a>, securing 47 of the 59 seats and nearly half the vote.

That result, and previous SNP majorities at previous general elections in 2015 and 2017, made the case for another referendum "unarguable", she told a news conference in Edinburgh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-promises-to-wrap-up-brexit-for-christmas-parliament-to-vote-269264">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s Conservatives won a sweeping majority countrywide but lost more than half their seats in Scotland after campaigning against a new independence vote.

"Scotland made it very clear last week it does not want a Tory government led by Boris Johnson, taking us out of the European Union," Sturgeon told reporters.

"That is the future we face if we do not have the opportunity to consider the alternative of independence."

Scots voted against independence by 55 percent in 2014 in what was described as a "once-in-a-generation" vote to determine the country's future.

Pro-independence campaigners said they would not seek another vote unless there was a "material change in circumstances" in Scotland's relations with the rest of the United Kingdom.

But with Johnson set to take Britain out of the EU by the end of next month, nationalists say <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit</a> is that change, as Scots voted by a majority to remain in the bloc in 2016.

The future Scots chose three years ago "is simply no longer available to them", said Sturgeon. "That is not a union worthy of the name and it is not of equals," she added.

She called on the British government in London to transfer powers allowing the devolved administration in Edinburgh to hold the so-called "indyref2".

The first minister has previously said she would request a section 30 order from the British government, allowing her to hold another referendum, before the end of this year.

She has also indicated she wants a referendum in 2020.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote. Her Scottish National Party won a landslide north of the border with England in last week's UK-wide election, securing 47 of the 59 seats and nearly half the vote. That result, and previous SNP majorities at previous general elections in 2015 and 2017, made the case for another referendum "unarguable", she told a news conference in Edinburgh. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives won a sweeping majority countrywide but lost more than half their seats in Scotland after campaigning against a new independence vote. "Scotland made it very clear last week it does not want a Tory government led by Boris Johnson, taking us out of the European Union," Sturgeon told reporters. "That is the future we face if we do not have the opportunity to consider the alternative of independence." Scots voted against independence by 55 percent in 2014 in what was described as a "once-in-a-generation" vote to determine the country's future. Pro-independence campaigners said they would not seek another vote unless there was a "material change in circumstances" in Scotland's relations with the rest of the United Kingdom. But with Johnson set to take Britain out of the EU by the end of next month, nationalists say Brexit is that change, as Scots voted by a majority to remain in the bloc in 2016. The future Scots chose three years ago "is simply no longer available to them", said Sturgeon. "That is not a union worthy of the name and it is not of equals," she added. She called on the British government in London to transfer powers allowing the devolved administration in Edinburgh to hold the so-called "indyref2". The first minister has previously said she would request a section 30 order from the British government, allowing her to hold another referendum, before the end of this year. She has also indicated she wants a referendum in 2020.

New Scottish independence vote 'unarguable': First minister Nicola Sturgeon

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-erratic-napoli-held-by-salzburg-as-haaland-strikes-again-260255">Erling Haaland</a>, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in.

"Haaland is good and he is still young. He's developing and maybe he can get better," Berbatov, who scored 48 league goals in four seasons at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports.

"But I've said many times before that Martial and Rashford are, for me, the two main strikers that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">United</a> need to keep.

"I played with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anthony-martial-wants-to-leave-manchester-united-as-contract-talks-stall---agent-144333">Martial</a> in Monaco, I know how good he can be. Now he's in the place he can develop and become a world star.

"Everyone knows how good <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/league-cup-marcus-rashford-stunner-stops-chelsea-in-their-tracks-258938">Rashford</a> can be ... they need to stick with these two players."

Rashford has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season while Martial, who is back in the starting side following a hamstring injury, has seven.

"They need to stick with these young players because they have so much talent," added Berbatov. "Nurture them, show them the right way and they'll be fantastic."

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - Erling Haaland, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in.

Media reports have linked 19-year-old Norwegian - Erling Haaland, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United but Berbatov said there was no need for them to bring another forward in. "Haaland is good and he is still young. He's developing and maybe he can get better," Berbatov, who scored 48 league goals in four seasons at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports. "But I've said many times before that Martial and Rashford are, for me, the two main strikers that United need to keep. "I played with Martial in Monaco, I know how good he can be. Now he's in the place he can develop and become a world star. "Everyone knows how good Rashford can be ... they need to stick with these two players." Rashford has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season while Martial, who is back in the starting side following a hamstring injury, has seven. "They need to stick with these young players because they have so much talent," added Berbatov. "Nurture them, show them the right way and they'll be fantastic."

Manchester United must focus on Rashford, Martial, don't need Haaland: Berbatov

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

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

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

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

British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans.

In a ceremony marking the opening of the new parliament after Johnson won a national election last week, Elizabeth listed his government's programme.

"My government's priority is to deliver the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the 31st of January," she told members of the upper and lower houses of parliament.

"Thereafter my ministers will seek a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. They will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans. In a ceremony marking the opening of the new parliament after Johnson won a national election last week, Elizabeth listed his government's programme. "My government's priority is to deliver the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the 31st of January," she told members of the upper and lower houses of parliament. "Thereafter my ministers will seek a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. They will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies."

Britain's Johnson sets Brexit on January 31 as top priority: Queen

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opposition-chief-corbyn-sorry-for-election-wipeout-268383">Jeremy Corbyn</a>.

Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies.

Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US&nbsp;President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule.

"The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us."

Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent&nbsp;of the vote.

Also watch:&nbsp;UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory

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Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader.

Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced".

He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting.

"To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said.

Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy.

Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented.

"Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that."

Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Get Brexit done</a>" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral.

"We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said.

"The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn. Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies. Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour. After Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule. "The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us." Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent of the vote. Also watch: UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory × Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader. Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced". He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting. "To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said. Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy. Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented. "Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that." Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "Get Brexit done" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral. "We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said. "The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former PM Blair tells Britain's Labour Party: change or you will disappear

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fate-of-wto-top-court-threatened-with-trump-administrations-move-to-block-new-appointments-267597">Trump administration</a> is finalising a set of narrow rules to limit exports of sophisticated technology to adversaries like China, a document seen by Reuters shows, in a boon to US&nbsp;industry that feared a much tougher crackdown on sales abroad.

