After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues.

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues. Handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reported Downing Street garden parties during the lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment and the chaotic troops withdrawal from Afghanistan are some of the hot topics that have marred Johnson's tenure so far. His popularity has seen a dip in the country and now a latest poll shows that nearly half of all Conservative members believe UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would make a better Prime Minister than Johnson and they also think he could win more seats at the next election. ALSO READ | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 An exclusive poll for Sky News named YouGov assessed data after a survey of 1,005 Tories, which took place between December 30 and January 6. As per the survey, 46 per cent think that Sunak would win more seats in the next election and almost four in 10 say they think Boris is doing a bad job as the country's Prime Minister. However, some breather for PM Johnson as amid the growing concerns, a majority still supports him with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down. But is 59 a good percent for the Conservatives ahead of the next election?. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be A leadership contest? The poll reflects the mood of Johnson's lawmakers amid the ongoing controversies. But will there be any leadership challenge in the country? Yes, it can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs. Who could replace Johnson? Possible replacements of Boris Johnson are Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members. × (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.&nbsp;

The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;

In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them.&nbsp;

The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-disagree-with-boris-johnsons-plan-of-delaying-covid-regulations-438667">UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations</a>

The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Who leaked the photo?

The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there.&nbsp;

The office was apparently used by&nbsp;British Chancellor of the Exchequer&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source.&nbsp;

If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-at-work-talking-about-work-boris-johnson-reacts-to-downing-street-garden-party-photo-438627">'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo</a>

Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect."&nbsp;

As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government".

Is there a conspiracy?

The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country.&nbsp;

There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week.&nbsp;

Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career?&nbsp;

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Who said what to defend the government?

Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening."

After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden."

Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."

Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work."

Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work."

Here's how the public reacted

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On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris &amp; Carrie Johnson &amp; breaking all 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> Lockdown rules. 
 
On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. <a href="https://t.co/9gT7Xe5wfZ">pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ</a>
— Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) <a href="https://twitter.com/spaceangel1964/status/1472853079993245696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hey, <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a>, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. 
 
Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 <a href="https://t.co/UamJp05u9Y">pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y</a>
— BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_BTT/status/1472650794684096518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM &amp; friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/ESx6AqZ3um">pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um</a>
— 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKGastroDr/status/1472841398483402755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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My Nan was home alone for months 
 
The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable 
 
The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking 
 
While they, relaxed and had a garden party! <a href="https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS">https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS</a>
— Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarketingproBen/status/1472674971763761158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” <a href="https://t.co/tHn8ITSST8">pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8</a>
— Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackferguson/status/1473379110361698305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day 
 
Hope you enjoyed the garden party <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0">https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0</a>
— Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhistlingDixie4/status/1472931836577947657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them. The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc. ALSO READ | UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo. Who leaked the photo? The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there. The office was apparently used by British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source. If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members. ALSO READ | 'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect." As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government". Is there a conspiracy? The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country. There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week. Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career? × Who said what to defend the government? Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening." After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden." Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done." Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work." Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work." Here's how the public reacted On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris & Carrie Johnson & breaking all 2020 #Covid Lockdown rules. On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ — Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) December 20, 2021 × Hey, @metpoliceuk, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y — BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) December 19, 2021 × On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM & friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um — 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) December 20, 2021 × My Nan was home alone for months The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking While they, relaxed and had a garden party! https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS — Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) December 19, 2021 × Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8 — Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) December 21, 2021 × Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day Hope you enjoyed the garden party @BorisJohnson https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0 — Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) December 20, 2021 ×

Boris garden party: Who leaked the photo? Amid Omicron crisis, UK govt to hunt the 'insider'

While revealing the UK budget for financial year 2021, Finance minister Rishi Sunak said that this year is now estimated to be 6.5 per cent, meaning the economy could return to its pre-pandemic level by the end of the year.

FM Sunak tables UK budget 2021, announces host of projects

Rishi Sunak has refused to wear a mask inside a crowded House of Commons. The chancellor further reiterated that ministers did not yet believe it was necessary to move to the government’s “plan B” for COVID-19.&nbsp;The plan B would mandate mask-wearing at public places. Vaccine passports and more home working will also be a part of the plan.

Sunak told BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show, "At the moment, the data does not suggest that we should be immediately moving to plan B."

“But of course we will keep an eye on that. The plans are ready, we outlined them way beforehand to make sure people knew what the possible options would be for the winter, which we said would be challenging.”

Sunak dodged questions about whether this was the right thing to do in a crowded setting.

Meanwhile, Britain has recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 since July over the past week, revealing government figures. A total of 333,465 people in Britain tested positive for the deadly coronavirus over the past seven days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-highest-weekly-covid-19-cases-reported-since-july-johnson-rules-out-the-possibility-of-lockdown-423536">Also read |&nbsp;UK: Highest weekly COVID-19 cases reported since July; Johnson rules out the possibility of lockdown</a>

Deaths have surged by 12 per cent over the past week, and the total since the start of the pandemic now stands at 139,461, which is the second-highest in Europe after Russia.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday ruled out the possibility of a lockdown. This comes in as the advisers warned that acting early with lighter measures to cut the rise in cases would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), in minutes from an October 14 meeting, said, "In the event of increasing case rates, earlier intervention would reduce the need for more stringent, disruptive, and longer-lasting measures."

“SAGE advises that policy work on the potential reintroduction of measures should be undertaken now so that it can be ready for rapid deployment if required.”

Rishi Sunak has refused to wear a mask inside a crowded House of Commons. The chancellor further reiterated that ministers did not yet believe it was necessary to move to the government’s “plan B” for COVID-19.

Rishi Sunak has refused to wear a mask inside a crowded House of Commons. The chancellor further reiterated that ministers did not yet believe it was necessary to move to the government’s “plan B” for COVID-19. The plan B would mandate mask-wearing at public places. Vaccine passports and more home working will also be a part of the plan. Sunak told BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show, "At the moment, the data does not suggest that we should be immediately moving to plan B." “But of course we will keep an eye on that. The plans are ready, we outlined them way beforehand to make sure people knew what the possible options would be for the winter, which we said would be challenging.” Sunak dodged questions about whether this was the right thing to do in a crowded setting. Meanwhile, Britain has recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 since July over the past week, revealing government figures. A total of 333,465 people in Britain tested positive for the deadly coronavirus over the past seven days. Also read | UK: Highest weekly COVID-19 cases reported since July; Johnson rules out the possibility of lockdown Deaths have surged by 12 per cent over the past week, and the total since the start of the pandemic now stands at 139,461, which is the second-highest in Europe after Russia. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday ruled out the possibility of a lockdown. This comes in as the advisers warned that acting early with lighter measures to cut the rise in cases would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later. Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), in minutes from an October 14 meeting, said, "In the event of increasing case rates, earlier intervention would reduce the need for more stringent, disruptive, and longer-lasting measures." “SAGE advises that policy work on the potential reintroduction of measures should be undertaken now so that it can be ready for rapid deployment if required.”

