UK parties brace for fresh defections

Thursday, 21 February 2019 15:50

The UK's two main political parties are braced for fresh defections to a new Independent Group of MPs.

A total of 11 MPs have so far joined the Independent Group - eight from opposition Labour, and three from the governing Conservatives.

The Independent Group is not yet a political party, but says it wants to occupy the "centre ground".

It's rumoured several MPs from Labour and the Conservatives are close to quitting over issues including Brexit and their own current parties' leaderships.

But Chancellor Philip Hammond says he hopes the move by defecting Conservatives won't be permanent.

More from International News

Israeli strikes kill six Lebanese medics in 24 hours, health ministry says

Six Lebanese paramedics have been killed in two Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon in the span of 24 hours, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, condemning the attacks as violations of international law.
Death toll jumps to 90 in China coal mine blast

The death toll from a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China's Shanxi province has jumped to 90, state media CCTV reported on Saturday.
US tells foreigners seeking green cards: Return to your countries to apply

Foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status in the United States to secure green cards will have to do so from outside the country via the State Department, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Friday, in a move criticized by aid groups.
Senegal president sacks PM Sonko, dissolves government

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government on Friday, a move that risks deepening uncertainty in a country already grappling with a debt crisis and drawn-out talks with the International Monetary Fund.
Gabbard resigns as Trump's top US intelligence official

Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday she is resigning from her job as President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence, saying her husband had been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and that she was stepping away from her role to help him.

On Virgin Radio today

Non Stop Hits
3:00am - 7:00pm

The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions
The Fix With Dany Neville
7:00pm - 11:00pm

Officially the UAE's favourite DJ, Dany Neville makes sure you have the soundtrack you need every Saturday night.