The drinks are flowing as Britain unlocks. The mood on the streets is festive & the pubs are buzzing. Infections, deaths & hospitalisations have all fallen. Which measures worked for the United Kingdom WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Britons celebrate as lockdown ends

Britain will withdraw nearly all its soldiers from Afghanistan following the US plan to withdraw its troops by September 11, 2021, The Times reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Britain has drawn up plans to hand over control of the academy in Kabul where troops help to train Afghan soldiers to the government, the newspaper said.&nbsp;

There are about 750 British soldiers in Afghanistan, who would struggle without US support because of the reliance on US bases and infrastructure, according to the Times.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden plans to withdraw the remaining 2,500 US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, 20 years to the day after the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America's longest war, US officials said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The disclosure of the plan came on the same day that the US intelligence community released a gloomy outlook for Afghanistan, forecasting 'low' chances of a peace deal this year and warning that its government would struggle to hold the Taliban insurgency at bay if the US-led coalition withdraws support.&nbsp;

Biden's decision would miss a May 1 deadline for withdrawal agreed to with the Taliban by his predecessor Donald Trump. The insurgents had threatened to resume hostilities against foreign troops if that deadline was missed. But Biden would still be setting a near-term withdrawal date, potentially allaying Taliban concerns. &nbsp;

The Democratic president will publicly announce his decision on Wednesday, the White House said. A senior Biden administration official said the pullout would begin before May 1 and could be complete well before the September 11 deadline. Significantly, it will not would be subject to further conditions, including security or human rights.&nbsp;

"The president has judged that a conditions-based approach, which has been the approach of the past two decades, is a recipe in staying in Afghanistan forever," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a briefing with reporters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain will withdraw nearly all its soldiers from Afghanistan following the US plan to withdraw its troops by September 11, 2021, The Times reported on Tuesday.

Britain will withdraw nearly all its soldiers from Afghanistan following the US plan to withdraw its troops by September 11, 2021, The Times reported on Tuesday. Britain has drawn up plans to hand over control of the academy in Kabul where troops help to train Afghan soldiers to the government, the newspaper said. There are about 750 British soldiers in Afghanistan, who would struggle without US support because of the reliance on US bases and infrastructure, according to the Times. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden plans to withdraw the remaining 2,500 US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021, 20 years to the day after the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America's longest war, US officials said on Tuesday. The disclosure of the plan came on the same day that the US intelligence community released a gloomy outlook for Afghanistan, forecasting 'low' chances of a peace deal this year and warning that its government would struggle to hold the Taliban insurgency at bay if the US-led coalition withdraws support. Biden's decision would miss a May 1 deadline for withdrawal agreed to with the Taliban by his predecessor Donald Trump. The insurgents had threatened to resume hostilities against foreign troops if that deadline was missed. But Biden would still be setting a near-term withdrawal date, potentially allaying Taliban concerns. The Democratic president will publicly announce his decision on Wednesday, the White House said. A senior Biden administration official said the pullout would begin before May 1 and could be complete well before the September 11 deadline. Significantly, it will not would be subject to further conditions, including security or human rights. "The president has judged that a conditions-based approach, which has been the approach of the past two decades, is a recipe in staying in Afghanistan forever," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a briefing with reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain to withdraw nearly all its troops from Afghanistan, says report

In his lifetime, Prince Philip undertook more than 22,000 solo engagements, gave 5,496 speeches, travelled to 76 countries and made 637 solo visits. WION's Molly gambhir tells you more about Britain's longest-serving consort.

Gravitas | Prince Philip: The Longest-serving British Consort

Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip has passed away at the age of 99. Flags were lowered to half must on royal and government buildings across Britain.

News Alert: Gun salute to honour Duke of Edinburgh

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

The highest ranked official of the administration of President Joe Biden to visit Israel, Austin will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, where discussions will cover "shared priorities" and reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel maintaining military superiority over its neighbors, according to a Pentagon statement.

In Europe, he will hold talks with German defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Dr. Jan Hecker, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British defense minister Ben Wallace.

Austin will leave Washington on Saturday, but the dates for his stops in each country were not given.

The trip coincides with rising tensions between Israel and Iran just as the Biden administration tries to engage Tehran over returning to the nuclear pact effectively torn up by former president Donald Trump.

In Europe it comes as Russia has sent shivers across the continent with the massing of a troops and war equipment along its border with Ukraine.