Rishi Sunak refuses to wear a mask in crowded House of Commons

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

"I think we're just in a very different place to where we were a year ago because of the vaccine," he said in an interview. "There's this enormous wave of protection, and that changes things. That`s our first line of defence." Adding that&nbsp;the economy was the priority.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-uk-starting-next-week-vaccination-centres-in-england-will-accept-bookings-for-children-422487">Coronavirus in UK: Starting next week, vaccination centres in England will accept bookings for children</a>

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a new COVID-19 lockdown was not on the cards after advisers warned that early action through lighter measures would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-cases-witness-stubborn-high-in-uk-daily-cases-above-40000-for-a-week-now-422362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

COVID-19 cases in Britain are the highest in Europe and hit their most elevated levels in three months earlier this week. However, the rollout of vaccines has meant that deaths from the disease remain far below their levels at the start of this year.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying. "I think we're just in a very different place to where we were a year ago because of the vaccine," he said in an interview. "There's this enormous wave of protection, and that changes things. That`s our first line of defence." Adding that the economy was the priority. Also Read | Coronavirus in UK: Starting next week, vaccination centres in England will accept bookings for children Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a new COVID-19 lockdown was not on the cards after advisers warned that early action through lighter measures would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later. Watch COVID-19 cases in Britain are the highest in Europe and hit their most elevated levels in three months earlier this week. However, the rollout of vaccines has meant that deaths from the disease remain far below their levels at the start of this year.

British finance minister rules out return to major Covid restrictions

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon.

As the UK’s travel industry suffered a loss, the country’s Finance Minister, Rishi Sunak, has written to the Prime Minister that the current border rules are doing massive damage to the country’s economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-wife-carrie-expecting-second-child-after-miscarriage-402210">UK PM Boris Johnson, wife Carrie expecting second child after miscarriage</a>

Sunak has reportedly called UK’s entry and exit rules to be "out of step with our international competitors", and has stressed that these rules have particularly negatively impacted the hospitality and travel sectors.

These reports have hit the media a week before the two ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss travel restrictions and rules for August.

The UK has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases, related to the Delta variant, in recent weeks, due to which the government has placed strict travel regulations, especially for travellers coming from the Delta variant-dominant areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-media-channel-banned-from-youtube-for-covid-misinformation-402200" hreflang="en">Western media channel banned from YouTube for Covid misinformation</a>

Sunak’s request has also come ahead of the holiday season. He has, reportedly, stated that the country’s success of the vaccine programme should be directly proportional to the weakening of travel restrictions.

In the past few weeks, international governments have criticised Boris Johnson-led government’s decision to restrict travel. UK had claimed that the travel restriction of France locals in the UK was due to the "prevalence of the so-called Beta variant, in particular in the Reunion bit of&nbsp;France". A French minister, however, described these measures to be "excessive" and "discriminatory".

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon.

The UK has been following strict travel restrictions due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases, especially from the Delta variant. However, the country might be looking to reopen its international borders completely very soon. As the UK’s travel industry suffered a loss, the country’s Finance Minister, Rishi Sunak, has written to the Prime Minister that the current border rules are doing massive damage to the country’s economy. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson, wife Carrie expecting second child after miscarriage Sunak has reportedly called UK’s entry and exit rules to be "out of step with our international competitors", and has stressed that these rules have particularly negatively impacted the hospitality and travel sectors. These reports have hit the media a week before the two ministers are scheduled to meet to discuss travel restrictions and rules for August. The UK has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases, related to the Delta variant, in recent weeks, due to which the government has placed strict travel regulations, especially for travellers coming from the Delta variant-dominant areas. Also read | Western media channel banned from YouTube for Covid misinformation Sunak’s request has also come ahead of the holiday season. He has, reportedly, stated that the country’s success of the vaccine programme should be directly proportional to the weakening of travel restrictions. In the past few weeks, international governments have criticised Boris Johnson-led government’s decision to restrict travel. UK had claimed that the travel restriction of France locals in the UK was due to the "prevalence of the so-called Beta variant, in particular in the Reunion bit of France". A French minister, however, described these measures to be "excessive" and "discriminatory".

UK's Rishi Sunak urges Boris Johnson to relax Covid travel restrictions

Sunak tweeted: “Whilst the test and trace pilot is fairly restrictive, allowing only essential government business, I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong. To that end I’ll be self-isolating as normal and not taking part in the pilot.”

UK PM Boris Johnson, FM Rishi Sunak exposed to COVID

Britain will unveil its blueprint on Thursday for building the world's most advanced financial sector after Brexit largely severed the City of London financial district from the European Union, its biggest export customer.

World Business Watch: FM Sunak promises to sharpen City of London's competitive edge

Ministers from the US, Japan, France, Canada, Germany and Italy began the two-day meeting at Lancaster House in London on Friday morning, ahead of next week’s G7 leader’s summit in Cornwall.

Rishi Sunak confident of getting tech tax deal

While reading out Britain's Budget 2021 address, British finance minister Rishi Sunak said that the UK economy is likely to reach its pre-pandemic output level by the middle of next year (2022). WION brings you all you need to know about UK Budget 2021.

World Business Watch: UK economy to reach pre-pandemic size by mid-2022, says Sunak

UK Finance minister Rishi Sunak will promise to do "whatever it takes", including a five-month extension of Britain's huge jobs rescue plan, to steer the economy through what he hopes will be the final months of COVID restrictions.

World Business Watch: FM Sunak targets COVID, deficit in UK budget 2021

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced a costly extension of his emergency aid programmes to see the economy through its current coronavirus lockdown, and flagged a tax hike for companies from 2023.

Delivering an annual budget speech on Wednesday, Sunak also announced a future tax squeeze on businesses and individuals as he began to focus on the huge hole in the public finances.

Below are details of the policies Sunak announced:

BUSINESS INVESTMENT

Sunak said the economy would regain its pre-pandemic size in mid-2022, six months earlier than previously forecast, helped by Europe's fastest vaccination programme. But it will remain 3 per cent smaller in five years' time than it would have been without the health shock and extra support is needed now as the country remains under coronavirus restrictions, he said.

Britain will seek to incentivise more business investment in items such as new equipment over the next two years by boosting the amount firms can offset against tax.

"First, we will continue doing whatever it takes to support the British people and businesses through this moment of crisis," Sunak told parliament.

"Second, once we are on the way to recovery, we will need to begin fixing the public finances – and I want to be honest today about our plans to do that. And, third, in today's Budget we begin the work of building our future economy."

Among new support measures were a five-month extension of Britain's huge jobs rescue plan and more help for the self-employed, the continuation of an emergency increase in welfare payments, and an extended VAT cut for the hospitality sector.

A business rates exemption for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses was extended until the end of June, by when Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes he will have lifted most COVID-19 restrictions.

An existing tax break for home-buyers will also now run until June 30 and will then apply for cheaper homes until the end of September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-finances-cant-be-fixed-overnight-rishi-sunak-says-before-budget-plan-366841">Also read |&nbsp;'Public finances can't be fixed overnight': Rishi Sunak says before budget plan</a>

Sunak will borrow significantly more in the coming financial year than thought just a few months ago - 234 billion pounds, or 10.3% of gross domestic product, compared with a previous estimate of 164.2 billion pounds, or 7.4% of GDP.

To bring borrowing under control, Sunak announced future tax rises that will increase the tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s, rising from 34 to 35% of GDP by the middle of this decade.

Announcing forecasts by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR), Sunak said the economy was likely to grow 4% in 2021, slower than a forecast of 5.5% made in November, reflecting the current lockdown which began in January.

Looking further ahead, the OBR forecast GDP would grow by 7.3%, 1.7% and 1.6% in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. In November, the OBR had forecast growth in those years of 6.6%, 2.3% and 1.7%.

Sunak promised to do "whatever it takes" to steer the economy through what he hopes will be the final months of pandemic restrictions. He has already racked up Britain's highest borrowing since World War II, with the deficit reaching an estimated 17% of GDP in the 2020/21 financial year that ends in April and set to fall to a still historically high 10.3% in 2021/22.

