90-year-old Margaret Keenan, became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot outside of a trial as Britain began vaccinating its population.

90-year-old UK woman, first in the world to get Pfizer vaccine shot

Conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 has been floating around since the pandemic began. As UK became the first country to start mass vaccination drive, anti-vax protesters also marched through the streets of London.

Protest against vaccine as UK begins mass vaccination

According to reports, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine within weeks, after UK regulators granted emergency approval and the world's first rollout which begins this week.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to get COVID-19 vaccine in weeks: Reports

The United Kingdom is preparing to become the first country to roll out the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week, initially making the shot available at hospitals before distributing stocks to doctors clinics. The vaccine will be available in Britain from December 08.

UK gets ready for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine rollout this week

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have instructed their negotiators to resume trade talks on Sunday.

This is being seen as a last ditch attempt to bridge significant differences regarding the Brexit deal -- governing almost $1 trillion of trade a year.

The long-running talks were stalled on Friday over three of the thorniest issues suggests both sides. Reports said the talks would resume where they had left off.

In a joint statement, the two leaders said that while there were serious differences, "we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved".

"No agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved," they said after speaking for more than an hour on Saturday. "We are therefore instructing our chief negotiators to reconvene tomorrow in Brussels. We will speak again on Monday evening."

Britain left the European Union on January 31 and entered a transition period that runs until the end of the year.

After months of negotiations, there has barely been any movement on three areas of disagreement - fisheries, ensuring fair competition guarantees and ways to solve future disputes.

Sources from both sides said that French demands over fishing rights in British waters remained a key issue, and some in Johnson's Conservative Party suggested that EU officials had to convince French President Emmanuel Macron to back a deal.

Johnson, a figurehead for Britain's campaign to leave the EU, must be able to convince Brexit supporters that he has secured a clean break, reclaiming what he called during last year's election campaign the country's sovereignty.

If the two sides fail to reach a deal, the five-year Brexit divorce will end messily just as Britain and Europe grapple with the vast economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Both sides acknowledge that time is running out and UK and EU sources gave a pessimistic readout following the call between Johnson and von der Leyen on Saturday.

With less than four weeks to go before Britain completes its journey out of the bloc, both sides must also get agreement on any deal from their parliaments and the EU executive needs to get approval from all 27 member states.

If the talks continue beyond Sunday, they may be further soured when the British government presses ahead on Monday with legislation that breaks an earlier Brexit deal by reintroducing contentious clauses the upper house of parliament removed.

The British government is also introducing a new piece of legislation which is expected to contain more provisions that undermine parts of the exit deal. The clauses, which the government says it needs as a safety net to ensure unfettered trade between its four nations, might not be needed if London and Brussels agree a trade deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have instructed their negotiators to resume trade talks on Sunday. This is being seen as a last ditch attempt to bridge significant differences regarding the Brexit deal -- governing almost $1 trillion of trade a year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have instructed their negotiators to resume trade talks on Sunday. This is being seen as a last ditch attempt to bridge significant differences regarding the Brexit deal -- governing almost $1 trillion of trade a year. The long-running talks were stalled on Friday over three of the thorniest issues suggests both sides. Reports said the talks would resume where they had left off. In a joint statement, the two leaders said that while there were serious differences, "we agreed that a further effort should be undertaken by our negotiating teams to assess whether they can be resolved". "No agreement is feasible if these issues are not resolved," they said after speaking for more than an hour on Saturday. "We are therefore instructing our chief negotiators to reconvene tomorrow in Brussels. We will speak again on Monday evening." Britain left the European Union on January 31 and entered a transition period that runs until the end of the year. After months of negotiations, there has barely been any movement on three areas of disagreement - fisheries, ensuring fair competition guarantees and ways to solve future disputes. Sources from both sides said that French demands over fishing rights in British waters remained a key issue, and some in Johnson's Conservative Party suggested that EU officials had to convince French President Emmanuel Macron to back a deal. Johnson, a figurehead for Britain's campaign to leave the EU, must be able to convince Brexit supporters that he has secured a clean break, reclaiming what he called during last year's election campaign the country's sovereignty. If the two sides fail to reach a deal, the five-year Brexit divorce will end messily just as Britain and Europe grapple with the vast economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak. Both sides acknowledge that time is running out and UK and EU sources gave a pessimistic readout following the call between Johnson and von der Leyen on Saturday. With less than four weeks to go before Britain completes its journey out of the bloc, both sides must also get agreement on any deal from their parliaments and the EU executive needs to get approval from all 27 member states. If the talks continue beyond Sunday, they may be further soured when the British government presses ahead on Monday with legislation that breaks an earlier Brexit deal by reintroducing contentious clauses the upper house of parliament removed. The British government is also introducing a new piece of legislation which is expected to contain more provisions that undermine parts of the exit deal. The clauses, which the government says it needs as a safety net to ensure unfettered trade between its four nations, might not be needed if London and Brussels agree a trade deal.

UK, EU to resume talks in final push for Brexit trade deal

Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show. 
 
The paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto and others usually hang in the Picture Gallery, one of the palace`s State Rooms that play host to its grandest events. 
 
But the old masters have been cleared out during renovations and moved to more modern exhibition space of the nearby Queen`s Gallery.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/queen-elizabeth-and-prince-philip-to-spend-christmas-at-windsor-for-the-first-time-in-33-years-347250" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to spend Christmas at Windsor for the first time in 33 years</a> 
 
While tourists may have spotted the paintings before from afar during palace tours, they will now be able to see them closer up with fewer distractions, the Surveyor of the Queen`s Pictures, Desmond Shawe-Taylor, told Reuters. 
 
"What this does is bring the paintings down to eye level, put them in stronger lighting in a modern gallery setting and just allow you to focus on them and nothing else," he said. 
 
The palace is undergoing a 10-year refit to replace dangerous electrical wiring and boilers, and refurbish other ageing infrastructure, a programme that will cost about 370 million pounds ($500 million) and is due to finish in 2027. 
 
As part of this work, the 200-year-old roof of the Picture Gallery will be replaced and all its paintings have been removed for the first time in almost 45 years. 
 
The show "Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace" runs until Jan. 31, 2022.

Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show.

Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show. The paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto and others usually hang in the Picture Gallery, one of the palace`s State Rooms that play host to its grandest events. But the old masters have been cleared out during renovations and moved to more modern exhibition space of the nearby Queen`s Gallery. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to spend Christmas at Windsor for the first time in 33 years While tourists may have spotted the paintings before from afar during palace tours, they will now be able to see them closer up with fewer distractions, the Surveyor of the Queen`s Pictures, Desmond Shawe-Taylor, told Reuters. "What this does is bring the paintings down to eye level, put them in stronger lighting in a modern gallery setting and just allow you to focus on them and nothing else," he said. The palace is undergoing a 10-year refit to replace dangerous electrical wiring and boilers, and refurbish other ageing infrastructure, a programme that will cost about 370 million pounds ($500 million) and is due to finish in 2027. As part of this work, the 200-year-old roof of the Picture Gallery will be replaced and all its paintings have been removed for the first time in almost 45 years. The show "Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace" runs until Jan. 31, 2022.

Queen Elizabeth’s old masters go on public show in Britain

The medical regulator of United Kingdom has officially approved the rollout of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Britain has became the first country in the world to approve the vaccine for widespread use.

WION Fineprint: UK becomes first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine

A senior British minister said on Tuesday that there was still a possibility of Britain leaving European Union without a formal trade deal. A no-deal Brexit can prove to be problematic as it may give rise to disputes between Britain and the EU in the immediate and distant future. The current talks over the trade deal have hit a snag on fishing, governance rules and dispute resolution.

Britain is set to leave the EU's orbit on December 31 this year. Both sides are engaged in talks to hammer out a trade deal in order to avoid negative effect on USD 1 trillion annual trade. Each side is urging the other to compromise.

A French official said Britain must clarify its positions and "really negotiate", and cautioned that the EU would not accept a "substandard deal".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-urges-lawmakers-to-back-regional-covid-19-restrictions-346753">UK's Johnson urges lawmakers to back regional COVID-19 restrictions</a> 
 
Both Britain and the EU say they want a deal, and their two negotiating teams have been locked in intensive talks for more than five weeks though they are still at odds over the three most contentious issues.

Yet, EU sources have said they are hoping for a deal in the coming days and the bloc's negotiator, Michel Barnier, was due to update the 27 national envoys to the EU at 0730 GMT on Wednesday in Brussels.

Michael Gove, the cabinet minister responsible for the divorce deal, said an agreement was close but that to get it over the line the EU would have to live up to its responsibilities.

Asked if a "no-deal" scenario was closer than anyone would admit, he told ITV: "It's certainly the case that there is a chance that we may not get a negotiated outcome."

"That's why it's important business prepares for all eventualities, but I very much want a deal and I believe that we can secure one," Gove said.

Gove avoided repeating an earlier prediction of a 66% probability of a deal, declining to give a figure.

A report by Times Radio that the talks had entered the so-called "tunnel" or final stretch saw the pound rise to as high as $1.3442. [GBP/]

"In the endgame"

While most major investment banks say a deal is their central prediction, some investors have pointed out that Wall Street and the City of London were poorly prepared for the 2016 referendum as few believed the United Kingdom would vote out.

Failure to secure a deal would snarl borders, spook financial markets and disrupt delicate supply chains that stretch across Europe and beyond -- just as the world grapples with the vast economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under pressure from opponents in his party who dislike strict coronavirus restrictions, says a deal is preferable but that the United Kingdom could prosper without one. Both sides have contingency plans for a no-deal exit.

Even if a trade accord is secured, it is likely to be just a narrow deal on goods, and some disruption is certain as border controls are erected between Britain and the world's biggest trading bloc.

Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility said last week that failure to agree a free trade deal would wipe an extra 2% off UK economic output - in addition to the 4% drop from leaving the bloc with a deal - while driving up inflation, unemployment and public borrowing.

Talks have snagged on fishing in Britain's rich waters, on what EU rules London will accept, and on how any future disputes might be resolved.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe's most powerful national leader, has said some of the EU's 27 member states are getting impatient.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said a deal could be done this week, while his deputy, Leo Varadkar, told the Dublin Chamber of Commerce: "We still don't know what will happen there, but obviously we are all hopeful that we will see an FTA (free trade agreement) concluded in the next couple of weeks."

(With Reuters inputs)

A senior British minister said on Tuesday that there was still a possibility of Britain leaving European Union without a formal trade deal. A no-deal Brexit can prove to be problematic as it may give rise to disputes between Britain and the EU in the immediate and distant future.

A senior British minister said on Tuesday that there was still a possibility of Britain leaving European Union without a formal trade deal. A no-deal Brexit can prove to be problematic as it may give rise to disputes between Britain and the EU in the immediate and distant future. The current talks over the trade deal have hit a snag on fishing, governance rules and dispute resolution. Britain is set to leave the EU's orbit on December 31 this year. Both sides are engaged in talks to hammer out a trade deal in order to avoid negative effect on USD 1 trillion annual trade. Each side is urging the other to compromise. A French official said Britain must clarify its positions and "really negotiate", and cautioned that the EU would not accept a "substandard deal". Also Read | UK's Johnson urges lawmakers to back regional COVID-19 restrictions Both Britain and the EU say they want a deal, and their two negotiating teams have been locked in intensive talks for more than five weeks though they are still at odds over the three most contentious issues. Yet, EU sources have said they are hoping for a deal in the coming days and the bloc's negotiator, Michel Barnier, was due to update the 27 national envoys to the EU at 0730 GMT on Wednesday in Brussels. Michael Gove, the cabinet minister responsible for the divorce deal, said an agreement was close but that to get it over the line the EU would have to live up to its responsibilities. Asked if a "no-deal" scenario was closer than anyone would admit, he told ITV: "It's certainly the case that there is a chance that we may not get a negotiated outcome." "That's why it's important business prepares for all eventualities, but I very much want a deal and I believe that we can secure one," Gove said. Gove avoided repeating an earlier prediction of a 66% probability of a deal, declining to give a figure. A report by Times Radio that the talks had entered the so-called "tunnel" or final stretch saw the pound rise to as high as $1.3442. [GBP/] "In the endgame" While most major investment banks say a deal is their central prediction, some investors have pointed out that Wall Street and the City of London were poorly prepared for the 2016 referendum as few believed the United Kingdom would vote out. Failure to secure a deal would snarl borders, spook financial markets and disrupt delicate supply chains that stretch across Europe and beyond -- just as the world grapples with the vast economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under pressure from opponents in his party who dislike strict coronavirus restrictions, says a deal is preferable but that the United Kingdom could prosper without one. Both sides have contingency plans for a no-deal exit. Even if a trade accord is secured, it is likely to be just a narrow deal on goods, and some disruption is certain as border controls are erected between Britain and the world's biggest trading bloc. Britain's Office for Budget Responsibility said last week that failure to agree a free trade deal would wipe an extra 2% off UK economic output - in addition to the 4% drop from leaving the bloc with a deal - while driving up inflation, unemployment and public borrowing. Talks have snagged on fishing in Britain's rich waters, on what EU rules London will accept, and on how any future disputes might be resolved. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe's most powerful national leader, has said some of the EU's 27 member states are getting impatient. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said a deal could be done this week, while his deputy, Leo Varadkar, told the Dublin Chamber of Commerce: "We still don't know what will happen there, but obviously we are all hopeful that we will see an FTA (free trade agreement) concluded in the next couple of weeks." (With Reuters inputs)

No-deal Brexit still a possibility: British minister

Britain has became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use and said that it will be made available for rollout across the UK from early next week.

