The UK government has introduced a plan to introduce mandatory whole-life sentences for murderers whose crimes are sexually motivated. This move, aimed at the most serious offenders, signifies a significant shift in sentencing policy and is designed to ensure that individuals convicted of such heinous acts never have the opportunity for release.

<h2>Expanding the use of whole-life terms</h2>

Currently, whole-life orders are exceptionally rare and are typically reserved for serial killers or those whose crimes involve unique aggravating factors, such as abusing a position of power to commit murder. However, the Ministry of Justice now proposes to expand the use of these sentences, making them the default starting point for judges in the most severe cases. The intent is to limit the circumstances in which such orders can be overturned on appeal, reported the Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-nurse-lucy-letby-found-guilty-of-killing-seven-newborn-babies-626753">Explained | British nurse Lucy Letby found guilty of killing 7 newborn babies. What did she do?</a>

<h2>Key distinctions: Whole-life order vs life sentence</h2>

It's important to distinguish between a whole-life order and a life sentence. While both sentences result in imprisonment for life, a life sentence may include the possibility of parole after a minimum term has been served. In contrast, a whole-life order creates the expectation that the offender will only be considered for release in the most exceptional cases, typically on compassionate grounds.

The government has cited recent cases, such as the murders of Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa, where this expanded power could have been applicable if in place earlier. Jordan McSweeney, convicted of murdering law graduate Zara Aleena, and Koci Selamaj, found guilty of the murder of primary-school teacher Sabina Nessa, received lengthy prison sentences but would have faced whole-life orders under the proposed changes.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed the government's commitment to ensuring that "life will mean life" for the most heinous criminals. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk echoed this sentiment, stating that whole-life orders would become the expectation for murderers involving sexual or sadistic conduct.

However, the opposition, Labour, criticised the government's approach as falling short. Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed argued that the government had allowed many dangerous criminals to evade jail sentences, resulting in overcrowded prisons. Labour pledged to implement tougher sentences and increase prison capacity if elected.

Gravitas | UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby sentenced to life in prison

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<h2>Notable cases</h2>

Lucy Letby, the child serial killer sentenced to a whole-life term, joins a group of the country's most dangerous offenders, including Sarah Everard's killer, Wayne Couzens, necrophiliac David Fuller, and terrorist Ali Harbi Ali. A total of 70 criminals are currently serving whole-life orders, with four held in secure hospitals.

The government's proposal to introduce mandatory whole-life sentences for sexually motivated murderers represents a significant development in the UK's sentencing policy.

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The UK government has introduced a plan to introduce mandatory whole-life sentences for murderers whose crimes are sexually motivated. This move, aimed at the most serious offenders, signifies a significant shift in sentencing policy and is designed to ensure that individuals convicted of such heinous acts never have the opportunity for release.

The UK government has introduced a plan to introduce mandatory whole-life sentences for murderers whose crimes are sexually motivated. This move, aimed at the most serious offenders, signifies a significant shift in sentencing policy and is designed to ensure that individuals convicted of such heinous acts never have the opportunity for release. Expanding the use of whole-life terms Currently, whole-life orders are exceptionally rare and are typically reserved for serial killers or those whose crimes involve unique aggravating factors, such as abusing a position of power to commit murder. However, the Ministry of Justice now proposes to expand the use of these sentences, making them the default starting point for judges in the most severe cases. The intent is to limit the circumstances in which such orders can be overturned on appeal, reported the Guardian. Also read | Explained | British nurse Lucy Letby found guilty of killing 7 newborn babies. What did she do? Key distinctions: Whole-life order vs life sentence It's important to distinguish between a whole-life order and a life sentence. While both sentences result in imprisonment for life, a life sentence may include the possibility of parole after a minimum term has been served. In contrast, a whole-life order creates the expectation that the offender will only be considered for release in the most exceptional cases, typically on compassionate grounds. The government has cited recent cases, such as the murders of Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa, where this expanded power could have been applicable if in place earlier. Jordan McSweeney, convicted of murdering law graduate Zara Aleena, and Koci Selamaj, found guilty of the murder of primary-school teacher Sabina Nessa, received lengthy prison sentences but would have faced whole-life orders under the proposed changes. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed the government's commitment to ensuring that "life will mean life" for the most heinous criminals. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk echoed this sentiment, stating that whole-life orders would become the expectation for murderers involving sexual or sadistic conduct. However, the opposition, Labour, criticised the government's approach as falling short. Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed argued that the government had allowed many dangerous criminals to evade jail sentences, resulting in overcrowded prisons. Labour pledged to implement tougher sentences and increase prison capacity if elected. Gravitas | UK's killer nurse: Lucy Letby sentenced to life in prison Notable cases Lucy Letby, the child serial killer sentenced to a whole-life term, joins a group of the country's most dangerous offenders, including Sarah Everard's killer, Wayne Couzens, necrophiliac David Fuller, and terrorist Ali Harbi Ali. A total of 70 criminals are currently serving whole-life orders, with four held in secure hospitals. The government's proposal to introduce mandatory whole-life sentences for sexually motivated murderers represents a significant development in the UK's sentencing policy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK govt eyes broader use of whole-life sentences for gravest murder offenders

