Brisk Polling In United Kingdom's Most Important Elections In A Generation. #WION #Gravitas #UKElections2019

Gravitas: United Kingdom: Make or break election

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today. 
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The country’s future direction, its place in the world and even its territorial integrity are all at stake, primarily because this is a decisive election for Brexit. 
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The next Prime Minister is going to be either Boris johnson, whose main agenda is “getting Brexit done” regardless of the consequences or Jeremy Corbyn, who with a Labour-led government will try to remodel society with a programme of nationalisation and public spending. 
&nbsp; 
The Britons have been confronted with two drastically different visions for what comes next and must decide between two very different persons to lead them there. 
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Candidates have dutifully appeared in a checklist of traditional election photo ops, they have read books to bored school children and piped campaign messages onto doughnuts. 
&nbsp; 
From touring fish markets to making coffee, all the contesting parties have left no stone unturned to try and ensure that the ballot swings in their favour.&nbsp; 
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Boris Johnson is affixed to his only slogan and insists that only Tories can "get Brexit done." 
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The Prime Minister took a visit to Derby putting his culinary skills to test and cooked a pie on the last day of his election campaign and compared his pie to Brexit by saying getting UK out of the European Union bloc is as easy as making a pie. 
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Johnson even drove a bulldozer through a wall of foam bricks with the words 'Gridlock' written on it. 
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His last campaign speech had only one message - break the Brexit deadlock. 
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Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed that to end austerity and give "hope to the next generation".&nbsp; 
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Corbyn started his final day of election campaigning in Glasgow, making paper reindeers with children at primary schools across the country. 
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The leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson has pitched her promise to stop Brexit in Surrey.&nbsp; 
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Swinson told the supporters that the time is short to stop UK from exiting the EU bloc and added that if they win they will stop the withdrawal process.&nbsp; 
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The Scotland National Party's Nicola Sturgeon made her final pitch to voters too and was spotted at Edinburgh's Green Grocers, wrapping candles, urging voters to stop Boris Johnson being Prime Minister. 
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The Conservatives have been consistently leading the opinion polls, with the latest poll forecast showing the Conservatives taking 339 seats - which is up by 22 seats from the last general election in 2017.&nbsp; 
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The left-wing Labour Party is estimated to take 231 seats - which is down by 31 in comparison to 2017. 
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The Scottish Nationalist Party is on course for 41 seats while the Liberal Democrats are estimated to secure only 15 seats. 
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According to You-gov poll, Conservatives are set to gather 339 seats with 43 per cent vote share. 
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The Labour Party is trailing behind with 231 seats and 34 per cent vote share. 
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But what's encouraging for the Labour Party has been the trajectory. As over the past week, the Conservatives' lead over the Tories has come down from 12 points to 9. 
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Implying that the slender majority of 28 is not something Boris Johnson can rely on.&nbsp; 
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Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is not expected to win any seats as per this projection. However, it is important to note that the Brexit Party is not contesting seats where the Tories have a strong foothold.

The Scottish National Party is expected to sweep the electorate in Scotland with 41 seats. 
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London braces for a rare winter election that could be affected by inclement weather across Britain, significantly affecting the turnout in what many are styling a landmark vote that will determine the outcome of Britain's future.

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today.

The United Kingdom is heading for its third general election since 2015 and Britain has not faced a more critical election in decades than the one it faces today. The country’s future direction, its place in the world and even its territorial integrity are all at stake, primarily because this is a decisive election for Brexit. The next Prime Minister is going to be either Boris johnson, whose main agenda is “getting Brexit done” regardless of the consequences or Jeremy Corbyn, who with a Labour-led government will try to remodel society with a programme of nationalisation and public spending. The Britons have been confronted with two drastically different visions for what comes next and must decide between two very different persons to lead them there. Candidates have dutifully appeared in a checklist of traditional election photo ops, they have read books to bored school children and piped campaign messages onto doughnuts. From touring fish markets to making coffee, all the contesting parties have left no stone unturned to try and ensure that the ballot swings in their favour. Boris Johnson is affixed to his only slogan and insists that only Tories can "get Brexit done." The Prime Minister took a visit to Derby putting his culinary skills to test and cooked a pie on the last day of his election campaign and compared his pie to Brexit by saying getting UK out of the European Union bloc is as easy as making a pie. Johnson even drove a bulldozer through a wall of foam bricks with the words 'Gridlock' written on it. His last campaign speech had only one message - break the Brexit deadlock. Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed that to end austerity and give "hope to the next generation". Corbyn started his final day of election campaigning in Glasgow, making paper reindeers with children at primary schools across the country. The leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson has pitched her promise to stop Brexit in Surrey. Swinson told the supporters that the time is short to stop UK from exiting the EU bloc and added that if they win they will stop the withdrawal process. The Scotland National Party's Nicola Sturgeon made her final pitch to voters too and was spotted at Edinburgh's Green Grocers, wrapping candles, urging voters to stop Boris Johnson being Prime Minister. The Conservatives have been consistently leading the opinion polls, with the latest poll forecast showing the Conservatives taking 339 seats - which is up by 22 seats from the last general election in 2017. The left-wing Labour Party is estimated to take 231 seats - which is down by 31 in comparison to 2017. The Scottish Nationalist Party is on course for 41 seats while the Liberal Democrats are estimated to secure only 15 seats. According to You-gov poll, Conservatives are set to gather 339 seats with 43 per cent vote share. The Labour Party is trailing behind with 231 seats and 34 per cent vote share. But what's encouraging for the Labour Party has been the trajectory. As over the past week, the Conservatives' lead over the Tories has come down from 12 points to 9. Implying that the slender majority of 28 is not something Boris Johnson can rely on. Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is not expected to win any seats as per this projection. However, it is important to note that the Brexit Party is not contesting seats where the Tories have a strong foothold. The Scottish National Party is expected to sweep the electorate in Scotland with 41 seats. London braces for a rare winter election that could be affected by inclement weather across Britain, significantly affecting the turnout in what many are styling a landmark vote that will determine the outcome of Britain's future.

With Conservatives leading polls, Britain heads to landmark winter election to determine its road ahead

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-brexit-and-economy-at-stake-britain-braces-for-third-election-in-four-years-267352">general election </a>in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation.&nbsp;

So, as the UK heads to polls, let's look at how the last three elections played out.&nbsp;

2010 election: Coalition government

Ahead of the global financial crisis in 2007, Labour's Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair and became the prime minister of the country in 2007.

In the 2010 election, televised debates of leaders took place for the first time. The support for Liberal Democrats rose after Clegg's performance in the debate.&nbsp;

The trends showed that the support for the centre-left Labour declined as voters turned to David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's centrist Liberal Democrats.

However, when the results were announced, Britain witnessed hung parliament, the second since World War II. The Conservatives won 306 seats and Liberal Democrat ended with 57 seats. The hung parliament is rare in Britain as they follow the first-past-the-post system. &nbsp;

Immediately after the results, Cameron reached out to the Liberal Democrats. Brown remained in the office during the coalition talks, hoping to persuade Clegg to shake hands with Labour.&nbsp;

However, Cameron became the prime minister of Britain as Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed an alliance.

2015: Suprise victory for Cameron

Cameron pledged in 2015 that if he will get another term, a referendum will be held to decide Britain's membership in the European Union.&nbsp;

The poll pundits predicted another hung parliament, however, when results were declared, Conservatives pulled off a slender victory and improved its 2010 tally with 330 seats. The results meant that Conservatives can form the government on their own.&nbsp;

The elections saw the worst tally for Liberal Democrats since their formation in 1988, winning only eight seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) gained big as it won 56 out of the 59 seats in Scotland.

The vote share of Labour improved but, still, they lost more seats as compared to 2010.

2017: Theresa May's gamble fails

After the Brexit referendum, Theresa May became the prime minister of the UK. May feared that in order to pass Brexit a small majority might not be enough and therefore she called a snap election.

However, the gamble did not pay off and the Conservatives lost 13 seats to end up with 307. The results meant that a Conservative minority government came to power after getting support from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionists (DUP).

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's energetic campaign and May's wooden performances were the reasons behind the decline of the Conservatives.&nbsp;

In this election, voters once again entrusted the main parties as the Conservatives won 42 per cent and Labour 40 per cent of votes.&nbsp;

May failed to get the Brexit done and was replaced by Boris Johnson after she quit in July 2019.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third general election in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation.

On Thursday, Britons will vote for what will be the third general election in less than five years. Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes the polls as the most important in a generation. So, as the UK heads to polls, let's look at how the last three elections played out. 2010 election: Coalition government Ahead of the global financial crisis in 2007, Labour's Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair and became the prime minister of the country in 2007. In the 2010 election, televised debates of leaders took place for the first time. The support for Liberal Democrats rose after Clegg's performance in the debate. The trends showed that the support for the centre-left Labour declined as voters turned to David Cameron's Conservatives and Nick Clegg's centrist Liberal Democrats. However, when the results were announced, Britain witnessed hung parliament, the second since World War II. The Conservatives won 306 seats and Liberal Democrat ended with 57 seats. The hung parliament is rare in Britain as they follow the first-past-the-post system. Immediately after the results, Cameron reached out to the Liberal Democrats. Brown remained in the office during the coalition talks, hoping to persuade Clegg to shake hands with Labour. However, Cameron became the prime minister of Britain as Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed an alliance. 2015: Suprise victory for Cameron Cameron pledged in 2015 that if he will get another term, a referendum will be held to decide Britain's membership in the European Union. The poll pundits predicted another hung parliament, however, when results were declared, Conservatives pulled off a slender victory and improved its 2010 tally with 330 seats. The results meant that Conservatives can form the government on their own. The elections saw the worst tally for Liberal Democrats since their formation in 1988, winning only eight seats. The Scottish National Party (SNP) gained big as it won 56 out of the 59 seats in Scotland. The vote share of Labour improved but, still, they lost more seats as compared to 2010. 2017: Theresa May's gamble fails After the Brexit referendum, Theresa May became the prime minister of the UK. May feared that in order to pass Brexit a small majority might not be enough and therefore she called a snap election. However, the gamble did not pay off and the Conservatives lost 13 seats to end up with 307. The results meant that a Conservative minority government came to power after getting support from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionists (DUP). Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's energetic campaign and May's wooden performances were the reasons behind the decline of the Conservatives. In this election, voters once again entrusted the main parties as the Conservatives won 42 per cent and Labour 40 per cent of votes. May failed to get the Brexit done and was replaced by Boris Johnson after she quit in July 2019. (with inputs from AFP)

As Britain heads to polls, a glance at last three elections

Polling stations have opened across the UK in the general election. Voters across the UK head to the ballot box for the third general election since 2015. Boris Johnson breaks tradition by not voting in his constituency. Earlier Johnson was photographed casting his vote at a polling station in central London rather than in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

WION Dispatch: Polling underway in UK general elections

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans.

Here is an outline of the possible outcomes:

Conservative majority

A Johnson victory, regaining the Conservative majority lost in 2017, is the most likely result according to bookmakers and pollsters.

But what seemed like a comfortable lead a few days ago now looks more precarious following the release of a major new survey on Tuesday.

The YouGov poll indicated the expected Conservative majority would be slashed from 68 seats to 28 since the last survey at the end of November, with a hung parliament now within the margin of error.

With 650 seats in parliament's lower House of Commons, the poll takes 326 as the magic number, predicting the Tories will win 339 seats.

But with Irish Republican party Sinn Fein having a policy of not sending MPs to the British parliament, and with the speakers not normally involved in parliamentary votes, a working majority can be obtained with fewer seats.

In 2017, the Conservatives won 317 seats and went on to govern after striking a deal with Northern Ireland's 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs.

Any kind of majority should allow Johnson to get through his Brexit deal agreed with Brussels, putting Britain on course to leave the European Union by January 31.

Labour majority

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could upset the odds and secure a majority for his left-wing agenda, which includes the re-nationalisation of key sectors, including the railways and energy, and a massive public spending spree.

Britain would also vote again on whether to leave the EU with the options being a "softer" Brexit deal negotiated by his party or remaining in the union.

A Labour victory would represent a major breakthrough on the global stage for the far-left movement backed by younger voters.

Hung parliament

If no party achieves a working majority, then Britain would have another hung parliament, as in 2010 and 2017.

The Conservatives are still expected to win the most seats and, as incumbent, Johnson would remain prime minister and get first crack at striking a deal with opposition parties, either to join a formal coalition or for them to agree to back him on crucial votes in an informal pact.

But he has few friends outside his own party and is unlikely to win the support of the DUP this time round as they are unhappy with his Brexit deal.

Johnson could then quit or try to go it alone in a minority government, which would require him to win key votes when parliament returns.&nbsp;

He would be obliged to resign if his attempts failed.

Corbyn would then try to form a government, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) indicating they would back him if he agreed to a second Scottish independence referendum.

The Liberal Democrats could also be tempted by Labour's commitment to a second Brexit referendum, but have so far "absolutely categorically" ruled out backing Corbyn, citing his radical economic agenda and anti-Semitism within his party.

