After the UK clinched the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-done-uk-clinches-brexit-agreement-with-eu-ahead-of-december-31-deadline-352125">Brexit </a>deal with the European Union, British PM Boris Johnson said that "We have&nbsp;taken back control of our laws and our destiny."

Watch:

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PM Johnson said the UK and EU negotiators have reached "a comprehensive, Canada-style free trade deal".

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The deal is done. <a href="https://t.co/zzhvxOSeWz">pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1342123159181516802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We will be your ally, your supporter, your number one market - this country will remain culturally, historically, geologically attached to Europe," PM Johnson said as he sealed the Brexit agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chief-characters-in-britains-brexit-saga-277805">In Pics: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga</a>

Johnson added that post-Brexit trade agreement is a "a good deal for the whole of Europe".

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she was "confident" the Brexit deal was a "good outcome".

"We will quickly be able to determine whether Germany can support today's result of the negotiations," Merkel said, adding,"I am very confident that we have a good result."

Former British prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May who had to resign over the Brexit logjam called it a welcome development "Trade deal is very welcome," Cameron said while stating that "good to end a difficult year with some positive news".

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It's good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome - and a vital step in building a new relationship with the EU as friends, neighbours and partners. Many congratulations to the UK negotiating team.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/1342126305320562688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Very welcome news that the UK &amp; EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal – one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing," former PM May said.

Amid the Brexit celebrations in the UK, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for Scotland to be "an independent, European nation".

"Before the spin starts, it's worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland's will," Sturgeon said&nbsp;while asserting that "there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us."&nbsp;

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There will be lots of focus - rightly - on the economic costs of Brexit. But ending UK participation in Erasmus - an initiative that has expanded opportunities and horizons for so many young people - is cultural vandalism by the UK government. <a href="https://t.co/sOxpcCWq5z">https://t.co/sOxpcCWq5z</a>
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) <a href="https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1342135543652614144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin hailed the Brexit deal saying: "While we will miss the UK from the European Union, the fact that a deal is now in place means we can focus on how we manage good relationship in the years ahead."

After the UK clinched the Brexit deal with the European Union, British PM Boris Johnson said that "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny." Watch: PM Johnson said the UK and EU negotiators have reached "a comprehensive, Canada-style free trade deal".

After the UK clinched the Brexit deal with the European Union, British PM Boris Johnson said that "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny." Watch: PM Johnson said the UK and EU negotiators have reached "a comprehensive, Canada-style free trade deal". The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 24, 2020 × "We will be your ally, your supporter, your number one market - this country will remain culturally, historically, geologically attached to Europe," PM Johnson said as he sealed the Brexit agreement. In Pics: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga Johnson added that post-Brexit trade agreement is a "a good deal for the whole of Europe". Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she was "confident" the Brexit deal was a "good outcome". "We will quickly be able to determine whether Germany can support today's result of the negotiations," Merkel said, adding,"I am very confident that we have a good result." Former British prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May who had to resign over the Brexit logjam called it a welcome development "Trade deal is very welcome," Cameron said while stating that "good to end a difficult year with some positive news". It's good to end a difficult year with some positive news. Trade deal is very welcome - and a vital step in building a new relationship with the EU as friends, neighbours and partners. Many congratulations to the UK negotiating team. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 24, 2020 × "Very welcome news that the UK & EU have reached agreement on the terms of a deal – one that provides confidence to business and helps keep trade flowing," former PM May said. Amid the Brexit celebrations in the UK, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was time for Scotland to be "an independent, European nation". "Before the spin starts, it's worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland's will," Sturgeon said while asserting that "there is no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us." There will be lots of focus - rightly - on the economic costs of Brexit. But ending UK participation in Erasmus - an initiative that has expanded opportunities and horizons for so many young people - is cultural vandalism by the UK government. https://t.co/sOxpcCWq5z — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 24, 2020 × Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin hailed the Brexit deal saying: "While we will miss the UK from the European Union, the fact that a deal is now in place means we can focus on how we manage good relationship in the years ahead."

We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny, says UK PM Johnson after Brexit deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/karima-baloch-was-threatened-anonymously-says-friends-of-slain-activist-352022">Karima Baloch</a> was found dead in Canada. She reportedly faced threats from the Pakistani military but the Toronto police say there is no foul play.

However, those who have tracked the plight of the Baloch people say its murder and it fits a pattern.

Baloch activists living outside Pakistan have repeatedly come under attack. A few months back, there was a similar death in Sweden.

Canada insists it&nbsp;is a "non-criminal case" even as there have been protests in Balochistan and a call for justice with fingers pointed at Pakistan.

Karima Baloch was a 37-year-old activist who went missing on December 20. A day later, she was found dead. Reports say her body was found floating in a lake in Toronto. There is no official confirmation on it. Karima Baloch was credited for being the pioneer of women's rights in Balochistan. She was a vocal critic of Pakistan.

In 2016, she had put out a video message for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Karima had been living in exile in Canada for the past 5 years. She had raised concerns about Canada allowing a number of Pakistani military officials to live in the country.

Karima's family says she had been receiving death threats and now Karima is dead under mysterious circumstances.

"How many Karimas will you kill?", is the question being asked in Quetta, capital of Balochistan.

There was a protest in Karachi as well in solidarity with Karima Baloch. The trending hashtag was #statekilledkarimabaloch but Canada sees no foul play.

