A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August.&nbsp;

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a statement obtained by the news agency AFP, "The flat halting of Russian visas by all EU member states could be another very effective sanction."&nbsp;

Lipavsky added, "In a time of Russian aggression, which the Kremlin keeps on escalating, there cannot be talks about common tourism for Russian citizens."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frankly-irresponsible-zelensky-asks-officials-to-stop-sharing-ukraines-military-tactics-506237">'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics</a>&nbsp;

The foreign minister further said that the move would send "a very clear and straightforward signal to the Russian society" and it will show that "the Western world does not tolerate the Russian regime's aggression and hateful rhetoric aimed at free, democratic countries that pose no threat to Russia."&nbsp;

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the West to ban all Russian travellers during an interview with the Washington Post this week. Zelensky said that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-backs-indias-call-for-urgent-un-security-council-reforms-506169">France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian Defence Ministry releases footage of SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, announced the invasion of Ukraine what he calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;

Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the invasion, multiple sanctions were imposed on Russia by the United States and several other Western countries.&nbsp;

A day after the invasion, i.e. February 25, The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency, stopped issuing visas for ordinary Russians.

But Russian tourists are still flowing into Europe through Finland. And once they enter the visa-free Schengen zone, they can travel across most of Europe.&nbsp;

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A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August.

A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a statement obtained by the news agency AFP, "The flat halting of Russian visas by all EU member states could be another very effective sanction." Lipavsky added, "In a time of Russian aggression, which the Kremlin keeps on escalating, there cannot be talks about common tourism for Russian citizens." ALSO READ | 'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics The foreign minister further said that the move would send "a very clear and straightforward signal to the Russian society" and it will show that "the Western world does not tolerate the Russian regime's aggression and hateful rhetoric aimed at free, democratic countries that pose no threat to Russia." This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the West to ban all Russian travellers during an interview with the Washington Post this week. Zelensky said that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy". ALSO READ | France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms WATCH | Russian Defence Ministry releases footage of SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies × Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, announced the invasion of Ukraine what he calls a "special military operation". Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country. In the aftermath of the invasion, multiple sanctions were imposed on Russia by the United States and several other Western countries. A day after the invasion, i.e. February 25, The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency, stopped issuing visas for ordinary Russians. But Russian tourists are still flowing into Europe through Finland. And once they enter the visa-free Schengen zone, they can travel across most of Europe. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union's next step could include blanket ban on visas for all Russians

Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement.&nbsp;

Quoting a senior (unidentified) Iranian diplomat, the news agency stated that a European Union proposal to revive the deal "can be acceptable if it provides assurances" on Tehran's key demands.&nbsp;

"The European Union's proposals are acceptable provided that they provide assurances to Iran on various points, related to sanctions and safeguards," IRNA said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frankly-irresponsible-zelensky-asks-officials-to-stop-sharing-ukraines-military-tactics-506237">'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics</a>&nbsp;

It added that the assurances must also be provided on pending issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).&nbsp;

At Friday prayers in the capital Tehran, Kazem Seddiqi said, "We insist on getting the necessary guarantees, the lifting of sanctions and verification, and if this is achieved, then our negotiating team will tell the people that sanctions have been lifted thanks to your resistance and power."&nbsp;

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-backs-indias-call-for-urgent-un-security-council-reforms-506169">France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms</a>&nbsp;

But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later.&nbsp;

The ongoing EU-coordinated negotiations to revive the JCPOA started in April 2021. However, it came to a standstill in March.&nbsp;

In the latest development, the EU said on Tuesday that it expected Tehran and Washington to "very quickly" respond to a "final" text aimed at salvaging the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

Although Tehran denies it, but reports have stated that Iran is already enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity.

The level is far above a cap of 3.67% set under the now tattered nuclear deal which was signed in 2015. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb.&nbsp;

