A senior Hong Kong official claimed "elements of terror" had been seen among pro-democracy protesters, as thousands of high school students joined workers in a city-wide strike amid tight security Monday, the New York Times reports.
Why it matters: Per the NYT, the comments by John Lee, Hong Kong’s secretary for security, mark the first time a territory official has used rhetoric akin to China’s propaganda machine — which has compared the protesters to terrorists on several occasions. Hong Kongers have enjoyed a high degree of autonomy since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997, and protesters are concerned there may be a crackdown by Chinese authorities.
U.K. Cabinet official Michael Gove refused to say on the BBC's "Andrew Marr Show" Sunday whether the British government would abide by a law passed by Parliament that seeks to prevent a no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31.
Protesters blocked roads with burning barricades near Hong Kong International Airport and damaged a train station, AP reports. It followed a night of running battles between police and activists in Hong Kong's 13th weekend of pro-democracy protests.
Why it matters: Hong Kong is embroiled in the worst political crisis to hit the former British colony since it was returned to Chinese control in 1997. Protesters are rallying despite authorities issuing a ban on Hong Kongers gathering near central government offices. The airport has been off-limits to protesters since mid-August, when activists clashed with police while occupying the main terminal, the New York Times notes.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated across the U.K. Saturday against British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to cut short parliamentary debate and push through Brexit, the New York Times reports.
Why it matters: Per the NYT, protesters regard Johnson's plans to suspend parliament for a period just before Britain's Oct. 31. deadline for exiting the European Union as anti-democratic. Many are also angry that he did not call a general election after he was elected leader of the Conservative Party on the promise that he will deliver Brexit — with or without a deal. Most members of Parliament oppose a no-deal Brexit.