WION wrote to the Toroto police on December 22 inquiring about Karima's death and the investigation into it. Toronto police said that the case is "currently being investiated as a non-criminal death and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

In a statement Toroto police said it is "aware of heightened community and media interest surrounding a missing person investigation. The circumstances have been investigated and officers have determined this to be a non-criminal death and no foul play is suspected."

Three days into the incident, the police has already concluded that the death is non-criminal. Karima Baloch's husband Hammal Haidar has asked for a further inquiry.

"My wife was an immensely courageous and spirited person. Her work as an internationally prominent activist speaks for itself. I believe it's our right to request the Canadian authorities to leave no stone untured in looking into the circumstances of her death as well the threats she has been facing since moving to the country," her husband said.

"We have cooperated with the police and will continue to do so," he added.

Karima Baloch was found dead in Canada. She reportedly faced threats from the Pakistani military but the Toronto police say there is no foul play. However, those who have tracked the plight of the Baloch people say its murder and it fits a pattern.

Karima Baloch was found dead in Canada. She reportedly faced threats from the Pakistani military but the Toronto police say there is no foul play. However, those who have tracked the plight of the Baloch people say its murder and it fits a pattern. Baloch activists living outside Pakistan have repeatedly come under attack. A few months back, there was a similar death in Sweden. Canada insists it is a "non-criminal case" even as there have been protests in Balochistan and a call for justice with fingers pointed at Pakistan. Karima Baloch was a 37-year-old activist who went missing on December 20. A day later, she was found dead. Reports say her body was found floating in a lake in Toronto. There is no official confirmation on it. Karima Baloch was credited for being the pioneer of women's rights in Balochistan. She was a vocal critic of Pakistan. In 2016, she had put out a video message for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Karima had been living in exile in Canada for the past 5 years. She had raised concerns about Canada allowing a number of Pakistani military officials to live in the country. Karima's family says she had been receiving death threats and now Karima is dead under mysterious circumstances. "How many Karimas will you kill?", is the question being asked in Quetta, capital of Balochistan. There was a protest in Karachi as well in solidarity with Karima Baloch. The trending hashtag was #statekilledkarimabaloch but Canada sees no foul play. WION wrote to the Toroto police on December 22 inquiring about Karima's death and the investigation into it. Toronto police said that the case is "currently being investiated as a non-criminal death and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances." In a statement Toroto police said it is "aware of heightened community and media interest surrounding a missing person investigation. The circumstances have been investigated and officers have determined this to be a non-criminal death and no foul play is suspected." Three days into the incident, the police has already concluded that the death is non-criminal. Karima Baloch's husband Hammal Haidar has asked for a further inquiry. "My wife was an immensely courageous and spirited person. Her work as an internationally prominent activist speaks for itself. I believe it's our right to request the Canadian authorities to leave no stone untured in looking into the circumstances of her death as well the threats she has been facing since moving to the country," her husband said. "We have cooperated with the police and will continue to do so," he added.

Protests in Pakistan over Karima Baloch's mysterious death in Canada

UK retail industry said that some fresh food is likely to run out as thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-france-reopens-border-truckers-scuffle-with-police-in-uk-over-covid-19-test-351807">trucks</a> continue to remain stuck along the France-UK border despite reopening of operations.

Watch:

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France had decided to reopen the border after lengthly negotiations as the UK announced a new strain of coronavirus which was 70 per cent more transferable.

Thousands of trucks still remain stuck as authorities continue COVID-19 tests as authorities said three truckers have tested positive for COVID-19 who are in queue to leave England even as trucks began leaving English port of Dover.

According to Britain's Department of Transport, at least &nbsp;6,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plenty-of-food-uk-trucks-stranded-along-french-border-as-new-coronavirus-strain-leads-to-border-closure-351629"> trucks</a> were waiting early Wednesday evening to cross the border including 3,750 vehicles parked at the old Manston airport which is also a coronavirus testing site.

UK transport minister Grant Shapps said: "As testing in Kent continues... I've spoken to my French counterpart (Jean-Baptiste Djebbari) and we've agreed the UK/French border at Eurotunnel, Dover &amp; Calais WILL remain open throughout Xmas in order to help hauliers &amp; citizens return home as soon as possible."

Several truckers have said that they will now be forced to spend Christmas on the road as the pace of testing remains slow even as the military began operations late on Wednesday.

French firefighters arrived early Thursday in Dover with 10,000 tests to help their British counterparts as the logjam at the border continued on Thursday. Transport minister Shapps said 2,367 tests had been carried out

"As the EU Transport Commissioner (Adina Valean) has tweeted, testing hauliers is not recommended. Spending days in a lorry on your own puts you in an extremely low risk category!" Shapps said.

The tuckers were involved in na scuffle with UK police as frustration boiled over the slow progress of clearing the huge backlog at the border with no apparent deadline as reports said it could take days to clear as testing and results would be needed to each driver even as the UK entered into an agreement with the EU on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deal-is-done-uk-clinches-brexit-agreement-with-eu-ahead-of-december-31-deadline-352125">&nbsp;Brexit</a>.

UK retail industry said that some fresh food is likely to run out as thousands of trucks continue to remain stuck along the France-UK border despite reopening of operations.

