A court in Belarus handed jail sentences of at least two years to 11 university students and a teacher for taking part in anti-government protests last year, local rights group Vyasna said.

Charged with violating public order, 10 of the students and the teacher were sentenced by the court in Minsk to two years and six months in prison, while another was given two years, it said.

Belarusian police searched the offices and homes of journalists and human rights activists for the third successive day, extending what rights activists say is a new crackdown on opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko.

The Poland-based Nexta Live channel said the office of US&nbsp;broadcaster Radio Liberty in the capital Minsk was among those raided.&nbsp;Belarusian human rights organisation Viasna-96 reported that two Radio Liberty journalists had been detained.

The authorities have shut down a number of non-state media outlets and human rights groups since protests began last August against a presidential election which the opposition say was rigged. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, denies electoral fraud.

Police officers went on Friday to the homes of a journalist from Polish TV channel Belsat and those of several local reporters, Viasna-96 reported.

On Wednesday and Thursday, security officials conducted searches in around 20 human rights, charitable, media and expert institutions, detaining more than 15 people, including the head of Viasna-96.

The searches and detentions in the former Soviet republic have been condemned by Western politicians, international human rights activists and&nbsp;Belarusian protest leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is based in Lithuania.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said Britain condemns an "escalation in repression" in&nbsp;Belarus, and the European Union and United States have imposed sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;in recent months.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Belarus handed jail sentences of at least two years to 11 university students and a teacher for taking part in anti-government protests last year, local rights group Vyasna said.

A court in Belarus handed jail sentences of at least two years to 11 university students and a teacher for taking part in anti-government protests last year, local rights group Vyasna said. Charged with violating public order, 10 of the students and the teacher were sentenced by the court in Minsk to two years and six months in prison, while another was given two years, it said. Belarusian police searched the offices and homes of journalists and human rights activists for the third successive day, extending what rights activists say is a new crackdown on opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Poland-based Nexta Live channel said the office of US broadcaster Radio Liberty in the capital Minsk was among those raided. Belarusian human rights organisation Viasna-96 reported that two Radio Liberty journalists had been detained. The authorities have shut down a number of non-state media outlets and human rights groups since protests began last August against a presidential election which the opposition say was rigged. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, denies electoral fraud. Police officers went on Friday to the homes of a journalist from Polish TV channel Belsat and those of several local reporters, Viasna-96 reported. On Wednesday and Thursday, security officials conducted searches in around 20 human rights, charitable, media and expert institutions, detaining more than 15 people, including the head of Viasna-96. The searches and detentions in the former Soviet republic have been condemned by Western politicians, international human rights activists and Belarusian protest leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is based in Lithuania. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said Britain condemns an "escalation in repression" in Belarus, and the European Union and United States have imposed sanctions on Belarus in recent months. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus jails 11 students, teacher over protests

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years.

Dominic Raab’s number is believed to have been online for at least 11 years, before Raab became an MP in 2010, till date. The number remained online even when he became the foreign secretary, first secretary of state – de facto deputy prime minister, in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-faces-new-questions-after-phone-number-found-online-381755">UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online</a>

Raab who has previously warned of rogue states and the cybersecurity threats they pose had a lot&nbsp;of his personal information displayed on the page continuing his number. Now, the number along with the foreign minister’s personal details have been removed.

In April, a controversy took the UK by storm when it emerged that Boris Johnson’s personal mobile had been available online for 15 years and that anybody can access it off the bottom of a press release. This raised questions over the confidentiality of senior politicians’ contact details and why it was not thoroughly investigated.

Former security advisor Peter Ricketts says this second breach involving Raab’s number showed more attention must be paid to online security.

“The wide availability of Mr Raab’s personal phone number must increase the risk that other states, or even criminal gangs, have been able to eavesdrop on his calls,”

“It also means that anyone who happens to have had his phone number … is able to lobby the foreign secretary, bypassing the official channels which everyone else has to use. Anyone taking on a role as sensitive as this should in their own interests pay as much attention to online as to physical security,”&nbsp;he added.

Calling for an investigation, shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, said, “This is a staggering lapse in security from a foreign secretary who, only last month, was lecturing NATO&nbsp;allies about the cybersecurity threat posed by authoritarian regimes.

“It is typical of the government’s approach that when it comes to national security and defending democracy they say one thing but do another. This should be the subject of an investigation. Both the prime minister and foreign secretary have failed to protect their own phones. How can we be assured they aren’t as careless with sensitive intelligence and diplomatic cables too?”

In a statement, the government said that it has also requested the removal of the web page containing Raab’s details.

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years.

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years. Dominic Raab’s number is believed to have been online for at least 11 years, before Raab became an MP in 2010, till date. The number remained online even when he became the foreign secretary, first secretary of state – de facto deputy prime minister, in 2019. Also read | UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online Raab who has previously warned of rogue states and the cybersecurity threats they pose had a lot of his personal information displayed on the page continuing his number. Now, the number along with the foreign minister’s personal details have been removed. In April, a controversy took the UK by storm when it emerged that Boris Johnson’s personal mobile had been available online for 15 years and that anybody can access it off the bottom of a press release. This raised questions over the confidentiality of senior politicians’ contact details and why it was not thoroughly investigated. Former security advisor Peter Ricketts says this second breach involving Raab’s number showed more attention must be paid to online security. “The wide availability of Mr Raab’s personal phone number must increase the risk that other states, or even criminal gangs, have been able to eavesdrop on his calls,” “It also means that anyone who happens to have had his phone number … is able to lobby the foreign secretary, bypassing the official channels which everyone else has to use. Anyone taking on a role as sensitive as this should in their own interests pay as much attention to online as to physical security,” he added. Calling for an investigation, shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, said, “This is a staggering lapse in security from a foreign secretary who, only last month, was lecturing NATO allies about the cybersecurity threat posed by authoritarian regimes. “It is typical of the government’s approach that when it comes to national security and defending democracy they say one thing but do another. This should be the subject of an investigation. Both the prime minister and foreign secretary have failed to protect their own phones. How can we be assured they aren’t as careless with sensitive intelligence and diplomatic cables too?” In a statement, the government said that it has also requested the removal of the web page containing Raab’s details.

After Johnson, foreign secretary Raab's number also found online

Russia has warned Britain against&nbsp;unacceptable ''provocation''&nbsp;in the Black Sea after&nbsp;it&nbsp;fired warning shots at a British navy destroyer for&nbsp;violating the country's territorial waters,&nbsp;but the UK denied the incident had occurred.

Incidents involving Western aircraft and ships are not uncommon at&nbsp;Russia's borders, especially during heightened tensions with Washington, Brussels and London, but rarely result in open fire.

Britain said Russia was sowing inaccuracies and disputed Russia's account, saying no warning shots had been fired and that no bombs had been dropped in the path of the Royal Navy destroyer Defender.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters during a visit to Singapore: "No shots were fired at HMS Defender."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-denies-russia-claim-warning-shots-fired-at-warship-out-of-crimea-waters-393624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The Royal Navy ship was conducting innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters. We were doing so in accordance with international law and the Russian characterisation is predictably inaccurate."

