WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail by a London court on Wednesday for skipping bail to enter the Ecuadorean embassy where he was holed up for almost seven years until police dragged him out last month.

Julian Assange jailed for 50 weeks for breaching bail in 2012

The White House said Friday that it welcomes new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bid-to-restore-northern-ireland-government-after-killing-of-a-journalist-213771">talks between Britain and Ireland</a> over reviving Northern Ireland's troubled power-sharing arrangement.

"The United States welcomes the initiative today of the British and Irish governments to convene political talks in Northern Ireland," the White House said in a statement.

"We encourage Northern Ireland’s political leaders to return to the negotiating table to restore the region's local government."

The Trump administration said it was "shocked and saddened" by the slaying of 29-year-old Lyra McKee, shot dead on April 18 while reporting on riots in the second city of Londonderry.

Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, has been without its semi-autonomous government since January 2017 following a breakdown in trust between the main parties.

However, McKee's killing by republican paramilitaries has created new impetus for mending fences between the rival British unionist and Irish nationalist forces.

The White House said Friday that it welcomes new talks between Britain and Ireland over reviving Northern Ireland's troubled power-sharing arrangement. "The United States welcomes the initiative today of the British and Irish governments to convene political talks in Northern Ireland," the White House said in a statement.

The White House said Friday that it welcomes new talks between Britain and Ireland over reviving Northern Ireland's troubled power-sharing arrangement. "The United States welcomes the initiative today of the British and Irish governments to convene political talks in Northern Ireland," the White House said in a statement. "We encourage Northern Ireland’s political leaders to return to the negotiating table to restore the region's local government." The Trump administration said it was "shocked and saddened" by the slaying of 29-year-old Lyra McKee, shot dead on April 18 while reporting on riots in the second city of Londonderry. Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, has been without its semi-autonomous government since January 2017 following a breakdown in trust between the main parties. However, McKee's killing by republican paramilitaries has created new impetus for mending fences between the rival British unionist and Irish nationalist forces.

US welcomes British-Irish talks on Northern Ireland tensions

The world is currently waiting with bated breath for the arrival of the next royal baby, the first born of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

A look back at past Royal babies, ahead of the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first child

Two environmental activists climbed onto the roof of a train in London’s Canary Wharf financial district on Wednesday as part of a third day of action to force Britain to take more radical measures to avert climate change.

Climate change protests in London: Protesters glue themselves to train

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-halts-no-deal-brexit-contingency-plans-210012">Brexit could spark a mass exodus</a> for voters.

Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public.

"If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well."

Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May.

Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out.

The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times.

Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal.

On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote.

May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners.

UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters. Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public. "If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well." Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May. Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out. The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times. Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal. On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote. May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners. UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

Labour's Corbyn urged to back public vote on Brexit or face voter exodus

Britain Prime Minister Theresa May says that United Kingdom is feeling regretful for Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Watch video to know more.

Britain refuses to apologise for Jallianwala Bagh massacre

The Country May Be Struggling With Economic Distress & Political Instability, But Pakistan Asks UK To Return Kohinoor Diamond To Lahore. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan wants Kohinoor diamond in Lahore

The leaders of the remaining 27 countries in the European Union and British Prime Minister Theresa May have agreed to a "flexible extension" of Brexit until October 31, EU chairman Donald Tusk said early Thursday.

United Kingdom get flexible Brexit extension

UK PM Theresa May briefs MPs on Brexit extension. Watch complete video to know more.

UK PM May briefs MPs on Brexit extension

Brexit is going through yet another crunch week. It is unlikely to be the last as the European Union appears likely to grant the United Kingdom another extension at an emergency European Council summit on Wednesday evening.

Brexit: Theresa May to meet EU today, will she get another extension?

The EU's chief <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTvMG1_sLhAhXZaN4KHWZ_AfsQFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1L4nZ4o56VAJrs2PA-3M8F">Brexit </a>negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTvMG1_sLhAhXZaN4KHWZ_AfsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ux7ecZiOFtQ_2bPlp1-3F">Theresa May </a>brings to a crunch summit.

The British leader is making a last-gasp diplomatic dash to Paris and Berlin on the eve of an emergency summit in Brussels, where she hopes the other 27 EU chiefs will agree to postpone Brexit to June 30.

She needs more time to try to strike a compromise with the opposition that will let Britain's bitterly divided parliament back an orderly divorce plan at the fourth attempt.

Without such a delay, the United Kingdom is scheduled to crash out with no deal on Friday.

But the EU has already granted one delay -- the original deadline was March 29 -- and negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what another postponement would achieve.

"The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," Barnier told reporters after a meeting of EU Europe ministers to discuss the Brexit crisis.

"She is coming back to indicate the way forward, that is what is expected by European leaders... It is for her to bring the roadmap."

Barnier insisted it would not be the EU's fault if a chaotic "no deal" departure -- predicted to have a calamitous impact -- came to pass.

"No deal will never be the EU's decision, it will always be the responsibility of the United Kingdom to tell us what it wants," Barnier said.

May's talks with the main opposition Labour Party have made little tangible progress, making an imminent breakthrough seem unlikely, but Barnier said he was still hopeful the process could bear fruit.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister Theresa May brings to a crunch summit.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister Theresa May brings to a crunch summit. The British leader is making a last-gasp diplomatic dash to Paris and Berlin on the eve of an emergency summit in Brussels, where she hopes the other 27 EU chiefs will agree to postpone Brexit to June 30. She needs more time to try to strike a compromise with the opposition that will let Britain's bitterly divided parliament back an orderly divorce plan at the fourth attempt. Without such a delay, the United Kingdom is scheduled to crash out with no deal on Friday. But the EU has already granted one delay -- the original deadline was March 29 -- and negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what another postponement would achieve. "The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," Barnier told reporters after a meeting of EU Europe ministers to discuss the Brexit crisis. "She is coming back to indicate the way forward, that is what is expected by European leaders... It is for her to bring the roadmap." Barnier insisted it would not be the EU's fault if a chaotic "no deal" departure -- predicted to have a calamitous impact -- came to pass. "No deal will never be the EU's decision, it will always be the responsibility of the United Kingdom to tell us what it wants," Barnier said. May's talks with the main opposition Labour Party have made little tangible progress, making an imminent breakthrough seem unlikely, but Barnier said he was still hopeful the process could bear fruit.

