國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（六）
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Local elections: Conservatives lose more than 1,300 councillors
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48142181
The Conservatives have lost 1,334 councillors, with Theresa May saying voters wanted the main parties to "get on" with Brexit.
Labour also lost 82 seats in the English local elections, in which it had been expected to make gains.
But the strongly pro-EU Lib Dems gained 703 seats, with leader Sir Vince Cable calling every vote received "a vote for stopping Brexit".
The Greens and independents also made gains, as UKIP lost seats.
All 248 English councils holding elections have now announced their full results.
While the scale of the Conservative election losses is larger than expected, Labour had predicted it would gain seats, having suffered losses the last time these council seats were contested, in 2015.
The Green Party has added 194 councillors, while the number of independent councillors has risen by 612.
UKIP, which enjoyed large gains in 2015, lost 145 seats.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48142181
The Conservatives have lost 1,334 councillors, with Theresa May saying voters wanted the main parties to "get on" with Brexit.
Labour also lost 82 seats in the English local elections, in which it had been expected to make gains.
But the strongly pro-EU Lib Dems gained 703 seats, with leader Sir Vince Cable calling every vote received "a vote for stopping Brexit".
The Greens and independents also made gains, as UKIP lost seats.
All 248 English councils holding elections have now announced their full results.
While the scale of the Conservative election losses is larger than expected, Labour had predicted it would gain seats, having suffered losses the last time these council seats were contested, in 2015.
The Green Party has added 194 councillors, while the number of independent councillors has risen by 612.
UKIP, which enjoyed large gains in 2015, lost 145 seats.
Trump calls Putin and talks of 'Russian Hoax'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48141017
US President Donald Trump has said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an hour-long call, covering issues including the "Russian Hoax".
"Had a long and very good conversation with President Putin," the US president tweeted.
Mr Trump rebuked a reporter who asked whether he had warned Mr Putin against meddling in the 2020 elections.
It was the leaders' first conversation since the Mueller report cleared Mr Trump of colluding with Russia.
The Kremlin confirmed in a statement the two had spoken, saying the call had been initiated by the White House.
When asked in the White House on Friday whether he had warned Mr Putin that Moscow should not interfere in the next US presidential election, Mr Trump told the reporter she was "very rude".
"We didn't discuss that," he said.
"Getting along with countries is a good thing and we want to have good relations with everybody."
But the White House said the matter of alleged Russian meddling had been broached in the call.
Trump says did not raise election meddling with Putin in phone call
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-putin-meddling/trump-says-did-not-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-phone-call-idUSKCN1S923N
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he discussed “the Russia Hoax” with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not raise with him concerns about Russian meddling in U.S. elections.
Trump and Putin spoke by phone for the first time since U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign was released. Mueller’s report found that the Russian government had interfered in the election “in sweeping and systematic fashion.”
Trump, talking to reporters as he met Slovak Republic Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, indicated that he and Putin only discussed Mueller’s conclusion that Trump did not collude with Russia in 2016.
Trump said Putin seemed amused. “He said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and it ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever,” said Trump.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48141017
US President Donald Trump has said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an hour-long call, covering issues including the "Russian Hoax".
"Had a long and very good conversation with President Putin," the US president tweeted.
Mr Trump rebuked a reporter who asked whether he had warned Mr Putin against meddling in the 2020 elections.
It was the leaders' first conversation since the Mueller report cleared Mr Trump of colluding with Russia.
The Kremlin confirmed in a statement the two had spoken, saying the call had been initiated by the White House.
When asked in the White House on Friday whether he had warned Mr Putin that Moscow should not interfere in the next US presidential election, Mr Trump told the reporter she was "very rude".
"We didn't discuss that," he said.
"Getting along with countries is a good thing and we want to have good relations with everybody."
But the White House said the matter of alleged Russian meddling had been broached in the call.