Former UK culture minister Nadine Dorries has formally resigned as a Conservative MP and accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of "demeaning his office" by speaking out against her, British media reported.

Former UK culture minister Nadine Dorries has formally resigned as a Conservative MP and accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of "demeaning his office" by speaking out against her, British media reported. According to a report by The Guardian late Saturday (August 26), Dorries, who represents the Mid Bedfordshire constituency, said in her resignation, "I shall today inform the chancellor of my intention to take the Chiltern Hundreds, enabling the writ to be moved on September 4th for the byelection you are so desperately seeking to take place." The Treasury confirmed it was notified of her decision to step down. The report said that Dorries' resignation has opened the way for another awkward byelection for the Conservatives. The resignation letter In her resignation letter which was published in the Mail, Dorries accused Sunak of putting her personal safety at risk by whipping a public frenzy against her and disclosed that police had visited her house last week, warning her about a threat to her security. "What exactly has been done or have you (Sunak) achieved? You hold the office of prime minister unelected, without a single vote, not even from your own MPs," Dorries said. “You have no mandate from the people, and the government is adrift. You have squandered the goodwill of the nation, for what?,” she added. Sharpening her attack on Sunak, Dorries also said that the prime minister's actions around 200 of her MP colleagues to face an electoral tsunami and the loss of their livelihoods, because in his patience to become prime minister, Sunak put his personal ambition above the stability of the country and its economy. Dorries announced her intention to resign 11 weeks ago but remained as a member of parliament while she investigated why she was not given a seat in the upper house of parliament. Sunak's criticism of Dorries Prime Minister Sunak had recently criticised Dorries for failing to represent her constituents. According to a report by LBC, Sunak said, “I think people deserve to have an MP that represents them..." "It’s just making sure your MP is engaging with you, representing you, whether that’s speaking in parliament or being present in their constituencies doing surgeries, answering your letters," Sunak added. One being asked if his remarks meant that Dorries was failing her constituents, the prime minister said, "Well, at the moment people aren’t being properly represented." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Former minister Nadine Dorries formally resigns as MP, hits out at PM Sunak

The United Kingdom's (UK) backlog of asylum applications awaiting a decision has hit a record high in the year to June, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (August 24) citing official figures.

The United Kingdom's (UK) backlog of asylum applications awaiting a decision has hit a record high in the year to June, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (August 24) citing official figures. The interior ministry said that 78,768 applications were made by people who arrived in the country illegally in the 12 months to June, up 19% than the previous year. The backlog of asylums was just over 134,000, or 175,457 once dependents are included. This adds more pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who in December last year pledged to clear the initial backlog of cases by the end of this year. Around 80% of those have been waiting for more than six months. Earlier, the government had said that in the year to June, there were 23,702 initial decisions made on asylum applications, up 61 per cent on the previous year. Of those, 71 per cent were grants of refugee status, humanitarian protection, or alternative forms of leave. Committed to reducing levels of immigration: Govt Prime Minister Sunak made cracking down on illegal migration a priority before the national election which is expected next year, pitching his Conservative party leaders as being tougher on the issue than the opposition. Reuters reported that seeking to deter people from arriving in the UK, the government is moving migrants onto disused military sites and barges and intends to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Speaking to BBC, an interior ministry spokesperson said the ministry remained committed to reducing levels of immigration, adding that the system was working to encourage the "best and the brightest" to come to the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK asylum applications' backlog rises to record high, reveal official figures

A British parliamentary watchdog on Thursday (August 24) said that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should have declared that his wife Akshata Murty had a stake in a company that was set to benefit from government cash. When he came to power after the short-lived tenure of Liz Truss and the scandal-hit premiership of Boris Johnson, Sunak had vowed "integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level."