Any Brexit delay depends on Theresa May request: EU's Michel Barnier

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-probe-supporters-say-manning-in-solitary-confinement-205172">WikiLeaks</a> tweets posted on Friday reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-confirms-wikileaks-assange-has-valid-passport-199100">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.&nbsp;

"A high-level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest," the tweet read.&nbsp;

The development comes just a few days after the Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno blamed the site for recent allegations of corruption in local outlets and the publication of family photos to social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
BREAKING: A high level source within the Ecuadorian state has told <a href="https://twitter.com/wikileaks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WikiLeaks</a> that Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" using the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INAPapers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INAPapers</a> offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest.<a href="https://t.co/adnJph79wq">https://t.co/adnJph79wq</a>
— WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) <a href="https://twitter.com/wikileaks/status/1113919962995884033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 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>

Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno told radio stations on Tuesday that Assange has "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum in the Andean nation's London embassy, where he has lived for nearly seven years, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt today called Assange "a free man" and that he can leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London whenever he wants to, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Well Julian Assange is a free man, he can leave the embassy whenever he wants to. So, we want the situation resolved as quickly as possible," Hunt noted.&nbsp;

Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. Assange was wanted by the Swedish authorities for a sexual assault investigation; the probe was later dropped.&nbsp;

However, Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest.

A WikiLeaks tweets posted on Friday reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" from the Ecuador embassy and that there already exists an agreement with the United Kingdom for his arrest. "A high-level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest," the tweet read. The development comes just a few days after the Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno blamed the site for recent allegations of corruption in local outlets and the publication of family photos to social media. BREAKING: A high level source within the Ecuadorian state has told @WikiLeaks that Julian Assange will be expelled within "hours to days" using the #INAPapers offshore scandal as a pretext--and that it already has an agreement with the UK for his arrest.https://t.co/adnJph79wq — WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) April 4, 2019 × Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno told radio stations on Tuesday that Assange has "repeatedly violated" the terms of his asylum in the Andean nation's London embassy, where he has lived for nearly seven years, news agency Reuters reported. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt today called Assange "a free man" and that he can leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London whenever he wants to, Reuters reported. "Well Julian Assange is a free man, he can leave the embassy whenever he wants to. So, we want the situation resolved as quickly as possible," Hunt noted. Assange took refuge in the embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. Assange was wanted by the Swedish authorities for a sexual assault investigation; the probe was later dropped. However, Assange fears he could be extradited to face charges in the United States, where federal prosecutors are investigating WikiLeaks. (With inputs from Reuters)

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be expelled within 'hours to days' from Ecuador embassy; arrest likely

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday afternoon met with opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn as part of her efforts to end Brexit impasse, but it seems that Corbyn is not in a rush to make a deal, according to experts.

Fraser Cameron, senior advisor of the European Policy Center, shared his views at the program Global Insight on the China Global Television Network (CGTN).

"It is obviously different this time in that she's reaching to the Labor Party, something that she should have done obviously two years ago. Having said that, I don't think Mr Corbyn is going to be [in] any rush to make a deal with Mrs May, because I don't think he wants the Labor Party tarnished with the Brexit brush," said Cameron.

"They want the Conservative Party to own this Brexit deal, and then Labor will hopefully win an early election. That is the strategy for Mr. Corbyn. I think there's a better chance, however, of getting a deal through parliament next week, which is the second alternative that Theresa May put to the nation last night," Cameron added.

Thom Brooks, professor of law and government at Durham University, said in the program that the problem of the United Kingdom is about a withdrawal agreement instead of a trade deal. He said that the Conservatives are divided over the Brexit deal, which makes the situation even worse.

"This big disagreement, this problem that Britain is in right now, is not about any trade deal, it's about a withdrawal agreement, it's about agreeing to the terms of leaving the European Union, not about the terms of the new wonderful trade deal that many who campaigned for Brexit were hoping to be moving on to. The largest party in parliament, the Conservatives, they are this divided as to what they want. It seems you get three people in the room, you get three different views as to what Brexit means. And the way they have been publicly attacking leaders of the European Union does not bode well for the kind of trade deals that they want to have in the future. So I think it is very much political," said Brooks.

In addition, Cameron said the EU will agree to extend the Brexit deadline again.

"There are two main reasons for this. One, they don't want to be blamed for no deal. So I think that's a very important concern, even for the French. Secondly, a no-deal will be extremely sort of damaging to the EU, as well as the UK. It is obviously, damage to UK more, but they don't want to have to go through all the very bad repercussions of a no-deal," Cameron said.

"I think if they want an extension, and I think this time what will be a lengthy extension, I think Britain will have to take part in the European Parliament elections in May, but at the end of the day, I think everybody will prefer the UK to stay in, rather than to actually leave. So there may be conditions attached to the decision next week, but I think in general, they will agree to an extension," said Cameron.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday afternoon met with opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn as part of her efforts to end Brexit impasse, but it seems that Corbyn is not in a rush to make a deal, according to experts.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday afternoon met with opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn as part of her efforts to end Brexit impasse, but it seems that Corbyn is not in a rush to make a deal, according to experts. Fraser Cameron, senior advisor of the European Policy Center, shared his views at the program Global Insight on the China Global Television Network (CGTN). "It is obviously different this time in that she's reaching to the Labor Party, something that she should have done obviously two years ago. Having said that, I don't think Mr Corbyn is going to be [in] any rush to make a deal with Mrs May, because I don't think he wants the Labor Party tarnished with the Brexit brush," said Cameron. "They want the Conservative Party to own this Brexit deal, and then Labor will hopefully win an early election. That is the strategy for Mr. Corbyn. I think there's a better chance, however, of getting a deal through parliament next week, which is the second alternative that Theresa May put to the nation last night," Cameron added. Thom Brooks, professor of law and government at Durham University, said in the program that the problem of the United Kingdom is about a withdrawal agreement instead of a trade deal. He said that the Conservatives are divided over the Brexit deal, which makes the situation even worse. "This big disagreement, this problem that Britain is in right now, is not about any trade deal, it's about a withdrawal agreement, it's about agreeing to the terms of leaving the European Union, not about the terms of the new wonderful trade deal that many who campaigned for Brexit were hoping to be moving on to. The largest party in parliament, the Conservatives, they are this divided as to what they want. It seems you get three people in the room, you get three different views as to what Brexit means. And the way they have been publicly attacking leaders of the European Union does not bode well for the kind of trade deals that they want to have in the future. So I think it is very much political," said Brooks. In addition, Cameron said the EU will agree to extend the Brexit deadline again. "There are two main reasons for this. One, they don't want to be blamed for no deal. So I think that's a very important concern, even for the French. Secondly, a no-deal will be extremely sort of damaging to the EU, as well as the UK. It is obviously, damage to UK more, but they don't want to have to go through all the very bad repercussions of a no-deal," Cameron said. "I think if they want an extension, and I think this time what will be a lengthy extension, I think Britain will have to take part in the European Parliament elections in May, but at the end of the day, I think everybody will prefer the UK to stay in, rather than to actually leave. So there may be conditions attached to the decision next week, but I think in general, they will agree to an extension," said Cameron.