JOB PROTECTION SCHEME EXTENSION

Britain will extend its job-protecting furlough programme by five more months until the end of September and expand support for the self-employed too.

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD TOP-UP

A top-up of 20 pounds ($28) per week to a state benefit for low-income households will remain in place for a further six months, Sunak said.

PROPERTY SALES TAX, MORTGAGES

Sunak extended tax breaks for home-buyers until October, keeping many property purchases exempt from stamp duty land tax. He also announced a government-funded mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers who cannot afford large deposits required by lenders.

CORPORATION TAX HIKE

In a first move towards higher taxes, Sunak announced he would raise corporation tax to 25% from 19% from 2023, by which time the crisis should be over.

"Even after this change the UK will still have the lowest corporation tax rate in the G7 – lower than the United States, Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany and France," he said.

Businesses with profits of 50,000 pounds or less would pay a new Small Profits Rate, maintained at the current rate of 19%. 
To offset the hit, Sunak increased incentives for investment in items such as new equipment over the next two years. "This will be the biggest business tax cut in modern British history," he said.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX HOLIDAY

Britain will extend a year-long business rates exemption for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to the end of June, he said.

FREEZE ON PERSONAL TAX

Britain will freeze the amount of money that people can earn tax-free and also the threshold for the higher rate of income tax until 2026.

Sunak said that while a basic income tax rate of 20% and a higher income tax rate 40% would not be increased, the thresholds for the "personal allowance" of tax-free earnings and at which the higher tax rate kicks in would not rise with inflation.

Sunak said that the freeze was part of an approach to fix public finances as he looks for ways to raise funds following unprecedented measures to support jobs and the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

"This government is not going to raise the rates of income tax, national insurance or VAT. Instead our first step is to freeze personal tax thresholds," Sunak told parliament.

"We will, of course, deliver our promise to increase (the personal allowance) again next year to 12,570 pounds ($17,545) but we will then keep it at this more generous level until April 2026."

He added that the higher rate threshold would also increase next year to 50,270 pounds, as previously promised, but would then also be frozen for the same length of time.

The personal allowance threshold and higher rate threshold in England and Northern Ireland had previously been 12,500 pounds and 50,000 pounds a year respectively.

NEW £300M VIRUS-AID SCHEME FOR ENGLISH SPORT

Sunak also announced a new £300 million ($419 million, 347 million euros) recovery package for sport in England as part of a plan to assist the wider economy in coping with the fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic.

He said £700 million was being made available to art, culture and sporting institutions to aid their response to the impact of Covid-19.

Britain's Treasury, or finance ministry, tweeted that there was "£300m to back clubs and governing bodies across a wide range of sports in England".

Sunak, following comments from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson published Tuesday, underlined the government's support for a potential joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to host football's 2030 World Cup.

"We're making available £700 million to support our incredible art, culture and sporting institutions as they reopen, backing the UK and Ireland's joint 2030 World Cup bid, launching a new approach to apprenticeships in the creative industries, and extending our £500 million film and TV production restart scheme," Sunak told lawmakers in the House of Commons while delivering his budget statement.

Wednesday's announcement follows a £300m sport 'winter survival package' announced by the government in November.

(with inputs from agencies)

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced a costly extension of his emergency aid programmes to see the economy through its current coronavirus lockdown, and flagged a tax hike for companies from 2023.

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced a costly extension of his emergency aid programmes to see the economy through its current coronavirus lockdown, and flagged a tax hike for companies from 2023. Delivering an annual budget speech on Wednesday, Sunak also announced a future tax squeeze on businesses and individuals as he began to focus on the huge hole in the public finances. Below are details of the policies Sunak announced: BUSINESS INVESTMENT Sunak said the economy would regain its pre-pandemic size in mid-2022, six months earlier than previously forecast, helped by Europe's fastest vaccination programme. But it will remain 3 per cent smaller in five years' time than it would have been without the health shock and extra support is needed now as the country remains under coronavirus restrictions, he said. Britain will seek to incentivise more business investment in items such as new equipment over the next two years by boosting the amount firms can offset against tax. "First, we will continue doing whatever it takes to support the British people and businesses through this moment of crisis," Sunak told parliament. "Second, once we are on the way to recovery, we will need to begin fixing the public finances – and I want to be honest today about our plans to do that. And, third, in today's Budget we begin the work of building our future economy." Among new support measures were a five-month extension of Britain's huge jobs rescue plan and more help for the self-employed, the continuation of an emergency increase in welfare payments, and an extended VAT cut for the hospitality sector. A business rates exemption for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses was extended until the end of June, by when Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes he will have lifted most COVID-19 restrictions. An existing tax break for home-buyers will also now run until June 30 and will then apply for cheaper homes until the end of September. Also read | 'Public finances can't be fixed overnight': Rishi Sunak says before budget plan Sunak will borrow significantly more in the coming financial year than thought just a few months ago - 234 billion pounds, or 10.3% of gross domestic product, compared with a previous estimate of 164.2 billion pounds, or 7.4% of GDP. To bring borrowing under control, Sunak announced future tax rises that will increase the tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s, rising from 34 to 35% of GDP by the middle of this decade. Announcing forecasts by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR), Sunak said the economy was likely to grow 4% in 2021, slower than a forecast of 5.5% made in November, reflecting the current lockdown which began in January. Looking further ahead, the OBR forecast GDP would grow by 7.3%, 1.7% and 1.6% in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. In November, the OBR had forecast growth in those years of 6.6%, 2.3% and 1.7%. Sunak promised to do "whatever it takes" to steer the economy through what he hopes will be the final months of pandemic restrictions. He has already racked up Britain's highest borrowing since World War II, with the deficit reaching an estimated 17% of GDP in the 2020/21 financial year that ends in April and set to fall to a still historically high 10.3% in 2021/22. JOB PROTECTION SCHEME EXTENSION Britain will extend its job-protecting furlough programme by five more months until the end of September and expand support for the self-employed too. LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD TOP-UP A top-up of 20 pounds ($28) per week to a state benefit for low-income households will remain in place for a further six months, Sunak said. PROPERTY SALES TAX, MORTGAGES Sunak extended tax breaks for home-buyers until October, keeping many property purchases exempt from stamp duty land tax. He also announced a government-funded mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers who cannot afford large deposits required by lenders. CORPORATION TAX HIKE In a first move towards higher taxes, Sunak announced he would raise corporation tax to 25% from 19% from 2023, by which time the crisis should be over. "Even after this change the UK will still have the lowest corporation tax rate in the G7 – lower than the United States, Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany and France," he said. Businesses with profits of 50,000 pounds or less would pay a new Small Profits Rate, maintained at the current rate of 19%. To offset the hit, Sunak increased incentives for investment in items such as new equipment over the next two years. "This will be the biggest business tax cut in modern British history," he said. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX HOLIDAY Britain will extend a year-long business rates exemption for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to the end of June, he said. FREEZE ON PERSONAL TAX Britain will freeze the amount of money that people can earn tax-free and also the threshold for the higher rate of income tax until 2026. Sunak said that while a basic income tax rate of 20% and a higher income tax rate 40% would not be increased, the thresholds for the "personal allowance" of tax-free earnings and at which the higher tax rate kicks in would not rise with inflation. Sunak said that the freeze was part of an approach to fix public finances as he looks for ways to raise funds following unprecedented measures to support jobs and the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. "This government is not going to raise the rates of income tax, national insurance or VAT. Instead our first step is to freeze personal tax thresholds," Sunak told parliament. "We will, of course, deliver our promise to increase (the personal allowance) again next year to 12,570 pounds ($17,545) but we will then keep it at this more generous level until April 2026." He added that the higher rate threshold would also increase next year to 50,270 pounds, as previously promised, but would then also be frozen for the same length of time. The personal allowance threshold and higher rate threshold in England and Northern Ireland had previously been 12,500 pounds and 50,000 pounds a year respectively. NEW £300M VIRUS-AID SCHEME FOR ENGLISH SPORT Sunak also announced a new £300 million ($419 million, 347 million euros) recovery package for sport in England as part of a plan to assist the wider economy in coping with the fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic. He said £700 million was being made available to art, culture and sporting institutions to aid their response to the impact of Covid-19. Britain's Treasury, or finance ministry, tweeted that there was "£300m to back clubs and governing bodies across a wide range of sports in England". Sunak, following comments from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson published Tuesday, underlined the government's support for a potential joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to host football's 2030 World Cup. "We're making available £700 million to support our incredible art, culture and sporting institutions as they reopen, backing the UK and Ireland's joint 2030 World Cup bid, launching a new approach to apprenticeships in the creative industries, and extending our £500 million film and TV production restart scheme," Sunak told lawmakers in the House of Commons while delivering his budget statement. Wednesday's announcement follows a £300m sport 'winter survival package' announced by the government in November. (with inputs from agencies)