Without them, Corbyn would probably fall short of forming a government or securing the backing needed to sustain a minority government.

Another election would be the only way to break the deadlock.

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans.

Britain votes in a crucial general election on Thursday, with latest opinion polls showing Prime Minister Boris Johnson locked in a tight battle to win a majority and deliver his Brexit plans. Here is an outline of the possible outcomes: Conservative majority A Johnson victory, regaining the Conservative majority lost in 2017, is the most likely result according to bookmakers and pollsters. But what seemed like a comfortable lead a few days ago now looks more precarious following the release of a major new survey on Tuesday. The YouGov poll indicated the expected Conservative majority would be slashed from 68 seats to 28 since the last survey at the end of November, with a hung parliament now within the margin of error. With 650 seats in parliament's lower House of Commons, the poll takes 326 as the magic number, predicting the Tories will win 339 seats. But with Irish Republican party Sinn Fein having a policy of not sending MPs to the British parliament, and with the speakers not normally involved in parliamentary votes, a working majority can be obtained with fewer seats. In 2017, the Conservatives won 317 seats and went on to govern after striking a deal with Northern Ireland's 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs. Any kind of majority should allow Johnson to get through his Brexit deal agreed with Brussels, putting Britain on course to leave the European Union by January 31. Labour majority Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could upset the odds and secure a majority for his left-wing agenda, which includes the re-nationalisation of key sectors, including the railways and energy, and a massive public spending spree. Britain would also vote again on whether to leave the EU with the options being a "softer" Brexit deal negotiated by his party or remaining in the union. A Labour victory would represent a major breakthrough on the global stage for the far-left movement backed by younger voters. Hung parliament If no party achieves a working majority, then Britain would have another hung parliament, as in 2010 and 2017. The Conservatives are still expected to win the most seats and, as incumbent, Johnson would remain prime minister and get first crack at striking a deal with opposition parties, either to join a formal coalition or for them to agree to back him on crucial votes in an informal pact. But he has few friends outside his own party and is unlikely to win the support of the DUP this time round as they are unhappy with his Brexit deal. Johnson could then quit or try to go it alone in a minority government, which would require him to win key votes when parliament returns. He would be obliged to resign if his attempts failed. Corbyn would then try to form a government, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) indicating they would back him if he agreed to a second Scottish independence referendum. The Liberal Democrats could also be tempted by Labour's commitment to a second Brexit referendum, but have so far "absolutely categorically" ruled out backing Corbyn, citing his radical economic agenda and anti-Semitism within his party. Without them, Corbyn would probably fall short of forming a government or securing the backing needed to sustain a minority government. Another election would be the only way to break the deadlock.

British general election: A look at possible outcomes of the UK vote

Voters go to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-conservatives-leading-polls-britain-heads-to-landmark-winter-election-to-determine-its-road-ahead-267785">Boris Johnson</a> or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">European Union</a>.

After failing to deliver Brexit by an October&nbsp;31 deadline, Johnson called the December&nbsp;12 election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain's departure and sapped confidence in the economy.

The face of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old 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.

His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit.

All major opinion polls suggest Johnson will win, though pollsters got the 2016 referendum wrong and their models predict outcomes ranging from a hung parliament to the biggest Conservative landslide since the era of Margaret Thatcher.

"We could have a Conservative majority government which will get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-three-election-in-four-years-all-for-brexit-267773">Brexit</a> done and unleash Britain’s potential," Johnson told campaigners. "This election is our chance to end the gridlock but the result is on a knife-edge."

Corbyn said the Conservatives were the party of "billionaires" while Labour represented the many.

"You can vote for despair and vote for the dishonesty of this government, or you can vote Labour and get a government that can bring hope to the future," he said.

Polls open at 0700 GMT and close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of United Kingdom's 650 different constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT.

While Brexit framed the United Kingdom's first December election since 1923, the tortuous exit from the EU has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties.

A majority would allow Johnson to lead the country out of the club it first joined in 1973, but Brexit would still be far from over. He faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in a self-imposed deadline of 11 months.

After January&nbsp;31, Britain would enter a transition period during which it would negotiate a new relationship with the EU27. He has pledged to do that by the end of 2020.

Sterling markets are pricing in a Johnson win. But a five-year flurry of two historic referendums&nbsp;on Scottish independence in 2014 and Brexit in 2016 and two national elections in 2015 and 2017 have delivered often unexpected results that ushered in political crises.

The election pitches two of the most unconventional British politicians of recent years against each other. Both have been repeatedly written off by opponents and both offer starkly different visions for the world's fifth-largest economy.

Johnson's pitch is Brexit but he shrank from anything more radical in a heavily choreographed campaign. Corbyn pitched what he calls a radical transformation for a country long wedded to free-market liberalism.

Johnson, the New York-born former mayor of London, won the top job in July. His predecessor, Theresa May, resigned after failing to get parliamentary backing for her Brexit deal with the EU and then losing her party's majority in a snap election.

Johnson defied critics by striking a new deal with the EU but was unable to navigate the maze of a divided British parliament and was defeated by opponents whom he portrayed as traitors subverting the will of the people.

The United Kingdom voted by 52 per cent -48&nbsp;per cent in 2016 to quit the EU. But parliament has been deadlocked since May's failed bet on a 2017 snap election over how, when and even whether to leave.

Corbyn, once an opponent of the EU who now says he would remain neutral if he was a prime minister overseeing another referendum, was repeatedly grilled over his Brexit plans. He pledged to overthrow a "rigged system" he said was run by billionaires and tax dodgers.

Both made missteps during the campaign.

Johnson in one interview refused to look at a picture of a sick four-year-old boy forced to lie on the floor of a hospital and then inexplicably took the phone from a reporter and pocketed it. He later apologised.

Corbyn, a veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, repeatedly avoided apologising for what some party members, lawmakers and Jewish leaders say is his failure to tackle anti-Semitism from some elements within the party. He apologised eventually.

Johnson's strategy was to breach Labour's so-called "Red Wall" of seats across the Brexit-supporting areas of the Midlands and northern England where he described his political opponents as the out-of-touch enemies of Brexit.

"If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice," said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. "I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling."

&nbsp;

Voters go to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union. After failing to deliver Brexit by an October 31 deadline, Johnson called the December 12 election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain's departure and sapped confidence in the economy. The face of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old 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. His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit. All major opinion polls suggest Johnson will win, though pollsters got the 2016 referendum wrong and their models predict outcomes ranging from a hung parliament to the biggest Conservative landslide since the era of Margaret Thatcher. "We could have a Conservative majority government which will get Brexit done and unleash Britain’s potential," Johnson told campaigners. "This election is our chance to end the gridlock but the result is on a knife-edge." Corbyn said the Conservatives were the party of "billionaires" while Labour represented the many. "You can vote for despair and vote for the dishonesty of this government, or you can vote Labour and get a government that can bring hope to the future," he said. Polls open at 0700 GMT and close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of United Kingdom's 650 different constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT. While Brexit framed the United Kingdom's first December election since 1923, the tortuous exit from the EU has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties. A majority would allow Johnson to lead the country out of the club it first joined in 1973, but Brexit would still be far from over. He faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in a self-imposed deadline of 11 months. After January 31, Britain would enter a transition period during which it would negotiate a new relationship with the EU27. He has pledged to do that by the end of 2020. Sterling markets are pricing in a Johnson win. But a five-year flurry of two historic referendums on Scottish independence in 2014 and Brexit in 2016 and two national elections in 2015 and 2017 have delivered often unexpected results that ushered in political crises. The election pitches two of the most unconventional British politicians of recent years against each other. Both have been repeatedly written off by opponents and both offer starkly different visions for the world's fifth-largest economy. Johnson's pitch is Brexit but he shrank from anything more radical in a heavily choreographed campaign. Corbyn pitched what he calls a radical transformation for a country long wedded to free-market liberalism. Johnson, the New York-born former mayor of London, won the top job in July. His predecessor, Theresa May, resigned after failing to get parliamentary backing for her Brexit deal with the EU and then losing her party's majority in a snap election. Johnson defied critics by striking a new deal with the EU but was unable to navigate the maze of a divided British parliament and was defeated by opponents whom he portrayed as traitors subverting the will of the people. The United Kingdom voted by 52 per cent -48 per cent in 2016 to quit the EU. But parliament has been deadlocked since May's failed bet on a 2017 snap election over how, when and even whether to leave. Corbyn, once an opponent of the EU who now says he would remain neutral if he was a prime minister overseeing another referendum, was repeatedly grilled over his Brexit plans. He pledged to overthrow a "rigged system" he said was run by billionaires and tax dodgers. Both made missteps during the campaign. Johnson in one interview refused to look at a picture of a sick four-year-old boy forced to lie on the floor of a hospital and then inexplicably took the phone from a reporter and pocketed it. He later apologised. Corbyn, a veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, repeatedly avoided apologising for what some party members, lawmakers and Jewish leaders say is his failure to tackle anti-Semitism from some elements within the party. He apologised eventually. Johnson's strategy was to breach Labour's so-called "Red Wall" of seats across the Brexit-supporting areas of the Midlands and northern England where he described his political opponents as the out-of-touch enemies of Brexit. "If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice," said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. "I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling."

United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has left no stone unturned to impress the voters to win UK elections 2019. He visited Grimsby Fish Market as part of a visit to the region as the Tories look to take the Great Grimsby seat from Labour's Melanie Onn. Apart from holding a fish Johnson also caressed a rabbit, sheared a sheep, posed with a cow and served food and sweets.

UK Elections 2019: Boris Johnson going all out to impress voters

In the UK general elections and the fight to the finish between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. The question is can Boris Johnson ride the Brexit wave back to 10 Downing street. The last round of campaigning is always the most hard and the United Kingdom is no exception. Boris Johnson was seen driving a bulldozer through a wall of foam bricks with 'Get Brexit Done' written on it. Watch video to know more.

UK Election 2019: Can 'bulldozing Boris' get Brexit done?

Russia told Britain's Supreme Court on Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-zelensky-meet-in-paris-for-summit-amid-push-to-end-ukraine-war-267304">Ukraine</a> should not be allowed to use geopolitical arguments to dispute billions of dollars in debt, after Kiev argued it had been forced to borrow the money from Moscow.

The case, being decided in London because the debt was structured as a $3 billion Eurobond under English law, could see British courts rule on some of the most contentious issues in the Russia-Ukraine feud that has divided Moscow from the West.

The debt was borrowed six years ago by pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich months before he was toppled in a popular uprising. After his fall, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and backed separatists in a war that has killed 13,000 people and brought Western sanctions against Moscow.

The Eurobond, which matured in December 2015, has not been repaid.

Moscow was initially granted a summary judgement that could have seen Ukraine ordered to pay the debt in full. An appeals court accepted Ukraine's arguments that it should not be forced to pay without first being given a chance to challenge the debt in a full trial. But Russia wants that appeal overturned.

"The geopolitical dispute...has nothing to do whatsoever with the enforceability of the notes," Mark Howard, a lawyer acting for Russia, told the five Supreme Court judges.

In court documents prepared for the hearing, Kiev said it was "induced to issue the Eurobonds by overwhelming pressure from Russia's threats to Ukraine's territory, economy and citizens."

Those threats "were born out just months later with the unlawful invasion and occupation of Crimea, and military interference in eastern Ukraine," it said.

Russia's finance ministry said in a statement on Monday it remained confident that Supreme Court would rule in Moscow's favour in the case. Ukraine said it expected a decision in the first half of next year.

Ukraine's new president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, met Russia's Vladimir Putin for the first time on Monday at a summit in Paris aimed at pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow wants payment in full of the Eurobond, including interest it says, pushes the debt to $4.5 billion. Kiev says Russia should have participated in a 2015 restructuring of its Eurobonds.

The case is one of two major court cases this month being watched by international investors in Ukraine. Hearings are due to begin in Kiev on December&nbsp;19 in the case of the nationalisation of Ukraine's largest commercial bank.

Russia told Britain's Supreme Court on Monday that Ukraine should not be allowed to use geopolitical arguments to dispute billions of dollars in debt, after Kiev argued it had been forced to borrow the money from Moscow.

