Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government.

The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn.

In 2020 alone, Trump's leisure business in Balmedie reported a setback of $1.7 million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-asks-sc-to-block-release-of-documents-relating-to-capitol-riot-probe-439470" hreflang="en">Donald Trump asks SC to block release of documents relating to Capitol riot probe</a>

Trump International Golf Club Scotland Ltd (TIGCS), which owns and operates the Trump International Scotland course, said forced the closure of the courses for part of the year and limited guest numbers due to social distancing rules and curfews.

Its report states "The UK government furlough scheme was helpful to retain as many jobs as possible, and the majority of employees were reinstated over the course of the year."&nbsp;

Trump, after decades of buying properties with debt, spent more than $300 million in cash purchasing and developing the Scottish courses, neither of which has turned a profit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heckled-by-supporters-in-texas-after-revealing-he-took-covid-booster-dose-438604" hreflang="en">Trump heckled by supporters in Texas after revealing he took Covid booster dose</a>

The Scottish parliament had rejected a call for the government to investigate how Donald Trump funded his purchase of two golf courses in Scotland.

Avaaz, a global human rights group, has filed a petition in Scotland’s highest civil court seeking a judicial review of the government's decision.

Britain introduced "unexplained wealth order"&nbsp;in 2018 to help authorities target the illicit wealth of foreign officials suspected of corruption and those involved in serious crimes.

However, they merely compel an individual to explain the source of their wealth but can pave the way for authorities to seize assets.

In 2006, Trump bought 1,000 acres in Aberdeenshire for more than $10 million. Since then, he’s spent another $60 million building a golf course, a small hotel, and a handful of holiday cottages, according to company filings with the UK corporate registry.

The Trump Organisation has said in public statements and filings that it has spent a total of more than $140 million on the development.

Trump, an avid golfer whose mother was Scottish, made a bigger investment in Turnberry, a seaside course that has four times hosted The Open - Europe's only golf major.&nbsp;

In 2014, he bought Turnberry’s course and resort for $60 million. Company filings in the UK show that Trump’s company spent another $100 million on course upgrades and other expenses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government. The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn.

Former US President Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in the furlough money of the UK government. The turnover of his resorts in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire was reduced by 50 per cent of what they used to earn. In 2020 alone, Trump's leisure business in Balmedie reported a setback of $1.7 million. Also read | Donald Trump asks SC to block release of documents relating to Capitol riot probe Trump International Golf Club Scotland Ltd (TIGCS), which owns and operates the Trump International Scotland course, said forced the closure of the courses for part of the year and limited guest numbers due to social distancing rules and curfews. Its report states "The UK government furlough scheme was helpful to retain as many jobs as possible, and the majority of employees were reinstated over the course of the year." Trump, after decades of buying properties with debt, spent more than $300 million in cash purchasing and developing the Scottish courses, neither of which has turned a profit. Also read | Trump heckled by supporters in Texas after revealing he took Covid booster dose The Scottish parliament had rejected a call for the government to investigate how Donald Trump funded his purchase of two golf courses in Scotland. Avaaz, a global human rights group, has filed a petition in Scotland’s highest civil court seeking a judicial review of the government's decision. Britain introduced "unexplained wealth order" in 2018 to help authorities target the illicit wealth of foreign officials suspected of corruption and those involved in serious crimes. However, they merely compel an individual to explain the source of their wealth but can pave the way for authorities to seize assets. In 2006, Trump bought 1,000 acres in Aberdeenshire for more than $10 million. Since then, he’s spent another $60 million building a golf course, a small hotel, and a handful of holiday cottages, according to company filings with the UK corporate registry. The Trump Organisation has said in public statements and filings that it has spent a total of more than $140 million on the development. Trump, an avid golfer whose mother was Scottish, made a bigger investment in Turnberry, a seaside course that has four times hosted The Open - Europe's only golf major. In 2014, he bought Turnberry’s course and resort for $60 million. Company filings in the UK show that Trump’s company spent another $100 million on course upgrades and other expenses. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump's golf courses claimed over $4 million in UK government's furlough money

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings.

The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Judge Michael Fordham ruled in favour of citizen Katie Rowley against the Cabinet Office for not providing the interpretation during broadcasts on September 21 and October 12 last year.

Fordham said the omission constituted "discrimination" as it breached the "reasonable adjustments duty" but found the government was not "in present or continuing breach".

Campaign group The Good Law Project took it to court amid accusations of inadequate transparency and cronyism relating to the procurement of contracts for personal protective equipment.

In June, the High Court ruled against senior minister Michael Gove for unlawfully awarding a contract worth more than £560,000 ($777,000, 658,000 euros) for virus-related communications to a firm without going through proper procedures.

And state auditors last year found the government failed to account clearly for spending on supplies and services during the pandemic worth £18 billion.

Rowley, a self-employed actor and writer in her thirties from Leeds in northern England, wanted compensation for "injury to feelings".

Her lawyers claimed she should receive thousands of pounds in compensation, and a lower court will award damages at a later date.

Only two of more than 170 COVID-19 briefings were unlawful because British Sign Language was not provided, according to officials.

"Our priority has always been to reach the largest possible audience with important public information," said a government spokesperson.

"We will continue to ensure that British Sign Language interpretation is made available during COVID-19 briefings."

Televised pandemic briefings by the UK's devolved authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have included British Sign Language interpreters on screen.

The London High Court case comes at an inopportune time for the UK government, which on Tuesday launched plans to improve access to public transport and taxis for people with disabilities.

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings. The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings. The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Judge Michael Fordham ruled in favour of citizen Katie Rowley against the Cabinet Office for not providing the interpretation during broadcasts on September 21 and October 12 last year. Fordham said the omission constituted "discrimination" as it breached the "reasonable adjustments duty" but found the government was not "in present or continuing breach". Campaign group The Good Law Project took it to court amid accusations of inadequate transparency and cronyism relating to the procurement of contracts for personal protective equipment. In June, the High Court ruled against senior minister Michael Gove for unlawfully awarding a contract worth more than £560,000 ($777,000, 658,000 euros) for virus-related communications to a firm without going through proper procedures. And state auditors last year found the government failed to account clearly for spending on supplies and services during the pandemic worth £18 billion. Rowley, a self-employed actor and writer in her thirties from Leeds in northern England, wanted compensation for "injury to feelings". Her lawyers claimed she should receive thousands of pounds in compensation, and a lower court will award damages at a later date. Only two of more than 170 COVID-19 briefings were unlawful because British Sign Language was not provided, according to officials. "Our priority has always been to reach the largest possible audience with important public information," said a government spokesperson. "We will continue to ensure that British Sign Language interpretation is made available during COVID-19 briefings." Televised pandemic briefings by the UK's devolved authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have included British Sign Language interpreters on screen. The London High Court case comes at an inopportune time for the UK government, which on Tuesday launched plans to improve access to public transport and taxis for people with disabilities.

