London's iconic Royal Albert Hall has been witnessed many historical events, the prestigious cultural event venue turns 150 years old next year and grand celebrations are being planned with many musical and cultural performances. The starting of events are being planned in march 2021 till 2022.

London: As 150 years of The Royal Albert Hall, grand celebrations are being planned for the hall

COVID-19 measures hit London's Taxi services. Taxies in London and Hong Kong lies in open field collecting dust. Our report brings you more detail.

WION Dispatch: Taxies in london parked in fields due to lack of demand amid pandemic

Much has been made of the royal proportions of Josh O’Connor’s ears: Like those of Prince Charles, whom he plays in 'The Crown,' they stick out.

But ears do not a king-in-waiting make. Rather, the actor concluded, it’s his posture.

Mostly upright when he debuted in Season 3, playing Charles as a Cambridge student, O’Connor has since charted the prince’s emotional state through a progressively pronounced stoop, inching his neck forward as expectations from the House of Windsor gnawed at Charles’ contentment. By the time Mummy — Queen Elizabeth II, played by Olivia Colman — places the coronet upon her son’s head at his investiture as the Prince of Wales, you wonder if he has the strength to support it.

“It has to do with the more weight on his shoulders, the more it brings him down, the more his neck comes out,” O’Connor said. “By the end he’s pathetic, sort of like a crumpled man.”

It gets even worse in Season 4 of 'The Crown,' now on Netflix, which brings a less sympathetic Charles, surly and sniveling as he bridles at his marriage to the limelight-stealing Princess Diana (Emma Corrin) while not so secretly yearning for Camilla Parker Bowles (Emerald Fennell), the love that never quite got away. (And who will presumably marry Charles in some future season, as she did in real life in 2005.)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-crown-season-4-review-show-delivers-its-best-as-diana-thatcher-take-away-the-queens-thunder-343648">'The Crown' season 4 review: Show delivers its best as Diana, Thatcher take away the Queen's thunder</a>

For O’Connor, 30, this season is the end of his run in a role he never really sought. A self-described liberal left-winger, the actor declined to read for Charles when he was initially asked.

“I thought, I can’t add anything to this,” he said in a video call from London. “I’m a republican. I’m not interested in the royal family.”

But he eventually acquiesced, and Peter Morgan, the show’s creator and writer, presented him with a scene. In it, Charles compares himself to a character in Saul Bellow’s “Dangling Man,” waiting to be drafted because going to war will give his life meaning.

“And then he says, ‘I’m essentially waiting for my mother to die in order for my life to take meaning,’” O’Connor said. “I read that line and I was like, ‘Well, that’s enough to get your teeth into.’”

The current season finds the prince increasingly exasperated with these circumstances, in terms of both the unhappy marriage that was thrust upon him and his continuing insignificance within the realm.

“We were telling a kind of unheard, voiceless Charles,” O’Connor said. “But that’s the beauty of it, that’s where he struggles: He doesn’t feel listened to.”

Charles isn’t imagining things. As his mother icily informs him in one gutting encounter, no one wants to hear his voice. &lt;em&gt;No one.&lt;/em&gt;

O’Connor and Colman had a running joke that all of their scenes together were variations on the same sad theme. “Charles comes in, says, ‘Mummy, I need to talk to you,’ and she says, ‘No,’ and then he leaves,” he explained. Over and over.

As the queen, Colman said, “my job was to be quite strong, but I found it quite hard not to give him a cuddle.” Method actors they were not. “The second they’d say cut, we’d go: ‘Should we have a cup of tea? There are biscuits on the craft table!’ We’d much rather have a giggle.”

“He’s one of the most beautiful actors to work opposite,” she added. “He’s out there with the greats, in my mind.”

O’Connor grew up happily as the middle of three brothers in Cheltenham, a spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alums include two of his idols, Pete Postlethwaite and Daniel Day-Lewis.

“Maybe it was a match made in heaven, I don’t know,” he said. “But I did love it.”

Not long after graduation, small TV roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Ripper Street” trickled in. Eventually he snagged a lead as the oldest son in “The Durrells in Corfu,” a period drama by ITV and Masterpiece, about a British family’s move to the titular Greek island in the 1930s.