Trump says did not raise election meddling with Putin in phone call
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-putin-meddling/trump-says-did-not-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-phone-call-idUSKCN1S923N
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he discussed “the Russia Hoax” with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not raise with him concerns about Russian meddling in U.S. elections.
Trump and Putin spoke by phone for the first time since U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign was released. Mueller’s report found that the Russian government had interfered in the election “in sweeping and systematic fashion.”
Trump, talking to reporters as he met Slovak Republic Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, indicated that he and Putin only discussed Mueller’s conclusion that Trump did not collude with Russia in 2016.
Trump said Putin seemed amused. “He said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and it ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever,” said Trump.
保守黨大敗、自民黨收復失地，仲有非脫歐黨派都加左位，好似又左傾返少少。btw, 請問Others主要咩派別為主
其實咩人都有
下面可以睇到有咩細黨，但係仲有多係Independent
https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/ceeqy0e9894t/england-local-elections-2019
Independent咁姐係咩呢，可以參考Nottinghamshire的Ashfield，工黨俾Ashfield Independents贏咗個Council咁佢地就真係一個好localised的政黨，佢地都係講當地的市政議題。
https://www.facebook.com/ashfieldindependents/
Election results: Big gains for independents in Nottinghamshire
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-48143965
下面可以睇到有咩細黨，但係仲有多係Independent
https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/ceeqy0e9894t/england-local-elections-2019
Independent咁姐係咩呢，可以參考Nottinghamshire的Ashfield，工黨俾Ashfield Independents贏咗個Council咁佢地就真係一個好localised的政黨，佢地都係講當地的市政議題。
https://www.facebook.com/ashfieldindependents/
Election results: Big gains for independents in Nottinghamshire
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-48143965
咁睇落去，保留到地方特色政黨都算難能可貴，唔似我地係大黨壟斷
A senior Tory has said he is surprised that anyone bothered to vote Conservative in last week’s local elections, amid growing pressure from all levels of the party on Theresa May to announce her departure.
With an air of despair descending on many MPs after a drubbing in the polls last week, Andrew Mitchell, the former chief whip, said the chaos in his party meant he had been amazed that it got the votes it did.
“I am so sorry at the loss of many excellent Tory councillors,” he told the Observer. “But frankly, given the performance of the government, it’s pretty amazing that anyone turned out to vote Conservative at all.”
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/05/top-tory-surprised-anyone-voted-for-us-local-elections
With an air of despair descending on many MPs after a drubbing in the polls last week, Andrew Mitchell, the former chief whip, said the chaos in his party meant he had been amazed that it got the votes it did.
“I am so sorry at the loss of many excellent Tory councillors,” he told the Observer. “But frankly, given the performance of the government, it’s pretty amazing that anyone turned out to vote Conservative at all.”
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/05/top-tory-surprised-anyone-voted-for-us-local-elections
John McDonnell: No trust left in PM over Brexit talks
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48165373
Labour's shadow chancellor says he does not trust Theresa May after details from cross-party talks on Brexit were leaked to the press.
The PM has called on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to "put their differences aside" and agree a Brexit deal.
But John McDonnell said she had "blown the confidentiality" of the talks and "jeopardised the negotiations".
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Mrs May said Mr Corbyn should "listen to what voters said" in Thursday's local elections - which saw the Conservatives lose 1,334 councillors and Labour fail to make expected gains, instead losing 82 seats.
The Liberal Democrats benefited from Tory losses, gaining 703 seats, with the Greens and independents also making gains.
The prime minister blamed the Brexit impasse for the losses - but said the elections gave "fresh urgency" to find a way to "break the deadlock".
Mrs May also said she hoped to find a "unified, cross-party position" with Labour - despite admitting that her colleagues "find this decision uncomfortable" and that "frankly, it is not what I wanted either".
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48165373
Labour's shadow chancellor says he does not trust Theresa May after details from cross-party talks on Brexit were leaked to the press.
The PM has called on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to "put their differences aside" and agree a Brexit deal.