Britain's finance minister extends Covid rescue plan but moves to bring in more tax

Finance minister Rishi Sunak promises on Wednesday to do "whatever it takes", including a five-month extension of Britain's huge jobs rescue plan.

UK's Rishi Sunak promises 'whatever it takes' in new Covid budget plan

The United Kingdoms finance minister Rishi Sunak said the idea of giving people vaccine passports or certificates to allow them to enter venues or events might be a way to help the country and its economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

World Business Watch: UK FM Rishi Sunak says vaccine passports might help the economy

The Boris Johnson-led government faced an unexpected economic crisis in the form of coronavirus pandemic and is now struggling to come out of it.

Following the downward spiral of the UK economy, British finance minister Rishi Sunak said he would not try to fix the public finances overnight.

The statement has come a few days before he is scheduled to announce a budget plan that is expected to add to the already brim-full borrowing capacity with the UK having borrowed 300 billion pounds.

"Look, this is not something that`s going to happen overnight. Given the scale of the shock we've experienced, the scale of the damage, this is going to take time to fix," Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Sunday. "But it's important ... to also have strong public finances over time."

The statement was not appreciated by the locals, who fear an increase in taxes. Sunak has also not confirmed whether he would be keeping his word of not increasing income tax, value-added tax or national insurance contributions, the three biggest sources of tax revenue — as promised in 2019, before the pandemic.

Locals reports have claimed that Sunak is planning to raise income tax revenues by six billion pounds by freezing the point at which people pay the basic rate of income tax and the threshold at which they begin paying the higher rate.

"You talked about interest rates and you`re right interest rates have been at very low levels, which does allow us to afford slightly higher debt levels," he said. "But that can always change and we`re seeing that in the last few weeks."

This has come at a time when the locals are already struggling in the monetary situation due to repeated and extended lockdowns in the country, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, which has led to several job cancellations and business shutdowns.

The Boris Johnson-led government faced an unexpected economic crisis in the form of coronavirus pandemic and is now struggling to come out of it. Following the downward spiral of the UK economy, British finance minister Rishi Sunak said he would not try to fix the public finances overnight.

The Boris Johnson-led government faced an unexpected economic crisis in the form of coronavirus pandemic and is now struggling to come out of it. Following the downward spiral of the UK economy, British finance minister Rishi Sunak said he would not try to fix the public finances overnight. The statement has come a few days before he is scheduled to announce a budget plan that is expected to add to the already brim-full borrowing capacity with the UK having borrowed 300 billion pounds. "Look, this is not something that`s going to happen overnight. Given the scale of the shock we've experienced, the scale of the damage, this is going to take time to fix," Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Sunday. "But it's important ... to also have strong public finances over time." The statement was not appreciated by the locals, who fear an increase in taxes. Sunak has also not confirmed whether he would be keeping his word of not increasing income tax, value-added tax or national insurance contributions, the three biggest sources of tax revenue — as promised in 2019, before the pandemic. Locals reports have claimed that Sunak is planning to raise income tax revenues by six billion pounds by freezing the point at which people pay the basic rate of income tax and the threshold at which they begin paying the higher rate. "You talked about interest rates and you`re right interest rates have been at very low levels, which does allow us to afford slightly higher debt levels," he said. "But that can always change and we`re seeing that in the last few weeks." This has come at a time when the locals are already struggling in the monetary situation due to repeated and extended lockdowns in the country, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, which has led to several job cancellations and business shutdowns.

'Public finances can't be fixed overnight': Rishi Sunak says before budget plan

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported.

According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth.

Akshata owns shares worth £430 million which is approximately Rs 4,200 crore, in Infosys, while the Queen's wealth is roughly £350 million which is about Rs 3,400 crore.

Rishi Sunak is under fire due to UK law which demands every minister to openly declare all their financial details as well as those of family members upon taking office.

This is done to make sure that no conflict of interest arises which ministers execute their duties.

However, a probe has found that Sunak's financial statements mention only his wife's ownership of a small UK-based venture capital firm called Catamaran Ventures.

As per updates, the Akshata Murthy’s shares in Infosys present a conflict as the company is a contractor to the UK government.&nbsp;

But the report suggested that Akshata has undeclared stakes in at least six other UK companies including a £900 million-a-year joint venture with Amazon India.

Based on the report by the newspaper, calls are being made for the UK government ethics watchdog to investigate the allegations against Sunak.

(With inputs from agencies)

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported. According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth.

Akshata Murthy, the wife of UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's daughter is richer than Queen Elizabeth in the UK, UK media reported. According to an investigation by British newspaper The Guardian, Rishi Sunak failed to declare his wife Akshata Murthy's multimillion-pound assets which make her richer than Queen Elizabeth. Akshata owns shares worth £430 million which is approximately Rs 4,200 crore, in Infosys, while the Queen's wealth is roughly £350 million which is about Rs 3,400 crore. Rishi Sunak is under fire due to UK law which demands every minister to openly declare all their financial details as well as those of family members upon taking office. This is done to make sure that no conflict of interest arises which ministers execute their duties. However, a probe has found that Sunak's financial statements mention only his wife's ownership of a small UK-based venture capital firm called Catamaran Ventures. As per updates, the Akshata Murthy’s shares in Infosys present a conflict as the company is a contractor to the UK government. But the report suggested that Akshata has undeclared stakes in at least six other UK companies including a £900 million-a-year joint venture with Amazon India. Based on the report by the newspaper, calls are being made for the UK government ethics watchdog to investigate the allegations against Sunak. (With inputs from agencies)

Narayan Murthy's daughter has more assets than Queen Elizabeth II

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai on Wednesday, urged Britain against cutting overseas aid. UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to make major announcement on the country's overseas aid. He is expected to suspend legal commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of gross income on international development.

As per reports, Sunak will cut the aid to 0.5 per cent as the government seeks to support the coronavirus-ravaged economy and looks for savings from an aid budget worth £15 billion ($20 billion, €17 billion).

In a tweet late on Tuesday, Yousafzai reminded Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the 0.7 percent pledge, renewed in last year's Conservative election manifesto.