The Commerce Department is putting the finishing touches on five rules covering products like quantum computing and 3-D printing technologies that were mandated by a 2018 law to keep sensitive technologies out of the hands of rival powers.

Before drafting the rules, Commerce sought industry comment last year on a raft of high-tech sectors that it could cover under the law, from artificial intelligence technology to robotics. That fuelled concerns among US&nbsp;businesses the department would craft broad, tough regulations that would stymy a host of exports to key customers.

But the internal status&nbsp;update seen by Reuters shows for the first time that Commerce is finishing a first batch of rules that touch on just a few technologies that will be proposed to international bodies before taking effect, a reprieve for US&nbsp;companies.

"Based on their titles, the rules appear to be narrowly tailored to address specific national security issues, which should go a long way to calming the nerves of those in industry concerned that the administration would impose controls over broad categories of widely available technologies," said Kevin Wolf, former assistant secretary of commerce for export administration. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Commerce declined to confirm any details but said it has a number of proposed rules in the review process.

Despite the apparent reprieve, Commerce could issue more rules in the future regulating sales abroad of cutting-edge items. The document failed to outline when the rule proposals would be made public or what the controls would look like for specific countries, buyers and&nbsp;uses.

In a move that should appeal to US&nbsp;firms, the rules will be submitted to international bodies for approval so that they may be implemented overseas, not just by the United States. That would establish a level playing field for US&nbsp;companies abroad, but would also take much longer to review and go into effect, likely until mid-2021 at the earliest.

Commerce is expected to seek industry comment on the rules before submitting them to the groups, a source said, adding that a sixth rule, covering artificial intelligence, will go into effect in the United States without a comment period.

The revelations come amid growing frustration from Republican and Democratic lawmakers over the slow pace of the rule roll-out, with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer urging the Commerce Department to speed up the process.

In a statement to Reuters, Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he was "disappointed at the lack of political will" at the Commerce department, accusing it of a "troubling" lack of urgency.

"While bureaucrats and industry shills twiddle their thumbs, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/standing-up-to-chinas-alleged-human-rights-abuses-265914">Chinese Communist Party</a> continues to purchase sensitive US&nbsp;technologies with clear military applications," he said. "I will be digging deep into the Commerce Department's actions."

"China firmly opposes the US' generalisation of the concept of national security and abuse of export control measures to interfere with and restrict the normal communications and cooperation between businesses," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, when asked about the rules.

Limiting tech exports will not disrupt China's innovation or development, said Geng.

According to the status&nbsp;update, the agency plans to regulate exports of quantum diluted refrigerators, which are&nbsp;used to keep qubits cold in some quantum machines. Qubits are&nbsp;used in quantum computers to perform calculations that would take conventional computers thousands of years.

Major makers of the refrigeration devices include UK-based ICE Oxford, Finland-based Bluefors and US-based Janis Research. The rules would apply to exports of goods from the United States as well as shipments of items made abroad that contain a significant amount of US&nbsp;technology or components.

That rule was sent to the Commerce Department's Office of Policy and Strategic Planning on November&nbsp;19, along with another rule regulating 3-D printing for explosives, the document shows.

Another regulation on exports of the so called "Gate-All-Around Field Effect transistor technology, which is&nbsp;used to manufacture semiconductors, was awaiting comments from other agencies on December&nbsp;5.

The transistors are expected to play a major role in newer, faster semiconductors that are under development by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-board-chairman-jailed-on-union-busting-charge-268655">Samsung Electronics</a> Co Ltd&nbsp;and Intel Corp.

Two other rules would regulate chemicals&nbsp;used to make Russian nerve agent Novichok and single-use chambers for chemical reactions.

The Trump administration is finalising a set of narrow rules to limit exports of sophisticated technology to adversaries like China, a document seen by Reuters shows, in a boon to US industry that feared a much tougher crackdown on sales abroad.

The Trump administration is finalising a set of narrow rules to limit exports of sophisticated technology to adversaries like China, a document seen by Reuters shows, in a boon to US industry that feared a much tougher crackdown on sales abroad. The Commerce Department is putting the finishing touches on five rules covering products like quantum computing and 3-D printing technologies that were mandated by a 2018 law to keep sensitive technologies out of the hands of rival powers. Before drafting the rules, Commerce sought industry comment last year on a raft of high-tech sectors that it could cover under the law, from artificial intelligence technology to robotics. That fuelled concerns among US businesses the department would craft broad, tough regulations that would stymy a host of exports to key customers. But the internal status update seen by Reuters shows for the first time that Commerce is finishing a first batch of rules that touch on just a few technologies that will be proposed to international bodies before taking effect, a reprieve for US companies. "Based on their titles, the rules appear to be narrowly tailored to address specific national security issues, which should go a long way to calming the nerves of those in industry concerned that the administration would impose controls over broad categories of widely available technologies," said Kevin Wolf, former assistant secretary of commerce for export administration. Commerce declined to confirm any details but said it has a number of proposed rules in the review process. Despite the apparent reprieve, Commerce could issue more rules in the future regulating sales abroad of cutting-edge items. The document failed to outline when the rule proposals would be made public or what the controls would look like for specific countries, buyers and uses. In a move that should appeal to US firms, the rules will be submitted to international bodies for approval so that they may be implemented overseas, not just by the United States. That would establish a level playing field for US companies abroad, but would also take much longer to review and go into effect, likely until mid-2021 at the earliest. Commerce is expected to seek industry comment on the rules before submitting them to the groups, a source said, adding that a sixth rule, covering artificial intelligence, will go into effect in the United States without a comment period. The revelations come amid growing frustration from Republican and Democratic lawmakers over the slow pace of the rule roll-out, with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer urging the Commerce Department to speed up the process. In a statement to Reuters, Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he was "disappointed at the lack of political will" at the Commerce department, accusing it of a "troubling" lack of urgency. "While bureaucrats and industry shills twiddle their thumbs, the Chinese Communist Party continues to purchase sensitive US technologies with clear military applications," he said. "I will be digging deep into the Commerce Department's actions." "China firmly opposes the US' generalisation of the concept of national security and abuse of export control measures to interfere with and restrict the normal communications and cooperation between businesses," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, when asked about the rules. Limiting tech exports will not disrupt China's innovation or development, said Geng. According to the status update, the agency plans to regulate exports of quantum diluted refrigerators, which are used to keep qubits cold in some quantum machines. Qubits are used in quantum computers to perform calculations that would take conventional computers thousands of years. Major makers of the refrigeration devices include UK-based ICE Oxford, Finland-based Bluefors and US-based Janis Research. The rules would apply to exports of goods from the United States as well as shipments of items made abroad that contain a significant amount of US technology or components. That rule was sent to the Commerce Department's Office of Policy and Strategic Planning on November 19, along with another rule regulating 3-D printing for explosives, the document shows. Another regulation on exports of the so called "Gate-All-Around Field Effect transistor technology, which is used to manufacture semiconductors, was awaiting comments from other agencies on December 5. The transistors are expected to play a major role in newer, faster semiconductors that are under development by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Intel Corp. Two other rules would regulate chemicals used to make Russian nerve agent Novichok and single-use chambers for chemical reactions.