BioNTech news conference on COVID-19 vaccine that got approval by UK

Watch: UK vaccine regulator briefs on rollout after Pfizer vaccine gets approval

The chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union on Wednesday told EU member states that negotiations with the UK on a trade deal were reaching a “make-or-break moment”.

In response, the member countries told the negotiator to not be rushed into an agreement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-uks-very-significant-week-for-brexit-talks-over-trade-deal-to-enter-final-days-346369/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Michel Barnier spoke to ambassadors in Brussels, telling them that the talks remain halted on account of fishing rights in British waters, along with the guarantee of fair competition, and ways to avoid future conflicts, Reuters reported.

A senior EU diplomat who was at the briefing said that “a deal still hangs in the balance”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/no-deal-brexit-still-a-possibility-british-minister-346794" hreflang="en">No-deal Brexit still a possibility: British minister</a>

Britain had formally left the EU on January 31, but thereafter entered a period of transition. As part of this, EU laws apply to the country till the end of 2020, to provide time to adapt, especially for businesses.

A free-trade deal ought to be cemented by January 1. On the same date, EU rules for the internal market, and the EU Customs Union will no longer apply to Britain. But this has stirred fears of a “no deal” Brexit situation looking like the ultimate consequence.

A senior diplomat told Reuters that many EU states see no problem in pushing negotiations further past the deadline, even if it means a temporary “no deal” period between both the parties. The diplomat added that there is a “temptation to rush” due to the pressure. He also added that member states told Barnier “don’t do that”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-says-next-week-very-significant-for-brexit-deal-urges-eu-to-exercise-pragmatism-346236" hreflang="en">UK says next week 'very significant' for Brexit deal, urges EU to exercise pragmatism</a>

On Wednesday, a British government official said that they would agree to any extension of the transition period with the EU.

This was after a senior EU diplomat said that trade talks could well be extended beyond December 31. Another EU diplomat claimed that even though negotiations were still going on in London, it remained unclear whether the gaps between the three sticking points could be bridged.

The chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union on Wednesday told EU member states that negotiations with the UK on a trade deal were reaching a “make-or-break moment”.

The chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union on Wednesday told EU member states that negotiations with the UK on a trade deal were reaching a “make-or-break moment”. In response, the member countries told the negotiator to not be rushed into an agreement. Michel Barnier spoke to ambassadors in Brussels, telling them that the talks remain halted on account of fishing rights in British waters, along with the guarantee of fair competition, and ways to avoid future conflicts, Reuters reported. A senior EU diplomat who was at the briefing said that “a deal still hangs in the balance”. Also read: No-deal Brexit still a possibility: British minister Britain had formally left the EU on January 31, but thereafter entered a period of transition. As part of this, EU laws apply to the country till the end of 2020, to provide time to adapt, especially for businesses. A free-trade deal ought to be cemented by January 1. On the same date, EU rules for the internal market, and the EU Customs Union will no longer apply to Britain. But this has stirred fears of a “no deal” Brexit situation looking like the ultimate consequence. A senior diplomat told Reuters that many EU states see no problem in pushing negotiations further past the deadline, even if it means a temporary “no deal” period between both the parties. The diplomat added that there is a “temptation to rush” due to the pressure. He also added that member states told Barnier “don’t do that”. Also read: UK says next week 'very significant' for Brexit deal, urges EU to exercise pragmatism On Wednesday, a British government official said that they would agree to any extension of the transition period with the EU. This was after a senior EU diplomat said that trade talks could well be extended beyond December 31. Another EU diplomat claimed that even though negotiations were still going on in London, it remained unclear whether the gaps between the three sticking points could be bridged.

Don't do that: EU member states to Brexit negotiator on rushing a deal with Britain

UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use, first in the world

United Kingdom has became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use and said that it will be made available across the Britain from early next week.

Breaking News: UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for mass rollout

Britain has ordered his telecommunication firms to not install new Huawei 5G kits after September next year. Meanwhile, China and its telecom firm Huawei have criticized the same decision.

World Business Watch : UK bans new Huawei 5G kit installation

Britain’s government is urging businesses to make final preparations for a new trading relationship with the EU from January.

Time for final preparations for EU, UK tells firms

Brexit saga continues, this time its a tough week as talks over a trade deal entered their final days with serious differences yet to be resolved. United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday claimed that the upcoming week would be “very significant” for Brexit. Both sides are trying to reach a trade deal with five weeks to go before their current relationship ends.

World Business Watch: UK's very significant week for Brexit, talks over trade deal to enter final days

Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service.

The 94-year-old, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is due to mark her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022.

The government is planning a four-day celebration that summer, featuring an extra day`s public holiday, with tree planting to be a feature of the milestone, according to an announcement on Sunday.

Named "The Queen`s Green Canopy," the charity-backed project will encourage communities, schools, councils and landowners to plant native trees to help the environment and make local areas greener.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the health crisis and pandemic had reminded people of the importance of nature and green spaces and that trees could transform communities as well as tackling climate change.

"As we celebrate Her Majesty’s incredible 70 years of service, I encourage everyone to get behind this scheme and go ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee,`" Johnson said.

Charities Cool Earth and The Woodland Trust said the planting of trees would create a special gift for the monarch, who has planted more than 1,500 trees around the world during her reign.

Elizabeth, who is also the world`s current oldest and longest-reigning monarch, became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI.

The British royal family have been vocal campaigners on a host of environmental issues, with Elizabeth`s son Prince Charles speaking out for decades about the impact of climate change and the importance of conservation, and her grandson Prince William also taking up the mantle.

Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service.

Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service. The 94-year-old, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is due to mark her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022. The government is planning a four-day celebration that summer, featuring an extra day`s public holiday, with tree planting to be a feature of the milestone, according to an announcement on Sunday. Named "The Queen`s Green Canopy," the charity-backed project will encourage communities, schools, councils and landowners to plant native trees to help the environment and make local areas greener. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the health crisis and pandemic had reminded people of the importance of nature and green spaces and that trees could transform communities as well as tackling climate change. "As we celebrate Her Majesty’s incredible 70 years of service, I encourage everyone to get behind this scheme and go ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee,`" Johnson said. Charities Cool Earth and The Woodland Trust said the planting of trees would create a special gift for the monarch, who has planted more than 1,500 trees around the world during her reign. Elizabeth, who is also the world`s current oldest and longest-reigning monarch, became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. The British royal family have been vocal campaigners on a host of environmental issues, with Elizabeth`s son Prince Charles speaking out for decades about the impact of climate change and the importance of conservation, and her grandson Prince William also taking up the mantle.