"Russia now has more troops on the border of Ukraine than at any time since 2014," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday, saying Biden was "increasingly concerned."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Israel, Germany, Britain and the NATO headquarters in Belgium in the coming week for talks with government and military leaders, the Pentagon announced Thursday. The highest ranked official of the administration of President Joe Biden to visit Israel, Austin will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, where discussions will cover "shared priorities" and reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel maintaining military superiority over its neighbors, according to a Pentagon statement. In Europe, he will hold talks with German defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Dr. Jan Hecker, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British defense minister Ben Wallace. Austin will leave Washington on Saturday, but the dates for his stops in each country were not given. The trip coincides with rising tensions between Israel and Iran just as the Biden administration tries to engage Tehran over returning to the nuclear pact effectively torn up by former president Donald Trump. In Europe it comes as Russia has sent shivers across the continent with the massing of a troops and war equipment along its border with Ukraine. "Russia now has more troops on the border of Ukraine than at any time since 2014," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday, saying Biden was "increasingly concerned."

Pentagon chief Austin to visit Israel, Germany, Britain

Britain will soon test a series of measures to allow the safe return of sports matches, events and nightclubs. The measures will include COVID-19 passports, these passes would show if a person has been vaccinated against the infection.

UK proposes pilots for COVID-19 passports as way out of lockdown

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill would toughen measures officers can take to disperse demonstrations, such as imposing time and noise limits, which campaigners and activists fear would be used to curb dissent.

Since the bill was brought before parliament last month, there have been sporadic protests, notably in Bristol, southwest England, where demonstrations turned violent with officers and a police station bombarded with bricks and glass bottles and police vehicles set on fire.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticised what he described as ‘disgraceful attacks’ on officers, but protesters have accused police of using heavy-handed tactics.

On Saturday, climate change group Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement joined other activists for ‘kill the bill’ rallies in London and other towns and cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Brighton.

"The government are trying to curtail protests - especially BLM and XR - that is what this bill is all about. We want the clauses in this bill about protests quashed," said Mark Duncan, one of a crowd of more than 500 marching through central London, banging drums and chanting.

Days of protests by Extinction Rebellion paralysed parts of London in early 2019, action which fuelled calls from some politicians for the police to be given the tougher powers to prevent excessive disruption.

Demonstrations had not been permitted while a coronavirus lockdown was in place, but restrictions were eased this week, meaning organised rallies can go ahead providing they are ‘COVID secure’.

In London, police warned, ‘enforcement action will be taken, if needed, in the interests of public health’. 
Some senior officers have said the ‘kill the bill’ tag was deliberately provocative as ‘the bill’ is a nickname in Britain for the police.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests.

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill would toughen measures officers can take to disperse demonstrations, such as imposing time and noise limits, which campaigners and activists fear would be used to curb dissent. Since the bill was brought before parliament last month, there have been sporadic protests, notably in Bristol, southwest England, where demonstrations turned violent with officers and a police station bombarded with bricks and glass bottles and police vehicles set on fire. Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticised what he described as ‘disgraceful attacks’ on officers, but protesters have accused police of using heavy-handed tactics. On Saturday, climate change group Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement joined other activists for ‘kill the bill’ rallies in London and other towns and cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Brighton. "The government are trying to curtail protests - especially BLM and XR - that is what this bill is all about. We want the clauses in this bill about protests quashed," said Mark Duncan, one of a crowd of more than 500 marching through central London, banging drums and chanting. Days of protests by Extinction Rebellion paralysed parts of London in early 2019, action which fuelled calls from some politicians for the police to be given the tougher powers to prevent excessive disruption. Demonstrations had not been permitted while a coronavirus lockdown was in place, but restrictions were eased this week, meaning organised rallies can go ahead providing they are ‘COVID secure’. In London, police warned, ‘enforcement action will be taken, if needed, in the interests of public health’. Some senior officers have said the ‘kill the bill’ tag was deliberately provocative as ‘the bill’ is a nickname in Britain for the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds join 'kill the bill' rallies across Britain against protest law

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday.

To stop COVID-19 being spread in care homes which were badly hit during the initial outbreak of the disease last year, the government imposed tight restrictions on access during the latest strict lockdown which began in January.

Last month, measures were eased to allow each care home resident one indoor visitor, and from April 12, this will be doubled. Parents will be allowed to bring babies and very young children, allowing some people the chance to meet the newest members of their family for the first time.