But within a year in office, Sunak made news for breaking rules as he received police fine for not wearing seatbelt. He received another fine for breaking Covid lockdown rules during the time he was finance minister under Johnson.

After receiving a complaint about Sunak's comments to a committee of senior MPs, a probe was started by House of Commons Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg in April.

Sunak failed to mention to them and in a follow-up letter that his wife, Akshata Murty, held shares in a childminding firm that would receive additional state funding.

Sunak told Greenberg that he was advised that Murty's stake in the company "did not meet the test of relevance to require publication on the List of Minister's Interests".

However, the commissioner disagreed and said that it "was a relevant interest that should have been declared" and he had "a duty to correct the record".

The commissioner concluded that the omission may have arisen out of confusion about what was required and was "inadvertent"

AFP quoted Sunak's spokesperson who said that the matter had been resolved&nbsp;

"The prime minister takes seriously his responsibilities to register and declare all relevant interests," he added.

Sunak was previously criticised after it emerged that Akshata Murty, daughter of co-founder of Indian IT giant Infosys had so-called "non-dom" status.

This actually meant that she had not declared her earnings from the dividends she got from the firm for UK tax purposes. After a furore, Murty later said she would include them.

Critics of Sunak, a wealthy former investment banker, say that he is out of touch with ordinary voters struggling with rising costs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A British parliamentary watchdog on Thursday (August 24) said that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should have declared that his wife Akshata Murty had a stake in a company that was set to benefit from government cash.

A British parliamentary watchdog on Thursday (August 24) said that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should have declared that his wife Akshata Murty had a stake in a company that was set to benefit from government cash. When he came to power after the short-lived tenure of Liz Truss and the scandal-hit premiership of Boris Johnson, Sunak had vowed "integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level." But within a year in office, Sunak made news for breaking rules as he received police fine for not wearing seatbelt. He received another fine for breaking Covid lockdown rules during the time he was finance minister under Johnson. After receiving a complaint about Sunak's comments to a committee of senior MPs, a probe was started by House of Commons Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg in April. Sunak failed to mention to them and in a follow-up letter that his wife, Akshata Murty, held shares in a childminding firm that would receive additional state funding. Sunak told Greenberg that he was advised that Murty's stake in the company "did not meet the test of relevance to require publication on the List of Minister's Interests". However, the commissioner disagreed and said that it "was a relevant interest that should have been declared" and he had "a duty to correct the record". The commissioner concluded that the omission may have arisen out of confusion about what was required and was "inadvertent" AFP quoted Sunak's spokesperson who said that the matter had been resolved "The prime minister takes seriously his responsibilities to register and declare all relevant interests," he added. Sunak was previously criticised after it emerged that Akshata Murty, daughter of co-founder of Indian IT giant Infosys had so-called "non-dom" status. This actually meant that she had not declared her earnings from the dividends she got from the firm for UK tax purposes. After a furore, Murty later said she would include them. Critics of Sunak, a wealthy former investment banker, say that he is out of touch with ordinary voters struggling with rising costs. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM Sunak slammed by watchdog over wife's stake in firm benefiting from state funding

As per a recent release of data, the NHS waiting lists in England have ascended to record high numbers, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to bring them down this year.

This was one of the five promises Sunak made earlier this year in his first major speech of 2023.

The figures published by NHS England this morning revealed an estimated 7.6 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of June this year, which is slightly up from the numbers recorded in the month of May which were 7.5 million.

These are the highest numbers ever reported since the records began in the year 2007.

During his speech at the beginning of this year, Sunak had said, “NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly.”

The NHS data also showed that the total number of people, who had been waiting for more than 52 weeks to start routine hospital treatment at the end of June, had gone down from 385,022 to 383,083.

At the end of June, the estimated figure to have been waiting for more than 18 months was 7,177, as compared to 11,446, which was recorded at the end of May.

