The United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in London for a visit, on Wednesday (Nov 1) and her motorcade en route to the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s residence was met with hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters chanting “ceasefire now” amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The US and UK have repeatedly backed Israel and its right to defend itself against the Palestinian militant group. However, Israel has garnered criticism from the United Nations, humanitarian organisations and other countries for alleged war crimes as Israeli forces continue to bombard Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Ceasefire now’</h2>

The US VP’s motorcade was met with hundreds of protesters outside the UK PM’s residence in Downing Street, chanting “ceasefire now” and “shame on you”. Georgie Robertson, a protester outside Downing Street, told the Guardian that the protest was called on a short notice after activists learned about the meeting on a news forward planning service.&nbsp;

“There’s hundreds of people stood outside Downing Street chanting…We were here when the motorcade arrived and everyone is chanting very loudly, being very disruptive. Masses of people mobilised at really short notice,” Robertson told the British media outlet.&nbsp; 
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HAPPENING NOW: Kamala Harris arrives for meeting with Rishi Sunak to cries of “ceasefire now” and “shame on you”. 
 
We only found out an hour ago but hundreds mobilised. We will follow politicians wherever they go demanding an end to complicity in Israel’s genocide. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreePalestine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreePalestine</a> <a href="https://t.co/w8dXB6netE">pic.twitter.com/w8dXB6netE</a>
— Georgie Robertson (@_GeorgieBlaise) <a href="https://twitter.com/_GeorgieBlaise/status/1719772870207762765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>UK PM and US VP meeting</h2>

During the meeting, Sunak and Harris reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself after the “appalling” Palestinian militant group Hamas’ attacks on October 7, said the White House in a statement about the meeting between the two leaders.&nbsp;

The US VP and UK PM also welcomed the decision to allow foreign nationals to leave Gaza and discussed the “importance of the protection of civilians in Gaza, the law of war and increasing the pace and scale of humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza.”

Notably, both London and Washington have called for humanitarian pauses in fighting but not for a ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK is trying to arrange a temporary cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip so that more humanitarian aid can be delivered.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in London for a visit, on Wednesday (Nov 1) and her motorcade en route to the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s residence was met with hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters chanting “ceasefire now” amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The United States Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in London for a visit, on Wednesday (Nov 1) and her motorcade en route to the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s residence was met with hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters chanting “ceasefire now” amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The US and UK have repeatedly backed Israel and its right to defend itself against the Palestinian militant group. However, Israel has garnered criticism from the United Nations, humanitarian organisations and other countries for alleged war crimes as Israeli forces continue to bombard Gaza. ‘Ceasefire now’ The US VP’s motorcade was met with hundreds of protesters outside the UK PM’s residence in Downing Street, chanting “ceasefire now” and “shame on you”. Georgie Robertson, a protester outside Downing Street, told the Guardian that the protest was called on a short notice after activists learned about the meeting on a news forward planning service. “There’s hundreds of people stood outside Downing Street chanting…We were here when the motorcade arrived and everyone is chanting very loudly, being very disruptive. Masses of people mobilised at really short notice,” Robertson told the British media outlet. HAPPENING NOW: Kamala Harris arrives for meeting with Rishi Sunak to cries of “ceasefire now” and “shame on you”. We only found out an hour ago but hundreds mobilised. We will follow politicians wherever they go demanding an end to complicity in Israel’s genocide. #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/w8dXB6netE — Georgie Robertson (@_GeorgieBlaise) November 1, 2023 × UK PM and US VP meeting During the meeting, Sunak and Harris reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself after the “appalling” Palestinian militant group Hamas’ attacks on October 7, said the White House in a statement about the meeting between the two leaders. The US VP and UK PM also welcomed the decision to allow foreign nationals to leave Gaza and discussed the “importance of the protection of civilians in Gaza, the law of war and increasing the pace and scale of humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza.” Notably, both London and Washington have called for humanitarian pauses in fighting but not for a ceasefire in Gaza. Earlier this week, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK is trying to arrange a temporary cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip so that more humanitarian aid can be delivered. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | UK PM Sunak welcomes US VP Kamala Harris amid pro-Palestinian protests outside Downing Street