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Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Iran's official news agency IRNA on Friday (August 12) suggested that Tehran may accept the final compromise worked out in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear agreement. Quoting a senior (unidentified) Iranian diplomat, the news agency stated that a European Union proposal to revive the deal "can be acceptable if it provides assurances" on Tehran's key demands. "The European Union's proposals are acceptable provided that they provide assurances to Iran on various points, related to sanctions and safeguards," IRNA said. ALSO READ | 'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics It added that the assurances must also be provided on pending issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At Friday prayers in the capital Tehran, Kazem Seddiqi said, "We insist on getting the necessary guarantees, the lifting of sanctions and verification, and if this is achieved, then our negotiating team will tell the people that sanctions have been lifted thanks to your resistance and power." The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and Iran agreed to a pact with six major powers to limit its nuclear program. It was harder for Iran to obtain a weapon in return for relief from economic sanctions. ALSO READ | France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms But former US President Donald Trump reneged on the deal in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. Trump's decision led Tehran to start violating the agreement's nuclear limits about a year later. The ongoing EU-coordinated negotiations to revive the JCPOA started in April 2021. However, it came to a standstill in March. In the latest development, the EU said on Tuesday that it expected Tehran and Washington to "very quickly" respond to a "final" text aimed at salvaging the 2015 deal. Although Tehran denies it, but reports have stated that Iran is already enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity. The level is far above a cap of 3.67% set under the now tattered nuclear deal which was signed in 2015. Uranium enriched to 90% is suitable for a nuclear bomb. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran may accept compromise on nuclear deal, hints state news agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket.

"I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters.

"Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview.

"SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at."

Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase.

"We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration.

"We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said.

SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker.

Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6.

Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch.

On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions.

'WAKE-UP CALL'

Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year.

Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback.

"But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for."

Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working.

"This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence."

However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024".

But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans.

"The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets. The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket. "I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters. "Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview. "SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at." Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase. "We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration. "We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said. SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment. SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker. Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6. Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch. On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions. 'WAKE-UP CALL' Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year. Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback. "But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for." Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working. "This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence." However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS). Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024". But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans. "The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

Europe eyes Elon Musk's SpaceX to bridge launch gap left by Russia tensions

Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the&nbsp;parliament by the end of next week.

Supporters of the populist leader have occupied the Iraqi parliament since July after a 10-month political stalemate that followed elections last October. Sadr was the biggest winner but failed to form a government free of Iranian-backed parties.

He withdrew his lawmakers from parliament and is now preventing the chamber from electing a new government and is demanding early elections.

On Wednesday, he said the judiciary must dissolve parliament by the end of next week. If not "the revolutionaries will take another stand", he said without elaborating.

Outside parliament on Friday thousands of Sadr supporters gathered for prayer. Most were dressed in black to mark the Muslim month of Muharram and some wore white capes symbolising burial shrouds and their willingness to die.

"You will not break Iraq as long as Sadr is here," an imam told the crowd from a big red stage set up outside parliament. "There is no going back from this revolution ... and the people will not give up their demands."

In the intense summer heat, men picked their way through the worshippers and sprayed them with cold water. Some carried portraits of Sadr and his father, also a prominent cleric, as well as Iraqi flags.

"We have revolted and there is no going back," said Mohammed Elwan, 40, carrying a portrait of Sadr.

Hamid Hussain, a father of five, said: "I am here to call for an early election and make sure that all the corrupt faces are excluded from the upcoming elections...I became unemployed because of the corrupt parties."

Sadr's opponents also accuse him of corruption. They say his loyalists have run some of Iraq's most corrupt and dysfunctional government departments.

Iran-aligned political groups were expected to hold their own demonstration later on Friday, the latest in a series of protest and counter-protest in recent days which have led to fears of unrest.

Sadr counts millions of Iraqis among his followers and has shown he can still stir up gatherings by hundreds of thousands of supporters, mostly working-class Shi'ite Muslims, if he needs to exert political pressure. 
 
His father Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr was killed more than 20 years ago for his outspoken opposition to Saddam Hussein. When Saddam was toppled in a U.S.-led invasion in 2003 Sadr began an insurgency against the U.S. troops.

His new foes, however, are fellow Shi'ite leaders and parties mostly aligned with Iran, as Sadr has positioned himself as a nationalist who rejects foreign interference. Those groups, like Sadr, are backed by heavily armed militias, but do not hold the same sway as he does over masses of fanatical followers.

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Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the parliament by the end of next week.