But his real breakthrough came in Francis Lee’s 2017 feature debut, “God’s Own Country.” O’Connor is scarcely recognizable as Johnny Saxby, a gay, brooding binge drinker toiling on his family’s Yorkshire farm, whose calcified heart is pried open by a Romanian migrant worker.

Lee had invited O’Connor to audition based on a photograph. “I liked his ears a lot,” he said. But the tape O’Connor sent was worrisome.

“He delivered this incredibly brilliant portrayal of an emotionally repressed and difficult man, and I thought he must just be playing himself,” he said. “And that concerned me slightly.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-crown-season-6-heres-everything-to-know-about-the-final-season-343447">'The Crown' Season 6: Here's everything to know about the final season</a>

When the two finally met, Lee was shocked “because in walks this incredibly funny, upbeat, polite, middle-class boy, which was a million miles away from the character that he was going to play,” he said. “He’s one of those rare actors that is a real shape-shifter.”

“God’s Own Country” earned O’Connor a British Independent Film Award for best actor in 2017. Two years later, he won another for “Only You,” about a couple struggling with infertility.

O’Connor debuted in “The Crown” in late 2019. Morgan can’t recall having considered anyone else for this iteration of Charles — or noticing O’Connor’s ears, although he imagines he must have.

Rather, “I was drawn to his sensitivity and the fact that he was complex but likable, and I just felt instantly intrigued,” Morgan said. “And the minute he started doing some readings for us, it was a no-brainer. He was a list of one.”

O’Connor had watched “The Crown” in support of his good friend Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in Seasons 1 and 2. “And then I became a loyal fan,” he said. While he has difficulty aligning his belief in a classless society with the royal family, he doesn’t think “The Crown” glamorizes them, despite its pageantry and splendor.

“What Peter does is he strips all that back,” he said. “It’s about humans who struggle and have very odd relationships with their parents and power and politics. That’s the juice.

“But I think you can have those beliefs and have great respect and affection and love even for these people. I think the queen is an extraordinary woman. Time after time, lots of men have failed, and this one woman in power has been consistent and remained dutiful and generally apolitical.

“In that sense, I have huge respect for her — and for Charles, to be honest. I mean, Charles is another level of someone who’s literally been waiting his entire life for this moment that still hasn’t come.”

Much has been made of the royal proportions of Josh O’Connor’s ears: Like those of Prince Charles, whom he plays in 'The Crown,' they stick out. But ears do not a king-in-waiting make.