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By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley*

Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union. It attracted more than 5m signatures within a week of being launched, making it the most signed petition since the government’s e-petition site began. It crashed the system multiple times over the course of the first few days.&nbsp;

Critics of the petition, largely drawn from those who promoted and continue to support Brexit, claim that it is yet another attempt by those who opposed Leave to subvert the democratic decision reached by a clear majority in the June 2016 referendum. They claim that many of those opposed to leaving the EU cannot accept that decision and are using whatever methods they can to overturn it.&nbsp;

Are they right? The numbers signing the e-petition are remarkable. But even if we assume (as seems reasonable) that almost all signatories were Remain voters, most Remainers have not (yet) signed. As of the time of writing, two-thirds had not done so.

This does not mean, of course, that those who have not signed are therefore opposed to the petition (we cannot know – and there may well be people who have not signed because they never sign petitions at all, even when they support a petition’s cause).

But we can assess whether support for revoking Article 50 is related to support for Remain by comparing their respective geographies. Data are available on the number of signatories to the petition in each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies (signatories were asked to give a postcode, and this can be matched to the relevant constituency).&nbsp;

As of March 25, the spread varied considerably. Only 2.6 per cent of the people registered to vote in Walsall North in 2018 (1,722), for example, had signed the 2019 petition. Meanwhile, over in Bristol West, 39.9 per cent of the electorate had signed.

By comparison, estimates suggested that 74.2 per cent of Walsall North’s voters supported Brexit in 2016, compared to just 20.7 per cent in Bristol West. These extremes are at the ends of a clear continuum for all 650 UK constituencies: the larger the vote for Brexit in 2016 the smaller the percentage who have signed the petition.&nbsp;

<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />

Regional surprises

<figcaption>
There are some variations around this general trend, however. For instance, far fewer voters in Wales, Scotland and, especially, Northern Ireland have supported the petition than in England. This is particularly surprising given that both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in 2016.&nbsp;A statistical model describing the general trend allows us to predict what the typical percentage signing the petition would be in constituencies with different Brexit votes in 2016. Based on such a model, we calculate that in English constituencies where 50 per cent supported Leave in the referendum, on average about 13 per cent signed the petition. In similar Scottish constituencies, it was only 6.1 per cent and in Northern Ireland only 5.4 per cent. Wales, of course, voted Leave, but in constituencies, there were around 50 per cent voted to leave, support for the petition now was about 10.4 per cent.

For some reason, support for revoking Article 50 (as measured by this petition at least) has been smaller in the UK’s Celtic fringe.

The critics – not surprisingly – are right, at least in the sense that the petition appeals most to Remain supporters. The geography of support for revoking Article 50 and the UK remaining in the EU is very largely the same as the geography of support for Remain three years ago: on average there has been no change – although we have to wonder why the Scots and Northern Irish have been relatively silent this time.&nbsp;

*(Ron Johnston is Professor of Geography, University of Bristol, Charles Pattie is a Professor of Electoral Geography, University of Sheffield and David Manley is a Professor of Human Geography, University of Bristol. )

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/revoke-article-50-petition-largely-remainers-signing-but-theres-a-surprising-regional-twist-114258">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;
</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley* Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union.

By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley* Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union. It attracted more than 5m signatures within a week of being launched, making it the most signed petition since the government’s e-petition site began. It crashed the system multiple times over the course of the first few days. Critics of the petition, largely drawn from those who promoted and continue to support Brexit, claim that it is yet another attempt by those who opposed Leave to subvert the democratic decision reached by a clear majority in the June 2016 referendum. They claim that many of those opposed to leaving the EU cannot accept that decision and are using whatever methods they can to overturn it. Are they right? The numbers signing the e-petition are remarkable. But even if we assume (as seems reasonable) that almost all signatories were Remain voters, most Remainers have not (yet) signed. As of the time of writing, two-thirds had not done so. This does not mean, of course, that those who have not signed are therefore opposed to the petition (we cannot know – and there may well be people who have not signed because they never sign petitions at all, even when they support a petition’s cause). But we can assess whether support for revoking Article 50 is related to support for Remain by comparing their respective geographies. Data are available on the number of signatories to the petition in each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies (signatories were asked to give a postcode, and this can be matched to the relevant constituency). As of March 25, the spread varied considerably. Only 2.6 per cent of the people registered to vote in Walsall North in 2018 (1,722), for example, had signed the 2019 petition. Meanwhile, over in Bristol West, 39.9 per cent of the electorate had signed. By comparison, estimates suggested that 74.2 per cent of Walsall North’s voters supported Brexit in 2016, compared to just 20.7 per cent in Bristol West. These extremes are at the ends of a clear continuum for all 650 UK constituencies: the larger the vote for Brexit in 2016 the smaller the percentage who have signed the petition. Regional surprises There are some variations around this general trend, however. For instance, far fewer voters in Wales, Scotland and, especially, Northern Ireland have supported the petition than in England. This is particularly surprising given that both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in 2016. A statistical model describing the general trend allows us to predict what the typical percentage signing the petition would be in constituencies with different Brexit votes in 2016. Based on such a model, we calculate that in English constituencies where 50 per cent supported Leave in the referendum, on average about 13 per cent signed the petition. In similar Scottish constituencies, it was only 6.1 per cent and in Northern Ireland only 5.4 per cent. Wales, of course, voted Leave, but in constituencies, there were around 50 per cent voted to leave, support for the petition now was about 10.4 per cent. For some reason, support for revoking Article 50 (as measured by this petition at least) has been smaller in the UK’s Celtic fringe. The critics – not surprisingly – are right, at least in the sense that the petition appeals most to Remain supporters. The geography of support for revoking Article 50 and the UK remaining in the EU is very largely the same as the geography of support for Remain three years ago: on average there has been no change – although we have to wonder why the Scots and Northern Irish have been relatively silent this time. *(Ron Johnston is Professor of Geography, University of Bristol, Charles Pattie is a Professor of Electoral Geography, University of Sheffield and David Manley is a Professor of Human Geography, University of Bristol. ) (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.)