United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Tuesday (June 6) called for “an independent judiciary,” in Israel, while speaking about the contentious proposed judicial overhaul which has led to weeks of mass protests across the country.&nbsp;The next day, the comments prompted criticism from the&nbsp;Israeli foreign minister who said that “she may not be able to cite even one clause that bothers her” about the judicial reform.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel needs ‘an independent judiciary’: US VP</h2>

Harris’ comments were made at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel’s founding which was hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.&nbsp;

The US VP said, “America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the US-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, which as the (Israeli) ambassador has said, are both built on strong institutions, checks and balances.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-meets-sunak-at-downing-street-amid-protests-uk-pm-stresses-democratic-values-575412">Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’</a>

“I'll add: an independent judiciary,” said the US VP,&nbsp;on Tuesday, as her comments drew applause from some present at the event in Washington. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, in an interview, said Harris was perhaps not fully informed about the judicial reform which was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.&nbsp;

Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog, in a speech before her also mentioned the proposed judicial overhaul. “Israel is an imperfect democracy, and we like you have our own set of internal challenges. As a young nation only 75 years old, we are still grappling with important questions relating to our democratic system,” said Herzog.&nbsp;

He added, “But let me assure you, I am confident that Israel will remain a vibrant democracy.” Notably, US President Joe Biden’s administration has faced mounting pressure over the proposed judicial reform and has called on Netanyahu to drop the judicial overhaul plan over the past few months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-israel-can-tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-stop-netanyahus-judicial-overhaul-plan-576345">Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened</a>

However, that pressure has reportedly eased after the proposed plan was suspended, in late March after weeks of unprecedented protests across Israel and Netanyahu agreeing to hit pause and compromise negotiations with the opposition.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel's foreign minister slams Harris</h2>

In an interview with Israel’s Kan news, Cohen said, “If we were to ask Kamala Harris what bothers her about the reform, she wouldn’t be able to name a single clause,” reported Times of Israel. He added, “I don’t know whether she read the bill…I imagine she has not.”&nbsp;

This was followed by the US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides saying that Harris’ presence at the event was about the strength of the relations between the two nations. Nides told Channel 12 news that while he has “respect” for Cohen, “the VP said things the administration says (at) every opportunity regarding the shared values and policies. Harris is a strong supporter of Israel.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-and-benjamin-netanyahu-lock-horns-over-israel-judicial-overhaul-576906">Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu lock horns over Israel judicial overhaul</a>

The Israeli foreign minister’s comments had prompted a supposed diplomatic storm between the two allies&nbsp;and hours later Cohen issued a statement where he said he had “deep respect” for their ally the US and Harris who he then called “a true friend of Israel.”&nbsp;

He added, “Israel’s legal reform is an internal issue that is currently in the process of consolidation and dialogue. The State of Israel will continue to be democratic and liberal, as it has always been.”