Britons to plant trees to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on throne

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said.

Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening.

With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover.

To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134">Also read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134" hreflang="en">Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings</a>

Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday. The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening. With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover. To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier. Also read | Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

French ship rescues 45 migrants from English Channel

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead.

The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer.

"Independence is in clear sight - and with unity of purpose, humility and hard work I have never been so certain that we will deliver it," she said. She made a virtual address.

Sturgeon and the SNP have argued for a second referendum on Scottish independence since the party's overwhelming victory among Scottish seats in Britain's 2019 general election.

Now she hopes that a further resounding win in May elections to the Edinburgh parliament will hand her party a mandate for a second bid to quit the UK.

Opinion polls in recent months have shown that a majority of public opinion in Scotland now supports independence.

The country chose to remain part of the four-nation United Kingdom in a 2014 referendum on the issue.

But Scots later voted by a thumping majority in 2016 to remain in the European Union, a referendum the Leave side won by a narrow margin when taking the rest of Britain into account.

Since then, "we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election and support for independence has risen, it has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year," said Sturgeon.

"Who should be taking the decisions that shape our futures? We know that it is the people who live here, wherever they come from, who can best harness Scotland's immense human and natural resources.

"Let us reach out to all Scotland like never before," she added.

Sturgeon urged her party to "demonstrate... that Scotland is ready to take our place in the global family of independent nations," saying it was "now a nation on the brink of making history."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly rebuffed calls from for a another referendum, saying that the 2014 vote settled the question for a generation.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Scottish independence campaigners seized on comments by the prime minister in which he said the creation of a devolved parliament in Edinburgh had been "a disaster".

In response Sturgeon said the only way to protect the parliament was "with independence".

On Thursday, she said a referendum could be held "in the earlier part" of the next parliamentary session.

"The people of Scotland have the right to choose their future. Let's now focus all our efforts on making sure we bring about that better country they and future generations deserve," Sturgeon said on Saturday.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said she had "never been more certain" of achieving Scottish independence. Brexit, Britain's departure from European Union trading arrangements is set to be preceded by Scottish elections in the months ahead. The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer. "Independence is in clear sight - and with unity of purpose, humility and hard work I have never been so certain that we will deliver it," she said. She made a virtual address. Sturgeon and the SNP have argued for a second referendum on Scottish independence since the party's overwhelming victory among Scottish seats in Britain's 2019 general election. Now she hopes that a further resounding win in May elections to the Edinburgh parliament will hand her party a mandate for a second bid to quit the UK. Opinion polls in recent months have shown that a majority of public opinion in Scotland now supports independence. The country chose to remain part of the four-nation United Kingdom in a 2014 referendum on the issue. But Scots later voted by a thumping majority in 2016 to remain in the European Union, a referendum the Leave side won by a narrow margin when taking the rest of Britain into account. Since then, "we have won a landslide victory in a UK general election and support for independence has risen, it has become the sustained and majority view in public opinion this year," said Sturgeon. "Who should be taking the decisions that shape our futures? We know that it is the people who live here, wherever they come from, who can best harness Scotland's immense human and natural resources. "Let us reach out to all Scotland like never before," she added. Sturgeon urged her party to "demonstrate... that Scotland is ready to take our place in the global family of independent nations," saying it was "now a nation on the brink of making history." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly rebuffed calls from for a another referendum, saying that the 2014 vote settled the question for a generation. Earlier this month, Scottish independence campaigners seized on comments by the prime minister in which he said the creation of a devolved parliament in Edinburgh had been "a disaster". In response Sturgeon said the only way to protect the parliament was "with independence". On Thursday, she said a referendum could be held "in the earlier part" of the next parliamentary session. "The people of Scotland have the right to choose their future. Let's now focus all our efforts on making sure we bring about that better country they and future generations deserve," Sturgeon said on Saturday. (With AFP inputs)

Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers.

The code will be enforced by a dedicated unit within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which this year said it needed new laws to keep the tech giants in check.

Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising, accounting for around 80% of 14 billion pounds spent in 2019, Britain's competition regulator the CMA said.

The two US companies have said they are committed to working with the British government and regulator on digital advertising, including giving users greater control over their data and the ads they are served.

The newly-created Digital Markets Unit, which will begin work in April, could be given powers to suspend, block and reverse decisions made by technology firms and to impose financial penalties for non-compliance.

Companies will have to be more transparent about how they use consumer data and restrictions that make it hard to use rival platforms will be banned, the government said, adding that the rules will also support the news industry, rebalancing the relationship between publishers and platforms.

The CMA said on Monday it was assessing whether a complaint about Google technology warranted a formal investigation.

Marketers for an Open Web (MOW), a coalition of technology and publishing companies, said Google was modifying its Chrome browser and Chromium developer tools to give it greater control over publishers and advertisers.

Google said advertising practices needed to adapt to changing expectations around how data was collected and used.&nbsp;

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers.

Britain is set to impose a new competition regime next year to prevent Google and Facebook using their dominance to push out smaller firms and disadvantage consumers. The code will be enforced by a dedicated unit within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which this year said it needed new laws to keep the tech giants in check. Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising, accounting for around 80% of 14 billion pounds spent in 2019, Britain's competition regulator the CMA said. The two US companies have said they are committed to working with the British government and regulator on digital advertising, including giving users greater control over their data and the ads they are served. The newly-created Digital Markets Unit, which will begin work in April, could be given powers to suspend, block and reverse decisions made by technology firms and to impose financial penalties for non-compliance. Companies will have to be more transparent about how they use consumer data and restrictions that make it hard to use rival platforms will be banned, the government said, adding that the rules will also support the news industry, rebalancing the relationship between publishers and platforms. The CMA said on Monday it was assessing whether a complaint about Google technology warranted a formal investigation. Marketers for an Open Web (MOW), a coalition of technology and publishing companies, said Google was modifying its Chrome browser and Chromium developer tools to give it greater control over publishers and advertisers. Google said advertising practices needed to adapt to changing expectations around how data was collected and used.

UK to curb Google and Facebook's dominance with tougher rules

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared.

In the English town of Grantham, an hour’s train ride north of London, an 11-foot pedestal now stands empty. That’s not because the statue atop it has been vandalized — though many expect it will be once it is finally installed.