UK retail industry said that some fresh food is likely to run out as thousands of trucks continue to remain stuck along the France-UK border despite reopening of operations. Watch: France had decided to reopen the border after lengthly negotiations as the UK announced a new strain of coronavirus which was 70 per cent more transferable. Thousands of trucks still remain stuck as authorities continue COVID-19 tests as authorities said three truckers have tested positive for COVID-19 who are in queue to leave England even as trucks began leaving English port of Dover. According to Britain's Department of Transport, at least 6,000 trucks were waiting early Wednesday evening to cross the border including 3,750 vehicles parked at the old Manston airport which is also a coronavirus testing site. UK transport minister Grant Shapps said: "As testing in Kent continues... I've spoken to my French counterpart (Jean-Baptiste Djebbari) and we've agreed the UK/French border at Eurotunnel, Dover & Calais WILL remain open throughout Xmas in order to help hauliers & citizens return home as soon as possible." Several truckers have said that they will now be forced to spend Christmas on the road as the pace of testing remains slow even as the military began operations late on Wednesday. French firefighters arrived early Thursday in Dover with 10,000 tests to help their British counterparts as the logjam at the border continued on Thursday. Transport minister Shapps said 2,367 tests had been carried out "As the EU Transport Commissioner (Adina Valean) has tweeted, testing hauliers is not recommended. Spending days in a lorry on your own puts you in an extremely low risk category!" Shapps said. The tuckers were involved in na scuffle with UK police as frustration boiled over the slow progress of clearing the huge backlog at the border with no apparent deadline as reports said it could take days to clear as testing and results would be needed to each driver even as the UK entered into an agreement with the EU on Brexit.

Trucks remain stranded at UK-French border as 3 drivers test COVID-19 positive

UK PM Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that "a deal is done" as EU and UK hammered out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brinkmanship-or-bluster-on-brexit-and-pandemic-boris-johnson-leaves-it-late-351479">Brexit</a> deal.

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The deal is done. <a href="https://t.co/zzhvxOSeWz">pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1342123159181516802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, negotiators talked through the night on Wednesday to arrive at the deal with fishing rights which had become the bone of contention resolved in the end.

"We have finally found an agreement after a long and winding road," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said.

The European Commission chief said that EU will continue to cooperate in all areas of mutual interest including climate, energy and transport.

Reports said UK PM Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had held talks throughout Wednesday as the UK neared the December 31 deadline to exit the European Union.

"Deal is done. Everything that the British public was promised during the 2016 referendum and in the general election last year is delivered by this deal," 10 Downing Street said in a statement, adding,"We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters. The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK."

"We have signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that has ever been achieved with the EU. The deal is the biggest bilateral trade deal signed by either side, covering trade worth £668bn in 2019," it added.

"The deal also guarantees that we are no longer in the lunar pull of the EU, we are not bound by EU rules, there is no role for the European Court of Justice and all of our key red lines about returning sovereignty have been achieved. It means that we will have full political and economic independence on 1st January 2021," the statement added.

"It means that we will have full political and economic independence on 1st January 2021," the government said.

As the Brexit comes into force a points-based immigration system will be put in place which will put the UK in full control on who enters the UK and free movement will come to an end with the EU.

UK PM Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that "a deal is done" as EU and UK hammered out the Brexit deal. The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 24, 2020 × According to reports, negotiators talked through the night on Wednesday to arrive at the deal with fishing rights which had become the bone of contention resolved in the end.

UK PM Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that "a deal is done" as EU and UK hammered out the Brexit deal. The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 24, 2020 × According to reports, negotiators talked through the night on Wednesday to arrive at the deal with fishing rights which had become the bone of contention resolved in the end. "We have finally found an agreement after a long and winding road," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said. The European Commission chief said that EU will continue to cooperate in all areas of mutual interest including climate, energy and transport. Reports said UK PM Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had held talks throughout Wednesday as the UK neared the December 31 deadline to exit the European Union. "Deal is done. Everything that the British public was promised during the 2016 referendum and in the general election last year is delivered by this deal," 10 Downing Street said in a statement, adding,"We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters. The deal is fantastic news for families and businesses in every part of the UK." "We have signed the first free trade agreement based on zero tariffs and zero quotas that has ever been achieved with the EU. The deal is the biggest bilateral trade deal signed by either side, covering trade worth £668bn in 2019," it added. "The deal also guarantees that we are no longer in the lunar pull of the EU, we are not bound by EU rules, there is no role for the European Court of Justice and all of our key red lines about returning sovereignty have been achieved. It means that we will have full political and economic independence on 1st January 2021," the statement added. "It means that we will have full political and economic independence on 1st January 2021," the government said. As the Brexit comes into force a points-based immigration system will be put in place which will put the UK in full control on who enters the UK and free movement will come to an end with the EU.

'Deal is done': UK clinches Brexit agreement with EU ahead of December 31 deadline

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the&nbsp;strain of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-emerges-as-new-hotspot-in-uk-1-in-85-people-infected-352089">coronavirus </a>that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-receives-covid-19-vaccine-jab-351132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government has moved to ban foreign nationals arriving from Britain, South Africa and Denmark. The health authorities also imposed mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed citizens that a new lockdown will be imposed from Sunday lasting two weeks.

"There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000," PM &nbsp;Netanyahu said even as the country began its vaccination drive.

The lockdown can be extended with final cabinet approval. Israel 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 fatalities. The new lockdown measures include the closure of shops, partial lockdown of schools with people allowed to travel just one kilometre from their home.

Businesses have also ordered to be closed except for deliveries. Israel had lockdown last in September as cases dipped, however, it has the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the past month with the country recording the highest per capita infection rate in the world.