US finalising rules to limit sensitive tech exports to China, others: Report

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

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

British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done".

"This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in&nbsp;Johnson's Downing Street official residence.

"The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done."

Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31

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The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker.

But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline.

The priority is to leave the EU on January&nbsp;31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year,&nbsp;Johnson's spokesman said.

"We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU.

In a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">Queen's Speech</a> on Thursday setting out his government's programme,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law.

After more than three years of debate over Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">leave the EU</a>. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with&nbsp;Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership.

The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year.

Johnson&nbsp;is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises.

For now, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-repay-your-trust-uk-pm-johnson-tells-ex-labour-voters-on-trip-to-north-268312">prime minister</a> will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January&nbsp;31.

"By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service. After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote, Johnson will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done". "This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in Johnson's Downing Street official residence. "The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done." Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31 × The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker. But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline. The priority is to leave the EU on January 31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year, Johnson's spokesman said. "We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU. In a Queen's Speech on Thursday setting out his government's programme, Johnson will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership. The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year. Johnson is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises. For now, the prime minister will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January 31. "By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

Welcoming new lawmakers, PM Johnson vows a speedy Brexit

Watch in WION Dispatch: 109 Conservative MPs return to Westminister after Johnson's landslide victory. Watch this video as Mandy Clark, London Bureau Chief tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: 109 Conservative MPs return to Westminister after Johnson's landslide victory

The Confederation of British Industry's gauge of manufacturing output over the three months to December fell to -16 from -9 in November, its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brexit-weak-global-demand-to-hurt-uk-in-2020-industry-warns-265700">weakest</a> reading since September 2009.

Inflows of new work also deteriorated as the CBI's monthly order book balance fell to -28 from -26.

The survey of 289 manufacturers covered Nov. 22 to Dec. 11, just before Johnson chalked up a comprehensive victory in last Thursday's election.

Other surveys have also shown Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-risks-severe-damage-without-orderly-brexit-cbi-181812">manufacturers</a> have struggled in recent months against a global drop in demand, as well as uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the election.

"With manufacturers reporting that output is declining at a pace not seen since the financial crisis, alongside another month of softer order books, it is crucially important to rebuild business confidence in this sector," CBI deputy chief economist Anna Leach said.

"After three years of gridlock, the Prime Minister now has a clear mandate to govern. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-seeks-brexit-assurances-after-johnson-win-268132">Businesses</a> across the UK will want him to break the cycle of uncertainty," she added.

The survey showed export orders declined at one of the fastest rates since the financial crisis.

The Confederation of British Industry's gauge of manufacturing output over the three months to December fell to -16 from -9 in November, its weakest reading since September 2009.

The Confederation of British Industry's gauge of manufacturing output over the three months to December fell to -16 from -9 in November, its weakest reading since September 2009. Inflows of new work also deteriorated as the CBI's monthly order book balance fell to -28 from -26. The survey of 289 manufacturers covered Nov. 22 to Dec. 11, just before Johnson chalked up a comprehensive victory in last Thursday's election. Other surveys have also shown Britain's manufacturers have struggled in recent months against a global drop in demand, as well as uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the election. "With manufacturers reporting that output is declining at a pace not seen since the financial crisis, alongside another month of softer order books, it is crucially important to rebuild business confidence in this sector," CBI deputy chief economist Anna Leach said. "After three years of gridlock, the Prime Minister now has a clear mandate to govern. Businesses across the UK will want him to break the cycle of uncertainty," she added. The survey showed export orders declined at one of the fastest rates since the financial crisis.

UK factory output slides in three months to December at fastest rate since 2009: CBI

The number of people in employment rose by 24,000 to 32.8 million in the August-to-October period, bucking the median forecast for a drop of 10,000 in a Reuters poll of economists.

The employment rate hit an all-time high of 76.2 per cent&nbsp;while the unemployment rate fell back to its lowest level since the three months to January 1975 at 3.8 per cent.

"The larger-than-expected rise in employment in October suggests the labour market is not getting any worse and may have even started to turn around," said Andrew Wishart at Capital Economics.

The increase in jobs was driven by a rise in the number of self-employed workers and full-time staff, while the number of part-time employees fell.

British government bond prices fell by a small amount as investors viewed the chance of a Bank of England interest rate cut next year as slightly lower.

Britain's labour market has stayed strong even as the economy slowed following the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. That is due in part to employers, who are uncertain about what Brexit will bring, hiring staff who can be laid off easily rather than making longer-term commitments to invest in equipment.

But there had been signs recently that the jobs boom was weakening. These prompted two interest-rate setters at the Bank of England to vote for a cut to borrowing costs last month, and they are expected to do so again this week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week reduced some of the uncertainty hanging over the economy by winning a big majority in a national election, ending any doubts about whether Britain would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">leave</a> the European Union on the new date of January&nbsp;31.

Watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31

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But nerves about Brexit could return soon. Johnson plans to pass a law ruling out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020, saying he is confident he will clinch a free trade deal with the European Union by then.

There were some signs of caution among employers in Tuesday's data. Vacancies were the lowest since the three months to August 2017 at 794,000.

The Office for National Statistics also said average <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sterling-rebounds-on-eve-of-uk-election-267749">earnings rose</a> by an annual 3.2 per cent, the weakest increase in more than a year and slowing sharply from growth of 3.7 per cent&nbsp;in the three months to September. The ONS attributed much of the slowdown, however, to high bonus payments in October 2018 which distorted the comparison.