Both the government and NHS England had aimed at eliminating waitings of more than 18 months by April 2023, except for the complex cases.

The revelation of the figures comes after the NHS declared that the patients impacted by backlogs could bypass the queue at their local hospital if they are ready to travel to other parts of England.

“We must use every available resource to deliver life-saving checks to ease pressure on the NHS,” PA Media quoted Health Secretary Steve Barclay as saying.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-street-chaos-police-arrest-9-after-rumours-of-planned-disorder-on-social-media-624101">Oxford street chaos: Police arrest 9 after rumours of planned disorder on social media</a>

The Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) chief nursing officer Nicola Ranger warned the health service “is falling into a deeper crisis”.

“A decade of underinvestment in the NHS has led to dire consequences for patients and pushed many nursing staff out of the profession they love and with unrelenting pressure on those who remain,” she added.

<h2>Strikes by doctors led to postponements: NHS England&nbsp;</h2>

The strikes by junior doctors have also impacted the waiting lists.

NHS England released a statement saying that, in the month of June this year, three days of junior doctors' strikes led to 106,120 postponements.

"To date, around 778,000 hospital appointments across the NHS have been rescheduled due to strike action," it further added,

Junior doctors would be staging their fifth strike in the dispute on Friday, where they will be walking out for four days from 7 am.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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As per a recent release of data, the NHS waiting lists in England have ascended to record high numbers, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to bring them down this year.

As per a recent release of data, the NHS waiting lists in England have ascended to record high numbers, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to bring them down this year. This was one of the five promises Sunak made earlier this year in his first major speech of 2023. The figures published by NHS England this morning revealed an estimated 7.6 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of June this year, which is slightly up from the numbers recorded in the month of May which were 7.5 million. These are the highest numbers ever reported since the records began in the year 2007. During his speech at the beginning of this year, Sunak had said, “NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly.” The NHS data also showed that the total number of people, who had been waiting for more than 52 weeks to start routine hospital treatment at the end of June, had gone down from 385,022 to 383,083. At the end of June, the estimated figure to have been waiting for more than 18 months was 7,177, as compared to 11,446, which was recorded at the end of May. Both the government and NHS England had aimed at eliminating waitings of more than 18 months by April 2023, except for the complex cases. The revelation of the figures comes after the NHS declared that the patients impacted by backlogs could bypass the queue at their local hospital if they are ready to travel to other parts of England. “We must use every available resource to deliver life-saving checks to ease pressure on the NHS,” PA Media quoted Health Secretary Steve Barclay as saying. Also read: Oxford street chaos: Police arrest 9 after rumours of planned disorder on social media The Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) chief nursing officer Nicola Ranger warned the health service “is falling into a deeper crisis”. “A decade of underinvestment in the NHS has led to dire consequences for patients and pushed many nursing staff out of the profession they love and with unrelenting pressure on those who remain,” she added. Strikes by doctors led to postponements: NHS England The strikes by junior doctors have also impacted the waiting lists. NHS England released a statement saying that, in the month of June this year, three days of junior doctors' strikes led to 106,120 postponements. "To date, around 778,000 hospital appointments across the NHS have been rescheduled due to strike action," it further added, Junior doctors would be staging their fifth strike in the dispute on Friday, where they will be walking out for four days from 7 am. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NHS waiting list in England reaches record high of 7.6 million despite PM Rishi Sunak's pledge

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was heckled as he was pouring a pint of beer at a beer festival in London on Tuesday (August 1). Prime Minister Sunak, who is a teetotaler, visited the Great British beer festival in West London. As he was pouring a pint of Black Dub stout, a person shouted: “Prime minister, oh the irony that you’re raising alcohol duty on the day that you’re pulling a pint.”

Another onlooker shouted at Sunak, who loves Coca-Cola, by saying, "Prime Minister, it's not Coca-Cola."

Here's a look at the video

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heckled by a man over alcohol tak while pulling a beer pint at a beer festival<a href="https://twitter.com/KatiePilbeamTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KatiePilbeamTV</a> tells you more 
 
Watch more: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb">https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb</a> <a href="https://t.co/EYK3hUqcIp">pic.twitter.com/EYK3hUqcIp</a>
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<h2>Who is the person that heckled Sunak?</h2>

The person who heckled the prime minister over raising the alcohol duty was 46-year-old Rudi Keyser, who runs a pub in Wimbledon in south-west London. According to a report by The Guardian, Keyser said he wanted to get across the message while Sunak was promoting a freeze on beer-based duty, this was not the case for some other drinks.

