The United Kingdom has a new prime minister as Andy Burnham takes charge of the Labour government, beginning a new chapter in British politics. Just days into office, Burnham faces major challenges, including rebuilding public trust, addressing policy concerns, and managing criticism from both opposition parties and Labour lawmakers. His leadership comes after the downfall of Keir Starmer, whose popularity declined following criticism over policies including welfare reforms and the controversial winter fuel payment cuts. During his first public engagements, Burnham highlighted the importance of improving the social care sector, promising to address concerns over cost-cutting and support for vulnerable communities.

Andy Burnham Takes Charge as UK PM, Faces Labour Challenges and Reform UK Threat

Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming the next prime minister of the United Kingdom after the Labour Party leadership contest closed with no further nominations expected. The former Manchester mayor has secured strong support among Labour MPs and is preparing for a move into 10 Downing Street. Burnham is expected to shape his cabinet while facing pressure to ensure greater female representation and address concerns over party culture. His upcoming leadership will be tested by major domestic issues including the economy, cost of living, healthcare and defence spending, while international challenges such as relations with the US, European Union, Ukraine and Iran will also demand attention.

Andy Burnham set to become Uk prime minister as labour leadership race ends

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly facing growing internal pressure as speculation rises over a possible leadership challenge. Political tensions within his party are said to be increasing amid concerns over policy direction, public support, and internal divisions. As rivals begin positioning themselves, questions are emerging about Starmer’s political stability and whether he can hold his leadership in the face of mounting challenges from within Westminster.


Keir Starmer’s Former Ally Launches a Bid to Replace Him as the UK’s Prime Minister

Police&nbsp;investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.

The inquiry began in April after it was revealed that around 12 men associated with Westminster had received unsolicited flirtatious messages, often involving the exchange of explicit images, in a sexting scam.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. He was taken into custody where he remains," a Met Police spokesperson said adding, "The arrest relates to an investigation being carried out by the Met’s Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team following reports of unsolicited messages sent to MPs and others.

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The arrested individual is in his mid-twenties.&nbsp;

The perpetrators reportedly used aliases like "Charlie" and "Abi" to coax MPs and other political figures into sharing compromising photos.

One of the victims was former senior Conservative MP William Wragg, who resigned his party membership after admitting to sharing colleagues' contact details with a suspected scammer out of fear that private images of himself would be leaked.

"They had compromising things on me. They wouldn't leave me alone... I gave them some numbers, not all of them," Wragg had said.&nbsp;

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Another target, Dr Luke Evans, urged a full review of Parliament's procedures for handling incidents reported by MPs after also falling victim to the scheme.

<h2>Investigation continues</h2>

The scandal touched as many as 20 individuals within political spheres who were believed to have been recipients of unsolicited messages, underscoring the widespread impact of the illicit communications.

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The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the honeytrap plot and its consequences for those targeted. The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of public figures to such schemes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.

Police investigating a honeytrap plot that targeted several men in political circles have made an arrest in London. The Metropolitan Police apprehended a man in Islington, north London, on Wednesday (June 26) on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act. The inquiry began in April after it was revealed that around 12 men associated with Westminster had received unsolicited flirtatious messages, often involving the exchange of explicit images, in a sexting scam. "A man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. He was taken into custody where he remains," a Met Police spokesperson said adding, "The arrest relates to an investigation being carried out by the Met’s Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team following reports of unsolicited messages sent to MPs and others. Also Read | Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding The arrested individual is in his mid-twenties. The perpetrators reportedly used aliases like "Charlie" and "Abi" to coax MPs and other political figures into sharing compromising photos. One of the victims was former senior Conservative MP William Wragg, who resigned his party membership after admitting to sharing colleagues' contact details with a suspected scammer out of fear that private images of himself would be leaked. "They had compromising things on me. They wouldn't leave me alone... I gave them some numbers, not all of them," Wragg had said. Also Read | US soldier charged in Japan's Okinawa for rape of minor Another target, Dr Luke Evans, urged a full review of Parliament's procedures for handling incidents reported by MPs after also falling victim to the scheme. Investigation continues The scandal touched as many as 20 individuals within political spheres who were believed to have been recipients of unsolicited messages, underscoring the widespread impact of the illicit communications. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia, US defence ministers talk on phone, warns of escalation Ukraine × The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the honeytrap plot and its consequences for those targeted. The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of public figures to such schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Westminster honeytrap scandal: Man, in mid-20s, arrested on suspicion of harassment