Much has been made of the royal proportions of Josh O’Connor’s ears: Like those of Prince Charles, whom he plays in 'The Crown,' they stick out. But ears do not a king-in-waiting make. Rather, the actor concluded, it’s his posture. Mostly upright when he debuted in Season 3, playing Charles as a Cambridge student, O’Connor has since charted the prince’s emotional state through a progressively pronounced stoop, inching his neck forward as expectations from the House of Windsor gnawed at Charles’ contentment. By the time Mummy — Queen Elizabeth II, played by Olivia Colman — places the coronet upon her son’s head at his investiture as the Prince of Wales, you wonder if he has the strength to support it. “It has to do with the more weight on his shoulders, the more it brings him down, the more his neck comes out,” O’Connor said. “By the end he’s pathetic, sort of like a crumpled man.” It gets even worse in Season 4 of 'The Crown,' now on Netflix, which brings a less sympathetic Charles, surly and sniveling as he bridles at his marriage to the limelight-stealing Princess Diana (Emma Corrin) while not so secretly yearning for Camilla Parker Bowles (Emerald Fennell), the love that never quite got away. (And who will presumably marry Charles in some future season, as she did in real life in 2005.) 'The Crown' season 4 review: Show delivers its best as Diana, Thatcher take away the Queen's thunder For O’Connor, 30, this season is the end of his run in a role he never really sought. A self-described liberal left-winger, the actor declined to read for Charles when he was initially asked. “I thought, I can’t add anything to this,” he said in a video call from London. “I’m a republican. I’m not interested in the royal family.” But he eventually acquiesced, and Peter Morgan, the show’s creator and writer, presented him with a scene. In it, Charles compares himself to a character in Saul Bellow’s “Dangling Man,” waiting to be drafted because going to war will give his life meaning. “And then he says, ‘I’m essentially waiting for my mother to die in order for my life to take meaning,’” O’Connor said. “I read that line and I was like, ‘Well, that’s enough to get your teeth into.’” The current season finds the prince increasingly exasperated with these circumstances, in terms of both the unhappy marriage that was thrust upon him and his continuing insignificance within the realm. “We were telling a kind of unheard, voiceless Charles,” O’Connor said. “But that’s the beauty of it, that’s where he struggles: He doesn’t feel listened to.” Charles isn’t imagining things. As his mother icily informs him in one gutting encounter, no one wants to hear his voice. No one. O’Connor and Colman had a running joke that all of their scenes together were variations on the same sad theme. “Charles comes in, says, ‘Mummy, I need to talk to you,’ and she says, ‘No,’ and then he leaves,” he explained. Over and over. As the queen, Colman said, “my job was to be quite strong, but I found it quite hard not to give him a cuddle.” Method actors they were not. “The second they’d say cut, we’d go: ‘Should we have a cup of tea? There are biscuits on the craft table!’ We’d much rather have a giggle.” “He’s one of the most beautiful actors to work opposite,” she added. “He’s out there with the greats, in my mind.” O’Connor grew up happily as the middle of three brothers in Cheltenham, a spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alums include two of his idols, Pete Postlethwaite and Daniel Day-Lewis. “Maybe it was a match made in heaven, I don’t know,” he said. “But I did love it.” Not long after graduation, small TV roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Ripper Street” trickled in. Eventually he snagged a lead as the oldest son in “The Durrells in Corfu,” a period drama by ITV and Masterpiece, about a British family’s move to the titular Greek island in the 1930s. But his real breakthrough came in Francis Lee’s 2017 feature debut, “God’s Own Country.” O’Connor is scarcely recognizable as Johnny Saxby, a gay, brooding binge drinker toiling on his family’s Yorkshire farm, whose calcified heart is pried open by a Romanian migrant worker. Lee had invited O’Connor to audition based on a photograph. “I liked his ears a lot,” he said. But the tape O’Connor sent was worrisome. “He delivered this incredibly brilliant portrayal of an emotionally repressed and difficult man, and I thought he must just be playing himself,” he said. “And that concerned me slightly.” 'The Crown' Season 6: Here's everything to know about the final season When the two finally met, Lee was shocked “because in walks this incredibly funny, upbeat, polite, middle-class boy, which was a million miles away from the character that he was going to play,” he said. “He’s one of those rare actors that is a real shape-shifter.” “God’s Own Country” earned O’Connor a British Independent Film Award for best actor in 2017. Two years later, he won another for “Only You,” about a couple struggling with infertility. O’Connor debuted in “The Crown” in late 2019. Morgan can’t recall having considered anyone else for this iteration of Charles — or noticing O’Connor’s ears, although he imagines he must have. Rather, “I was drawn to his sensitivity and the fact that he was complex but likable, and I just felt instantly intrigued,” Morgan said. “And the minute he started doing some readings for us, it was a no-brainer. He was a list of one.” O’Connor had watched “The Crown” in support of his good friend Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in Seasons 1 and 2. “And then I became a loyal fan,” he said. While he has difficulty aligning his belief in a classless society with the royal family, he doesn’t think “The Crown” glamorizes them, despite its pageantry and splendor. “What Peter does is he strips all that back,” he said. “It’s about humans who struggle and have very odd relationships with their parents and power and politics. That’s the juice. “But I think you can have those beliefs and have great respect and affection and love even for these people. I think the queen is an extraordinary woman. Time after time, lots of men have failed, and this one woman in power has been consistent and remained dutiful and generally apolitical. “In that sense, I have huge respect for her — and for Charles, to be honest. I mean, Charles is another level of someone who’s literally been waiting his entire life for this moment that still hasn’t come.”