Thousands of followers of Moqtada al-Sadr held a mass prayer outside the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad on Friday in a show of support for the powerful Shi'ite cleric who has called for Iraq's judiciary to dissolve the parliament by the end of next week. Supporters of the populist leader have occupied the Iraqi parliament since July after a 10-month political stalemate that followed elections last October. Sadr was the biggest winner but failed to form a government free of Iranian-backed parties. He withdrew his lawmakers from parliament and is now preventing the chamber from electing a new government and is demanding early elections. On Wednesday, he said the judiciary must dissolve parliament by the end of next week. If not "the revolutionaries will take another stand", he said without elaborating. Outside parliament on Friday thousands of Sadr supporters gathered for prayer. Most were dressed in black to mark the Muslim month of Muharram and some wore white capes symbolising burial shrouds and their willingness to die. "You will not break Iraq as long as Sadr is here," an imam told the crowd from a big red stage set up outside parliament. "There is no going back from this revolution ... and the people will not give up their demands." In the intense summer heat, men picked their way through the worshippers and sprayed them with cold water. Some carried portraits of Sadr and his father, also a prominent cleric, as well as Iraqi flags. "We have revolted and there is no going back," said Mohammed Elwan, 40, carrying a portrait of Sadr. Hamid Hussain, a father of five, said: "I am here to call for an early election and make sure that all the corrupt faces are excluded from the upcoming elections...I became unemployed because of the corrupt parties." Sadr's opponents also accuse him of corruption. They say his loyalists have run some of Iraq's most corrupt and dysfunctional government departments. Iran-aligned political groups were expected to hold their own demonstration later on Friday, the latest in a series of protest and counter-protest in recent days which have led to fears of unrest. Sadr counts millions of Iraqis among his followers and has shown he can still stir up gatherings by hundreds of thousands of supporters, mostly working-class Shi'ite Muslims, if he needs to exert political pressure. His father Mohammed Sadiq al-Sadr was killed more than 20 years ago for his outspoken opposition to Saddam Hussein. When Saddam was toppled in a U.S.-led invasion in 2003 Sadr began an insurgency against the U.S. troops. His new foes, however, are fellow Shi'ite leaders and parties mostly aligned with Iran, as Sadr has positioned himself as a nationalist who rejects foreign interference. Those groups, like Sadr, are backed by heavily armed militias, but do not hold the same sway as he does over masses of fanatical followers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sadr followers hold mass prayer outside Iraqi parliament in show of force

Blazes that have torched tens of thousands of hectares of forest in France, Spain and Portugal have made 2022 a record year for wildfire activity in southwestern&nbsp;Europe, the EU's satellite monitoring service said Friday.&nbsp;

Amid a prolonged heatwave that saw temperature records tumble, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) said that France had in the last three months reached the highest levels of carbon pollution from wildfires since records began in 2003.

It follows Spain registering its highest ever wildfire carbon emissions last month.

CAMS said the daily total fire radiative power -- a measure of the blazes' intensity -- in France, Spain and Portugal in July and August was "significantly higher" than average.

The service warned that a large proportion of western&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;was now in "extreme fire danger" with some areas of "very extreme fire danger".

"We have been monitoring an increase in the number and resulting emissions of wildfires as heatwave conditions have exacerbated fires in southwestern France and the Iberian Peninsula," said Mark Parrington, CAMS senior scientist.&nbsp;

"The very extreme fire danger ratings that have been forecasted for large areas of southern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;mean that the scale and intensity of any fires can be greatly increased, and this is what we have been observing in our emissions estimates and the impacts it has on local air quality."

CAMS released satellite imagery showing a plume of smoke from the huge in southwestern France extending hundreds of kilometres over the Atlantic.&nbsp;

France has received help battling the latest blaze -- which is 40-kilometres (25 miles) wide and which forced some 10,000 people to evacuate the region -- in the form of 361 firefighters from European neighbours including Germany, Poland, Austria and Romania.

Globally, 2022 is currently the fourth highest year in terms of wildfire carbon, CAMS said.

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Blazes that have torched tens of thousands of hectares of forest in France, Spain and Portugal have made 2022 a record year for wildfire activity in southwestern Europe, the EU's satellite monitoring service said Friday.