Russia told Britain's Supreme Court on Monday that Ukraine should not be allowed to use geopolitical arguments to dispute billions of dollars in debt, after Kiev argued it had been forced to borrow the money from Moscow. The case, being decided in London because the debt was structured as a $3 billion Eurobond under English law, could see British courts rule on some of the most contentious issues in the Russia-Ukraine feud that has divided Moscow from the West. The debt was borrowed six years ago by pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich months before he was toppled in a popular uprising. After his fall, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and backed separatists in a war that has killed 13,000 people and brought Western sanctions against Moscow. The Eurobond, which matured in December 2015, has not been repaid. Moscow was initially granted a summary judgement that could have seen Ukraine ordered to pay the debt in full. An appeals court accepted Ukraine's arguments that it should not be forced to pay without first being given a chance to challenge the debt in a full trial. But Russia wants that appeal overturned. "The geopolitical dispute...has nothing to do whatsoever with the enforceability of the notes," Mark Howard, a lawyer acting for Russia, told the five Supreme Court judges. In court documents prepared for the hearing, Kiev said it was "induced to issue the Eurobonds by overwhelming pressure from Russia's threats to Ukraine's territory, economy and citizens." Those threats "were born out just months later with the unlawful invasion and occupation of Crimea, and military interference in eastern Ukraine," it said. Russia's finance ministry said in a statement on Monday it remained confident that Supreme Court would rule in Moscow's favour in the case. Ukraine said it expected a decision in the first half of next year. Ukraine's new president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, met Russia's Vladimir Putin for the first time on Monday at a summit in Paris aimed at pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Moscow wants payment in full of the Eurobond, including interest it says, pushes the debt to $4.5 billion. Kiev says Russia should have participated in a 2015 restructuring of its Eurobonds. The case is one of two major court cases this month being watched by international investors in Ukraine. Hearings are due to begin in Kiev on December 19 in the case of the nationalisation of Ukraine's largest commercial bank.

Russia tells UK court Ukraine should be forced to pay debt despite disputes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-admits-his-naughtiest-sin-266969">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday that the impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-promises-lower-immigration-if-he-wins-election-266941">Thursday's general election</a> would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages.

The prime minister is hoping to regain the majority that his Conservative Party lost in 2019, with a slew of polls released on Saturday suggesting he was narrowly on course to achieve his goal.

The stakes could barely be higher, with the fate of Brexit still to be settled.

"We're fighting for every vote and... this is a critical moment for this country, the choice on Thursday is unbelievably stark," he told Sky News.&nbsp;

He compared the election to other "historic elections" such as 1906, 1945 and 1979.&nbsp;

"The impact of this election will be felt for decades to come," he wrote in an open letter.&nbsp;

A Conservative majority would almost certainly cement Britain's departure from the European Union, but any other result could lead to a second referendum and the 2016 result being overturned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hugh-grant-is-convincing-voters-in-uk-to-not-vote-for-boris-johnson-266017">The prime minister</a> faced scrutiny over promises there would be no checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain as part of his Brexit deal with Brussels.

"There's no question of there being checks," he told Sky, adding "why would we put checks on goods going from NI to GB or GB to NI? It doesn't make sense."

His claims appear to contradict a leaked government document revealed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn this week, which suggested that businesses would need to fill in paperwork when moving goods across the Irish Sea.

Corbyn is banking on a late surge, as he achieved in 2017, to prevent Johnson from winning a majority.

'Bear down on migration'

But polls released on Saturday showed the Conservatives with an average lead of 10 per cent.

Pollsters believe that Johnson needs to be more than six points clear of Labour on Thursday to secure a majority.

The prime minister announced Sunday that he would introduce an "Australian-style" points based immigration system if elected, signalling a tightening of low-skilled immigration.

"I've said that what we want to do is bear down on a migration, particularly of unskilled workers who have no job to come to," he said.

"You've got to have a system by which party politicians can say to people, 'well, yes, we are letting people in but we're doing it in a way that is controlled'."

Exit polls from Thursday's vote will be released at 2000 GMT, but the final result will not be confirmed until Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the impact of Thursday's general election would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the impact of Thursday's general election would be "felt for decades" as campaigning entered the final stages. The prime minister is hoping to regain the majority that his Conservative Party lost in 2019, with a slew of polls released on Saturday suggesting he was narrowly on course to achieve his goal. The stakes could barely be higher, with the fate of Brexit still to be settled. "We're fighting for every vote and... this is a critical moment for this country, the choice on Thursday is unbelievably stark," he told Sky News. He compared the election to other "historic elections" such as 1906, 1945 and 1979. "The impact of this election will be felt for decades to come," he wrote in an open letter. A Conservative majority would almost certainly cement Britain's departure from the European Union, but any other result could lead to a second referendum and the 2016 result being overturned. The prime minister faced scrutiny over promises there would be no checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain as part of his Brexit deal with Brussels. "There's no question of there being checks," he told Sky, adding "why would we put checks on goods going from NI to GB or GB to NI? It doesn't make sense." His claims appear to contradict a leaked government document revealed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn this week, which suggested that businesses would need to fill in paperwork when moving goods across the Irish Sea. Corbyn is banking on a late surge, as he achieved in 2017, to prevent Johnson from winning a majority. 'Bear down on migration' But polls released on Saturday showed the Conservatives with an average lead of 10 per cent. Pollsters believe that Johnson needs to be more than six points clear of Labour on Thursday to secure a majority. The prime minister announced Sunday that he would introduce an "Australian-style" points based immigration system if elected, signalling a tightening of low-skilled immigration. "I've said that what we want to do is bear down on a migration, particularly of unskilled workers who have no job to come to," he said. "You've got to have a system by which party politicians can say to people, 'well, yes, we are letting people in but we're doing it in a way that is controlled'." Exit polls from Thursday's vote will be released at 2000 GMT, but the final result will not be confirmed until Friday.

Impact of UK polls to be 'felt for decades': PM Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-promises-lower-immigration-if-he-wins-election-266941">Boris Johnson </a>said on Sunday that the naughtiest thing he was prepared to admit to was breaking the law by cycling on the pavement.

When asked by Sky what the naughtiest thing he was ready to admit to was, Johnson initially asked advisers for suggestions before saying: "I think, I, you know, I may sometimes, when I was riding a bicycle every day, which I used to do, I may sometimes have not always have obeyed the law about cycling on the pavement."

"I want you know how firmly and how strongly I disapprove of people who cycle on the pavement and I think it is wrong and I feel bad about it. But I might sometimes have scooted up onto the pavement rather than dismounting before."

Asked if he was nervous about narrowing polls, Johnson said: "Of course, we are fighting for every vote. I think that this is a critical moment for this country."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the naughtiest thing he was prepared to admit to was breaking the law by cycling on the pavement. When asked by Sky what the naughtiest thing he was ready to admit to was, Johnson initially asked advisers for suggestions before saying: "I think, I, you know, I may sometimes, when I was riding a bicycle every day, which I used to do, I may sometimes have not always have obeyed the law about cycling on the pavement.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday that the naughtiest thing he was prepared to admit to was breaking the law by cycling on the pavement. When asked by Sky what the naughtiest thing he was ready to admit to was, Johnson initially asked advisers for suggestions before saying: "I think, I, you know, I may sometimes, when I was riding a bicycle every day, which I used to do, I may sometimes have not always have obeyed the law about cycling on the pavement." "I want you know how firmly and how strongly I disapprove of people who cycle on the pavement and I think it is wrong and I feel bad about it. But I might sometimes have scooted up onto the pavement rather than dismounting before." Asked if he was nervous about narrowing polls, Johnson said: "Of course, we are fighting for every vote. I think that this is a critical moment for this country."

UK PM Boris Johnson admits his 'naughtiest sin'

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-edge-uks-johnson-ahead-but-polls-suggest-majority-might-be-tough-266912">Boris Johnson </a>promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall.

Britain votes on Dec. 12 in an election which will decide the fate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-corbyn-wage-brexit-battle-in-final-debate-before-uk-election-266751">Brexit </a>and the world's fifth-largest economy with a stark choice between Johnson's pro-market Conservatives and the socialist-led opposition Labour Party.

"Numbers will come down because we'll be able to control the system in that way," Johnson told Sky News. "And what I don't think is right is to have an uncontrolled and unlimited approach to that."

Johnson has promised a points-based approach to controlling immigration. He said his focus would be cutting down on unskilled migration, but that there would be scope for high skilled and other workers to come to Britain.

"I'm not hostile to immigration ... I'm a believer in allowing people to come to this country and I think if they have talents and they want to do things and make their lives in the UK and they can contribute to our country - fantastic."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised lower immigration if he wins power in an election on Thursday, but said he was not hostile to allowing foreigners to work and live in Britain overall. Britain votes on Dec. 12 in an election which will decide the fate of Brexit and the world's fifth-largest economy with a stark choice between Johnson's pro-market Conservatives and the socialist-led opposition Labour Party. "Numbers will come down because we'll be able to control the system in that way," Johnson told Sky News. "And what I don't think is right is to have an uncontrolled and unlimited approach to that." Johnson has promised a points-based approach to controlling immigration. He said his focus would be cutting down on unskilled migration, but that there would be scope for high skilled and other workers to come to Britain. "I'm not hostile to immigration ... I'm a believer in allowing people to come to this country and I think if they have talents and they want to do things and make their lives in the UK and they can contribute to our country - fantastic."

UK PM Boris Johnson promises lower immigration if he wins election

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday (December 5) bemoaned a "punctured parliament" that was "refusing" to do its job, while on the campaign trail in Derbyshire.

"We've got a punctured parliament that won't do its job"- UK PM Johnson

President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;he&nbsp;discussed with British Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;the&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;military alliance and&nbsp;trade&nbsp;at a meeting a day earlier.

"Enjoyed&nbsp;my meeting with Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;of the&nbsp;United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street last night. Talked about numerous subjects including&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trade," the&nbsp;U.S. leader said on Twitter.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he discussed with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson the NATO military alliance and trade at a meeting a day earlier. "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street last night.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he discussed with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson the NATO military alliance and trade at a meeting a day earlier. "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom at 10 Downing Street last night. Talked about numerous subjects including NATO and Trade," the U.S. leader said on Twitter.

Enjoyed discussing NATO and trade with UK PM Johnson: Trump

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-would-be-best-if-trump-doesnt-get-involved-in-britains-election-boris-johnson-265300">Donald Trump </a>said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job.

"I think Boris is very capable and I think he'll do a good job," Trump said in London, where he is attending a meeting of NATO leaders.

Trump also reaffirmed his support for Brexit - the central objective of Johnson's election campaign. Britain holds its election on Dec. 12.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he did not want to interfere in Britain's election, but that he thought current Prime Minister Boris Johnson was very capable and would do a good job. "I think Boris is very capable and I think he'll do a good job," Trump said in London, where he is attending a meeting of NATO leaders. Trump also reaffirmed his support for Brexit - the central objective of Johnson's election campaign. Britain holds its election on Dec. 12.

UK PM Boris Johnson 'very capable', says Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-checks-intensified-as-london-attack-enters-election-fray-265598">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in&nbsp;London&nbsp;by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police.

Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services.

Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences.

"I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr.

He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically.

Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uk-judge-warned-of-london-bridge-attack-convicts-plans-to-carry-out-attack-in-kashmir-265543">being monitored</a> to prevent any threat to the public.

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News.

Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/london-bridge-attack-uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-attack-site-265509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Election echoes

Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts".

"You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech.

Khan's attack, which took place on&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital.

On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others.

The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said.

Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-corbyn-says-convicted-terrorists-should-not-necessarily-serve-full-sentence-265566">organising a conference that Khan was attending</a>, where he chose to start his attack.

Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital.

The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early. Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police. Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services. Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences. "I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr. He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically. Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were being monitored to prevent any threat to the public. Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News. Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site Election echoes Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts". "You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech. Khan's attack, which took place on London Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital. On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others. The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said. Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was organising a conference that Khan was attending, where he chose to start his attack. Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital. The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

Will strengthen prison sentences after London Bridge attack: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

United Kingdom: Londoners pay tribute to attack victims. Watch video to know more.

United Kingdom: Londoners pay tribute to attack victims

Brexit&nbsp;pressures and political uncertainty have prompted the Confederation of British&nbsp;Industry&nbsp;and a manufacturing trade body, Make&nbsp;UK, to downgrade their growth forecasts for next year.

Official figures have shown that Britain's economy is growing at the&nbsp;weakest annual pace since 2010, and&nbsp;industry&nbsp;leaders see little or no improvement in&nbsp;2020, even if Prime Minister Boris Johnson wins re-election and secures a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-says-uk-will-leave-eu-by-jan-31-at-the-latest-265230">Brexit&nbsp;divorce deal</a> by a January&nbsp;31 deadline.

The CBI on Monday predicted economic growth of 1.3 per cent&nbsp;this year and 1.2 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;2020, followed by a pick-up to 1.8 per cent&nbsp;in 2021, assuming Johnson reaches a trade deal with the EU that leads to no tariffs and little divergence from EU rules.

"Alongside perennial&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;uncertainty, (businesses) are also contending with softer&nbsp;global&nbsp;demand," CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith said.

Back in July, the CBI forecast growth of 1.4 per cent&nbsp;this year and 1.5 per cent&nbsp;next.

Make&nbsp;UK&nbsp;halved its forecast for manufacturing growth next year to 0.3 per cent&nbsp;from 0.6 per cent, though it kept its forecast for growth in the overall economy in&nbsp;2020&nbsp;unchanged at 1.4 per cent, up from 1.3 per cent this year.

"Export orders have increased slightly this quarter, indicating greater confidence from foreign customers about purchasing&nbsp;UK&nbsp;goods as concerns about an end of year no-deal&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;fade," Make&nbsp;UK's chief executive, Stephen Phipson, said.