Earlier this year, Netanyahu’s government unveiled a legal reform plan which has repeatedly been criticised by the opposition and critics who have said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel as it supposedly plans to weaken the country’s Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Tuesday (June 6) called for “an independent judiciary,” in Israel, while speaking about the contentious proposed judicial overhaul which has led to weeks of mass protests across the country.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris, on Tuesday (June 6) called for “an independent judiciary,” in Israel, while speaking about the contentious proposed judicial overhaul which has led to weeks of mass protests across the country. The next day, the comments prompted criticism from the Israeli foreign minister who said that “she may not be able to cite even one clause that bothers her” about the judicial reform. Israel needs ‘an independent judiciary’: US VP Harris’ comments were made at a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel’s founding which was hosted by the Israeli Embassy in Washington. The US VP said, “America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the US-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, which as the (Israeli) ambassador has said, are both built on strong institutions, checks and balances.” ALSO READ | Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’ “I'll add: an independent judiciary,” said the US VP, on Tuesday, as her comments drew applause from some present at the event in Washington. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, in an interview, said Harris was perhaps not fully informed about the judicial reform which was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog, in a speech before her also mentioned the proposed judicial overhaul. “Israel is an imperfect democracy, and we like you have our own set of internal challenges. As a young nation only 75 years old, we are still grappling with important questions relating to our democratic system,” said Herzog. He added, “But let me assure you, I am confident that Israel will remain a vibrant democracy.” Notably, US President Joe Biden’s administration has faced mounting pressure over the proposed judicial reform and has called on Netanyahu to drop the judicial overhaul plan over the past few months. ALSO READ | Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened However, that pressure has reportedly eased after the proposed plan was suspended, in late March after weeks of unprecedented protests across Israel and Netanyahu agreeing to hit pause and compromise negotiations with the opposition. Israel's foreign minister slams Harris In an interview with Israel’s Kan news, Cohen said, “If we were to ask Kamala Harris what bothers her about the reform, she wouldn’t be able to name a single clause,” reported Times of Israel. He added, “I don’t know whether she read the bill…I imagine she has not.” This was followed by the US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides saying that Harris’ presence at the event was about the strength of the relations between the two nations. Nides told Channel 12 news that while he has “respect” for Cohen, “the VP said things the administration says (at) every opportunity regarding the shared values and policies. Harris is a strong supporter of Israel.” ALSO WATCH | Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu lock horns over Israel judicial overhaul The Israeli foreign minister’s comments had prompted a supposed diplomatic storm between the two allies and hours later Cohen issued a statement where he said he had “deep respect” for their ally the US and Harris who he then called “a true friend of Israel.” He added, “Israel’s legal reform is an internal issue that is currently in the process of consolidation and dialogue. The State of Israel will continue to be democratic and liberal, as it has always been.” Earlier this year, Netanyahu’s government unveiled a legal reform plan which has repeatedly been criticised by the opposition and critics who have said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel as it supposedly plans to weaken the country’s Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli foreign minister slams US VP Kamala Harris over call for ‘independent judiciary’

On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had&nbsp;a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed.&nbsp;

The meeting was held days after the Chinese president had an extensive meeting with US President Joe Biden during their visit to the G20 summit. Both presidents had a meeting for nearly three hours and discussed several political, economical and social issues. The major focus was held on Ukraine, climate&nbsp;change and ways to strengthen US-China relations, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-here-to-stay-kamala-harris-reaffirms-position-on-asia-at-apec-summit-535332">Also read |&nbsp;'US is here to stay': Kamala Harris reaffirms position on Asia at APEC summit</a>

The official said&nbsp;that the US vice president reiterated Biden's view that, "We must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries."

The meeting came after North Korea tested a ballistic missile on Friday, and the US wants the Asian country to restrain its ally. In order to voice a forceful denunciation of North Korea, Harris also convened crisis talks on Friday with the Prime Ministers of Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.&nbsp;

The US official said, "We do think that Beijing has a role to play.&nbsp;China should use its influence to persuade North Korea "not to go in this provocative direction, which only destabilises the region and the world."

Additionally, the US has put pressure on China to restrict its assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and US officials are cautiously optimistic that Beijing hasn't supplied any weapons.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-xi-meeting-us-president-promises-no-new-cold-war-with-china-after-three-hour-meeting-534180">Also read |&nbsp;Biden-Xi meeting: US prez vows no 'new cold war' with China following their first talks</a>

The Biden-Xi summit and the quick meeting with Harris come before the Secretary of State Antony Blinken's anticipated trip to China.&nbsp;

During his meeting with Xi, Biden said that he doesn't anticipate an "imminent" invasion of Taiwan.&nbsp;

Tensions between the United States and China rose particularly over Taiwan, an island country that Beijing claims is a part of its territory.&nbsp;

This is Xi's second travel since the pandemic, and he&nbsp;has already met with several foreign leaders in Bangkok and earlier this week at a summit of the Group of 20 in Bali.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed.