"When you announce spending priorities... I hope you'll deliver on that promise," she wrote.

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130 million girls were already out of school before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. Now 20 million more might not return.<a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> - a generation of girls is counting on our support. Now is not the time to back out of commitments to education. <a href="https://t.co/Kp91byysUz">https://t.co/Kp91byysUz</a>
— Malala Fund (@MalalaFund) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalalaFund/status/1330965119409467395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Pakistani education campaigner wrote that leaders must "prioritise education" as "Covid-19 could force 20 million more girls out of school".

Her plea came as five former prime ministers also opposed the planned cut.

Among them was former Conservative leader John Major, quoted by The Times newspaper on Wednesday as saying the spending cut was "morally wrong and politically unwise".

Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said on Saturday that Britain's overseas aid budget had an impact "measured literally in millions of lives".

David Cameron, whose coalition government enshrined the 0.7 percent in law, has said abandoning it would be a "moral, strategic and political mistake".

Johnson's government has repeatedly committed to maintaining the spending and his Conservatives made it a key plank of the election manifesto last year.

The government also promised not to grab ring-fenced aid money when it merged the foreign and development ministries earlier this year.

But Sunak on Sunday told Sky News the UK was under "enormous pressure and stress" and faced an "economic shock".

Any cut -- even a temporary one -- is likely to trigger a battle with Conservative MPs.

Tom Tugendhat, who chairs parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in The Times: "If we cut aid we'll fall behind."

He retweeted Yousafzai's message, saying the UK needs "others to join us" as other G7 nations spend less on foreign aid.

The leaders of 187 charities including Save the Children, Greenpeace UK and Christian Aid on Friday urged Johnson not to cut the aid budget.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai on Wednesday, urged Britain against cutting overseas aid. UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to make major announcement on the country's overseas aid.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai on Wednesday, urged Britain against cutting overseas aid. UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to make major announcement on the country's overseas aid. He is expected to suspend legal commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of gross income on international development. As per reports, Sunak will cut the aid to 0.5 per cent as the government seeks to support the coronavirus-ravaged economy and looks for savings from an aid budget worth £15 billion ($20 billion, €17 billion). In a tweet late on Tuesday, Yousafzai reminded Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the 0.7 percent pledge, renewed in last year's Conservative election manifesto. "When you announce spending priorities... I hope you'll deliver on that promise," she wrote. 130 million girls were already out of school before #COVID19. Now 20 million more might not return.@BorisJohnson - a generation of girls is counting on our support. Now is not the time to back out of commitments to education. https://t.co/Kp91byysUz — Malala Fund (@MalalaFund) November 23, 2020 × The Pakistani education campaigner wrote that leaders must "prioritise education" as "Covid-19 could force 20 million more girls out of school". Her plea came as five former prime ministers also opposed the planned cut. Among them was former Conservative leader John Major, quoted by The Times newspaper on Wednesday as saying the spending cut was "morally wrong and politically unwise". Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair said on Saturday that Britain's overseas aid budget had an impact "measured literally in millions of lives". David Cameron, whose coalition government enshrined the 0.7 percent in law, has said abandoning it would be a "moral, strategic and political mistake". Johnson's government has repeatedly committed to maintaining the spending and his Conservatives made it a key plank of the election manifesto last year. The government also promised not to grab ring-fenced aid money when it merged the foreign and development ministries earlier this year. But Sunak on Sunday told Sky News the UK was under "enormous pressure and stress" and faced an "economic shock". Any cut -- even a temporary one -- is likely to trigger a battle with Conservative MPs. Tom Tugendhat, who chairs parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in The Times: "If we cut aid we'll fall behind." He retweeted Yousafzai's message, saying the UK needs "others to join us" as other G7 nations spend less on foreign aid. The leaders of 187 charities including Save the Children, Greenpeace UK and Christian Aid on Friday urged Johnson not to cut the aid budget.

Don't cut overseas aid, Malala Yousafzai urges UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak

Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday ruled out the possibility of a 'normal' Christmas as the government prepares for tighter restrictions amid worsening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>crisis.&nbsp;

"Frustrating as it is for all of us, Christmas is not going to be normal this year," Sunak told Sky's Sophie Ridge on Sunday, as quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eastern-europe-becomes-new-covid-19-hotspot-as-infections-surge-344570">Eastern Europe becomes new COVID-19 hotspot as infections surge</a>

"But that said, the Prime Minister is, for example, looking at ways to see how families can spend time with each other."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-12-million-covid-19-cases-as-many-americans-defy-thanksgiving-travel-guidance-344596">US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy Thanksgiving travel guidance</a>

Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to discuss the plan with the MPs on Monday.

The British prime minister cannot expect an easy approval of tighter measures as 70 conservative MPs have said they would not back a new set of rules until they see cost-benefit analysis.&nbsp;

Downing Streets has said more areas will be placed under tighter restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Various media reports, however, suggest that these measures could be temporarily relaxed over Christmas.&nbsp;

As per the official figures, there are 54,626 deaths and 1,493,383 coronavirus cases in the UK.&nbsp;

Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday ruled out the possibility of a 'normal' Christmas as the government prepares for tighter restrictions amid worsening coronavirus crisis.

Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday ruled out the possibility of a 'normal' Christmas as the government prepares for tighter restrictions amid worsening coronavirus crisis. "Frustrating as it is for all of us, Christmas is not going to be normal this year," Sunak told Sky's Sophie Ridge on Sunday, as quoted by news agency Reuters. Also read | Eastern Europe becomes new COVID-19 hotspot as infections surge "But that said, the Prime Minister is, for example, looking at ways to see how families can spend time with each other." Also read | US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy Thanksgiving travel guidance Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to discuss the plan with the MPs on Monday. The British prime minister cannot expect an easy approval of tighter measures as 70 conservative MPs have said they would not back a new set of rules until they see cost-benefit analysis. Downing Streets has said more areas will be placed under tighter restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. Various media reports, however, suggest that these measures could be temporarily relaxed over Christmas. As per the official figures, there are 54,626 deaths and 1,493,383 coronavirus cases in the UK.

No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak

A pub in the United Kingdom has banned the&nbsp;UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak for life as retaliation for voting against free school meals for children of the country.

The Mill pub and its connected Il Mulino restaurant at Stokesley in North Yorkshire took to social media platform Facebook to express their sadness and anger towards Sunak's decision.

"The Government voted against extending free school meals. This is disgusting! What’s worse Matt Vickers MP Simon Clarke MP &amp; Jacob Young - MP for Redcar &amp; Cleveland &nbsp;Rishi Sunak all voted against the scheme. DISGUSTING! ," the post read.

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He further announced a ban on the four politicians saying, "All 4 are now barred from The Mill &amp; Il Mulino for life. I don’t want their business."

The statement came after Rishi Sunak voted against&nbsp;extending the government's temporary free meals for schoolchildren as part of a campaign led by England team footballer Marcus Rashford — a decision that was highly criticised across the country.

"Shame on our government, this is so wrong!," the post reads.

Mill's Facebook post has been shared more than 11,000 times (and counting) with more than 530 comments supporting the team's decision.

To add on to the movement, the owner also announced that he will be delivering at least 100 freshly cooked hot meals to three food banks to help locals amid a pandemic.

"Tuesday, Wednesday &amp; Thursday next week I will deliver 100 freshly cooked healthy meals to 3 separate food banks in the Middlesbrough area," the post read.

He also criticised the government for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives in the country, pushing the UK into a second lockdown.