Britain's economy has slowed since the June 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union, with manufacturing especially hard hit due to concerns about disruption to supply chains, on top of pressures from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-us-tariffs-rolled-back-in-phase-one-trade-deal-report-265517">US-China trade war</a>.

Johnson's&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;plan - which he was unable to pass through parliament before he called an early election on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-elections-2019-five-reasons-to-vote-265079">December&nbsp;12</a> - sees Britain leaving the EU on January&nbsp;31, and then negotiating a new trade deal to take effect at the end of&nbsp;2020.

Johnson has said he will not allow transitional arrangements to continue beyond the end of&nbsp;2020, but many trade experts say this leaves too little time to negotiate a good deal.

If a post-EU transition deal expires at the end of&nbsp;2020&nbsp;without an agreement settled for future trade ties, the CBI predicted a sharp slowdown in growth in 2021 to just 0.4 per cent&nbsp;- the&nbsp;weakest since the financial crisis.

"A no-deal&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;would put the brakes on&nbsp;UK&nbsp;growth and realise businesses' worst fears," Newton-Smith said.

Brexit pressures and political uncertainty have prompted the Confederation of British Industry and a manufacturing trade body, Make UK, to downgrade their growth forecasts for next year.

Brexit pressures and political uncertainty have prompted the Confederation of British Industry and a manufacturing trade body, Make UK, to downgrade their growth forecasts for next year. Official figures have shown that Britain's economy is growing at the weakest annual pace since 2010, and industry leaders see little or no improvement in 2020, even if Prime Minister Boris Johnson wins re-election and secures a Brexit divorce deal by a January 31 deadline. The CBI on Monday predicted economic growth of 1.3 per cent this year and 1.2 per cent in 2020, followed by a pick-up to 1.8 per cent in 2021, assuming Johnson reaches a trade deal with the EU that leads to no tariffs and little divergence from EU rules. "Alongside perennial Brexit uncertainty, (businesses) are also contending with softer global demand," CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith said. Back in July, the CBI forecast growth of 1.4 per cent this year and 1.5 per cent next. Make UK halved its forecast for manufacturing growth next year to 0.3 per cent from 0.6 per cent, though it kept its forecast for growth in the overall economy in 2020 unchanged at 1.4 per cent, up from 1.3 per cent this year. "Export orders have increased slightly this quarter, indicating greater confidence from foreign customers about purchasing UK goods as concerns about an end of year no-deal Brexit fade," Make UK's chief executive, Stephen Phipson, said. Britain's economy has slowed since the June 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union, with manufacturing especially hard hit due to concerns about disruption to supply chains, on top of pressures from the US-China trade war. Johnson's Brexit plan - which he was unable to pass through parliament before he called an early election on December 12 - sees Britain leaving the EU on January 31, and then negotiating a new trade deal to take effect at the end of 2020. Johnson has said he will not allow transitional arrangements to continue beyond the end of 2020, but many trade experts say this leaves too little time to negotiate a good deal. If a post-EU transition deal expires at the end of 2020 without an agreement settled for future trade ties, the CBI predicted a sharp slowdown in growth in 2021 to just 0.4 per cent - the weakest since the financial crisis. "A no-deal Brexit would put the brakes on UK growth and realise businesses' worst fears," Newton-Smith said.

Brexit, weak global demand to hurt UK in 2020, industry warns

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vows-review-as-convicted-terrorist-named-in-london-attack-265475">review Britain's sentencing system </a>after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-knife-attack-suspect-was-ex-terror-convict-police-265330">London Bridge </a>attack.

Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">Usman Khan </a>-- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead.

Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher.

Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device.

On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

"The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group.

The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market.

On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police.

'Investigate fully'&nbsp;

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital.

Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying.

Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England.

The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign.

Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority.&nbsp;

"It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July.

He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack.

"We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster".

'Human spirit'&nbsp;

The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports.

The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest.

As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan.

They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering.

A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away.

"As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge.&nbsp;

'Enduring thanks'&nbsp;

Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account.

The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law.

Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review.

The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed Saturday to review Britain's sentencing system after a convicted terrorist released early from prison stabbed two people to death and wounded three in a London Bridge attack. Members of the public were hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Usman Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher -- before police shot him dead. Video footage of the confrontation showed Khan, 28, being challenged by a man, reportedly a Polish chef, wielding the tusk -- believed to have been grabbed from the historic hall where the stabbings began -- as another person sprayed him with the extinguisher. Khan had been conditionally released from jail last December after serving less than half of a 16-year prison sentence for terrorism and was wearing a fake explosive device. On Saturday, the Islamic State group released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. "The person who carried out the London attack... was a fighter from the Islamic State, and did so in response to calls to target citizens of coalition countries," IS said, referring to a multi-country alliance against the group. The incident comes two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives in nearby Borough Market. On that occasion, eight people were killed and 48 wounded before the three attackers, who were wearing fake suicide devices, were shot dead by police. 'Investigate fully' Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said five people had been stabbed inside Fishmonger's Hall by London Bridge before members of the public pursued the attacker. The three survivors remain in the hospital. Basu added that Khan had been released under "an extensive list of license conditions" with which he had previously been complying. Police on Saturday searched two properties in Stoke-on-Trent, Khan's home city, and Stafford in central England. The latest attack came less than two weeks before Britain's general election and thrust the issue of terrorism into the heart of the campaign. Johnson pledged to introduce minimum 14-year sentences for serious terrorist offences, while some convicted might never be released, and to scrap early release if he wins a majority. "It's absolutely clear that we can't carry on with the failed approaches of the past," said Johnson, who became leader of the Conservative Party -- which has been in power since 2010 -- in July. He also spoke to US President Donald Trump Saturday, who "expressed his condolences" over the attack, according to the White House. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn appeared to raise doubts about the Tories' handling of the parole and wider justice system in light of the attack. "We need to investigate fully the way all aspects of the criminal justice system operate," he said, branding the London Bridge incident "a complete disaster". 'Human spirit' The first victim of the attack was named as Jack Merritt, a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, according to media reports. The institute hosted a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmonger's Hall, a historic building on the north side of the bridge. Khan attended the event reportedly armed with two knives and the fake suicide vest. As the confrontation moved from inside the hall to the pavement outside, a throng of people could be seen in videos grappling with Khan. They reportedly included a convicted killer on day-release from prison and other ex-offenders also attending the criminology gathering. A British Transport Police officer in a suit and tie who also intervened was seen carrying a large knife away. "As we saw the worst of human kind, we saw the very best of human spirit and London," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Saturday as she visited London Bridge. 'Enduring thanks' Khan, a British national, was handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012, with at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda who had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. Inmates are usually released half-way through this type of determinate sentence -- and time spent in custody before trial may have been taken into account. The Parole Board said it had no involvement in his release and that it appeared to have happened automatically as required by law. Johnson said the cases of other convicted terrorists released early were under urgent review. The Ministry of Justice is reportedly reviewing the licence conditions of every convicted terrorist released from prison, which is understood to be around 70 people.

UK's Johnson vows to act as convicted terrorist named in London Bridge attack

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-suspect-was-planning-to-go-to-pakistan-for-terrorist-training-police-265412">convicted terrorist </a>who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.&nbsp;

Usman Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-shooting-armed-man-gunned-down-by-police-265289">who stabbed two people </a>to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange.&nbsp;

"Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012.&nbsp;

The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not.&nbsp;

Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. &nbsp;

He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs.&nbsp;

Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. &nbsp;

"It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said.

The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011.&nbsp;

Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term.&nbsp;

Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board."

British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters and ANI) 
&nbsp;

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012.

The convicted terrorist who was also responsible for carrying out the knife attack at the London Bridge on Friday was also planning to "perform acts of terrorism" in Kashmir, a UK judge had said in his judgment in 2012. Usman Khan, who stabbed two people to death at the London Bridge, was arrested along with other accomplices in 2010 by British police after he was found discussing a plot to bomb London Stock Exchange. "Usman Khan and Nazan Hussain attended Madrassa and were themselves keen to perform acts of terrorism in Kashmir. When they and others, who had been recruited and trained in the Madrassa and had experience in Kashmir, they may return to the UK and perform acts of violent terrorism here," the British judge had said in 2012. The judge had also said that Usman is so dangerous that he was imposing so-called imprisonment for public protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence of eight years. The judgment meant that Usman will remain in prison as long as he is seen as a danger to the public and the Parole Board would take a call whether to release him or not. Usman's family originally hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the 28-year-old was inspired by terrorist organisation Al Qaeda, especially by militant Anwar al-Awlaki. He was a part of a militant group from Stokes city in the UK, which formed closed links with militants from Cardiff and London. The London and Welsh parts of the conspiracy were planning to bomb a toilet at the London Stock Exchange. The 28-year-old supported the bombing and was also discussing about plans to bomb pubs. Usman was also planning to go to Kashmir to participate in a camp of jihadist militants to sharpen his skills, including firearms training and to carry out attacks in Kashmir. "It was envisaged by them all that ultimately they, and the other recruits, may return to the UK as trained and experienced terrorists available to perform terrorist attacks in this country," the judge had said. The IPP sentencing was abolished in 2012 after the then British PM David Cameron announced a review of the sentencing in 2011. Following the abolishment, the appeal court judges in 2013 quashed the indeterminate period of Usman's sentencing and imposed a determinate prison term of 16 years, which meant that Usman could be eligible for release after serving half of his term. Court of Appeal judges also had said that parole board will decide whether a convict is safe enough to be released. But parole board said on Saturday that they were not involved in the decision to release Usman, adding that he "appears to have been released automatically on licence (as required by law), without ever being referred to the Board." British PM Boris Johnson, who is seeking another term vowed on Saturday that he would review Britain sentencing system as the convicted terrorist was released early who was responsible for carrying out the attack at the London bridge. (with inputs from Reuters and ANI)

UK judge had warned of London Bridge terror convict's plans to carry out attacks in Kashmir

By Rainbow Murray and Robin Pettitt

If you live in a safe seat, don’t feel inspired by the choices on offer, and/or would rather spend December 12 doing your Christmas shopping, you might be considering not voting in the 2019 general election – then here are five reasons to change your mind.

1. Your vote does matter

The first and by far and away the most important reason to vote is that, regardless of what anyone might tell you, it matters. The ongoing saga of Brexit is very much a case in point. The way people voted in 2015 resulted in a majority Conservative Party government, which paved the way for the 2016 Brexit referendum. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered.

In the referendum of 2016, a majority of those who voted, voted for Leave. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered.

The way people voted in 2017 deprived Theresa May of a parliamentary majority – which meant the then prime minister was unable to get her deal through parliament, a problem inherited by her successor, Boris Johnson. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered.

It is true that in many parts of the UK some parties utterly dominate. There are areas of the UK that have been represented by MPs from the same party since the 1800s. In areas where one party has a massive majority it may seem that voting will make little difference, which can be deeply frustrating. However, not voting is the one thing guaranteed to make no difference.

Even if voting will not affect the outcome of the result in an individual constituency, it will affect national vote shares for the parties. Parties that cannot win can still get their agendas taken seriously by the other parties if their vote share is strong. Part of the reason why the former prime minister, David Cameron, decided to call a referendum in the first place was the rise of UKIP as a political force. The newer party had no significant presence in parliament but had Cameron’s Conservatives running scared every time it increased its vote share.

In addition, national vote share is increasingly part of the political debate after elections and your vote can be part of that story, even if it doesn’t swing your constituency result. Again, voting matters.

2. Turn up to change the system

Even if you have no hope of your vote making a difference in your constituency, at least consider going to your local polling station and spoiling your ballot paper. This is not a pointless exercise. If thousands of voters in safe constituencies spoiled their ballot papers it would give ammunition to those who are campaigning to replace the UK’s antiquated electoral system with something that gives votes everywhere more weight. The number of spoiled ballots is recorded in each constituency.

3. Defending democracy

Having the right to vote cannot be taken for granted. Just as the right to vote can be obtained, so it can be lost. There are numerous examples of countries where democratic standards were undermined, sometimes fatally so.

The UK’s democracy is still seen as being in good health. However, the Windrush scandal, the government’s attempt to prorogue parliament to avoid debate, and the potential impact of Brexit on human rights shows that the freedoms we have now are not immutable. The most simple and basic thing anyone can do to keep democracy strong is to vote. Arguably, voting is not enough in itself to protect freedoms, but it is a necessary minimum.

4. Don’t vote, can’t moan 
 
Any complaints you may have about anything related to politics (and everything is related to politics) will ring rather hollow after December 12 if you do not do the absolute minimum to make a difference by voting. Quite apart from Brexit, the plans presented by the main parties in their manifestos offer radically different futures for the country.

Voting is the most fundamental way of expressing an opinion on what the parties are planning on doing if elected. Failing to do so makes any subsequent complaints about what the government is doing fairly hypocritical. Don’t vote? Can’t moan! Want to moan? Got to vote!

5. Paying respects 
 
Having a system of government where ordinary people have a say in how they are governed is not automatic. Indeed, it was not always so in the United Kingdom.