Russia's foreign ministry summoned ambassador Deborah Bronnert to deliver a "tough demarche" - diplomatic jargon for a telling off - and spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused London of "barefaced lies".

"We believe it was a deliberate and premeditated provocation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the incident, in which Moscow said it fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of the British destroyer.

"In the event of a repeat of unacceptable provocative action - if those actions go too far, no options can be ruled out in terms of legally defending Russia's borders," Peskov told reporters.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday slammed&nbsp;Russia's "aggressive and provocative policy" in the Black Sea region, describing it on Twitter as a "constant threat" to Kiev and its allies.&nbsp;

At the height of tensions over Ukraine this spring after&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;built up troops on its border and in Crimea, Moscow stepped up military exercises in the Black Sea and Washington warned it would send two warships.

Those ships were never dispatched, as&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;pulled back its forces and the tensions eased.

The Black Sea, which Russia uses to project its power in the Mediterranean, has for centuries been a flashpoint between Russia and its competitors such as Turkey, France, Britain, and the United States.

Russia seized and annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and considers areas around its coast to be Russian waters. Western countries deem the Crimea to be part of Ukraine and reject Russia's claim to the seas around it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has warned Britain against unacceptable ''provocation'' in the Black Sea after it fired warning shots at a British navy destroyer for violating the country's territorial waters, but the UK denied the incident had occurred.

Russia has warned Britain against unacceptable ''provocation'' in the Black Sea after it fired warning shots at a British navy destroyer for violating the country's territorial waters, but the UK denied the incident had occurred. Incidents involving Western aircraft and ships are not uncommon at Russia's borders, especially during heightened tensions with Washington, Brussels and London, but rarely result in open fire. Britain said Russia was sowing inaccuracies and disputed Russia's account, saying no warning shots had been fired and that no bombs had been dropped in the path of the Royal Navy destroyer Defender. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters during a visit to Singapore: "No shots were fired at HMS Defender." "The Royal Navy ship was conducting innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters. We were doing so in accordance with international law and the Russian characterisation is predictably inaccurate." Russia's foreign ministry summoned ambassador Deborah Bronnert to deliver a "tough demarche" - diplomatic jargon for a telling off - and spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused London of "barefaced lies". "We believe it was a deliberate and premeditated provocation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the incident, in which Moscow said it fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the path of the British destroyer. "In the event of a repeat of unacceptable provocative action - if those actions go too far, no options can be ruled out in terms of legally defending Russia's borders," Peskov told reporters. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday slammed Russia's "aggressive and provocative policy" in the Black Sea region, describing it on Twitter as a "constant threat" to Kiev and its allies. At the height of tensions over Ukraine this spring after Russia built up troops on its border and in Crimea, Moscow stepped up military exercises in the Black Sea and Washington warned it would send two warships. Those ships were never dispatched, as Russia pulled back its forces and the tensions eased. The Black Sea, which Russia uses to project its power in the Mediterranean, has for centuries been a flashpoint between Russia and its competitors such as Turkey, France, Britain, and the United States. Russia seized and annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and considers areas around its coast to be Russian waters. Western countries deem the Crimea to be part of Ukraine and reject Russia's claim to the seas around it. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia warns Britain against unacceptable 'provocation' in Black Sea

British foreign minister&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> diplomacy.

Raab was speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Cornwall, southwestern England, that was likely to be dominated by the West's attempts to reassert its influence as the world looks to rebuild from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-do-vaccine-doses-go-and-who-gets-them-the-algorithms-decide-362143">Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide</a>

Western diplomats fear Russia and China are using their vaccines to gain influence across the world, especially in poorer countries that do not have their own production or the means to buy shots on the international market.

Asked whether he was concerned that China and Russia could use vaccines in exchange for influence, Raab said: "There's no doubt there's some of this is going about, and we don't support vaccine diplomacy, let alone blackmail.

"We think that we've got a moral duty, but also a strong vested interest in getting the world vaccinated," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-leaders-to-donate-1-billion-vaccine-doses-worldwide-390777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the G7 to agree to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries during its summit, and help inoculate the world by the end of next year.

Raab said Britain's contribution would come with no strings attached, with at least 80 per cent being distributed by the COVAX international vaccine initiative. The rest would be provided to "strategic close countries where we have a particular relationship, and no, we don't insist on conditionality", he added.

'Team Effort'

The United States has promised to donate 500 million doses,&nbsp;which US&nbsp;President Biden stressed would come with no strings attached.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-to-donate-500-million-pfizer-doses-urge-others-to-join-in-390512">COVID-19: US to donate 500 million Pfizer doses, urge others to join in</a>

"We would only think it was responsible to be promoting vaccines that the WHO has sanctioned as safe to distribute," Raab said.

"But it's a team effort. And we want the countries like China and Russia to come together to tackle the problems of pandemic, but also climate change, and also to respect the basic principles of international law."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paho-urges-countries-to-share-excess-vaccine-doses-390539">PAHO urges countries to share excess vaccine doses</a>

China currently has two WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, while a Russian-developed shot is awaiting approval. Russia said last week it expected that approval in the next couple of months.

Raab also said he would be speaking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shortly, without giving a specific date. He declined to comment on issues he would raise at that meeting.

Nevertheless, Raab criticised Russia as a leading protagonist of cyberattacks, calling for the G7 to take a united stand against all such incidents, whether conducted by state or non-state actors.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macron-calls-for-pharma-giants-to-donate-covid-vaccines-390827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"These activities are contrary to international law, many of them, and they're very damaging, some of them are done for pure theft, or for profit, others are done just to create havoc," he said.

"We ought to be clear as an international community that cyber attacks on hospitals, on schools, on critical national infrastructure - that's wrong. That's unjustifiable, it's beyond the pale."

Asked about the recently forced landing of a civilian aircraft in Belarus, Raab said the country was slipping "into pariah status".