Can the Revoke Article 50 petition change the course of Brexit?

A huge rally of people from all over UK flooded London's main streets and marched towards the parliament building on Saturday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-brexit-crisis-deepens-thousands-due-to-march-through-london-for-a-new-referendum-205053">demand a second referendum on Brexit</a>, with organizers saying the mass rally gathered over one million protesters to the capital.

Since the referendum on Britain's EU membership took place in June 2016, protests occur almost daily in front of the parliament or in downtown areas, but never on such a magnitude.

Some prominent political figures including Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan all delivered speeches at the rally, with many calling for the issue to be "put to the people".

Meanwhile, the number of people who have signed an online petition on the British Parliament website calling on the government to revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU has now exceeded 4.7 million as of Saturday evening, breaking the record for online signatures. According to the relevant laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, once a petition exceeds 10,000 signatures the government must respond publicly and if the number of signatories surpasses 100,000 then parliament must conduct an open debate on the matter.

The European Union on Thursday extended the original March 29 deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc following a series of crunch meetings in Brussels. The move now gives the UK two options to consider.

The first will see the Brexit deadline extended to May 22 if the British House of Commons approves Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement next week.

However, the second scenario will occur should May's deal be rejected, with the deadline date instead of being April 12, leaving the threat of the UK crashing out of the EU with "no-deal" a real possibility.

A huge rally of people from all over UK flooded London's main streets and marched towards the parliament building on Saturday to demand a second referendum on Brexit, with organizers saying the mass rally gathered over one million protesters to the capital.

A huge rally of people from all over UK flooded London's main streets and marched towards the parliament building on Saturday to demand a second referendum on Brexit, with organizers saying the mass rally gathered over one million protesters to the capital. Since the referendum on Britain's EU membership took place in June 2016, protests occur almost daily in front of the parliament or in downtown areas, but never on such a magnitude. Some prominent political figures including Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan all delivered speeches at the rally, with many calling for the issue to be "put to the people". Meanwhile, the number of people who have signed an online petition on the British Parliament website calling on the government to revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU has now exceeded 4.7 million as of Saturday evening, breaking the record for online signatures. According to the relevant laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, once a petition exceeds 10,000 signatures the government must respond publicly and if the number of signatories surpasses 100,000 then parliament must conduct an open debate on the matter. The European Union on Thursday extended the original March 29 deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc following a series of crunch meetings in Brussels. The move now gives the UK two options to consider. The first will see the Brexit deadline extended to May 22 if the British House of Commons approves Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement next week. However, the second scenario will occur should May's deal be rejected, with the deadline date instead of being April 12, leaving the threat of the UK crashing out of the EU with "no-deal" a real possibility.

Over 1 million rally in London demanding second referendum on Brexit, online petition grows

Absconding Indian billionare Nirav Modi arrested in London

Britain's opposition Labour Party would force a confidence vote in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-defeat-plunges-uk-into-complete-uncertainty-203013">Theresa May</a>'s government if the prime minister loses another vote on her Brexit withdrawal deal, leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Sunday.

May is expected to put her divorce deal with the European Union before parliament for a third time this week after lawmakers crushed it twice before.

'We've had one confidence vote already,'&nbsp;Corbyn told Sky News. 'The government is apparently going to bring its proposals once again to parliament this week. I suspect they'll be defeated again, the whole process they are doing is running down the clock.'

'I think at that point a confidence motion would be appropriate. At that point, we should say there has to be a general election.'

Britain's opposition Labour Party would force a confidence vote in Theresa May's government if the prime minister loses another vote on her Brexit withdrawal deal, leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Sunday.

Britain's opposition Labour Party would force a confidence vote in Theresa May's government if the prime minister loses another vote on her Brexit withdrawal deal, leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Sunday. May is expected to put her divorce deal with the European Union before parliament for a third time this week after lawmakers crushed it twice before. 'We've had one confidence vote already,' Corbyn told Sky News. 'The government is apparently going to bring its proposals once again to parliament this week. I suspect they'll be defeated again, the whole process they are doing is running down the clock.' 'I think at that point a confidence motion would be appropriate. At that point, we should say there has to be a general election.'

United Kingdom's Labour will force confidence motion if May's deal fails: Corbyn

A lawmaker from Britain's governing Conservatives quit his local party on Saturday because of clashes over Brexit, as the decision to leave the European Union continues to reshape loyalties in the country's politics.

Nick Boles has been critical of the threat to leave the EU without a deal and has faced calls from his local party to be removed from his job over his stance.

'I regret that my relationship with you should end in this way. But a politician without principles is worthless.'&nbsp;Boles said in a letter to his local party.

A lawmaker from Britain's governing Conservatives quit his local party on Saturday because of clashes over Brexit, as the decision to leave the European Union continues to reshape loyalties in the country's politics.

A lawmaker from Britain's governing Conservatives quit his local party on Saturday because of clashes over Brexit, as the decision to leave the European Union continues to reshape loyalties in the country's politics. Nick Boles has been critical of the threat to leave the EU without a deal and has faced calls from his local party to be removed from his job over his stance. 'I regret that my relationship with you should end in this way. But a politician without principles is worthless.' Boles said in a letter to his local party.

United Kingdom Conservative lawmaker Boles quits local party over Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-rushing-to-have-trade-deal-with-china-trump-203203">US President Donald Trump</a> on Thursday said he anticipated a "large scale" trade agreement with the United Kingdom, as the British government grapples with its Brexit deal with Europe and a possible delay.

Britain's break from the European Union would upend its trade relationships as it exits the bloc and is forced to go to the negotiating table to broker its own trade pacts with other countries, including the United States.

"My Administration looks forward to negotiating a large scale Trade Deal with the United Kingdom. The potential is unlimited!" Trump tweeted.

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My Administration looks forward to negotiating a large scale Trade Deal with the United Kingdom. The potential is unlimited!
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The US Trade Representative's office had said it would launch talks with Britain after its planned exit from the EU on March 29. Last month it laid out its objectives for a deal that included reduced tariff and non-tariff barriers for US industrial and agricultural goods.

Trump has made the US economy and trade a cornerstone of his presidency in line with his "America First" campaign and has sought to renegotiate pacts with China, Canada and Mexico as well as the EU.