On Saturday (November 19), US Vice President Kamla Harris met Chinese President Xi Jinping and had a brief meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Bangkok, the White officials confirmed. The meeting was held days after the Chinese president had an extensive meeting with US President Joe Biden during their visit to the G20 summit. Both presidents had a meeting for nearly three hours and discussed several political, economical and social issues. The major focus was held on Ukraine, climate change and ways to strengthen US-China relations, AFP reported. Also read | 'US is here to stay': Kamala Harris reaffirms position on Asia at APEC summit The official said that the US vice president reiterated Biden's view that, "We must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly manage the competition between our countries." The meeting came after North Korea tested a ballistic missile on Friday, and the US wants the Asian country to restrain its ally. In order to voice a forceful denunciation of North Korea, Harris also convened crisis talks on Friday with the Prime Ministers of Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. The US official said, "We do think that Beijing has a role to play. China should use its influence to persuade North Korea "not to go in this provocative direction, which only destabilises the region and the world." Additionally, the US has put pressure on China to restrict its assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and US officials are cautiously optimistic that Beijing hasn't supplied any weapons. Also read | Biden-Xi meeting: US prez vows no 'new cold war' with China following their first talks The Biden-Xi summit and the quick meeting with Harris come before the Secretary of State Antony Blinken's anticipated trip to China. During his meeting with Xi, Biden said that he doesn't anticipate an "imminent" invasion of Taiwan. Tensions between the United States and China rose particularly over Taiwan, an island country that Beijing claims is a part of its territory. This is Xi's second travel since the pandemic, and he has already met with several foreign leaders in Bangkok and earlier this week at a summit of the Group of 20 in Bali. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US VP Kamala Harris meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at APEC in Bangkok, calls for 'open talks'

US vice president Kamala Harris was involved in a car accident on Monday that the Secret Service incorrectly labelled as a "mechanical failure."

The vice president was shifted to another car after her motorcade hit a curb on the route to the White House, according to a report published on Wednesday by The Washington Post.

Director of the Secret Service Kim Cheatle voiced worry that the incident had been "mischaracterised" as a "mechanical breakdown," according to the report.

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi claimed in a statement to USA Today on Wednesday that one of the motorcade's vehicles "had a little overcorrection and clipped a curb."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-doctors-say-new-abortion-laws-have-chilling-impact-on-us-522500">Biden announces new abortion guidelines, says new laws have had 'chilling impact' in some states</a>

The vehicle's occupant, Harris, was moved to another vehicle and driven to the White House, as reported by the Independent.

“Initial radio traffic indicated this was a mechanical failure and that was communicated to agency leadership by personnel supporting the motorcade movement,” Guglielmi said.

“After the protective movement was completed, leadership was verbally updated with additional pertinent facts that the vehicle struck a curb.”

An official motorcade was purportedly seen approaching the tunnel and going inside in a social media video that was allegedly shot after the collision.

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In a statement, the vice president’s spokesperson Kirsten Allen said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-accuses-china-russia-of-protecting-north-korea-at-united-nations-522851">Harris</a> “sustained no injuries and appreciates the quick response by her USSS detail to get her to the White House safely”.

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US vice president Kamala Harris was involved in a car accident on Monday that the Secret Service incorrectly labelled as a "mechanical failure." The vice president was shifted to another car after her motorcade hit a curb on the route to the White House, according to a report published on Wednesday by The Washington Post.

US vice president Kamala Harris was involved in a car accident on Monday that the Secret Service incorrectly labelled as a "mechanical failure." The vice president was shifted to another car after her motorcade hit a curb on the route to the White House, according to a report published on Wednesday by The Washington Post. Director of the Secret Service Kim Cheatle voiced worry that the incident had been "mischaracterised" as a "mechanical breakdown," according to the report. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi claimed in a statement to USA Today on Wednesday that one of the motorcade's vehicles "had a little overcorrection and clipped a curb." Also read | Biden announces new abortion guidelines, says new laws have had 'chilling impact' in some states The vehicle's occupant, Harris, was moved to another vehicle and driven to the White House, as reported by the Independent. “Initial radio traffic indicated this was a mechanical failure and that was communicated to agency leadership by personnel supporting the motorcade movement,” Guglielmi said. “After the protective movement was completed, leadership was verbally updated with additional pertinent facts that the vehicle struck a curb.” An official motorcade was purportedly seen approaching the tunnel and going inside in a social media video that was allegedly shot after the collision. According to this tiktok user, VP Kamala Harris' motorcade crashed yesterday morning. I've seen no news reports of this strange incident. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Vd49UvryhT — Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) October 4, 2022 × In a statement, the vice president’s spokesperson Kirsten Allen said Harris “sustained no injuries and appreciates the quick response by her USSS detail to get her to the White House safely”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Secret Service allegedly covered up a car accident involving VP Kamala Harris