The extension of the right to vote in the UK was a long and hard struggle with very real human costs – as exemplified by the 18 killed and hundreds injured during the Peterloo Massacre just over 200 years when cavalry (yes, men, on horses, wielding swords) attacked protesters demanding a greater say in how parliament was put together. This atrocity, and the brutality experienced by those who fought for the right of women to vote remind us how controversial the right to vote really is. Voting is a way of paying respect to those who suffered and died to secure that vote.

And finally, one last reason to vote, if the above still aren’t good enough, is that if people didn’t turn out on election day, we would not have #dogsatpollingstations.

 
(Rainbow Murray is Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London; Robin Pettitt is Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Kingston University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-reasons-to-vote-in-this-election-127666">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Rainbow Murray and Robin Pettitt If you live in a safe seat, don’t feel inspired by the choices on offer, and/or would rather spend December 12 doing your Christmas shopping, you might be considering not voting in the 2019 general election – then here are five reasons to change your mind.

By Rainbow Murray and Robin Pettitt If you live in a safe seat, don’t feel inspired by the choices on offer, and/or would rather spend December 12 doing your Christmas shopping, you might be considering not voting in the 2019 general election – then here are five reasons to change your mind. 1. Your vote does matter The first and by far and away the most important reason to vote is that, regardless of what anyone might tell you, it matters. The ongoing saga of Brexit is very much a case in point. The way people voted in 2015 resulted in a majority Conservative Party government, which paved the way for the 2016 Brexit referendum. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered. In the referendum of 2016, a majority of those who voted, voted for Leave. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered. The way people voted in 2017 deprived Theresa May of a parliamentary majority – which meant the then prime minister was unable to get her deal through parliament, a problem inherited by her successor, Boris Johnson. Regardless of whether you think that was a good thing or not, voting mattered. It is true that in many parts of the UK some parties utterly dominate. There are areas of the UK that have been represented by MPs from the same party since the 1800s. In areas where one party has a massive majority it may seem that voting will make little difference, which can be deeply frustrating. However, not voting is the one thing guaranteed to make no difference. Even if voting will not affect the outcome of the result in an individual constituency, it will affect national vote shares for the parties. Parties that cannot win can still get their agendas taken seriously by the other parties if their vote share is strong. Part of the reason why the former prime minister, David Cameron, decided to call a referendum in the first place was the rise of UKIP as a political force. The newer party had no significant presence in parliament but had Cameron’s Conservatives running scared every time it increased its vote share. In addition, national vote share is increasingly part of the political debate after elections and your vote can be part of that story, even if it doesn’t swing your constituency result. Again, voting matters. 2. Turn up to change the system Even if you have no hope of your vote making a difference in your constituency, at least consider going to your local polling station and spoiling your ballot paper. This is not a pointless exercise. If thousands of voters in safe constituencies spoiled their ballot papers it would give ammunition to those who are campaigning to replace the UK’s antiquated electoral system with something that gives votes everywhere more weight. The number of spoiled ballots is recorded in each constituency. 3. Defending democracy Having the right to vote cannot be taken for granted. Just as the right to vote can be obtained, so it can be lost. There are numerous examples of countries where democratic standards were undermined, sometimes fatally so. The UK’s democracy is still seen as being in good health. However, the Windrush scandal, the government’s attempt to prorogue parliament to avoid debate, and the potential impact of Brexit on human rights shows that the freedoms we have now are not immutable. The most simple and basic thing anyone can do to keep democracy strong is to vote. Arguably, voting is not enough in itself to protect freedoms, but it is a necessary minimum. 4. Don’t vote, can’t moan Any complaints you may have about anything related to politics (and everything is related to politics) will ring rather hollow after December 12 if you do not do the absolute minimum to make a difference by voting. Quite apart from Brexit, the plans presented by the main parties in their manifestos offer radically different futures for the country. Voting is the most fundamental way of expressing an opinion on what the parties are planning on doing if elected. Failing to do so makes any subsequent complaints about what the government is doing fairly hypocritical. Don’t vote? Can’t moan! Want to moan? Got to vote! 5. Paying respects Having a system of government where ordinary people have a say in how they are governed is not automatic. Indeed, it was not always so in the United Kingdom. The extension of the right to vote in the UK was a long and hard struggle with very real human costs – as exemplified by the 18 killed and hundreds injured during the Peterloo Massacre just over 200 years when cavalry (yes, men, on horses, wielding swords) attacked protesters demanding a greater say in how parliament was put together. This atrocity, and the brutality experienced by those who fought for the right of women to vote remind us how controversial the right to vote really is. Voting is a way of paying respect to those who suffered and died to secure that vote. And finally, one last reason to vote, if the above still aren’t good enough, is that if people didn’t turn out on election day, we would not have #dogsatpollingstations. (Rainbow Murray is Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London; Robin Pettitt is Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Kingston University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK elections 2019: Five reasons to vote

In Indian politics, Chanakya is the flavour of the season, anybody with half a strategy is labelled Chanakya.

Chanakya said, "Learn from the mistakes of others, you can't live long enough to make them all yourself."

Now as we see Jeremy Corbyn's list of blunders, what can politicians around the world learn from him?

Lesson number one - do your homework and do not venture into interviews without preparation.

Rahul Gandhi's infamous TV interview from 2014 made him a standing joke. His image hasn't quite recovered since then.

Jeremy Corbyn made the same mistake. He should have known that anti-semitism in the labour party would be raised. He looked ill-prepared and ill at ease.

Lesson number 2: Say sorry when you must. Politics is the game of perception. Appear too rigid and you've lost the plot. Anti-Semitism is a serious issue. Denying the holocaust is neither logical nor right.

There is no excuse for a political party to do so and there is no option for its leader but to apologise. Yet, Corbyn refused, he's already paying for it.&nbsp;

Lesson number 3 and this is interesting. Know your manifesto.

In a recent interview, Jeremy Corbyn was at odds with his party on a tax hike. The Labour Party manifesto says that tax allowance of married couples will be scrapped. This will affect 2 million people in the country.

When you plan such tax hikes, you must know the income tax bracket. It's the least minimum, but Corbyn was clueless about all this.

Lesson number 4 - stick to relevant issues. don't grandstand for votes. You might crash land.

The labour party's misadventure and many u-turns on Kashmir are a good example. A completely unnecessary controversy that has upset British Indians.

Lesson number 5 - keep your flock together.

Earlier this year, seven influential labour party leaders quit - the reason - Jeremy Corbyn and his inability to address antisemitism in the party.

How do you lead a country when you cannot even lead your own party?

Lesson number 6 - practice what you preach.

Promising welfare spending is fine, but that doesn't sit pretty with the plans to raise taxes for the poor.

And the final lesson, political economy is not a zero-sum game.

Taking on the big tech and branding them evil is neither good economics nor sound politics. If and when Brexit happens, the United Kingdom will need the support of the corporate community to prevent an economic doom and gloom.

Castigating companies as evil will hurt business sentiment and sour public sentiment. Capitalism does not mean the ill-treatment of labour, and socialism does not mean a war against capitalists.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

 
&nbsp;

In Indian politics, Chanakya is the flavour of the season, anybody with half a strategy is labelled Chanakya. Chanakya said, "Learn from the mistakes of others, you can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

In Indian politics, Chanakya is the flavour of the season, anybody with half a strategy is labelled Chanakya. Chanakya said, "Learn from the mistakes of others, you can't live long enough to make them all yourself." Now as we see Jeremy Corbyn's list of blunders, what can politicians around the world learn from him? Lesson number one - do your homework and do not venture into interviews without preparation. Rahul Gandhi's infamous TV interview from 2014 made him a standing joke. His image hasn't quite recovered since then. Jeremy Corbyn made the same mistake. He should have known that anti-semitism in the labour party would be raised. He looked ill-prepared and ill at ease. Lesson number 2: Say sorry when you must. Politics is the game of perception. Appear too rigid and you've lost the plot. Anti-Semitism is a serious issue. Denying the holocaust is neither logical nor right. There is no excuse for a political party to do so and there is no option for its leader but to apologise. Yet, Corbyn refused, he's already paying for it. Lesson number 3 and this is interesting. Know your manifesto. In a recent interview, Jeremy Corbyn was at odds with his party on a tax hike. The Labour Party manifesto says that tax allowance of married couples will be scrapped. This will affect 2 million people in the country. When you plan such tax hikes, you must know the income tax bracket. It's the least minimum, but Corbyn was clueless about all this. Lesson number 4 - stick to relevant issues. don't grandstand for votes. You might crash land. The labour party's misadventure and many u-turns on Kashmir are a good example. A completely unnecessary controversy that has upset British Indians. Lesson number 5 - keep your flock together. Earlier this year, seven influential labour party leaders quit - the reason - Jeremy Corbyn and his inability to address antisemitism in the party. How do you lead a country when you cannot even lead your own party? Lesson number 6 - practice what you preach. Promising welfare spending is fine, but that doesn't sit pretty with the plans to raise taxes for the poor. And the final lesson, political economy is not a zero-sum game. Taking on the big tech and branding them evil is neither good economics nor sound politics. If and when Brexit happens, the United Kingdom will need the support of the corporate community to prevent an economic doom and gloom. Castigating companies as evil will hurt business sentiment and sour public sentiment. Capitalism does not mean the ill-treatment of labour, and socialism does not mean a war against capitalists. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Lessons to learn from Jeremy Corbyn's blunders

Labour&nbsp;leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-leader-corbyn-i-would-stay-neutral-in-a-second-brexit-referendum-264124">Jeremy Corbyn</a> on Tuesday declined repeated invitations to&nbsp;apologise&nbsp;to Britain's Jews&nbsp;after&nbsp;the country's most senior rabbi suggested anti-Semitism was a "new poison" within the main opposition party, which had been "sanctioned from the very top".

Corbyn was asked several times in a BBC television interview if he would like to offer his apologies to the British Jewish community over his perceived failure to clamp down on the problem within the left-wing party.

"What I'll say is this: I am determined that our society is safe for people of all faiths," Corbyn said.

"I don't want anyone to be feeling insecure in our society and our government will protect every community against the abuse they receive."

In an unprecedented intervention ahead of the December 12 snap general election, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis suggested Corbyn was "unfit for high office".

Labour&nbsp;has been dogged by allegations about widespread anti-Semitism among members since Corbyn, 70,&nbsp;a lifelong supporter of Palestinian causes,&nbsp;took over as a leader&nbsp;in 2015.

In a speech earlier Tuesday to launch a package of race and faith policies, Corbyn hit back at the charges, branding anti-Semitism "vile and wrong".

"There is no place whatsoever for anti-Semitism," he said.&nbsp;

"We have a rapid and effective system" for dealing with complaints, he said, "and that process is constantly under review".

The comments contrasted starkly with the assessment of Mirvis.

In a scathing commentary in The Times newspaper, Mirvis wrote that the veteran socialist was responsible for "a failure of leadership" which was "incompatible with the British values of which we are so proud".

"How complicit in prejudice would a&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of Her Majesty's opposition have to be to be considered unfit for office?" he asked, adding British Jews were justifiably "gripped by anxiety" ahead of the election.

The chief rabbi said it was not his place to tell anyone who to support next month but he advised: "every person to vote with their conscience".

Mirvis dismissed claims&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;was doing everything it could to deal with anti-Semitism as a "mendacious fiction"

Corbyn told the BBC: "No, he's not right. Because he would have to produce the evidence to say that's mendacious."

Watch: Jeremy Corbyn refuses to apologise over anti-semitism claims

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jeremy-corbyn-refuses-to-apologise-over-anti-semitism-264753/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Sense of insecurity'

The anti-Semitism controversy came to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-and-labour-leader-corbyn-battle-it-out-on-first-televised-debate-brexit-still-at-large-263259">head within&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;in February</a>, when nine MPs quit the party, citing the leadership's handling of the issue.

Two former&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;lawmakers spoke out Tuesday in support of Mirvis's condemnation.

"It is heartbreaking to see a party so many of us joined to fight racism and which had such a proud record of fighting for equality reduced to this," said Ian Austin, who left&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;in February.

"Corbyn &amp; co should be so ashamed," he wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the highest-ranking Anglican cleric, said the intervention by Mirvis "ought to alert us to the deep sense of insecurity and fear felt by many British Jews".

The Muslim Council of Britain said it also supported Mirvis speaking out but also claimed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's governing Conservatives had likewise failed to deal with allegations of Islamophobia in their ranks.&nbsp;

"This is an issue that is particularly acute in the Conservative Party who have approached Islamophobia with denial, dismissal and deceit," it added.

Deep divisions

A 2016 report by Shami Chakrabarti, the former head of civil rights group Liberty, concluded the&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;party was "not overrun by anti-Semitism".

But others disagreed and the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a formal inquiry into whether&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;"unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish".

The row has exposed deep divisions between&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;members denouncing Corbyn's complacency, and his hard-left supporters who defend him to the hilt.