Excluding bonuses, pay growth slowed less sharply to 3.5 per cent&nbsp;from 3.6 per cent&nbsp;in the three months to September and was above the polls forecast of 3.4 per cent.

The number of people in employment rose by 24,000 to 32.8 million in the August-to-October period, bucking the median forecast for a drop of 10,000 in a Reuters poll of economists.

The number of people in employment rose by 24,000 to 32.8 million in the August-to-October period, bucking the median forecast for a drop of 10,000 in a Reuters poll of economists. The employment rate hit an all-time high of 76.2 per cent while the unemployment rate fell back to its lowest level since the three months to January 1975 at 3.8 per cent. "The larger-than-expected rise in employment in October suggests the labour market is not getting any worse and may have even started to turn around," said Andrew Wishart at Capital Economics. The increase in jobs was driven by a rise in the number of self-employed workers and full-time staff, while the number of part-time employees fell. British government bond prices fell by a small amount as investors viewed the chance of a Bank of England interest rate cut next year as slightly lower. Britain's labour market has stayed strong even as the economy slowed following the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. That is due in part to employers, who are uncertain about what Brexit will bring, hiring staff who can be laid off easily rather than making longer-term commitments to invest in equipment. But there had been signs recently that the jobs boom was weakening. These prompted two interest-rate setters at the Bank of England to vote for a cut to borrowing costs last month, and they are expected to do so again this week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week reduced some of the uncertainty hanging over the economy by winning a big majority in a national election, ending any doubts about whether Britain would leave the European Union on the new date of January 31. Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31 × But nerves about Brexit could return soon. Johnson plans to pass a law ruling out any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020, saying he is confident he will clinch a free trade deal with the European Union by then. There were some signs of caution among employers in Tuesday's data. Vacancies were the lowest since the three months to August 2017 at 794,000. The Office for National Statistics also said average earnings rose by an annual 3.2 per cent, the weakest increase in more than a year and slowing sharply from growth of 3.7 per cent in the three months to September. The ONS attributed much of the slowdown, however, to high bonus payments in October 2018 which distorted the comparison. Excluding bonuses, pay growth slowed less sharply to 3.5 per cent from 3.6 per cent in the three months to September and was above the polls forecast of 3.4 per cent.

UK jobs growth resumes, unemployment rate near 45-year low

United Kingdom's Prime Minister welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory in the election last week. Actually Conservatives hold the 56% majority in the House of Commons. #UKElection #BorisJohnson #UKLawmakers

UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised that now the speedy Brexit is going to happen. There are chances that it will happen before January 31. PM Johnson will introduce the Brexit bill on Friday in the Parliament. Watch this video to know more. #Brexit #BorisJohnson #UKParliament

UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31

British&nbsp;businesses endured their worst downturn since mid-2016 in the run-up to Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Boris Johnson</a>'s landslide victory in a national&nbsp;election&nbsp;last week, a survey showed on Monday.

The <a href="UK economy starts to shows cracks under Brexit and global strains">'flash' early reading</a> of the IHS Markit/CIPS&nbsp;UK&nbsp;Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI) for Britain showed on Monday that the decline in both the services and manufacturing sectors has accelerated unexpectedly in December.

The readings suggested the world's fifth-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-largest-economies-india-likely-to-surpass-uk-this-year-says-pwc-191559">biggest economy</a> is on course to contract in the fourth quarter, survey compiler IHS Markit said, although the&nbsp;PMIs have overstated weakness in previous quarters, partly because of higher government spending&nbsp;before&nbsp;Brexit.

This is also only the second month for which IHS Markit has released flash&nbsp;PMIs for Britain, and November's flash estimates were revised up significantly when final data came out.

Addressing a wilting economy is likely to be among the first items in Johnson's in-tray as he builds his new government, bolstered by a majority of 80 seats in parliament.

"Any positive aspects of the survey came largely from the sentiment indicators, with future expectations rising to the highest since June as firms hope that the&nbsp;election&nbsp;will bring clarity on the outlook and remove some of the uncertainty that has been holding back demand," said IHS Markit chief&nbsp;business&nbsp;economist Chris Williamson.

The composite&nbsp;PMI, which combines the services&nbsp;business&nbsp;activity and services and manufacturing output readings, fell to 48.5 from 49.3, its lowest level since July 2016, just after the Brexit vote.

Readings below 50 denote contraction.

The&nbsp;PMI&nbsp;for the dominant services sector fell to 49.0 in December from 49.3 in November, its lowest level since July 2016. A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to an improved reading of 49.5.

The manufacturing&nbsp;PMI&nbsp;dropped to 47.4 from 48.9 -- again weaker than forecast -- as a stockpiling drive&nbsp;before&nbsp;the aborted October&nbsp;31 Brexit deadline evaporated. The survey's gauge of factory output fell to its lowest level since July 2012.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economic-growth-hits-six-month-low-manufacturing-slides-189603">Manufacturing production is falling</a> at one of the steepest rates since the height of the global financial crisis in early 2009, but output of the vast service sector has now also fallen in each of the past two months, representing the first back-to-back declines since 2009," Williamson said.

The final versions of the manufacturing and services&nbsp;PMIs will be released on January&nbsp;2 and January&nbsp;6.

A separate gauge of British household finances from IHS Markit on Monday fell to a three-month low in December, as perceptions of job security declined.

British businesses endured their worst downturn since mid-2016 in the run-up to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's landslide victory in a national election last week, a survey showed on Monday.