The restrictions include not more than ten people to be present in places of worship and in closed places with a hundred people allowed to congregate in open areas.&nbsp;

The new lockdown measures come even as the country prepares for another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-election-take-four-conservatives-vs-conservatives-352064">election</a> for the fourth time in two years amid public anger over Netanyahu's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the strain of coronavirus that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that it had detected four new cases of the strain of coronavirus that had emerged from South Africa and reported in England as it announced third national lockdown this year to combat the virus. Watch: The government has moved to ban foreign nationals arriving from Britain, South Africa and Denmark. The health authorities also imposed mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed citizens that a new lockdown will be imposed from Sunday lasting two weeks. "There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000," PM Netanyahu said even as the country began its vaccination drive. The lockdown can be extended with final cabinet approval. Israel 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 fatalities. The new lockdown measures include the closure of shops, partial lockdown of schools with people allowed to travel just one kilometre from their home. Businesses have also ordered to be closed except for deliveries. Israel had lockdown last in September as cases dipped, however, it has the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the past month with the country recording the highest per capita infection rate in the world. The restrictions include not more than ten people to be present in places of worship and in closed places with a hundred people allowed to congregate in open areas. The new lockdown measures come even as the country prepares for another election for the fourth time in two years amid public anger over Netanyahu's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israel imposes another lockdown after detecting new COVID-19 strain

The French government said on Thursday that President Emmanuel Macron is free of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/families-of-coronavirus-victims-sue-italy-for-100-million-euros-351928">coronavirus</a> symptoms after he tested positive for the virus last week.

Watch:

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"Macron shows no symptoms at this stage, the isolation of the President can therefore end after seven days," the French presidency said.&nbsp;

Macron suffered from cough and muscle pain last Thursday as he showed signs of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-us-strike-100-million-covid-19-vaccine-deal-351932">coronavirus</a> and went into self-isolation in the Elysee Palace in Paris.

The French president's office said he no longer needs to be in self-isolation. The office had said that Macron had shown "signs of improvement" for the first time on Wednesday.

Macron during a self-isolation had said that "we have to be vigilant as the virus is gaining in strength again" even as he continued to work from his official residence and promised to provide daily updates.

France has been hit hard with the virus with 62,000 fatalities with 15,000 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours including 278 deaths even as health authorities have cleared Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Thursday to be administered nationwide.&nbsp;

The European Union has given the go-ahead for the vaccine inoculations to be carried out from December 27, just after Christmas.

President Macron has however said that the vaccine will not be mandatory even though a draft bill recommended that those who use public transport will have to get the vaccine sparking angry reaction in the country.

France is set to begin COVID-19 vaccination drive from Sunday. Health minister Olivier Veran said, "I say it once again, vaccination is not mandatory."

The French government said on Thursday that President Emmanuel Macron is free of coronavirus symptoms after he tested positive for the virus last week. Watch: "Macron shows no symptoms at this stage, the isolation of the President can therefore end after seven days," the French presidency said.

The French government said on Thursday that President Emmanuel Macron is free of coronavirus symptoms after he tested positive for the virus last week. Watch: "Macron shows no symptoms at this stage, the isolation of the President can therefore end after seven days," the French presidency said. Macron suffered from cough and muscle pain last Thursday as he showed signs of coronavirus and went into self-isolation in the Elysee Palace in Paris. The French president's office said he no longer needs to be in self-isolation. The office had said that Macron had shown "signs of improvement" for the first time on Wednesday. Macron during a self-isolation had said that "we have to be vigilant as the virus is gaining in strength again" even as he continued to work from his official residence and promised to provide daily updates. France has been hit hard with the virus with 62,000 fatalities with 15,000 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours including 278 deaths even as health authorities have cleared Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Thursday to be administered nationwide. The European Union has given the go-ahead for the vaccine inoculations to be carried out from December 27, just after Christmas. President Macron has however said that the vaccine will not be mandatory even though a draft bill recommended that those who use public transport will have to get the vaccine sparking angry reaction in the country. France is set to begin COVID-19 vaccination drive from Sunday. Health minister Olivier Veran said, "I say it once again, vaccination is not mandatory."

Macron shows no coronavirus symptoms, self-isolation can end: French President's office

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-mutant-found-in-south-africa-spreads-more-swiftly-351972">coronavirus </a>was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain.

Watch:

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“Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/families-of-coronavirus-victims-sue-italy-for-100-million-euros-351928">EU </a>countries including other governments announced a ban on flights from the UK after a COVID-19 variant was announced by British PM Johnson last Saturday.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, British foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-strain-from-south-africa-detected-in-uk-health-secretary-matt-hancock-351873">Matt Hankock</a> had declared another strain was discovered in the UK which had come in from South Africa with two infected cases reported in the country.

The Johnson government moved quickly to introduce restrictions on travel from South Africa over the spread of another new variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-will-stay-with-us-for-the-next-10-years-says-vaccine-creator-351920">coronavirus</a>.

However, several European countries have now started easing travel bans imposed on Britain which has been negotiating with the EU for a last-minute Brexit deal which is set to announced shortly.

France had blocked the land border on Monday after PM Johnson declared that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferrable leading several thousand trucks stranded at the French-UK border at Dover.&nbsp;

Although the trucks were allowed to move early on Tuesday but British authorities insisted on a COVID-19 test for drivers leading to scuffles at the border as several truckers complained they would be stuck for days and would not make it in time for Christmas with their families even as WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge said that the UN body would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission &amp; communicating risks."

Meanwhile, the Europen Union is planning to kick off its vaccination from December 27 as most of Europe is being forced to celebrate Christmas at home.

