Britain& rsquo;s Johnson, EU chiefs seek Brexit talks reboot
Brussels, Belgium -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet EU chiefs by video link Monday to try to breathe new life into stalled post-Brexit trade talks, with both sides entrenched in long-held positions......»»
Ex-UK leader Johnson to join right-wing broadcaster GB News
Britain's former prime minister Boris Johnson announced Friday that he was joining the right-wing broadcaster GB News, the latest Conservative politician to take a presenting role on the contentious channel. The scandal-tarred Johnson, who was ousted from power last year by Tory MPs and quit as a lawmaker in June, will start his new "presenter, program maker and commentator" post in early 2024, GB News said. The channel was launched in mid-2021, billing itself as a right-wing, pro-Brexit competitor to mainstream broadcasters such as the BBC and Sky News, and has stoked controversy ever since. It has drawn comparisons to the US network Fox News for its unabashedly populist agenda, blurring the distinction between fact-based reporting and opinion while hiring high-profile right-wingers. In its latest setback, the channel sacked two of its presenters this month after an on-air sexism row that generated nearly 8,500 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom. Ofcom has opened several probes into GB News over alleged breaches of the broadcasting code of neutrality for TV news outlets after it hired several prominent members of the ruling Conservatives as presenters. Johnson, 59, said he was "excited" to be joining "an insurgent channel with a loyal and growing following", saying he would be offering his "frank opinions on world affairs". "I will be talking about the immense opportunities for Global Britain -- as well as the challenges -- and why our best days are yet to come," he said. GB News's editorial director Michael Booker called Johnson "the most influential prime minister of our generation". "As well as his political skills, he's an incredibly talented journalist and author," he said. Johnson, a former Daily Telegraph columnist who currently writes a weekly column for The Daily Mail, first worked as a journalist for The Times, where he was sacked for making up a quote. He moved on to become Brussels correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, where he made his name writing exaggerated claims about the European Union, including purported plans to standardize the sizes of condoms and bananas. He then entered politics, becoming an MP in 2001 and later serving two terms as London mayor before realizing his life-long dream of being prime minister in 2019. The post Ex-UK leader Johnson to join right-wing broadcaster GB News appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India
Army chiefs and senior officers from 30 countries including the United States met in India Tuesday to discuss threats facing the Asia-Pacific region, in the face of concern at an increasingly assertive China. US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside his Indian counterpart Manoj Pande, and vowed to boost cooperation to "maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific". Generals from Japan and Australia, which make up the "Quad" defense cooperation forum alongside Washington and New Delhi, also took part, as did Britain and France. As the generals met, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing would oppose the "wanton expansion of military alliances", the latest in a string of warnings as Washington deepens security ties in the Asia-Pacific. Beijing has long said that any effort to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Asia-Pacific would provoke conflict. Nations present at the two-day conference in New Delhi included Vietnam and the Philippines, both of which have longstanding pending territorial disputes with China. The conference, which launched in 1999, brings together army chiefs and top officers from 30 countries. India's Pande said the region faced challenges on both land and at sea. "These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases, even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases," Pande added, in an indirect reference to China. India has also had to balance its traditional alliance with Russia -- the provider of most of its arms imports, and now a source of cut-price oil -- with growing ties to Washington. "The partnership between India and the US armies is vital for stability in the region, and the relationship between our armies is strong and growing stronger," George said. The post US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Washington sanctions 25 Iranian officials
United States President Joe Biden said the country stands by Iranians as they mark the first death anniversary of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd who died one year ago while in the custody of morality police who detained her for dress code violation. “Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but the United States remains committed to standing with them — including providing tools to support Iranians’ ability to advocate for their own future,” Biden said. The president also announced that the US Treasury Department added to the sanctions blacklist 25 Iranian officials and an Internet censorship firm linked to Tehran’s suppression of protests after Amini’s death. Months of nationwide demonstrations followed her death. Also sanctioned was Gholamali Mohammadi, the head of Iran’s Prisons Organization, who the Treasury said presides over serious human