Next year, that plinth is to become the base of a stern-looking, larger-than-life bronze monument to Grantham’s most famous daughter: Margaret Thatcher.

If Thatcher — the “Iron Lady” who was the first female prime minister of Britain — is currently getting a sympathetic portrayal from Gillian Anderson on Netflix’s “The Crown,” she remains a divisive and polarizing figure three decades after leaving office.

That’s true even in her hometown. So while the unveiling of a statue is usually a festive occasion, few in Grantham expect Thatcher’s homecoming to be celebrated as a hero’s return.

“If you’re a Conservative,” said Graham Newton, the news editor of the weekly Grantham Journal, “you want a statue, and you want her recognized. But if you’re not, there’s a lot of people who — not to put a fine point on it — hated her.”

Many in Grantham expect her critics will not wait long to make their mark, Newton added. “Either way, it’ll make a good story for the paper,” he said.

Culture wars have been roiling around statues since 2017, when officials in Charlottesville, Virginia, said they would remove a statue memorializing Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy’s top general. But voices calling for the removal of statues associated with slavery and colonialism have grown steadily louder this year, particularly since the killing of George Floyd and the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement.

In England, some have taken matters into their own hands. A monument to Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, was toppled in Bristol in June during a Black Lives Matter protest.

That same month, a protester in London scrawled “racist” on a statue of Winston Churchill, an ardent imperialist who once said it was right for “a stronger race, a higher-grade race” to claim territory from another. (He is also widely regarded as Britain’s greatest prime minister for his leadership in World War II.) The statue was boarded up to prevent further damage, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that it was “absurd and shameful” that Churchill’s statue was at risk of attack.

As in the United States, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln was considered fair game for protesters in Portland, Oregon, a wide range of monuments now seems more vulnerable to attack. And while it is unusual for a statue of a woman — a rarity itself — to attract such strong emotions, this was always the way with Thatcher.

Internationally, Thatcher, who died in 2013 at age 87, may be seen as a political colossus, the British equivalent of Ronald Reagan. But in Britain, her 11 years in power have a more complicated legacy.

Some see her as the leader of a much-needed political and economic revolution, privatizing industry, facing down trade unions and winning victory for Britain against Argentina in the Falklands War. To others, she is someone who, coldly, left towns that were dependent on state-run industries to rot and turned Britain into a society of uncaring individuals.

Perhaps that’s why Thatcher’s presence in Grantham is currently so low-key. She grew up above the grocery store her father ran, and there is a small plaque on the building today — although the store itself is now a center for “chiropractic natural therapies,” beauty and massage treatments. The town’s museum features a few exhibits, including her childhood bed and one of her suits, though none of her trademark handbags are on display.

“She was never very fond of Grantham, and so Grantham was never very fond of her,” said John Campbell, a biographer, pointing out that Thacher rarely visited the town as prime minister, and did not mention it in speeches. “She was happy to leave it behind,” he said.

The new monument, designed by sculptor Douglas Jennings, won’t be Britain’s first to Thatcher, but it will be the first outdoors, in easy reach of vandals.

The Grantham statue was initially proposed for Parliament Square in London, putting Thatcher in the company of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and the Churchill statue that was boarded up this summer.

But officials rejected it twice for a variety of reasons, including a rule that people honored with statues must have been dead for a decade, “to allow partisan passions to cool and enable sober reflection.”

The monument is now in storage at a secret location, said Ivan Saxton, the founder of the Public Memorials Appeal, a nonprofit that raised the money to erect it.

The plinth was installed in Grantham in February, and the statue was meant to join it in May, Saxton said, but the coronavirus pandemic scuppered those plans. The unveiling ceremony will now be postponed until social distancing is no longer required, he added, so the event could have a sense of pageantry, complete with local dignitaries and a military band.

For many, such pomp couldn’t be more inappropriate. In a telephone interview, Charmaine Morgan, a Labour Party councilor in Grantham, said that Thatcher “represents a period in our history when inequality was prevalent, and many of her policies led to a significant increase in it that is only continuing to grow.”

She said she wouldn’t mind if the statue were in the town’s museum — she just doesn’t want it in public.

Charles Moore, a former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper, who wrote an authorized biography of Thatcher, said such objections were the views of a minority. “It’s obvious there should be statues to Britain’s first woman prime minister, and I think they would be accepted by most people in Britain,” he said.

Moore added that while “divisive” was the first word most British journalists used to describe her, he preferred “successful.”

“She won every election she fought,” he said. “She won big majorities. And this made some of her critics very, very angry.” Her success is what made her divisive, he said.

The authorities in Grantham considered extra measures to stop the statue from being vandalized, said Rosemary Kaberry-Brown, a Conservative local councilor. “I still think it should be in the middle of a fish pond, so anyone who wanted to vandalize it has a hard job,” she said.

But last week, the plinth seemed far from a fortress. Two local government employees stood by it, discussing a plan to install flower beds.

In interviews with 20 Grantham residents, more were in favor of the statue than against.

Joan McDaniel, 82, said she had mixed views on Thatcher as a politician, but added that she deserved a monument, even if it could “attract idiots” who might vandalize it.

“It looks just like Maggie — the fierceness of her,” McDaniel said.

Many said it would be good for at least one thing: tourism.

“No one talks about Grantham” said Sarah Gibson, 46, a cafe owner. “At least this will get them.”

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared.