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of coronavirus was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain. Watch: “Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

A day after the UK government declared a new strain of coronavirus was discovered from South Africa, China on suspended flights from Britain. Watch: “Taking into account the changing nature of the virus and the impact this could have, and to safeguard the health of Chinese and foreigners coming and going, the Chinese side decided to suspend flights with Britain, after a thorough evaluation and consultation of other countries’ policies,” China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. EU countries including other governments announced a ban on flights from the UK after a COVID-19 variant was announced by British PM Johnson last Saturday. On Wednesday, British foreign secretary Matt Hankock had declared another strain was discovered in the UK which had come in from South Africa with two infected cases reported in the country. The Johnson government moved quickly to introduce restrictions on travel from South Africa over the spread of another new variant of coronavirus. However, several European countries have now started easing travel bans imposed on Britain which has been negotiating with the EU for a last-minute Brexit deal which is set to announced shortly. France had blocked the land border on Monday after PM Johnson declared that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferrable leading several thousand trucks stranded at the French-UK border at Dover. Although the trucks were allowed to move early on Tuesday but British authorities insisted on a COVID-19 test for drivers leading to scuffles at the border as several truckers complained they would be stuck for days and would not make it in time for Christmas with their families even as WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge said that the UN body would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission & communicating risks." Meanwhile, the Europen Union is planning to kick off its vaccination from December 27 as most of Europe is being forced to celebrate Christmas at home.

Now, China suspends UK flights over new virus strain

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting.

Under Netanyahu's leadership and America's nudge, Arab nations are normalising ties with Israel but foreign policy wins do not always translate into domestic political gains and so Netanyahu will have to fight again to retain his chair.

Israel is bracing for its fourth election in two years. The unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz has crumbled after the two sides failed to pass an annual budget as Israel's parliament the Knesset was dissolved on Tuesday.

The next election is in March and Netanyahu remains the favourite, however, he faces challenging days ahead.

The Speaker of the Knesset announced that Israel will have another election. The first three elections were inconclusive but the pandemic forced Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to join hands and a rare government of national unity was formed but it didn't last even nine months.

"I must say that unfortunately we were unable to find enough common ground to prevent another round of elections and enable the 23rd Knesset and its members to exercise the mandate given us," Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, said.

"We are all going to face a difficult election campaign, and I call on each and every one of us, and on each and every Israeli citizen to refrain from exacerbating tensions and to do everything possible so that the election campaign is conducted and concludes in an orderly manner and without displays of violence," the Speaker added.

After the deadline to pass the Budget expired, the leaders were quick to switch to campaign mode with each side blaming the other for the crisis as Netanyahu fired the first shot. However, among the people, the frustration is palpable. They blame the leaders for failing to deliver a functioning government with the pandemic still raging Israelis say an election is the last thing they need right now.

"I think the early election is very bad for Israel and in general it's a very frustrating situation that we got ourselves into. The political standstill for the past few years is very very bad in general and our leadership is not doing what it's supposed to do which is to take care of Israeli citizens and the situation is very very very sad," Mickie Reshef, 32-year-old project manager, said.

"Well, naturally, a fourth election in less than two years isn't what the economy needs right now, isn't what the country needs, isn't what the people needs, in the middle of the pandemic - it's not over yet - we have started with the vaccines but a fourth election isn't good for anybody I think," Yazid Ershied, 22-year-old lawyer says.

Netanyahu is fighting to retain the prime minister's office for the sixth term. He faces another rival this time - Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. Saar is an experienced hand. He has served as Israel's education and interior minister.&nbsp;

Now, the Likud rebel wants to eat into Netanyahu's support base. An opinion poll shows Saar drawing even with Netanyahu with Benny Gantz falling behind.

Political competition is not Netanyahu's only problem, public outrage is also a major challenge. There is anger over his response to the Wuhan virus though Israel has already begun rolling out vaccines, but the prime minister faces corruption charges.

The campaign for the next election will unfold during the hearings against Netanyahu. The court proceedings may require him to appear in the defendant's dock several times despite the tough odds, Netanyahu has promised to fight and with a new challenger turning this election into a three-way contest, Israel's political crisis is set to grind on.

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting.

For Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, this year should have been the best of his political career as he's managed what no other Israeli prime minister could - four peace deals and counting. Under Netanyahu's leadership and America's nudge, Arab nations are normalising ties with Israel but foreign policy wins do not always translate into domestic political gains and so Netanyahu will have to fight again to retain his chair. Israel is bracing for its fourth election in two years. The unity government of Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz has crumbled after the two sides failed to pass an annual budget as Israel's parliament the Knesset was dissolved on Tuesday. The next election is in March and Netanyahu remains the favourite, however, he faces challenging days ahead. The Speaker of the Knesset announced that Israel will have another election. The first three elections were inconclusive but the pandemic forced Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to join hands and a rare government of national unity was formed but it didn't last even nine months. "I must say that unfortunately we were unable to find enough common ground to prevent another round of elections and enable the 23rd Knesset and its members to exercise the mandate given us," Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin, said. "We are all going to face a difficult election campaign, and I call on each and every one of us, and on each and every Israeli citizen to refrain from exacerbating tensions and to do everything possible so that the election campaign is conducted and concludes in an orderly manner and without displays of violence," the Speaker added. After the deadline to pass the Budget expired, the leaders were quick to switch to campaign mode with each side blaming the other for the crisis as Netanyahu fired the first shot. However, among the people, the frustration is palpable. They blame the leaders for failing to deliver a functioning government with the pandemic still raging Israelis say an election is the last thing they need right now. "I think the early election is very bad for Israel and in general it's a very frustrating situation that we got ourselves into. The political standstill for the past few years is very very bad in general and our leadership is not doing what it's supposed to do which is to take care of Israeli citizens and the situation is very very very sad," Mickie Reshef, 32-year-old project manager, said. "Well, naturally, a fourth election in less than two years isn't what the economy needs right now, isn't what the country needs, isn't what the people needs, in the middle of the pandemic - it's not over yet - we have started with the vaccines but a fourth election isn't good for anybody I think," Yazid Ershied, 22-year-old lawyer says. Netanyahu is fighting to retain the prime minister's office for the sixth term. He faces another rival this time - Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. Saar is an experienced hand. He has served as Israel's education and interior minister. Now, the Likud rebel wants to eat into Netanyahu's support base. An opinion poll shows Saar drawing even with Netanyahu with Benny Gantz falling behind. Political competition is not Netanyahu's only problem, public outrage is also a major challenge. There is anger over his response to the Wuhan virus though Israel has already begun rolling out vaccines, but the prime minister faces corruption charges. The campaign for the next election will unfold during the hearings against Netanyahu. The court proceedings may require him to appear in the defendant's dock several times despite the tough odds, Netanyahu has promised to fight and with a new challenger turning this election into a three-way contest, Israel's political crisis is set to grind on.