But John McDonnell said she had "blown the confidentiality" of the talks and "jeopardised the negotiations".
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Mrs May said Mr Corbyn should "listen to what voters said" in Thursday's local elections - which saw the Conservatives lose 1,334 councillors and Labour fail to make expected gains, instead losing 82 seats.
The Liberal Democrats benefited from Tory losses, gaining 703 seats, with the Greens and independents also making gains.
The prime minister blamed the Brexit impasse for the losses - but said the elections gave "fresh urgency" to find a way to "break the deadlock".
Mrs May also said she hoped to find a "unified, cross-party position" with Labour - despite admitting that her colleagues "find this decision uncomfortable" and that "frankly, it is not what I wanted either".
Venezuela crisis: Guaidó 'considering asking US for military intervention'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48172520
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó has said he is considering asking the US to launch a military intervention in the embattled country.
Speaking to the BBC's Nick Bryant, he said he would "evaluate all options" to oust President Nicolás Maduro.
Last week he launched a failed attempt to spark a military rebellion and force Mr Maduro out of power.
The president responded by delivering an address from an army base in Caracas, flanked by soldiers.
Mr Guaidó declared himself Venezuela's interim leader in January. As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Mr Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.
But Mr Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela's military - has refused to cede power.
"I think President [Donald] Trump's position is very firm, which we appreciate, as does the entire world," he said.
Asked whether he would like Mr Trump and the US military to intervene, he responded it is "responsible to evaluate" the possibility of international intervention, adding: "I, as the president in charge of the national parliament, will evaluate all options if necessary."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48172520
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó has said he is considering asking the US to launch a military intervention in the embattled country.
Speaking to the BBC's Nick Bryant, he said he would "evaluate all options" to oust President Nicolás Maduro.
Last week he launched a failed attempt to spark a military rebellion and force Mr Maduro out of power.
The president responded by delivering an address from an army base in Caracas, flanked by soldiers.
Mr Guaidó declared himself Venezuela's interim leader in January. As the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, he invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Mr Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.
But Mr Maduro - who is backed by Russia, China and the leaders of Venezuela's military - has refused to cede power.
"I think President [Donald] Trump's position is very firm, which we appreciate, as does the entire world," he said.
Asked whether he would like Mr Trump and the US military to intervene, he responded it is "responsible to evaluate" the possibility of international intervention, adding: "I, as the president in charge of the national parliament, will evaluate all options if necessary."
Trump threatens to raise tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48171561
Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on $200bn (£152bn) of Chinese goods, because talks on a US-China trade deal are moving "too slowly".
The US president tweeted that tariffs of 10% on certain goods would rise to 25% on Friday, and $325bn of untaxed goods could face 25% duties "shortly".
"The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!" he tweeted.
The countries have seemed near to striking a trade deal in recent weeks. Mr Trump delayed further tariff increases earlier in the year, citing progress in talks.
The move increases pressure on China as Vice-Premier Liu He prepares to travel Washington this week to resume negotiations.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48171561
Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on $200bn (£152bn) of Chinese goods, because talks on a US-China trade deal are moving "too slowly".
The US president tweeted that tariffs of 10% on certain goods would rise to 25% on Friday, and $325bn of untaxed goods could face 25% duties "shortly".
"The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!" he tweeted.
The countries have seemed near to striking a trade deal in recent weeks. Mr Trump delayed further tariff increases earlier in the year, citing progress in talks.
The move increases pressure on China as Vice-Premier Liu He prepares to travel Washington this week to resume negotiations.
Trump: 'Mueller should not testify'
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/05/robert-mueller-special-counsel-cicilline-1302632
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Robert Mueller “should not testify” before Congress, hours after a Democratic lawmaker confirmed that the House Judiciary Committee was still seeking to schedule a hearing with the special counsel for later this month.
“Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!” the president wrote on Twitter, after excoriating Mueller’s 22-month investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in a previous post.
