LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wants to “step up the tempo” in talks with the European Union to strike a new Brexit deal before the October 31 deadline. The comments came ahead of a court ruling Friday that could block Johnson’s suspension of parliament just weeks before Britain’s exit date, amid a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal exit. Britain’s Brexit negotiators are to meet […]
Tag: UK
UK’s Johnson sparks outrage after forcing suspension of parliament
by Robin MILLARD LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the suspension of parliament weeks before Britain’s EU departure date. The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a “coup” and a “declaration of war” but Johnson claimed was necessary to allow him to pursue a “bold and ambitious” new domestic agenda. It came a day […]
English town celebrates hometown hero Ed Sheeran
by Pauline FROISSART IPSWICH, United Kingdom (AFP) — The little-known town of Ipswich in eastern England has historically prided itself on farming and football, but is now celebrating the stellar pop career of its most famous son, Ed Sheeran. The global hit machine’s journey to stardom began in the nearby town of Framlingham, where he played his first gig in front of around 30 people. Fourteen years later, the singer is capping off a two-year […]
Boris Johnson wins race to become Britain’s next PM
by Alice RITCHIE and James PHEBY Agence France Presse LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Boris Johnson won the race to become Britain’s next prime minister on Tuesday, heading straight into a confrontation over Brexit with Brussels and parliament, as well as a tense diplomatic standoff with Iran. The former London mayor easily beat his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, in a vote of members of the governing Conservative Party. He is expected to be […]
Beating Boris: Race to replace UK’s May kicks off
by Alice RITCHIE LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The contest to succeed Theresa May as Britain’s next leader heated up on Monday, with candidates lining up to define themselves against the “bluff and bluster” of Brexit-backing frontrunner Boris Johnson. Ten Conservative MPs gathered enough support to qualify by Monday’s deadline for the race to replace May, who quit as the party’s leader on Friday over her failure to take Britain out of the European Union […]
Britain’s Tory party set for rollercoaster leadership battle
by Robin MILLARD LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The election of a new British Conservative Party leader is a contest traditionally marked by twists, turns and political backstabbing. The nominations open and close on Monday and the new leader of the center-right governing party will almost certainly take over from Theresa May as Britain’s prime minister. Here is a guide as to what to expect in the coming weeks, where the premiership is a separate […]
UK’s May quits as party leader, starting succession race
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May steps down as leader of her Conservative Party on Friday, formally triggering the race for a successor who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit. May will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, but has relinquished control over the direction of Britain’s tortuous departure from the European Union. Brexit is still scheduled for October 31 but while […]
Tearful May calls time on premiership overshadowed by Brexit
by Joe JACKSON LONDON, United States (AFP) — Her voice breaking, Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation on Friday after three years of Brexit turmoil, dramatically increasing the likelihood of Britain crashing out of the EU within months. May, who took over in the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum, was forced to make way following a Conservative mutiny over her ill-fated strategy to end Britain’s near five-decade membership of the European Union. “It […]
Gardens of the future spring up at Chelsea Flower Show
by Pauline FROISSART LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Gardens of the future are being unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, where green-fingered designers have imagined innovative solutions to help combat climate change. “If we don’t have plants, we are going to be in trouble,” said designer Tom Dixon, who teamed up with Swedish furniture giant IKEA to create a “Gardening Will Save The World” exhibit. “You only have to switch on the news […]
Britain’s May pins hopes on final June Brexit vote
by Alice RITCHIE LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Theresa May’s Brexit minister said Wednesday that her EU withdrawal deal would be “dead” if parliament rejects it for a fourth time next month after the British premier set the date for what could be the final act of her leadership. May said MPs will vote on legislation to implement the Brexit deal in the week starting June 3, with the aim of getting Britain out of […]
UK’s May sacks defence minister Williamson over Huawei leak
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China’s Huawei to develop its 5G network. “The Prime Minister has this evening asked Gavin Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet,” said a spokeswoman from […]
EU leaders offer two options for short Brexit delay
by Alice RITCHIE / Laurence BENHAMOU European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain’s divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit. Britain had faced a sharp cliff-edge deadline of March 29 to leave, but May’s EU colleagues said the split could wait until May 22 if British lawmakers approve a withdrawal accord next week. But if the House of Commons rejects the […]