With a little more than two weeks before Britain is due to leave the European Union with no firm agreement yet in place, Britain's parliament was due to vote on Thursday on seeking a last-minute Brexit delay after UK lawmakers twice rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he anticipated a "large scale" trade agreement with the United Kingdom, as the British government grapples with its Brexit deal with Europe and a possible delay.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he anticipated a "large scale" trade agreement with the United Kingdom, as the British government grapples with its Brexit deal with Europe and a possible delay. Britain's break from the European Union would upend its trade relationships as it exits the bloc and is forced to go to the negotiating table to broker its own trade pacts with other countries, including the United States. "My Administration looks forward to negotiating a large scale Trade Deal with the United Kingdom. The potential is unlimited!" Trump tweeted. My Administration looks forward to negotiating a large scale Trade Deal with the United Kingdom. The potential is unlimited! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2019 × The US Trade Representative's office had said it would launch talks with Britain after its planned exit from the EU on March 29. Last month it laid out its objectives for a deal that included reduced tariff and non-tariff barriers for US industrial and agricultural goods. Trump has made the US economy and trade a cornerstone of his presidency in line with his "America First" campaign and has sought to renegotiate pacts with China, Canada and Mexico as well as the EU. With a little more than two weeks before Britain is due to leave the European Union with no firm agreement yet in place, Britain's parliament was due to vote on Thursday on seeking a last-minute Brexit delay after UK lawmakers twice rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal.

As Britain grapples with Brexit, Trump eyes 'large scale' trade deal

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been named the Politician of the Year at an annual awards ceremony held in the UK's House of Commons complex for his ongoing contribution to the political life in the British capital.

The annual Political and Public Life Awards presented by Britain's 'Asian Voice' weekly newspaper here on Thursday also recognised UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson as Cabinet Minister of the Year and Indian-origin politician Priti Patel as Conservative Party MP of the Year.

"Our armed forces are made strong by being made up of people of every single community and background... Contributing to keep us safe," said Williamson, on receiving his award.

"I continue to be your public servant," added Patel, a former UK Cabinet minister.

Khan, 48, whose grandparents were born in India and parents migrated from Pakistan to the UK, was named 'Politician of the Year' at an awards ceremony held in the UK's House of Commons complex.

Among other winners from the field of politics at the event, now in its 13th year, included Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster, Labour Party MPs Dan Carden and Thelma Walker.

The other award categories included International Hotel of Year which was won by India's Leela International hotel chain. Comedian of Year award went to British Indian comedian Paul Chowdhry and Restaurant of the Year for London's Delhi street food restaurant Hankies.

"We are hosting the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards at a time when dissent is rife, and arguably unprecedented, in our political stage and the future of the economy hangs in the balance, perhaps perilously so," said C B Patel, the Publisher and Editor of 'Asian Voice'.

"In the din and tumult of the current scenario, I believe it is important for us to recognise and honour leaders in our political and public life who make a tremendous contribution to preserving Britain's enviable stature as one of the leading economies of the world," he said.

The awards are held annually to honour people who have made a special impact in the preceding 12 months, ranging from international politicians to individuals who make an impact in their local communities.

Readers of the weekly 'Asian Voice' newspaper nominate potential winners and an independent panel of judges comprising eminent personalities from different walks of life in the UK, select the winners.&nbsp;

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been named the Politician of the Year at an annual awards ceremony held in the UK's House of Commons complex for his ongoing contribution to the political life in the British capital.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been named the Politician of the Year at an annual awards ceremony held in the UK's House of Commons complex for his ongoing contribution to the political life in the British capital. The annual Political and Public Life Awards presented by Britain's 'Asian Voice' weekly newspaper here on Thursday also recognised UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson as Cabinet Minister of the Year and Indian-origin politician Priti Patel as Conservative Party MP of the Year. "Our armed forces are made strong by being made up of people of every single community and background... Contributing to keep us safe," said Williamson, on receiving his award. "I continue to be your public servant," added Patel, a former UK Cabinet minister. Khan, 48, whose grandparents were born in India and parents migrated from Pakistan to the UK, was named 'Politician of the Year' at an awards ceremony held in the UK's House of Commons complex. Among other winners from the field of politics at the event, now in its 13th year, included Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster, Labour Party MPs Dan Carden and Thelma Walker. The other award categories included International Hotel of Year which was won by India's Leela International hotel chain. Comedian of Year award went to British Indian comedian Paul Chowdhry and Restaurant of the Year for London's Delhi street food restaurant Hankies. "We are hosting the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards at a time when dissent is rife, and arguably unprecedented, in our political stage and the future of the economy hangs in the balance, perhaps perilously so," said C B Patel, the Publisher and Editor of 'Asian Voice'. "In the din and tumult of the current scenario, I believe it is important for us to recognise and honour leaders in our political and public life who make a tremendous contribution to preserving Britain's enviable stature as one of the leading economies of the world," he said. The awards are held annually to honour people who have made a special impact in the preceding 12 months, ranging from international politicians to individuals who make an impact in their local communities. Readers of the weekly 'Asian Voice' newspaper nominate potential winners and an independent panel of judges comprising eminent personalities from different walks of life in the UK, select the winners.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan named UK 'Politician of the Year'

The queen of the United Kingdom crossed a new milestone by posting her first message on the Instagram social media on Thursday where she published an image of a letter sent by an early pioneer of computers to her great-great-grandfather.

Elizabeth II, who broke one record by being already the longest-serving monarch in UK history after becoming Queen in 1952, shared an image of the letter sent to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, on @theRoyalFamily’s Instagram account during a visit to London's Science Museum.

"Today, as I visit the Science Museum I was interested to discover a letter from the Royal Archives, written in 1843 to my great-great-grandfather Prince Albert," Elizabeth wrote to the accounts 4.6 million followers. "Charles Babbage, credited as the world’s first computer pioneer, designed the 'Difference Engine,' of which Prince Albert had the opportunity to see a prototype in July 1843," she added.

The UK head of state added that Babbage told Queen Victoria and Prince Albert all about the "Analytical Engine," which was the starting point for the computer age, using programs that Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, had devised.

The queen was visiting the renowned London museum to launch "Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security," an exhibition that commemorates achievements of the UK's intelligence service headquarters GCHQ, currently based in the western city of Cheltenham.

The monarch's visit commemorated the communications intelligence service's centenary.