Netanyahu faces new opponent Gideon Saar as Israel braces for fourth election in two years

Hitler dreamt of ruling the world, Mussolini wanted to be the leader of a new Roman empire. Saddam Hussein wanted to be the next Nebuchad Nezzar - the longest-ruling, and the most powerful leader of the neo-Babylonian empire, however, Saddam's life and regime ended tragically.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to be the Caliph - the ruler of the Muslim world. The Turkey president's stint too seems to be staring at an end.

Erdogan is showing all signs of an imminent fall. He has been losing friends at home, friends abroad and losing voters even as his country's coffers have been losing money. These are typical signs - this is how authoritarian leaders fall. A leader is supposed to cater to his country, however, Erdogan has fed his personal dreams.

He wants to be the Caliph. He took on Saudi Arabia and wanted the loyalty of the Muslim world. So he picked fights with Europe. Erdogan needed Pakistan's support, so he raised Kashmir at the UN and burnt bridges with India.

The Turkey president needed votes at home, so he turned the museum of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Erdogan's theatrics were rightly rewarded - he lost votes at home and earned sanctions abroad.

His party lost its hold on Ankara and Istanbul as two big allies left Erdogan both citing economic decline. Malaysia, Georgia, &nbsp;Ukraine, Kenya, Nigeria across the world autocrats have fallen after their top allies have left.

An opinion poll found that 18 per cent of Turkey's voters would vote a former confidante of Erdogan. The poll was conducted in July 2020 and Erdogan's record has worsened since. Turkey's isolation is evident as is Erdogan's fall.

Leaders who are driven by their personal ambition lead their countries to disaster. US President Donald Trump let his personal whims dictate his policy as America lost friends and allies and Trump lost the election.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is another example. Xi has been guided by his personal desire to rule the world and driven his country into a crisis. Personal dreams cannot drive a country.

Trump couldn't make America great again, Chinese hawks and scholars are unhappy with Xi Jinping.

If a leader shapes his policies on personal ambitions, he is bound to fall.

Hitler dreamt of ruling the world, Mussolini wanted to be the leader of a new Roman empire. Saddam Hussein wanted to be the next Nebuchad Nezzar - the longest-ruling, and the most powerful leader of the neo-Babylonian empire, however, Saddam's life and regime ended tragically.

Hitler dreamt of ruling the world, Mussolini wanted to be the leader of a new Roman empire. Saddam Hussein wanted to be the next Nebuchad Nezzar - the longest-ruling, and the most powerful leader of the neo-Babylonian empire, however, Saddam's life and regime ended tragically. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to be the Caliph - the ruler of the Muslim world. The Turkey president's stint too seems to be staring at an end. Erdogan is showing all signs of an imminent fall. He has been losing friends at home, friends abroad and losing voters even as his country's coffers have been losing money. These are typical signs - this is how authoritarian leaders fall. A leader is supposed to cater to his country, however, Erdogan has fed his personal dreams. He wants to be the Caliph. He took on Saudi Arabia and wanted the loyalty of the Muslim world. So he picked fights with Europe. Erdogan needed Pakistan's support, so he raised Kashmir at the UN and burnt bridges with India. The Turkey president needed votes at home, so he turned the museum of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Erdogan's theatrics were rightly rewarded - he lost votes at home and earned sanctions abroad. His party lost its hold on Ankara and Istanbul as two big allies left Erdogan both citing economic decline. Malaysia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kenya, Nigeria across the world autocrats have fallen after their top allies have left. An opinion poll found that 18 per cent of Turkey's voters would vote a former confidante of Erdogan. The poll was conducted in July 2020 and Erdogan's record has worsened since. Turkey's isolation is evident as is Erdogan's fall. Leaders who are driven by their personal ambition lead their countries to disaster. US President Donald Trump let his personal whims dictate his policy as America lost friends and allies and Trump lost the election. Chinese president Xi Jinping is another example. Xi has been guided by his personal desire to rule the world and driven his country into a crisis. Personal dreams cannot drive a country. Trump couldn't make America great again, Chinese hawks and scholars are unhappy with Xi Jinping. If a leader shapes his policies on personal ambitions, he is bound to fall.

Erdogan stares at fall as personal ambitions shapes policy

Preisident&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-fights-for-survival-amid-party-defections-sliding-opinion-poll-351887">Erdogan</a>&nbsp;had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot.

The Turkish economy was considered a regional success story, however, problems have been piling up. Turkey's central bank used borrowed money to save the Lira.