British businesses endured their worst downturn since mid-2016 in the run-up to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's landslide victory in a national election last week, a survey showed on Monday. The 'flash' early reading of the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMI) for Britain showed on Monday that the decline in both the services and manufacturing sectors has accelerated unexpectedly in December. The readings suggested the world's fifth-biggest economy is on course to contract in the fourth quarter, survey compiler IHS Markit said, although the PMIs have overstated weakness in previous quarters, partly because of higher government spending before Brexit. This is also only the second month for which IHS Markit has released flash PMIs for Britain, and November's flash estimates were revised up significantly when final data came out. Addressing a wilting economy is likely to be among the first items in Johnson's in-tray as he builds his new government, bolstered by a majority of 80 seats in parliament. "Any positive aspects of the survey came largely from the sentiment indicators, with future expectations rising to the highest since June as firms hope that the election will bring clarity on the outlook and remove some of the uncertainty that has been holding back demand," said IHS Markit chief business economist Chris Williamson. The composite PMI, which combines the services business activity and services and manufacturing output readings, fell to 48.5 from 49.3, its lowest level since July 2016, just after the Brexit vote. Readings below 50 denote contraction. The PMI for the dominant services sector fell to 49.0 in December from 49.3 in November, its lowest level since July 2016. A Reuters poll of economists had pointed to an improved reading of 49.5. The manufacturing PMI dropped to 47.4 from 48.9 -- again weaker than forecast -- as a stockpiling drive before the aborted October 31 Brexit deadline evaporated. The survey's gauge of factory output fell to its lowest level since July 2012. "Manufacturing production is falling at one of the steepest rates since the height of the global financial crisis in early 2009, but output of the vast service sector has now also fallen in each of the past two months, representing the first back-to-back declines since 2009," Williamson said. The final versions of the manufacturing and services PMIs will be released on January 2 and January 6. A separate gauge of British household finances from IHS Markit on Monday fell to a three-month low in December, as perceptions of job security declined.

UK business malaise deepened before election

Tamara Ecclestone, the daughter of former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-fined-50000-euros-for-fuel-irregularity-265674">Formula One</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/singapore-wants-to-drop-f1-race-says-bernie-ecclestone-9115">Bernie Ecclestone</a>, has had 50 million pounds ($64 million)-worth of jewellery stolen from her home in West London, the Sun newspaper reported on Monday.

The tabloid said three burglars broke into the 35-year-old's mansion having evaded both the 24-hour security teams that patrol the street known as "Billionaire Row" and Ecclestone's own internal security operations.

The second daughter of Formula One's former commercial supremo lives on Kensington Palace Gardens, amongst the residencies of the French and Russian ambassadors and close to the Kensington Palace home of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britains-prince-william-and-wife-kate-middleton-in-pakistan-for-5-day-visit-255996">Britain's Prince William</a> and his wife Kate.

Ecclestone, a model and celebrity in Britain, had just left the country for her Christmas holidays when the burglars entered the property via the garden and seized gems from safes hidden in her bedroom, the Sun said.

A source close to the family confirmed a burglary had taken place but declined to give any more details.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan police said they would not confirm any specific details but, when asked about the case, said police had been called to a residential property in west London just after 2300 on Friday night to reports of a burglary.

"Officers attended," the spokeswoman said. "It was reported that an amount of high-value jewellery had been stolen. There have been no arrests. Inquiries continue."

Tamara Ecclestone, the daughter of former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, has had 50 million pounds ($64 million)-worth of jewellery stolen from her home in West London, the Sun newspaper reported on Monday.

Tamara Ecclestone, the daughter of former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, has had 50 million pounds ($64 million)-worth of jewellery stolen from her home in West London, the Sun newspaper reported on Monday. The tabloid said three burglars broke into the 35-year-old's mansion having evaded both the 24-hour security teams that patrol the street known as "Billionaire Row" and Ecclestone's own internal security operations. The second daughter of Formula One's former commercial supremo lives on Kensington Palace Gardens, amongst the residencies of the French and Russian ambassadors and close to the Kensington Palace home of Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate. Ecclestone, a model and celebrity in Britain, had just left the country for her Christmas holidays when the burglars entered the property via the garden and seized gems from safes hidden in her bedroom, the Sun said. A source close to the family confirmed a burglary had taken place but declined to give any more details. A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan police said they would not confirm any specific details but, when asked about the case, said police had been called to a residential property in west London just after 2300 on Friday night to reports of a burglary. "Officers attended," the spokeswoman said. "It was reported that an amount of high-value jewellery had been stolen. There have been no arrests. Inquiries continue."

Jewellery worth $64 million stolen from UK's Tamara Ecclestone: Report

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

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

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

UK opposition chief Corbyn 'sorry' for election wipeout

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-a-strong-mandate-for-brexit-boris-johnson-after-landslide-victory-268181">Boris Johnson </a>urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election.

The face of the victorious "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police.

Results from the 650 parliamentary constituencies around the United Kingdom showed that Johnson's Conservative Party had trounced its main opponent, winning 365 seats to the Labour Party's 203, the best win for the Conservatives since 1987.

Johnson now faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU, possibly in just 11 months, while also negotiating another trade deal with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Johnson will also be faced with delivering key election promises such as rejuvenating the NHS with 50,000 new nurses and 40 new hospitals, while also strengthening Britain's security by adding thousands more police to the streets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Britain to "let the healing begin" in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Friday (December 13) after securing a landslide victory in a divisive national election. The face of the victorious "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson fought the election under the slogan of "Get Brexit Done", promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police. Results from the 650 parliamentary constituencies around the United Kingdom showed that Johnson's Conservative Party had trounced its main opponent, winning 365 seats to the Labour Party's 203, the best win for the Conservatives since 1987. Johnson now faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU, possibly in just 11 months, while also negotiating another trade deal with US President Donald Trump. Johnson will also be faced with delivering key election promises such as rejuvenating the NHS with 50,000 new nurses and 40 new hospitals, while also strengthening Britain's security by adding thousands more police to the streets.

Boris Johnson urges 'healing' for Brexit-bound Britain

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-a-strong-mandate-for-brexit-boris-johnson-after-landslide-victory-268181">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">Johnson</a> led the Conservatives on Thursday to their biggest election win since Margaret Thatcher's landslide victory of 1987, trouncing his socialist Labour Party foe Jeremy Corbyn by capturing 365 parliamentary seats and securing an overall majority of 80. Labour won 203 seats.

The election saw the crumbling of Labour's "Red Wall" of formerly safe seats in working-class areas across northern and central England where most people voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the European Union.

Johnson, the face of the "Leave" campaign in that referendum, fought the election on the slogan "Get Brexit done".

"I know that people may have been breaking the voting habits of generations to vote for us," Johnson told supporters in Sedgefield, a symbolically important seat as it was once held by former prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader.

"I want the people of the northeast to know that we in the Conservative Party, and I, will repay your trust."

Brexit was widely seen as the decisive factor in the election, with Johnson's promise to take Britain out of the EU by Jan. 31, 2020, winning over many former Labour voters.