UK govt loses court case over sign language interpreters

Musical theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday cancelled the opening of his new London production of 'Cinderella'&nbsp;and said he had no idea when it would go ahead, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government. 
 
Lloyd Webber said one person in the cast had tested positive for coronavirus, but the rules around quarantine and isolation for the remainder of the actors - all testing negative - meant the show could not open as planned on Tuesday. 
 
"I have been forced to take the heart-breaking decision not to open my `Cinderella`," Lloyd Webber said in a statement. 
 
"The impossible conditions created by the blunt instrument that is the government`s isolation guidance mean that we cannot continue," he added. 
 
The modern twist on 'Cinderella' was a high-profile new musical following the closure of theatres for almost 18 months because of the pandemic. 
 
Lloyd Webber said he had no idea when 'Cinderella' might go ahead. "I can`t answer," the composer told journalists. "We will open here, but who knows? 2084?" 
 
Lloyd Webber, the creator of hit shows including 'Cats' and 'Phantom of the Opera,' is one of the most influential and successful figures in the theatre world and had been a key voice urging support for theatre during the pandemic. 
 
With music by Lloyd Webber and a story by Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennell, 'Cinderella' had already suffered several delays due to changing restrictions ordered by the British government around quarantine, social distancing, and capacity in indoor entertainment venues. 
 
"Theatre is now on its knees," Lloyd Webber said. "We can`t isolate every time somebody may or may not have it." 
 
The government on Monday ended over a year of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England but the so-called Freedom Day was marred by surging infections, warnings of supermarket shortages and Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s own forced self-isolation. 
 
"Freedom Day has turned into closure day," Lloyd Webber said in his statement.

Musical theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday cancelled the opening of his new London production of 'Cinderella' and said he had no idea when it would go ahead, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government.

Musical theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday cancelled the opening of his new London production of 'Cinderella' and said he had no idea when it would go ahead, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government. Lloyd Webber said one person in the cast had tested positive for coronavirus, but the rules around quarantine and isolation for the remainder of the actors - all testing negative - meant the show could not open as planned on Tuesday. "I have been forced to take the heart-breaking decision not to open my `Cinderella`," Lloyd Webber said in a statement. "The impossible conditions created by the blunt instrument that is the government`s isolation guidance mean that we cannot continue," he added. The modern twist on 'Cinderella' was a high-profile new musical following the closure of theatres for almost 18 months because of the pandemic. Lloyd Webber said he had no idea when 'Cinderella' might go ahead. "I can`t answer," the composer told journalists. "We will open here, but who knows? 2084?" Lloyd Webber, the creator of hit shows including 'Cats' and 'Phantom of the Opera,' is one of the most influential and successful figures in the theatre world and had been a key voice urging support for theatre during the pandemic. With music by Lloyd Webber and a story by Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennell, 'Cinderella' had already suffered several delays due to changing restrictions ordered by the British government around quarantine, social distancing, and capacity in indoor entertainment venues. "Theatre is now on its knees," Lloyd Webber said. "We can`t isolate every time somebody may or may not have it." The government on Monday ended over a year of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England but the so-called Freedom Day was marred by surging infections, warnings of supermarket shortages and Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s own forced self-isolation. "Freedom Day has turned into closure day," Lloyd Webber said in his statement.

'Cinderella' musical in London won't open due to COVID rules, Andrew Llyod Webber blames UK government

The UK government must toughen measures to tackle modern slavery to ensure Uighur forced labour is not used in their supply chains, a panel of British lawmakers has said.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee on Tuesday said some British firms could be complicit in the use of forced labour in China's Xinjiang region, and that there was a lack of transparency in firms' supply chains and failures in government.

Xinjiang is home to many Chinese ethnic minorities, including Uighur Muslims.

The MPs said firms in fashion, retail, media and technology could all be implicated, and it was time to fine and blacklist those that failed to change.

The BEIS committee said it was appalled that companies still cannot guarantee that their supply chains are free from forced labour. Those that cannot prove they don't have links with Xingjian should face sanctions, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-labour-schemes-are-aimed-at-cutting-uighur-population-density-report-says-367729">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says</a>

The hard-hitting report says that government policy and modern slavery legislation is “not fit for purpose in tackling this serious situation” and government has been slow to make changes. The report recommends the government accelerates proposals to amend and strengthen the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

“The Modern Slavery Act is out of date, has no teeth, and we do not accept that businesses should be excused from doing basic due diligence to guarantee that their supply chains are fully transparent and free from forced labour and slavery,” the report said.

MPs conclusively recommend the government assess options for targeted sanctions against Chinese and international businesses implicated in human rights abuses. The report also calls for the introduction of fines for those who do not comply with modern slavery reporting rules to try to reduce risks in their supply chains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crime-against-humanity-and-genocide-us-condemns-china-for-abuse-of-uighurs-tibetans-370024">Also read |&nbsp;'Crime against humanity and genocide': US condemns China for abuse of Uighurs, Tibetans</a>

"The government should create a 'white list' of companies which had shown evidenced actions to ensure their suppliers were not using slave labour in Xinjiang and a black list of those who could not provide such evidence or provide information about their sourcing. It said both lists should be updated every six months," the report added.

(with inputs from reports)

The UK government must toughen measures to tackle modern slavery to ensure Uighur forced labour is not used in their supply chains, a panel of British lawmakers has said.