“After spending more than $35,000,000 over a two year period, interviewing 500 people, using 18 Trump Hating Angry Democrats & 49 FBI Agents — all culminating in a more than 400 page Report showing NO COLLUSION — why would the Democrats in Congress now need Robert Mueller to testify,” Trump tweeted.
“Are they looking for a redo because they hated seeing the strong NO COLLUSION conclusion? There was no crime, except on the other side (incredibly not covered in the Report), and NO OBSTRUCTION,” the president added.
Attorney General William Barr previously told Congress that he has no objection to Mueller, who is a Justice Department employee, testifying before lawmakers. Peter Carr, the special counsel’s spokesman, declined to comment on the president's tweet.
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/05/robert-mueller-special-counsel-cicilline-1302632
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Robert Mueller “should not testify” before Congress, hours after a Democratic lawmaker confirmed that the House Judiciary Committee was still seeking to schedule a hearing with the special counsel for later this month.
“Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!” the president wrote on Twitter, after excoriating Mueller’s 22-month investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in a previous post.
“After spending more than $35,000,000 over a two year period, interviewing 500 people, using 18 Trump Hating Angry Democrats & 49 FBI Agents — all culminating in a more than 400 page Report showing NO COLLUSION — why would the Democrats in Congress now need Robert Mueller to testify,” Trump tweeted.
“Are they looking for a redo because they hated seeing the strong NO COLLUSION conclusion? There was no crime, except on the other side (incredibly not covered in the Report), and NO OBSTRUCTION,” the president added.
Attorney General William Barr previously told Congress that he has no objection to Mueller, who is a Justice Department employee, testifying before lawmakers. Peter Carr, the special counsel’s spokesman, declined to comment on the president's tweet.
Europeans Credit EU With Promoting Peace and Prosperity, but Say Brussels Is Out of Touch With Its Citizens
https://www.pewglobal.org/2019/03/19/europeans-credit-eu-with-promoting-peace-and-prosperity-but-say-brussels-is-out-of-touch-with-its-citizens/
https://www.pewglobal.org/2019/03/19/europeans-credit-eu-with-promoting-peace-and-prosperity-but-say-brussels-is-out-of-touch-with-its-citizens/
Administration rejects Democrats' demand for Trump's tax returns
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/06/trump-tax-returns-congress-1307298
The Trump administration on Monday formally rejected demands by House Democrats to turn over the president’s tax returns, setting the stage for what’s likely to be a long legal battle.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said their demands raise “serious constitutional questions” and that lawmakers do not have a "legitimate" reason for seeking President Donald Trump’s filings.
“The Supreme Court has held that the Constitution requires that Congressional information demands must reasonably serve a legitimate legislative purpose,” he wrote in a one-page letter to House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass). “I have determined that the Committee’s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose” and “the Department is therefore not authorized to disclose the requested returns.”
The decision was expected; the agency had blown past two deadlines set by Democrats to hand over the confidential tax filings while lambasting their request. The administration has been stonewalling House Democrats’ investigations into the executive branch on a number of other fronts.
The spotlight now shifts back to Neal, who has been spearheading the push to unmask Trump’s long-concealed returns. He has not explained how he intends to proceed, though Democrats have said they expect the issue to be decided by the courts.
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/06/trump-tax-returns-congress-1307298
The Trump administration on Monday formally rejected demands by House Democrats to turn over the president’s tax returns, setting the stage for what’s likely to be a long legal battle.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said their demands raise “serious constitutional questions” and that lawmakers do not have a "legitimate" reason for seeking President Donald Trump’s filings.
“The Supreme Court has held that the Constitution requires that Congressional information demands must reasonably serve a legitimate legislative purpose,” he wrote in a one-page letter to House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass). “I have determined that the Committee’s request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose” and “the Department is therefore not authorized to disclose the requested returns.”