"I’m particularly pleased to allow residents to have more visitors, including grandchildren, given the isolation and concern felt by so many this past year," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.

Visitors will have to wear personal protective equipment and provide a negative COVID test result.

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday.

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday. To stop COVID-19 being spread in care homes which were badly hit during the initial outbreak of the disease last year, the government imposed tight restrictions on access during the latest strict lockdown which began in January. Last month, measures were eased to allow each care home resident one indoor visitor, and from April 12, this will be doubled. Parents will be allowed to bring babies and very young children, allowing some people the chance to meet the newest members of their family for the first time. "I’m particularly pleased to allow residents to have more visitors, including grandchildren, given the isolation and concern felt by so many this past year," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement. Visitors will have to wear personal protective equipment and provide a negative COVID test result.

UK to ease restrictions to allow care home residents two visitors

British regulators have identified 30 cases of rare blood clot events after the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Uk's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has also said that it had received no such reports of clotting events following the use of the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech.

UK regulators find 30 cases of blood clot events after using AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

British regulators have identified 30 cases of rare blood clot events after the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has also said that it had received no such reports of clotting events following the use of the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech.

British regulators identifies 30 blood clot cases after use of AstraZeneca jab

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his concern over a growing surge in COVID-19 infections in France. Describing the Coronavirus situation in France as sad and alarming Johnson suggested that Britain could also be impacted by another wave within weeks.

UK PM Johnson expresses concern on France's COVID-19 surge

Britain is close to striking a vaccine deal with the European Union as soon as this weekend that will remove the threat of the bloc cutting off supplies, The Times reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Under the agreement, the EU will remove its threat to ban the export of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to Britain, it added.&nbsp;

In return, the British government will agree to forgo some long-term supplies of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that had been due to be exported from a factory in Holland run by AstraZeneca's subcontractor Halix, the newspaper reported.&nbsp;

However, the EU has never threatened a ban on the export of vaccines, but has only said it could block on a case-by-case basis specific vaccine shipments to countries with higher vaccination rates or that do not export vaccines to the EU.&nbsp;

"We are only at the start of discussions with the UK. There are no talks over the weekend," an EU Commission source said on Saturday, adding that sending vaccines produced at Halix was not part of the talks.&nbsp;

A second EU source had previously said that the EU has no intention of sharing with Britain the vaccine substance from Halix, which is estimated to have already produced enough for about 15-20 million doses, and can produce the equivalent of 5 million shots per month.&nbsp;

The British government, Pfizer-BioNTech, and AstraZeneca were not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

The EU's rebuff follows Britain's repeated refusal to share with Brussels AstraZeneca doses produced at two factories in the UK.&nbsp;

On Friday, the European Medicines Agency approved the Halix production site in the Netherlands that makes the AstraZeneca vaccine and a facility in Marburg in Germany producing BioNTech/Pfizer shots.&nbsp;

The EU's clearing of the vaccine site comes as the union is banking on it boosting deliveries in the second quarter and accelerate the slow pace of inoculations in the bloc.&nbsp;

Europe's troubled vaccine rollout has led to a quarrel with Britain, which has imported 21 million doses made in the EU, according to an EU official. Britain says it did a better job negotiating with manufacturers and arranging supply chains.&nbsp;

The EU says that Britain should share more, notably to help make up the shortfall in contracted deliveries of AstraZeneca shots.&nbsp;

Brussels and London sought to cool tensions on Wednesday, declaring they were working 'to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Britain is close to striking a vaccine deal with the European Union as soon as this weekend that will remove the threat of the bloc cutting off supplies, The Times reported on Saturday.