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared. In the English town of Grantham, an hour’s train ride north of London, an 11-foot pedestal now stands empty. That’s not because the statue atop it has been vandalized — though many expect it will be once it is finally installed. Next year, that plinth is to become the base of a stern-looking, larger-than-life bronze monument to Grantham’s most famous daughter: Margaret Thatcher. If Thatcher — the “Iron Lady” who was the first female prime minister of Britain — is currently getting a sympathetic portrayal from Gillian Anderson on Netflix’s “The Crown,” she remains a divisive and polarizing figure three decades after leaving office. That’s true even in her hometown. So while the unveiling of a statue is usually a festive occasion, few in Grantham expect Thatcher’s homecoming to be celebrated as a hero’s return. “If you’re a Conservative,” said Graham Newton, the news editor of the weekly Grantham Journal, “you want a statue, and you want her recognized. But if you’re not, there’s a lot of people who — not to put a fine point on it — hated her.” Many in Grantham expect her critics will not wait long to make their mark, Newton added. “Either way, it’ll make a good story for the paper,” he said. Culture wars have been roiling around statues since 2017, when officials in Charlottesville, Virginia, said they would remove a statue memorializing Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy’s top general. But voices calling for the removal of statues associated with slavery and colonialism have grown steadily louder this year, particularly since the killing of George Floyd and the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement. In England, some have taken matters into their own hands. A monument to Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, was toppled in Bristol in June during a Black Lives Matter protest. That same month, a protester in London scrawled “racist” on a statue of Winston Churchill, an ardent imperialist who once said it was right for “a stronger race, a higher-grade race” to claim territory from another. (He is also widely regarded as Britain’s greatest prime minister for his leadership in World War II.) The statue was boarded up to prevent further damage, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that it was “absurd and shameful” that Churchill’s statue was at risk of attack. As in the United States, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln was considered fair game for protesters in Portland, Oregon, a wide range of monuments now seems more vulnerable to attack. And while it is unusual for a statue of a woman — a rarity itself — to attract such strong emotions, this was always the way with Thatcher. Internationally, Thatcher, who died in 2013 at age 87, may be seen as a political colossus, the British equivalent of Ronald Reagan. But in Britain, her 11 years in power have a more complicated legacy. Some see her as the leader of a much-needed political and economic revolution, privatizing industry, facing down trade unions and winning victory for Britain against Argentina in the Falklands War. To others, she is someone who, coldly, left towns that were dependent on state-run industries to rot and turned Britain into a society of uncaring individuals. Perhaps that’s why Thatcher’s presence in Grantham is currently so low-key. She grew up above the grocery store her father ran, and there is a small plaque on the building today — although the store itself is now a center for “chiropractic natural therapies,” beauty and massage treatments. The town’s museum features a few exhibits, including her childhood bed and one of her suits, though none of her trademark handbags are on display. “She was never very fond of Grantham, and so Grantham was never very fond of her,” said John Campbell, a biographer, pointing out that Thacher rarely visited the town as prime minister, and did not mention it in speeches. “She was happy to leave it behind,” he said. The new monument, designed by sculptor Douglas Jennings, won’t be Britain’s first to Thatcher, but it will be the first outdoors, in easy reach of vandals. The Grantham statue was initially proposed for Parliament Square in London, putting Thatcher in the company of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and the Churchill statue that was boarded up this summer. But officials rejected it twice for a variety of reasons, including a rule that people honored with statues must have been dead for a decade, “to allow partisan passions to cool and enable sober reflection.” The monument is now in storage at a secret location, said Ivan Saxton, the founder of the Public Memorials Appeal, a nonprofit that raised the money to erect it. The plinth was installed in Grantham in February, and the statue was meant to join it in May, Saxton said, but the coronavirus pandemic scuppered those plans. The unveiling ceremony will now be postponed until social distancing is no longer required, he added, so the event could have a sense of pageantry, complete with local dignitaries and a military band. For many, such pomp couldn’t be more inappropriate. In a telephone interview, Charmaine Morgan, a Labour Party councilor in Grantham, said that Thatcher “represents a period in our history when inequality was prevalent, and many of her policies led to a significant increase in it that is only continuing to grow.” She said she wouldn’t mind if the statue were in the town’s museum — she just doesn’t want it in public. Charles Moore, a former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper, who wrote an authorized biography of Thatcher, said such objections were the views of a minority. “It’s obvious there should be statues to Britain’s first woman prime minister, and I think they would be accepted by most people in Britain,” he said. Moore added that while “divisive” was the first word most British journalists used to describe her, he preferred “successful.” “She won every election she fought,” he said. “She won big majorities. And this made some of her critics very, very angry.” Her success is what made her divisive, he said. The authorities in Grantham considered extra measures to stop the statue from being vandalized, said Rosemary Kaberry-Brown, a Conservative local councilor. “I still think it should be in the middle of a fish pond, so anyone who wanted to vandalize it has a hard job,” she said. But last week, the plinth seemed far from a fortress. Two local government employees stood by it, discussing a plan to install flower beds. In interviews with 20 Grantham residents, more were in favor of the statue than against. Joan McDaniel, 82, said she had mixed views on Thatcher as a politician, but added that she deserved a monument, even if it could “attract idiots” who might vandalize it. “It looks just like Maggie — the fierceness of her,” McDaniel said. Many said it would be good for at least one thing: tourism. “No one talks about Grantham” said Sarah Gibson, 46, a cafe owner. “At least this will get them.”

Is Margaret Thatcher’s hometown ready to put her on a pedestal?

Britain is considering pulling its judges out of Hong Kong's highest court, in its latest response to what it considers China's breaches of its international obligations in the territory.

WION Dispatch: Britain plans to remove its judges from Hong Kong's top court

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation.

Dependent on foreign aid, Afghanistan is at risk of receiving 15-20% less funding than it received at the previous donor conference four years ago, diplomats say, as governments are under intense pressure to make savings as they ramp up spending to help their own economies recover from impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-escape-route-from-coronavirus-in-sight-344966">Boris Johnson says 'escape route' from coronavirus 'in sight'</a>

Withholding funds at this point, diplomats say, could at least provide foreign governments with some leverage to inject a greater sense of urgency into peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives that began in Qatar in September.

Britain, a country with a long and difficult history of involvement in Afghanistan, is the country's third largest bilateral donor, and the amount being pledged in Geneva will be slightly higher than it pledged at the last donor conference in Brussels four years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710">No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak</a>

The statement issued by the UK Mission to the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva said 155 million pounds ($207 million) would be pledged to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and "improve access to education and vital infrastructure."

Britain would "also announce an extra 15 million pounds ($20 million) to the United Nations' World Food Programme" for Afghanistan.

The latest monetary commitment is separate from the 70 million pounds ($93.32 million) security pledge for Afghan forces for 2021, which Britain announced last month.

In Brussels in 2016, Britain had pledged a total of 750 million pounds for four years, which translated into 187.5 million pounds annually.

At the Brussels conference, Afghanistan obtained total pledges of $15.2 billion for 2017 to 2020, equivalent to $3.8 billion a year.

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation.

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation. Dependent on foreign aid, Afghanistan is at risk of receiving 15-20% less funding than it received at the previous donor conference four years ago, diplomats say, as governments are under intense pressure to make savings as they ramp up spending to help their own economies recover from impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Boris Johnson says 'escape route' from coronavirus 'in sight' Withholding funds at this point, diplomats say, could at least provide foreign governments with some leverage to inject a greater sense of urgency into peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives that began in Qatar in September. Britain, a country with a long and difficult history of involvement in Afghanistan, is the country's third largest bilateral donor, and the amount being pledged in Geneva will be slightly higher than it pledged at the last donor conference in Brussels four years ago. Also read | No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak The statement issued by the UK Mission to the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva said 155 million pounds ($207 million) would be pledged to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and "improve access to education and vital infrastructure." Britain would "also announce an extra 15 million pounds ($20 million) to the United Nations' World Food Programme" for Afghanistan. The latest monetary commitment is separate from the 70 million pounds ($93.32 million) security pledge for Afghan forces for 2021, which Britain announced last month. In Brussels in 2016, Britain had pledged a total of 750 million pounds for four years, which translated into 187.5 million pounds annually. At the Brussels conference, Afghanistan obtained total pledges of $15.2 billion for 2017 to 2020, equivalent to $3.8 billion a year.