The decision was expected; the agency had blown past two deadlines set by Democrats to hand over the confidential tax filings while lambasting their request. The administration has been stonewalling House Democrats’ investigations into the executive branch on a number of other fronts.
The spotlight now shifts back to Neal, who has been spearheading the push to unmask Trump’s long-concealed returns. He has not explained how he intends to proceed, though Democrats have said they expect the issue to be decided by the courts.
US attorney general faces contempt vote over Mueller report
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48175289
Democrats in the US House of Representatives have decided to launch contempt proceedings against Attorney General William Barr.
They took action after he failed to comply with a House Judiciary Committee subpoena to submit an unredacted version of the Mueller report.
The Department of Justice had previously called the request "premature and unnecessary".
The Democratic-led committee said the vote would be held on Wednesday.
The attorney general, who was appointed by the president, also missed a deadline last week to release an uncensored version of the report.
Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement on Monday: "Congress must see the full report and underlying evidence to determine how to best move forward with oversight, legislation, and other constitutional responsibilities.
"The Attorney General's failure to comply with our subpoena, after extensive accommodation efforts, leaves us no choice but to initiate contempt proceedings."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48175289
Democrats in the US House of Representatives have decided to launch contempt proceedings against Attorney General William Barr.
They took action after he failed to comply with a House Judiciary Committee subpoena to submit an unredacted version of the Mueller report.
The Department of Justice had previously called the request "premature and unnecessary".
The Democratic-led committee said the vote would be held on Wednesday.
The attorney general, who was appointed by the president, also missed a deadline last week to release an uncensored version of the report.
Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement on Monday: "Congress must see the full report and underlying evidence to determine how to best move forward with oversight, legislation, and other constitutional responsibilities.
"The Attorney General's failure to comply with our subpoena, after extensive accommodation efforts, leaves us no choice but to initiate contempt proceedings."
Turkey to rerun vote in Istanbul following opposition win
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48177740
Turkey's electoral body has ordered that Istanbul's local elections be re-held after a shock opposition victory in March.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party questioned the slim win by the opposition CHP, claiming there were "irregularities and corruption".
CHP deputy chair Onursal Adiguzel said the rerun showed it was "illegal to win against the AK Party".
The vote in Turkey's largest city will be held on 23 June.
An AKP representative on the electoral board, Recep Ozel, said the rerun was because some electoral officials were not civil servants and some result papers had not been signed.
Mr Adiguzel tweeted that the decision was "plain dictatorship".
"This system that overrules the will of the people and disregards the law is neither democratic, nor legitimate," he wrote.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48177740
Turkey's electoral body has ordered that Istanbul's local elections be re-held after a shock opposition victory in March.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party questioned the slim win by the opposition CHP, claiming there were "irregularities and corruption".
CHP deputy chair Onursal Adiguzel said the rerun showed it was "illegal to win against the AK Party".
The vote in Turkey's largest city will be held on 23 June.
An AKP representative on the electoral board, Recep Ozel, said the rerun was because some electoral officials were not civil servants and some result papers had not been signed.
Mr Adiguzel tweeted that the decision was "plain dictatorship".
"This system that overrules the will of the people and disregards the law is neither democratic, nor legitimate," he wrote.
丁守中China's secret internment camps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMkHcZ5IwjU
First Detention, Now Demolition: China Remakes Its Muslim Region
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sUEek-u14w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMkHcZ5IwjU
First Detention, Now Demolition: China Remakes Its Muslim Region
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sUEek-u14w
CIA warns Arab activist of potential threat from Saudi Arabia
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/07/cia-warns-arab-activist-of-potential-threat-from-saudi-arabia
The CIA has warned Norway that a prominent Arab activist who is living in the country under asylum protection is facing a potential threat from Saudi Arabia, the Guardian has learned.
The pro-democracy activist, İyad el-Baghdadi, is a vocal critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
El-Baghdadi was alerted to the threat on 25 April, when Norwegian authorities arrived at his doorstep, took him to a secure location, and warned him he was in possible danger from an unspecified threat emanating from the kingdom.