The UK government must toughen measures to tackle modern slavery to ensure Uighur forced labour is not used in their supply chains, a panel of British lawmakers has said. The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee on Tuesday said some British firms could be complicit in the use of forced labour in China's Xinjiang region, and that there was a lack of transparency in firms' supply chains and failures in government. Xinjiang is home to many Chinese ethnic minorities, including Uighur Muslims. The MPs said firms in fashion, retail, media and technology could all be implicated, and it was time to fine and blacklist those that failed to change. The BEIS committee said it was appalled that companies still cannot guarantee that their supply chains are free from forced labour. Those that cannot prove they don't have links with Xingjian should face sanctions, it said. Also read | Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says The hard-hitting report says that government policy and modern slavery legislation is “not fit for purpose in tackling this serious situation” and government has been slow to make changes. The report recommends the government accelerates proposals to amend and strengthen the Modern Slavery Act 2015. “The Modern Slavery Act is out of date, has no teeth, and we do not accept that businesses should be excused from doing basic due diligence to guarantee that their supply chains are fully transparent and free from forced labour and slavery,” the report said. MPs conclusively recommend the government assess options for targeted sanctions against Chinese and international businesses implicated in human rights abuses. The report also calls for the introduction of fines for those who do not comply with modern slavery reporting rules to try to reduce risks in their supply chains. Also read | 'Crime against humanity and genocide': US condemns China for abuse of Uighurs, Tibetans "The government should create a 'white list' of companies which had shown evidenced actions to ensure their suppliers were not using slave labour in Xinjiang and a black list of those who could not provide such evidence or provide information about their sourcing. It said both lists should be updated every six months," the report added. (with inputs from reports)

UK should crack down on firms using forced labour in China's Xinjiang, MPs say

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind&nbsp;white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study.

As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme,&nbsp;only 55 per cent&nbsp;of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February&nbsp;11, compared to 86&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of white people in this age group.

Among people from South Asian backgrounds, the figure stood at 73 per cent, according to a study by OpenSafely, run by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

These ethnic groups have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 with a disproportionate number of deaths. Government advisers have said that factors such as living circumstances and profession are driving the increased risk.

Public health officials are calling for a more concerted campaign to address vaccine hesitancy as recent polls in Britain have shown that Black, Asian and other minority groups are less open to getting the vaccine than white people because they worry about the vaccine's reliability. Britain's drug regulator has said the vaccines are safe.

The government is banking on the biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in its history as the escape route from a series of national lockdowns and their crippling economic impact.

Britain, which was the first Western country to begin mass vaccinations in December, has vaccinated 15.94 million people with a first dose and 558,577 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study. As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme, only 55 per cent of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February 11, compared to 86 per cent of white people in this age group.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) in Britain are lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a study. As per early research on England's coronavirus vaccination programme, only 55 per cent of Black people in England aged between 70 to 79 had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by February 11, compared to 86 per cent of white people in this age group. Among people from South Asian backgrounds, the figure stood at 73 per cent, according to a study by OpenSafely, run by the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. These ethnic groups have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 with a disproportionate number of deaths. Government advisers have said that factors such as living circumstances and profession are driving the increased risk. Public health officials are calling for a more concerted campaign to address vaccine hesitancy as recent polls in Britain have shown that Black, Asian and other minority groups are less open to getting the vaccine than white people because they worry about the vaccine's reliability. Britain's drug regulator has said the vaccines are safe. The government is banking on the biggest and swiftest global vaccine rollout in its history as the escape route from a series of national lockdowns and their crippling economic impact. Britain, which was the first Western country to begin mass vaccinations in December, has vaccinated 15.94 million people with a first dose and 558,577 with a second dose, the fastest rollout per capita of any large country.

UK: Black, South Asian groups lagging behind white people in COVID-19 vaccinations

Following a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Welwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Grant Shapps, took to Twitter to urge people to stay at home and cancel all travel plans, until and unless it is situation of emergency.

The decision has been taken after the French government closed their borders for all incoming travellers from the UK, fearing a spread of the new strain of coronavirus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-government-issues-advisory-do-not-travel-unless-essential-351421">WATCH|</a>

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"Following the French Government's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48hrs, we're asking the public &amp; particularly hauliers not to travel to Kent ports or other routes to France,"&nbsp;Shapps said. "We expect significant disruption in the area."

In addition to France, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376">several other have closed their borders to all incoming flights from the UK</a>. As of now, South Africa, Italy and Australia, too, have reported a case each of the new variant of coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418" hreflang="en">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine</a>

Shapps also assured locals they will be entitled to a full refund if their tickets were booked after the announcement of a nationwide lockdown was made by the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"If you booked a train Steam locomotive or coach Oncoming bus journey for the 23rd - 27th travel window (after it was announced), I've made sure you’re entitled to a full refund. No-one should be left out of pocket for doing the right thing. Please speak to your operators to find out how to claim," he tweeted.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;France’s Minister of Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has assured people his government will soon come up with a solution to help travellers cross borders without transmitting the deadly virus. "In the coming hours, at a European level, we will put a solid health protocol in place so that the flow from the United Kingdom can resume," he said.

The&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron, who himself is battling COVID-19 right now, told in his cabinet meeting that the government is "looking at systematic testing upon arrival".

Following a surge in coronavirus cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Following a surge in coronavirus cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19. Welwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Grant Shapps, took to Twitter to urge people to stay at home and cancel all travel plans, until and unless it is situation of emergency. The decision has been taken after the French government closed their borders for all incoming travellers from the UK, fearing a spread of the new strain of coronavirus. WATCH| × "Following the French Government's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48hrs, we're asking the public & particularly hauliers not to travel to Kent ports or other routes to France," Shapps said. "We expect significant disruption in the area." In addition to France, several other have closed their borders to all incoming flights from the UK. As of now, South Africa, Italy and Australia, too, have reported a case each of the new variant of coronavirus. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Shapps also assured locals they will be entitled to a full refund if their tickets were booked after the announcement of a nationwide lockdown was made by the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "If you booked a train Steam locomotive or coach Oncoming bus journey for the 23rd - 27th travel window (after it was announced), I've made sure you’re entitled to a full refund. No-one should be left out of pocket for doing the right thing. Please speak to your operators to find out how to claim," he tweeted. Meanwhile, France’s Minister of Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has assured people his government will soon come up with a solution to help travellers cross borders without transmitting the deadly virus. "In the coming hours, at a European level, we will put a solid health protocol in place so that the flow from the United Kingdom can resume," he said. The French President Emmanuel Macron, who himself is battling COVID-19 right now, told in his cabinet meeting that the government is "looking at systematic testing upon arrival".

UK government issues 'do not travel' advisory after new strain of coronavirus

Britain's government will give extra support to prevent families going hungry or without essential items this winter, a climbdown after resisting calls by soccer player Marcus Rashford to extend free school meals to disadvantaged children.

Rashford 'very happy' after UK government U-turn on child food poverty

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports.

Citing media reports in the country, Sputnik reported that the proposals were being led by Conservative lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith, who said that the UK should take tougher action against China.

"The government has still not got it on human rights in China. If an African country was doing what China is doing, ministers would be all over it, but because of China's size and influence at the UN, it runs away. It is time we stood up against the abuses underway within China," Sputnik quoted Smith who told a newspaper.