Former employees have described US Vice President Kamala Harris as a "bully" who subjected them to "continuous soul-destroying criticism."

According to former aides, the US vice president has a history of "burning through employees."

Her managerial style, according to one former staff member who was supportive of her, is similar to Donald Trump's.

Ms Harris, he said, would "have a programme called The Apprentice" if she were a male.

The stunning charges emerged after the Washington Post conducted an extensive investigation of Ms Harris's career as a prosecutor and politician, which included interviews with 18 former aides.&nbsp;

Watch | Kamala Harris' chief spokesperson and senior advisor steps down

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The article also claims that she would neglect to read briefings that had been prepared for her, only to turn them off if she was afterwards chastised for being unprepared.

The allegations were made public in the wake of the verified resignations of two high-ranking Harris employees, as well as two more who are said to be on their way out.&nbsp;

A former colleague told the Washington Post that it's clear that you're not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work.

"With Kamala, you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence."

"So you're constantly sort of propping up a bully and it's not really clear why," Harris's staffer said, as per the report.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former employees have described US Vice President Kamala Harris as a "bully" who subjected them to "continuous soul-destroying criticism." According to former aides, the US vice president has a history of "burning through employees.

Former employees have described US Vice President Kamala Harris as a "bully" who subjected them to "continuous soul-destroying criticism." According to former aides, the US vice president has a history of "burning through employees." Her managerial style, according to one former staff member who was supportive of her, is similar to Donald Trump's. Ms Harris, he said, would "have a programme called The Apprentice" if she were a male. The stunning charges emerged after the Washington Post conducted an extensive investigation of Ms Harris's career as a prosecutor and politician, which included interviews with 18 former aides. Watch | Kamala Harris' chief spokesperson and senior advisor steps down The article also claims that she would neglect to read briefings that had been prepared for her, only to turn them off if she was afterwards chastised for being unprepared. The allegations were made public in the wake of the verified resignations of two high-ranking Harris employees, as well as two more who are said to be on their way out. A former colleague told the Washington Post that it's clear that you're not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work. "With Kamala, you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence." "So you're constantly sort of propping up a bully and it's not really clear why," Harris's staffer said, as per the report. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris a 'bully', inflicts soul destroying criticism: Ex-aides

Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/by-2022-indian-son-or-daughter-to-go-in-space-carrying-national-flag-pm-narendra-modi-159291">2024</a>, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans.&nbsp;

"It is the stated policy of this administration and the United States of America to return American astronauts to the Moon, within the next five years," Vice President Mike Pence vowed in a speech in Huntsville, Alabama, the "Rocket City" where American launchers have been built since the 1960s.

"Let me be clear, the first woman and the next man on the Moon will both be American astronauts launched by American rockets from American soil," he said, echoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-person-to-set-foot-on-mars-is-likely-to-be-a-woman-nasa-chief-203093">previous declarations by NASA chief Jim Bridenstine</a> that a woman could be the next human to set foot on the Moon.

The first manned Moon flight since the last Apollo mission in 1972 had been scheduled for 2028.

But the program has encountered frustrating delays in the development of a new heavy rocket for the Moon missions, the Space Launch System (SLS), whose first uncrewed flight was recently pushed back beyond 2020.

Within months of taking office, President Trump made clear his desire to reinvigorate the American space agency, which had been somewhat adrift since the 2011 end of its shuttle program.