"What an incredible thing you have done, you have changed the political landscape, you’ve changed the Conservative Party for the better and you've changed the future of our country for the better," said Johnson.

"First of all, what are we going to do to repay that trust? We are going to get Brexit done."

Johnson, who called the snap election to break years of deadlock in parliament over Brexit, has also promised to spend more money on health, education and the police.

Addressing newly elected Conservative lawmakers, Johnson evoked Blair's own words on taking office.

"When we get down to Westminster and we begin our work, remember we are not the masters, we are the servants now...and our job is to serve the people of this country and to deliver on our priorities. And our priorities and their priorities are the same," he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited former strongholds of his Labour opponents in northern England on Saturday and pledged to repay their trust for helping to deliver a stunning victory for his Conservative Party in Britain's national election. Johnson led the Conservatives on Thursday to their biggest election win since Margaret Thatcher's landslide victory of 1987, trouncing his socialist Labour Party foe Jeremy Corbyn by capturing 365 parliamentary seats and securing an overall majority of 80. Labour won 203 seats. The election saw the crumbling of Labour's "Red Wall" of formerly safe seats in working-class areas across northern and central England where most people voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the European Union. Johnson, the face of the "Leave" campaign in that referendum, fought the election on the slogan "Get Brexit done". "I know that people may have been breaking the voting habits of generations to vote for us," Johnson told supporters in Sedgefield, a symbolically important seat as it was once held by former prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader. "I want the people of the northeast to know that we in the Conservative Party, and I, will repay your trust." Brexit was widely seen as the decisive factor in the election, with Johnson's promise to take Britain out of the EU by Jan. 31, 2020, winning over many former Labour voters. "What an incredible thing you have done, you have changed the political landscape, you’ve changed the Conservative Party for the better and you've changed the future of our country for the better," said Johnson. "First of all, what are we going to do to repay that trust? We are going to get Brexit done." Johnson, who called the snap election to break years of deadlock in parliament over Brexit, has also promised to spend more money on health, education and the police. Addressing newly elected Conservative lawmakers, Johnson evoked Blair's own words on taking office. "When we get down to Westminster and we begin our work, remember we are not the masters, we are the servants now...and our job is to serve the people of this country and to deliver on our priorities. And our priorities and their priorities are the same," he said.

'I will repay your trust', UK PM Johnson tells ex-Labour voters on trip to north

Britons Live Up To Its Tradition Of Carrying Dogs To Polling Stations.

Gravitas: United Kingdom: When dogs defined the elections...

Highlights From United Kingdom Election Results.

Gravitas: Boris Johnson wins a simple majority in 'historic' U.K. Polls

The leader of Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-welcome-brexit-clarity-from-conservative-victory-267987">pro-European Union</a> Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, lost her parliamentary seat to the Scottish National Party on Friday.

The Liberal Democrats had hoped to win over 'remain' voters by pledging to overturn Britain's 2016 vote to leave the EU but an exit poll predicted they would gain just one seat in parliament compared to the last national election in 2017.

Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-beckons-as-uks-johnson-coasts-to-commanding-win-267999"> Boris Johnson's Conservatives</a> are on course to win a large majority after voters backed his bid to deliver Brexit on January&nbsp;31. The SNP are predicted to win 50 of the 59 seats in Scotland.

"Some will be celebrating the wave of nationalism that is sweeping on both sides of the border," said Swinson, who only Liberal Democrat leader in July. "These are very significant results for the future of our country."

Swinson, who held the seat of East Dunbartonshire from 2005-2015 and then regained it in 2017, lost by just 149 votes.

She did not say whether she would be stepping down as leader of the Liberal Democrats, who were in coalition with the Conservatives from 2010-2015, but said she would be making further remarks later on Friday.

"I still believe that we as a country can be warm and generous, inclusive and open and that by working together with our nearest neighbours we can achieve so much more," she said.

"Liberal Democrats will continue to stand up for these values that guide our liberal movement: openness, fairness, inclusivity. We will stand up for hope."

The leader of Britain's pro-European Union Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, lost her parliamentary seat to the Scottish National Party on Friday. The Liberal Democrats had hoped to win over 'remain' voters by pledging to overturn Britain's 2016 vote to leave the EU but an exit poll predicted they would gain just one seat in parliament compared to the last national election in 2017.

The leader of Britain's pro-European Union Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, lost her parliamentary seat to the Scottish National Party on Friday. The Liberal Democrats had hoped to win over 'remain' voters by pledging to overturn Britain's 2016 vote to leave the EU but an exit poll predicted they would gain just one seat in parliament compared to the last national election in 2017. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives are on course to win a large majority after voters backed his bid to deliver Brexit on January 31. The SNP are predicted to win 50 of the 59 seats in Scotland. "Some will be celebrating the wave of nationalism that is sweeping on both sides of the border," said Swinson, who only Liberal Democrat leader in July. "These are very significant results for the future of our country." Swinson, who held the seat of East Dunbartonshire from 2005-2015 and then regained it in 2017, lost by just 149 votes. She did not say whether she would be stepping down as leader of the Liberal Democrats, who were in coalition with the Conservatives from 2010-2015, but said she would be making further remarks later on Friday. "I still believe that we as a country can be warm and generous, inclusive and open and that by working together with our nearest neighbours we can achieve so much more," she said. "Liberal Democrats will continue to stand up for these values that guide our liberal movement: openness, fairness, inclusivity. We will stand up for hope."

UK Liberal Democrat leader Swinson loses seat to Scottish National Party

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-election-2019-young-voters-throng-polling-booths-as-brexit-dominates-267876">election </a>win set the stage for an orderly Brexit.

Some officials at the EU summit in Brussels expressed relief as exit polls arrived from across the Channel, predicting a workable parliamentary majority for the pro-Brexit premier.

"We will wait and we will see what will be the official results but there is a strong message we will give tomorrow," said summit host and new president of the European Council Charles Michel.

"We are ready for the next steps and we will see if it's possible for the British parliament to accept the Withdrawal Agreement and take a decision," he said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed, adding that Brussels would congratulate the winner and work quickly to draft a mandate for post-Brexit trade talks.&nbsp;

France's minister for European affairs, Amelie de Montchalin, said that -- if confirmed -- the results would comfort President Emmanuel Macron, who has long wanted to see London ratify the Brexit withdrawal agreement and leave the bloc on January 31 as planned.