A cute little miniature poodle with furs in&nbsp;magnificent metallic black colour won the 2024 Westminster Dog Show. Sage the poodle competed with more than 2,500 dogs in one of the biggest canine contests in the US, the 148th Westminster Dog Show, held in New York on Wednesday (May 14).

“I am so happy,” said Sage’s handler Kaz Hosaka after his furry friend’s victory in the competition.

Tuesday’s victory of Sage was the 11th triumph for its poodles brethren of various sizes. Only wise fox terriers have won more titles than poodles.&nbsp;

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Tuesday’s show was also the second-best win for handler Kaz Hosaka.

In 2022, he led another miniature poodle, Spice, to win the Westminster’s trophy.&nbsp;

"No words," he said in the ring to describe his reaction to Sage's win.
<img alt="Sage with his handler Hosaka" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d56ae6c6-cc33-43c8-afae-b4ee92bdc27b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GNl0DFCWkAAuhGx.jpg" />
<h2>How Sage, the miniature poodle, won the 2024 Westminster Dog Show</h2>

Sage bested six other fellow finalists to take the top spot.

It put to second Mercedes the German shepherd, guided by handler Kent Boyles, who has also won the big prize before.

Other finalists that Sage beat out in the contest were:&nbsp;

-Comet, a shih tzu from the toy group

-Louis, an Afghan hound from the hound group

-Frankie, a coloured bull terrier from the terrier group

-Monday, a giant schnauzer from the working group

-Micah, a cocker spaniel from the sporting group

 
It's not easy winning the dog show. 
 
All the dogs who take part in the competition first compete against others of their breed. Then the winner of each breed goes up against others in its “group”. The seven group winners then meet in the final round for the ultimate showdown.

The competition is seen as an event where all participants are champions in the sport’s point system, and winning is more dependent on nuances and standout turns in the ring.

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The best performance by a dog in the show gets a trophy and a place in dog-world history, but no cash prize.

The Westminster show, dating back to 1877, is centred on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in-show prize.

However, over the last decade, the club has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs.

This year, the agility competition counted its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble.

(With inputs from agencies)

A cute little miniature poodle with furs in magnificent metallic black colour won the 2024 Westminster Dog Show. Sage the poodle competed with more than 2,500 dogs in one of the biggest canine contests in the US, the 148th Westminster Dog Show, held in New York on Wednesday (May 14).

A cute little miniature poodle with furs in magnificent metallic black colour won the 2024 Westminster Dog Show. Sage the poodle competed with more than 2,500 dogs in one of the biggest canine contests in the US, the 148th Westminster Dog Show, held in New York on Wednesday (May 14). “I am so happy,” said Sage’s handler Kaz Hosaka after his furry friend’s victory in the competition. Tuesday’s victory of Sage was the 11th triumph for its poodles brethren of various sizes. Only wise fox terriers have won more titles than poodles. Also Read | American man who sent 'so I raped you' message arrested in France Tuesday’s show was also the second-best win for handler Kaz Hosaka. In 2022, he led another miniature poodle, Spice, to win the Westminster’s trophy. "No words," he said in the ring to describe his reaction to Sage's win. How Sage, the miniature poodle, won the 2024 Westminster Dog Show Sage bested six other fellow finalists to take the top spot. It put to second Mercedes the German shepherd, guided by handler Kent Boyles, who has also won the big prize before. Other finalists that Sage beat out in the contest were: -Comet, a shih tzu from the toy group -Louis, an Afghan hound from the hound group -Frankie, a coloured bull terrier from the terrier group -Monday, a giant schnauzer from the working group -Micah, a cocker spaniel from the sporting group It's not easy winning the dog show. All the dogs who take part in the competition first compete against others of their breed. Then the winner of each breed goes up against others in its “group”. The seven group winners then meet in the final round for the ultimate showdown. The competition is seen as an event where all participants are champions in the sport’s point system, and winning is more dependent on nuances and standout turns in the ring. Also Read | 66-year-old Indian-origin grandmother stabbed to death in broad daylight in London The best performance by a dog in the show gets a trophy and a place in dog-world history, but no cash prize. The Westminster show, dating back to 1877, is centred on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in-show prize. However, over the last decade, the club has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs. This year, the agility competition counted its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble. (With inputs from agencies)