Britain pledges $227 million annual civilian and food aid to Afghanistan

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed

"After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said.

"We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid."

The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks.

Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security.

(With agency inputs)

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that there was 'better progress' on post-Brexit trade deal talks than before. But she also noted that there was a long way to go and important issues need to be discussed "After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we've seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good," she said. "We still have, of course, the three main difficult issues: governance, fisheries and the level playing field. But, within the frame of the level playing field for example, progress has been made on the question of state aid." The chief Brexit negotiators suspended direct talks on Thursday after a member of the EU team tested positive for COVID-19, but officials continued working remotely to clinch a trade deal that would come into force in just six weeks. Britain's transition out of the EU following Brexit ends on Dec. 31 and quotas and tariffs would hit bilateral trade from 2021, unless the estranged allies overcome their differences and seal a new partnership agreement that would also regulate ties from energy to transport to security. (With agency inputs)

'Progress' on Brexit talks but long way to go: EU chief

Asserting that "fundamental bond" between Germany and the UK will remain "strong", Prince Charles on Sunday assured Berlin of its ties with London despite tense Brexit negotiations.&nbsp;

"We will always be friends, partners and associates," Charles said as he visited the German capital with his wife Camilla to pay tributes to the victims of First World War.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-reasons-why-ireland-is-key-to-a-brexit-deal-343260">Five reasons why Ireland is key to a Brexit deal</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The heir to the British throne addressed the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Remembrance Day, a date that marks Germany's National Day of Mourning.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-defeated-in-parliament-on-treaty-breaking-brexit-laws-342115">UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws</a>

"The fundamental bond between us will remain strong," Charles said, calling Brexit as "a new chapter in our long history".

Meanwhile, Britain's trade deal negotiations continued with the EU on how to govern relations post-December 31, the day when the post-Brexit transition period will end.&nbsp;

This is the first time any British royal has participated in Germany's main remembrance event.

Earlier, Charles laid a wreath in memory of victims of war and oppression at the Neue Wache memorial building where President Frank-Walter alongside Steinmeier, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and other dignitaries were also present.&nbsp;

Germany's National Day of Mourning was first marked in 1919 to remember the victims of the First World War.&nbsp;

Asserting that "fundamental bond" between Germany and the UK will remain "strong", Prince Charles on Sunday assured Berlin of its ties with London despite tense Brexit negotiations.

Asserting that "fundamental bond" between Germany and the UK will remain "strong", Prince Charles on Sunday assured Berlin of its ties with London despite tense Brexit negotiations. "We will always be friends, partners and associates," Charles said as he visited the German capital with his wife Camilla to pay tributes to the victims of First World War. Also read | Five reasons why Ireland is key to a Brexit deal The heir to the British throne addressed the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Remembrance Day, a date that marks Germany's National Day of Mourning. Also read | UK PM Johnson defeated in parliament on treaty-breaking Brexit laws "The fundamental bond between us will remain strong," Charles said, calling Brexit as "a new chapter in our long history". Meanwhile, Britain's trade deal negotiations continued with the EU on how to govern relations post-December 31, the day when the post-Brexit transition period will end. This is the first time any British royal has participated in Germany's main remembrance event. Earlier, Charles laid a wreath in memory of victims of war and oppression at the Neue Wache memorial building where President Frank-Walter alongside Steinmeier, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and other dignitaries were also present. Germany's National Day of Mourning was first marked in 1919 to remember the victims of the First World War.

'Fundamental bond will remain strong': Prince Charles assures Germany over post-Brexit ties

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin:

- Dublin did last deal -

The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day.

Few at the time gave their meeting at a wedding venue near Liverpool a chance, but the two men found the elusive "pathway" to the deal that was completed in Brussels later in October 2019.

- Only land border -

The island of Ireland is split in two, with Northern Ireland part of the UK. The frontier with the Republic of Ireland is EU's only land border with the UK.

In the event of a hard Brexit, it will become the EU's new external border.

Any unruly British exit could cause havoc along the extremely porous 499-kilometre (310 mile) frontier -- long infamous for smuggling -- and compromise the European single market.

- Anglo-Irish Agreement -

Some argue that a hard Brexit would break the agreements that brought the violence of Northern Ireland's 30-year Troubles to an end.

The EU helped hugely to make peace possible.

But the 1997 treaty says very little about a hard border, even if many agree it would go against its spirit.

Fearful that customs checkpoints could reignite violence, both the EU and Britain have repeatedly pledged to avoid such a demarcation.

- Joe Biden -

The US president-elect -- who is fiercely proud of his Irish roots -- has taken a very dim view of Brexit.&nbsp;

When Johnson said in September that Britain would break parts of the existing withdrawal treaty with the bloc, Biden warned it would jeopardise a US-UK trade deal.

"We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit," he tweeted.

"Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period."

One side of Biden's Irish family comes from an area near the border on the Cooley peninsula.

- 'Creative ambiguity' -

London and Dublin are used to solving seemingly intractable problems -- like the Troubles -- with this age-old diplomatic device.

After British hopes evaporated that the EU would "throw Ireland under the bus" when push came to shove, Dublin seemed to have the diplomatic edge.&nbsp;

Ireland is the member hardest hit by Brexit and the EU has stoutly defended Dublin's position.&nbsp;

With little sign of an end to the latest stalemate, a dose of the Anglo-Irish creative ambiguity that delivered the last deal may be called for yet again.

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin: - Dublin did last deal - The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day.

