As Britain looks to build new ties around the world following its exit from the European Union, the country will today take its first step towards trade negotiations with the six-country gulf cooperation council (GCC), asking British businesses what they want in an agreement to cover.

Britain looks to build new ties around the world following its exit from European Union

In good news for international travellers, Britain has decided to scrap its tough covid-19 quarantine requirements for 47 countries including India.

Britain scraps covid-19 quarantine requirements for 47 countries

<p>Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers.</p>

<p>But the NHS -- which listed 211 nationalities in England alone in 2020 -- faces chronic staff shortages.</p>

<p>By 2029, the state-run service in England will face a shortfall of 108,000 nurses, according to the Health Foundation think-tank.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-pledges-transformed-economy-for-uk-418731">Johnson pledges transformed economy for UK</a></strong></p>

<p>Now there are fears the crisis will further deepen due to a combination of shocks depleting its substantial foreign workforce: retirement, the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and tougher immigration rules.</p>

<p>Migration has long been a "stopgap solution" as Britain suffered "recurring crises" for 40 years, said Mark Dayan, policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust health think-tank.</p>

<p><strong>'No chance'</strong></p>

<p>Retired doctor Iftikhar Ali Syed left Pakistan for Britain in 1960 and spent 45 years working in Burnley, a northern English town defined by factory chimneys belching black smoke.</p>

<p>Syed, 86, belonged to a generation of medical professionals from ex-British colonies who filled labour shortages after World War II.</p>

<p>They were directed to poorer regions -- often ex-industrial heartlands like northern England and south Wales -- where recruitment was hardest and health needs greatest.</p>

<p>Even today, the life expectancy gap between deprived areas of northern England and the more affluent southeast is more than 10 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-quarantine-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-in-uk-from-october-11-british-envoy-418989">&nbsp;No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy</a></strong></p>

<p>"Overseas doctors had no chance. You got a practice where no-one wants it," Syed told AFP.</p>

<p>Syed and other immigrant doctors of his generation "flooded" Burnley, he remembered, helping to establish its first cardiology unit and improve midwifery services.</p>

<p>But they retired after 2000, creating a shortage in Burnley, mirrored in places where immigrants disproportionately filled healthcare roles.</p>

<p><strong>'Tremendous demand'</strong></p>

<p>As in other countries, the pandemic has traumatised and exhausted Britain's frontline health and social care staff and created a huge backlog in treatments for other conditions.</p>

<p>In the year to March 2021, international travel disruptions meant 3,700 fewer nurses came to Britain than in the previous year.</p>

<p>Faizan Rana, a 34-year-old NHS operations manager, said pandemic travel curbs have weakened services and exacerbated staff shortages at his London hospital and elsewhere.</p>

<p>Britain has become less welcoming and financially rewarding for EU staff after the 2016 Brexit referendum and the subsequent fall in the pound's value, added Dayan.</p>

<p>In 2021, there were around 8,000 fewer nurses from European Economic Area nations on the official register than in 2016.</p>

<p>And more than half of EU nurses leaving Britain cited the country's departure from the bloc as a reason for their decision, a 2020 Nursing and Midwifery Council survey suggested.</p>

<p>Syed remembered EU staff filling shortages in Burnley after his retirement and predicted "tremendous demand" again as their numbers diminished after Brexit.</p>

<p><strong>'Existential crisis'</strong></p>

<p>Under Britain's new points-based immigration system, migrants must meet salary and English proficiency levels and have an offer for a skilled job, although a special visa scheme exempts healthcare workers.</p>

<p>Naveen Keerthi, 42, runs a recruitment agency bringing foreign doctors to Britain and believes the reforms will help hire overseas staff, with a "surge" in applicants in the past four years.</p>

<p>But Akshay Akulwar, a 34-year-old NHS doctor from India, said compatriots were increasingly choosing Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Middle East because of more generous visa rules.</p>

<p>And Dayan said the reforms will hit social care, where staff are not considered skilled and paid low wages.</p>

<p>The fate of social care, where trained carers look after vulnerable people in their homes and offer mental health services, is closely tied to the NHS.</p>

<p>Hospitals suffer greater pressures when patients cannot be discharged as adequate care services -- often provided by cash-strapped local authorities -- are unavailable for them to return home.</p>

<p><b>Also Read |&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646"><strong>France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Social care has particularly suffered as Brexit sealed the "escape valve" of freedom of movement across the EU that had filled staff shortages, Dayan added.</p>

<p>Rebecca Bland, registered manager at a nursing agency in northwest England, told AFP the pandemic and new immigration rules have hampered recruitment.</p>

<p>The 42-year-old's company works with the local NHS and has long recruited from abroad, especially the Philippines, but has only hired one-tenth of the staff required since the pandemic began.</p>

<p>Bland said her colleagues were "being pushed to the limit", calling it "an existential crisis" exacerbated by pre-existing recruitment difficulties caused by low-paid, insecure work.</p>

<p><strong>Mixed picture</strong></p>

<p>However, Dayan blamed workforce shortages on decades-old failures by successive UK governments to train enough staff and provide adequate long-term planning.</p>

<p>"The underlying problems are domestic in nature," he stressed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-to-discontinue-compulsory-10-day-quarantine-rule-417795">UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule</a></strong></p>

<p>The UK government last month announced new NHS and social care funding worth £36 billion ($50 billion, 42 billion euros) over three years.</p>

<p>But Dayan warned cash injections alone would not resolve staff shortages, instead advocating better workforce planning to recruit and retain staff more effectively.</p>


Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers.

Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers. But the NHS -- which listed 211 nationalities in England alone in 2020 -- faces chronic staff shortages. By 2029, the state-run service in England will face a shortfall of 108,000 nurses, according to the Health Foundation think-tank. Also Read | Johnson pledges transformed economy for UK Now there are fears the crisis will further deepen due to a combination of shocks depleting its substantial foreign workforce: retirement, the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and tougher immigration rules. Migration has long been a "stopgap solution" as Britain suffered "recurring crises" for 40 years, said Mark Dayan, policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust health think-tank. 'No chance' Retired doctor Iftikhar Ali Syed left Pakistan for Britain in 1960 and spent 45 years working in Burnley, a northern English town defined by factory chimneys belching black smoke. Syed, 86, belonged to a generation of medical professionals from ex-British colonies who filled labour shortages after World War II. They were directed to poorer regions -- often ex-industrial heartlands like northern England and south Wales -- where recruitment was hardest and health needs greatest. Even today, the life expectancy gap between deprived areas of northern England and the more affluent southeast is more than 10 years. Also Read | No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy "Overseas doctors had no chance. You got a practice where no-one wants it," Syed told AFP. Syed and other immigrant doctors of his generation "flooded" Burnley, he remembered, helping to establish its first cardiology unit and improve midwifery services. But they retired after 2000, creating a shortage in Burnley, mirrored in places where immigrants disproportionately filled healthcare roles. 'Tremendous demand' As in other countries, the pandemic has traumatised and exhausted Britain's frontline health and social care staff and created a huge backlog in treatments for other conditions. In the year to March 2021, international travel disruptions meant 3,700 fewer nurses came to Britain than in the previous year. Faizan Rana, a 34-year-old NHS operations manager, said pandemic travel curbs have weakened services and exacerbated staff shortages at his London hospital and elsewhere. Britain has become less welcoming and financially rewarding for EU staff after the 2016 Brexit referendum and the subsequent fall in the pound's value, added Dayan. In 2021, there were around 8,000 fewer nurses from European Economic Area nations on the official register than in 2016. And more than half of EU nurses leaving Britain cited the country's departure from the bloc as a reason for their decision, a 2020 Nursing and Midwifery Council survey suggested. Syed remembered EU staff filling shortages in Burnley after his retirement and predicted "tremendous demand" again as their numbers diminished after Brexit. 'Existential crisis' Under Britain's new points-based immigration system, migrants must meet salary and English proficiency levels and have an offer for a skilled job, although a special visa scheme exempts healthcare workers. Naveen Keerthi, 42, runs a recruitment agency bringing foreign doctors to Britain and believes the reforms will help hire overseas staff, with a "surge" in applicants in the past four years. But Akshay Akulwar, a 34-year-old NHS doctor from India, said compatriots were increasingly choosing Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Middle East because of more generous visa rules. And Dayan said the reforms will hit social care, where staff are not considered skilled and paid low wages. The fate of social care, where trained carers look after vulnerable people in their homes and offer mental health services, is closely tied to the NHS. Hospitals suffer greater pressures when patients cannot be discharged as adequate care services -- often provided by cash-strapped local authorities -- are unavailable for them to return home. Also Read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report Social care has particularly suffered as Brexit sealed the "escape valve" of freedom of movement across the EU that had filled staff shortages, Dayan added. Rebecca Bland, registered manager at a nursing agency in northwest England, told AFP the pandemic and new immigration rules have hampered recruitment. The 42-year-old's company works with the local NHS and has long recruited from abroad, especially the Philippines, but has only hired one-tenth of the staff required since the pandemic began. Bland said her colleagues were "being pushed to the limit", calling it "an existential crisis" exacerbated by pre-existing recruitment difficulties caused by low-paid, insecure work. Mixed picture However, Dayan blamed workforce shortages on decades-old failures by successive UK governments to train enough staff and provide adequate long-term planning. "The underlying problems are domestic in nature," he stressed. Also Read | UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule The UK government last month announced new NHS and social care funding worth £36 billion ($50 billion, 42 billion euros) over three years. But Dayan warned cash injections alone would not resolve staff shortages, instead advocating better workforce planning to recruit and retain staff more effectively.

Migrant-dependent UK healthcare battles staffing crisis

Britain and the United States are among a few countries withholding support for a proposal brought at the United Nations that would recognise access to a safe and healthy environment as a human right.

UN seeks to declare clean environment a human right

Supply chain crisis continues to persist in Britain. Britons are fearing that markets won't be stocked as usual. The UK has received 127 driver visa requests.

Supply chain crisis continues to persist in Britain

Britain has deployed its army to ease the Fuel crisis. 200 troops will serve as truck drivers to transport fuel. How many drivers is the UK short of? 100,000. Palki Sharma tells you why the army's intervention may not be enough.

Gravitas: UK deploys military to transport fuel

<p>Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market.</p>

<p>National Grid, which distributes energy to UK homes and businesses, said the 1.6-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) North Sea Link will start commercial operations on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The UK and Norway are now able to share renewable energy for the first time," the company added in a statement.</p>

<p>This marked a "major milestone" in Britain's target to reach net zero carbon emissions.</p>

<p>The cable's maximum capacity will initially stand at 700 megawatts, but will be increased to 1,400 MW over three months.</p>

<p>NSL will eventually provide enough clean electricity to power 1.4 million homes.</p>

<p>The 720-kilometre-long (447-mile-long) NSL is a joint venture with Norwegian power grid operator Statnett.</p>

<p>The cable links Blyth in northeast England with Kvilldal in southwestern Norway.</p>

<p>All but four kilometres of the cable are underwater.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When wind generation is high and electricity demand low in Britain, NSL will enable renewable power to be exported from the UK, conserving water in Norway's reservoirs," National Grid added in the statement.</p>

<p>"When demand is high in Britain and there is low wind generation, hydro power can be imported from Norway, helping to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supplies for UK consumers."</p>

<p>Britain, which will host the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow in November, aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.</p>

<p>Friday's news comes as the British domestic energy sector buckles under record high natural gas prices.</p>

<p>That has sparked fears of rocketing household energy bills during the upcoming peak-demand northern hemisphere winter.</p>

<p>Almost 2.0 million UK consumers have seen their domestic energy suppliers go bust in recent weeks as a result of the spiking cost of gas.</p>

<p>Britain is particularly exposed to Europe's ongoing energy crisis because of its reliance on natural gas to generate electricity.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market.