At Tuesday's unveiling of its "race and faith" manifesto, the party had hoped to move beyond the damaging topic with a set of wide-ranging proposals aimed at improving&nbsp;social&nbsp;justice and human rights and promoting racial equality.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday declined repeated invitations to apologise to Britain's Jews after the country's most senior rabbi suggested anti-Semitism was a "new poison" within the main opposition party, which had been "sanctioned from the very top".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday declined repeated invitations to apologise to Britain's Jews after the country's most senior rabbi suggested anti-Semitism was a "new poison" within the main opposition party, which had been "sanctioned from the very top". Corbyn was asked several times in a BBC television interview if he would like to offer his apologies to the British Jewish community over his perceived failure to clamp down on the problem within the left-wing party. "What I'll say is this: I am determined that our society is safe for people of all faiths," Corbyn said. "I don't want anyone to be feeling insecure in our society and our government will protect every community against the abuse they receive." In an unprecedented intervention ahead of the December 12 snap general election, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis suggested Corbyn was "unfit for high office". Labour has been dogged by allegations about widespread anti-Semitism among members since Corbyn, 70, a lifelong supporter of Palestinian causes, took over as a leader in 2015. In a speech earlier Tuesday to launch a package of race and faith policies, Corbyn hit back at the charges, branding anti-Semitism "vile and wrong". "There is no place whatsoever for anti-Semitism," he said. "We have a rapid and effective system" for dealing with complaints, he said, "and that process is constantly under review". The comments contrasted starkly with the assessment of Mirvis. In a scathing commentary in The Times newspaper, Mirvis wrote that the veteran socialist was responsible for "a failure of leadership" which was "incompatible with the British values of which we are so proud". "How complicit in prejudice would a leader of Her Majesty's opposition have to be to be considered unfit for office?" he asked, adding British Jews were justifiably "gripped by anxiety" ahead of the election. The chief rabbi said it was not his place to tell anyone who to support next month but he advised: "every person to vote with their conscience". Mirvis dismissed claims Labour was doing everything it could to deal with anti-Semitism as a "mendacious fiction" Corbyn told the BBC: "No, he's not right. Because he would have to produce the evidence to say that's mendacious." Watch: Jeremy Corbyn refuses to apologise over anti-semitism claims 'Sense of insecurity' The anti-Semitism controversy came to a head within Labour in February, when nine MPs quit the party, citing the leadership's handling of the issue. Two former Labour lawmakers spoke out Tuesday in support of Mirvis's condemnation. "It is heartbreaking to see a party so many of us joined to fight racism and which had such a proud record of fighting for equality reduced to this," said Ian Austin, who left Labour in February. "Corbyn & co should be so ashamed," he wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the highest-ranking Anglican cleric, said the intervention by Mirvis "ought to alert us to the deep sense of insecurity and fear felt by many British Jews". The Muslim Council of Britain said it also supported Mirvis speaking out but also claimed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's governing Conservatives had likewise failed to deal with allegations of Islamophobia in their ranks. "This is an issue that is particularly acute in the Conservative Party who have approached Islamophobia with denial, dismissal and deceit," it added. Deep divisions A 2016 report by Shami Chakrabarti, the former head of civil rights group Liberty, concluded the Labour party was "not overrun by anti-Semitism". But others disagreed and the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a formal inquiry into whether Labour "unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish". The row has exposed deep divisions between Labour members denouncing Corbyn's complacency, and his hard-left supporters who defend him to the hilt. At Tuesday's unveiling of its "race and faith" manifesto, the party had hoped to move beyond the damaging topic with a set of wide-ranging proposals aimed at improving social justice and human rights and promoting racial equality.

United Kingdom's Labour party leader Corbyn declines to apologise after anti-semitism claims

The&nbsp;first&nbsp;remains&nbsp;of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/driver-charged-as-more-vietnamese-feared-dead-among-39-uk-truck-victims-261361">39 people found dead</a> in a&nbsp;truck&nbsp;in Britain last month arrived in&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;early Wednesday, an airport security source said.

The bodies arrived on a commercial&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;Airlines flight from London to Hanoi, where ambulances and security personnel waited at the airport.

"The plane landed with 16 bodies on board... we are waiting to transfer the bodies to local authorities," the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

An official letter seen by AFP confirmed that 16 bodies would&nbsp;arrive&nbsp;in&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;Wednesday. The 16&nbsp;victims&nbsp;came from three provinces in central&nbsp;Vietnam.

The other&nbsp;remains&nbsp;are expected to&nbsp;arrive&nbsp;in the coming days, though officials have not confirmed the date publicly.

Families have been frozen in grief for weeks waiting for their relatives' return, and many have taken out hefty loans from the government to cover the cost of repatriation.

The&nbsp;remains&nbsp;were expected to be delivered later Wednesday to relatives in three central provinces,&nbsp;Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh,&nbsp;so families could hold funerals and burial ceremonies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-strongly-condemns-human-trafficking-after-uk-truck-tragedy-259460">The bodies of 31 men and eight women</a> were discovered in a refrigerated lorry in an industrial state in Essex east of London on October 23.

Police initially identified the&nbsp;victims&nbsp;as Chinese but families in&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;later came forward with fears their relatives were on the&nbsp;truck.

The United Kingdom is a top destination for Vietnamese illegal migrants.

Many arrange trips through brokers who promise them well-paid jobs and end up working in nail bars or on cannabis farms, deep in debt for their dangerous trips over.

'VIP route'&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-arrests-eight-in-connection-with-uk-truck-deaths-259812">Several families of the 39&nbsp;victims</a>&nbsp;told AFP they borrowed thousands of dollars to pay for their relatives' trips to Europe.

They are now further in debt having taken loans from the government to bring their relatives back.

Families were given two options for repatriation: $1,774 to bring back ashes, or $2,858 for the cost of a coffin carrying the body.

Though relatives were encouraged by authorities to opt for ashes "to ensure speed, low cost and sanitation safety", many paid more for the bodies to carry out traditional burials.

Cremation is rare in the&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;countryside, where many of the&nbsp;victims&nbsp;were from.

Most hailed from just a handful of central&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;provinces, which are among the poorest in the country and where well-entrenched networks of illegal brokers can easily facilitate risky trips abroad.

Ten of the&nbsp;victims&nbsp;were teenagers, including two 15-year-old boys, and 30 of the group came from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.

They paid thousands of dollars to brokers who promised the&nbsp;truck&nbsp;was the safer option,&nbsp;billed as the 'VIP route',&nbsp;their families told AFP.

On Monday, the Northern Irish driver of the&nbsp;truck, 25-year-old Maurice Robinson, pleaded guilty to conspiring to assist illegal immigration.

He also admitted to acquiring the cash that came from criminal conduct but did not plead guilty to 41 other charges levelled against him.

Several other people have been arrested in the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;over the incident while&nbsp;Vietnam&nbsp;has held at least 10 people, though none have been formally charged.

The first remains of the 39 people found dead in a truck in Britain last month arrived in Vietnam early Wednesday, an airport security source said. The bodies arrived on a commercial Vietnam Airlines flight from London to Hanoi, where ambulances and security personnel waited at the airport.

The first remains of the 39 people found dead in a truck in Britain last month arrived in Vietnam early Wednesday, an airport security source said. The bodies arrived on a commercial Vietnam Airlines flight from London to Hanoi, where ambulances and security personnel waited at the airport. "The plane landed with 16 bodies on board... we are waiting to transfer the bodies to local authorities," the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. An official letter seen by AFP confirmed that 16 bodies would arrive in Vietnam Wednesday. The 16 victims came from three provinces in central Vietnam. The other remains are expected to arrive in the coming days, though officials have not confirmed the date publicly. Families have been frozen in grief for weeks waiting for their relatives' return, and many have taken out hefty loans from the government to cover the cost of repatriation. The remains were expected to be delivered later Wednesday to relatives in three central provinces, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh, so families could hold funerals and burial ceremonies. The bodies of 31 men and eight women were discovered in a refrigerated lorry in an industrial state in Essex east of London on October 23. Police initially identified the victims as Chinese but families in Vietnam later came forward with fears their relatives were on the truck. The United Kingdom is a top destination for Vietnamese illegal migrants. Many arrange trips through brokers who promise them well-paid jobs and end up working in nail bars or on cannabis farms, deep in debt for their dangerous trips over. 'VIP route' Several families of the 39 victims told AFP they borrowed thousands of dollars to pay for their relatives' trips to Europe. They are now further in debt having taken loans from the government to bring their relatives back. Families were given two options for repatriation: $1,774 to bring back ashes, or $2,858 for the cost of a coffin carrying the body. Though relatives were encouraged by authorities to opt for ashes "to ensure speed, low cost and sanitation safety", many paid more for the bodies to carry out traditional burials. Cremation is rare in the Vietnam countryside, where many of the victims were from. Most hailed from just a handful of central Vietnam provinces, which are among the poorest in the country and where well-entrenched networks of illegal brokers can easily facilitate risky trips abroad. Ten of the victims were teenagers, including two 15-year-old boys, and 30 of the group came from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. They paid thousands of dollars to brokers who promised the truck was the safer option, billed as the 'VIP route', their families told AFP. On Monday, the Northern Irish driver of the truck, 25-year-old Maurice Robinson, pleaded guilty to conspiring to assist illegal immigration. He also admitted to acquiring the cash that came from criminal conduct but did not plead guilty to 41 other charges levelled against him. Several other people have been arrested in the UK over the incident while Vietnam has held at least 10 people, though none have been formally charged.

Remains of United Kingdom lorry victims arrive in Vietnam

The political parties of the United Kingdom are gearing up for their upcoming general election. The general election is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2019.

A total of 650 people will be chosen as members of Parliament (MPs), to decide laws and policies.

The Indian diaspora along with other South Asian communities in Britain plays the role of kingmaker in the polls.

There has been a sense of anger among the British-Indian community over the Labour party's stand on the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

Watch: How will Indian diaspora impact UK elections?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-who-will-british-indians-vote-for-264726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These are the people that every party is looking to win over. Britain’s minority communities, particularly the South Asians that makeup nearly 5 per cent of the population.

Traditionally ethnic minorities vote Labour, in the past two general elections 77 per cent of people in the minority community voted Labour that’s 1 in 5 of Labour’s voters while the conservatives have only 1 in 20.

But that is set to change, there has been much anger from the Hindu community over Labour passing a motion criticizing India's actions in Kashmir at its annual conference. It has led to claims the party is "Anti-Indian" and "Anti-Hindu".

British-Indians protested by turning their backs on London's mayor, a Labour MP, Sadiq Khan.

Kuldeep Shekhawat from overseas friends of Bhartiya Janta Party once considering running as an MP for Labour but now he is firmly backing the Tories.

The biggest reason for this is a guy called Bob Blackman, for every Indian event he is there whether it is the parliament, whether it is in public, whether it is the national elections of India whether we call him to a shop or a restaurant Bob Blackman stands out. He is there for the community and he is one solid reason why the Indian community says at least there is one person who is with us. Policy-wise what they have done the number of ministers in the present cabinet our home secretary is from Indian origin. The Indian community sees the conservatives are for us, they are not against us that is why they are for the conservatives now.

The conservatives certainly are looking to woo British-Indian voters with a Pro-India manifesto highlighting its desire to build stronger links with dynamic economies like India.

"I have met the Prime Minister himself and on the record, he had told me that the first thing he will do after Brexit is visiting India so that is very good for a country that looks a community from a very positive angle," said Kuldeep Shekhawat.

The big question is whether it will be enough to change British-Indian voter's minds.

The political parties of the United Kingdom are gearing up for their upcoming general election. The general election is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2019.

The political parties of the United Kingdom are gearing up for their upcoming general election. The general election is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2019. A total of 650 people will be chosen as members of Parliament (MPs), to decide laws and policies. The Indian diaspora along with other South Asian communities in Britain plays the role of kingmaker in the polls. There has been a sense of anger among the British-Indian community over the Labour party's stand on the abrogation of Article 370. Watch: How will Indian diaspora impact UK elections? These are the people that every party is looking to win over. Britain’s minority communities, particularly the South Asians that makeup nearly 5 per cent of the population. Traditionally ethnic minorities vote Labour, in the past two general elections 77 per cent of people in the minority community voted Labour that’s 1 in 5 of Labour’s voters while the conservatives have only 1 in 20. But that is set to change, there has been much anger from the Hindu community over Labour passing a motion criticizing India's actions in Kashmir at its annual conference. It has led to claims the party is "Anti-Indian" and "Anti-Hindu". British-Indians protested by turning their backs on London's mayor, a Labour MP, Sadiq Khan. Kuldeep Shekhawat from overseas friends of Bhartiya Janta Party once considering running as an MP for Labour but now he is firmly backing the Tories. The biggest reason for this is a guy called Bob Blackman, for every Indian event he is there whether it is the parliament, whether it is in public, whether it is the national elections of India whether we call him to a shop or a restaurant Bob Blackman stands out. He is there for the community and he is one solid reason why the Indian community says at least there is one person who is with us. Policy-wise what they have done the number of ministers in the present cabinet our home secretary is from Indian origin. The Indian community sees the conservatives are for us, they are not against us that is why they are for the conservatives now. The conservatives certainly are looking to woo British-Indian voters with a Pro-India manifesto highlighting its desire to build stronger links with dynamic economies like India. "I have met the Prime Minister himself and on the record, he had told me that the first thing he will do after Brexit is visiting India so that is very good for a country that looks a community from a very positive angle," said Kuldeep Shekhawat. The big question is whether it will be enough to change British-Indian voter's minds.