Britain is close to striking a vaccine deal with the European Union as soon as this weekend that will remove the threat of the bloc cutting off supplies, The Times reported on Saturday. Under the agreement, the EU will remove its threat to ban the export of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to Britain, it added. In return, the British government will agree to forgo some long-term supplies of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that had been due to be exported from a factory in Holland run by AstraZeneca's subcontractor Halix, the newspaper reported. However, the EU has never threatened a ban on the export of vaccines, but has only said it could block on a case-by-case basis specific vaccine shipments to countries with higher vaccination rates or that do not export vaccines to the EU. "We are only at the start of discussions with the UK. There are no talks over the weekend," an EU Commission source said on Saturday, adding that sending vaccines produced at Halix was not part of the talks. A second EU source had previously said that the EU has no intention of sharing with Britain the vaccine substance from Halix, which is estimated to have already produced enough for about 15-20 million doses, and can produce the equivalent of 5 million shots per month. The British government, Pfizer-BioNTech, and AstraZeneca were not immediately available for comment. The EU's rebuff follows Britain's repeated refusal to share with Brussels AstraZeneca doses produced at two factories in the UK. On Friday, the European Medicines Agency approved the Halix production site in the Netherlands that makes the AstraZeneca vaccine and a facility in Marburg in Germany producing BioNTech/Pfizer shots. The EU's clearing of the vaccine site comes as the union is banking on it boosting deliveries in the second quarter and accelerate the slow pace of inoculations in the bloc. Europe's troubled vaccine rollout has led to a quarrel with Britain, which has imported 21 million doses made in the EU, according to an EU official. Britain says it did a better job negotiating with manufacturers and arranging supply chains. The EU says that Britain should share more, notably to help make up the shortfall in contracted deliveries of AstraZeneca shots. Brussels and London sought to cool tensions on Wednesday, declaring they were working 'to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens'. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain nearing vaccine deal with European Union: Report 

The United States and Britain have imposed sanctions on military control conglomerates in Myanmar as the deadly crackdown of Myanmar's military or pro-democracy protestors take 5 more lives.

Myanmar Coup: UK sanctions military-owned Myanmar conglomerate

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.&nbsp;

Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration.&nbsp;

In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally.&nbsp;

"Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair."&nbsp;

She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'.&nbsp;

Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system.&nbsp;

But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system.&nbsp;

Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system.&nbsp;

"This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system. Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration. In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally. "Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement. "Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair." She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'. Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system. But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system. Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system. "This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain toughens its post-Brexit asylum system 

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone.&nbsp;

Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday.&nbsp;

Israel is the leader in vaccinating its population, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile and then the United Kingdom - and investors are watching closely to see which economies could recover first.&nbsp;

"The vaccine is a national success story and our way out of this pandemic," said Hancock, adding that he was 'delighted'.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got his first vaccine dose on Friday, receiving AstraZeneca's shot - which several European countries had temporarily stopped using earlier this week over safety fears.&nbsp;

Distributed by the state-run health service, Britain's vaccine roll-out has got off to a blistering start but the government has warned this week of a marked slowdown in April due to a delay of a shipment from India's Serum Institute and because a batch in the UK needed to be retested.&nbsp;

Britain has so far relied on vaccines from AstraZeneca and Oxford University, and Pfizer and BioNTech.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday.

Half of all adults in Britain have now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, becoming the world's first major economy to hit that milestone. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday. Israel is the leader in vaccinating its population, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile and then the United Kingdom - and investors are watching closely to see which economies could recover first. "The vaccine is a national success story and our way out of this pandemic," said Hancock, adding that he was 'delighted'. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson got his first vaccine dose on Friday, receiving AstraZeneca's shot - which several European countries had temporarily stopped using earlier this week over safety fears. Distributed by the state-run health service, Britain's vaccine roll-out has got off to a blistering start but the government has warned this week of a marked slowdown in April due to a delay of a shipment from India's Serum Institute and because a batch in the UK needed to be retested. Britain has so far relied on vaccines from AstraZeneca and Oxford University, and Pfizer and BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain hits milestone as half of all adults get first vaccine dose

A collection of handwritten and typed letters by Britain's Late Princess Diana went up for auction in England. Forty letters and greetings cards which were sent between 1990 and 1997 from Princess Diana to her friend Roger Bramble were part of the sale.

Letters written by Princess Diana went up for auction

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a new vision. He wants to focus on Indo-Pacific and marginalise China from the 5G race. Johnson needs India's support for both. But for that- the UK first needs to change its approach towards India. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Britain standing up to the China threat

UK PM Boris Johnson has unveiled a blueprint for Britain's future. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the 4 areas of importance: 1: Countering Chinese aggression 2: Indo-pacific tilt in foreign policy 3: Nuclear stockpile upgrade 4: New law against protests

Gravitas: Boris Johnson's blueprint for Britain

British PM Boris Johnson will visit India on 26th April. This is Johnson's first international trip after Brexit. Why did he choose India? The UK wants to put its engagements with India & the Indo-Pacific first after Brexit. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Boris Johnson is travelling to India

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes his statement on the Integrated Review of foreign policy in the House of Commons.