Keyser said that the number of breweries that shut down last year had been phenomenal. “Plus on 1 August – today – they are raising alcohol duty across the board significantly," he added.&nbsp;

“I run a pub as part of a big national chain and we’ve been bulk buying in the last two weeks to avoid the alcohol duty increase. And he has the audacity to come and pull a pint for PR,” the 46-year-old added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sunak has been insisting that businesses and consumers would benefit from the post-Brexit alcohol duty changes, despite the fact that charges for some drinks are increasing.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Telegraph, the system aims to encourage drinkers to cut back by taxing all alcohol based on its strength, rather than the previous categories of wine, beer, spirits, and ciders.

This would mean duty would increase overall.&nbsp; 
 
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was heckled as he was pouring a pint of beer at a beer festival in London on Tuesday (August 1). Prime Minister Sunak, who is a teetotaler, visited the Great British beer festival in West London.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was heckled as he was pouring a pint of beer at a beer festival in London on Tuesday (August 1). Prime Minister Sunak, who is a teetotaler, visited the Great British beer festival in West London. As he was pouring a pint of Black Dub stout, a person shouted: “Prime minister, oh the irony that you’re raising alcohol duty on the day that you’re pulling a pint.” Another onlooker shouted at Sunak, who loves Coca-Cola, by saying, "Prime Minister, it's not Coca-Cola." Here's a look at the video UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heckled by a man over alcohol tak while pulling a beer pint at a beer festival@KatiePilbeamTV tells you more Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRugeb pic.twitter.com/EYK3hUqcIp — WION (@WIONews) August 2, 2023 × Who is the person that heckled Sunak? The person who heckled the prime minister over raising the alcohol duty was 46-year-old Rudi Keyser, who runs a pub in Wimbledon in south-west London. According to a report by The Guardian, Keyser said he wanted to get across the message while Sunak was promoting a freeze on beer-based duty, this was not the case for some other drinks. Keyser said that the number of breweries that shut down last year had been phenomenal. “Plus on 1 August – today – they are raising alcohol duty across the board significantly," he added. “I run a pub as part of a big national chain and we’ve been bulk buying in the last two weeks to avoid the alcohol duty increase. And he has the audacity to come and pull a pint for PR,” the 46-year-old added. Prime Minister Sunak has been insisting that businesses and consumers would benefit from the post-Brexit alcohol duty changes, despite the fact that charges for some drinks are increasing. According to a report by The Telegraph, the system aims to encourage drinkers to cut back by taxing all alcohol based on its strength, rather than the previous categories of wine, beer, spirits, and ciders. This would mean duty would increase overall. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Oh the irony you're raising alcohol duty...': UK PM Sunak heckled while pouring a pint at beer festival

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (July 19) formally apologised for the "horrific" historic treatment of people from LGBT communities who served in the country's military when homosexuality was banned.

"The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state, decades behind the law of this land," Sunak told the House of Commons.

"In that period, many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country," he added.

"Today, on the behalf of the British state, I apologise."

The prime minister said he hoped that those who were affected would now "feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe".

Watch | Britain joins Indo-Pacific trade bloc

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The apology from the prime minister was prompted by the findings of a government-commissioned independent review into LGBT veterans who served in the military between 1967 and 2000.

The report detailed "shocking evidence of a culture of homophobia, and of bullying, blackmail and sexual assaults, abusive investigations into sexual orientation and sexual preference, disgraceful medical examinations, including conversion therapy".

<h2>'Financial reward' sought&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

Terence Etherton, the author of the report recommended that Sunak deliver an apology as also an "appropriate financial award" which should be made to LGBT veterans who were affected by the pre-2000 ban.

Britain lifted the ban only after the European Court of Human Rights rejected argument that the ban was needed to protect the morale and fighting power amongst its troops. The court said that the policy had violated human rights.

Catherine Dixon, former British Army Officer who is now vice-chair at LGBT charity Stonewall called the British government's apology "an important step to achieving justice for those LGBTQ+ people who served in HM Armed Forces and, like me, experienced shame, humiliation and a ruined military career because of our sexuality."