Sage the miniature poodle wins the 2024 Westminster Dog Show: Meet the top dog

The conservative MP William Wragg who shared MP's personal phone numbers to someone he met on a dating app has now stepped down from two Commons rules. Lawmaker William Wragg admitted he handed over the personal phone numbers of colleagues to a man he met on a dating app called Grinder. Watch in for more details!

Tory MP resigns after Westminster 'sexting scandal', admits falling victim to 'honey trap' scandal

A senior Conservative MP William Wragg admitted leaking personal phone numbers of colleagues who were later targeted in the honey trap scandal that has shaken Westminster politics.

UK: Westminster ‘honey trap’ sexting scandal

UK: Tory MP Wragg admits to falling victim to 'honey trap' sext scandal

In a major embarrassment, a UK MP apologises after being caught in a honey trap sexting scandal, and giving away phone numbers of other MPs and ministers.

UK MP in sexting scandal, shared phone numbers of colleagues

UK: Tory MP William Wragg admits giving MP's numbers to dating app contact

The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey concludes. About 2,000 people attended the funeral ceremony. The service will also be attended by senior religious figures, British prime ministers past and present, and several other significant dignitaries.

Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral at Westminster Abbey concludes

Turning a moment of sorrow into a business opportunity, mourners that wore wristbands required to attend Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state are now selling them for as much as $400.

Turning a moment of sorrow into a business opportunity, mourners that wore wristbands required to attend Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state are now selling them for as much as $400. Reportedly, over a dozen people have put the mentioned wristbands on sale on eBay, an online marketplace. A seller on eBay posted the orange wristband with the description that it had 'never been worn'. Meanwhile, another posted a green-cloured wristband with the caption, "Previously used or worn orange wristband from the first 24 hours of the Queen laying-in-state in Westminster Hall." The different coloured wristbands have been distributed by the authorities so that individuals can leave for water, food, and toilet and return to their spot without creating a ruckus. The snaking queue to watch the Queen stretches over eight kilometres with the average waiting time hovering around 14-15 hours. These souvenirs from an epochal moment like Queen's death can fetch a good price in the collector's market. The sellers understand this and are looking to make the most out of the situation. Read more: UK government issues rules for those wanting to pay their respects to the Queen It is pertinent to note that Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has been kept at Westminster Hall since Wednesday for the public to pay their respects. She will be kept there till Monday morning, after which she will be buried at the Windsor Chapel. Celebrities queue up to pay their respects As reported by WION, not only the public but celebrities are also queuing up to pay their respects to the Queen. Former England football team skipper David Beckham on Friday queued up for more than 13 hours alongside thousands of mourning compatriots to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II. In a TV interaction, Beckham admitted that he was a great fan of the royal family growing up and felt he needed to pay his respects to the Queen before she was laid to rest perpetually. Read more: Former England skipper David Beckham lines up in snaking queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II "I thought by coming at 2 a.m. it was going to be a little bit quieter. I was wrong. Everybody had that in mind. The people here are all ages. There was an 84-year-old lady." said Beckham. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wristbands required to attend Queen's lying in state being sold on eBay for as much as $400

After Queen Elizabeth II's coffin covered a more than 280 kilometres journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday, the government also published guidelines for people who might line up to say their final goodbyes to the queen.