UK: PM Boris Johnson outlines Britain's Post-Brexit foreign policy

Thousands of protesters return to London's Parliament on Monday to rally against Police's action to break up a vigil for Sarah Everard.

London Police clash with mourners at Sarah Everard's vigil

The United States is witnessing an outpouring of grief with Sarah Everard's murder. The murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard has reignited a national debate in Britain on women's safety and sexual assault.

WION Dispatch: Murder of UK woman sparks concerns on women safety

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said.&nbsp;

"The hearing took place in a very calm and good atmosphere, in the presence of my client," Hojjat Kermani said,&nbsp;adding that the judgement would be handed down at a later and unspecified date.

The 42-year-old dual national was prosecuted for "propaganda against the system for having participated in a rally in front of the Iranian embassy in London" in 2009.

She had been under house arrest since the pandemic and her electronic ankle tag was removed last weekend but the summons means she cannot return home and has raised fears she could face a new sentence.&nbsp;

She was ordered to appear on a separate security charge. Her husband Richard said the British embassy in Tehran had declined to accompany his wife to Sunday's trial.

It is also being reported that Zaghari-Ratcliff needs urgent treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, a rights group said Friday, as she faces the fresh Tehran court appearance.

A remote medical evaluation by International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims found Zaghari-Ratcliffe suffers from "serious and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder", according to rights group Redress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It says the former detainee's mental health problems are "due to her treatment in prison and under house arrest", as well as the ongoing legal uncertainty and separation from her family.

She spent long periods in solitary confinement, has physical problems including pain in her neck, shoulder and arm, tooth pain and lumps in her breast that have not been properly checked, Redress said.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the media organisation.

Her husband and supporters have said she and other dual nationals were being held as political hostages because of a long-standing dispute between London and Tehran over a failed arms deal.

Britain has repeatedly urged Iran to allow her to return home, where her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and their six-year-old daughter live.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab welcomed the removal of the ankle tag but said Iran continued to put Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family through a "cruel and an intolerable ordeal".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a call with Iranian Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe must be allowed to return home to her family.

Iranian media reported that during the call, Rouhani raised the issue of a 400-million-pound historical debt which Tehran says Britain owes the Islamic Republic in capital and interest for a 1970s arms deal with the then-Shah of Iran.

(with inputs from agencies)

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said.

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said. "The hearing took place in a very calm and good atmosphere, in the presence of my client," Hojjat Kermani said, adding that the judgement would be handed down at a later and unspecified date. The 42-year-old dual national was prosecuted for "propaganda against the system for having participated in a rally in front of the Iranian embassy in London" in 2009. She had been under house arrest since the pandemic and her electronic ankle tag was removed last weekend but the summons means she cannot return home and has raised fears she could face a new sentence. She was ordered to appear on a separate security charge. Her husband Richard said the British embassy in Tehran had declined to accompany his wife to Sunday's trial. It is also being reported that Zaghari-Ratcliff needs urgent treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, a rights group said Friday, as she faces the fresh Tehran court appearance. A remote medical evaluation by International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims found Zaghari-Ratcliffe suffers from "serious and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder", according to rights group Redress. It says the former detainee's mental health problems are "due to her treatment in prison and under house arrest", as well as the ongoing legal uncertainty and separation from her family. She spent long periods in solitary confinement, has physical problems including pain in her neck, shoulder and arm, tooth pain and lumps in her breast that have not been properly checked, Redress said. Zaghari-Ratcliffe works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the media organisation. Her husband and supporters have said she and other dual nationals were being held as political hostages because of a long-standing dispute between London and Tehran over a failed arms deal. Britain has repeatedly urged Iran to allow her to return home, where her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and their six-year-old daughter live. British foreign minister Dominic Raab welcomed the removal of the ankle tag but said Iran continued to put Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family through a "cruel and an intolerable ordeal". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a call with Iranian Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe must be allowed to return home to her family. Iranian media reported that during the call, Rouhani raised the issue of a 400-million-pound historical debt which Tehran says Britain owes the Islamic Republic in capital and interest for a 1970s arms deal with the then-Shah of Iran. (with inputs from agencies)

Trial of British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on new charge held in Iran

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety.

Constable Wayne Couzens, 48, who guarded diplomatic buildings, will appear in court on Saturday. Everard disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in south London on March 3.

The Metropolitan police had confirmed that a body found in a wood outside London was that of the missing woman.