"We need Belarus to step up and live up to the basic, fundamental, cardinal rules of international law," he said.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called vaccine diplomacy.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called vaccine diplomacy. Raab was speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Cornwall, southwestern England, that was likely to be dominated by the West's attempts to reassert its influence as the world looks to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide Western diplomats fear Russia and China are using their vaccines to gain influence across the world, especially in poorer countries that do not have their own production or the means to buy shots on the international market. Asked whether he was concerned that China and Russia could use vaccines in exchange for influence, Raab said: "There's no doubt there's some of this is going about, and we don't support vaccine diplomacy, let alone blackmail. "We think that we've got a moral duty, but also a strong vested interest in getting the world vaccinated," he said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the G7 to agree to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries during its summit, and help inoculate the world by the end of next year. Raab said Britain's contribution would come with no strings attached, with at least 80 per cent being distributed by the COVAX international vaccine initiative. The rest would be provided to "strategic close countries where we have a particular relationship, and no, we don't insist on conditionality", he added. 'Team Effort' The United States has promised to donate 500 million doses, which US President Biden stressed would come with no strings attached. Also read | COVID-19: US to donate 500 million Pfizer doses, urge others to join in "We would only think it was responsible to be promoting vaccines that the WHO has sanctioned as safe to distribute," Raab said. "But it's a team effort. And we want the countries like China and Russia to come together to tackle the problems of pandemic, but also climate change, and also to respect the basic principles of international law." Also read | PAHO urges countries to share excess vaccine doses China currently has two WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, while a Russian-developed shot is awaiting approval. Russia said last week it expected that approval in the next couple of months. Raab also said he would be speaking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shortly, without giving a specific date. He declined to comment on issues he would raise at that meeting. Nevertheless, Raab criticised Russia as a leading protagonist of cyberattacks, calling for the G7 to take a united stand against all such incidents, whether conducted by state or non-state actors. "These activities are contrary to international law, many of them, and they're very damaging, some of them are done for pure theft, or for profit, others are done just to create havoc," he said. "We ought to be clear as an international community that cyber attacks on hospitals, on schools, on critical national infrastructure - that's wrong. That's unjustifiable, it's beyond the pale." Asked about the recently forced landing of a civilian aircraft in Belarus, Raab said the country was slipping "into pariah status". "We need Belarus to step up and live up to the basic, fundamental, cardinal rules of international law," he said.

UK's Dominic Raab: Some countries are using vaccines as a geopolitcal tool

The United Kingdom is hosting the first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years from May 3 to 5 in London. The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting will focus on geopolitical priorities, such as Russia, China and Iran. It will also take up global challenges, including climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and famine.

Britain hosts first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years

UK is hosting the first in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting in two years in London. On the first day, Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, spoke alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They discussed NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iran, China and the threat posed by Russia.

G7 Summit: Blinken and Raab discussed Russia, China

Britain and Japan agreed to deepen their trade and security cooperation, the British foreign office said in a statement after a meeting between Dominic Raab and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Kent on Monday.

Foreign minister Raab thanked Motegi for Japan's support for Britain's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a multilateral trade deal that Britain sees as a major part of its post-Brexit push to secure more trade and diplomatic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The UK and Japan also agreed the basis for deepening further trade and security cooperation," the foreign office said in the statement, which was issued following bilateral talks ahead of a G7 foreign ministers' meeting.

Raab also highlighted a British aircraft carrier deployment to Asian waters as an example of Britain's commitment to the region. The visit is likely to be closely watched as concern grows in Japan over any threat posed to neighboring Taiwan by China.

"The Foreign Ministers also explored opportunities for increased collaboration in areas of shared interest and where the two countries can share expertise such as economic security, advanced technologies, health and science," the foreign office said.

After its Brexit withdrawal from the European Union, Britain is reorienting its foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific region, and British Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Raab&nbsp;will also play host this week to ministers from Australia, South Korea and the ASEAN bloc.

When the G7 ministers reconvene for formal talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, they will have an on-site testing facility and Perspex screens to separate them in meetings, and Britain has enforced limits on the size of each delegation.

"The meetings will be a demonstration of how to conduct diplomatic business safely and successfully as we recover from the pandemic," the Foreign Office said.

Britain is also gearing up to host the UN's next climate change summit, COP 26, in Glasgow in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain and Japan agreed to deepen their trade and security cooperation, the British foreign office said in a statement after a meeting between Dominic Raab and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Kent on Monday.

Britain and Japan agreed to deepen their trade and security cooperation, the British foreign office said in a statement after a meeting between Dominic Raab and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Kent on Monday. Foreign minister Raab thanked Motegi for Japan's support for Britain's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a multilateral trade deal that Britain sees as a major part of its post-Brexit push to secure more trade and diplomatic influence in the Indo-Pacific region. "The UK and Japan also agreed the basis for deepening further trade and security cooperation," the foreign office said in the statement, which was issued following bilateral talks ahead of a G7 foreign ministers' meeting. Raab also highlighted a British aircraft carrier deployment to Asian waters as an example of Britain's commitment to the region. The visit is likely to be closely watched as concern grows in Japan over any threat posed to neighboring Taiwan by China. "The Foreign Ministers also explored opportunities for increased collaboration in areas of shared interest and where the two countries can share expertise such as economic security, advanced technologies, health and science," the foreign office said. After its Brexit withdrawal from the European Union, Britain is reorienting its foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific region, and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will also play host this week to ministers from Australia, South Korea and the ASEAN bloc. When the G7 ministers reconvene for formal talks on Tuesday and Wednesday, they will have an on-site testing facility and Perspex screens to separate them in meetings, and Britain has enforced limits on the size of each delegation. "The meetings will be a demonstration of how to conduct diplomatic business safely and successfully as we recover from the pandemic," the Foreign Office said. Britain is also gearing up to host the UN's next climate change summit, COP 26, in Glasgow in November. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain and Japan agree to deepen their trade and security cooperation

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country.

The announcement was made by UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on a TV programme. "We're going to be sending out another package of 1,000 ventilators, very shortly." he announced.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-cases-spike-heres-a-list-of-countries-that-have-banned-travellers-from-india-381082" hreflang="en">As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India</a>

Raab’s statement has come after the UK has already sent 495 oxygen concentrators and 200 ventilators to India a few days ago and is also in process of shipping three larger production units — also known as oxygen factories.

This announcement has come a few days before Raab is set to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday for the G7 FMs meet.

Raab has also assured that the UK will help India in every possible way during these tough times and has pledged support in India’s "hour of need".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxygen-aid-arrives-in-india-amid-record-break-covid-numbers-382312" hreflang="en">Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers</a>

Meanwhile, several members of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) are now organising virtual consultations for non-Covid patients in India to help the Indian doctors in these tough times.

"We are trying to do as much as we can in the form of fundraising to send equipment in the form of oxygen concentrators, creating capacity for ICU (intensive card) beds," Parag Singhal, BAPIO secretary told a local channel. "So that's one stream of work, but we are also trying to offer help to our exhausted colleagues in India —&nbsp;doctors are overstretched, they're working too hard."

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of coronavirus, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country.

Continuing the mission to help India amid the second wave of coronavirus, the UK has announced that it will be sending extra 1,000 oxygen ventilators to the South Asian country. The announcement was made by UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on a TV programme. "We're going to be sending out another package of 1,000 ventilators, very shortly." he announced. Have a look | As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India Raab’s statement has come after the UK has already sent 495 oxygen concentrators and 200 ventilators to India a few days ago and is also in process of shipping three larger production units — also known as oxygen factories. This announcement has come a few days before Raab is set to meet India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday for the G7 FMs meet. Raab has also assured that the UK will help India in every possible way during these tough times and has pledged support in India’s "hour of need". Also read | Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers Meanwhile, several members of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) are now organising virtual consultations for non-Covid patients in India to help the Indian doctors in these tough times. "We are trying to do as much as we can in the form of fundraising to send equipment in the form of oxygen concentrators, creating capacity for ICU (intensive card) beds," Parag Singhal, BAPIO secretary told a local channel. "So that's one stream of work, but we are also trying to offer help to our exhausted colleagues in India — doctors are overstretched, they're working too hard."