British election: Boris or Corbyn; who will manage to woo the British-Indian voters?

More than 2 million under-35s have applied to vote in Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-for-third-election-in-four-years-to-try-to-break-brexit-gridlock-258692">December&nbsp;12 election</a> since the poll was called just four weeks ago, government data showed ahead of Tuesday's registration deadline.

The outcome of next month's election, which will determine how, when and even whether Britain leaves the European Union, remains uncertain. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-pitches-christmas-present-brexit-push-in-manifesto-264151">Boris Johnson</a>'s Conservatives are ahead in opinion polls but two published this week have shown their lead narrowing.

Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke and Grime star Stormzy are among celebrities who have been urging people to register to take part in the election. Voters have until 2359 GMT on Tuesday to register and can do so online.

Britain's electoral watchdog, the Electoral Commission, said one in three 18 and 19-year-olds are not registered to vote.

"Private renters, too, anyone who has recently moved home, people without a fixed address and those in some black and Asian communities - all these groups are less likely to be registered. They are at risk of missing out," said Electoral Commission Director of Communications, Policy and Research Craig Westwood.

"If you want to make sure your voice is heard, do it now."

Government data shows that nearly 3.2 million people applied to register to vote between October&nbsp;29, when the election was called, and Monday. Of these almost 1.2 million were under 25 and just under 966,000 were aged 25-34.

The final number added to the electoral register could be lower, as some may turn out to have already been registered.

Labour leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-leader-corbyn-i-would-stay-neutral-in-a-second-brexit-referendum-264124">Jeremy Corbyn</a> has been on a push to encourage people to register, particularly young voters who are typically more likely to back his left-leaning party.

"Dodgy landlords are registered to vote. Bad bosses are registered to vote. And the super-rich who've rigged the system are registered to vote. Are you?," he said on Twitter on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dodgy landlords are registered to vote. 
 
Bad bosses are registered to vote. 
 
And the super-rich who've rigged the system are registered to vote. 
 
Are you?<a href="https://t.co/qXdulxPFk2">https://t.co/qXdulxPFk2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RegisterToVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RegisterToVote</a>
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremycorbyn/status/1199244046482493441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Stormzy also shared the link to register online and urged people it was "very, very, very important" everyone did so.

"Don't sit there and think 'my one little vote ain't gonna do anything' - your vote is CRUCIAL. Your 'one little vote' can quite literally tip the scale for what will be the most important election of our generation," he said on Twitter.

More than 2 million under-35s have applied to vote in Britain's December 12 election since the poll was called just four weeks ago, government data showed ahead of Tuesday's registration deadline.

More than 2 million under-35s have applied to vote in Britain's December 12 election since the poll was called just four weeks ago, government data showed ahead of Tuesday's registration deadline. The outcome of next month's election, which will determine how, when and even whether Britain leaves the European Union, remains uncertain. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives are ahead in opinion polls but two published this week have shown their lead narrowing. Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke and Grime star Stormzy are among celebrities who have been urging people to register to take part in the election. Voters have until 2359 GMT on Tuesday to register and can do so online. Britain's electoral watchdog, the Electoral Commission, said one in three 18 and 19-year-olds are not registered to vote. "Private renters, too, anyone who has recently moved home, people without a fixed address and those in some black and Asian communities - all these groups are less likely to be registered. They are at risk of missing out," said Electoral Commission Director of Communications, Policy and Research Craig Westwood. "If you want to make sure your voice is heard, do it now." Government data shows that nearly 3.2 million people applied to register to vote between October 29, when the election was called, and Monday. Of these almost 1.2 million were under 25 and just under 966,000 were aged 25-34. The final number added to the electoral register could be lower, as some may turn out to have already been registered. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been on a push to encourage people to register, particularly young voters who are typically more likely to back his left-leaning party. "Dodgy landlords are registered to vote. Bad bosses are registered to vote. And the super-rich who've rigged the system are registered to vote. Are you?," he said on Twitter on Tuesday. Dodgy landlords are registered to vote. Bad bosses are registered to vote. And the super-rich who've rigged the system are registered to vote. Are you?https://t.co/qXdulxPFk2#RegisterToVote — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 26, 2019 × Stormzy also shared the link to register online and urged people it was "very, very, very important" everyone did so. "Don't sit there and think 'my one little vote ain't gonna do anything' - your vote is CRUCIAL. Your 'one little vote' can quite literally tip the scale for what will be the most important election of our generation," he said on Twitter.

Millions apply to vote in British election ahead of Tuesday's deadline

By Jonquil Lowe

Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive.

The Conservative Party’s manifesto presents a modest £2.9 billion spending increase compared to Labour’s £82.9 billion spending programme. One approach is characterised by a smaller state, lower taxes and less welfare provision. The other by a larger state, more welfare and an increase in tax that is largely directed at business and the wealthy, though it could also cause tax rises for everyone.

Both parties are looking to business to fund a major part of their manifesto proposals. The Conservatives have cancelled a mooted cut in corporation tax. This enables it to spend slightly more, mostly on the National Health Service (NHS) and a National Skills Fund, but also to promise a cut in National Insurance.

Since 2010, the coalition and then Conservative governments have raised the threshold at which income tax starts to be paid (the personal allowance) from £6,475 (2010-11) to £12,500 (2019-20). The Conservatives claim that this has taken 5.7 million people on low incomes “out of tax altogether”. However, this is not strictly correct, because many will be low earners who have continued to pay National Insurance contributions, which start on earnings over £8,632 (in 2019-20).

The Conservative manifesto announces an ambition – not a promise – to increase that National Insurance threshold to £12,500 as well as the personal allowance. This would save £464 per person. But the manifesto only pledges to take the first step toward this aim by raising the National Insurance threshold to £9,500 from 2020-21.

Given that, by default, the threshold would increase anyway in line with inflation, the manifesto commitment is worth about £83 a year to every employee earning above, say, £8,805 in 2020-21. Lower earners already below the threshold do not benefit.

The Labour manifesto sets out more radical and expansive reforms to welfare benefits and public services, including for example abolishing student tuition fees, free personal care for the over 65s, reforms to universal credit, increased public sector pay and higher spending on health, education and local authorities.

A large part of this would be funded through a major increase in corporation tax (with the main rate rising from its current 19 per cent&nbsp;to 26 per cent&nbsp;by 2023-24). But personal taxes would also rise, with the additional income tax rate (45 per cent) kicking in from earnings of £80,000 a year rather than the current £150,000 and a new 50 per cent&nbsp;rate on incomes over £125,000.

However, it is misleading to assume that the increase in corporation tax proposed by Labour would not also affect households, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank has pointed out. The nature and size of the impact depends on how companies would respond to the increase. It could be passed on to consumers in higher prices, to workers in lower wages, or shareholders in lower dividends (which would also depress share prices). It should be borne in mind that individuals are major shareholders through their pension savings.

Continue or take a leap 
 
In 1990, Danish sociolologist, Gøsta Esping-Andersen, published an influential taxonomy of national welfare systems. He suggested there are three distinct types:

“Liberal” regimes with a heavy reliance on work ethic and market efficiency. State benefits tend to be means-tested, minimal and sometimes stigmatised. Citizens typically pay less in tax but have to spend more personally on insurance and services or go without. Esping-Andersen pointed to the US, Canada and Australia as examples.

“Conservative corporatist” regimes that revolve around the traditional family, with the right to welfare benefits accruing to workers who then support their dependent family. Esping-Andersen cited Austria, France, Germany and Italy as examples.

“Social democratic” regimes which are characterised by the principle of equality, with relatively generous welfare state and public services available to all. Tax rates are typically higher but citizens have to spend less personally on the insurance and services they need. This model is most evident in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Denmark.

Pure examples of these regimes are rare and, as in many countries, the UK has elements of all three. But when the electorate goes to the polls on December 12, UK citizens will be invited to vote for a marked swing towards the “social democratic” system if they vote for Labour or a continuation of a dominantly “liberal” regime if they vote Conservative.

It is an intriguing ideological choice: Continue with the low-tax, small state, individualist regime that has largely characterised the UK since the Thatcher era. Or take a leap into a more “social democratic” regime with more generous and inclusive state provision but a substantial and, at this stage, largely unknown price tag.

(Jonquil Lowe is Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, The Open University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-election-2019-a-choice-between-low-tax-individualism-or-generous-state-with-unknown-price-tag-127738">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Jonquil Lowe Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive.

By Jonquil Lowe Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different implications for both the taxes households pay, as well as the benefits and public services they receive. The Conservative Party’s manifesto presents a modest £2.9 billion spending increase compared to Labour’s £82.9 billion spending programme. One approach is characterised by a smaller state, lower taxes and less welfare provision. The other by a larger state, more welfare and an increase in tax that is largely directed at business and the wealthy, though it could also cause tax rises for everyone. Both parties are looking to business to fund a major part of their manifesto proposals. The Conservatives have cancelled a mooted cut in corporation tax. This enables it to spend slightly more, mostly on the National Health Service (NHS) and a National Skills Fund, but also to promise a cut in National Insurance. Since 2010, the coalition and then Conservative governments have raised the threshold at which income tax starts to be paid (the personal allowance) from £6,475 (2010-11) to £12,500 (2019-20). The Conservatives claim that this has taken 5.7 million people on low incomes “out of tax altogether”. However, this is not strictly correct, because many will be low earners who have continued to pay National Insurance contributions, which start on earnings over £8,632 (in 2019-20). The Conservative manifesto announces an ambition – not a promise – to increase that National Insurance threshold to £12,500 as well as the personal allowance. This would save £464 per person. But the manifesto only pledges to take the first step toward this aim by raising the National Insurance threshold to £9,500 from 2020-21. Given that, by default, the threshold would increase anyway in line with inflation, the manifesto commitment is worth about £83 a year to every employee earning above, say, £8,805 in 2020-21. Lower earners already below the threshold do not benefit. The Labour manifesto sets out more radical and expansive reforms to welfare benefits and public services, including for example abolishing student tuition fees, free personal care for the over 65s, reforms to universal credit, increased public sector pay and higher spending on health, education and local authorities. A large part of this would be funded through a major increase in corporation tax (with the main rate rising from its current 19 per cent to 26 per cent by 2023-24). But personal taxes would also rise, with the additional income tax rate (45 per cent) kicking in from earnings of £80,000 a year rather than the current £150,000 and a new 50 per cent rate on incomes over £125,000. However, it is misleading to assume that the increase in corporation tax proposed by Labour would not also affect households, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies thinktank has pointed out. The nature and size of the impact depends on how companies would respond to the increase. It could be passed on to consumers in higher prices, to workers in lower wages, or shareholders in lower dividends (which would also depress share prices). It should be borne in mind that individuals are major shareholders through their pension savings. Continue or take a leap In 1990, Danish sociolologist, Gøsta Esping-Andersen, published an influential taxonomy of national welfare systems. He suggested there are three distinct types: “Liberal” regimes with a heavy reliance on work ethic and market efficiency. State benefits tend to be means-tested, minimal and sometimes stigmatised. Citizens typically pay less in tax but have to spend more personally on insurance and services or go without. Esping-Andersen pointed to the US, Canada and Australia as examples. “Conservative corporatist” regimes that revolve around the traditional family, with the right to welfare benefits accruing to workers who then support their dependent family. Esping-Andersen cited Austria, France, Germany and Italy as examples. “Social democratic” regimes which are characterised by the principle of equality, with relatively generous welfare state and public services available to all. Tax rates are typically higher but citizens have to spend less personally on the insurance and services they need. This model is most evident in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Denmark. Pure examples of these regimes are rare and, as in many countries, the UK has elements of all three. But when the electorate goes to the polls on December 12, UK citizens will be invited to vote for a marked swing towards the “social democratic” system if they vote for Labour or a continuation of a dominantly “liberal” regime if they vote Conservative. It is an intriguing ideological choice: Continue with the low-tax, small state, individualist regime that has largely characterised the UK since the Thatcher era. Or take a leap into a more “social democratic” regime with more generous and inclusive state provision but a substantial and, at this stage, largely unknown price tag. (Jonquil Lowe is Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance, The Open University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK election 2019: A choice between low-tax, individualism or generous state with unknown price tag

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the country gears up for midterm 2019 General Elections on December 12, the Labour Party released its Manifesto on November 21. The party once again has clubbed the situation in Kashmir with un-comparable situations in other parts of the world such as Yemen and Myanmar and put it into the category of regions witnessing “World’s most pressing humanitarian crises”.&nbsp;

In addition, while offering to apologise, if voted to power, over the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 ( when a British General had opened fire on unarmed Indians in Amritsar and killed hundreds of innocent people ), the party has mischievously also assured to review the role played by the British Government during Operation Blue Star in 1984 (when the Indian Armed forces had moved into Golden Temple Gurudwara in Amritsar to flush out terrorists). &nbsp;