Pro-Uyghur lawmakers in the UK parliament are proposing that no trade bill regulations that concern Beijing should be enacted if a High Court judge rules that genocide is being committed in China, according to media reports.

Smith said that more than 40 ruling Conservative Party lawmakers in the House of Commons are expected to support the proposal, which should allow it to pass even if the government poses resistance.

The international community has levied accusations against the Chinese authorities of oppression against ethnic Uighurs.

According to Sputnik, the US House of Representatives on September 22 passed legislation to ban imports of products made with "forced labor" in Xinjiang over alleged human rights abuses, amid accusations that Uighurs are being held in so-called re-education camps.

The Chinese government has denied the charges, saying that the camps are to provide vocational and Chinese language training for Uighurs and other Muslim minorities.

The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority from Central Asia, are a distinct ethnic group from Han Chinese, with Urumqi being closer to Kabul than Beijing. In 2009, the most infamous riots broke out in the streets of Urumqi, Xinjiang which pitted Uyghur Muslims against Han Chinese.

The CCP government has turned the entire region into a highly controlled, open-air prison after the Urumqi riots in 2009. The CCP has turned the region into a "brutal totalitarian police state" and everything unique about Uighurs is "systematically targeted".

There have been growing calls for action against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Xinjiang.

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports.

The United Kingdom government is considering proposals put forth by members of parliament to allow Uighurs and other Muslim minorities to file a petition in the high court against the genocide taking place in the Xinjiang region of China, according to media reports. Citing media reports in the country, Sputnik reported that the proposals were being led by Conservative lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith, who said that the UK should take tougher action against China. "The government has still not got it on human rights in China. If an African country was doing what China is doing, ministers would be all over it, but because of China's size and influence at the UN, it runs away. It is time we stood up against the abuses underway within China," Sputnik quoted Smith who told a newspaper. Pro-Uyghur lawmakers in the UK parliament are proposing that no trade bill regulations that concern Beijing should be enacted if a High Court judge rules that genocide is being committed in China, according to media reports. Smith said that more than 40 ruling Conservative Party lawmakers in the House of Commons are expected to support the proposal, which should allow it to pass even if the government poses resistance. The international community has levied accusations against the Chinese authorities of oppression against ethnic Uighurs. According to Sputnik, the US House of Representatives on September 22 passed legislation to ban imports of products made with "forced labor" in Xinjiang over alleged human rights abuses, amid accusations that Uighurs are being held in so-called re-education camps. The Chinese government has denied the charges, saying that the camps are to provide vocational and Chinese language training for Uighurs and other Muslim minorities. The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority from Central Asia, are a distinct ethnic group from Han Chinese, with Urumqi being closer to Kabul than Beijing. In 2009, the most infamous riots broke out in the streets of Urumqi, Xinjiang which pitted Uyghur Muslims against Han Chinese. The CCP government has turned the entire region into a highly controlled, open-air prison after the Urumqi riots in 2009. The CCP has turned the region into a "brutal totalitarian police state" and everything unique about Uighurs is "systematically targeted". There have been growing calls for action against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Xinjiang.

UK government mulls proposal to allow Uighurs to file plea in High Court against genocide in China

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to go back to work if they can. UK government said that it is now safe to return to work. Govt. asked people to help the economy recovery.

UK: Johnson urges people to return to work to help the economy recover

The first healthy volunteer has received a coronavirus vaccine developed by Imperial College London researchers. Imperial College London's vaccine candidate is being developed and trialed as part of 41 million pounds in funding from the UK government and a further 5 million pounds in philanthropic donations. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: 1st volunteer gets imperial COVID-19 vaccine

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held&nbsp;without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted.&nbsp;

Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. &nbsp;However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/division-threatens-premier-leagues-chances-of-comeback-297922" hreflang="en">Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback</a>

Despite the likelihood of televised football behind closed doors, the hardcore fans might have to wait to visit their favourite stadiums unless a COVID-19 vaccine is found. This could be devastating news for football clubs who will have to prepare for at least half of 2020-21 season behind closed doors.&nbsp;

The return of football on TV will be a huge boost to the Premier League clubs who are already set to lose a significant percentage of the £760million they had already been paid by broadcasters for the final quarter of this season.

Earlier, Man City winger Raheem Sterling had raised questions on the resumption of the campaign as he asked whether the restart of the halted season is safe for everyone.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/third-brighton-player-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-club-297918" hreflang="en">Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus: club</a>

"We all want to get back to football but at the same time, there's a pandemic going on. The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees. I don't know how that's going to work but I feel like once that side of the people's safety and the players' safety is secured and their wellbeing is looked after then that's the right time to go back in," Sterling said.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted.

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted. Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines. ALSO READ: Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback Despite the likelihood of televised football behind closed doors, the hardcore fans might have to wait to visit their favourite stadiums unless a COVID-19 vaccine is found. This could be devastating news for football clubs who will have to prepare for at least half of 2020-21 season behind closed doors. The return of football on TV will be a huge boost to the Premier League clubs who are already set to lose a significant percentage of the £760million they had already been paid by broadcasters for the final quarter of this season. Earlier, Man City winger Raheem Sterling had raised questions on the resumption of the campaign as he asked whether the restart of the halted season is safe for everyone. ALSO READ: Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus: club "We all want to get back to football but at the same time, there's a pandemic going on. The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees. I don't know how that's going to work but I feel like once that side of the people's safety and the players' safety is secured and their wellbeing is looked after then that's the right time to go back in," Sterling said.

Premier League given nod by UK government to resume season from June 1

The UK government is facing criticism over the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Union and UK opposition leader Keir Starmer have both the government's action towards containing the spread of coronavirus.

UK government faces flak over COVID-19 response

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country.

Britain is at or near the peak of a health crisis in which more than 15,000 people have died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide.

Data published on Saturday showed 15,464 people have died in British hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 888 in the 24 hours to 1600 GMT on Friday. That increase is higher than recent days, but below the highest daily death toll of 980, seen just over a week ago.

The government issued new guidance to hospitals on Friday setting out that alternatives to fluid-repellent full-length gowns may need to be used, including reusable gowns or even long-sleeved laboratory coats.

"This guidance is a further admission of the dire situation that some doctors and healthcare workers continue to find themselves in because of government failings," said Rob Harwood, chairman of the consultants committee at the British Medical Association.

"If it’s being proposed that staff reuse equipment, this must be demonstrably driven by science and the best evidence – rather than availability."