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin: - Dublin did last deal - The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day. Few at the time gave their meeting at a wedding venue near Liverpool a chance, but the two men found the elusive "pathway" to the deal that was completed in Brussels later in October 2019. - Only land border - The island of Ireland is split in two, with Northern Ireland part of the UK. The frontier with the Republic of Ireland is EU's only land border with the UK. In the event of a hard Brexit, it will become the EU's new external border. Any unruly British exit could cause havoc along the extremely porous 499-kilometre (310 mile) frontier -- long infamous for smuggling -- and compromise the European single market. - Anglo-Irish Agreement - Some argue that a hard Brexit would break the agreements that brought the violence of Northern Ireland's 30-year Troubles to an end. The EU helped hugely to make peace possible. But the 1997 treaty says very little about a hard border, even if many agree it would go against its spirit. Fearful that customs checkpoints could reignite violence, both the EU and Britain have repeatedly pledged to avoid such a demarcation. - Joe Biden - The US president-elect -- who is fiercely proud of his Irish roots -- has taken a very dim view of Brexit. When Johnson said in September that Britain would break parts of the existing withdrawal treaty with the bloc, Biden warned it would jeopardise a US-UK trade deal. "We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit," he tweeted. "Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period." One side of Biden's Irish family comes from an area near the border on the Cooley peninsula. - 'Creative ambiguity' - London and Dublin are used to solving seemingly intractable problems -- like the Troubles -- with this age-old diplomatic device. After British hopes evaporated that the EU would "throw Ireland under the bus" when push came to shove, Dublin seemed to have the diplomatic edge. Ireland is the member hardest hit by Brexit and the EU has stoutly defended Dublin's position. With little sign of an end to the latest stalemate, a dose of the Anglo-Irish creative ambiguity that delivered the last deal may be called for yet again.

Five reasons why Ireland is key to a Brexit deal

Britain is thinking of banning advertisements of junk food online. On Tuesday, the country proposed a ban in a bid&nbsp;to fight obesity and to improve public health.

The government added that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made public health more urgent than ever before.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/mcdonalds-announces-its-making-plant-based-meat-for-mcplant-menu-342037" hreflang="en">McDonald's announces it's making plant-based 'meat' for 'McPlant' menu</a>

Additionally, the government claimed that obesity continues to be Britain’s biggest long-term public health issue. As per government figures, at least two-thirds of adults in England are overweight, and one in three children passing out of primary school are obese.

If implemented, the ban would restrict online advertisements of foods that have high content of fat, sugar, and salt.

"We know as children spend more time online, parents want to be reassured they are not being exposed to adverts promoting unhealthy foods, which can affect eating habits for life," Matt Hancock, health minister said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/kfc-will-start-testing-its-environment-friendly-3d-printed-chicken-in-russia-by-end-of-2020-314872" hreflang="en">KFC will start testing its environment friendly 3D-printed chicken in Russia by end of 2020</a>

Besides its previously known health risks, COVID-19 has shown how obesity can cause deaths in people who contract coronavirus, along with serious illnesses.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used his personal experience with COVID-19 to suggest that he needs to lose weight.

This would mean a complete ban online for unhealthy foods, in addition of the government’s plans to ban advertisements of unhealthy foods before 9 PM on television.

Britain is thinking of banning advertisements of junk food online. On Tuesday, the country proposed a ban in a bid to fight obesity and to improve public health.

Britain is thinking of banning advertisements of junk food online. On Tuesday, the country proposed a ban in a bid to fight obesity and to improve public health. The government added that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made public health more urgent than ever before. Also read: McDonald's announces it's making plant-based 'meat' for 'McPlant' menu Additionally, the government claimed that obesity continues to be Britain’s biggest long-term public health issue. As per government figures, at least two-thirds of adults in England are overweight, and one in three children passing out of primary school are obese. If implemented, the ban would restrict online advertisements of foods that have high content of fat, sugar, and salt. "We know as children spend more time online, parents want to be reassured they are not being exposed to adverts promoting unhealthy foods, which can affect eating habits for life," Matt Hancock, health minister said in a statement. Also read: KFC will start testing its environment friendly 3D-printed chicken in Russia by end of 2020 Besides its previously known health risks, COVID-19 has shown how obesity can cause deaths in people who contract coronavirus, along with serious illnesses. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used his personal experience with COVID-19 to suggest that he needs to lose weight. This would mean a complete ban online for unhealthy foods, in addition of the government’s plans to ban advertisements of unhealthy foods before 9 PM on television.

Britain set to ban online advertisements of junk food to fight obesity

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About 12 million people in Britain are likely to face difficulties in paying bills and loans due to economic challenges caused by coronavirus pandemic, a Financial Conduct Authority survey said on Thursday.

The survey to track consumer's financial resilience found that 12 million Britons had low financial resilience and one-sixth out of these people had become financially vulnerable since February when lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 led to cut in income levels and thousands of lay-offs.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-coronavirus-ever-be-eradicated-top-british-scientist-says-its-unlikely-336895">Will coronavirus ever be eradicated? Top British scientist says it's unlikely</a>

As many as 7,000 people participated in the study that was conducted in July, which also revealed that nearly one-third of adults' income has been cut and households income declined by 25 per cent on an average.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-regions-tighten-covid-19-measures-as-1-million-case-milestone-looms-336528">Spain's regions tighten COVID-19 measures as 1 million case milestone looms</a>

It also showed that black and minority ethnic respondents have been affected the most with 37 per cent of respondents' incomes taking a toll.&nbsp;

At least 36 per cent of respondents feared falling behind on loan and credit card repayments.&nbsp;

Over a third of people who are already facing financial woes and had a mortgage said they were likely to lag behind on mortgage payments.

As many as 42 per cent of renters also said they would fall behind their commitments.&nbsp;

"We want to remind consumers, especially those who are newly in financial difficulty that lenders are able to provide you with support," said Sheldon Mills, the FCA's Interim Executive Director of Strategy and Competition, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

About 12 million people in Britain are likely to face difficulties in paying bills and loans due to economic challenges caused by coronavirus pandemic, a Financial Conduct Authority survey said on Thursday.

About 12 million people in Britain are likely to face difficulties in paying bills and loans due to economic challenges caused by coronavirus pandemic, a Financial Conduct Authority survey said on Thursday. The survey to track consumer's financial resilience found that 12 million Britons had low financial resilience and one-sixth out of these people had become financially vulnerable since February when lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 led to cut in income levels and thousands of lay-offs. Also read | Will coronavirus ever be eradicated? Top British scientist says it's unlikely As many as 7,000 people participated in the study that was conducted in July, which also revealed that nearly one-third of adults' income has been cut and households income declined by 25 per cent on an average. Also read | Spain's regions tighten COVID-19 measures as 1 million case milestone looms It also showed that black and minority ethnic respondents have been affected the most with 37 per cent of respondents' incomes taking a toll. At least 36 per cent of respondents feared falling behind on loan and credit card repayments. Over a third of people who are already facing financial woes and had a mortgage said they were likely to lag behind on mortgage payments. As many as 42 per cent of renters also said they would fall behind their commitments. "We want to remind consumers, especially those who are newly in financial difficulty that lenders are able to provide you with support," said Sheldon Mills, the FCA's Interim Executive Director of Strategy and Competition, as quoted by news agency Reuters.

Britain: 12 million people will likely struggle in paying bills, says watchdog

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