"GCHQ has been at the heart of the nation's security for 100 years," Jeremy Fleming, GCHQ director said in a statement that was shared on Twitter.&nbsp;

"It has saved countless lives, given Britain an edge, and solved or harnessed some of the world's hardest technology challenges. It's a privilege to share the exciting story of our people and technology," Fleming added.

The monarch took a tour of the museum and the exhibition and viewed the computer on which Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web, amongst other items from the GCHQ's historic collection.&nbsp;

The show spans communications intelligence from World War I to most recent innovations in cybersecurity in the 21st century.

As well as handwritten documents, declassified files and never before seen objects from the museum archive and the GCHQ's collection, there will be interactive spaces that will enable visitors to become code-breakers and puzzle solvers.

The exhibition opens on July 10 and will run until Feb. 2020, the museum said.

The queen of the United Kingdom crossed a new milestone by posting her first message on the Instagram social media on Thursday where she published an image of a letter sent by an early pioneer of computers to her great-great-grandfather.

The queen of the United Kingdom crossed a new milestone by posting her first message on the Instagram social media on Thursday where she published an image of a letter sent by an early pioneer of computers to her great-great-grandfather. Elizabeth II, who broke one record by being already the longest-serving monarch in UK history after becoming Queen in 1952, shared an image of the letter sent to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, on @theRoyalFamily’s Instagram account during a visit to London's Science Museum. "Today, as I visit the Science Museum I was interested to discover a letter from the Royal Archives, written in 1843 to my great-great-grandfather Prince Albert," Elizabeth wrote to the accounts 4.6 million followers. "Charles Babbage, credited as the world’s first computer pioneer, designed the 'Difference Engine,' of which Prince Albert had the opportunity to see a prototype in July 1843," she added. The UK head of state added that Babbage told Queen Victoria and Prince Albert all about the "Analytical Engine," which was the starting point for the computer age, using programs that Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, had devised. The queen was visiting the renowned London museum to launch "Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security," an exhibition that commemorates achievements of the UK's intelligence service headquarters GCHQ, currently based in the western city of Cheltenham. The monarch's visit commemorated the communications intelligence service's centenary. "GCHQ has been at the heart of the nation's security for 100 years," Jeremy Fleming, GCHQ director said in a statement that was shared on Twitter. "It has saved countless lives, given Britain an edge, and solved or harnessed some of the world's hardest technology challenges. It's a privilege to share the exciting story of our people and technology," Fleming added. The monarch took a tour of the museum and the exhibition and viewed the computer on which Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web, amongst other items from the GCHQ's historic collection. The show spans communications intelligence from World War I to most recent innovations in cybersecurity in the 21st century. As well as handwritten documents, declassified files and never before seen objects from the museum archive and the GCHQ's collection, there will be interactive spaces that will enable visitors to become code-breakers and puzzle solvers. The exhibition opens on July 10 and will run until Feb. 2020, the museum said.

UK queen Elizabeth II crosses new milestone as she sends her 1st message on Instagram

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism &amp; Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said.

Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said.&nbsp;

Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said.

The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said.

With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said.

The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018.

Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018.

China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018.

Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate.

German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.&nbsp;

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data. Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said. Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said. Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said. The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said. With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said. The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018. Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018. China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018. Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate. German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.

India tops international overnight visitors to Dubai in 2018

A teenager who was stripped of her British citizenship after leaving London to join the Islamic State group has asked the government to re-evaluate her case and show "a bit more mercy" as she seeks to return to Britain.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-says-is-teen-shamima-begum-not-eligible-for-citizenship-198689">Shamima Begum, 19, left to join IS</a> when she was 15 but now wants to come back. Her British citizenship was revoked on security grounds.

"I would like them (British politicians) to re-evaluate my case with a bit more mercy in their heart, you know," she told Sky News. Asked whether she could change or be rehabilitated, she said: "I am willing to change."

Begum was found in a detention camp in Syria last week, and her fate has sparked a dispute over the ramifications of leaving a 19-year-old mother with a jihadist fighter's child to fend for herself in a war zone.

A teenager who was stripped of her British citizenship after leaving London to join the Islamic State group has asked the government to re-evaluate her case and show "a bit more mercy" as she seeks to return to Britain.

A teenager who was stripped of her British citizenship after leaving London to join the Islamic State group has asked the government to re-evaluate her case and show "a bit more mercy" as she seeks to return to Britain. Shamima Begum, 19, left to join IS when she was 15 but now wants to come back. Her British citizenship was revoked on security grounds. "I would like them (British politicians) to re-evaluate my case with a bit more mercy in their heart, you know," she told Sky News. Asked whether she could change or be rehabilitated, she said: "I am willing to change." Begum was found in a detention camp in Syria last week, and her fate has sparked a dispute over the ramifications of leaving a 19-year-old mother with a jihadist fighter's child to fend for herself in a war zone.

Islamic State teen Begum asks UK to show 'more mercy'

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a> on the UN sanctions list.

This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations.

In 2017, &nbsp;France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China.

"We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today.

India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan.

JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list.

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list. This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China. "We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today. India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan. JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Trying to put JeM chief Masood Azhar on UN sanctions list: France envoy to India

The fate of foreigners who joined Islamic State has become an increasingly urgent issue as US-backed fighters prepare to capture the militant group's last stronghold in eastern Syria.

The Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces say they are holding 800 foreign fighters, with 700 of their wives and 1,500 of their children living separately in camps. Dozens of more militants and family members have been arriving daily.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Sunday European countries must do more to take back their citizens or they will be released. The SDF says it has no intention of freeing them, but they could escape in future if the area is attacked.

European countries say they are working on how to deal with their citizens who want to come home, including investigating and prosecuting those guilty of crimes.

But they say this is made more complicated because diplomats cannot operate in territory held by the SDF, which is not internationally recognised, and they worry that the Trump administration's decision to withdraw its 2,000-strong force from Syria means there will not be enough time to respond.

According to European police agency Europol, some 5,000 Europeans -- most from Britain, France, Germany and Belgium -- went to fight in Syria and Iraq, of whom some 1,500 have returned.

Following is a breakdown by country of Europeans believed to have travelled to Syria or Iraq.

Britain

British officials estimate around 900 people from the United Kingdom went to the Syria region. Around a fifth have died and about half have returned, so around 360 remain in the region. Officials noted that not all of those who went to the Syria region were extremists: some went with genuine charitable intentions. Of those who went to fight, not all joined Islamic State, though most of those left in the region are thought to represent militant elements.

The issue has gained greater attention in recent days as news organisations have run interviews with Shamima Begum, a pregnant 19-year-old who left London to become an Islamic State bride as a schoolgirl.