The activist was told the threat had been passed on to Norwegian authorities by a foreign intelligence agency, which the Guardian has confirmed was the CIA.
“The way I understood it was, the Saudis have a crosshairs on me, but there is no idea of what they are going to do,” El-Baghdadi said in a phone interview with the Guardian.
“They assured me that they are taking it very seriously. They came prepared,” he said, noting that authorities had arrived with two squads: one to whisk him away, and another to ensure they were not being followed.
The Guardian contacted the Saudi embassy in Washington for comment on Monday but did not receive a reply before publication.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/07/cia-warns-arab-activist-of-potential-threat-from-saudi-arabia
The CIA has warned Norway that a prominent Arab activist who is living in the country under asylum protection is facing a potential threat from Saudi Arabia, the Guardian has learned.
The pro-democracy activist, İyad el-Baghdadi, is a vocal critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
El-Baghdadi was alerted to the threat on 25 April, when Norwegian authorities arrived at his doorstep, took him to a secure location, and warned him he was in possible danger from an unspecified threat emanating from the kingdom.
The activist was told the threat had been passed on to Norwegian authorities by a foreign intelligence agency, which the Guardian has confirmed was the CIA.
“The way I understood it was, the Saudis have a crosshairs on me, but there is no idea of what they are going to do,” El-Baghdadi said in a phone interview with the Guardian.
“They assured me that they are taking it very seriously. They came prepared,” he said, noting that authorities had arrived with two squads: one to whisk him away, and another to ensure they were not being followed.
The Guardian contacted the Saudi embassy in Washington for comment on Monday but did not receive a reply before publication.
Brexit: Theresa May to meet Sir Graham Brady amid calls to resign
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48182976
Theresa May is to meet the chairman of an influential committee of backbench Tory MPs, Sir Graham Brady, amid calls for her to set a firm resignation date.
It follows a request from the 1922 Committee for "clarity" on the issue.
No 10 insists the meeting is routine, but pressure is mounting on the PM, with local Tory associations confirming they will hold a vote of confidence in her leadership on 15 June.
Meanwhile, cross-party talks to break the Brexit deadlock are due to resume.
In March, Mrs May pledged to stand down if and when Parliament ratified her Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU - but she has not made it clear how long she intends to stay if no deal is reached.
On Monday, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the 1922 Committee - an elected body of MPs which represents backbenchers and also oversees leadership contests - told the BBC that Mrs May should announce a "road map" for her resignation after the European elections set for 23 May.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48182976
Theresa May is to meet the chairman of an influential committee of backbench Tory MPs, Sir Graham Brady, amid calls for her to set a firm resignation date.
It follows a request from the 1922 Committee for "clarity" on the issue.
No 10 insists the meeting is routine, but pressure is mounting on the PM, with local Tory associations confirming they will hold a vote of confidence in her leadership on 15 June.
Meanwhile, cross-party talks to break the Brexit deadlock are due to resume.
In March, Mrs May pledged to stand down if and when Parliament ratified her Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU - but she has not made it clear how long she intends to stay if no deal is reached.
On Monday, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the 1922 Committee - an elected body of MPs which represents backbenchers and also oversees leadership contests - told the BBC that Mrs May should announce a "road map" for her resignation after the European elections set for 23 May.
Brexit: UK 'has to fight European elections', says David Lidington
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48188951
The vote is due on 23 May, but Theresa May said the UK would not have to take part if MPs agreed a Brexit plan first.
Now, David Lidington says "regrettably" it is "not going to be possible to finish that process" before the date the UK legally has to take part.
He said the government would try to make the delay "as short as possible".
Cabinet Office Minister Mr Lidington said: "Given how little time there is, it is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that's legally due for the European Parliamentary elections.
"We very much hoped that we would be able to get our exit sorted… so that those elections did not have to take place, but legally they do have to take place unless our withdrawal has been given legal effect."