Blazes that have torched tens of thousands of hectares of forest in France, Spain and Portugal have made 2022 a record year for wildfire activity in southwestern Europe, the EU's satellite monitoring service said Friday. Amid a prolonged heatwave that saw temperature records tumble, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) said that France had in the last three months reached the highest levels of carbon pollution from wildfires since records began in 2003. It follows Spain registering its highest ever wildfire carbon emissions last month. CAMS said the daily total fire radiative power -- a measure of the blazes' intensity -- in France, Spain and Portugal in July and August was "significantly higher" than average. The service warned that a large proportion of western Europe was now in "extreme fire danger" with some areas of "very extreme fire danger". "We have been monitoring an increase in the number and resulting emissions of wildfires as heatwave conditions have exacerbated fires in southwestern France and the Iberian Peninsula," said Mark Parrington, CAMS senior scientist. "The very extreme fire danger ratings that have been forecasted for large areas of southern Europe mean that the scale and intensity of any fires can be greatly increased, and this is what we have been observing in our emissions estimates and the impacts it has on local air quality." CAMS released satellite imagery showing a plume of smoke from the huge in southwestern France extending hundreds of kilometres over the Atlantic. France has received help battling the latest blaze -- which is 40-kilometres (25 miles) wide and which forced some 10,000 people to evacuate the region -- in the form of 361 firefighters from European neighbours including Germany, Poland, Austria and Romania. Globally, 2022 is currently the fourth highest year in terms of wildfire carbon, CAMS said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

2022 sets record fire activity in southwest Europe: EU

Parts of England are not receiving significant rainfall all summer and amid a period of prolonged hot and dry weather, authorities on Friday (August 12) officially declared a drought for the affected regions.&nbsp;

After a formal meeting of the National Drought Group, Water Minister Steve Double said, "All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies."&nbsp;

Double added, "We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed."&nbsp;

The Environment Agency said in a statement that parts of southern, central and eastern England are now in drought status.&nbsp;

The agency has moved into drought in eight of its 14 regions, which are Kent and south London, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Herts and north London, East Anglia, Thames, and the east Midlands.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/animal-rights-activists-protest-after-carriage-horse-collapses-due-to-heat-watch-506231">Animal rights activists protest after carriage horse collapses due to heat</a>&nbsp;

The announcement means, that the water companies now will step up efforts to manage the impact of dry weather on farmers and also the environment.&nbsp;

The Environment Agency also mentioned that the water companies will also focus on their published drought plans, which might include hosepipe bans.&nbsp;

The UK has been reeling due to extreme heat in the past weeks with July being quite a challenge for the entire country. As per a report, July was the driest July for England since 1935 as the temperatures rose above 40C for the first time.&nbsp;

The weather department of the country also said that the period from January to June this year saw the least rainfall in England and Wales since 1976.&nbsp;

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WATCH | WION Climate Tracker| UK: Source of Thames river dries up; England faces drought like conditions&nbsp;

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Harvey Bradshaw, who is the National Drought Group chair, was quoted as saying, "We urge everyone to manage the amount of water they are using in this exceptionally dry period."&nbsp;

Authorities announced measures such as hosepipe bans to take the situation amid reports that England and Wales are severely impacted.&nbsp;

As per the Met Office, the UK overall had 56 per cent of its average rainfall for July. The weather department also mentioned that every month except February has been drier than average this year.&nbsp;

The source of the River Thames has dried up. It supplies 15 million people around London.&nbsp;

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Parts of England are not receiving significant rainfall all summer and amid a period of prolonged hot and dry weather, authorities on Friday (August 12) officially declared a drought for the affected regions.

Parts of England are not receiving significant rainfall all summer and amid a period of prolonged hot and dry weather, authorities on Friday (August 12) officially declared a drought for the affected regions. After a formal meeting of the National Drought Group, Water Minister Steve Double said, "All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies." Double added, "We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed." The Environment Agency said in a statement that parts of southern, central and eastern England are now in drought status. The agency has moved into drought in eight of its 14 regions, which are Kent and south London, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, Devon and Cornwall, Solent and South Downs, Herts and north London, East Anglia, Thames, and the east Midlands. WATCH | Animal rights activists protest after carriage horse collapses due to heat The announcement means, that the water companies now will step up efforts to manage the impact of dry weather on farmers and also the environment. The Environment Agency also mentioned that the water companies will also focus on their published drought plans, which might include hosepipe bans. The UK has been reeling due to extreme heat in the past weeks with July being quite a challenge for the entire country. As per a report, July was the driest July for England since 1935 as the temperatures rose above 40C for the first time. The weather department of the country also said that the period from January to June this year saw the least rainfall in England and Wales since 1976. ALSO READ | UK: After emergence of samples, children in London to be offered polio booster WATCH | WION Climate Tracker| UK: Source of Thames river dries up; England faces drought like conditions × Harvey Bradshaw, who is the National Drought Group chair, was quoted as saying, "We urge everyone to manage the amount of water they are using in this exceptionally dry period." Authorities announced measures such as hosepipe bans to take the situation amid reports that England and Wales are severely impacted. As per the Met Office, the UK overall had 56 per cent of its average rainfall for July. The weather department also mentioned that every month except February has been drier than average this year. The source of the River Thames has dried up. It supplies 15 million people around London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid heatwave, UK declares drought across eight areas of England

Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital. Authorities are alarmed as the virus can cause paralysis.&nbsp;

A health ministry statement said the move came "following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London." The state mentioned that a targeted booster would be offered to children between one and nine.&nbsp;

"Following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (<abbr title="Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation">JCVI</abbr>) has advised that a targeted inactivated polio vaccine (<abbr title="inactivated polio vaccine">IPV</abbr>) booster dose should be offered to all children between the ages of 1 and 9 in all London boroughs,"&nbsp;UK Health Security Agency's statement on August 10 read.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-in-uk-amid-fears-of-new-outbreaks-vaccines-set-to-run-out-505657">Monkeypox in UK: Amid fears of new outbreaks, vaccines set to run out</a>

The last case of polio in the UK was in 1984. But concerns have been raised as since February this year, the polio virus has been found 116 times in London's waste water. It was first detected at an east London treatment work earlier this year.&nbsp;

To tackle the situation, the country is banking on an urgent immunisation campaign, which is expected to see nearly a million children offered the vaccine. Notably, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease so far.&nbsp;

The statement said, "The detected levels suggest "that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-russia-ukraine-war-caused-rise-in-premature-births-in-ukraine-505598">Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine?</a>&nbsp;

Kathlene O'Reilly, who is a polio eradication expert, said, "The discovery in the London sewage samples suggests "there may be localised spread of poliovirus."&nbsp;

Vanessa Saliba, the consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said, "For the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low."&nbsp;

She added, "But we know the areas in London where the poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the virus is spreading in these communities and puts those residents not fully vaccinated at greater risk."&nbsp;

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Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital.

Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital. Authorities are alarmed as the virus can cause paralysis. A health ministry statement said the move came "following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London." The state mentioned that a targeted booster would be offered to children between one and nine. "Following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a targeted inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) booster dose should be offered to all children between the ages of 1 and 9 in all London boroughs," UK Health Security Agency's statement on August 10 read. ALSO READ | Monkeypox in UK: Amid fears of new outbreaks, vaccines set to run out The last case of polio in the UK was in 1984. But concerns have been raised as since February this year, the polio virus has been found 116 times in London's waste water. It was first detected at an east London treatment work earlier this year. To tackle the situation, the country is banking on an urgent immunisation campaign, which is expected to see nearly a million children offered the vaccine. Notably, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease so far. The statement said, "The detected levels suggest "that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas." ALSO READ | Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine? Kathlene O'Reilly, who is a polio eradication expert, said, "The discovery in the London sewage samples suggests "there may be localised spread of poliovirus." Vanessa Saliba, the consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said, "For the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low." She added, "But we know the areas in London where the poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the virus is spreading in these communities and puts those residents not fully vaccinated at greater risk." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: After emergence of samples, children in London to be offered polio booster

Skywatchers in Canada and UK witness breathtaking views of Northern Lights - see pics