Her case has led to an outpouring of personal accounts by women of their own experiences and fears of walking streets alone at night, and a campaign for action to address this.

"The investigation continues of course," Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters. "I would like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone that thinks they might have useful information to give, to get in contact with us."

He had said earlier in the day that he understood the hurt and anger sparked by the case. "Those are sentiments that I share personally," Ephgrave said. "I also recognise the wider concerns that are being raised quite rightly about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country."

Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said she would do all she could to protect women and girls following the outcry that has followed Everard's disappearance.

"Every woman &amp; girl should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear of harassment, abuse or violence," she said on Twitter.

However, police have been criticised by organisers of a planned "Reclaim These Streets" vigil on Saturday near to where Everard was last seen, after officers said it could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A woman in her 30s, who media said was the partner of Couzens, was released on police bail after having been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety.

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety. Constable Wayne Couzens, 48, who guarded diplomatic buildings, will appear in court on Saturday. Everard disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in south London on March 3. The Metropolitan police had confirmed that a body found in a wood outside London was that of the missing woman. Her case has led to an outpouring of personal accounts by women of their own experiences and fears of walking streets alone at night, and a campaign for action to address this. "The investigation continues of course," Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters. "I would like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone that thinks they might have useful information to give, to get in contact with us." He had said earlier in the day that he understood the hurt and anger sparked by the case. "Those are sentiments that I share personally," Ephgrave said. "I also recognise the wider concerns that are being raised quite rightly about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country." Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said she would do all she could to protect women and girls following the outcry that has followed Everard's disappearance. "Every woman & girl should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear of harassment, abuse or violence," she said on Twitter. However, police have been criticised by organisers of a planned "Reclaim These Streets" vigil on Saturday near to where Everard was last seen, after officers said it could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions. A woman in her 30s, who media said was the partner of Couzens, was released on police bail after having been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Serving UK police officer charged with murder of 33-year-old woman

Britain on Friday advised its citizens to flee Myanmar, as a UN expert warned the junta is likely committing "crimes against humanity" in its attempt to stay in power.

The military authorities are cracking down with increasing severity on daily protests against their February 1 coup, with at least 70 people killed according to the UN's top rights expert on the country.

The turmoil prompted Britain, the country's former colonial ruler, to urge its citizens to get out if they could, warning that "political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising".&nbsp;

"The Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office advises British nationals to leave the country by commercial means, unless there is an urgent need to stay," the British foreign ministry said.

The move comes after Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, gave a stark assessment of the crisis.&nbsp;

The country is "controlled by a murderous, illegal regime" that was likely committing "crimes against humanity," Andrews told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

These crimes likely include "acts of murder, enforced disappearance, persecution, torture" carried out with "the knowledge of senior leadership", including junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, Andrews said.

While stressing that such offences can only be determined in a court of law, he said there was clear evidence that the junta's crimes were "widespread" and part of a "coordinated campaign".

Thursday saw at least nine protesters killed in different parts of the country, including six in central Myanmar's Myaing township -- five of them shot in the head, according to a witness.

Rights group Amnesty International released a major report on the crisis on Thursday, accusing the junta of using battlefield weapons on unarmed protestors and carrying out premeditated killings.

- China calls for 'de-escalation' -

International pressure has been building on the generals, but they have shown no signs of heeding calls for restraint, continuing to try to quell daily protests by force.

The United Nations on Wednesday condemned the crackdown, which has seen more than 2,000 arrested, with even traditional Myanmar ally China calling for "de-escalation" and dialogue.

The military -- which defends its takeover by citing alleged voting irregularities in November elections won by civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party -- held a rare news conference on Thursday accusing her of corruption.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the detained chief minister of Yangon admitted giving Suu Kyi $600,000 in cash, along with more than 11 kilograms ($680,000 worth) of gold.

Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, detained since the coup, faces other criminal charges including owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions by staging a campaign event in 2020.

On Thursday state-run media announced that the Arakan Army (AA) -- which fights for autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine people in northern Rakhine state -- was no longer considered a terrorist organisation.

Observers say the move indicates the military is trying to avoid spreading itself too thinly, aiming to concentrate its forces on quelling the protests.

The AA has been fighting the army for years, with hundreds killed and some 200,000 civilians forced to flee their homes.

As well as using tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to break up street protests, the military authorities have also carried out regular night raids, searching apartments and making arrests after dark.