Now, it has a deficit, that could run into billions of dollars.

The Turkish economy has been unravelling. In November, Turkey's inflation rate soared to a little more than 14 per cent which is a 15-month high and it hurts the people of Turkey directly.

Consumer prices have risen by 2.3 per cent. It's limiting what people can afford to buy as day-to-day expenses have gone up with food, beverages and transport becoming costlier.

Turkey's currency, the Lira has tanked since the beginning of this year. The Lira has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar and more than 30 per cent against the Euro.

According to reports, Turkey is spending far beyond its means. The pandemic has widened the cracks in the Turkish economy. It has exposed a $25 billion hole that the Erdogan government was trying to hide.

In March, Turkey's foreign currency reserves were propped up by short term borrowing as the Lira began to slide. Turkey's central bank spent billions of dollars to stop the bleeding which were borrowed from domestic banks.

By August, Turkey owed more foreign currency to banks than what it had in its coffers. The central bank owed $54 billion to Turkey's banks. According to an estimate, the Turkish central bank ended up spending around $65 billion by August more than what it had borrowed.

The central bank ended up $25 billion short and by September end the situation worsened. Turkey's foreign reserves are said to be in "deep negative territory". One estimates put the deficit at $50 billion.

Turkey only has Erdogan and his family to blame for the crisis. The international press has pointed fingers at Berat Albayrak, the president's son-in-law who suddenly resigned this year from the post of Turkey's finance minister. Albayrak is said to have been the brain behind the plan to rescue the Lira by pumping more money - a plan that cost Turkey $140 billion in two years.

Now, difficult choices lie ahead for Erdogan as a steep decline in the Lira could potentially bankrupt Turkish banks. The other option is a steep interest rate hike. It will stabilise the lira but throw the Turkish economy into a deeper recession.

The Turkish president finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Preisident Erdogan had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot.

Preisident Erdogan had waged his fights abroad betting on the Turkish economy. He hoped the Turkish economy will be able to foot the bills of his battles but it cannot. The Turkish economy was considered a regional success story, however, problems have been piling up. Turkey's central bank used borrowed money to save the Lira. Now, it has a deficit, that could run into billions of dollars. The Turkish economy has been unravelling. In November, Turkey's inflation rate soared to a little more than 14 per cent which is a 15-month high and it hurts the people of Turkey directly. Consumer prices have risen by 2.3 per cent. It's limiting what people can afford to buy as day-to-day expenses have gone up with food, beverages and transport becoming costlier. Turkey's currency, the Lira has tanked since the beginning of this year. The Lira has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value against the dollar and more than 30 per cent against the Euro. According to reports, Turkey is spending far beyond its means. The pandemic has widened the cracks in the Turkish economy. It has exposed a $25 billion hole that the Erdogan government was trying to hide. In March, Turkey's foreign currency reserves were propped up by short term borrowing as the Lira began to slide. Turkey's central bank spent billions of dollars to stop the bleeding which were borrowed from domestic banks. By August, Turkey owed more foreign currency to banks than what it had in its coffers. The central bank owed $54 billion to Turkey's banks. According to an estimate, the Turkish central bank ended up spending around $65 billion by August more than what it had borrowed. The central bank ended up $25 billion short and by September end the situation worsened. Turkey's foreign reserves are said to be in "deep negative territory". One estimates put the deficit at $50 billion. Turkey only has Erdogan and his family to blame for the crisis. The international press has pointed fingers at Berat Albayrak, the president's son-in-law who suddenly resigned this year from the post of Turkey's finance minister. Albayrak is said to have been the brain behind the plan to rescue the Lira by pumping more money - a plan that cost Turkey $140 billion in two years. Now, difficult choices lie ahead for Erdogan as a steep decline in the Lira could potentially bankrupt Turkish banks. The other option is a steep interest rate hike. It will stabilise the lira but throw the Turkish economy into a deeper recession. The Turkish president finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Erdogan's Turkey spends beyond its means as Lira loses value

The Turkey president wanted a neo-Ottoman empire but Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now fighting for survival.

Erdogan's dreams to lead the Muslim world could end prematurely as he is paying the price for his adventurism for picking unnecessary fights with world leaders and for waging costly wars.

Turkey president's allies have been deserting him and his party is breaking up. Erdogan's voters are losing faith in him and his critics have been ending up in jail in thousands.

President Erdogan's many missteps have been threatening his reign. An incident took place a few weeks back. Bulent Aarinc is a founding member of Turkey's ruling party. He is a former deputy prime minister.

He served on the presidential high advisory board. The board is the top advisor to the Turkish president. Bulent Arinc was part of Erdogan's inner circle, then suddenly, he decided to leave.

According to reports, Arinc and Erdogan had a dispute over reforms. Arinc also wanted the release of two high profile prisoners but, Erdogan was in no mood to comply. In fact, he picked a new fight. The Turkey president publicly accused his deputy of "standing with terrorists".

Meanwhile, Erdogan's top aides have been leaving him with party splintering and driving these departures is dissent and disagreement with the president.

The defections at the lower level began last year and by September last year, Erdogan had lost 8,40,000 members. Two key members of Erdogan's party left him - Ali Babajan - the former minister of economy and Ahmet Davu Tuolo, former prime minister.

The high profile exits led to more departures and whenever a top leader leaves a party he takes his supporters with him. The mass departures started showing in official data of Erdogan's party.