A Department of Health spokesman said the guidance was to ensure that staff knew what to do to minimise risk if shortages did occur. They said the new rules remained in line with international standards.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a committee of lawmakers on Friday that Britain was "tight on gowns" but had 55,000 more arriving and was aiming to get the right equipment where it was needed by the end of this weekend.

The trade union Unite said it had told its members they could lawfully refuse to work to avoid risk of injury, describing the situation over PPE as a "national scandal".

The Royal College of Nursing said it had written "in the strongest terms" to express its concerns over the rules change, and said they had not been consulted about them.

NHS Providers, a body which represents hospitals and other parts of Britain's publicly funded National Health Service, said supply levels of gowns were critical.

"It is now clear that some trusts will run out of fully fluid repellent gowns this weekend," deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said.

Britain's response to the coronavirus outbreak - which has lagged that of European peers - is a source of increasing political criticism for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering from a spell in intensive care after becoming infected.

The crisis has seen citizens ordered to stay at home and businesses forced to shut during four weeks of restrictions on daily life without precedent in British peacetime history. The lockdown was extended on Thursday for at least three more weeks.

Queen Elizabeth effectively cancelled plans to publicly celebrate her 94th birthday on Tuesday, silencing a traditional ceremonial gun salute because she thought it would not be fitting in the current circumstances.

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country.

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country. Britain is at or near the peak of a health crisis in which more than 15,000 people have died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide. Data published on Saturday showed 15,464 people have died in British hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 888 in the 24 hours to 1600 GMT on Friday. That increase is higher than recent days, but below the highest daily death toll of 980, seen just over a week ago. The government issued new guidance to hospitals on Friday setting out that alternatives to fluid-repellent full-length gowns may need to be used, including reusable gowns or even long-sleeved laboratory coats. "This guidance is a further admission of the dire situation that some doctors and healthcare workers continue to find themselves in because of government failings," said Rob Harwood, chairman of the consultants committee at the British Medical Association. "If it’s being proposed that staff reuse equipment, this must be demonstrably driven by science and the best evidence – rather than availability." A Department of Health spokesman said the guidance was to ensure that staff knew what to do to minimise risk if shortages did occur. They said the new rules remained in line with international standards. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a committee of lawmakers on Friday that Britain was "tight on gowns" but had 55,000 more arriving and was aiming to get the right equipment where it was needed by the end of this weekend. The trade union Unite said it had told its members they could lawfully refuse to work to avoid risk of injury, describing the situation over PPE as a "national scandal". The Royal College of Nursing said it had written "in the strongest terms" to express its concerns over the rules change, and said they had not been consulted about them. NHS Providers, a body which represents hospitals and other parts of Britain's publicly funded National Health Service, said supply levels of gowns were critical. "It is now clear that some trusts will run out of fully fluid repellent gowns this weekend," deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said. Britain's response to the coronavirus outbreak - which has lagged that of European peers - is a source of increasing political criticism for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering from a spell in intensive care after becoming infected. The crisis has seen citizens ordered to stay at home and businesses forced to shut during four weeks of restrictions on daily life without precedent in British peacetime history. The lockdown was extended on Thursday for at least three more weeks. Queen Elizabeth effectively cancelled plans to publicly celebrate her 94th birthday on Tuesday, silencing a traditional ceremonial gun salute because she thought it would not be fitting in the current circumstances.

UK government faces mounting criticism over protection clothing shortages

Will the UK government ban Anti-India protest?

Mandy Clark on Anti-India Protest in London on Diwali

Queen Elizabeth's 65th Speech focuses on Brexit. The speech is written by UK PM and team that she reads from the throne of House of Lords

Queen Elizabeth's 65th Speech; sets out UK Government's agenda

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-limbo-after-mps-reject-his-brexit-plan-elections-247654">Boris Johnson's government</a> abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October.

Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary.

Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday.

But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation.

Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments.

"There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal. The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October. Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary. Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday. But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation. Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments. "There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

UK government gives up trying to stop Brexit delay bill in parliament

Northern Ireland, part of today's UK has a bloody history. In the late 1960s, a violent ethnic and nationalist conflict broke out. UK government sent its army to quell the violence. Then all hell broke loose. Take a look at the story of the British army's longest war.

WION Gravitas: The story of Operation Banner- Britain's longest military campaign

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dar is accused of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income. A case against the former finance minister was filed by the National Accountability Bureau after the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case.

Dar had been declared a proclaimed offender by the Supreme Court due to his continuous absence from the proceedings.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar told media in Islamabad that Dar would be brought back under a memorandum of understanding.

"We reached at an agreement (with UK), and Dar will be brought back after ratification of the extradition documents by UK," he said.

Akbar said that according to the agreement, Dar will be produced before a magistrate in UK and then repatriated to Pakistan.

He did not give any timeline for the completion of the process of extradition but hoped that it would be completed soon.

Dar is considered very close to former premier Nawaz Sharif, who is also in jail on corruption charges.&nbsp;

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case.

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case. Dar is accused of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income. A case against the former finance minister was filed by the National Accountability Bureau after the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case. Dar had been declared a proclaimed offender by the Supreme Court due to his continuous absence from the proceedings. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar told media in Islamabad that Dar would be brought back under a memorandum of understanding. "We reached at an agreement (with UK), and Dar will be brought back after ratification of the extradition documents by UK," he said. Akbar said that according to the agreement, Dar will be produced before a magistrate in UK and then repatriated to Pakistan. He did not give any timeline for the completion of the process of extradition but hoped that it would be completed soon. Dar is considered very close to former premier Nawaz Sharif, who is also in jail on corruption charges.

Agreement signed with UK government over Ishaq Dar's extradition: Pakistan official

Cross-party talks over Brexit ended on Friday without an agreement, six weeks after they started. British opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May that talks with the government to find a compromise over Brexit have gone as far as they can. Watch full video to know more.

UK cross-party Brexit talks end without agreement

Britain has confirmed that they will take part in the European Parliament election on May 23. Watch full video to know more.

UK government confirms Britain's participation on EU polls

Britain is facing European election like none other due to the extension of Brexit negotiations. Watch full video to know more.

UK to hold EU election

A group of next-generation activists protested against climate change in London and cities across the UK today.Watch full video to know more.

climate change protests enter Day 5

Brexit has created a chaos in UK industries. After Big companies decide to move out their headquarters to other parts of EU from London, the process is not that simple for small firms. Watch this video to know more.

How startups are surviving Brexit and Why companies are moving to Ireland

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.5 billion pounds to preparations.