"Many were imprisoned, experienced corrective violence and lived with the stain of criminal convictions because of who they loved and which left some homeless and many unable to work," she added.

Ben Wallace, British Defence Secretary told UK parliament that the report made for "miserable and distressing" reading and that the government had been working through the report's recommendations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-defence-minister-wallace-to-step-down-as-lawmaker-in-next-poll-616201">British Defence Minister Wallace to step down as lawmaker in next poll</a>

"Today we want to say to all those ex-soldiers, sailors and aviators, many now in retirement, you are one of us, you belong in our community and in choosing to put yourself in harm's way for the good of your colleagues, your community and country, you have proven yourselves the best of us."

(With input from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (July 19) formally apologised for the "horrific" historic treatment of people from LGBT communities who served in the country's military when homosexuality was banned.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (July 19) formally apologised for the "horrific" historic treatment of people from LGBT communities who served in the country's military when homosexuality was banned. "The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state, decades behind the law of this land," Sunak told the House of Commons. "In that period, many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country," he added. "Today, on the behalf of the British state, I apologise." The prime minister said he hoped that those who were affected would now "feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe". Watch | Britain joins Indo-Pacific trade bloc × The apology from the prime minister was prompted by the findings of a government-commissioned independent review into LGBT veterans who served in the military between 1967 and 2000. The report detailed "shocking evidence of a culture of homophobia, and of bullying, blackmail and sexual assaults, abusive investigations into sexual orientation and sexual preference, disgraceful medical examinations, including conversion therapy". 'Financial reward' sought Terence Etherton, the author of the report recommended that Sunak deliver an apology as also an "appropriate financial award" which should be made to LGBT veterans who were affected by the pre-2000 ban. Britain lifted the ban only after the European Court of Human Rights rejected argument that the ban was needed to protect the morale and fighting power amongst its troops. The court said that the policy had violated human rights. Catherine Dixon, former British Army Officer who is now vice-chair at LGBT charity Stonewall called the British government's apology "an important step to achieving justice for those LGBTQ+ people who served in HM Armed Forces and, like me, experienced shame, humiliation and a ruined military career because of our sexuality." "Many were imprisoned, experienced corrective violence and lived with the stain of criminal convictions because of who they loved and which left some homeless and many unable to work," she added. Ben Wallace, British Defence Secretary told UK parliament that the report made for "miserable and distressing" reading and that the government had been working through the report's recommendations. Also Read | British Defence Minister Wallace to step down as lawmaker in next poll "Today we want to say to all those ex-soldiers, sailors and aviators, many now in retirement, you are one of us, you belong in our community and in choosing to put yourself in harm's way for the good of your colleagues, your community and country, you have proven yourselves the best of us." (With input from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Rishi Sunak apologises for abuse of LGBT community in British military

After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception. This is to celebrate and mark UK-India week. Sonam will represent India.

Sonam Kapoor has been invited to attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence and office in 10 Downing Street. This special event is organised by the India Global Forum (IGF).

<h2>What is the UK-India Week?</h2>

The UK-India Week is an annual flagship event organised by IGF to strengthen and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and India. It spans over a week, from the 26 to 30 June, and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. The reception at 10 Downing Street is a highlight of the event, where influential figures from both countries come together to exchange ideas and foster collaboration.

<h2>Sonam Kapoor's upcoming films</h2>

On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will next be seen in a film titled Blind, which is an official remake of the acclaimed 2011 Korean film of the same name. The story revolves around a blind police officer's relentless pursuit of a serial killer. Directed by debutant director Shome Makhija, the film also stars talented actors such as Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey.

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After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception.

After being a part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony earlier this May, actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has grabbed an invite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception. This is to celebrate and mark UK-India week. Sonam will represent India. Sonam Kapoor has been invited to attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence and office in 10 Downing Street. This special event is organised by the India Global Forum (IGF). What is the UK-India Week? The UK-India Week is an annual flagship event organised by IGF to strengthen and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and India. It spans over a week, from the 26 to 30 June, and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. The reception at 10 Downing Street is a highlight of the event, where influential figures from both countries come together to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. Sonam Kapoor's upcoming films On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will next be seen in a film titled Blind, which is an official remake of the acclaimed 2011 Korean film of the same name. The story revolves around a blind police officer's relentless pursuit of a serial killer. Directed by debutant director Shome Makhija, the film also stars talented actors such as Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sonam Kapoor invited for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reception to mark UK-India week

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak.