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to an apparent increase in premature births in Ukraine, the global health agency Unitaid said Tuesday (August 9). If babies are born at least three weeks before a full 40-week pregnancy, they are premature.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to an apparent increase in premature births in Ukraine, the global health agency Unitaid said Tuesday (August 9). If babies are born at least three weeks before a full 40-week pregnancy, they are premature. A spokesperson for the UN-backed global health initiative told the World Health Organization (WHO) that the Ukraine war is increasing the risks of premature births and causing babies to need more oxygen. Why is it happening? Herve Verhoosel, who is the Unitaid spokesman, told reporters in Geneva that Russia's invasion of Ukraine "increases levels of stress in pregnant women, which leads to an increase in the number of premature births reported". On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the invasion of Ukraine what it calls a "special military operation". Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country. ALSO READ | Iraq begins work on reconstructing the Mosul airport The war has led to massive humanitarian crises. Thousands of people lost their lives and millions were displaced as they migrated in search of safer places. So far, the invasion has seen hundreds of hospitals damaged or destroyed. The supply lines are also disrupted. The entire scenario has placed newborn babies at risk of death or disability from a lack of access to equipment and oxygen. Verhoosel said that "Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop respiratory, neurological or digestive complications - conditions that often require oxygen for treatment." What's the current scenario? The Unitaid is working with some of the Ukrainian hospitals and the health agency found that the premature baby rate had gone up from 12 per cent to 40 per cent since Russia invaded. Verhoosel noted that the increase in premature births "is real" as he said that a larger number of uncomplicated births are now taking place at home. ALSO READ | France: Beluga whale stranded in Seine river dies during rescue attempt How to tackle it? Well, ending the war is the best option, but Unitaid revealed what is it doing to help mother and their newborns. Unitaid said that Bubble CPAP is a non-invasive way of ventilating newborns who are struggling to breathe. Unitaid said that it provided 220 Bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and 125 oxygen blender systems to supply infants with breathing support and oxygen therapy. Oxygen blenders prevent eye, lung, and brain damage associated with giving babies pure oxygen. As stated by Unitaid, this portable device allows for the precise delivery of oxygen concentration, flow and pressure. The device can greatly improve the chances for newborns and infants. WATCH | Episode 1 | Inside Xi's China The Great Gameplan | WION special Series × The Bubble CPAP system costs less than $500 per unit to produce. The best part is, that this system can work round the clock for three years without recharging. Verhoosel added, "The conflict in Ukraine has seen many hospitals damaged or destroyed, and supply chains have been severed. This puts thousands of newborns at high risk of disability or death from a lack in access to oxygen, necessary equipment, and essential treatments." So far, the World Health Organization has verified 434 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine since the Russian invasion, including 366 that impacted on health facilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine

Trouble continues to mount for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is accused of receiving funding from prohibited sources.&nbsp;

Recently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled that Khan’s party had received millions of dollars as prohibited and illegal funds. ECP also issued a notice to the party asking why the funds should not be confiscated.&nbsp;

The long-awaited verdict was announced in the first week of August by a three-member ECP bench, which was headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-political-crisis-imrans-party-in-turmoil-after-shahbaz-gills-arrest-505456">Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest</a>&nbsp;

PTI founding member Akbar S Babar had filed the case. It had been pending since November 14, 2014.&nbsp;

ECP had also issued a notice to Khan and ordered him to appear personally on August 23 at the hearing in the prohibited funding case.&nbsp;

In a recent development, PTI led by Imran Khan on Wednesday (August 10) challenged ECP's verdict in the Islamabad High Court.&nbsp;

Imran Khan has rejected the verdict, stating that it is a part of a political vendetta against him. Khan also asked Sikander Sultan Raja to resign.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-govt-asks-thailand-to-grant-entry-to-gotabaya-rajapaksa-505609">Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>&nbsp;

News agencies reported that the additional secretary general Omar Ayyub asked the court on behalf of the party to declare the election commission's decision as illegal. The writ also asked to annul the show-cause notice issued to the party.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In a speech on Thursday, Khan rejected the verdict and other allegations. He said that the funding was received by the party in 2012 when it was not prohibited.&nbsp;

As seen by the news agency Reuters, ECP's ruling stated: "The commission is satisfied that the contributions and donations have been received by the respondent party from prohibited sources."&nbsp;

The verdict also mentioned that the party hid 13 accounts and the declaration submitted to the commission about the party finances by Khan as its chairman from 2008 to 2013 was “found to be grossly inaccurate”.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Trouble continues to mount for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is accused of receiving funding from prohibited sources.

Trouble continues to mount for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is accused of receiving funding from prohibited sources. Recently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled that Khan’s party had received millions of dollars as prohibited and illegal funds. ECP also issued a notice to the party asking why the funds should not be confiscated. The long-awaited verdict was announced in the first week of August by a three-member ECP bench, which was headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja. ALSO READ | Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest PTI founding member Akbar S Babar had filed the case. It had been pending since November 14, 2014. ECP had also issued a notice to Khan and ordered him to appear personally on August 23 at the hearing in the prohibited funding case. In a recent development, PTI led by Imran Khan on Wednesday (August 10) challenged ECP's verdict in the Islamabad High Court. Imran Khan has rejected the verdict, stating that it is a part of a political vendetta against him. Khan also asked Sikander Sultan Raja to resign. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa News agencies reported that the additional secretary general Omar Ayyub asked the court on behalf of the party to declare the election commission's decision as illegal. The writ also asked to annul the show-cause notice issued to the party. In a speech on Thursday, Khan rejected the verdict and other allegations. He said that the funding was received by the party in 2012 when it was not prohibited. As seen by the news agency Reuters, ECP's ruling stated: "The commission is satisfied that the contributions and donations have been received by the respondent party from prohibited sources." The verdict also mentioned that the party hid 13 accounts and the declaration submitted to the commission about the party finances by Khan as its chairman from 2008 to 2013 was “found to be grossly inaccurate”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Imran Khan's party PTI challenges election commission's illegal funding case verdict in Islamabad HC

An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said.