"I have never known a Government which is consistently the wrong end of every argument.&nbsp;Forget the poor handling of Covid for a minute and concentrate on what happend yesterday," he said.

He also attached a copy The Mill's subsidised menu from the&nbsp;House of Commons saying, "You know who is subsiding it? YOU!"

A pub in the United Kingdom has banned the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak for life as retaliation for voting against free school meals for children of the country. The Mill pub and its connected Il Mulino restaurant at Stokesley in North Yorkshire took to social media platform Facebook to express their sadness and anger towards Sunak's decision.

A pub in the United Kingdom has banned the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak for life as retaliation for voting against free school meals for children of the country. The Mill pub and its connected Il Mulino restaurant at Stokesley in North Yorkshire took to social media platform Facebook to express their sadness and anger towards Sunak's decision. "The Government voted against extending free school meals. This is disgusting! What’s worse Matt Vickers MP Simon Clarke MP & Jacob Young - MP for Redcar & Cleveland Rishi Sunak all voted against the scheme. DISGUSTING! ," the post read. Don’t usually do politics but here goes.... I have never known a Government which is consistently the wrong end of... Posted by The Mill on Friday, October 23, 2020 × He further announced a ban on the four politicians saying, "All 4 are now barred from The Mill & Il Mulino for life. I don’t want their business." The statement came after Rishi Sunak voted against extending the government's temporary free meals for schoolchildren as part of a campaign led by England team footballer Marcus Rashford — a decision that was highly criticised across the country. "Shame on our government, this is so wrong!," the post reads. Mill's Facebook post has been shared more than 11,000 times (and counting) with more than 530 comments supporting the team's decision. To add on to the movement, the owner also announced that he will be delivering at least 100 freshly cooked hot meals to three food banks to help locals amid a pandemic. "Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday next week I will deliver 100 freshly cooked healthy meals to 3 separate food banks in the Middlesbrough area," the post read. He also criticised the government for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives in the country, pushing the UK into a second lockdown. "I have never known a Government which is consistently the wrong end of every argument. Forget the poor handling of Covid for a minute and concentrate on what happend yesterday," he said. He also attached a copy The Mill's subsidised menu from the House of Commons saying, "You know who is subsiding it? YOU!"

UK pub bans Rishi Sunak for life after he voted against free school meals

Finance minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the figures but added that people were rightly worried about the coming months.

UK economy grew 6.6% in July as lockdowns eased

Finance minister Rishi Sunak has rejected calls to extend his huge Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme beyond Oct. 31.

UK services firms report heavy job cuts

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US&nbsp;companies.

The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances.

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That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. 
France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes.

No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry.

The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said. Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US companies. The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances. × That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes. No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry. The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

UK plans to drop 'Facebook tax': local media

The number of people in work in Britain fell by the most since 2009 in the three months through June as the coronavirus crisis took a heavy toll on the labour market, even with the government’s huge jobs protection scheme still in place.

Led by a record plunge in self-employed workers, there were 220,000 less people employed in the second quarter, the Office for National Statistics said.

Separate tax data for July showed that the number of staff on company payrolls had fallen by 730,000 since March, sounding the alarm about a potentially much bigger rise in joblessness.

Mounting job losses are expected as Britain winds down its job retention scheme which protects employees. It is due to close at the end of October.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-to-ask-schools-to-reopen-by-september-reports-319158">Also read|&nbsp;Boris Johnson to ask schools to reopen by September: Reports</a>

“The cracks evident in the latest batch of labour market data are likely to soon turn into a chasm,” said Ruth Gregory, senior economist at Capital Economics.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said the figures showed the government’s support programmes were working but job losses were inevitable.

“I’ve always been clear that we can’t protect every job, but ... we have a clear plan to protect, support and create jobs to ensure that nobody is left without hope,” he said.

The unemployment rate unexpectedly held at 3.9 per cent but that reflected an increase in people who had given up looking for work and who were therefore not considered to be unemployed, and people who said they were in work but were getting no pay.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-additional-funding-for-nhs-314088">Also watch|&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS</a>

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the unemployment rate to rise to 4.2 per cent. Last week the Bank of England forecast the jobless rate would hit 7.5 per cent at the end of this year.

“Government needs to step in and help those who are likely to lose their job retrain for new openings in different sectors,” KPMG economist Yael Selfin said.

The number of self-employed people fell by a record amount in the three months to June, led by older workers, while the number of employees rose - something the ONS said was partly accounted for by workers reclassifying themselves as employed.

The number of people claiming universal credit - a benefit for the unemployed and those on low pay - rose to 2.689 million in July, leaping by 117 per cent from March.

Pay fell by the most in more than 10 years in the April-June period, down 1.2 per cent, reflecting how workers on the job retention scheme receive 80 per cent of their pay. Excluding bonuses, pay fell for the first time since records began in 2001.

However, there was a small increase in job vacancies in the three months to July.

“The increase was driven by small businesses (less than 50 employees), some of which reported taking on staff to meet coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines,” the ONS said.

The number of people in work in Britain fell by the most since 2009 in the three months through June as the coronavirus crisis took a heavy toll on the labour market, even with the government’s huge jobs protection scheme still in place.

The number of people in work in Britain fell by the most since 2009 in the three months through June as the coronavirus crisis took a heavy toll on the labour market, even with the government’s huge jobs protection scheme still in place. Led by a record plunge in self-employed workers, there were 220,000 less people employed in the second quarter, the Office for National Statistics said. Separate tax data for July showed that the number of staff on company payrolls had fallen by 730,000 since March, sounding the alarm about a potentially much bigger rise in joblessness. Mounting job losses are expected as Britain winds down its job retention scheme which protects employees. It is due to close at the end of October. Also read| Boris Johnson to ask schools to reopen by September: Reports “The cracks evident in the latest batch of labour market data are likely to soon turn into a chasm,” said Ruth Gregory, senior economist at Capital Economics. British finance minister Rishi Sunak said the figures showed the government’s support programmes were working but job losses were inevitable. “I’ve always been clear that we can’t protect every job, but ... we have a clear plan to protect, support and create jobs to ensure that nobody is left without hope,” he said. The unemployment rate unexpectedly held at 3.9 per cent but that reflected an increase in people who had given up looking for work and who were therefore not considered to be unemployed, and people who said they were in work but were getting no pay. Also watch| UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS Economists polled by Reuters had expected the unemployment rate to rise to 4.2 per cent. Last week the Bank of England forecast the jobless rate would hit 7.5 per cent at the end of this year. “Government needs to step in and help those who are likely to lose their job retrain for new openings in different sectors,” KPMG economist Yael Selfin said. The number of self-employed people fell by a record amount in the three months to June, led by older workers, while the number of employees rose - something the ONS said was partly accounted for by workers reclassifying themselves as employed. The number of people claiming universal credit - a benefit for the unemployed and those on low pay - rose to 2.689 million in July, leaping by 117 per cent from March. Pay fell by the most in more than 10 years in the April-June period, down 1.2 per cent, reflecting how workers on the job retention scheme receive 80 per cent of their pay. Excluding bonuses, pay fell for the first time since records began in 2001. However, there was a small increase in job vacancies in the three months to July. “The increase was driven by small businesses (less than 50 employees), some of which reported taking on staff to meet coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines,” the ONS said.

UK suffers biggest job losses since 2009 as COVID hits

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December.

The Sunday Telegraph said the changes will be introduced within a year.

Sunak will open the bidding for towns, cities and regions to become freeports, which would place them outside UK customs territory, in his autumn budget later this year.