After Queen Elizabeth II's coffin covered a more than 280 kilometres journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Sunday, the government also published guidelines for people who might line up to say their final goodbyes to the queen. Reportedly, Queen's coffin would be kept at Westminster Hall from Wednesday (September 14) till Monday (September 19) on a raised platform called a catafalque, topped with the imperial state crown, orb and scepter for the common folks to pay their obeisance. Read more: Queen Elizabeth II death LIVE updates: Coffin arrives in Edinburgh The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stated that people may have to wait for long periods, perhaps even overnight. Thus people are advised to bring essentials such as an umbrella, sunscreen, and cell phone powerbank to brave any challenge that befalls them. “If you wish to attend the Lying-in-State, please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving" read the guidelines. Those standing in the queue will not be allowed to bring or erect gazebos, tents, or light barbecues and fires. Read more: Queen Elizabeth II left a secret letter, but it can’t be opened for 63 years. Here’s why Furthermore, in anticipation of a large crowd turning up, there might be delays on public transport and road closures around important areas. The department added that the people needed to dress appropriately for the event while keeping their mobile phones silent when inside the building and going through security. It also stated that filming, photography or using any other handheld device will not be permitted “Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster.” Lastly, fireworks, smoke canisters, flares, whistles, laser devices, banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages, and other items are on the list of prohibited items. The schedule leading up to the queen's funeral It is pertinent to note that after the queen's coffin reached Edinburgh yesterday, people may pay their respects to her at the Palace of Holyroodhouse till Monday afternoon. Afterwards, the hearse will travel by procession to St. Giles’ Cathedral. On Tuesday, the queen's only daughter, Princess Anne will accompany the coffin from St. Giles to the Edinburgh airport for it to return to London’s Buckingham Palace aboard a Royal Air Force aircraft. In Pics | Queen's death marks end of an era: Life and times of Queen Elizabeth II On Wednesday, the coffin will be carried from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall via a public procession accompanied by a military parade and members of the royal family. The funeral will take place at the Windsor Chapel on Monday where Queen Elizabeth II will be buried. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK government issues rules for those wanting to pay their respects to the Queen

UK's school children are coming forward with witness testimonials of sexual assault victims, which are being posted online on a website "Everyone's Invited".

With nearly 6,000 incidents reported of sexual assault in the UK's top private schools, the UK police have assured that it is launching an investigation into the matter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sarah-everard-case-britain-needs-cultural-change-says-prime-minister-boris-johnson-371164">Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>

The website's founder Soma Sara has said they have been successful in exposing a "rape culture" in UK schools.

These horrifying stories of young girls being subjected to sexual assault started coming out in public after a London police officer was remanded in custody on March 16 after he was charged with kidnapping and murdering a woman — Sarah Everard.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/men-do-better-londoners-hold-vigil-for-sarah-everard-police-revolts-370400">'Men, do better': Londoners hold vigil for Sarah Everard; Police revolts</a>

After these incidents were reported, the MeT police department is trying if any potential victims at these schools will be willing to come forward and report crimes.&nbsp;

The police department is also examining "a number of reports of specific offences".

Incidents reported on the website have names of more than 100 schools where such incidents have taken place, including some of the elite schools such as Sherborne, Westminster and Eton.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sarah-everard-case-london-police-chief-backs-her-officers-as-cops-face-backlash-after-dragging-mourners-370664">Sarah Everard case: London police chief backs her officers as cops face backlash after dragging mourners</a>

"I think it's more widespread than private schools," Detective Superintendent Mel Laremore, the Met's lead officer for rape and sexual offences said in an interview. "I think we're still looking into the exact scope of how wide this is spread. But certainly I know there's already over 100 schools cited on the website, which do reach out to national parameters."