Belgium

The Belgian threat assessment centre OCAD/OCAM says 442 Belgians left for Syria or Iraq, of whom 130 have returned and 142 have been killed. Six Belgian men, 17 women and 32 children are being held in Syria, and two men are jailed in Iraq.

Denmark

The latest data available from Denmark's security and intelligence service dates to January 2018. The authorities believe at least 150 people have left Denmark for Syria or Iraq since the summer of 2012 to join militant Islamist groups. More than a third have returned to Denmark and at least a quarter are presumed dead. Roughly one fifth are still in the conflict zone, with the rest located in third countries.

France

French officials and the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence estimate that 800-1,500 people have travelled from France to join Islamic State. French officials estimate that around 300 have been killed and a similar number have returned to France.

Of those that remain in Syria and Iraq, diplomats and military officials said two weeks ago that Kurdish-led forces were holding about 150 French citizens in northeastern Syria. An estimated 100 French citizens are believed to be left in the last pocket of Islamic State fighters, although it is not clear if that includes families and children. A further 150 French fighters and children are in Idlib, French officials have said.

Germany

According to the German authorities, around 1050 people from Germany have travelled to Syria and Iraq since 2013, around one-third of whom have returned. Around 270 women and children from Germany are now in Syria and Iraq. Around 75 per cent of the children are under the age of three years old and believed to have been born in the conflict zone. The Interior Ministry estimates the number of Germans in the custody of the Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria as in the high double digits.

Netherlands

The Dutch intelligence agency AIVD says about 315 people left the Netherlands for Syria or Iraq with the intention of joining the militants, about two-thirds of the men and one-third women. About 55 are believed to have returned, 85 are believed to have died, 135 are still in the conflict area and 40 are either in third countries or in detention in the region.

Sources told Reuters last year that as many as 175 children with the right to Dutch citizenship were believed to be in the conflict zone.

Switzerland

In its 2018 annual report, Switzerland's intelligence service identified 93 cases of jihadi travellers who had left the country for war zones, including 79 who went to Syria or Iraq. Dozens of them had died and 16 had returned to Switzerland, it said. 
&nbsp;

The fate of foreigners who joined Islamic State has become an increasingly urgent issue as US-backed fighters prepare to capture the militant group's last stronghold in eastern Syria.

The fate of foreigners who joined Islamic State has become an increasingly urgent issue as US-backed fighters prepare to capture the militant group's last stronghold in eastern Syria. The Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces say they are holding 800 foreign fighters, with 700 of their wives and 1,500 of their children living separately in camps. Dozens of more militants and family members have been arriving daily. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday European countries must do more to take back their citizens or they will be released. The SDF says it has no intention of freeing them, but they could escape in future if the area is attacked. European countries say they are working on how to deal with their citizens who want to come home, including investigating and prosecuting those guilty of crimes. But they say this is made more complicated because diplomats cannot operate in territory held by the SDF, which is not internationally recognised, and they worry that the Trump administration's decision to withdraw its 2,000-strong force from Syria means there will not be enough time to respond. According to European police agency Europol, some 5,000 Europeans -- most from Britain, France, Germany and Belgium -- went to fight in Syria and Iraq, of whom some 1,500 have returned. Following is a breakdown by country of Europeans believed to have travelled to Syria or Iraq. Britain British officials estimate around 900 people from the United Kingdom went to the Syria region. Around a fifth have died and about half have returned, so around 360 remain in the region. Officials noted that not all of those who went to the Syria region were extremists: some went with genuine charitable intentions. Of those who went to fight, not all joined Islamic State, though most of those left in the region are thought to represent militant elements. The issue has gained greater attention in recent days as news organisations have run interviews with Shamima Begum, a pregnant 19-year-old who left London to become an Islamic State bride as a schoolgirl. Belgium The Belgian threat assessment centre OCAD/OCAM says 442 Belgians left for Syria or Iraq, of whom 130 have returned and 142 have been killed. Six Belgian men, 17 women and 32 children are being held in Syria, and two men are jailed in Iraq. Denmark The latest data available from Denmark's security and intelligence service dates to January 2018. The authorities believe at least 150 people have left Denmark for Syria or Iraq since the summer of 2012 to join militant Islamist groups. More than a third have returned to Denmark and at least a quarter are presumed dead. Roughly one fifth are still in the conflict zone, with the rest located in third countries. France French officials and the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence estimate that 800-1,500 people have travelled from France to join Islamic State. French officials estimate that around 300 have been killed and a similar number have returned to France. Of those that remain in Syria and Iraq, diplomats and military officials said two weeks ago that Kurdish-led forces were holding about 150 French citizens in northeastern Syria. An estimated 100 French citizens are believed to be left in the last pocket of Islamic State fighters, although it is not clear if that includes families and children. A further 150 French fighters and children are in Idlib, French officials have said. Germany According to the German authorities, around 1050 people from Germany have travelled to Syria and Iraq since 2013, around one-third of whom have returned. Around 270 women and children from Germany are now in Syria and Iraq. Around 75 per cent of the children are under the age of three years old and believed to have been born in the conflict zone. The Interior Ministry estimates the number of Germans in the custody of the Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria as in the high double digits. Netherlands The Dutch intelligence agency AIVD says about 315 people left the Netherlands for Syria or Iraq with the intention of joining the militants, about two-thirds of the men and one-third women. About 55 are believed to have returned, 85 are believed to have died, 135 are still in the conflict area and 40 are either in third countries or in detention in the region. Sources told Reuters last year that as many as 175 children with the right to Dutch citizenship were believed to be in the conflict zone. Switzerland In its 2018 annual report, Switzerland's intelligence service identified 93 cases of jihadi travellers who had left the country for war zones, including 79 who went to Syria or Iraq. Dozens of them had died and 16 had returned to Switzerland, it said.

Factbox: Europeans who joined Islamic State

Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/honda-to-shut-only-british-factory-mulls-a-move-to-north-america-198289">Honda was the latest Japanese firm to send shockwaves</a> through British industry by announcing the end of its plant in Swindon, where around 3,500 workers have been producing the "Civic" for more than 24 years.

Officials rushed to divert blame from Brexit, with local MP Justin Tomlinson saying the decision was down to "global trends" and pointing out that Honda was transferring all European production back to Japan.

But while there are specific reasons behind each individual business decision, analysts said the spectre of Brexit was haunting Japanese firms across the board.