In 2017, Trump set a goal of returning to the Moon as a first step before moving on to human exploration of Mars.&nbsp;

NASA then adopted a schedule of launching a manned mission to the Moon in 2028.&nbsp;

"That's just not good enough. We're better than that. It took us eight years to get to the moon, the first time, 50 years ago, when we had never done it before," said Pence, who heads the White House's National Space Council.&nbsp;

"It shouldn't take us 11 years to get back."

- 'Paralysis by analysis' - 
In his speech, Pence criticized the "bureaucratic inertia" and "paralysis by analysis" that he said had resulted in the SLS delays, and called for a "new mindset" at the space agency.

Included in that criticism, though unnamed, was Boeing, who is building the SLS rocket that was scheduled to launch for its first flight in 2020, until NASA recently announced it would not be ready in time.&nbsp;

"Urgency must be our watchword," said Pence. "Failure to achieve our goal to return an American astronaut to the Moon in the next five years is not an option."

He said the US was engaged in a present-day "space race" under Trump, this time against China, just as the country was in the 1960s under President John F. Kennedy against the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Pence threatened to use commercial launch systems or to look to other partners if NASA is not ready in time.

"To be clear, we're not committed to anyone's contract. If our current contractors can't meet this objective, then we will find ones that will," Pence said.

"If commercial rockets are the only way to get American astronauts to the Moon in the next five years, then commercial rockets it will be," he said.

He didn't mention SpaceX or other companies by name, but the allusion was clear, as SpaceX currently has rockets capable of launching heavy loads into space.&nbsp;

"We got it loud and clear," NASA head Bridenstine responded to the vice president. He assured the gathering that the SLS rocket would be ready in 2020.

Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to 2024, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans.

Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday it was speeding up plans to send US astronauts back to the Moon, from 2028 to 2024, calling for a "spark of urgency" to prevail over delays that have plagued NASA's lunar return plans. "It is the stated policy of this administration and the United States of America to return American astronauts to the Moon, within the next five years," Vice President Mike Pence vowed in a speech in Huntsville, Alabama, the "Rocket City" where American launchers have been built since the 1960s. "Let me be clear, the first woman and the next man on the Moon will both be American astronauts launched by American rockets from American soil," he said, echoing previous declarations by NASA chief Jim Bridenstine that a woman could be the next human to set foot on the Moon. The first manned Moon flight since the last Apollo mission in 1972 had been scheduled for 2028. But the program has encountered frustrating delays in the development of a new heavy rocket for the Moon missions, the Space Launch System (SLS), whose first uncrewed flight was recently pushed back beyond 2020. Within months of taking office, President Trump made clear his desire to reinvigorate the American space agency, which had been somewhat adrift since the 2011 end of its shuttle program. In 2017, Trump set a goal of returning to the Moon as a first step before moving on to human exploration of Mars. NASA then adopted a schedule of launching a manned mission to the Moon in 2028. "That's just not good enough. We're better than that. It took us eight years to get to the moon, the first time, 50 years ago, when we had never done it before," said Pence, who heads the White House's National Space Council. "It shouldn't take us 11 years to get back." - 'Paralysis by analysis' - In his speech, Pence criticized the "bureaucratic inertia" and "paralysis by analysis" that he said had resulted in the SLS delays, and called for a "new mindset" at the space agency. Included in that criticism, though unnamed, was Boeing, who is building the SLS rocket that was scheduled to launch for its first flight in 2020, until NASA recently announced it would not be ready in time. "Urgency must be our watchword," said Pence. "Failure to achieve our goal to return an American astronaut to the Moon in the next five years is not an option." He said the US was engaged in a present-day "space race" under Trump, this time against China, just as the country was in the 1960s under President John F. Kennedy against the Soviet Union. Pence threatened to use commercial launch systems or to look to other partners if NASA is not ready in time. "To be clear, we're not committed to anyone's contract. If our current contractors can't meet this objective, then we will find ones that will," Pence said. "If commercial rockets are the only way to get American astronauts to the Moon in the next five years, then commercial rockets it will be," he said. He didn't mention SpaceX or other companies by name, but the allusion was clear, as SpaceX currently has rockets capable of launching heavy loads into space. "We got it loud and clear," NASA head Bridenstine responded to the vice president. He assured the gathering that the SLS rocket would be ready in 2020.