UK to send 1,000 ventilators to India soon: Dominic Raab

G7,&nbsp;a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7&nbsp;to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation.

Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dominic-raab-the-g7-condemns-arrest-of-russian-opposition-leader-navalny-359624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter&nbsp;Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/at-g7-biden-will-push-allies-to-act-on-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-report-379741" hreflang="en">At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report</a>

Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries.&nbsp; The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and&nbsp;in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria.

China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a>

The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China.

(With inputs from agencies)

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday.

G7, a grouping of seven countries is considering to build a quick response mechanism in a bid to counter Russian “propaganda”, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday. In conversation with Reuters, Raab said that the UK was urging G7 to convene on a “rapid rebuttal mechanism” in the midst of Russian misinformation. Currently, G7 foreign ministers are set to meet in London, marking the first such in person meeting in two years owing to the precautions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. Raab also claimed that the G7 countries expect to come together to counter Russian propaganda. He also made a reference to China. "So that when we see these lies and propaganda or fake news being put out there, we can not just individually but come together to provide a rebuttal and frankly to provide the truth, for the people of this country but also in Russia or China or around the world," Raab said. Also read: At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report Security officials from the UK, US, and European countries believe that Russia and China are actively engaged in sowing mistrust against western countries. The primary tactics employed by them include spreading disinformation in elections and in recent times spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines. Russia has denied all claims expressing that the West is drowning in anti-Russian hysteria. China too has responded to interference claims, suggesting that the west is a “bully” with post-imperial mindsets. The country has also accused western countries of acting like global policemen. Also read: Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The UK views Russia as biggest threat to its security but considers China as its greatest long-term challenge in terms of military, economy, and technology. Recently, officials from western countries have expressed worries over the growing cooperation between Russia and China. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 to come up with mechanism to quickly counter Russian 'propaganda', UK's Raab says

As Myanmar's Generals celebrated Armed Forces Day, the security forces shot and killed at least 90 protesters on Saturday.

As the death toll increase, UK's foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, condemned the killings describing it to be a 'new low' for the Myanmar army.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunshots-fired-at-us-cultural-centre-in-myanmar-says-embassy-373689" hreflang="en">Gunshots fired at US cultural centre in Myanmar, says embassy&nbsp;</a>

"Today’s killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low," he said while retweeting a statement from the British Ambassador. "We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy."

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Today’s killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low. We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy. <a href="https://t.co/PfHZ3xipzt">https://t.co/PfHZ3xipzt</a>
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1375817565180731396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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His statement has come after Dan Chugg, the British Ambassador in Yangon, Myanmar condemned the killing of dozens of "innocent people, including children".

"On Myanmar's Armed Forces Day, the security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting unarmed civilians. Dozens of innocent people have reportedly been killed, including children," the statement read.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-50-protesters-killed-in-myanmar-even-as-generals-celebrate-armed-forces-day-373633" hreflang="en">At least 50 protesters killed in Myanmar even as generals celebrate Armed Forces Day</a>

"At a time of economic crisis, Covid, and a worsening humanitarian situation, today's military parade and extrajudicial killings speak volumes for the priorities of the military junta," it added.

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"On Myanmar's Armed Forces Day, the security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting unarmed civilians." 
 
Statement from the British Ambassador following reports that dozens of innocent people, including children, have been killed today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsHappeningInMyanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fk02vpr3KZ">pic.twitter.com/Fk02vpr3KZ</a>
— UK in Myanmar 🇬🇧 (@ukinmyanmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukinmyanmar/status/1375753105254535168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The UN has also claimed that it has received reports of "scores killed" in Myanmar by the country's military.

"We are receiving reports of scores killed, incl. children, 100s injured across 40 locations, &amp; mass arrests," the UN human rights high commissioner's office said in a tweet.

As Myanmar's Generals celebrated Armed Forces Day, the security forces shot and killed at least 90 protesters on Saturday. As the death toll increase, UK's foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, condemned the killings describing it to be a 'new low' for the Myanmar army.

As Myanmar's Generals celebrated Armed Forces Day, the security forces shot and killed at least 90 protesters on Saturday. As the death toll increase, UK's foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, condemned the killings describing it to be a 'new low' for the Myanmar army. Also read | Gunshots fired at US cultural centre in Myanmar, says embassy "Today’s killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low," he said while retweeting a statement from the British Ambassador. "We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy." Today’s killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low. We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy. https://t.co/PfHZ3xipzt — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) March 27, 2021 × His statement has come after Dan Chugg, the British Ambassador in Yangon, Myanmar condemned the killing of dozens of "innocent people, including children". "On Myanmar's Armed Forces Day, the security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting unarmed civilians. Dozens of innocent people have reportedly been killed, including children," the statement read. Also read | At least 50 protesters killed in Myanmar even as generals celebrate Armed Forces Day "At a time of economic crisis, Covid, and a worsening humanitarian situation, today's military parade and extrajudicial killings speak volumes for the priorities of the military junta," it added. "On Myanmar's Armed Forces Day, the security forces have disgraced themselves by shooting unarmed civilians." Statement from the British Ambassador following reports that dozens of innocent people, including children, have been killed today.#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/Fk02vpr3KZ — UK in Myanmar 🇬🇧 (@ukinmyanmar) March 27, 2021 × The UN has also claimed that it has received reports of "scores killed" in Myanmar by the country's military. "We are receiving reports of scores killed, incl. children, 100s injured across 40 locations, & mass arrests," the UN human rights high commissioner's office said in a tweet.

'New low': UK condemns Myanmar army killings after 90 protestors reported dead

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration.

"The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

This announcement came after China made sweeping changes to the region's electoral system, the UK has claimed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-slams-china-over-hong-kongs-alarming-political-deterioration-370098" hreflang="en">EU slams China over Hong Kong's 'alarming political deterioration'</a>

The treaty in question was signed in 1997 before Britain handed back Hong Kong to China and was initiated to make sure Hong Kong does not suffer under the control of China.

As per the treaty, Hong Kong is guaranteed the status of a financial hub and should have freedom of speech and autonomy to manage its own affairs, without foreign interference and impositions.

However, the UK feels that China's recent decision to "impose radical changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong's electoral system" is a clear breach of the agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-fourth-aircraft-carrier-likely-to-be-nuclear-powered-370180" hreflang="en">China's fourth aircraft carrier 'likely to be nuclear powered'</a>

"This is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China's policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months," UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. "I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration."