The Guardian reported Friday the British government has stood down an army of 6,000 civil servants who had been preparing for a no-deal Brexit.&nbsp;

The civil servants who had been seconded from elsewhere will now return to their normal duties, but there is no clear role for an estimated 4,500 new recruits.

The contingency operations have impacted nearly all departments in the civil service and elsewhere in the public sector including traffic, hospitals and schools.

The UK government has spent 1.5 billion pounds on plans to mitigate the effects of the UK crashing out of the EU without an agreement, and thousands of civil servants were assigned to the project. But the government has relaxed its contingency plans after EU leaders on Thursday agreed to postpone the Brexit deadline to Oct. 31, ending the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on April 12.

The new deadline hands Prime Minister Theresa May extra time to try to get her original deal passed through parliament - once again or to make amendments to the deal if it fails to pass, plunging the country into further uncertainty.

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.5 billion pounds to preparations. The Guardian reported Friday the British government has stood down an army of 6,000 civil servants who had been preparing for a no-deal Brexit. The civil servants who had been seconded from elsewhere will now return to their normal duties, but there is no clear role for an estimated 4,500 new recruits. The contingency operations have impacted nearly all departments in the civil service and elsewhere in the public sector including traffic, hospitals and schools. The UK government has spent 1.5 billion pounds on plans to mitigate the effects of the UK crashing out of the EU without an agreement, and thousands of civil servants were assigned to the project. But the government has relaxed its contingency plans after EU leaders on Thursday agreed to postpone the Brexit deadline to Oct. 31, ending the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on April 12. The new deadline hands Prime Minister Theresa May extra time to try to get her original deal passed through parliament - once again or to make amendments to the deal if it fails to pass, plunging the country into further uncertainty.

UK government halts no-deal Brexit contingency plans

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Britain's government</a> said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

"We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs.

"A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again.

"The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said.

Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

 
&nbsp;

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker. "We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs. "A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday. Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again. "The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said. Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

UK government plans third Brexit deal vote on Friday

Three junior British ministers quit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government over Brexit on Monday.

Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced&nbsp;his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation <a href="https://t.co/Z0QU5lbeJ1">pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1</a>
— Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) <a href="https://twitter.com/Richard4Watford/status/1110302682835759106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union.

Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan.

Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country".

"As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote.

Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit.

Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP. This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1 — Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) March 25, 2019 × They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union. Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan. Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country". "As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote. Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit. Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit over Brexit: Sources

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures.

India once again failed to make the cut to be added to the expanded list of countries, which has now included Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Oman, Peru and Tunisia.&nbsp;

The UK Home Office said the change will not only benefit students, who will be able to apply for visas through a more streamlined process, but also help to ensure that the UK's "world-leading education institutions remain competitive internationally".

This is the second time in months when a review of the so-called Appendix H list for Tier 4 student visas, which includes China and Mexico among other countries, has overlooked India - among the top source countries for foreign students applying to UK universities.&nbsp;

The UK government claims that India does not meet the "required criteria" to be included on the expanded list and that Indian students will experience no change in the service they receive.

The other key changes unveiled by the UK Home Office on Thursday include two new visa routes open to skilled business people to set up businesses in the UK.&nbsp;

The Start-up visa route will be open to those starting a business for the first time in the UK, while the Innovator visa route will be for more experienced business people who have funds to invest in their business.

Both routes will see endorsing bodies and business experts rather than the UK Home Office assessing applicants' business ideas. This will make sure that the routes are focussed on only the most innovative, viable and scalable businesses.

"My priority is making sure that talented business people continue to see the UK as an attractive destination to develop their businesses. This will help create more jobs across the country and ensure our economy continues to thrive," said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes.

Alongside these new routes, the Home Office is also bringing forward reforms to the Tier 1 (Investor) route. The government said the reformed route will better protect the UK from illegally obtained funds, whilst ensuring that genuine investors have access to a viable visa route.&nbsp;

Applicants will be required to prove that they have had control of the required 2 million pounds for at least two years, rather than 90 days, or provide evidence of the source of those funds seen as an effort to combat fears of money laundering.

"What we will not tolerate is those who seek to abuse our system and that&nbsp; 
is why I am bringing forward new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," Nokes said.

The Home Office will also extend the salary exemption in Tier 2 (General) visa so that the state-funded NHS and schools can continue to attract and hire experienced teachers, nurses and paramedics from overseas, including India.&nbsp;

The salary exemption applies to all nurses and paramedics, medical radiographers and secondary school teachers whose subjects are in maths, physics, chemistry, computer science and Mandarin.

A two-year scheme, which will allow up to 20 nurses from Jamaica to come to the UK to gain vital experience in NHS hospitals as part of an exchange scheme, has also been announced.

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures.

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures. India once again failed to make the cut to be added to the expanded list of countries, which has now included Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Oman, Peru and Tunisia. The UK Home Office said the change will not only benefit students, who will be able to apply for visas through a more streamlined process, but also help to ensure that the UK's "world-leading education institutions remain competitive internationally". This is the second time in months when a review of the so-called Appendix H list for Tier 4 student visas, which includes China and Mexico among other countries, has overlooked India - among the top source countries for foreign students applying to UK universities. The UK government claims that India does not meet the "required criteria" to be included on the expanded list and that Indian students will experience no change in the service they receive. The other key changes unveiled by the UK Home Office on Thursday include two new visa routes open to skilled business people to set up businesses in the UK. The Start-up visa route will be open to those starting a business for the first time in the UK, while the Innovator visa route will be for more experienced business people who have funds to invest in their business. Both routes will see endorsing bodies and business experts rather than the UK Home Office assessing applicants' business ideas. This will make sure that the routes are focussed on only the most innovative, viable and scalable businesses. "My priority is making sure that talented business people continue to see the UK as an attractive destination to develop their businesses. This will help create more jobs across the country and ensure our economy continues to thrive," said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes. Alongside these new routes, the Home Office is also bringing forward reforms to the Tier 1 (Investor) route. The government said the reformed route will better protect the UK from illegally obtained funds, whilst ensuring that genuine investors have access to a viable visa route. Applicants will be required to prove that they have had control of the required 2 million pounds for at least two years, rather than 90 days, or provide evidence of the source of those funds seen as an effort to combat fears of money laundering. "What we will not tolerate is those who seek to abuse our system and that is why I am bringing forward new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," Nokes said. The Home Office will also extend the salary exemption in Tier 2 (General) visa so that the state-funded NHS and schools can continue to attract and hire experienced teachers, nurses and paramedics from overseas, including India. The salary exemption applies to all nurses and paramedics, medical radiographers and secondary school teachers whose subjects are in maths, physics, chemistry, computer science and Mandarin. A two-year scheme, which will allow up to 20 nurses from Jamaica to come to the UK to gain vital experience in NHS hospitals as part of an exchange scheme, has also been announced.