Josh O’Connor didn’t care about 'The Crown' until he became a Prince

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has said that PML-N supremo is being treated for severe kidney pain.&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif was taken to a west London hospital on Tuesday morning after developing severe kidney pain.

Taking to Twitter, Maryam said on Tuesday that the former Prime Minister due to pain could not participate in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) meeting that was chaired by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman today. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MNS could not participate in the PDM meeting today because of severe kidney pain that he is being treated for therefore I am representing him. Would request for prayers.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/1328685872959647750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“Mian Nawaz Sharif (MNS) could not participate in the PDM meeting today because of severe kidney pain that he is being treated for, therefore, I am representing him. Would request for prayers,” she tweeted.

Nawaz Sharif developed kidney pain late on Monday night and was taken to the hospital on Tuesday morning after it was observed that he was continuing to feel unwell.&nbsp;

The family source confirmed that Nawaz Sharif has kidney stones for which he is being treated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has said that PML-N supremo is being treated for severe kidney pain. Nawaz Sharif was taken to a west London hospital on Tuesday morning after developing severe kidney pain.

Maryam Nawaz, daughter of the former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has said that PML-N supremo is being treated for severe kidney pain. Nawaz Sharif was taken to a west London hospital on Tuesday morning after developing severe kidney pain. Taking to Twitter, Maryam said on Tuesday that the former Prime Minister due to pain could not participate in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) meeting that was chaired by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman today. MNS could not participate in the PDM meeting today because of severe kidney pain that he is being treated for therefore I am representing him. Would request for prayers. — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) November 17, 2020 × “Mian Nawaz Sharif (MNS) could not participate in the PDM meeting today because of severe kidney pain that he is being treated for, therefore, I am representing him. Would request for prayers,” she tweeted. Nawaz Sharif developed kidney pain late on Monday night and was taken to the hospital on Tuesday morning after it was observed that he was continuing to feel unwell. The family source confirmed that Nawaz Sharif has kidney stones for which he is being treated. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif admitted to London hospital after severe kidney pain

"Layered" and "truthful" are the words Jude Law and writer/director Sean Durkin are using to describe their new film, "The Nest." Law star alongside actress Carrie Coon in the drama set in England during the 1980s and follows a couple navigating a marriage rooted in lies.

Jude Law earns an acting nomination for his 'layered' performance in new film 'The Nest'

While kids might not be able to meet Santa in person this year an entertainment company in London has created an app so that virtual meet-ups can take place.

New app allows kids to virtually 'meet' Santa

A distinctive pink Christmas tree was unveiled at a central London retail destination on Friday (November 6) despite most shops having to close due to the government's latest coronavirus lockdown.

Pink Christmas tree unveiled in locked down London shopping area

The UK heads into lockdown for the second time, WION brings you a report on how people spend their last night on the eve of the lockdown.

Londoners made last minute purchases as UK is going into second lockdown

As the UK went into another nationwide lockdown, Britain's roads were flooded with vehicles causing traffic jams of nearly&nbsp;1,200 miles.

The capital city of Britain, London, recorded nearly&nbsp;2,624 traffic jams in the city within a few hours. The city was deadlocked as people started to flee the capital to head out to different locations of the country where the lockdown regulations are not as strict as London.

Various locals from the city took to Twitter to report miles-long traffic jams, and some even claimed that they were stuck in jams for more than 90 minutes, especially the motorists. Some people also labelled this as one of the worst traffic rush in decades. "Tonight’s traffic in south London was the worst I have ever, ever seen, in 3 decades of riding it," a Twitter user said. One user revealed that it took them nearly two hours to cover a distance of five miles.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-lockdown-in-france-causes-massive-traffic-jams-338982">COVID-19 lockdown in France causes massive traffic jams</a>

The scenario was similar in other parts of the UK, too, with an increase of&nbsp;6 per cent&nbsp;in Manchester, 34 per cent in Newcastle and 17 per cent in Leeds traffic.

The situation is being assumed to get worse with Christmas just a month away as people usually tend to return back to their homes to celebrate the festival with their friends and families.