rights abuses including torture and rape. Three state-controlled media groups, Press TV, Tasnim News and Fars News, were also placed on the blacklist. The sanctions were coordinated with the European Union, Britain, Canada and Australia. Targets of the United Kingdom sanctions included Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and Iranian police spokesperson Saeed Montazer Al-Mahdi. The European Union added to its own blacklist four Iranian officials — a commander in the elite Revolutionary Guard, two regional police chiefs and a prison boss. Hoping to keep pressure in place, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed, nearly unanimously, a bill in honor of Amini that would make it difficult to remove sanctions against top officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. WITH AFP The post Washington sanctions 25 Iranian officials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
After New York, the fashion world descended on London Friday for a catwalk extravaganza showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names. Ahead of the official start, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour on Thursday evening hosted a star-studded event billed as Britain's answer to New York's Met Gala. Supermodels Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford were joined by stars of music, theatre, and film from Kate Winslet and Brian Cox to Annie Lennox and Rita Ora. Actress Sienna Miller however stole the show with a daring pregnancy bump-baring outfit. Last year's London Fashion Week, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning. This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations. "It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers of the British Fashion Council. But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation -- the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July -- and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop. That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes. In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year. Fresh UK finding On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program. The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow. The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC. Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010. On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry. "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion" showcases about 100 designs, some of which have gone down in pop culture history. This year, about 20 designers are benefiting from the NewGen program. Most are recent graduates, but who have already managed to dress some of the biggest stars. Outfits by Ukrainian designer Masha Popova have been worn by singer Dua Lipa. Di Petsa has dressed actress Zendaya. Among the more established names are 16Arlington, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, and Simone Rocha. But Burberry, the London fashion house founded in 1856, remains the most eagerly awaited show. It takes place on Monday afternoon and will be only the second collection for British creative director Daniel Lee, following on from his February show. The ex-Bottega Veneta designer replaced Riccardo Tisci a year ago. Sales have soared in China for the brand with the distinctive check print. On the final day, Tuesday, Ukrainian designers will present their collections with London once again hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week due to Russia's invasion. The BFC is also trying to make London an increasingly inclusive venue for catwalk shows. It has launched a survey aimed at all those working in the sector, with questions on their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social background. "The audit is long overdue and marks the first step towards the vital measurement of the UK fashion industry's collective progress towards the goal of fair representation," the BFC said. The results will be announced later this year. The post London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Southeast Asian air force chiefs to snub Myanmar meeting
Several Southeast Asian air force commanders will shun an upcoming meeting chaired by Myanmar's military rulers, officials told AFP, deepening the junta's regional isolation as it struggles to crush resistance. The annual ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference gathers top air force leaders from the 10-nation bloc to discuss cooperation in defense, combating extremism, and disaster relief. Current chair Myanmar is set to host the meeting next week but at least three Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries told AFP they will not send their top officials. The junta has been accused of war crimes over air strikes carried out by its jets -- mostly Chinese and Russian-built -- in support of ground troops battling opponents of its 2021 coup. Its air force chief Htun Aung, who will chair the conference, has been sanctioned by the United States and Britain. The air force chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia will not attend the meeting, officials told AFP. Malaysia's air force chief will not attend, a spokesperson said, while the Philippine commander will send a video message to his counterpart rather than go in person. Indonesia's air force chief "will not be attending and won't be sending anyone to represent him either," air force spokesperson Agung Sasongkojati told AFP without giving a reason. At a summit this week, ASEAN accused the junta of targeting civilians in the grinding conflict sparked by its coup, and of ignoring a peace plan agreed with the bloc to end violence. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said there had been "no significant progress" in the five-point plan agreed with the junta more than two years ago. ASEAN has barred junta officials from high-level meetings over their refusal to engage with the plan and their opponents. Cambodian air force commander Soeng Samnang declined to comment on whether he would attend, and the defence ministry could not be reached for comment. The air forces of Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam did not respond to requests for comment. But Thailand's air force chief will make the trip to neighboring Myanmar, a defense ministry official told AFP. While ASEAN has halted high-level meetings with Myanmar's generals, Thailand has held its own bilateral talks with the junta and deposed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in recent months, further dividing the bloc. War crime claims Amnesty International said last year the junta was likely using air strikes as "collective punishment" against civilians supporting anti-coup fighters, and in March the United Nations said the military had carried out more than 300 air strikes in the past year. Also in March, the junta held a parade to mark Armed Forces Day, with flyovers by Russian-made Yak and Sukoi Su-30 jets. The military bombed a gathering in northern Sagaing region in April that media and locals said killed about 170 people, sparking renewed global condemnation of the isolated junta. Human Rights Watch said it had evidence the military had used a thermobaric "vacuum bomb" in the attack, saying it likely amounted to a war crime. Air strikes on a concert held by a major ethnic rebel group in northern Kachin state killed around 50 people last October. The junta has said reports civilians were among the dead were "rumors". AFP has contacted a Myanmar junta spokesman for comment. The post Southeast Asian air force chiefs to snub Myanmar meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden, business and baseball on UK PM’s agenda in US
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will take in meetings with US business and congressional leaders, along with a baseball game, when he heads to Washington next week for summit talks with President Joe Biden. Sustaining both nations' support for Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders will feature heavily when the leaders meet at the White House on Thursday, according to Sunak's spokesman. But Britain sees no traction for securing a post-Brexit trade deal with the Biden administration, and is seeking smaller arrangements with individual US states such as California, the spokesman said. In a statement on Saturday, Sunak underlined the enduring strength of the transatlantic alliance -- while avoiding the phrase "special relationship", following bust-ups over issues such as Northern Ireland. "The US is our closest ally. We are one another's partner of first resort when it comes to everything from keeping our people safe to growing our economies," he said. "That's why it is so important for a UK prime minister to forge a close and candid relationship with the president of the United States –- on every global problem, you will see us working side-by-side." Nevertheless, Britain after Brexit is finding itself squeezed as the United States and European Union pursue dialogue on future regulation of artificial intelligence, and offer vast new green subsidies. In Washington during his two-day trip, Sunak is expected to address US chief executives and meet with leading figures in Congress, while also pushing soft diplomacy. On Wednesday, he will attend the baseball to watch the Washington Nationals play the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second annual "UK-US Friendship Day", marking 238 years of diplomatic relations. The game will feature a UK-US military flyover and both nations' national anthems. While a trade deal remains problematic, the United States and Britain have forged close alignment against Russia and China. Biden invited Sunak to the White House when the prime minister went to San Diego in March for the launch of a nuclear submarine deal with Australia. Sunak has carried on predecessor Boris Johnson's staunch support for Ukraine since Russia's invasion last year, announcing the supply of long-range missiles. Biden followed up by supporting the provision of advanced F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine at the recent G7 leaders' summit in Japan. The post Biden, business and baseball on UK PM’s agenda in US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab announced his resignation on Friday after bullying claims against him were upheld in a report, a fresh political shock for Britain's Conservatives. Raab's resignation gives Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a headache some two weeks before local elections at which the Conservatives are expected to lose seats. He is also battling to claw back a chasm of lost ground to the main opposition Labor Party before a general election next year. Raab, who stood in for former prime minister Boris Johnson as he battled Covid in 2020, had promised to quit if any claims against him were upheld. But even though he was cleared of most of the allegations, he blasted the conclusions of a lawyer-led inquiry. "Whilst I feel duty-bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims leveled against me," he wrote in a resignation letter. "I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government." The