"Honda seems to have been preparing for this for a long time. Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now," said Seiji Sugiura, an analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.

Both Sugiura and Satoru Takada, an auto analyst at TIW research firm based in Tokyo, noted that Honda had been debating what to do with the Swindon plant for some time.

"It has struggled in recent years. Then came Brexit," said Takada.

"The change in the business environment pushed the company to make the decision now," he added.

Honda's decision came hot on the heels of Nissan axing production at its Sunderland plant in northeastern England.

There are around 1,000 Japanese companies operating in Britain, supporting some 140,000 jobs.

And while firms from Japan are not the only ones pulling out from Britain, a long history of Japanese investment in the country stemming from Japan Inc's boom days in the late 80s makes the exodus all the more painful.

"I think Swindon's finished without Honda," said Sue Davis, a local resident. "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years."

Sugiura said Japanese carmakers were attracted by a business-friendly environment under Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s as well as by Britain's access to European markets.

"Originally they decided to go to Britain, rather than the continent, because it offered the merit of an integrated EU. Now, things are the exact opposite," the analyst told AFP.

'Country risk'

When it comes to the automakers, rapid changes in the car industry and the global trade environment are also factors in paring back operations, the analysts said.

A huge EU-Japan free trade agreement that came into effect this month also reduces the incentive for Japanese firms to operate in Europe by phasing out tariffs.

Takada also pointed out that Japanese firms have generally struggled in Europe where they are competing on the home turf of German giants like Volkswagen.

But it is not just carmakers deciding to scale back their presence. Electronics giants Sony and Panasonic have also announced shifts from Britain.

Major Japanese banks are pulling out of London and nuclear firm Hitachi last month announced a freeze in a major power plant in Wales.

Many of these firms said Brexit wasn't the only factor in their decision but it played a part.

"What are the reasons for this pullout? One of them is distrust in Britain itself -- its economy, politics and society are in disarray," said Yosuku Tsuchida, a researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

"It's country risk."

Tsuchida predicted that other firms using Britain as a base for continental Europe would consider pulling out.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pleaded for clarity for Japanese firms and said "the whole world" is hoping that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided.

Analyst Sugiura from Tokai Tokyo said the future for investment into Britain was far from bright.

"The lack of clarity in Brexit is discouraging businesses from making a fresh investment. Investing in the UK doesn't seem attractive anymore now."

"One has to question if Britain is now a suitable location to have a production hub," said Takada.

Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave.

Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave. On Tuesday, Honda was the latest Japanese firm to send shockwaves through British industry by announcing the end of its plant in Swindon, where around 3,500 workers have been producing the "Civic" for more than 24 years. Officials rushed to divert blame from Brexit, with local MP Justin Tomlinson saying the decision was down to "global trends" and pointing out that Honda was transferring all European production back to Japan. But while there are specific reasons behind each individual business decision, analysts said the spectre of Brexit was haunting Japanese firms across the board. "Honda seems to have been preparing for this for a long time. Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now," said Seiji Sugiura, an analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute. Both Sugiura and Satoru Takada, an auto analyst at TIW research firm based in Tokyo, noted that Honda had been debating what to do with the Swindon plant for some time. "It has struggled in recent years. Then came Brexit," said Takada. "The change in the business environment pushed the company to make the decision now," he added. Honda's decision came hot on the heels of Nissan axing production at its Sunderland plant in northeastern England. There are around 1,000 Japanese companies operating in Britain, supporting some 140,000 jobs. And while firms from Japan are not the only ones pulling out from Britain, a long history of Japanese investment in the country stemming from Japan Inc's boom days in the late 80s makes the exodus all the more painful. "I think Swindon's finished without Honda," said Sue Davis, a local resident. "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years." Sugiura said Japanese carmakers were attracted by a business-friendly environment under Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s as well as by Britain's access to European markets. "Originally they decided to go to Britain, rather than the continent, because it offered the merit of an integrated EU. Now, things are the exact opposite," the analyst told AFP. 'Country risk' When it comes to the automakers, rapid changes in the car industry and the global trade environment are also factors in paring back operations, the analysts said. A huge EU-Japan free trade agreement that came into effect this month also reduces the incentive for Japanese firms to operate in Europe by phasing out tariffs. Takada also pointed out that Japanese firms have generally struggled in Europe where they are competing on the home turf of German giants like Volkswagen. But it is not just carmakers deciding to scale back their presence. Electronics giants Sony and Panasonic have also announced shifts from Britain. Major Japanese banks are pulling out of London and nuclear firm Hitachi last month announced a freeze in a major power plant in Wales. Many of these firms said Brexit wasn't the only factor in their decision but it played a part. "What are the reasons for this pullout? One of them is distrust in Britain itself -- its economy, politics and society are in disarray," said Yosuku Tsuchida, a researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. "It's country risk." Tsuchida predicted that other firms using Britain as a base for continental Europe would consider pulling out. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pleaded for clarity for Japanese firms and said "the whole world" is hoping that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided. Analyst Sugiura from Tokai Tokyo said the future for investment into Britain was far from bright. "The lack of clarity in Brexit is discouraging businesses from making a fresh investment. Investing in the UK doesn't seem attractive anymore now." "One has to question if Britain is now a suitable location to have a production hub," said Takada.

Brexit accelerating Japanese firms' exodus from UK: Report

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left."

The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide.

"The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

"Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say."

The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner 'The Independent Group'.

Labour won 262 seats at the 2017 election.

A Labour source close to the group said Monday's departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

Corbyn said in a statement: "I am disappointed that these MPs (Members of Parliament) have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament.

His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do.

Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks.

The prospect of holding such a second referendum poses a challenge for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

But Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, has also been accused by some lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became the leader in 2015.

Corbyn denies that he has allowed anti-Semitism to grow in the Labour Party and has pledged to stamp it out.

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left.

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left." The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union. With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide. "The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference. "Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say." The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner 'The Independent Group'. Labour won 262 seats at the 2017 election. A Labour source close to the group said Monday's departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years. Corbyn said in a statement: "I am disappointed that these MPs (Members of Parliament) have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election." Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament. His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do. Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks. The prospect of holding such a second referendum poses a challenge for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible. But Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, has also been accused by some lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became the leader in 2015. Corbyn denies that he has allowed anti-Semitism to grow in the Labour Party and has pledged to stamp it out.

Seven lawmakers quit UK Labour Party citing Brexit 'betrayal', anti-Semitism

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