The reforms include research and development tax credits, generous capital allowances, cuts to stamp duty house-purchase tax and business rates, and local relaxations of planning laws.

The successful bidders designated as freeports will ultimately be legally outside UK customs territory, with goods imported, manufactured or re-exported without incurring national tariffs or import VAT until they enter the rest of the economy.

The paper said the government believes the policy can transform ports into international hubs for manufacturing and innovation, with the economic and regulatory incentives designed to encourage firms to establish new factories and processing sites in the areas.

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December.

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December. The Sunday Telegraph said the changes will be introduced within a year. Sunak will open the bidding for towns, cities and regions to become freeports, which would place them outside UK customs territory, in his autumn budget later this year. The reforms include research and development tax credits, generous capital allowances, cuts to stamp duty house-purchase tax and business rates, and local relaxations of planning laws. The successful bidders designated as freeports will ultimately be legally outside UK customs territory, with goods imported, manufactured or re-exported without incurring national tariffs or import VAT until they enter the rest of the economy. The paper said the government believes the policy can transform ports into international hubs for manufacturing and innovation, with the economic and regulatory incentives designed to encourage firms to establish new factories and processing sites in the areas.

'Freeports,' tax cuts: UK's road to becoming fully independent from EU

On Wednesday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced 30 billion pounds ($37.5 billion) of tax cuts and extra spending to support the U.K. as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

UK Govt unveils fresh Euro 30 Billion package to save jobs

British finance minister Rishi Sunak turned his hand to waiting tables at a central London eatery on Wednesday (July 8), shortly after he launched a $625 million "Eat out to help out" discount scheme to boost spending at restaurants, cafes and pubs that have been crippled by COVID-19.

"Eat out to help out" - UK offers diners some tasty morsels

After months&nbsp;of&nbsp;lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy.

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is urging people to 'eat out to help out'. He feels this will help the economy by generating revenue and more jobs.

To encourage people to dine out, the British government has announced a new dining discount plan that will give people a 50 per cent discount at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs between Monday and Wednesday up to a maximum £10 per person in the month of August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-lodges-more-cases-of-child-sexual-abuse-during-lockdown-311679">Also read:&nbsp;United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown</a>

In addition to this, Sunak has assured people that he will do everything he can to bring the economy out of the downward spiral by October.&nbsp;

The UK has not seen a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, when compared to other countries. The main reason behind this has been the British government's 'Job Retention Scheme', whereby the government has been paying the majority of the salaries of workers who were not fired.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-car-sales-post-smaller-slump-in-june-311280">Also watch:&nbsp;UK car sales post smaller slump in June</a>

As per the reports, nearly 1.1 million employers have taken advantage of the program, which has costed the government nearly £27.4 billion ($35 billion).

Now the British government will be&nbsp;introducing a new program under which the government will pay the companies&nbsp;£1,000 bonus for hiring back each employee who was furloughed. This can cost the government an additional&nbsp;£9.4 billion.

The government is hoping to protect as well as generate as many jobs as possible&nbsp;during the recession. "People need to know that although hardship lies ahead, no-one will be left without hope," he told the lawmakers.

"Leaving the furlough scheme open forever gives people false hope that it will always be possible to return to the jobs they had before," he said. "The longer people are on furlough, the more likely it is their skills could fade, and they will find it harder to get new opportunities."&nbsp;

Sunak is hoping these programs and discounts will help the UK economy out of recession, after it shrank 25 per cent. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, to levels last seen in the 1980s.

(With inputs from agencies)

After months of lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy.

After months of lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is urging people to 'eat out to help out'. He feels this will help the economy by generating revenue and more jobs. To encourage people to dine out, the British government has announced a new dining discount plan that will give people a 50 per cent discount at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs between Monday and Wednesday up to a maximum £10 per person in the month of August. Also read: United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown In addition to this, Sunak has assured people that he will do everything he can to bring the economy out of the downward spiral by October. The UK has not seen a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, when compared to other countries. The main reason behind this has been the British government's 'Job Retention Scheme', whereby the government has been paying the majority of the salaries of workers who were not fired. Also watch: UK car sales post smaller slump in June As per the reports, nearly 1.1 million employers have taken advantage of the program, which has costed the government nearly £27.4 billion ($35 billion). Now the British government will be introducing a new program under which the government will pay the companies £1,000 bonus for hiring back each employee who was furloughed. This can cost the government an additional £9.4 billion. The government is hoping to protect as well as generate as many jobs as possible during the recession. "People need to know that although hardship lies ahead, no-one will be left without hope," he told the lawmakers. "Leaving the furlough scheme open forever gives people false hope that it will always be possible to return to the jobs they had before," he said. "The longer people are on furlough, the more likely it is their skills could fade, and they will find it harder to get new opportunities." Sunak is hoping these programs and discounts will help the UK economy out of recession, after it shrank 25 per cent. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, to levels last seen in the 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Take-away and 'job retention scheme' to save the UK economy

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak today spoke out about the racist abuse he faced as a child growing up in Britain, but stressed that the country has made enormous progress over time.

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak today spoke out about the racist abuse he faced as a child growing up in Britain, but stressed that the country has made enormous progress over time. The Indian-origin finance minister said that the abuse felt far worse when it occurred in the presence of his younger siblings, as he was asked to comment on another set of far-right and anti-racism protests in London over the weekend. "It's the sort of thing that's happening on your own it's difficult enough but when I had my younger brother and sister with me at the time it was particularly upsetting; I wanted to protect them from it," he told Sky News, when asked about his experience of racist abuse. "They may just be words, but they sting in a way that other things don't.... There is something about that [racist abuse] that cuts to your core," he said. The minister stressed that violent clashes, of the kind seen during some protests in London on Saturday, were "both shocking and disgusting" and those responsible should face tough legal consequences. He said: "This has always been an open, and tolerant country and what we saw yesterday was not that. There will always be a small minority who maintain prejudice, and indeed are racist, but that is not overall the description I would ascribe to our country. "I think there's been enormous progress that our country and our society has made if I think back to the time when my grandparents first arrived, when I was growing up." Sunak, who is leading the UK's economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, went on to encourage people to support the reopening of the country's high streets from Monday when non-essential retail stores are allowed to reopen under Covid-secure conditions. The minister indicated that the government was reviewing the current two-metre social distance norm in order to assist businesses further. "People need to have the confidence that it's safe... and I can give that assurance," he said, in reference to the next phase of the easing of the UK's lockdown from Monday. "The PM has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. We keep everything under review... I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses in being able to open," he said. The senior cabinet minister once again admitted "hardship" in-store as steps unfold towards restarting the economy after months of lockdown imposed in the wake of the deadly virus, which has claimed over 41,000 lives in the UK.

Rishi Sunak speaks out on racism he faced as a child growing up in UK

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its&nbsp;two-metre social distancing rule.

Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel. The review is being planned after many employers voiced their concerns and said it was hard for them to get their businesses back on track due to the present rules.

"The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. That review will involve the scientists, economists and others," he said, adding that safety would not be put at risk by any changes.

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Talking about the economic slowdown of the country, he said, "We have always known that was going to happen, but now the numbers are starting to show that."

As per the latest reports, UK's economy shrank by a quarter over March and April. However, Sunak believes that the slowdown will prove out to be temporary, and the reopening of retail sector this week will help revive the economy.

If the distance is reduced from two metre, it will allow&nbsp;three quarters of pubs to reopen, rather than about one third.