While the UK has been a constant critic of China's crackdown on pro-democratic voices, the recent moves have been a "demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing's promises and its actions," Raab said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-not-a-super-world-government-ioc-on-chinas-human-rights-issue-370124" hreflang="en">'We are not a super world government': IOC on China's human rights issue</a>

Guaranteeing that the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, Raab warned Beijing that "China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong."

The UK is not the only first-world country to raise concern, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new election rules to be "a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration."

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has also warned China against the new rules. "The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China adopted today a decision that will have a significant impact on democratic accountability and political pluralism in Hong Kong," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU.

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration. "The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration. "The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement. This announcement came after China made sweeping changes to the region's electoral system, the UK has claimed. Also read | EU slams China over Hong Kong's 'alarming political deterioration' The treaty in question was signed in 1997 before Britain handed back Hong Kong to China and was initiated to make sure Hong Kong does not suffer under the control of China. As per the treaty, Hong Kong is guaranteed the status of a financial hub and should have freedom of speech and autonomy to manage its own affairs, without foreign interference and impositions. However, the UK feels that China's recent decision to "impose radical changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong's electoral system" is a clear breach of the agreement. Also read | China's fourth aircraft carrier 'likely to be nuclear powered' "This is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China's policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months," UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. "I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration." While the UK has been a constant critic of China's crackdown on pro-democratic voices, the recent moves have been a "demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing's promises and its actions," Raab said. Also read | 'We are not a super world government': IOC on China's human rights issue Guaranteeing that the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, Raab warned Beijing that "China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong." The UK is not the only first-world country to raise concern, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new election rules to be "a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration." Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has also warned China against the new rules. "The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China adopted today a decision that will have a significant impact on democratic accountability and political pluralism in Hong Kong," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU.

China no longer 'compliant' with Hong Kong joint declaration, UK's Raab says

Britain has summoned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-asks-eu-to-shake-off-ill-will-over-post-brexit-trade-368653">European Union's</a> UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Watch:

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UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation.

"I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together."

Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further.&nbsp;

The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories.

European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy.

Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes".&nbsp;

"We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK.

The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September.

Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban.

Britain has summoned the European Union's UK delegation and written to the European Council chief Charles Michel in protest over his claim that the country had imposed a vaccine export ban. Watch: UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has denied the accusation. "I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said, adding, "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together." Britain's foreign ministry said a representative of the EU's delegation has been summoned over the "false claim" to discuss the issue further. The EU and Britain have been at loggerheads over vaccines ever since the UK officially exited the European body on January 1 as the EU partly blamed Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine makers for failing to fulfil their order due to production problems in its European factories. European Council chief Charles Michel in a newsletter had written that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory" leading to a controversy. Michel said the European block will share jabs with the world and "will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes". "We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others," Michel asserted amid the row with the UK. The EU has been struggling with its vaccine rollout policy even as it aims to immunise 70 per cent of adults by mid-September. Michel said he was "shocked when I hear the accusations of 'vaccine nationalism' against the EU" while adding that "the EU has never stopped exporting."

UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim

British Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Raab on Sunday condemned a ballistic missile attack by the&nbsp;Houthis on the Saudi capital Riyadh.

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The UK condemns the latest Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted at Saudi Arabia and Marib. These put innocent lives at risk, and show that those responsible are not serious about peace, let alone protecting the Yemeni people
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1366025251327467520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's&nbsp;Houthi&nbsp;group said it had&nbsp;thwarted the attack, and destroyed six armed drones launched towards cities in the kingdom's south.

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Six drones aimed at targeting "civilians and civilian objects" were launched towards Jazan and Khamis Mushait, the coalition said in a statement carried on Saudi state media.

The Iranian-aligned&nbsp;Houthis subsequently said they had deployed a ballistic missile and nine drones at "sensitive targets" in Riyadh and six drones at military sites in Abha and Khamis Mushait.

Debris from the intercepted missile caused material damage to one house in Riyadh but there were no injuries or deaths, the kingdom's general directorate of civil defence said in a statement carried on state news agency SPA.

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the&nbsp;Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa.

The movement, which controls northern Yemen, has recently stepped up cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Sunday condemned a ballistic missile attack by the Houthis on the Saudi capital Riyadh. The UK condemns the latest Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted at Saudi Arabia and Marib.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Sunday condemned a ballistic missile attack by the Houthis on the Saudi capital Riyadh. The UK condemns the latest Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted at Saudi Arabia and Marib. These put innocent lives at risk, and show that those responsible are not serious about peace, let alone protecting the Yemeni people — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) February 28, 2021 × The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi group said it had thwarted the attack, and destroyed six armed drones launched towards cities in the kingdom's south. Six drones aimed at targeting "civilians and civilian objects" were launched towards Jazan and Khamis Mushait, the coalition said in a statement carried on Saudi state media. The Iranian-aligned Houthis subsequently said they had deployed a ballistic missile and nine drones at "sensitive targets" in Riyadh and six drones at military sites in Abha and Khamis Mushait. Debris from the intercepted missile caused material damage to one house in Riyadh but there were no injuries or deaths, the kingdom's general directorate of civil defence said in a statement carried on state news agency SPA. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa. The movement, which controls northern Yemen, has recently stepped up cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia.

'Innocent lives at risk': UK condemns Houthi missile attack on Riyadh

The United Kingdon government is grappling to control the third wave of Coronavirus and in an important announcement, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said that the vaccine will be offered to the entire adult population.

UK: All adult population to get vaccinated by end of September

The UK government plans to offer a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to every adult by September as the nations health service battles the worst crisis in its 72-year-history.

'All adults to be vaccinated by September in UK', says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September.

Raab, during an interview with a local media house, revealed that vaccinating two million adults by September is the aim that the government is working towards.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-coronavirus-patient-getting-admitted-in-hospitals-every-30-seconds-nhs-357312">'One coronavirus patient getting admitted in hospitals every 30 seconds': NHS</a>

However, he also added that he predicts the government will be able to achieve this target before September.

This roadmap, however, is specifically for the first dose of the vaccine, and not for the second dose.&nbsp;

"Our target is by September to have offered all the adult population the first dose. If we can do it faster than that, great, but that’s the roadmap," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-invites-india-to-first-g7-summit-of-biden-era-to-be-held-in-june-357225">UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June</a>

Raab denied guaranteeing the same promise for the second dose of the vaccine being administered within 12 weeks. The government "ought to be able to deliver on that," he said.

He also claimed the government is hoping to at least relax some restrictions by the month of March, but cannot guarantee it.&nbsp;

"What we want to do is get out of these national lockdowns as soon as possible, the roadmap that I described is that by early spring, hopefully by March, we'll be in a position to make those decisions," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cathedrals-converted-into-coronavirus-vaccination-centres-357269" hreflang="en">UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres</a>

This time, too, the government is aiming to lift the lockdown in phases. "I think it's right to say we won't do it all in one big bang; as we phase out of the national lockdown, I think we'll end up phasing through the tiered approach."