Britain on Friday powered up the world's longest subsea electricity cable with Norway in order to share hydro and wind power, amid ongoing turmoil in the UK energy market. National Grid, which distributes energy to UK homes and businesses, said the 1.6-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) North Sea Link will start commercial operations on Friday. "The UK and Norway are now able to share renewable energy for the first time," the company added in a statement. This marked a "major milestone" in Britain's target to reach net zero carbon emissions. The cable's maximum capacity will initially stand at 700 megawatts, but will be increased to 1,400 MW over three months. NSL will eventually provide enough clean electricity to power 1.4 million homes. The 720-kilometre-long (447-mile-long) NSL is a joint venture with Norwegian power grid operator Statnett. The cable links Blyth in northeast England with Kvilldal in southwestern Norway. All but four kilometres of the cable are underwater. "When wind generation is high and electricity demand low in Britain, NSL will enable renewable power to be exported from the UK, conserving water in Norway's reservoirs," National Grid added in the statement. "When demand is high in Britain and there is low wind generation, hydro power can be imported from Norway, helping to ensure secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supplies for UK consumers." Britain, which will host the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow in November, aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Friday's news comes as the British domestic energy sector buckles under record high natural gas prices. That has sparked fears of rocketing household energy bills during the upcoming peak-demand northern hemisphere winter. Almost 2.0 million UK consumers have seen their domestic energy suppliers go bust in recent weeks as a result of the spiking cost of gas. Britain is particularly exposed to Europe's ongoing energy crisis because of its reliance on natural gas to generate electricity.

UK starts up subsea renewable power link to Norway

<p>As the United Kingdom battles a fuel shortage and people are stuck in long queues at the gas stations, a British man that goes by the username Gusdolphin on Tik Tok has found a rather unique solution to the country's furl shortage woes.</p>

<p>In a video that is going viral on video-sharing app Tik Tok, a man by the name of Gus Lee-Dolphin took it upon himself to make light of the situation that has worried everyone.</p>

<p>The video that is shot from the point of view of Gus, shows long queues outside a gas station. Trotting his horse,&nbsp;alongside those cars, Gus can be heard singing "Queuing for Petrol, I’m on a horse. I don't need petrol coz he runs on carrots".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-fuel-industry-denies-government-claims-crisis-is-easing-417216">UK fuel industry denies government claims crisis is easing</a></strong></p>

<p>This video has garnered more than five million views on TikTok and people are lapping up the trolling. On Instagram, people can be seen suggesting other forms of transportation that Gus can use in his next videos. One Instagram user has even suggested Roller skates.</p>

<p>Watch the viral video:</p>

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<p>It turns out that this isn't Gus's first time trolling the motorists waiting in lines for fuel. In an earlier video posted by Gus, he is riding a bicycle through a petrol station. Similar to his horse and petrol song, he can be heard singing, "Queuing for petrol, queuing for petrol, we don't need petrol coz I'm on a bike".</p>

<p>Watch the video:&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Queues continued to build at refuelling stations, especially in London and southern England.</p>

<p>Many British gas stations were still dry on Friday, after a chaotic week that saw panic buying, fights at the pumps and drivers hoarding&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;in water bottles after an acute shortage of truck drivers strained supply chains to breaking point.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uks-fuel-crisis-hits-cristiano-ronaldo-manchester-united-stars-bentley-goes-petrol-hunting-see-pics-417147">UK's fuel crisis hits Cristiano Ronaldo! Manchester United star's Bentley goes petrol-hunting - see pics</a></strong></p>

<p>Shortages of workers in the wake of Brexit and the COVID pandemic have sown disarray through some sectors of the world's fifth-largest economy, disrupting deliveries of&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;and medicines and even raising fears of a mass cull of livestock.</p>

<p>British ministers have for days insisted the crisis is abating or even over, though retailers said more than 2,000 gas stations were dry and Reuters reporters across London and southern England said dozens of pumps were still closed.</p>

<p>Queues of often irate drivers snaked back from those gas stations that were still open in London.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fuel-crisis-is-stabilizing-assures-uk-pm-boris-johnson-416817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which represents 65 per cent of Britain's 8,380 forecourts, said members reported on Thursday that 27 per cent&nbsp;of pumps were dry, 21 per cent&nbsp;had just one&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;type in stock and 52 per cent&nbsp;had enough petrol and diesel.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the United Kingdom battles a fuel shortage and people are stuck in long queues at the gas stations, a British man that goes by the username Gusdolphin on Tik Tok has found a rather unique solution to the country's furl shortage woes.

As the United Kingdom battles a fuel shortage and people are stuck in long queues at the gas stations, a British man that goes by the username Gusdolphin on Tik Tok has found a rather unique solution to the country's furl shortage woes. In a video that is going viral on video-sharing app Tik Tok, a man by the name of Gus Lee-Dolphin took it upon himself to make light of the situation that has worried everyone. The video that is shot from the point of view of Gus, shows long queues outside a gas station. Trotting his horse, alongside those cars, Gus can be heard singing "Queuing for Petrol, I’m on a horse. I don't need petrol coz he runs on carrots". Also read | UK fuel industry denies government claims crisis is easing This video has garnered more than five million views on TikTok and people are lapping up the trolling. On Instagram, people can be seen suggesting other forms of transportation that Gus can use in his next videos. One Instagram user has even suggested Roller skates. Watch the viral video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gus Lee-Dolphin (@gusleedolphin) × It turns out that this isn't Gus's first time trolling the motorists waiting in lines for fuel. In an earlier video posted by Gus, he is riding a bicycle through a petrol station. Similar to his horse and petrol song, he can be heard singing, "Queuing for petrol, queuing for petrol, we don't need petrol coz I'm on a bike". Watch the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gus Lee-Dolphin (@gusleedolphin) × Queues continued to build at refuelling stations, especially in London and southern England. Many British gas stations were still dry on Friday, after a chaotic week that saw panic buying, fights at the pumps and drivers hoarding fuel in water bottles after an acute shortage of truck drivers strained supply chains to breaking point. Also read | UK's fuel crisis hits Cristiano Ronaldo! Manchester United star's Bentley goes petrol-hunting - see pics Shortages of workers in the wake of Brexit and the COVID pandemic have sown disarray through some sectors of the world's fifth-largest economy, disrupting deliveries of fuel and medicines and even raising fears of a mass cull of livestock. British ministers have for days insisted the crisis is abating or even over, though retailers said more than 2,000 gas stations were dry and Reuters reporters across London and southern England said dozens of pumps were still closed. Queues of often irate drivers snaked back from those gas stations that were still open in London. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which represents 65 per cent of Britain's 8,380 forecourts, said members reported on Thursday that 27 per cent of pumps were dry, 21 per cent had just one fuel type in stock and 52 per cent had enough petrol and diesel. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: UK Fuel crisis, as people wait in queues, man rides horse into gas station, mocks those waiting to fill up on fuel