Mr Lidington said the government would be "redoubling efforts" in its talks with other parties to find a way forward to "make sure that the delay after [the elections] is as short as possible".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48188951
The vote is due on 23 May, but Theresa May said the UK would not have to take part if MPs agreed a Brexit plan first.
Now, David Lidington says "regrettably" it is "not going to be possible to finish that process" before the date the UK legally has to take part.
He said the government would try to make the delay "as short as possible".
Cabinet Office Minister Mr Lidington said: "Given how little time there is, it is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that's legally due for the European Parliamentary elections.
"We very much hoped that we would be able to get our exit sorted… so that those elections did not have to take place, but legally they do have to take place unless our withdrawal has been given legal effect."
Mr Lidington said the government would be "redoubling efforts" in its talks with other parties to find a way forward to "make sure that the delay after [the elections] is as short as possible".
Mike Pompeo rejects Canada's claims to Northwest Passage as 'illegitimate'
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/07/mike-pompeo-canada-northwest-passage-illegitimate
Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has rejected Canada’s claims to the Northwest Passage as “illegitimate”, in a high-profile foreign policy speech that prompted frustration and surprise among experts and government officials.
Delegates from Arctic nations – Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US – had gathered in Finland to discuss balancing climate change with resource development in the region.
“No one denies Russia has significant Arctic interests,” Pompeo told delegates of the Arctic Council on Monday. “We recognize that Russia is not the only nation making illegitimate claims: the US has a long contested feud with Canada over sovereign claims through the Northwest Passage.”
While the United States has long maintained that the route, often blocked by sea ice, lies in international waters, Canada has argued the waters pass through sovereign territory.
Foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland dismissed Pompeo’s remarks after a meeting with her American counterpart.
“Canada is very clear about the Northwest Passage being Canadian. There is both a very strong and geographic connection with Canada,” Freeland told reporters.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/may/07/mike-pompeo-canada-northwest-passage-illegitimate
Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has rejected Canada’s claims to the Northwest Passage as “illegitimate”, in a high-profile foreign policy speech that prompted frustration and surprise among experts and government officials.
Delegates from Arctic nations – Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US – had gathered in Finland to discuss balancing climate change with resource development in the region.
“No one denies Russia has significant Arctic interests,” Pompeo told delegates of the Arctic Council on Monday. “We recognize that Russia is not the only nation making illegitimate claims: the US has a long contested feud with Canada over sovereign claims through the Northwest Passage.”
While the United States has long maintained that the route, often blocked by sea ice, lies in international waters, Canada has argued the waters pass through sovereign territory.
Foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland dismissed Pompeo’s remarks after a meeting with her American counterpart.
“Canada is very clear about the Northwest Passage being Canadian. There is both a very strong and geographic connection with Canada,” Freeland told reporters.
South Africa's ANC seeks to reverse sliding support in tough election
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-election/south-africas-anc-seeks-to-reverse-sliding-support-in-tough-election-idUSKCN1SD2OY
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The African National Congress faces its toughest electoral test on Wednesday, seeking to reverse a slide in support from voters frustrated by rampant graft and racial inequalities a generation after it won power in South Africa’s first all-race poll.
Voting in parliamentary and provincial elections begins at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and polling stations will close at 9 p.m.. The exact timing of results is uncertain.
The national election is the first under President Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma as head of state in February 2018 after four years as Zuma’s deputy.
Ramaphosa, who took over from Zuma as ANC leader in December 2017, is trying to restore faith in the governing party once led by Nelson Mandela after its image was tarnished during Zuma’s decade-long leadership.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-election/south-africas-anc-seeks-to-reverse-sliding-support-in-tough-election-idUSKCN1SD2OY
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The African National Congress faces its toughest electoral test on Wednesday, seeking to reverse a slide in support from voters frustrated by rampant graft and racial inequalities a generation after it won power in South Africa’s first all-race poll.