bar for bullying was set so low, he said, that "it will encourage spurious complaints against ministers and have a chilling effect on those driving change". Raab also resigned from his post as justice secretary, where he has had to battle a backlog in criminal cases caused by years of under-funding and disruptions caused by the pandemic. He previously served as Brexit minister and foreign secretary but was moved from that post after being criticized for failing to return from holiday as Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Sunak, who succeeded the short-lived Liz Truss in October last year, vowed to restore "integrity, professionalism, and accountability" in government after Johnson's rollercoaster tenure. He previously sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative party chairman over his tax affairs. Gavin Williamson, a former defense secretary who kept a tarantula on his desk while in charge of party discipline in parliament, quit over expletive-laden messages. Low bar Former lawyer Raab, a karate black belt, has denied bullying civil servants working for him and in his letter rejected allegations of an overbearing manner with colleagues. He insisted in his letter that ministers "must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people". Not to do so, he said, would mean the loss of "the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility". He also maintained ministers "must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us". "Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds," he went on. Sunak appointed senior employment lawyer Adam Tolley to look into the claims in November and he submitted his report to Sunak on eight allegations on Thursday. The report has yet to be published. But Raab said Tolley "concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone". "I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offense that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards, and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice," he added. "That is, however, what the public expects of ministers working on their behalf." The post UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The failure of Britain’s exit from the European Union
We could never have imagined that confirmation of the failure of Brexit would come in the first 24 months of the actual exit of the.....»»
European markets plunge on new virus strain
European stocks, oil prices, and the pound slumped Monday as a highly infectious strain of coronavirus in Britain had traders seeking shelter.Sterling lost 1.3 percent against the dollar, with the pound also still being hit as a post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and the EU remained out of reach.The euro gained 1.0 percent against the […].....»»
UK: Johnson’s global Britain is off to a bad start | international
Boris Johnson has started implementing his Brexit Instruction Manual and many Britons don’t like the way the mirror looks back to them. Reducing international development.....»»
Brexit increased mistrust of Europeans in Britain. Europe to date DW
The distrust of Europeans living in the United Kingdom in the British Public Administration increased after Brexit, according to a study published by the Independent.....»»
Britain gives the European Union representative in London as ambassador to Europe. DW
The British government agreed to give full ambassador status to the EU representative in London, after months of withdrawal due to Brexit, with both parties.....»»
UK economy sinks on virus curbs, Brexit trade regime
London---Britain’s economy hit reverse in January on renewed coronavirus curbs while the nation’s post-Brexit EU goods exports suffered a record collapse, official data showed Friday......»»
Rigid Brexit requirements killing Britain& rsquo;s au pair system
London---Once a childcare mainstay for many working parents, Britain’s au pair system is under threat after Brexit—piling pressure on families and forcing some mothers to consider quitting their jobs. .....»»
Britain agrees to postpone the European ratification of the Brexit deal | Economie
The United Kingdom government on Tuesday expressed its agreement that the European Union would delay until April 30 the formal ratification of the Brexit agreement.....»»
“Brexit” – border traffic becomes common in UK after commentary
Commercial traffic flow On the border between Britain and France This February is back to the same levels as 2020, which allay fears that there.....»»
Settling down in Spain as British, a “mission impossible” post-Brexit
British citizens do not find it easy to settle in Spain as a result of Britain’s exit from the European Union. Output The United Kingdom.....»»
France urges to “choose” its relations with the European Union
Britain should clarify its relations with the European Union (EU) after Brexit, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview released on Saturday by the.....»»
Britain acknowledges lack of veto after Brexit
The House of Commons Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EfraCom) examines work in the food supply chain Recognizes veterinary professionals with essential roles within the.....»»
& lsquo;Don& rsquo;t leave me this way,& rsquo; sing Britons in Spain as Brexit kicks in
Jimera de Libar, Spain---Bangers and mash, pints of beer, a Europeans vs Britons tug-of-war and renditions of “Don’t Leave me This Way” and “We’ll Meet Again.” UK expats in Spain marked Britain’s departure from the European Union in true British style......»»