Britain put the army on standby to help with the ongoing fuel crisis as fears over tanker driver shortages led to panic buying, leaving many of the country’s petrol pumps dry.

Britain puts army on standby to deliver fuels as service stations run dry

The shortage of lorry drivers is causing a major disruption to parts of some British supply chains. Sectors from food to fuel have been impacted. Fears over tanker driver shortages led to panic, leaving many of the country's petrol pump dry.

Post-Brexit shortage of lorry drivers in UK

<p>If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying.</p>

<p>Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-it-has-captured-evidence-of-multiple-ships-breaching-north-korea-sanctions-416235">UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-issue-temporary-visas-to-ease-truck-driver-shortage-until-christmas-eve-416005">UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve</a></strong></p>

<p>UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-macron-lead-the-european-union-after-merkel-retires-415957">Can Macron lead the European Union after Merkel retires?</a></strong></p>

<p>UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.</p>


If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country.

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying. Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel. Also Read | UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented. Also Read | UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis. Also Read | Can Macron lead the European Union after Merkel retires? UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.

UK PM Boris Johnson may deploy army to address fuel crisis

The UK government has issued a revised travel advisory on Wednesday in which it said that Covishield will qualify as an approved vaccine for travellers visiting Britain from any part of the world from October 4 onwards.

UK recognises Covishield as an approved vaccine in revised travel advisory

New travel rules in Britain have sparked outrage from Africa to South Asia, provoking allegations of racism and raising concerns of deepening rifts between wealthy and poor nations as global travel begins to open up.

UK's new COVID-19 rules provoke allegations of racism in poor countries

<p>Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit&nbsp;borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems.</p>

<p>Plans to introduce full controls in areas such as the import of food and animal products had been due from next month but would now start from January next year under a "pragmatic new timetable", the government said.</p>

<p>Britain will still introduce full customs declarations and controls on January 1, 2022, as planned.</p>

<p>Certification and physical checks on food and animal goods designed to protect against diseases, pests and contaminants — due to be introduced on January 1 — will now be introduced in July 2022.</p>

<p>Requirements for safety and security declarations will be also be pushed back to July.</p>

<p>"We want businesses to focus on their recovery from the pandemic rather than have to deal with new requirements at the border, which is why we've set out a pragmatic new timetable for introducing full border controls," said minister David Frost.</p>

<p>"Businesses will now have more time to prepare for these controls which will be phased in throughout 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shortage-of-lorry-drivers-covid-induced-supply-disruptions-driving-inflation-in-uk-410004">Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK</a></p>

<p>"We remain on track to deliver new systems, infrastructure and resourcing needed for these controls," he added.</p>

<p>The pandemic and&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;have left Britain short of some 90,000 truck drivers, many of whom returned to eastern Europe, causing supply chain problems, particularly in the food and drink sector.</p>

<p>The UK has similarly postponed the full implementation of post-Brexit&nbsp;rules governing trade from mainland Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>London is in talks with Brussels about how to put into practice the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the EU single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland.</p>

<p>But on Monday night, Frost warned ministers could unilaterally suspend the protocol unless progress is made, with opposition strong from pro-British parties in Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>That, however, could trigger countermeasures from the EU, which insists the protocol is not up for renegotiation.</p>

<h2>Christmas pressure&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Fears are growing that supply problems will hit Christmas. Fastfood outlets KFC and McDonald's have already reported shortages of some menu items, while the JD Wetherspoon chain of pubs, owned by&nbsp;Brexit-supporting Tim Martin, had run out of some beer brands</p>

<p>Trade Secretary Liz Truss said there was a need to be "as flexible as possible" given current problems.</p>

<p>"It's very important that we don't exacerbate disruptions by putting in extra controls at this stage," she told an online conference at the Policy Exchange think-tank.</p>

<p>"Now would be the wrong place to put those controls in," she added, blaming the pandemic rather than Britain's exit from the EU single market and customs union.</p>

<p>Employers group the CBI said the extra time would "relieve pressure in supply chains ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period for retailers".</p>

<p>But the industry body's Europe director, Sean McGuire, said progress was still needed to eradicate most checks, particularly for agri-foods.</p>

<p>"And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures," he added.</p>

<p>Britain is set for the strongest growth since official records began over 2021, with gross domestic product (GDP) set to expand by 7.1 percent, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.</p>

<p>But it said the acute driver shortage, global supply issues and recruitment troubles could hamper the recovery.</p>

<p>Recent data "point to a loss of momentum in the coming months as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures limit output from many sectors," said Suren Thiru, head of economics at the BCC.</p>

<p>London's mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday called for a time-limited "Covid recovery visa" to help recruit and train EU workers to alleviate labour shortages after&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and the pandemic.</p>


Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems.

Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems. Plans to introduce full controls in areas such as the import of food and animal products had been due from next month but would now start from January next year under a "pragmatic new timetable", the government said. Britain will still introduce full customs declarations and controls on January 1, 2022, as planned. Certification and physical checks on food and animal goods designed to protect against diseases, pests and contaminants — due to be introduced on January 1 — will now be introduced in July 2022. Requirements for safety and security declarations will be also be pushed back to July. "We want businesses to focus on their recovery from the pandemic rather than have to deal with new requirements at the border, which is why we've set out a pragmatic new timetable for introducing full border controls," said minister David Frost. "Businesses will now have more time to prepare for these controls which will be phased in throughout 2022. Also read | Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK "We remain on track to deliver new systems, infrastructure and resourcing needed for these controls," he added. The pandemic and Brexit have left Britain short of some 90,000 truck drivers, many of whom returned to eastern Europe, causing supply chain problems, particularly in the food and drink sector. The UK has similarly postponed the full implementation of post-Brexit rules governing trade from mainland Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to Northern Ireland. London is in talks with Brussels about how to put into practice the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the EU single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland. But on Monday night, Frost warned ministers could unilaterally suspend the protocol unless progress is made, with opposition strong from pro-British parties in Northern Ireland. That, however, could trigger countermeasures from the EU, which insists the protocol is not up for renegotiation. Christmas pressure Fears are growing that supply problems will hit Christmas. Fastfood outlets KFC and McDonald's have already reported shortages of some menu items, while the JD Wetherspoon chain of pubs, owned by Brexit-supporting Tim Martin, had run out of some beer brands Trade Secretary Liz Truss said there was a need to be "as flexible as possible" given current problems. "It's very important that we don't exacerbate disruptions by putting in extra controls at this stage," she told an online conference at the Policy Exchange think-tank. "Now would be the wrong place to put those controls in," she added, blaming the pandemic rather than Britain's exit from the EU single market and customs union. Employers group the CBI said the extra time would "relieve pressure in supply chains ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period for retailers". But the industry body's Europe director, Sean McGuire, said progress was still needed to eradicate most checks, particularly for agri-foods. "And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures," he added. Britain is set for the strongest growth since official records began over 2021, with gross domestic product (GDP) set to expand by 7.1 percent, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. But it said the acute driver shortage, global supply issues and recruitment troubles could hamper the recovery. Recent data "point to a loss of momentum in the coming months as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures limit output from many sectors," said Suren Thiru, head of economics at the BCC. London's mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday called for a time-limited "Covid recovery visa" to help recruit and train EU workers to alleviate labour shortages after Brexit and the pandemic.

UK delays full post-Brexit border checks from EU, citing COVID-19 impacts

Since the beginning of this year, about 4000 migrants crossed the English channel. These illegal migrants rely on smugglers to help them sneak onto British soil.

4000 Migrants cross English channel

<p>A trade association chief has warned that the days of being able to obtain practically any item from the supermarket shelf are finished, and that shoppers will confront persistent food shortages.</p>

<p>While this does not mean that people would go hungry, Ian Wright, the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, believes that the days of practically all items being readily available have passed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A shortage of lorry drivers, as well as roughly half a million individuals missing in the farm to fork supply chain, are to blame, according to Wright.</p>

<p>Because of the better hours and money, many lorry drivers are shifting to online shops like Amazon or Tesco.</p>

<p>Furthermore, many of the workers are EU citizens who were compelled to leave the UK as a result of the pandemic and Brexit.</p>

<p>He stated, "It's only going to get worse, and it's not going to get better any time soon after it's gotten worse.</p>

<p>"Due to labour shortages, the just-in-time system that has kept supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants afloat - ensuring that food is available on the shelf or in the kitchen when you need it - is no longer viable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, most of the east of England ran out of bottled water, and the chief executive anticipates that suppliers will prioritise products with larger profits.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A trade association chief has warned that the days of being able to obtain practically any item from the supermarket shelf are finished, and that shoppers will confront persistent food shortages.

A trade association chief has warned that the days of being able to obtain practically any item from the supermarket shelf are finished, and that shoppers will confront persistent food shortages. While this does not mean that people would go hungry, Ian Wright, the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, believes that the days of practically all items being readily available have passed. A shortage of lorry drivers, as well as roughly half a million individuals missing in the farm to fork supply chain, are to blame, according to Wright. Because of the better hours and money, many lorry drivers are shifting to online shops like Amazon or Tesco. Furthermore, many of the workers are EU citizens who were compelled to leave the UK as a result of the pandemic and Brexit. He stated, "It's only going to get worse, and it's not going to get better any time soon after it's gotten worse. "Due to labour shortages, the just-in-time system that has kept supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants afloat - ensuring that food is available on the shelf or in the kitchen when you need it - is no longer viable. Last week, most of the east of England ran out of bottled water, and the chief executive anticipates that suppliers will prioritise products with larger profits. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain faces 'permanent' food shortages and it will 'get worse'

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">It would enable British officers to forcibly return small boats to French seas. It's unclear whether the suggestions include returning migrants to French shores.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">According to a statement from the Home Office, Border Force personnel are being trained to use "turn-around" methods at sea as part of two-year plans.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">The United Nations has denounced Priti Patel's plans to allow the UK Border Force to turn back boats bringing migrants across the English Channel (UN).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN's refugee agency, said it was "extremely concerned" about the UK's proposals to amend maritime legislation and send migrant boats back.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">"We are particularly concerned by these reports, primarily because of the possible hazards associated for individuals at sea seeking safety," a UNHCR spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">The Home Secretary has instructed senior law officers to rewrite maritime legislation to allow the Border Force to catch migrant boats and return them to French waters in order to push them back.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">As a result, they would have to deal with French authorities, forcing Ms Patel's French counterpart to flatly reject the ideas.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, accused Britain of "financial blackmail" and stated that any violations of marine law would not be tolerated.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13"><em>(With inputs agencies)</em></p>


Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel.