Voting in parliamentary and provincial elections begins at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and polling stations will close at 9 p.m.. The exact timing of results is uncertain.
The national election is the first under President Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma as head of state in February 2018 after four years as Zuma’s deputy.
Ramaphosa, who took over from Zuma as ANC leader in December 2017, is trying to restore faith in the governing party once led by Nelson Mandela after its image was tarnished during Zuma’s decade-long leadership.
Exclusive: Trump fixer Cohen says he helped Falwell handle racy photos
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-politics-falwell-exclusive/exclusive-trump-fixer-cohen-says-he-helped-falwell-handle-racy-photos-idUSKCN1SD2JG
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Months before evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr.’s game-changing presidential endorsement of Donald Trump in 2016, Falwell asked Trump fixer Michael Cohen for a personal favor, Cohen said in a recorded conversation reviewed by Reuters.
Falwell, president of Liberty University, one of the world’s largest Christian universities, said someone had come into possession of what Cohen described as racy “personal” photographs — the sort that would typically be kept “between husband and wife,” Cohen said in the taped conversation.
According to a source familiar with Cohen’s thinking, the person who possessed the photos destroyed them after Cohen intervened on the Falwells’ behalf.
The Falwells, through a lawyer, declined to comment for this article.
The Falwells enlisted Cohen’s help in 2015, according to the source familiar with Cohen’s thinking, the year Trump announced his presidential candidacy. At the time, Cohen was Trump’s confidant and personal lawyer, and he worked for the Trump Organization.
The Falwells wanted to keep “a bunch of photographs, personal photographs” from becoming public, Cohen told Arnold. “I actually have one of the photos,” he said, without going into specifics. “It’s terrible.”
Cohen would later prove successful in another matter involving Falwell, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Cohen helped persuade Falwell to issue his endorsement of Trump’s presidential candidacy at a critical moment, they said: just before the Iowa caucuses. Falwell subsequently barnstormed with Trump and vouched for the candidate’s Christian virtues.
Reuters has no evidence that Falwell’s endorsement of Trump was related to Cohen’s involvement in the photo matter. The source familiar with Cohen’s thinking insisted the endorsement and the help with the photographs were separate issues.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-politics-falwell-exclusive/exclusive-trump-fixer-cohen-says-he-helped-falwell-handle-racy-photos-idUSKCN1SD2JG
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Months before evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr.’s game-changing presidential endorsement of Donald Trump in 2016, Falwell asked Trump fixer Michael Cohen for a personal favor, Cohen said in a recorded conversation reviewed by Reuters.
Falwell, president of Liberty University, one of the world’s largest Christian universities, said someone had come into possession of what Cohen described as racy “personal” photographs — the sort that would typically be kept “between husband and wife,” Cohen said in the taped conversation.
According to a source familiar with Cohen’s thinking, the person who possessed the photos destroyed them after Cohen intervened on the Falwells’ behalf.
The Falwells, through a lawyer, declined to comment for this article.
The Falwells enlisted Cohen’s help in 2015, according to the source familiar with Cohen’s thinking, the year Trump announced his presidential candidacy. At the time, Cohen was Trump’s confidant and personal lawyer, and he worked for the Trump Organization.
The Falwells wanted to keep “a bunch of photographs, personal photographs” from becoming public, Cohen told Arnold. “I actually have one of the photos,” he said, without going into specifics. “It’s terrible.”
Cohen would later prove successful in another matter involving Falwell, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Cohen helped persuade Falwell to issue his endorsement of Trump’s presidential candidacy at a critical moment, they said: just before the Iowa caucuses. Falwell subsequently barnstormed with Trump and vouched for the candidate’s Christian virtues.
Reuters has no evidence that Falwell’s endorsement of Trump was related to Cohen’s involvement in the photo matter. The source familiar with Cohen’s thinking insisted the endorsement and the help with the photographs were separate issues.