Boris Johnson announced a lockdown after the coronavirus cases surged in the country. "I know how tough it has been for you and I’m full of admiration for the determination you’ve shown in persevering through this crisis," Johnson said in a pre-recorded message.&nbsp;

"And, believe me, we will end these autumn measures on December 2 when they expire," he continued.

A similar situation was seen in Paris when the city went into an emergency lockdown following a surge and terrorist attacks.

As the UK went into another nationwide lockdown, Britain's roads were flooded with vehicles causing traffic jams of nearly 1,200 miles. The capital city of Britain, London, recorded nearly 2,624 traffic jams in the city within a few hours.

As the UK went into another nationwide lockdown, Britain's roads were flooded with vehicles causing traffic jams of nearly 1,200 miles. The capital city of Britain, London, recorded nearly 2,624 traffic jams in the city within a few hours. The city was deadlocked as people started to flee the capital to head out to different locations of the country where the lockdown regulations are not as strict as London. Various locals from the city took to Twitter to report miles-long traffic jams, and some even claimed that they were stuck in jams for more than 90 minutes, especially the motorists. Some people also labelled this as one of the worst traffic rush in decades. "Tonight’s traffic in south London was the worst I have ever, ever seen, in 3 decades of riding it," a Twitter user said. One user revealed that it took them nearly two hours to cover a distance of five miles. Also read| COVID-19 lockdown in France causes massive traffic jams The scenario was similar in other parts of the UK, too, with an increase of 6 per cent in Manchester, 34 per cent in Newcastle and 17 per cent in Leeds traffic. The situation is being assumed to get worse with Christmas just a month away as people usually tend to return back to their homes to celebrate the festival with their friends and families. Boris Johnson announced a lockdown after the coronavirus cases surged in the country. "I know how tough it has been for you and I’m full of admiration for the determination you’ve shown in persevering through this crisis," Johnson said in a pre-recorded message. "And, believe me, we will end these autumn measures on December 2 when they expire," he continued. A similar situation was seen in Paris when the city went into an emergency lockdown following a surge and terrorist attacks.

Traffic jams as long as 1200 miles seen in London before coronavirus lockdown

A foggy London was quieter than usual on Thursday (November 5) as England went into a second nationwide lockdown. People have been ordered to stay at home from 0001GMT on Thursday to combat an increase in new infections.

UK: Londoners prepare for another month under lockdown

Many restaurants in London were packed to capacity on Wednesday (November 4) evening as the minutes ticked down to the start of a lockdown that will see the closure of non-essential establishments for at least one month.

Last supper for Londoners as England heads back into lockdown

Christmas came early on London's iconic Oxford Street on Monday (November 2) as the festive lights were switched on for 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic overshadowing the countdown to the holiday season.

London Christmas lights celebrate 2020 heroes

The UK's first permanent vegan 'butcher' will open in London next week, serving faux versions of bacon, chicken, and turkey made from soya and seitan.

UK's first vegan butcher is all set to open

The accessory of 2020 - the face mask - was combined with 1920s themed fineries by guests forming a socially distanced queue for the relaunch of the London show "The Great Gatsby" on Thursday (October 22) evening.

'The Great Gatsby' back on stage in London

James Bay will play live from Shakespeare's Globe in London on Wednesday (October 21), with his band. The concert by the Grammy-nominated and Brit and Ivor Novello award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist will be livestreamed at 2000 EST/PST (0400 BST/0300 GMT on October 22) to fans who buy tickets, which are on sale via a link in the artist's bio on his Instagram page.

James Bay to play live online concert from Shakespeare's Globe

Modern cities are designed for cars, not human beings. Services are so far apart, that you need a car for even short errand runs. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you about some of the world's most walkable cities.

Gravitas: These are the world's most walkable cities

Security for former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London, has been heightened, a development that came weeks after the PML-N supremo`s fiery speech against the incumbent Imran Khan-led government and his criticism of the military establishments alleged interference in political matters.

In a report on Saturday, Dawn news said that four local bodyguards were reported to have reached Hasan Nawaz`s office at Stanhope House, from where the former premier addressed the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) rally in Gujranwala on Friday via a video link.