Despite French authorities' warnings that it could imperil lives, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom Priti Patel is planning to send back small boats carrying migrants over the Channel. It would enable British officers to forcibly return small boats to French seas. It's unclear whether the suggestions include returning migrants to French shores. According to a statement from the Home Office, Border Force personnel are being trained to use "turn-around" methods at sea as part of two-year plans. The United Nations has denounced Priti Patel's plans to allow the UK Border Force to turn back boats bringing migrants across the English Channel (UN). The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN's refugee agency, said it was "extremely concerned" about the UK's proposals to amend maritime legislation and send migrant boats back. "We are particularly concerned by these reports, primarily because of the possible hazards associated for individuals at sea seeking safety," a UNHCR spokeswoman said. The Home Secretary has instructed senior law officers to rewrite maritime legislation to allow the Border Force to catch migrant boats and return them to French waters in order to push them back. As a result, they would have to deal with French authorities, forcing Ms Patel's French counterpart to flatly reject the ideas. The French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, accused Britain of "financial blackmail" and stated that any violations of marine law would not be tolerated. (With inputs agencies)

Migrant boats crossing the English Channel could be turned back by Britain

UK Prime minister Boris Johnson addressed MPs about Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan, amid criticism of the handling of the evacuation.

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses lawmakers on Afghanistan pullout

<p>Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months.</p>

<p>The European Union-led talks, which aims&nbsp;to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have&nbsp;been underway since April.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-talks-irans-supreme-leader-says-predatory-wolf-biden-no-different-from-trump-409148">Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran.&nbsp;In contrast, to Trump, his&nbsp;successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement.</p>

<p>The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after&nbsp;ultraconservative&nbsp;Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for&nbsp;a resumption of dialogue.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hardline-new-president-sworn-in-amid-stalled-nuclear-talks-403262">Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks</a></strong></p>

<p>A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television.</p>

<p>He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda".</p>

<p>Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-raisi-set-to-focus-on-economy-and-nuclear-deal-402130">Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal</a></strong></p>

<p>Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August.&nbsp;After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26.</p>

<p>Under the 2015 deal,&nbsp;Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme.</p>

<p>However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran&nbsp;in retaliation,&nbsp;effectively abandoned most of its commitments.</p>

<p>The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal.</p>

<p>While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April.

Tehran's foreign ministry says the resumption of nuclear talks with world powers will probably take another two to three months. The European Union-led talks, which aims to get the US back into the 2015 agreement have been underway since April. Also read | Before talks, Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump Donald Trump, former US president, abandoned the nuclear agreement in 2018 and imposed tough sanctions against Iran. In contrast, to Trump, his successor, Joe Biden, wants to reinstate Washington into the agreement. The negotiations were previously paused on June 20, two days after ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi won Iran's presidential election, with no date set for a resumption of dialogue. On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian appealed to his Iranian counterpart for "immediate resumption" of the Iran nuclear talks. Also read | Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks A French foreign ministry spokesman said that the minister stressed the importance and urgency of immediately getting back to negotiations, which have been suspended by Iran since June. "We are not seeking to flee the negotiation table and the... government considers a real negotiation is a negotiation that produces palpable results allowing the rights of the Iranian nation to be guaranteed," Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during an interview broadcast on Tuesday evening by state television. He said that the Vienna talks are "one of the questions on the foreign policy and government agenda". Adding that "the other party knows full well that a process of two to three months is required for the new government to establish itself and to start taking decisions." Also read | Iran's Raisi set to focus on economy and nuclear deal Raisi succeeded Hassan Rouhani, the principal architect of the 2015 agreement on Iran's side, as president in early August. After receiving parliamentary approval, his government was sworn in on August 26. Under the 2015 deal, Iran was offered an easing of sanctions as compensation for UN-monitored restrictions on its nuclear programme. However, after the re-imposition of sweeping sanctions following Trump's withdrawal from the deal three years ago, Iran in retaliation, effectively abandoned most of its commitments. The Vienna talks include Iran along with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the other five remaining parties to the CPTPP deal. While the United States takes part in the talks, it does not have direct contact with Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Tehran says talks on 2015 nuclear deal might not resume for 2-3 months

<p>Defending&nbsp;Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK&nbsp;foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.</p>

<p>Britain, like the United States, failed to anticipate how rapidly the Afghan government would fall. Due to this, the nation was&nbsp;not fully prepared for the chaos that ensued once the Taliban seized power.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-in-talks-with-taliban-in-doha-for-further-evacuations-409847">Britain in talks with Taliban in Doha for further evacuations</a></strong></p>

<p>At an emergency meeting of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, held to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, Raab said that Britain's intelligence services had assessed that the Taliban would only consolidate their control of Afghanistan in months after western countries had evacuated their troops.</p>

<p>"The central proposition was that, given the troop withdrawal by the end of August, you would see a steady deterioration from that point, and that it was unlikely Kabul would fall this year," Raab told the committee of lawmakers.</p>

<p>"That doesn't mean we didn't do contingency planning or game-out or test the other propositions. And just to be clear, that's something that was widely shared - that view - amongst NATO allies."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-to-launch-strikes-against-isis-k-in-afghanistan-uk-409754">Ready to launch strikes against ISIS-K in Afghanistan: UK&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Raab, who left for a vacation in Crete while the Taliban advanced on Kabul, has been accused of ignoring thousands of emails requesting assistance to leave Afghanistan, prompting demands for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack him.</p>

<p>In defence of his handling of the situation, Raab said he had more than 40 meetings or calls between March and August in which Afghanistan was on the agenda.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Britain's last military flight departed Kabul, capping two chaotic weeks in which the nation helped evacuate 15,000 people from crowds of people&nbsp;who descended on Kabul airport,&nbsp;desperate to flee Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sad-for-those-left-behind-last-uk-military-flight-leaves-afghanistan-409096">'Sad for those left behind': Last UK military flight leaves Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="UK's Raab says intelligence was Afghan capital would not fall this year">The foreign secretary said that he would travel to the region and is scheduled to fly out tonight.</p>

<p>The focus of his diplomatic efforts will be on furthering evacuation of Afghans and British nationals still present in the region. This will be done with assistance of third countries, which indicates Pakistan will be involved in talks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Defending Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.