The erroneous reference to Kashmir in the Manifesto is a reiteration of what was stated in the “Emergency Motion” which the Labour Party delegates had passed two months ago on September 25, 2019 at Party’s annual conference in Brighton. In fact, the Motion contained many more highly objectionable statements. For Instance, it urged the Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn to “accept that Kashmir is a disputed territory and the people of J&amp;K should be given the right of self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions”. It went on to allege that “the enforced disappearance of civilians, the state-endorsed sexual violence of women by armed forces and the overall prevalence of human rights violations in the region not only continues but has exasperated further in the past week”; the “past week” &nbsp;was an obvious reference to the abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and the administrative bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In its official reaction within hours of the adoption of the Motion, the Government of India had dismissed it as a “vote bank politics”, while regretting the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the Labour Party delegates. While taking note of the fact the British government has called Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, the Government Spokesperson made it clear that there was no intention to engage the Labour Party on this issue. The Indian High Commission in the UK, however, cancelled a scheduled dinner with Labour friends of India so as to register its disapproval of the Motion.&nbsp;

The Indian diaspora in the UK was, however, not as mild in its reaction as the official Spokesperson of India. It was quick and firm in expressing its dismay and disappointment. In a strongly worded letter &nbsp;addressed to party leader Jeremy Corbyn, over 100 British -Indian &nbsp;organisations, representing diverse Indian communities, were explicit in conveying that the Party motion was not acceptable to them as it sought “to interfere in internal matters of and between the &nbsp;third countries” and was drafted in a “one-sided and partial manner”. The diaspora expressed its deep concern over the wider attempts to drag Kashmir into UK’s domestic politics which it said would have ramifications for the communal harmony in the UK. The diaspora went on to warn the party that it would reconsider the level of engagement with Labour Party.&nbsp;

In the wake of the backlash from the British Indian community, the Labour Party took some damage-control steps. The Chairman of the Party Ian Lavery acknowledged that the language used in the Emergency Motion has caused offence to not just sections of the Indian diaspora but to India itself. Lavery went on to underline "Kashmir is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to resolve together by means of a peaceful solution..." &nbsp;

The damage has, however, been already done. An opinion poll of British Indian voters by Optimus reveals the declining popularity and support from British Indians for the Labour Party for which they are known to have voted in the past. The estimated 1.5 million British Indian community has several wealthy and influential members; in some of the constituencies, up to 40 per cent voters are of Indian origin and thus have the potential to influence the outcome. &nbsp;

An apology from the elected British Government over Jallianwala Bagh massacre is overdue and if it comes the British would not be doing a favour to Indians. However, any review of the Operation Blue Star has the potential to re-open the wounds and drive a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In short, the Labour Party must realise that it has no legal or moral right to comment upon issues which are internal to India. The Party should also tread with caution while dealing with issues which involve the sensitivities of the people in India and Indian diaspora in the UK. Dividing the South Asian communities in UK will only backfire to the disadvantage of communal harmony in that country where the society is already divided over the vexed issue of Brexit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Labour Party Manifesto is titled: “It is Time For Real Change”. Yes indeed; it is time for the Labour Party to change its attitude towards India.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular.

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular. As the country gears up for midterm 2019 General Elections on December 12, the Labour Party released its Manifesto on November 21. The party once again has clubbed the situation in Kashmir with un-comparable situations in other parts of the world such as Yemen and Myanmar and put it into the category of regions witnessing “World’s most pressing humanitarian crises”. In addition, while offering to apologise, if voted to power, over the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 ( when a British General had opened fire on unarmed Indians in Amritsar and killed hundreds of innocent people ), the party has mischievously also assured to review the role played by the British Government during Operation Blue Star in 1984 (when the Indian Armed forces had moved into Golden Temple Gurudwara in Amritsar to flush out terrorists). The erroneous reference to Kashmir in the Manifesto is a reiteration of what was stated in the “Emergency Motion” which the Labour Party delegates had passed two months ago on September 25, 2019 at Party’s annual conference in Brighton. In fact, the Motion contained many more highly objectionable statements. For Instance, it urged the Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn to “accept that Kashmir is a disputed territory and the people of J&K should be given the right of self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions”. It went on to allege that “the enforced disappearance of civilians, the state-endorsed sexual violence of women by armed forces and the overall prevalence of human rights violations in the region not only continues but has exasperated further in the past week”; the “past week” was an obvious reference to the abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and the administrative bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. In its official reaction within hours of the adoption of the Motion, the Government of India had dismissed it as a “vote bank politics”, while regretting the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the Labour Party delegates. While taking note of the fact the British government has called Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, the Government Spokesperson made it clear that there was no intention to engage the Labour Party on this issue. The Indian High Commission in the UK, however, cancelled a scheduled dinner with Labour friends of India so as to register its disapproval of the Motion. The Indian diaspora in the UK was, however, not as mild in its reaction as the official Spokesperson of India. It was quick and firm in expressing its dismay and disappointment. In a strongly worded letter  addressed to party leader Jeremy Corbyn, over 100 British -Indian  organisations, representing diverse Indian communities, were explicit in conveying that the Party motion was not acceptable to them as it sought “to interfere in internal matters of and between the third countries” and was drafted in a “one-sided and partial manner”. The diaspora expressed its deep concern over the wider attempts to drag Kashmir into UK’s domestic politics which it said would have ramifications for the communal harmony in the UK. The diaspora went on to warn the party that it would reconsider the level of engagement with Labour Party. In the wake of the backlash from the British Indian community, the Labour Party took some damage-control steps. The Chairman of the Party Ian Lavery acknowledged that the language used in the Emergency Motion has caused offence to not just sections of the Indian diaspora but to India itself. Lavery went on to underline "Kashmir is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to resolve together by means of a peaceful solution..." The damage has, however, been already done. An opinion poll of British Indian voters by Optimus reveals the declining popularity and support from British Indians for the Labour Party for which they are known to have voted in the past. The estimated 1.5 million British Indian community has several wealthy and influential members; in some of the constituencies, up to 40 per cent voters are of Indian origin and thus have the potential to influence the outcome. An apology from the elected British Government over Jallianwala Bagh massacre is overdue and if it comes the British would not be doing a favour to Indians. However, any review of the Operation Blue Star has the potential to re-open the wounds and drive a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities. In short, the Labour Party must realise that it has no legal or moral right to comment upon issues which are internal to India. The Party should also tread with caution while dealing with issues which involve the sensitivities of the people in India and Indian diaspora in the UK. Dividing the South Asian communities in UK will only backfire to the disadvantage of communal harmony in that country where the society is already divided over the vexed issue of Brexit. The Labour Party Manifesto is titled: “It is Time For Real Change”. Yes indeed; it is time for the Labour Party to change its attitude towards India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kashmir issue: The Labour Party of UK offends India yet again

A Northern Irish&nbsp;man, who is charged with the&nbsp;manslaughter of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-in-lorry-in-essex-were-vietnam-nationals-uk-police-260616">39 Vietnamese nationals found dead</a> in a&nbsp;truck&nbsp;near London last month, pleaded&nbsp;guilty&nbsp;on Monday to assisting unlawful&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;and to acquiring criminal&nbsp;property.

Appearing by video link from Belmarsh Prison in east London, Maurice Robinson, 25, was not asked to enter a plea to 41 other charges, including 39 counts of&nbsp;manslaughter.

No trial date was set and Robinson is next due in court on December&nbsp;13.

The victims, 31 men and boys and eight women, were found on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, not far from docks on the River Thames, on Oct. 23. The oldest of the victims was 44 while three were aged under 18.

Another 23-year-old&nbsp;man&nbsp;from Northern Ireland was separately charged on Sunday with charges of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of&nbsp;UK&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;law.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in England on Monday.

A Northern Irish man, who is charged with the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in a truck near London last month, pleaded guilty on Monday to assisting unlawful immigration and to acquiring criminal property.

A Northern Irish man, who is charged with the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in a truck near London last month, pleaded guilty on Monday to assisting unlawful immigration and to acquiring criminal property. Appearing by video link from Belmarsh Prison in east London, Maurice Robinson, 25, was not asked to enter a plea to 41 other charges, including 39 counts of manslaughter. No trial date was set and Robinson is next due in court on December 13. The victims, 31 men and boys and eight women, were found on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, not far from docks on the River Thames, on Oct. 23. The oldest of the victims was 44 while three were aged under 18. Another 23-year-old man from Northern Ireland was separately charged on Sunday with charges of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in England on Monday.

UK man pleads guilty to immigration, property offences in truck deaths case

What happens to Britain in case of no clear election result?

Britain's opposition Labour Party will hold a rally outside an Amazon depot on Saturday as it highlights its promise to target multinational firms it accuses of dodging taxes and cheating workers should it win next month's general election.

In its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-change-britains-labour-unveils-radical-manifesto-263627">manifesto launched</a> on Thursday, Labour unveiled a plan to spend almost 83 billion pounds ($106 billion) on a programme of widespread nationalisation and free public services with the revenue coming from taxes on high earners and corporations.

Also watch:&nbsp;Labour Party's 'Divide &amp; Rule' Manifesto

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Labour said its "Fair Tax Programme" would ensure the City of London financial district, big businesses and those who dodged tax paid their share.

"Huge multinational companies often act as if the rules we all live by don't apply to them. They use loopholes to claim they don't owe tax and cynically push their workers to the limit," Labour leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-and-labour-leader-corbyn-battle-it-out-on-first-televised-debate-brexit-still-at-large-263259">Jeremy Corbyn</a> will say outside the Amazon depot in Yorkshire, northern England.

"The next Labour government will challenge head-on the tax and wage cheat culture of so many multinational companies, who use their power and our weak laws to rip off both the taxpayer and their workers," Corbyn will say, according to extracts of his planned comments released by his office.

Amazon said Corbyn's claims were false.

"The government wrote the tax laws and they are designed to encourage investment, and we are investing heavily in creating jobs and infrastructure across the UK - more than 18 billion pounds since 2010," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement.

Labour is lagging Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party by about 10 points or more in the polls but it hopes that targetting "vested interests" will win over voters ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-for-third-election-in-four-years-to-try-to-break-brexit-gridlock-258692">December&nbsp;12 election</a>.

"Jeremy Corbyn is lashing out at businesses because he is desperate to distract from the fact that he has no credible plan to get Brexit done," Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly said.

The party has earmarked tech firms such as Amazon, Alphabet's Google, and Facebook for additional taxes, saying it would bring in measures to stop multinationals avoiding tax through profit-shifting schemes. It said this would bring in 6.3 billion pounds in 2023-4.

Other planned measures include establishing an inquiry into the finance sector, introducing a 20 per cent&nbsp;Offshore Company Property Levy, and scrapping non-domiciled status, which allows some people resident in Britain to limit the tax they pay.&nbsp;

Britain's opposition Labour Party will hold a rally outside an Amazon depot on Saturday as it highlights its promise to target multinational firms it accuses of dodging taxes and cheating workers should it win next month's general election.

Britain's opposition Labour Party will hold a rally outside an Amazon depot on Saturday as it highlights its promise to target multinational firms it accuses of dodging taxes and cheating workers should it win next month's general election. In its manifesto launched on Thursday, Labour unveiled a plan to spend almost 83 billion pounds ($106 billion) on a programme of widespread nationalisation and free public services with the revenue coming from taxes on high earners and corporations. Also watch: Labour Party's 'Divide & Rule' Manifesto × Labour said its "Fair Tax Programme" would ensure the City of London financial district, big businesses and those who dodged tax paid their share. "Huge multinational companies often act as if the rules we all live by don't apply to them. They use loopholes to claim they don't owe tax and cynically push their workers to the limit," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will say outside the Amazon depot in Yorkshire, northern England. "The next Labour government will challenge head-on the tax and wage cheat culture of so many multinational companies, who use their power and our weak laws to rip off both the taxpayer and their workers," Corbyn will say, according to extracts of his planned comments released by his office. Amazon said Corbyn's claims were false. "The government wrote the tax laws and they are designed to encourage investment, and we are investing heavily in creating jobs and infrastructure across the UK - more than 18 billion pounds since 2010," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. Labour is lagging Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party by about 10 points or more in the polls but it hopes that targetting "vested interests" will win over voters ahead of the December 12 election. "Jeremy Corbyn is lashing out at businesses because he is desperate to distract from the fact that he has no credible plan to get Brexit done," Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly said. The party has earmarked tech firms such as Amazon, Alphabet's Google, and Facebook for additional taxes, saying it would bring in measures to stop multinationals avoiding tax through profit-shifting schemes. It said this would bring in 6.3 billion pounds in 2023-4. Other planned measures include establishing an inquiry into the finance sector, introducing a 20 per cent Offshore Company Property Levy, and scrapping non-domiciled status, which allows some people resident in Britain to limit the tax they pay.

United Kingdom's Labour vows action on 'tax and wage cheat' multinationals

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