The founder of the website, who is a university student herself, has urged people and authorities to focus on situations beyond the elite schools too.&nbsp;

"When we narrow our focus on a school, a demographic, or as an individual, we risk making these cases seem like anomalies. But this isn't rare, it happens all the time," she said. "When we direct the blame onto a person or place we are undermining the most important message: rape culture is everywhere. And because it's everywhere it affects everyone."

UK's school children are coming forward with witness testimonials of sexual assault victims, which are being posted online on a website "Everyone's Invited". With nearly 6,000 incidents reported of sexual assault in the UK's top private schools, the UK police have assured that it is launching an investigation into the matter.

UK's school children are coming forward with witness testimonials of sexual assault victims, which are being posted online on a website "Everyone's Invited". With nearly 6,000 incidents reported of sexual assault in the UK's top private schools, the UK police have assured that it is launching an investigation into the matter. Also read | Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson The website's founder Soma Sara has said they have been successful in exposing a "rape culture" in UK schools. These horrifying stories of young girls being subjected to sexual assault started coming out in public after a London police officer was remanded in custody on March 16 after he was charged with kidnapping and murdering a woman — Sarah Everard. Also see| 'Men, do better': Londoners hold vigil for Sarah Everard; Police revolts After these incidents were reported, the MeT police department is trying if any potential victims at these schools will be willing to come forward and report crimes. The police department is also examining "a number of reports of specific offences". Incidents reported on the website have names of more than 100 schools where such incidents have taken place, including some of the elite schools such as Sherborne, Westminster and Eton. Also read | Sarah Everard case: London police chief backs her officers as cops face backlash after dragging mourners "I think it's more widespread than private schools," Detective Superintendent Mel Laremore, the Met's lead officer for rape and sexual offences said in an interview. "I think we're still looking into the exact scope of how wide this is spread. But certainly I know there's already over 100 schools cited on the website, which do reach out to national parameters." The founder of the website, who is a university student herself, has urged people and authorities to focus on situations beyond the elite schools too. "When we narrow our focus on a school, a demographic, or as an individual, we risk making these cases seem like anomalies. But this isn't rare, it happens all the time," she said. "When we direct the blame onto a person or place we are undermining the most important message: rape culture is everywhere. And because it's everywhere it affects everyone."

UK police begin investigation into school sexual assault claims

With judging at New York's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show beginning in earnest on Monday (February 10), the second day of competition in the annual showcase for pedigree canines, owners and handlers could be seen grooming their pups, some of which even began licking their chops with the competition well underway.

Wipe those paws - dogs groomed at NY's Westminster Show

Key Brexit vote at Westminster today

British counter-terrorism police used CS gas to storm a London home today and gathered &quot;absolutely crucial&quot; intelligence while preventing an attack, former British police officer said today.

The officers raided a house in north London yesterday evening(April 27) shooting a woman in her 20s. The police haven&#39;t released any detail about the woman. Six people were arrested in the operation, the woman is under observation in a hospital.

The former head of Britain&#39;s national counter-terrorism security office Chris Phillips said: &quot;This is the way we prevent terrorism,&quot; adding that the raid had to be conducted with speed and have &quot;shock value&quot;.

The news comes even as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-near-uk-parliament-for-preparing-terror-attack-15001">man was arrested by London&#39;s metropolitan police who was carrying knives&nbsp;near Prime Minister Theresa May&#39;s</a> office in Westminster yesterday evening(April 27).&nbsp;

&quot;Knives have been recovered from him,&quot; Scotland Yard police said in a statement, adding that he was being detained under terror laws.

A Western security source told Reuters the man, from London, was on the radar of counter-terrorism officers and the domestic intelligence agency MI5 before his arrest.

Another source familiar with the investigation said the suspect might have had contacts with militants outside Britain and travelled to meet them, but it was not believed he had been in contact with Islamic State militants.

Britain is on&nbsp;alert with high-intensity&nbsp;elections slated to be in June which would naturally result in large gatherings and election meetings being held across the UK, British counter-terrorism unit is leaving no stone unturned in its bid keep things under control.