Defending Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely. Britain, like the United States, failed to anticipate how rapidly the Afghan government would fall. Due to this, the nation was not fully prepared for the chaos that ensued once the Taliban seized power. Also read | Britain in talks with Taliban in Doha for further evacuations At an emergency meeting of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, held to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, Raab said that Britain's intelligence services had assessed that the Taliban would only consolidate their control of Afghanistan in months after western countries had evacuated their troops. "The central proposition was that, given the troop withdrawal by the end of August, you would see a steady deterioration from that point, and that it was unlikely Kabul would fall this year," Raab told the committee of lawmakers. "That doesn't mean we didn't do contingency planning or game-out or test the other propositions. And just to be clear, that's something that was widely shared - that view - amongst NATO allies." Also read | Ready to launch strikes against ISIS-K in Afghanistan: UK Raab, who left for a vacation in Crete while the Taliban advanced on Kabul, has been accused of ignoring thousands of emails requesting assistance to leave Afghanistan, prompting demands for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to sack him. In defence of his handling of the situation, Raab said he had more than 40 meetings or calls between March and August in which Afghanistan was on the agenda. On Saturday, Britain's last military flight departed Kabul, capping two chaotic weeks in which the nation helped evacuate 15,000 people from crowds of people who descended on Kabul airport, desperate to flee Afghanistan. Also read | 'Sad for those left behind': Last UK military flight leaves Afghanistan The foreign secretary said that he would travel to the region and is scheduled to fly out tonight. The focus of his diplomatic efforts will be on furthering evacuation of Afghans and British nationals still present in the region. This will be done with assistance of third countries, which indicates Pakistan will be involved in talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Intelligence said Kabul will not fall this year; UK's Raab defends handling of Afghan evacuation

<p>Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other.</p>

<p>A doctor from South Africa and her husband from the UK are stuck on either side of the Irish border due to post-Brexit application rules.</p>

<p>Corrinne and Brett Giles are stuck in Donegal and Derry counties respectively, which are nearly 25 miles away. Corrine had worked at the frontline during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but is currently out of a job and "living out of a suitcase".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb8ZGg-t3yAhUrzzgGHYGwBwQQFjACegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3tW9dqtdCdHFw-W-hcTGai" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283" target="_blank">Five years on,&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a></strong></p>

<p>She lost her job as she was told that she would be able to immediately move to the UK and therefore she need not extend her contract in Ireland. However, now eight months later she is still struggling to survive in Ireland away from her partner.</p>

<p>"All the time the gap in my working career is growing substantially. Being kept in the dark with absolutely no feedback or communication from the Home Office is absolute torture. I never in my wildest dreams thought that two years after coming to&nbsp;Europe, I would be sitting on the couch, unemployed, disillusioned, disheartened," Corrine said. "All I want is a normal life. Also all my family are in the UK, my brothers, my sisters, my mum, and I’m completely alone in a foreign environment and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to continue this life."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb8ZGg-t3yAhUrzzgGHYGwBwQQFjAHegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22tS43fAuqGPceKyjiG_z2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255" target="_blank">UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit&nbsp;talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The doctor also faces the danger of having to move back to South Africa if she doesn’t get her work permit extended in Ireland or be able to move to the UK. This has led to Corrine living in a “constant state of anxiety” away from her partner.</p>

<p>This has happened due to the new guidelines in the post-Brexit world. Since the EU and UK separated, all UK citizens' non-British partners have to compulsorily apply for pre-settled status before March 29 next year in order to be able to enter the UK visa-free as a family. However, things were much simpler earlier when relatives of UK citizens could return to the country anytime, just like EU and non-EU members.</p>

<p>The new and only way by which non-EU nationals can enter the UK as a family is to first get a family permit from the Home Office.</p>


Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other.

Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other. A doctor from South Africa and her husband from the UK are stuck on either side of the Irish border due to post-Brexit application rules. Corrinne and Brett Giles are stuck in Donegal and Derry counties respectively, which are nearly 25 miles away. Corrine had worked at the frontline during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but is currently out of a job and "living out of a suitcase". Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK She lost her job as she was told that she would be able to immediately move to the UK and therefore she need not extend her contract in Ireland. However, now eight months later she is still struggling to survive in Ireland away from her partner. "All the time the gap in my working career is growing substantially. Being kept in the dark with absolutely no feedback or communication from the Home Office is absolute torture. I never in my wildest dreams thought that two years after coming to Europe, I would be sitting on the couch, unemployed, disillusioned, disheartened," Corrine said. "All I want is a normal life. Also all my family are in the UK, my brothers, my sisters, my mum, and I’m completely alone in a foreign environment and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to continue this life." Also read | UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit talks The doctor also faces the danger of having to move back to South Africa if she doesn’t get her work permit extended in Ireland or be able to move to the UK. This has led to Corrine living in a “constant state of anxiety” away from her partner. This has happened due to the new guidelines in the post-Brexit world. Since the EU and UK separated, all UK citizens' non-British partners have to compulsorily apply for pre-settled status before March 29 next year in order to be able to enter the UK visa-free as a family. However, things were much simpler earlier when relatives of UK citizens could return to the country anytime, just like EU and non-EU members. The new and only way by which non-EU nationals can enter the UK as a family is to first get a family permit from the Home Office.

Couple divided by Irish border struggles to unite due to Brexit

French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Britain will submit a resolution to an emergency United Nations meeting due Monday on Afghanistan proposing a safe zone in Kabul to try and protect people trying to leave the country.

Macron says France, Britain to propose 'safe zone' in Kabul

<p>The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.</p>

<p>Britain&nbsp;earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities.</p>

<p>"Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heart-wrenching-details-of-some-of-the-13-us-troops-killed-in-afghan-bombings-409001">Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings</a></strong></p>

<p>"This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban.</p>

<p>An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported.</p>

<p>"We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-issues-urgent-appeal-to-help-drought-hit-afghan-farmers-408993">UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers</a></strong></p>

<p>"Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added.</p>

<p>The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago.</p>

<p>Britain&nbsp;has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.</p>


The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban. Britain earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities. "Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings "This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said. The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban. An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported. "We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers "Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago. Britain has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.