Indian students fail to make cut for easier UK visa norms

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday.

The move could see tens of thousands of people convicted of non-violent or non-sexual crimes, such as burglary and shoplifting, spared jail under the plan, Rory Stewart told The Daily Telegraph.

In an interview with the newspaper's magazine, he said that short jail terms were "long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you.

"You bring somebody in for three or four weeks, they lose their house, their job, their family, their reputation.

"They come (into prison), they meet a lot of interesting characters and then you whap them on to the streets again," he said.

"The public is safer if we have a good community sentence... and it will relieve a lot of pressure on prisons."

The change would mirror 2010 reforms in Scotland, where judges are now guided by a legal presumption against custodial sentences of less than three months.

Reoffending rates there have since fallen to their lowest levels for nearly two decades, and the Scottish government is considering extending it to less than a year.

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, told the Telegraph that government ministers in London "should be congratulated for having the political courage to start the debate".

England and Wales's prison population has doubled since the early 1990s to now stand at more than 80,000 inmates, official figures show.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, more than half of the 86,275 offenders sentenced to immediate custody in 2017 were given sentences of six months or less.

The country's prisons are considered in a state of crisis, with violence and drug use on the rise.

Stewart made the eye-catching bold pledge last August to resign if he was not able to reform its 10 worst jails within a year.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that it was "exploring potential alternatives" to prisons for some crimes.

"As we have said previously, short sentences are too often ineffective, provide little opportunity to rehabilitate offenders and lead to unacceptably high rates of reoffending," he said.

"But this work is ongoing and we have reached no conclusions at this time."

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday.

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday. The move could see tens of thousands of people convicted of non-violent or non-sexual crimes, such as burglary and shoplifting, spared jail under the plan, Rory Stewart told The Daily Telegraph. In an interview with the newspaper's magazine, he said that short jail terms were "long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you. "You bring somebody in for three or four weeks, they lose their house, their job, their family, their reputation. "They come (into prison), they meet a lot of interesting characters and then you whap them on to the streets again," he said. "The public is safer if we have a good community sentence... and it will relieve a lot of pressure on prisons." The change would mirror 2010 reforms in Scotland, where judges are now guided by a legal presumption against custodial sentences of less than three months. Reoffending rates there have since fallen to their lowest levels for nearly two decades, and the Scottish government is considering extending it to less than a year. Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, told the Telegraph that government ministers in London "should be congratulated for having the political courage to start the debate". England and Wales's prison population has doubled since the early 1990s to now stand at more than 80,000 inmates, official figures show. Meanwhile, more than half of the 86,275 offenders sentenced to immediate custody in 2017 were given sentences of six months or less. The country's prisons are considered in a state of crisis, with violence and drug use on the rise. Stewart made the eye-catching bold pledge last August to resign if he was not able to reform its 10 worst jails within a year. A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that it was "exploring potential alternatives" to prisons for some crimes. "As we have said previously, short sentences are too often ineffective, provide little opportunity to rehabilitate offenders and lead to unacceptably high rates of reoffending," he said. "But this work is ongoing and we have reached no conclusions at this time."

UK government mulls limiting jail sentences of six months or less

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.

Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.

The foreign and commonwealth office which regularly updates its advice for travel to different parts of the world said that any British citizens planning to travel to Kerala should monitor media reports.

Kerala has been rocked by protests by right-wing groups after two women of "Menstruating age" offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on January 2.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence over the last few days. 
&nbsp; 
The Sabarimala temple has been at the centre of a prolonged showdown between traditionalists and authorities since September, 2018.

Supreme Court has overturned a ban on women of menstruating age -- deemed as those aged 10 to 50 -- setting foot inside the temple.

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings. The foreign and commonwealth office which regularly updates its advice for travel to different parts of the world said that any British citizens planning to travel to Kerala should monitor media reports. Kerala has been rocked by protests by right-wing groups after two women of "Menstruating age" offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on January 2. Hundreds of people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence over the last few days. The Sabarimala temple has been at the centre of a prolonged showdown between traditionalists and authorities since September, 2018. Supreme Court has overturned a ban on women of menstruating age -- deemed as those aged 10 to 50 -- setting foot inside the temple.

Sabarimala row: UK government warns tourists visiting Kerala 

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused.

The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year.&nbsp;

According to official figures, around 76 Indian millionaires have used this visa category to gain permanent settlement in Britain since 2009, with a peak of 16 Indian applicants in 2013 and seven last year.

The highest number of the over 1,000 such visas issued last year went to Chinese and Russian millionaires.

"The UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system," said UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes.

"That is why I am bringing forward these new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," she said.

Under the scheme being suspended, a 2 million pound investment bought a visa and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years.

An investment of 5 million pound&nbsp;cut down the eligibility period for ILR to three years and 10 million pound meant the investor could be eligible for permanent settlement within two years along with his or her dependents.

The UK Home Office had launched an investigation into Tier 1 Investor visas issued to wealthy Russians as relations between the UK and Russia nose-dived following the deadly nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia earlier this year.

It led to Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich withdrawing his Tier 1 Investor visa application and has since acquired Israeli citizenship instead.

The Home Office had confirmed that its probe into the visa route would not be limited to just Russian billionaires and would form part of a wider crackdown on money laundering.

According to UK media reports, as part of new rules to come in force from next year, independent, regulated auditors will assess such high net worth applicants' financial and business interests and check they have had control of the funds for at least two years.

Transparency International UK, a non-profit anti-corruption body, welcomed the crackdown and called on the government to take urgent action on individuals found to have invested suspicious wealth into the UK via the Tier 1 Investor visa scheme.

"Property and other high-end sectors are increasingly accused of allowing dirty money into the UK but it's astonishing to think that the UK's own visa scheme can be used to launder corrupt money into the UK. Once obtained 'Golden' visas can also open the door to channel much larger sums of stolen cash into our financial system," said Duncan Hames, the organisation's Director of Policy.

"Any individuals found by this review to have brought suspicious money into the UK should be subject to police investigation into the provenance of all their UK assets," he said.

The changes to the Tier 1 Investor scheme are part of wider reforms to the UK's visa system. The Home Office is also replacing the Tier 1 Graduate and Entrepreneur visa routes with a Start-up visa route, announced in June, and the Innovator visa route.