"If the exit poll results are confirmed it should allow for a clear majority, something that has been missing in the United Kingdom for several years," she said.&nbsp;

"It's not for me to be relieved -- or worried -- but, along with the president, we've been saying for several months: 'We need clarity'."

The EU leaders have a Brexit text ready to adopt on Friday at the end of their two-day summit.

According to the latest draft, seen by AFP, the 27 other EU leaders will restate their support for Britain's "orderly withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement" signed by Johnson at a previous summit and call "for its timely ratification and effective implementation."

They will call for "as close as possible a future relationship with the UK" while warning that "the future relationship will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensure a level playing field" in terms of business and trade rules.

And they will ask the European Commission to submit "a draft comprehensive mandate for a future relationship with the UK immediately after its withdrawal."

While Barnier will direct trade negotiations, the leaders will follow closely "and provide further guidance as necessary fully consistent with the EU's best interest and with the aim of reaching a result that is fair and equitable for all Member States and in the interest of our citizens."

As he arrived at the summit on Thursday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar did not endorse Johnson's vow to "Get Brexit Done", but stressed the need for a decisive verdict.

"I imagine most prime ministers and presidents will be staying up all night to watch the results, so we'll all be a bit bleary eyed in the morning," he told reporters ahead of the summit.

"Obviously, it's entirely a decision for the people of the UK to elect whatever government they want and I just hope the result is decisive so that we know where we're going over the next few months."

Enemies in Brussels&nbsp;

Johnson made a career as a journalist and later as a leader of the pro-Brexit movement by criticising the European Union, making several enemies in Brussels.

But, after three years of chaotic attempts to agree separation terms in the wake of the 2016 British exit referendum, many EU leaders are resigned to Johnson representing their best chance of an orderly divorce.

Ahead of the exit poll forecasts, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the next British leader should have a majority "to fulfil the agreements we decided on both sides".

And he called for "a parliament in London that agrees on the future relationship, and all these things very quickly".

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent election win set the stage for an orderly Brexit.

European leaders will charge EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday with negotiating a close trade deal with Britain, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's apparent election win set the stage for an orderly Brexit. Some officials at the EU summit in Brussels expressed relief as exit polls arrived from across the Channel, predicting a workable parliamentary majority for the pro-Brexit premier. "We will wait and we will see what will be the official results but there is a strong message we will give tomorrow," said summit host and new president of the European Council Charles Michel. "We are ready for the next steps and we will see if it's possible for the British parliament to accept the Withdrawal Agreement and take a decision," he said. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen agreed, adding that Brussels would congratulate the winner and work quickly to draft a mandate for post-Brexit trade talks. France's minister for European affairs, Amelie de Montchalin, said that -- if confirmed -- the results would comfort President Emmanuel Macron, who has long wanted to see London ratify the Brexit withdrawal agreement and leave the bloc on January 31 as planned. "If the exit poll results are confirmed it should allow for a clear majority, something that has been missing in the United Kingdom for several years," she said. "It's not for me to be relieved -- or worried -- but, along with the president, we've been saying for several months: 'We need clarity'." The EU leaders have a Brexit text ready to adopt on Friday at the end of their two-day summit. According to the latest draft, seen by AFP, the 27 other EU leaders will restate their support for Britain's "orderly withdrawal on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement" signed by Johnson at a previous summit and call "for its timely ratification and effective implementation." They will call for "as close as possible a future relationship with the UK" while warning that "the future relationship will have to be based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensure a level playing field" in terms of business and trade rules. And they will ask the European Commission to submit "a draft comprehensive mandate for a future relationship with the UK immediately after its withdrawal." While Barnier will direct trade negotiations, the leaders will follow closely "and provide further guidance as necessary fully consistent with the EU's best interest and with the aim of reaching a result that is fair and equitable for all Member States and in the interest of our citizens." As he arrived at the summit on Thursday, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar did not endorse Johnson's vow to "Get Brexit Done", but stressed the need for a decisive verdict. "I imagine most prime ministers and presidents will be staying up all night to watch the results, so we'll all be a bit bleary eyed in the morning," he told reporters ahead of the summit. "Obviously, it's entirely a decision for the people of the UK to elect whatever government they want and I just hope the result is decisive so that we know where we're going over the next few months." Enemies in Brussels Johnson made a career as a journalist and later as a leader of the pro-Brexit movement by criticising the European Union, making several enemies in Brussels. But, after three years of chaotic attempts to agree separation terms in the wake of the 2016 British exit referendum, many EU leaders are resigned to Johnson representing their best chance of an orderly divorce. Ahead of the exit poll forecasts, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the next British leader should have a majority "to fulfil the agreements we decided on both sides". And he called for "a parliament in London that agrees on the future relationship, and all these things very quickly".

EU leaders prepare for Brexit after Boris Johnson win

British business on Friday urged Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-beckons-as-uks-johnson-coasts-to-commanding-win-267999">Boris Johnson</a> to provide clarity and assurances on his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-leave-eu-on-january-31-no-ifs-no-buts-says-uk-prime-minister-johnson-amid-resounding-victory-268054">Brexit deal</a>, while stimulating the stalled UK economy, after his Conservative party's emphatic election victory.

"After three years of (political) gridlock, the prime minister has a clear mandate to govern," Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said in a statement.

"Businesses across the UK urge him to use it to rebuild confidence in our economy and break the cycle of uncertainty."

Fairbairn said "early reassurance on Brexit will be vital", noting that "firms will continue to do all they can to prepare for Brexit, but will want to know they won't face another 'no deal' cliff-edge next year".

Britain is set to depart the EU by a deadline of January 31 thanks to Johnson's decisive victory in Thursday's general election.

But he still has to negotiate a new economic partnership with the bloc that remains Britain's biggest trading partner.

Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation, a local government authority for the capital's powerful financial district, pointed to "a long road ahead" on Brexit with Britain having to negotiate trade deals also with non-EU nations.

"For the City, it is vital that the future framework agreement recognises the enormous contribution of the services sector, securing maximum market access and developing a structure for the UK economy to prosper in the years ahead," she added.