It was the first rally held by the PDM, an alliance comprising 11 of the country`s opposition parties, since its formation last month to oust the incumbent government over its "failures in all sectors".

Throughout the day, the privately hired guards were stationed close to the office, the report said.

Back at the former leader`s residence at Avenfield, privately hired guards with vehicles bearing the sign "dog security unit" were seen during the day.

Two guards with sniffer dogs were stationed on Dunraven Street, where Avenfield House is situated. The same guards earlier stood outside the gate of their residence with the bodyguards.

On Friday afternoon, PTI activists led by Sahibzada Jahangir, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Imran Khan on trade and investment in the UK and Europe, gathered outside Stanhope Place carrying anti-PML-N posters and shouting slogans against Sharif.

Jahangir told Dawn news that he approached the office premises to protest against Sharif with "200 people" in accordance with the UK government`s Covid-19 protocols.

Security for former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London, has been heightened, a development that came weeks after the PML-N supremo`s fiery speech against the incumbent Imran Khan-led government and his criticism of the military establishments alleged interference in political matters.

Security for former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London, has been heightened, a development that came weeks after the PML-N supremo`s fiery speech against the incumbent Imran Khan-led government and his criticism of the military establishments alleged interference in political matters. In a report on Saturday, Dawn news said that four local bodyguards were reported to have reached Hasan Nawaz`s office at Stanhope House, from where the former premier addressed the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) rally in Gujranwala on Friday via a video link. It was the first rally held by the PDM, an alliance comprising 11 of the country`s opposition parties, since its formation last month to oust the incumbent government over its "failures in all sectors". Throughout the day, the privately hired guards were stationed close to the office, the report said. Back at the former leader`s residence at Avenfield, privately hired guards with vehicles bearing the sign "dog security unit" were seen during the day. Two guards with sniffer dogs were stationed on Dunraven Street, where Avenfield House is situated. The same guards earlier stood outside the gate of their residence with the bodyguards. On Friday afternoon, PTI activists led by Sahibzada Jahangir, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Imran Khan on trade and investment in the UK and Europe, gathered outside Stanhope Place carrying anti-PML-N posters and shouting slogans against Sharif. Jahangir told Dawn news that he approached the office premises to protest against Sharif with "200 people" in accordance with the UK government`s Covid-19 protocols.

Sharif's security ramped up in London

China plans to refurbish its embassy building and establish its biggest diplomatic mission in the world at a site in London. But the plan has already started facing backlash from some local councillors and residents.

Some people in the locality have said the embassy isn't welcome until Beijing stops its alleged mistreatment of Muslims in China. In the said locality, four in ten are Muslims -- the highest proportion than in any other borough in the United Kingdom. 
&nbsp; 
China is believed to have detained up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps in the far-western region of Xinjiang, according to the US State Department.&nbsp;

Beijing says it's providing vocational training and helping to deradicalise segments of the population to combat alleged Islamic terrorism and violence in the region.

But several reports have claimed inhuman activities at the site -- forced labour, forced sterilisations of women and sexual assault -- are rising.

Some local opposition councillors say that they too are concerned about the implications of embassy's move and want the issue debated at council meetings.

They, however, don't outright oppose the mission coming into their neighborhood.

Any problems with the embassy plans could prove troublesome for China's international image. At a ceremony to hand over the site to the Chinese mission in 2018, Ambassador Liu said he hoped the embassy would become a London landmark.

Demonstrators on Thursday gathered in dozens of cities around the world to protest China's treatment of certain groups in the country, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and people in Hong Kong.

The UK took some action against China following its implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which has stifled a pro-democracy movement in the former British colony.

The UK has also condemned China several times over the camps in Xinjiang, including at the recent UN Rights Council meeting. Activists say they want so see the UK go further and impose sanctions on the people and organisations running the camps in Xinjiang. 
&nbsp;

China plans to refurbish its embassy building and establish its biggest diplomatic mission in the world at a site in London. But the plan has already started facing backlash from some local councillors and residents.