"We want to make sure that we can do it in a safe way but again, we've got to, at this point in time, really focus on protecting the NHS and rolling out the vaccine."

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September.

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September. Raab, during an interview with a local media house, revealed that vaccinating two million adults by September is the aim that the government is working towards. Also read| 'One coronavirus patient getting admitted in hospitals every 30 seconds': NHS However, he also added that he predicts the government will be able to achieve this target before September. This roadmap, however, is specifically for the first dose of the vaccine, and not for the second dose. "Our target is by September to have offered all the adult population the first dose. If we can do it faster than that, great, but that’s the roadmap," he said. Also read| UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June Raab denied guaranteeing the same promise for the second dose of the vaccine being administered within 12 weeks. The government "ought to be able to deliver on that," he said. He also claimed the government is hoping to at least relax some restrictions by the month of March, but cannot guarantee it. "What we want to do is get out of these national lockdowns as soon as possible, the roadmap that I described is that by early spring, hopefully by March, we'll be in a position to make those decisions," he said. Also read| UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres This time, too, the government is aiming to lift the lockdown in phases. "I think it's right to say we won't do it all in one big bang; as we phase out of the national lockdown, I think we'll end up phasing through the tiered approach." "We want to make sure that we can do it in a safe way but again, we've got to, at this point in time, really focus on protecting the NHS and rolling out the vaccine."

'All adults to be vaccinated by September in UK': Dominic Raab

There have been several accusations against China regarding the inhumane treatment of the Uighur minority group in the area Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Now the UK, too, has once again urged China to allow the UN rights inspectors to visit Xinjiang and investigate the "appalling" allegations being raised against the human rights abuse the minority group is being subjected to in the area.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-accused-of-trading-uighurs-for-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-357132">Turkey accused of trading Uighurs for Chinese covid-19 vaccine</a>

This has come a week after the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab introduced import controls on firms that get their resources — raw or finished products — from the northwest Chinese region.&nbsp;

Raab took the decision to make sure the UK does not enable the forced labour the Uighur community is being subjected to in Xinjiang — a claim that China has repeatedly denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-erdogan-has-decided-to-extradite-uighurs-to-china-316326">Also read| Why Erdogan has decided to extradite Uighurs to China</a>

"Whether or not it amounts to genocide has to be determined by a court. The bar has been set incredibly high," Raab said. "And frankly we shouldn't be engaged in free-trade negotiations with countries abusing human rights well below the limit of genocide."

While Raab himself has introduced the import controls, he has been vocal for the view that the UK government or the courts should not be given the sole power to decide whether or not a genocide is taking place against the mainly Muslim community in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-brushes-aside-fears-of-uighur-deportations-to-china-353427">Also read| Turkey brushes aside fears of Uighur deportations to China</a>

"What China says is this is all lies cooked up by the West, and Britain a leading member amongst them," he said.

However, he proposed letting the UNHRC inspectors visit and carry out investigations in the area to put all accusations to rest. "What we say is if you dispute the allegations and the claims and the reports, there's a simple way to clear this up: allow the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit and access and see these sites," Raab said.

China, on the other hand, has warned Raab to stop meddling in its internal affairs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, believes, "speaking frankly and calling out human rights abuses should not stop us from having a productive relationship, where that is possible."

There have been several accusations against China regarding the inhumane treatment of the Uighur minority group in the area Xinjiang. Now the UK, too, has once again urged China to allow the UN rights inspectors to visit Xinjiang and investigate the "appalling" allegations being raised against the human rights abuse the minority group is being subjected to in the area.

There have been several accusations against China regarding the inhumane treatment of the Uighur minority group in the area Xinjiang. Now the UK, too, has once again urged China to allow the UN rights inspectors to visit Xinjiang and investigate the "appalling" allegations being raised against the human rights abuse the minority group is being subjected to in the area. Also read| Turkey accused of trading Uighurs for Chinese covid-19 vaccine This has come a week after the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab introduced import controls on firms that get their resources — raw or finished products — from the northwest Chinese region. Raab took the decision to make sure the UK does not enable the forced labour the Uighur community is being subjected to in Xinjiang — a claim that China has repeatedly denied. Also read| Why Erdogan has decided to extradite Uighurs to China "Whether or not it amounts to genocide has to be determined by a court. The bar has been set incredibly high," Raab said. "And frankly we shouldn't be engaged in free-trade negotiations with countries abusing human rights well below the limit of genocide." While Raab himself has introduced the import controls, he has been vocal for the view that the UK government or the courts should not be given the sole power to decide whether or not a genocide is taking place against the mainly Muslim community in Xinjiang. Also read| Turkey brushes aside fears of Uighur deportations to China "What China says is this is all lies cooked up by the West, and Britain a leading member amongst them," he said. However, he proposed letting the UNHRC inspectors visit and carry out investigations in the area to put all accusations to rest. "What we say is if you dispute the allegations and the claims and the reports, there's a simple way to clear this up: allow the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit and access and see these sites," Raab said. China, on the other hand, has warned Raab to stop meddling in its internal affairs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, believes, "speaking frankly and calling out human rights abuses should not stop us from having a productive relationship, where that is possible."

UK's Dominic Raab urges China to let UN investigate Xinjiang camps

Britain accused China of human rights violations and abuse against its Uighur minority and announced new rules to ban imports of goods suspected of being made using forced labour.

UK condemn Chinese abuse against Uighur minority

United Kingdom's foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is on a 4-day visit to India is expected to meet India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi. Dominic Raab held bilateral talks with his India counterpart S. Jaishankar on Tuesday.

U.K. foreign secretary Raab on 4-day visit to India, likely to meet India's PM Modi

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit.

Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve."

The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/british-leaders-who-were-invited-to-indias-republic-day-346990">British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day</a>

Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993.

The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK.

Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-johnsons-visit-dominic-raab-jaishankar-seek-to-deepen-india-uk-ties-349926" hreflang="en">Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties</a>

EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship."

During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific."

While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change.

Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India.&nbsp;

On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit. Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve." The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet." Also see: British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993. The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK. Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house. Also read: Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship." During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific." While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change. Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India. On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.

UK PM Boris Johnson calls India 'indispensable partner' ahead of Delhi visit next month

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives for his official visit to India. India-UK partnership is poised for greater synergy in a post-COVID, post-Brexit context.

WION Dispatch: 'UK, India committed to build strong defence-security ties', says Dominic Raab

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 4-day India visit, hold talks with S Jaishankar

UK foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-to-visit-india-349761">Dominic Raab</a> in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

"We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council."

The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-sardar-patel-on-his-death-anniversary-349834">PM Modi</a> to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour".

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level".

"We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence &amp; security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific."

"It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said.

The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-businesses-urge-pm-boris-johnson-for-trade-deal-with-eu-349555">Brexit </a>world".

On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK &amp; India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples &amp; oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward."

The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship." 
&nbsp;

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean. "We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council." The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited PM Modi to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour". India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level". "We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence & security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific." "It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said. The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-Brexit world". On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK & India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples & oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward." The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship."

Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will hold talks with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday. During their meeting, the two leaders are expected to review efforts to create a 10-year road map for India-UK relations and discuss the Defense Logistics Agreement.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab holds talks with Indian MEA S. Jaishankar

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-highlights-chinas-unprovoked-aggression-build-up-in-ladakh-349692" hreflang="en">India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh</a>

A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context."

India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis.

British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit. He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa. Also read| India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context." India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis. British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British foreign secretary Dominic Raab to visit India

The&nbsp;United Kingdom said on Friday that it is&nbsp;'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai charged by China under the city's national security law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security.

"The UK remains deeply concerned about the Hong Kong authorities' focus on pursuing legal cases against pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.

"We have raised this case with the authorities and will continue to lobby them at senior levels to end their targeting of pro-democracy voices."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-mogul-jimmy-lai-charged-under-national-security-law-348984">Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai charged under national security law</a>

Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, is&nbsp;the highest profile person charged under the sweeping new law imposed on the Chinese-ruled city in June.

The law has been condemned by the West and human rights groups as a tool to crush dissent. Authorities in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and Beijing say it is vital to plug gaping holes in national security defenses exposed by months of sometimes violent anti-government and anti-China protests that rocked the city over the last year.

Britain, which ruled&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;for over 150 years until it handed it back to China in 1997, says a new security law imposed on the territory by Beijing just before midnight on June 30 was a breach of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that paved the way for the handover.

London has also objected to new rules imposed by mainland China to disqualify elected legislators in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, and to what it describes as retribution by the territory's executive against political opposition and silencing of dissent.

"This has been, and continues to be, the most concerning period in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong’s post-handover history," Foreign Secretary Dominic&nbsp;Raab wrote in his foreword to the latest in a regular series of six-monthly reports on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

The United Kingdom said on Friday that it is 'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai charged by China under the city's national security law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security.

The United Kingdom said on Friday that it is 'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's media mogul Jimmy Lai charged by China under the city's national security law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security. "The UK remains deeply concerned about the Hong Kong authorities' focus on pursuing legal cases against pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters. "We have raised this case with the authorities and will continue to lobby them at senior levels to end their targeting of pro-democracy voices." Also read: Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai charged under national security law Lai, an ardent critic of Beijing, is the highest profile person charged under the sweeping new law imposed on the Chinese-ruled city in June. The law has been condemned by the West and human rights groups as a tool to crush dissent. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing say it is vital to plug gaping holes in national security defenses exposed by months of sometimes violent anti-government and anti-China protests that rocked the city over the last year. Britain, which ruled Hong Kong for over 150 years until it handed it back to China in 1997, says a new security law imposed on the territory by Beijing just before midnight on June 30 was a breach of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration that paved the way for the handover. London has also objected to new rules imposed by mainland China to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong, and to what it describes as retribution by the territory's executive against political opposition and silencing of dissent. "This has been, and continues to be, the most concerning period in Hong Kong’s post-handover history," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab wrote in his foreword to the latest in a regular series of six-monthly reports on Hong Kong.

UK says 'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai charged

36 British Parliamentarians have written to Dominic Raab urging the British govt to 'pressurise India' over the new farmer laws.

Gravitas: 36 British MPs write letter over Farmer Protests

A faction of over 30 cross-party MPs in Britain, led by the Labour Party's Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, have come out in support of the ongoing farmers' agitation in India.

The development comes as farmers have continued their protests at the Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders.

The 36 lawmakers wrote to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to raise the matter with the Indian government.

The MPs, in a missive to Raab, asked to pressurise India against the recently enacted agriculture laws which "exploit" the farmers and those who depend on farming.

They also urged the Foreign Secretary to hold talks with the Indian government.

In his letter, Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said that last month several MPs wrote to the Indian High Commission in London about the impacts of the three new farm laws.

"This is an issue of particular concern to Sikhs in the UK and those linked to Punjab, although it also heavily impacts on other Indian states," the letter said.

It called for an urgent with Raab to discuss the situation in Punjab and its relationship with the Union government.

In a tweet, Dhesi said: "Many constituents, especially those emanating from the Punjab, have contacted MPs to express solidarity with the farmers opposing farmers Bill 2020 in India. Dozens of MPs duly deliberated and signed a cross-party letter, seeking justice for the peacefully protesting farmers."

The agitated farmers are demanding the repeal of the three farm laws passed by Parliament earlier this year and have expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate houses.

The government, on its part, has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities.

 
&nbsp;

A faction of over 30 cross-party MPs in Britain, led by the Labour Party's Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, have come out in support of the ongoing farmers' agitation in India.

A faction of over 30 cross-party MPs in Britain, led by the Labour Party's Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, have come out in support of the ongoing farmers' agitation in India. The development comes as farmers have continued their protests at the Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders. The 36 lawmakers wrote to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to raise the matter with the Indian government. The MPs, in a missive to Raab, asked to pressurise India against the recently enacted agriculture laws which "exploit" the farmers and those who depend on farming. They also urged the Foreign Secretary to hold talks with the Indian government. In his letter, Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said that last month several MPs wrote to the Indian High Commission in London about the impacts of the three new farm laws. "This is an issue of particular concern to Sikhs in the UK and those linked to Punjab, although it also heavily impacts on other Indian states," the letter said. It called for an urgent with Raab to discuss the situation in Punjab and its relationship with the Union government. In a tweet, Dhesi said: "Many constituents, especially those emanating from the Punjab, have contacted MPs to express solidarity with the farmers opposing farmers Bill 2020 in India. Dozens of MPs duly deliberated and signed a cross-party letter, seeking justice for the peacefully protesting farmers." The agitated farmers are demanding the repeal of the three farm laws passed by Parliament earlier this year and have expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate houses. The government, on its part, has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities.

British MPs support Indian farmers' agitation, write to lawmaker Dominic Raab

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

Amid street protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-says-trial-for-lukashenko-subject-to-negotiation-333612">Belarus</a>, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania.

Watch:

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"UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus," UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said.

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🇬🇧 condemns Belarus’ decision to expel Polish &amp; Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our Ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1314652079143649281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lukashenko's government had accused ambassadors of Lithuania and Poland of backing the protests which had erupted over disputed election results on August 9.

European nations Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania have already withdrawn their ambassadors from Belarus. Britain and Canada had earlier imposed sanctions on Lukashenko, his son and senior government officials over alleged human rights violations.

Slovak foreign minister Ivan Korcok said: "I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in #Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as (an) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland."

"Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable. EU remains united in its support of (the) people of Belarus," Korcok added as Bulgaria's foreign ministry said it was pulling out its ambassadors to &nbsp;"in a show of solidarity" with Lithuania and Poland.&nbsp;

Bulgaria also called for free and fair elections in Belarus while urging the government to open dialogue with the Opposition.