US to put (another) man on the moon by 2024: Mike Pence

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to meet with North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s sister, while in South Korea for the Winter Olympics this month but the North Koreans cancelled at the last minute, US&nbsp;officials said on Tuesday.

&quot;North Korea dangled a meeting in hopes of the Vice President softening his message, which would have ceded the world stage for their propaganda during the Olympics,&quot; Pence&#39;s chief of staff, Nick Ayers, said in a statement.

But after Pence condemned North Korean human rights abuses and announced plans for new economic sanctions, &quot;they walked away from a meeting or perhaps they were never sincere about sitting down,&quot; Ayers said.

Pence was going to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, and the nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, but the North Koreans called off the Feb. 10 meeting two hours before it was set to start, a US&nbsp;official said, confirming a story first reported by the Washington Post.

The encounter would have been the first scheduled between senior officials from the Trump administration and Pyongyang, which are in a standoff over the North`s development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States.

&quot;This administration will stand in the way of Kim&rsquo;s desire to whitewash their murderous regime with nice photo ops at the Olympics. Perhaps that&rsquo;s why they walked away from a meeting or perhaps they were never sincere about sitting down,&quot; Ayers said in the statement.

Pence had criticized Pyongyang`s nuclear ambitions and announced the &quot;toughest and most aggressive&quot; sanctions against Pyongyang yet, while also moving to strengthen the U.S. alliance with Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un, through his sister, invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Pyongyang&nbsp;to begin talks &ldquo;soon.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Signs of a North-South thaw have prompted speculation that it could lead to direct talks between Washington and Pyongyang after months of tension and exchanges of insults between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim, fueling fears of war.

North Korea has refrained from carrying out any weapons tests since late November, when it shot off its largest intercontinental ballistic missile.

&quot;The President made a decision that if they wanted to talk, we would deliver our uncompromising message. If they asked for a meeting, we would meet. He also made clear that until they agreed to complete denuclearization we weren&rsquo;t going to change any of our positions or negotiate,&quot; Ayers said, echoing comments made by Pence since he left the Olympics and other U.S. officials.

The meeting was cancelled at the last minute

US Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to meet with North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong Un's sister, while in South Korea for the Winter Olympics this month but the North Koreans cancelled at the last minute, US officials said on Tuesday. "North Korea dangled a meeting in hopes of the Vice President softening his message, which would have ceded the world stage for their propaganda during the Olympics," Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, said in a statement. But after Pence condemned North Korean human rights abuses and announced plans for new economic sanctions, "they walked away from a meeting or perhaps they were never sincere about sitting down," Ayers said. Pence was going to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, and the nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, but the North Koreans called off the Feb. 10 meeting two hours before it was set to start, a US official said, confirming a story first reported by the Washington Post. The encounter would have been the first scheduled between senior officials from the Trump administration and Pyongyang, which are in a standoff over the North`s development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the United States. "This administration will stand in the way of Kim’s desire to whitewash their murderous regime with nice photo ops at the Olympics. Perhaps that’s why they walked away from a meeting or perhaps they were never sincere about sitting down," Ayers said in the statement. Pence had criticized Pyongyang`s nuclear ambitions and announced the "toughest and most aggressive" sanctions against Pyongyang yet, while also moving to strengthen the U.S. alliance with Japan and South Korea. Kim Jong Un, through his sister, invited South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Pyongyang to begin talks “soon.” Signs of a North-South thaw have prompted speculation that it could lead to direct talks between Washington and Pyongyang after months of tension and exchanges of insults between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim, fueling fears of war. North Korea has refrained from carrying out any weapons tests since late November, when it shot off its largest intercontinental ballistic missile. "The President made a decision that if they wanted to talk, we would deliver our uncompromising message. If they asked for a meeting, we would meet. He also made clear that until they agreed to complete denuclearization we weren’t going to change any of our positions or negotiate," Ayers said, echoing comments made by Pence since he left the Olympics and other U.S. officials.

Secret Pence, North Korea meeting planned, then scrapped

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