Johnson, whose general election campaign message was 'Get Brexit done', has promised to forge a Canada-style free trade agreement with the European Union, handing Britain greater freedom from EU rules but would involve more barriers and costs to trade.

Also Watch:&nbsp;UK Elections 2019: Boris Johnson wins, now onto Brexit

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"British companies... are eager for some clarity now," Jonathan Geldart, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said on Friday.

"For directors, 'Get Brexit done' will only have meaning once the details of our long-term future<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-for-next-round-of-brexit-talks-council-president-michel-says-hope-we-will-have-loyal-negotiations-268092"> relationship with the EU</a> are clear."

Geldart added: "The prime minister must resist the urge for arbitrary negotiating deadlines, and should commit to a proper adjustment period that starts when businesses know the full detail of what changes they may be facing."

On the domestic front, business leaders on Friday urged the new government to be mindful of shaking up Britain's immigration, noting the need for skilled workers to help grow Britain's stalled economy.

"The UK's future success depends on attracting, retaining and developing high-quality talent," said McGuinness.

"A critical first step is creating an effective and efficient visa system to meet the demand for talented individuals. But the government also needs to look closer to home to supercharge our own skills agenda."

Concerns about mass immigration from the EU was one of the drivers of the Brexit referendum in 2016.

The Conservatives say that the free movement of people will end after Brexit, and want to introduce an "Australia-style" points-based system for both EU and non-EU citizens.

The CBI's Fairbairn on Friday said that "pro-enterprise policies on immigration, infrastructure, innovation and skills, will help relaunch the UK on the world stage".

Adam Marshall, director-general at the British Chambers of Commerce, meanwhile called on the government to push on with improvements to transport infrastructure, including more capacity at London's Heathrow airport and a new high-speed railway linking the capital in southern England with cities in the north.

"Restoring business, investor and consumer confidence -&nbsp;and firing up the economy -&nbsp;must now be the prime minister's top priority," he said.

British business on Friday urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to provide clarity and assurances on his Brexit deal, while stimulating the stalled UK economy, after his Conservative party's emphatic election victory.

British business on Friday urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to provide clarity and assurances on his Brexit deal, while stimulating the stalled UK economy, after his Conservative party's emphatic election victory. "After three years of (political) gridlock, the prime minister has a clear mandate to govern," Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said in a statement. "Businesses across the UK urge him to use it to rebuild confidence in our economy and break the cycle of uncertainty." Fairbairn said "early reassurance on Brexit will be vital", noting that "firms will continue to do all they can to prepare for Brexit, but will want to know they won't face another 'no deal' cliff-edge next year". Britain is set to depart the EU by a deadline of January 31 thanks to Johnson's decisive victory in Thursday's general election. But he still has to negotiate a new economic partnership with the bloc that remains Britain's biggest trading partner. Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation, a local government authority for the capital's powerful financial district, pointed to "a long road ahead" on Brexit with Britain having to negotiate trade deals also with non-EU nations. "For the City, it is vital that the future framework agreement recognises the enormous contribution of the services sector, securing maximum market access and developing a structure for the UK economy to prosper in the years ahead," she added. Johnson, whose general election campaign message was 'Get Brexit done', has promised to forge a Canada-style free trade agreement with the European Union, handing Britain greater freedom from EU rules but would involve more barriers and costs to trade. Also Watch: UK Elections 2019: Boris Johnson wins, now onto Brexit × "British companies... are eager for some clarity now," Jonathan Geldart, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said on Friday. "For directors, 'Get Brexit done' will only have meaning once the details of our long-term future relationship with the EU are clear." Geldart added: "The prime minister must resist the urge for arbitrary negotiating deadlines, and should commit to a proper adjustment period that starts when businesses know the full detail of what changes they may be facing." On the domestic front, business leaders on Friday urged the new government to be mindful of shaking up Britain's immigration, noting the need for skilled workers to help grow Britain's stalled economy. "The UK's future success depends on attracting, retaining and developing high-quality talent," said McGuinness. "A critical first step is creating an effective and efficient visa system to meet the demand for talented individuals. But the government also needs to look closer to home to supercharge our own skills agenda." Concerns about mass immigration from the EU was one of the drivers of the Brexit referendum in 2016. The Conservatives say that the free movement of people will end after Brexit, and want to introduce an "Australia-style" points-based system for both EU and non-EU citizens. The CBI's Fairbairn on Friday said that "pro-enterprise policies on immigration, infrastructure, innovation and skills, will help relaunch the UK on the world stage". Adam Marshall, director-general at the British Chambers of Commerce, meanwhile called on the government to push on with improvements to transport infrastructure, including more capacity at London's Heathrow airport and a new high-speed railway linking the capital in southern England with cities in the north. "Restoring business, investor and consumer confidence - and firing up the economy - must now be the prime minister's top priority," he said.

UK business seeks Brexit assurances after Johnson win

How the mighty fell: Biggest upsets in the UK election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Boris Johnson </a>on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit.&nbsp;

The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987.&nbsp;

Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said.

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Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205368801438707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit. The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987. Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935. US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019 × After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Boris Johnson for win in UK election

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Britain's parliament</a> than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats.

That meant Sinn Fein kept its seven seats and the resurgent fellow pro-Irish SDLP won two, combining to pass the Democratic Unionist Party, which fell from 10 seats to eight.

The cross-community Alliance Party took the final seat, adding to the majority of anti-Brexit MPs after its share of the total vote rocketed by almost 10 per cent.

A first since the partition of Ireland in 1921, the result led to increased calls from Sinn Fein for a vote to split from the rest of the United Kingdom, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-beckons-as-uks-johnson-coasts-to-commanding-win-267999">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> won a resounding majority across the union.

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to Britain's parliament than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats.

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to Britain's parliament than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats. That meant Sinn Fein kept its seven seats and the resurgent fellow pro-Irish SDLP won two, combining to pass the Democratic Unionist Party, which fell from 10 seats to eight. The cross-community Alliance Party took the final seat, adding to the majority of anti-Brexit MPs after its share of the total vote rocketed by almost 10 per cent. A first since the partition of Ireland in 1921, the result led to increased calls from Sinn Fein for a vote to split from the rest of the United Kingdom, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a resounding majority across the union.

In a first, Irish nationalists overtake unionists at UK election

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