Since August 2014, Britain has been on its second-highest alert level of &quot;severe&quot;, meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely. Senior officers said the security services had thwarted 13 terrorism attempts in the last four years shortly before the deadly Westminster Bridge incident.&nbsp;

(WION with Reuters inputs)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

British counter-terrorism police used CS gas to storm a London home today

British counter-terrorism police used CS gas to storm a London home today and gathered "absolutely crucial" intelligence while preventing an attack, former British police officer said today. The officers raided a house in north London yesterday evening(April 27) shooting a woman in her 20s. The police haven't released any detail about the woman. Six people were arrested in the operation, the woman is under observation in a hospital. The former head of Britain's national counter-terrorism security office Chris Phillips said: "This is the way we prevent terrorism," adding that the raid had to be conducted with speed and have "shock value". The news comes even as a man was arrested by London's metropolitan police who was carrying knives near Prime Minister Theresa May's office in Westminster yesterday evening(April 27). "Knives have been recovered from him," Scotland Yard police said in a statement, adding that he was being detained under terror laws. A Western security source told Reuters the man, from London, was on the radar of counter-terrorism officers and the domestic intelligence agency MI5 before his arrest. Another source familiar with the investigation said the suspect might have had contacts with militants outside Britain and travelled to meet them, but it was not believed he had been in contact with Islamic State militants. Britain is on alert with high-intensity elections slated to be in June which would naturally result in large gatherings and election meetings being held across the UK, British counter-terrorism unit is leaving no stone unturned in its bid keep things under control. Since August 2014, Britain has been on its second-highest alert level of "severe", meaning an attack by militants is considered highly likely. Senior officers said the security services had thwarted 13 terrorism attempts in the last four years shortly before the deadly Westminster Bridge incident. (WION with Reuters inputs)

British counter-terrorism officers storm London home, 1 woman injured in shooting

London&#39;s Westminster Bridge in the shadow of parliament&#39;s Big Ben clock tower was closed on Thursday after a suspected World War II bomb was found in the River Thames, police said.

Police closed the bridge leading to the Houses of Parliament at around 5:15 pm (1715 GMT), while Westminster underground station was evacuated at around 6:00 pm.

&quot;Please bear with us as we deal with dredged up suspected WWII ordnance... Road closures in area for safety,&quot; Westminster Police wrote on Twitter.

The tube station partially reopened at 6.45 pm, a Transport for London spokeswoman told AFP.

After the suspected bomb was found in the river by Victoria Embankment, police cleared the area of people and also closed Waterloo Bridge which later partially reopened.

The area sealed off included Horse Guards Avenue where the Old War Office Building is located, which was used by the British government during World War II and was bombed.

more than 12,000 metric tons of bombs were dropped on the British capital during the war, according to London&#39;s Imperial War Museum.

(AFP)

Police closed the Westminster Bridge at around 5:15 pm, while Westminster underground station was evacuated at around 6 pm

London's Westminster Bridge in the shadow of parliament's Big Ben clock tower was closed on Thursday after a suspected World War II bomb was found in the River Thames, police said. Police closed the bridge leading to the Houses of Parliament at around 5:15 pm (1715 GMT), while Westminster underground station was evacuated at around 6:00 pm. "Please bear with us as we deal with dredged up suspected WWII ordnance... Road closures in area for safety," Westminster Police wrote on Twitter. The tube station partially reopened at 6.45 pm, a Transport for London spokeswoman told AFP. After the suspected bomb was found in the river by Victoria Embankment, police cleared the area of people and also closed Waterloo Bridge which later partially reopened. The area sealed off included Horse Guards Avenue where the Old War Office Building is located, which was used by the British government during World War II and was bombed. more than 12,000 metric tons of bombs were dropped on the British capital during the war, according to London's Imperial War Museum. (AFP)

Suspected WWII bomb close to UK parliament prompts evacuation

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