The vessel foundered at dawn off the islands of Karpathos and Rhodes after setting sail on Tuesday from Antalya, southern Turkey, heading for Italy.

"According to the statements of 29 rescued people, there were 80 people on the boat, so up to 50 people are missing," a coastguard press office official told AFP.

But state television channel ERT said the number of people on board had been between 30 and 60.

Coastguard spokesman Nikos Kokalas told the channel: "It's not possible that the boat could have been transferring 80 migrants. We are talking about a lower number."

The rescue effort, ordered by merchant shipping minister Yannis Plakiotakis, according to a coastguard statement, included four vessels already sailing in the southern Aegean, two coastguard patrol boats and a Greek air force helicopter.

Strong winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (30 mph) were hampering the operation, Kokalas told Skai radio.

"Many of those shipwrecked were not wearing life-jackets," Kokalas said.

A video posted by the coastguard showed an army helicopter rescuing two survivors from the sea and transferring them to Karpathos.

Another 27 people were transferred to land aboard a tanker that joined the search off the island of Kos, said the coastguard.

Dozens of deaths&nbsp;

Although the migrant boat appears to have been trying to get to Italy,&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;is often the country of choice for people fleeing Africa and the Middle East to try to reach a better life in the European Union.

Thousands come to&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;via Turkey over the narrow and perilous sea crossing separating the traditional enemies.

Sixty-four people have perished in the eastern Mediterranean since January, the International Organization for Migration says.

Eight people died off the Greek island of Mykonos on June 19 when 108 more were rescued, according to the UN migration body.

The Greek coastguard on Sunday said 122 migrants were rescued near Rhodes after their vessel ran into trouble after sailing from Turkey.

Athens says migrant arrival numbers have climbed this year and accuses Ankara of not doing enough to stop smugglers from sending them across the border -- often in flimsy boats that make for dangerous journeys.

Turkey pledged under a 2016 deal to cut migrant numbers leaving its shores in return for financial aid from the European Union.

At the end of June, the EU urged Ankara to halt "violent and illegal expulsions" from its territory.

Charity groups and media accuse Athens of illegally turning back migrants, a charge&nbsp;Greece's conservative Greek government has denied.

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An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said.

An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said. The vessel foundered at dawn off the islands of Karpathos and Rhodes after setting sail on Tuesday from Antalya, southern Turkey, heading for Italy. "According to the statements of 29 rescued people, there were 80 people on the boat, so up to 50 people are missing," a coastguard press office official told AFP. But state television channel ERT said the number of people on board had been between 30 and 60. Coastguard spokesman Nikos Kokalas told the channel: "It's not possible that the boat could have been transferring 80 migrants. We are talking about a lower number." The rescue effort, ordered by merchant shipping minister Yannis Plakiotakis, according to a coastguard statement, included four vessels already sailing in the southern Aegean, two coastguard patrol boats and a Greek air force helicopter. Strong winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (30 mph) were hampering the operation, Kokalas told Skai radio. "Many of those shipwrecked were not wearing life-jackets," Kokalas said. A video posted by the coastguard showed an army helicopter rescuing two survivors from the sea and transferring them to Karpathos. Another 27 people were transferred to land aboard a tanker that joined the search off the island of Kos, said the coastguard. Dozens of deaths Although the migrant boat appears to have been trying to get to Italy, Greece is often the country of choice for people fleeing Africa and the Middle East to try to reach a better life in the European Union. Thousands come to Greece via Turkey over the narrow and perilous sea crossing separating the traditional enemies. Sixty-four people have perished in the eastern Mediterranean since January, the International Organization for Migration says. Eight people died off the Greek island of Mykonos on June 19 when 108 more were rescued, according to the UN migration body. The Greek coastguard on Sunday said 122 migrants were rescued near Rhodes after their vessel ran into trouble after sailing from Turkey. Athens says migrant arrival numbers have climbed this year and accuses Ankara of not doing enough to stop smugglers from sending them across the border -- often in flimsy boats that make for dangerous journeys. Turkey pledged under a 2016 deal to cut migrant numbers leaving its shores in return for financial aid from the European Union. At the end of June, the EU urged Ankara to halt "violent and illegal expulsions" from its territory. Charity groups and media accuse Athens of illegally turning back migrants, a charge Greece's conservative Greek government has denied. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Up to 50 missing after migrant boat sinks off Greece