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused. The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year.

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused. The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year. According to official figures, around 76 Indian millionaires have used this visa category to gain permanent settlement in Britain since 2009, with a peak of 16 Indian applicants in 2013 and seven last year. The highest number of the over 1,000 such visas issued last year went to Chinese and Russian millionaires. "The UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system," said UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes. "That is why I am bringing forward these new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," she said. Under the scheme being suspended, a 2 million pound investment bought a visa and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. An investment of 5 million pound cut down the eligibility period for ILR to three years and 10 million pound meant the investor could be eligible for permanent settlement within two years along with his or her dependents. The UK Home Office had launched an investigation into Tier 1 Investor visas issued to wealthy Russians as relations between the UK and Russia nose-dived following the deadly nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia earlier this year. It led to Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich withdrawing his Tier 1 Investor visa application and has since acquired Israeli citizenship instead. The Home Office had confirmed that its probe into the visa route would not be limited to just Russian billionaires and would form part of a wider crackdown on money laundering. According to UK media reports, as part of new rules to come in force from next year, independent, regulated auditors will assess such high net worth applicants' financial and business interests and check they have had control of the funds for at least two years. Transparency International UK, a non-profit anti-corruption body, welcomed the crackdown and called on the government to take urgent action on individuals found to have invested suspicious wealth into the UK via the Tier 1 Investor visa scheme. "Property and other high-end sectors are increasingly accused of allowing dirty money into the UK but it's astonishing to think that the UK's own visa scheme can be used to launder corrupt money into the UK. Once obtained 'Golden' visas can also open the door to channel much larger sums of stolen cash into our financial system," said Duncan Hames, the organisation's Director of Policy. "Any individuals found by this review to have brought suspicious money into the UK should be subject to police investigation into the provenance of all their UK assets," he said. The changes to the Tier 1 Investor scheme are part of wider reforms to the UK's visa system. The Home Office is also replacing the Tier 1 Graduate and Entrepreneur visa routes with a Start-up visa route, announced in June, and the Innovator visa route.

UK government to suspend 'golden visa' policy over money laundering fears

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two.

Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May`s Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks.

"Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War," said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum.

Johnson, 46, called it the worst failure of statecraft since the 1956 Suez canal crisis, in which Britain was humiliatingly forced by the United States to withdraw its troops from Egypt.

"To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis," he said.&nbsp;

"Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say," he added.

Johnson`s criticism underscored the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 per cent done, approved by her own fractious party.

The pound sank to a day`s low beneath $1.30 on the resignation and also fell against the euro. It was unclear whether others would follow Johnson out of government.&nbsp;

In the June 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying.&nbsp;

Johnson wants a three-way referendum giving the people a choice between remaining in the EU, May`s deal and no deal.

May`s office rejected his call, saying Britain would not hold a second referendum on its EU membership "under any circumstances".

"United in dismay"

Johnson is the 14th minister to have resigned from the government since November last year and the most senior to have called for another referendum in his leaving statement.

His resignation was published after May spent much of the day in France and Belgium, laying wreaths alongside fellow leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War One.&nbsp;

As negotiations with Brussels enter their final fraught stage, May’s approach is under fire from all sides of the divisive Brexit debate.&nbsp;

Many politicians are unhappy with her compromise plans to maintain the free trade of goods with the EU, which they say will leave Britain subject to decisions in Brussels without any input.

In his 1,600-word resignation statement, Johnson said May`s proposed deal would leave Britain in a "far worse" negotiating position than now, adding he also knew from his work at the Department of Transport how painful a "no deal" Brexit would be.

Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit who quit as foreign secretary in July, praised his brother`s decision, saying they were "united in dismay" - despite their opposing views on Brexit - over May`s handling of the negotiations.

May is expected to hold a cabinet meeting later this month in the hope of securing ministers` support for her negotiating stance and hopes to strike an exit deal with the EU in the next few weeks.

Compounding May`s problems on Friday, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and said it could not support any deal that divided the United Kingdom.

The Democratic Unionist Party interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK "come into force" as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal.

As campaigners step up pressure on the government calling for the public to be given another say on Brexit, the opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn dashed campaigners` hopes he could back another referendum.&nbsp;

Asked by German magazine Der Spiegel if he would stop Brexit if he could, Corbyn said: "We can`t stop it. The referendum took place....What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted leave."

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two.

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two. Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May`s Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks. "Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War," said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum. Johnson, 46, called it the worst failure of statecraft since the 1956 Suez canal crisis, in which Britain was humiliatingly forced by the United States to withdraw its troops from Egypt. "To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis," he said. "Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say," he added. Johnson`s criticism underscored the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 per cent done, approved by her own fractious party. The pound sank to a day`s low beneath $1.30 on the resignation and also fell against the euro. It was unclear whether others would follow Johnson out of government. In the June 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying. Johnson wants a three-way referendum giving the people a choice between remaining in the EU, May`s deal and no deal. May`s office rejected his call, saying Britain would not hold a second referendum on its EU membership "under any circumstances". "United in dismay" Johnson is the 14th minister to have resigned from the government since November last year and the most senior to have called for another referendum in his leaving statement. His resignation was published after May spent much of the day in France and Belgium, laying wreaths alongside fellow leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War One. As negotiations with Brussels enter their final fraught stage, May’s approach is under fire from all sides of the divisive Brexit debate. Many politicians are unhappy with her compromise plans to maintain the free trade of goods with the EU, which they say will leave Britain subject to decisions in Brussels without any input. In his 1,600-word resignation statement, Johnson said May`s proposed deal would leave Britain in a "far worse" negotiating position than now, adding he also knew from his work at the Department of Transport how painful a "no deal" Brexit would be. Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit who quit as foreign secretary in July, praised his brother`s decision, saying they were "united in dismay" - despite their opposing views on Brexit - over May`s handling of the negotiations. May is expected to hold a cabinet meeting later this month in the hope of securing ministers` support for her negotiating stance and hopes to strike an exit deal with the EU in the next few weeks. Compounding May`s problems on Friday, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and said it could not support any deal that divided the United Kingdom. The Democratic Unionist Party interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK "come into force" as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal. As campaigners step up pressure on the government calling for the public to be given another say on Brexit, the opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn dashed campaigners` hopes he could back another referendum. Asked by German magazine Der Spiegel if he would stop Brexit if he could, Corbyn said: "We can`t stop it. The referendum took place....What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted leave."

Jo Johnson quits UK government, urges referendum to avoid Brexit chaos

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