"I don't think ever in the history of human endeavour has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence. It is staggering," said Biden.

PM Sunak said that that the US and the UK have agreed to work together on AI safety.&nbsp;

Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect

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"Today, the President and I agreed to work together on AI safety," said Sunak.

Thursday's discussion between the two leaders had a focus on ensuring safety over AI and other technologies that are emerging, said Sunak. He said that Britain would host the first AI summit this year. The summit will see how the risks posed by AI can be tackled through global action.

"The UK looks forward to hosting the first global summit on AI safety later this year, so that we can seize the extraordinary possibilities of this new technological age, and do so with confidence," said Sunak.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-adopt-atlantic-declaration-to-tackle-emerging-global-threats-602333">US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats</a>

The last meeting between Biden and Sunak took place in Hiroshima, Japan last month at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The two leaders also met in Belfast in April and before that in San Diego in March.

<h2>Supporting Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’</h2>

During the joint press conference,&nbsp;Biden expressed confidence that the US will support Ukraine in its war with Russia for 'as long as it takes'. There has been some hesitation among US lawmakers of Republican Party about helping Ukraine in an indefinite manner.

"The fact of the matter is that I believe we'll have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes," said Biden.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. Western countries, led by the US have poured in millions and millions of dollars for humanitarian as well as military help for Ukraine. This, among other factors, has been credited for Ukraine's success in defending its territory so far.

<h2>Sunak condemns France knife attack</h2>

At the press conference, PM Sunak condemned a knife attack in French Alps in a park that wounded four preschool children including one from the UK.

"All our thoughts are with those affected by this unfathomable attack, including a British child," Sunak said at the start of the news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak.

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday (June 8) that security risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be addressed. He was speaking at joint press conference with British PM Rishi Sunak. "I don't think ever in the history of human endeavour has there been as fundamental potential technological change as is presented by artificial intelligence. It is staggering," said Biden. PM Sunak said that that the US and the UK have agreed to work together on AI safety. Gravitas | About Ducking Time: Apple to introduce AI-powered autocorrect × "Today, the President and I agreed to work together on AI safety," said Sunak. Thursday's discussion between the two leaders had a focus on ensuring safety over AI and other technologies that are emerging, said Sunak. He said that Britain would host the first AI summit this year. The summit will see how the risks posed by AI can be tackled through global action. "The UK looks forward to hosting the first global summit on AI safety later this year, so that we can seize the extraordinary possibilities of this new technological age, and do so with confidence," said Sunak. Also Read | US, UK adopt 'Atlantic Declaration' to tackle emerging global threats The last meeting between Biden and Sunak took place in Hiroshima, Japan last month at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The two leaders also met in Belfast in April and before that in San Diego in March. Supporting Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’ During the joint press conference, Biden expressed confidence that the US will support Ukraine in its war with Russia for 'as long as it takes'. There has been some hesitation among US lawmakers of Republican Party about helping Ukraine in an indefinite manner. "The fact of the matter is that I believe we'll have the funding necessary to support Ukraine as long as it takes," said Biden. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. Western countries, led by the US have poured in millions and millions of dollars for humanitarian as well as military help for Ukraine. This, among other factors, has been credited for Ukraine's success in defending its territory so far. Sunak condemns France knife attack At the press conference, PM Sunak condemned a knife attack in French Alps in a park that wounded four preschool children including one from the UK. "All our thoughts are with those affected by this unfathomable attack, including a British child," Sunak said at the start of the news conference. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

AI risks need to be addressed, says Biden in joint news conference with Sunak

In a moment of respite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s annual inflation rate dropped to a 13-month low of 8.7 per cent in April,&nbsp;from 10.1% in March, registering the biggest fall since the cost of living crisis began, but food prices still remain&nbsp;elevated at one of the highest levels in 45 years,&nbsp;according to official data.