Monkeypox cases are being reported globally with growing concern over further spread and outbreaks. Amid fears, reports say that the United Kingdom is set to run out of monkeypox vaccines.&nbsp;

Citing sources, the UK-based media outlet Sky News reported that the apparent supply issues mean there are only around 5,000 doses of the jabs left. The report also mentioned that bookings in some areas are already closing as a result.&nbsp;

As per the latest figures published on August 8 from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a total of 3,017 monkeypox cases have been reported across the country. A total of 2,914 are confirmed through testing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-russia-ukraine-war-caused-rise-in-premature-births-in-ukraine-505598">Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine?</a>&nbsp;

There isn't any specific vaccine for the monkeypox virus but smallpox jabs are used to combat it. As demand for the vaccines surge, there's evident pressure on manufacturing and the supply of the stocks.&nbsp;

Dr Mary Ramsay, the director of clinical programmes at the agency, said: "UKHSA moved early to procure over 150,000 doses of the smallpox vaccine from the global manufacturer to meet expected demand in the UK."&nbsp;

Dr Ramsay added, "Around 50,000 of these have been received to date and made available to the NHS for distribution across the country."&nbsp;

"The thousands of vaccines administered by the NHS to date among those at highest risk of exposure should have a significant impact on the transmission of the virus," she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-begins-work-on-reconstructing-the-mosul-airport-505591">Iraq begins work on reconstructing the Mosul airport</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

She mentioned that in the UK, the vaccine rollout is "continuing at pace" and those who are at higher risk of coming into contact are getting the jab for protection.&nbsp;

Notably, the UK will receive the remaining 100,000 doses of the vaccine in September.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Monkeypox: Expert tells WION what you must know&nbsp;

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Recently, the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak was declared a global health emergency, which is WHO's the highest level of alert.&nbsp;

Monkeypox spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions. The virus is spreading mainly in men who have sex with men in the recent outbreak.&nbsp;

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Monkeypox cases are being reported globally with growing concern over further spread and outbreaks. Amid fears, reports say that the United Kingdom is set to run out of monkeypox vaccines.

Monkeypox cases are being reported globally with growing concern over further spread and outbreaks. Amid fears, reports say that the United Kingdom is set to run out of monkeypox vaccines. Citing sources, the UK-based media outlet Sky News reported that the apparent supply issues mean there are only around 5,000 doses of the jabs left. The report also mentioned that bookings in some areas are already closing as a result. As per the latest figures published on August 8 from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a total of 3,017 monkeypox cases have been reported across the country. A total of 2,914 are confirmed through testing. ALSO READ | Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine? There isn't any specific vaccine for the monkeypox virus but smallpox jabs are used to combat it. As demand for the vaccines surge, there's evident pressure on manufacturing and the supply of the stocks. Dr Mary Ramsay, the director of clinical programmes at the agency, said: "UKHSA moved early to procure over 150,000 doses of the smallpox vaccine from the global manufacturer to meet expected demand in the UK." Dr Ramsay added, "Around 50,000 of these have been received to date and made available to the NHS for distribution across the country." "The thousands of vaccines administered by the NHS to date among those at highest risk of exposure should have a significant impact on the transmission of the virus," she added. ALSO READ | Iraq begins work on reconstructing the Mosul airport She mentioned that in the UK, the vaccine rollout is "continuing at pace" and those who are at higher risk of coming into contact are getting the jab for protection. Notably, the UK will receive the remaining 100,000 doses of the vaccine in September. WATCH | Monkeypox: Expert tells WION what you must know × Recently, the rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak was declared a global health emergency, which is WHO's the highest level of alert. Monkeypox spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions. The virus is spreading mainly in men who have sex with men in the recent outbreak. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Monkeypox in UK: Amid fears of new outbreaks, vaccines set to run out

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