China plans to refurbish its embassy building and establish its biggest diplomatic mission in the world at a site in London. But the plan has already started facing backlash from some local councillors and residents. Some people in the locality have said the embassy isn't welcome until Beijing stops its alleged mistreatment of Muslims in China. In the said locality, four in ten are Muslims -- the highest proportion than in any other borough in the United Kingdom. China is believed to have detained up to 2 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps in the far-western region of Xinjiang, according to the US State Department. Beijing says it's providing vocational training and helping to deradicalise segments of the population to combat alleged Islamic terrorism and violence in the region. But several reports have claimed inhuman activities at the site -- forced labour, forced sterilisations of women and sexual assault -- are rising. Some local opposition councillors say that they too are concerned about the implications of embassy's move and want the issue debated at council meetings. They, however, don't outright oppose the mission coming into their neighborhood. Any problems with the embassy plans could prove troublesome for China's international image. At a ceremony to hand over the site to the Chinese mission in 2018, Ambassador Liu said he hoped the embassy would become a London landmark. Demonstrators on Thursday gathered in dozens of cities around the world to protest China's treatment of certain groups in the country, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and people in Hong Kong. The UK took some action against China following its implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which has stifled a pro-democracy movement in the former British colony. The UK has also condemned China several times over the camps in Xinjiang, including at the recent UN Rights Council meeting. Activists say they want so see the UK go further and impose sanctions on the people and organisations running the camps in Xinjiang.

China's treatment of Uyghurs sparks anger near new embassy site in London

London's public transport authority has banned Indian ride-hailing company Ola citing 'public safety' failings.

London bans India's Ola over safety reasons

Transport for London (TfL), the transportation regulator authority of London city has stripped Indian ride-hailing company Ola of its operating license, saying that the taxi app was not "fit and proper" to hold one, having put passenger safety at risk.

Ola, an Indian group which only began operating in London in February, has been told that its licence will not be renewed because of "public safety" failings.

Transport for London (TfL) said in a statement that it refused to grant Ola, a Softbank-backed operator, a new London private hire vehicle (PHV) operator's licence as it "cannot find it fit and proper to hold one after discovering a number of failures that could have risked public safety."

TfL's decision came days after Uber won a legal bid to restore its London operating licence, which was taken away over safety concerns, after a judge ruled that the company was a fit and proper operator despite "historical failings".

TfL said it had discovered a number of failures in Ola's operations, including breaches of its licensing regime, which led to unlicensed drivers and vehicles undertaking more than 1,000 passenger trips on the platform's behalf.

Ola was also accused of failing to notify Tfl of the breaches when they were first identified.

"Ola can continue to operate pending the outcome of any appeal process", TfL said, adding that Ola had 21 days to appeal against TfL's decision.

In an emailed statement, Ola said it was working with TfL during the review period and "have sought to provide assurances and address the issues raised in an open and transparent manner".

"Ola will take the opportunity to appeal this decision", the company said, adding it would continue to operate as normal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Transport for London (TfL), the transportation regulator authority of London city has stripped Indian ride-hailing company Ola of its operating license, saying that the taxi app was not "fit and proper" to hold one, having put passenger safety at risk.

Transport for London (TfL), the transportation regulator authority of London city has stripped Indian ride-hailing company Ola of its operating license, saying that the taxi app was not "fit and proper" to hold one, having put passenger safety at risk. Ola, an Indian group which only began operating in London in February, has been told that its licence will not be renewed because of "public safety" failings. Transport for London (TfL) said in a statement that it refused to grant Ola, a Softbank-backed operator, a new London private hire vehicle (PHV) operator's licence as it "cannot find it fit and proper to hold one after discovering a number of failures that could have risked public safety." TfL's decision came days after Uber won a legal bid to restore its London operating licence, which was taken away over safety concerns, after a judge ruled that the company was a fit and proper operator despite "historical failings". TfL said it had discovered a number of failures in Ola's operations, including breaches of its licensing regime, which led to unlicensed drivers and vehicles undertaking more than 1,000 passenger trips on the platform's behalf. Ola was also accused of failing to notify Tfl of the breaches when they were first identified. "Ola can continue to operate pending the outcome of any appeal process", TfL said, adding that Ola had 21 days to appeal against TfL's decision. In an emailed statement, Ola said it was working with TfL during the review period and "have sought to provide assurances and address the issues raised in an open and transparent manner". "Ola will take the opportunity to appeal this decision", the company said, adding it would continue to operate as normal. (With inputs from agencies)