UK says more can be done for Afghans who have arrived in Britain

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad5a2fb3-c5a6-4588-8433-0516d740f5fb}{103}" paraid="1483131332" >Britain’s Chief&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Staff General&nbsp;Nick Carter said the British troops will end&nbsp;their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday,&nbsp;adding that&nbsp;“over&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;of Afghans&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;to&nbsp;resettlement&nbsp;in Britain are most&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to be left behind”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dcbd13f1-b14b-4488-95bf-3cd18af91f26}{28}" paraid="1934507704" >“We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f34bee40-0840-4d00-831a-b10a5abe1e08}{108}" paraid="751398356" >“We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f34bee40-0840-4d00-831a-b10a5abe1e08}{211}" paraid="371049890" >According to the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry, more&nbsp;than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals&nbsp;have been evacuated&nbsp;in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f34bee40-0840-4d00-831a-b10a5abe1e08}{211}" paraid="371049890" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-airstrike-targets-is-in-afghanistan-in-response-to-deadly-suicide-attack-408905">&nbsp;US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d7cf5dee-4e89-41bc-9418-458c50a26f5f}{158}" paraid="947734950" >The General admitted that&nbsp;“not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d7cf5dee-4e89-41bc-9418-458c50a26f5f}{167}" paraid="337585992" >“It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,”&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d7cf5dee-4e89-41bc-9418-458c50a26f5f}{176}" paraid="638514796" >“If they are able to get&nbsp;out&nbsp;they will always be&nbsp;welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a24fe5c8-2124-4b41-8f51-383f9fcbee6b}{197}" paraid="1777108639" >UK’s&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4efded0a-5f1e-4226-82d3-b499ec74b656}{123}" paraid="1746016630" >Wallace&nbsp;had estimated&nbsp;that&nbsp;estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ad5a2fb3-c5a6-4588-8433-0516d740f5fb}{92}" paraid="515486663" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”.

Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”. “We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted Carter as saying. “We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,” he said. According to the defence ministry, more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals have been evacuated in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country. Also read | US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack The General admitted that “not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,” he said. “It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,” Carter said. “If they are able to get out they will always be welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added. UK’s Defence Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport. Wallace had estimated that estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to end evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday 

<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called a meeting of the permanent members of the Security Council to discuss the chaotic situation in&nbsp;Afghanistan, diplomats said.</p>

<p>Guterres sent letters formally inviting the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China to meet on Monday, the diplomats told AFP.</p>

<p>Some member countries of the so-called P5 had been discussing the possibility of a meeting for a few days, they added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-hunt-you-down-joe-biden-warns-kabul-bombers-vows-to-avenge-deaths-of-us-soldiers-408665">'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia was supposedly reticent but all of the five are expected to join, one diplomat said.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Guterres confirmed the meeting, which will not include the current ten non-permanent members of the Security Council.</p>

<p>The full Security Council last met on&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on August 16, a day after the Taliban swept to power in the country.</p>

<p>Monday's discussion comes as Britain and France work on a UN resolution on&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pentagon-says-threat-persists-after-suicide-bombings-at-kabul-airport-408668">Pentagon says threat persists after suicide bombings at Kabul airport</a></strong></p>

<p>The resolution would require the agreement of all five permanent members, each of which holds veto powers, but a text has not yet been shared, diplomats said.</p>

<p>Guterres ducked a question about what he hoped Monday's meeting would achieve.</p>

<p>"There are normal meetings that take place in the context of the work of the UN," he told reporters.</p>

<p>Guterres also condemned Thursday's bombings at Kabul airport, which killed dozens of Afghans as well as 13&nbsp;US servicemen and have been claimed by the Islamic State group.</p>

<p>"This incident underscores the volatility of the situation on the ground in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;but also strengthens our resolve as we continue to deliver urgent assistance across the country in support of the Afghan people," he said in a statement.</p>


United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called a meeting of the permanent members of the Security Council to discuss the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, diplomats said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called a meeting of the permanent members of the Security Council to discuss the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, diplomats said. Guterres sent letters formally inviting the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China to meet on Monday, the diplomats told AFP. Some member countries of the so-called P5 had been discussing the possibility of a meeting for a few days, they added. ALSO READ | 'Will hunt you down': Joe Biden warns Kabul bombers, vows to avenge deaths of US soldiers Russia was supposedly reticent but all of the five are expected to join, one diplomat said. A spokesperson for Guterres confirmed the meeting, which will not include the current ten non-permanent members of the Security Council. The full Security Council last met on Afghanistan on August 16, a day after the Taliban swept to power in the country. Monday's discussion comes as Britain and France work on a UN resolution on Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Pentagon says threat persists after suicide bombings at Kabul airport The resolution would require the agreement of all five permanent members, each of which holds veto powers, but a text has not yet been shared, diplomats said. Guterres ducked a question about what he hoped Monday's meeting would achieve. "There are normal meetings that take place in the context of the work of the UN," he told reporters. Guterres also condemned Thursday's bombings at Kabul airport, which killed dozens of Afghans as well as 13 US servicemen and have been claimed by the Islamic State group. "This incident underscores the volatility of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan but also strengthens our resolve as we continue to deliver urgent assistance across the country in support of the Afghan people," he said in a statement.

Kabul blasts: UN chief calls Afghanistan meet for Security Council permanent five

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<p>Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.<br />
<br />
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat.<br />
<br />
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US&nbsp;forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely.<br />
<br />
Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct."<br />
<br />
Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago.<br />
<br />
"It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.</p>


Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. US President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban at G7 meeting: Sources

Britain is expected to push for sanctions on the Taliban in the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan.

WION Live Broadcast: G7 Meet: Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had called a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting for Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan and urged governments to find ways to prevent conditions from getting worse.

Britain calls virtual G7 meeting on Afghanistan crisis

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that Afghanistan must not "become a breeding ground for terror" and the west must work together to ensure this, as the Taliban enters capital Kabul.

Boris Johnson says Afghanistan must not 'become breeding ground for terror'

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