Britain on Friday advised its citizens to flee Myanmar, as a UN expert warned the junta is likely committing "crimes against humanity" in its attempt to stay in power.

Britain on Friday advised its citizens to flee Myanmar, as a UN expert warned the junta is likely committing "crimes against humanity" in its attempt to stay in power. The military authorities are cracking down with increasing severity on daily protests against their February 1 coup, with at least 70 people killed according to the UN's top rights expert on the country. The turmoil prompted Britain, the country's former colonial ruler, to urge its citizens to get out if they could, warning that "political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising". "The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises British nationals to leave the country by commercial means, unless there is an urgent need to stay," the British foreign ministry said. The move comes after Thomas Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, gave a stark assessment of the crisis. The country is "controlled by a murderous, illegal regime" that was likely committing "crimes against humanity," Andrews told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. These crimes likely include "acts of murder, enforced disappearance, persecution, torture" carried out with "the knowledge of senior leadership", including junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, Andrews said. While stressing that such offences can only be determined in a court of law, he said there was clear evidence that the junta's crimes were "widespread" and part of a "coordinated campaign". Thursday saw at least nine protesters killed in different parts of the country, including six in central Myanmar's Myaing township -- five of them shot in the head, according to a witness. Rights group Amnesty International released a major report on the crisis on Thursday, accusing the junta of using battlefield weapons on unarmed protestors and carrying out premeditated killings. - China calls for 'de-escalation' - International pressure has been building on the generals, but they have shown no signs of heeding calls for restraint, continuing to try to quell daily protests by force. The United Nations on Wednesday condemned the crackdown, which has seen more than 2,000 arrested, with even traditional Myanmar ally China calling for "de-escalation" and dialogue. The military -- which defends its takeover by citing alleged voting irregularities in November elections won by civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party -- held a rare news conference on Thursday accusing her of corruption. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the detained chief minister of Yangon admitted giving Suu Kyi $600,000 in cash, along with more than 11 kilograms ($680,000 worth) of gold. Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, detained since the coup, faces other criminal charges including owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions by staging a campaign event in 2020. On Thursday state-run media announced that the Arakan Army (AA) -- which fights for autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine people in northern Rakhine state -- was no longer considered a terrorist organisation. Observers say the move indicates the military is trying to avoid spreading itself too thinly, aiming to concentrate its forces on quelling the protests. The AA has been fighting the army for years, with hundreds killed and some 200,000 civilians forced to flee their homes. As well as using tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to break up street protests, the military authorities have also carried out regular night raids, searching apartments and making arrests after dark.

Britain tells citizens to exit Myanmar, UN warns of 'crimes against humanity'

Britain is in its worst shape since World War 2. This time, the enemy at the gates is invisible. The coronavirus pandemic continues to grow in the UK as there have been more than four million cases and 124,000 deaths.&nbsp;

The UK is the worst-affected country in Europe. Hundreds are still dying from the virus every day and just as the vaccines emerged so did a new variant, a more potent and more contagious mutation. Britain's response was more lockdowns but that came at a cost. The country is going through its worst economic slump in three centuries. Jobs are disappearing, small businesses have been decimated. It will take at least two years before the economy reaches pre-pandemic levels and we're not done listing Britain's economic woes just yet.&nbsp;

The government has been on a borrowing spree since last year. The budget deficit is at its highest since World War 2. What Britain needs right now is some Churchillian steel to channel the guts of the greatest generation. The generation that braved the barrage of Nazi bombers 70 years back, instead they're busy talking about an interview.&nbsp;

At the outset, let's make one thing clear that we are not trivialising Meghan Markle's struggles, her allegations are serious. The palace must be held to account for its actions but does a family squabble qualify as public interest?&nbsp;

At what point does fascination become obsession? It's an unnecessary distraction even for the government. The prime minister is having to field questions about it. Even the White House has released a statement and we are in the middle of the world's largest vaccination drive. The pandemic is the only thing world leaders should be focusing on but in Britain, this has always been the case, the daily life is shaped by royalty. Britons are urged to speak the queen's English. They gather under the flag and sing 'God Save the Queen'. That's the British national anthem. They line the streets and go gaga over royal weddings, the same ones that they the taxpayers end up paying for.&nbsp;

The monarchy is embedded in every Briton's DNA, but why?&nbsp;