The Belarus government had earlier urged Lithuania and Poland to reduce the number of diplomats amid protests in the country while calling for "the immediate and unconditional release of all the (jailed) political prisoners in Belarus."

Lukashenko has reportedly jailed several Opposition leaders and arrested thousands and later freed them. However, it has denied abusing detainees.

Amid street protests in Belarus, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania. Watch: "UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats.

Amid street protests in Belarus, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania. Watch: "UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus," UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. 🇬🇧 condemns Belarus’ decision to expel Polish & Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our Ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) October 9, 2020 × Lukashenko's government had accused ambassadors of Lithuania and Poland of backing the protests which had erupted over disputed election results on August 9. European nations Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania have already withdrawn their ambassadors from Belarus. Britain and Canada had earlier imposed sanctions on Lukashenko, his son and senior government officials over alleged human rights violations. Slovak foreign minister Ivan Korcok said: "I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in #Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as (an) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland." "Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable. EU remains united in its support of (the) people of Belarus," Korcok added as Bulgaria's foreign ministry said it was pulling out its ambassadors to "in a show of solidarity" with Lithuania and Poland. Bulgaria also called for free and fair elections in Belarus while urging the government to open dialogue with the Opposition. The Belarus government had earlier urged Lithuania and Poland to reduce the number of diplomats amid protests in the country while calling for "the immediate and unconditional release of all the (jailed) political prisoners in Belarus." Lukashenko has reportedly jailed several Opposition leaders and arrested thousands and later freed them. However, it has denied abusing detainees.

After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus

The United States, Britain and Canada may impose sanctions on Belarus as early as Friday, four sources told Reuters, and the European Union told President Alexander Lukashenko it did not recognise him as the country’s legitimate leader.

Diplomatic pressure on Lukashenko mounted a day after he had himself sworn in for a sixth term at an inauguration ceremony that was kept secret until after it was completed.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that following the “fraudulent” inauguration, British, U.S. and Canadian officials were working on sanctions against those responsible for “serious human rights violations”.

The four sources said the measures could come on Friday, though that might slip given the challenge of coordinating between the three countries.

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More than 12,000 people have been arrested, and hundreds remain in jail, since Lukashenko was declared the landslide winner of an Aug. 9 presidential election that the opposition denounced as rigged.

Mass protests have left him reliant on his security forces, and backing from his ally Russia, to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic.

Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said: “The inauguration is as illegitimate as the elections it follows.”

The European Union said the abrupt swearing-in on Wednesday went directly against the will of the people.

“The so-called ‘inauguration’ ... and the new mandate claimed by Aleksander Lukashenko lack any democratic legitimacy,” the EU’s 27 states said in a statement.

“This ‘inauguration’ directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections, and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus.”

The EU, a large financial donor to Belarus, also said it was “reviewing its relations” with the country, meaning the bloc would seek to cut off direct funding to Lukashenko’s government, channelling it to aid groups and hospitals instead.

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Night of protests

Lukashenko brushed off the condemnation.

“We didn’t ask anyone to recognise our elections or not recognise them, to recognise the legitimacy of the newly elected president or not,” the news site Sputnik Belarus quoted him as saying.

The 66-year-old leader defended the manner of his swearing-in.

“You know about 2,000 people were invited to the inauguration, together with the military. And it is almost impossible to keep it secret,” he said.

The ceremony, a major state occasion that would normally be conducted with fanfare, took place without prior warning in an apparent attempt to prevent it being disrupted by protests.

Instead, it drew thousands onto the streets of the capital Minsk on Wednesday evening, where security forces chased down protesters and fired water cannon to disperse crowds.

Police detained 364 people, the Interior Ministry said.

A video showing a taxi driver rescuing a protester and speeding away from baton-wielding riot police went viral on social media.

Detained opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova urged protesters not to give up and mocked the security forces who arrested her, in a letter to her father that was shared by the Tut.By news portal.

“You must tell them not to give up, just keep going! These people who have kidnapped me are all incredibly weak and hysterical. They don’t even know how to do their job well,” the 38-year-old musician wrote.

Kolesnikova burnished her status as a hero to the protesters by ripping up her passport to avoid forced deportation to Ukraine earlier this month.

The United States, Britain and Canada may impose sanctions on Belarus as early as Friday, four sources told Reuters, and the European Union told President Alexander Lukashenko it did not recognise him as the country’s legitimate leader.

The United States, Britain and Canada may impose sanctions on Belarus as early as Friday, four sources told Reuters, and the European Union told President Alexander Lukashenko it did not recognise him as the country’s legitimate leader. Diplomatic pressure on Lukashenko mounted a day after he had himself sworn in for a sixth term at an inauguration ceremony that was kept secret until after it was completed. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that following the “fraudulent” inauguration, British, U.S. and Canadian officials were working on sanctions against those responsible for “serious human rights violations”. The four sources said the measures could come on Friday, though that might slip given the challenge of coordinating between the three countries. × More than 12,000 people have been arrested, and hundreds remain in jail, since Lukashenko was declared the landslide winner of an Aug. 9 presidential election that the opposition denounced as rigged. Mass protests have left him reliant on his security forces, and backing from his ally Russia, to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic. Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said: “The inauguration is as illegitimate as the elections it follows.” The European Union said the abrupt swearing-in on Wednesday went directly against the will of the people. “The so-called ‘inauguration’ ... and the new mandate claimed by Aleksander Lukashenko lack any democratic legitimacy,” the EU’s 27 states said in a statement. “This ‘inauguration’ directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections, and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus.” The EU, a large financial donor to Belarus, also said it was “reviewing its relations” with the country, meaning the bloc would seek to cut off direct funding to Lukashenko’s government, channelling it to aid groups and hospitals instead. × Night of protests Lukashenko brushed off the condemnation. “We didn’t ask anyone to recognise our elections or not recognise them, to recognise the legitimacy of the newly elected president or not,” the news site Sputnik Belarus quoted him as saying. The 66-year-old leader defended the manner of his swearing-in. “You know about 2,000 people were invited to the inauguration, together with the military. And it is almost impossible to keep it secret,” he said. The ceremony, a major state occasion that would normally be conducted with fanfare, took place without prior warning in an apparent attempt to prevent it being disrupted by protests. Instead, it drew thousands onto the streets of the capital Minsk on Wednesday evening, where security forces chased down protesters and fired water cannon to disperse crowds. Police detained 364 people, the Interior Ministry said. A video showing a taxi driver rescuing a protester and speeding away from baton-wielding riot police went viral on social media. Detained opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova urged protesters not to give up and mocked the security forces who arrested her, in a letter to her father that was shared by the Tut.By news portal. “You must tell them not to give up, just keep going! These people who have kidnapped me are all incredibly weak and hysterical. They don’t even know how to do their job well,” the 38-year-old musician wrote. Kolesnikova burnished her status as a hero to the protesters by ripping up her passport to avoid forced deportation to Ukraine earlier this month.

Belarus faces imminent sanctions as pressure mounts on Lukashenko

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