The country has seen a decline in the number of cases, following which the government has reopened the economy in phases.

He also said the&nbsp; government is looking for options against the two-week quarantine rule for all visitors, and may come up with an alternate to the rule that was met with criticism from the aviation industry.

"We all want to see travel open again, of course we do, and like everything else we want to make sure we have the right measures at the right time informed by the science and everything else that we have to consider," Sunak said in an interview with a news channel.

"We are looking at all options to ensure that that is possible and people have got suggestions about how we might be able to open up some travel corridors over time and so the transport secretary is actively looking at all of those options," he continued.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its two-metre social distancing rule. Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel.

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its two-metre social distancing rule. Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel. The review is being planned after many employers voiced their concerns and said it was hard for them to get their businesses back on track due to the present rules. "The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. That review will involve the scientists, economists and others," he said, adding that safety would not be put at risk by any changes. Have a look: A scaled-down ceremony at Windsor marks Queen Elizabeth II's 94th birthday Talking about the economic slowdown of the country, he said, "We have always known that was going to happen, but now the numbers are starting to show that." As per the latest reports, UK's economy shrank by a quarter over March and April. However, Sunak believes that the slowdown will prove out to be temporary, and the reopening of retail sector this week will help revive the economy. If the distance is reduced from two metre, it will allow three quarters of pubs to reopen, rather than about one third. The country has seen a decline in the number of cases, following which the government has reopened the economy in phases. He also said the government is looking for options against the two-week quarantine rule for all visitors, and may come up with an alternate to the rule that was met with criticism from the aviation industry. "We all want to see travel open again, of course we do, and like everything else we want to make sure we have the right measures at the right time informed by the science and everything else that we have to consider," Sunak said in an interview with a news channel. "We are looking at all options to ensure that that is possible and people have got suggestions about how we might be able to open up some travel corridors over time and so the transport secretary is actively looking at all of those options," he continued. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK Finance Minister hints towards review of distancing rule

THe United Kingdom, which has gone through a major economic crisis due to coronavirus, has asked employers to cover 20-30 per cent of furloughed employees' wages from August.

This step has been taken to reduce the burden of the economic crisis on the government finances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-introduce-quarantine-for-international-arrivals-from-june-8-300503">Also read:&nbsp;UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8</a>

"The Treasury has drawn up plans that would require employers to cover between 20 and 30 per cent of people’s wages. They would also be required to cover the cost of employer’s national insurance contributions, on average 5 per cent of wages," as reported by media.

The UK is struggling with an economic crisis and the finance minister, Rishi Sunak, stated last week that the country has been badly hit by the nationwide lockdown, and a lot of people may lose their jobs in the coming weeks, or months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-to-reduce-chinese-firms-investment-to-zero-by-2023-300559">Also watch:&nbsp;United Kingdom to reduce Chinese firm's investment to zero by 2023</a>

The government had&nbsp;also decided to extend the job retention scheme by four months on May 12, but told employers they would have to help to meet its cost from August.

Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the changes next week.

While the country is battling the economic crisis, the government is also urging locals not to step out of the house if not necessary, and to make sure they follow social distancing and other take other precautions, to help the government contain the spread of the virus.

There are almost 254,000 total cases in the UK right now, including 36,393 deaths.

THe United Kingdom, which has gone through a major economic crisis due to coronavirus, has asked employers to cover 20-30 per cent of furloughed employees' wages from August.

THe United Kingdom, which has gone through a major economic crisis due to coronavirus, has asked employers to cover 20-30 per cent of furloughed employees' wages from August. This step has been taken to reduce the burden of the economic crisis on the government finances. Also read: UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8 "The Treasury has drawn up plans that would require employers to cover between 20 and 30 per cent of people’s wages. They would also be required to cover the cost of employer’s national insurance contributions, on average 5 per cent of wages," as reported by media. The UK is struggling with an economic crisis and the finance minister, Rishi Sunak, stated last week that the country has been badly hit by the nationwide lockdown, and a lot of people may lose their jobs in the coming weeks, or months. Also watch: United Kingdom to reduce Chinese firm's investment to zero by 2023 The government had also decided to extend the job retention scheme by four months on May 12, but told employers they would have to help to meet its cost from August. Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the changes next week. While the country is battling the economic crisis, the government is also urging locals not to step out of the house if not necessary, and to make sure they follow social distancing and other take other precautions, to help the government contain the spread of the virus. There are almost 254,000 total cases in the UK right now, including 36,393 deaths.

Employers to cover between 20-30% of furloughed employees' wages: UK

Britain's government will pay a massive share of private sector wage bills to discourage bosses from firing staff as it resorts to war-time levels of borrowing to prop up the economy during its coronavirus shutdown.

Britain's government will pay a massive share of private sector wage bills to discourage bosses from firing staff as it resorts to war-time levels of borrowing to prop up the economy during its coronavirus shutdown. "Today I can announce that for the first time in our history the government is going to step in and help to pay people's wages," finance minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday. There was no limit on the size of the plan which the government will fund by selling more debt, as it will for other measures worth tens of billions of pounds rushed out over the past 10 days. Sunak also allowed businesses to hold on to 30 billion pounds ($35 billion) of value-added tax (VAT), which they would normally pass on to tax authorities. "Combined with our previous announcements on public services and business support, our planned economic response will be one of the most comprehensive in the world," Sunak told reporters. Moments earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms and other businesses from Friday to slow the spread of the virus. Sterling lost about a cent against the U.S. dollar and the euro as Johnson announced the shutdown and Sunak set out measures to mitigate its impact. The centrepiece of Britain's coronavirus crisis plan is a new grant covering 80% of workers' salaries - up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($2,930) a month each - if firms kept them on. "The truth is we are already seeing job losses and there may be more to come," Sunak said. "I cannot promise you that no one will face hardship in the weeks ahead." The package of measures rushed out by the government this month could push Britain's budget deficit back to 10% of gross domestic product, its peak after the global financial crisis, JP Morgan economist Allan Monks said. "A war-time style temporary surge in borrowing is in prospect," said Martin Beck, at Oxford Economics. On Thursday, the Bank of England announced a 200 billion-pound increase in its bond-buying programme as well as a cut in interest rates to a new all-time low of 0.1%. Need for speed Sunak, a 39 year-old former Goldman Sachs analyst who has been in the job for just over a month, said the wages support system would be up and running by the end of April, run for at least three months and be backdated to March 1. Other measures included an extra 7 billion pounds for the welfare system. The plan was welcomed by Britain's biggest trade union, underscoring how the crisis has forced the ruling Conservative Party to abandon its traditional market-led instincts and put the state at the centre of the economy, at least for now. "People concerned about their jobs and livelihoods will feel hugely reassured today that the chancellor has acted swiftly," said Dave Prentis, general secretary of UNISON. Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, urged the government "to go foot-to-floor" to help firms as soon as possible. Sunak said a new loan programme for small firms he announced this week would be running by Monday when further measures for the sector would be announced. The loans will be available for 12 months, twice as long as previously planned. Deutsche Bank said earlier on Friday that Britain's economy was set to shrink by 4% in 2020 and the unemployment rate could more than double to over 8%. If the crisis proved deeper than thought, the economy could shrink by 6% for its worst recession in a century. Other countries are also scrambling to temper the impact of the their clamp-downs to slow the spread of coronavirus. In the United States, the Trump administration and Congress are negotiating a $1 trillion-plus package including sending checks of up to $1,200 to individuals, help for small firms and their staff and support for the health system.

UK state to pay workers' wages to stem coronavirus layoffs

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