After all, the family doesn't do much other than wave and smile a lot. The royals have managed to convince the country that it needs them and that Britain would disintegrate without a king or queen. There's a common saying among royalists, politicians may come and go but the family remains. Humans love a sense of continuity, the idea of something that exists for posterity.&nbsp;

The monarchy preys on this. It also explains all the pomp and show. Hundreds of years back, the British monarch was considered god's representative on earth.&nbsp;

People aren't naive enough to believe that today but the divine narrative remains. All the traditions, the coronation with holy oils. It's all part of the larger-than-life image. Royalists believe the monarch is endowed with god's mandate to rule. It's an unequal and unjust mandate. The family has its reasons for defending the monarchy but why do the people stick with it?&nbsp;

The queen serves as a reminder of Britain's golden days, when it ruled the seas and had colonies in every continent. In other words, the monarchy is Britain's biggest colonial hangover. Many countries were ruled by monarchies in the middle ages but as British historian Robert Lacey says they were sensible and clever enough to grow out of them.&nbsp;

Britain is in its worst shape since World War 2. This time, the enemy at the gates is invisible. The coronavirus pandemic continues to grow in the UK as there have been more than four million cases and 124,000 deaths.

Britain is in its worst shape since World War 2. This time, the enemy at the gates is invisible. The coronavirus pandemic continues to grow in the UK as there have been more than four million cases and 124,000 deaths. The UK is the worst-affected country in Europe. Hundreds are still dying from the virus every day and just as the vaccines emerged so did a new variant, a more potent and more contagious mutation. Britain's response was more lockdowns but that came at a cost. The country is going through its worst economic slump in three centuries. Jobs are disappearing, small businesses have been decimated. It will take at least two years before the economy reaches pre-pandemic levels and we're not done listing Britain's economic woes just yet. The government has been on a borrowing spree since last year. The budget deficit is at its highest since World War 2. What Britain needs right now is some Churchillian steel to channel the guts of the greatest generation. The generation that braved the barrage of Nazi bombers 70 years back, instead they're busy talking about an interview. At the outset, let's make one thing clear that we are not trivialising Meghan Markle's struggles, her allegations are serious. The palace must be held to account for its actions but does a family squabble qualify as public interest? At what point does fascination become obsession? It's an unnecessary distraction even for the government. The prime minister is having to field questions about it. Even the White House has released a statement and we are in the middle of the world's largest vaccination drive. The pandemic is the only thing world leaders should be focusing on but in Britain, this has always been the case, the daily life is shaped by royalty. Britons are urged to speak the queen's English. They gather under the flag and sing 'God Save the Queen'. That's the British national anthem. They line the streets and go gaga over royal weddings, the same ones that they the taxpayers end up paying for. The monarchy is embedded in every Briton's DNA, but why? After all, the family doesn't do much other than wave and smile a lot. The royals have managed to convince the country that it needs them and that Britain would disintegrate without a king or queen. There's a common saying among royalists, politicians may come and go but the family remains. Humans love a sense of continuity, the idea of something that exists for posterity. The monarchy preys on this. It also explains all the pomp and show. Hundreds of years back, the British monarch was considered god's representative on earth. People aren't naive enough to believe that today but the divine narrative remains. All the traditions, the coronation with holy oils. It's all part of the larger-than-life image. Royalists believe the monarch is endowed with god's mandate to rule. It's an unequal and unjust mandate. The family has its reasons for defending the monarchy but why do the people stick with it? The queen serves as a reminder of Britain's golden days, when it ruled the seas and had colonies in every continent. In other words, the monarchy is Britain's biggest colonial hangover. Many countries were ruled by monarchies in the middle ages but as British historian Robert Lacey says they were sensible and clever enough to grow out of them.

After coronavirus, Britain faces royal affair challenge 

Meghan Markle's interview has revealed the dark side of British royalty. Markel claims she was bullied. There was a 'discussion' about her son's skin. Markel says at one point - she even struggled with suicidal thoughts.

Gravitas: The dark side of British royalty

Millions of UK children and teenagers headed back to school on Monday for the first time after two months of home learning because of a strict national lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19.

After 2 months of home learning UK students back to school

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said promising to stand up for the country's interests.

World Business Watch: Shake off your ill will, Britain tells EU over Post-Brexit trade

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman jailed in Tehran has finally had her ankle tag removed. She was arrested at Tehran airport in 2016 and convicted of plotting the overthrow of the Iranian regime.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe released as ankle tag removed but faces new charges

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