Transport for London bans India's Ola cabs over safety concerns

With Christmas just around the corner, theatres across Britain would usually be preparing to welcome thousands of people through their doors as they host their annual pantomime productions. However, with current coronavirus restrictions keeping many UK theatres shut, this year's festive fun and the financial security of those working in the industry has felt a massive strain.

Pantomime dames parade for support in London

Thousands gathered on Saturday at London's Trafalgar Square to protest lockdowns and social distancing rules imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Clashes erupt as thousands protests against COVID-19 restrictions in London

Pubs, bars and restaurants throughout Britain got to grips with new operating restrictions on Thursday (September 24) after they were introduced by the government to curb rising COVID-19 infections.

British bars and pubs adapt to new coronavirus rules

Bristol's flagship concert venue Colston Hall, named after a 17th Century English slave trader, received a new name 'Bristol Beacon' on Wednesday (September 23).

English Concert hall named after slave trade Colson gets new name

Masks, social distancing and plastic screens dominated commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday (September 20) as London hosted scaled back celebrations to mark the event.

Scaled back celebrations mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain

London's nightlife scene have been dormant since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic while pubs have reopened under certain conditions, nightclubs & concert halls remain mostly shut. Watch the report.

London's nightlife scene dormant since start of the Coronavirus pandemic

Climate change activists took protesting to the next level by blocking two printing presses, which affected distribution of numerous national newspapers.

Video: Climate activists disrupt newspaper distribution through protests in UK

Dozens of protesters staged a 'die-in' protest in central London on Sunday, demonstrating against police brutality and anti-Black racism. Footage showed people laying down in the street and blocking traffic.

BLM protesters stage die-in protest in London

Adventures Overland, an expedition company, has introduced a modified luxury bus that will carry 20 passengers from Delhi to London.

This bus will cross 18 countries over 70 days. During the journey, passengers will be allowed to "hop off" and explore different locations on the way.&nbsp;

The expedition company was introduced by entrepreneurs Tushar Agarwal and Sanjay Madan. The idea of such a bus trip came from a solo drive from London to Delhi that Tushar Agarwal did in 2010.

"It is an absolutely fantastic journey," Tushar told CNN Travel.&nbsp;

These trips are expected to begin mid-2021. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $20,000. To help it stay in the budget the trip is divided into four parts, and the passengers may opt for a part of the journey.&nbsp;

Tushar Agarwal called it a “life-changing journey” and said that the around 40,000 people have already registered for Bus To London.

Adventures Overland, an expedition company, has introduced a modified luxury bus that will carry 20 passengers from Delhi to London. This bus will cross 18 countries over 70 days.

Adventures Overland, an expedition company, has introduced a modified luxury bus that will carry 20 passengers from Delhi to London. This bus will cross 18 countries over 70 days. During the journey, passengers will be allowed to "hop off" and explore different locations on the way. The expedition company was introduced by entrepreneurs Tushar Agarwal and Sanjay Madan. The idea of such a bus trip came from a solo drive from London to Delhi that Tushar Agarwal did in 2010. "It is an absolutely fantastic journey," Tushar told CNN Travel. These trips are expected to begin mid-2021. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $20,000. To help it stay in the budget the trip is divided into four parts, and the passengers may opt for a part of the journey. Tushar Agarwal called it a “life-changing journey” and said that the around 40,000 people have already registered for Bus To London.

'Life-changing journey': New bus trip will take you from Delhi to London in 70 days

Baloch activists protested in New York, Toronto & London to mark the 'International day of victims of forced disappearances', demanding justice for the family of Hayat Baloch, youth killed by Pakistan frontier corps in front of his father.

Baloch activists protest across world to mark the international day of the disappeared

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