May to form UK government despite election slap +++ Former FBI boss gives testimony to Congress

10. Juli 2017, 02:00

May to form UK government despite election slap

British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to try to form a new government, despite her Conservative Party failing to win a majority in yesterday's general election. With most of the votes now counted, the Conservatives are on course to win 319 seats, 11 less than at the last elections in 2015. May had hoped to strengthen her hand ahead of negotiations about Britain's exit from the European Union. However she now faces tough coalition talks, amid a hung parliament. In her first reaction, she said the UK needed stability. “If, as the indications have shown and if this is correct that the Conservative Party have won the most seats and probably the most votes, then it will be incumbent on us to ensure that we have that period of stability and that is exactly what we will do.” The opposition Labour Party meanwhile has picked up around 30 seats, while the Scottish National Party has suffered major losses. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged May to resign, saying he is ready to serve the country. “We have done no deals and no pacts with anybody and everyone can see the huge increase in our support because of the way we conducted the election and the comprehensive nature of the program we put forward.” European leaders have expressed concerns about the effect of the British election result on Brexit. The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier says the talks should be put on hold until Britain is ready to proceed.

Former FBI boss gives testimony to Congress

US president Donald Trump says he has been completely vindicated following testimony from the former head of the FBI, James Comey. Comey told the US Senate Intelligence Committee that Trump had asked him to drop an investigation into disgraced former National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn. The former FBI boss, who was sacked last month, said while he was concerned by Trump's actions, he could not speculate on whether they amounted to obstruction of justice. “I took it as a very disturbing thing, very concerning, but that’s a conclusion that I’m sure the special counsel will work towards to try to understand what the intention was there and whether that’s an offence.”

Arab states increase pressure on Qatar

Qatar has dismissed moves by four Arab countries to place dozens of its citizens on a terror watch list. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain are seeking to increase pressure on Qatar over its alleged support for Islamist groups, having already broken off diplomatic relations. Qatar described the allegations as baseless, saying it leads the region in tackling the roots of terrorism.

Parliament allows Japanese Emperor to abdicate

The upper house of the Japanese parliament has approved a law allowing Emperor Akihito to step down. The 83 year old expressed a wish to abdicate last August, citing old age and ill health. He is expected to be replaced by his son, Crown Prince Naruhito. Should that happen, Akihito will be the first Japanese emperor to give up the post in 200 years.

The weather

Generally sunny conditions have been forecast for this afternoon with some rain expected in the west. Top temperatures will range from 23 to 30 degrees.

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