In August 2018, the justice and development party had almost 11 million members. In one year, the numbers dropped to less than 10 million and now even Erdogan couldn't ignore the defections. So, he tried to spin it. In a speech, he claimed that 95 per cent of the members who left have actually died.

The two top leaders who left launched their own political outfits. It split the voter base of the president's party as Erdogan's popularity took a hit. opinion polls in the last two months go against the Turkish president.

In October, 78 per cent of the people in Turkey believed that the economic situation of the country is getting worse. 58 per cent respondents who supported Erdogan's party felt that the economy is doing badly.

The president's ratings have plummeted. In the same month, support for his party fell to 28.5 per cent. In November, 46.6 per cent of the citizens of Turkey did not approve of Erdogan's performance on the job.

The Turkey president wanted a neo-Ottoman empire but Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now fighting for survival. Erdogan's dreams to lead the Muslim world could end prematurely as he is paying the price for his adventurism for picking unnecessary fights with world leaders and for waging costly wars.

The Turkey president wanted a neo-Ottoman empire but Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now fighting for survival. Erdogan's dreams to lead the Muslim world could end prematurely as he is paying the price for his adventurism for picking unnecessary fights with world leaders and for waging costly wars. Turkey president's allies have been deserting him and his party is breaking up. Erdogan's voters are losing faith in him and his critics have been ending up in jail in thousands. President Erdogan's many missteps have been threatening his reign. An incident took place a few weeks back. Bulent Aarinc is a founding member of Turkey's ruling party. He is a former deputy prime minister. He served on the presidential high advisory board. The board is the top advisor to the Turkish president. Bulent Arinc was part of Erdogan's inner circle, then suddenly, he decided to leave. According to reports, Arinc and Erdogan had a dispute over reforms. Arinc also wanted the release of two high profile prisoners but, Erdogan was in no mood to comply. In fact, he picked a new fight. The Turkey president publicly accused his deputy of "standing with terrorists". Meanwhile, Erdogan's top aides have been leaving him with party splintering and driving these departures is dissent and disagreement with the president. The defections at the lower level began last year and by September last year, Erdogan had lost 8,40,000 members. Two key members of Erdogan's party left him - Ali Babajan - the former minister of economy and Ahmet Davu Tuolo, former prime minister. The high profile exits led to more departures and whenever a top leader leaves a party he takes his supporters with him. The mass departures started showing in official data of Erdogan's party. In August 2018, the justice and development party had almost 11 million members. In one year, the numbers dropped to less than 10 million and now even Erdogan couldn't ignore the defections. So, he tried to spin it. In a speech, he claimed that 95 per cent of the members who left have actually died. The two top leaders who left launched their own political outfits. It split the voter base of the president's party as Erdogan's popularity took a hit. opinion polls in the last two months go against the Turkish president. In October, 78 per cent of the people in Turkey believed that the economic situation of the country is getting worse. 58 per cent respondents who supported Erdogan's party felt that the economy is doing badly. The president's ratings have plummeted. In the same month, support for his party fell to 28.5 per cent. In November, 46.6 per cent of the citizens of Turkey did not approve of Erdogan's performance on the job.

Erdogan fights for survival amid party defections, sliding opinion poll

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-rejects-covid-19-stimulus-package-us-orders-another-100-million-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-doses-351856">COVID-19 </a>has been detected which has originated from South Africa.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-records-highest-daily-covid-19-spike-reported-36804-new-infections-351804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Anyone who has been in South Africa during the last fortnight or anyone who was&nbsp;in close contact with anyone in South Africa must be quarantined immediately," Hancock said, adding, "all travellers from South Africa in the past two weeks must isolate immediately due to the new variant which has been identified."

"The development is “highly concerning” because the new variant is more transmissible and appears to have mutated further," he added. Hancock said South Africa has been placed in immediate travel restriction with two cases detected in the country.

As the virus continues to surge in the country, the health secretary informed that there has been a significant number of new variant cases rising in East Anglia.

Hancock announced that Essex, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire will enter Tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day while Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Warrington enter Tier 3 restrictions.

"Cornwall and Herefordshire will go into Tier 2 from&nbsp;Boxing Day," he said.

British PM Johnson last Saturday had said a new strain of the virus was discovered which was "70 per cent" more transferable while announcing&nbsp;Tier 4 lockdown measures across England.

The&nbsp; British PM's revelation had lead several countries to impose travel restrictions on UK which is expected to continue in the New Year.

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of COVID-19 has been detected which has originated from South Africa.

As the UK battles a new strain of coronavirus, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said another new strain of COVID-19 has been detected which has originated from South Africa. Watch: "Anyone who has been in South Africa during the last fortnight or anyone who was in close contact with anyone in South Africa must be quarantined immediately," Hancock said, adding, "all travellers from South Africa in the past two weeks must isolate immediately due to the new variant which has been identified." "The development is “highly concerning” because the new variant is more transmissible and appears to have mutated further," he added. Hancock said South Africa has been placed in immediate travel restriction with two cases detected in the country. As the virus continues to surge in the country, the health secretary informed that there has been a significant number of new variant cases rising in East Anglia. Hancock announced that Essex, Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire will enter Tier 4 restrictions from Boxing Day while Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, Isle of Wight, New Forest, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Warrington enter Tier 3 restrictions. "Cornwall and Herefordshire will go into Tier 2 from Boxing Day," he said. British PM Johnson last Saturday had said a new strain of the virus was discovered which was "70 per cent" more transferable while announcing Tier 4 lockdown measures across England. The British PM's revelation had lead several countries to impose travel restrictions on UK which is expected to continue in the New Year.

New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in UK: Health secretary Matt Hancock

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