The development bringing some respite&nbsp;comes after months of post-pandemic cost-of-living crisis aggravated by war in Ukraine had&nbsp;pushed up energy prices in one of the coldest winters in Europe in recent times.&nbsp;

<h2>Britain inflation data: What is the reading?</h2>

According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, the rate of price increases came down from 10.1 per cent in March,&nbsp;and the inflation in April is down under 10 per cent for the first time since August last year.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;UK inflation falls to 8.7% in April, food prices still remain high

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At 8.7 per cent, it was at the lowest level since March last year, when the rate stood at 7.0 per cent.

"However, prices in general remain substantially higher than they were this time last year, with annual food price inflation near historic highs," said ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner in an official statement. 
 
The rate at which food prices are rising fell for the second month in a row in May but remains ‘incredibly high’, says research firm Kantar.

Prices were up by 17.2% from a year ago in the four weeks to the middle of May, down from 17.3% last month, it said. Food price rises are expected to ease further later this year, it added.

<h2>UK inflation drop: What is the catch?</h2>

The inflation rate continues to remain above the Bank of England's (BoE) prediction for inflation of 8.4 per cent last month.

Britain's annual inflation rate in April was also the highest among the G-7 countries in the Group of Seven rich economies, which include&nbsp;Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

Meanwhile, the target rate of 2.0 per cent remains very far off for the UK government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has said that the inflation may drop up to about 5.0 per cent by the end of 2023.

“Last month, the rate of inflation fell notably as the large energy price rises seen last year were not repeated... but was offset partially by increases in the cost of second-hand cars and cigarettes,” Fitzner added.

<h2>UK economy: Inflation numbers come after IMF U-turn</h2>

The data comes a day after the International Monetary Fund, in a major U-turn on its forecast for the UK economy, said that it expected growth this year just one month after predicting a contraction.

Britain's economy is expected to expand 0.4 per cent in 2023, the IMF said in its latest outlook document, which cited weaker energy prices.

The IMF ripped up its previous forecast in April for a 0.3-per cent contraction.

"The IMF said yesterday we've acted decisively to tackle inflation but although it is positive that it is now in single digits, food prices are still rising too fast," UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt said following the release of inflation data on Wednesday. 
 
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In a moment of respite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s annual inflation rate dropped to a 13-month low of 8.7 per cent in April, from 10.1% in March, registering the biggest fall since the cost of living crisis began, but food prices still remain elevated at one of the highest levels in 45 years, according to official data.

In a moment of respite for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the country’s annual inflation rate dropped to a 13-month low of 8.7 per cent in April, from 10.1% in March, registering the biggest fall since the cost of living crisis began, but food prices still remain elevated at one of the highest levels in 45 years, according to official data. The development bringing some respite comes after months of post-pandemic cost-of-living crisis aggravated by war in Ukraine had pushed up energy prices in one of the coldest winters in Europe in recent times. Britain inflation data: What is the reading? According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, the rate of price increases came down from 10.1 per cent in March, and the inflation in April is down under 10 per cent for the first time since August last year. ALSO WATCH | UK inflation falls to 8.7% in April, food prices still remain high × At 8.7 per cent, it was at the lowest level since March last year, when the rate stood at 7.0 per cent. "However, prices in general remain substantially higher than they were this time last year, with annual food price inflation near historic highs," said ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner in an official statement. The rate at which food prices are rising fell for the second month in a row in May but remains ‘incredibly high’, says research firm Kantar. Prices were up by 17.2% from a year ago in the four weeks to the middle of May, down from 17.3% last month, it said. Food price rises are expected to ease further later this year, it added. UK inflation drop: What is the catch? The inflation rate continues to remain above the Bank of England's (BoE) prediction for inflation of 8.4 per cent last month. Britain's annual inflation rate in April was also the highest among the G-7 countries in the Group of Seven rich economies, which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Meanwhile, the target rate of 2.0 per cent remains very far off for the UK government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has said that the inflation may drop up to about 5.0 per cent by the end of 2023. “Last month, the rate of inflation fell notably as the large energy price rises seen last year were not repeated... but was offset partially by increases in the cost of second-hand cars and cigarettes,” Fitzner added. UK economy: Inflation numbers come after IMF U-turn The data comes a day after the International Monetary Fund, in a major U-turn on its forecast for the UK economy, said that it expected growth this year just one month after predicting a contraction. Britain's economy is expected to expand 0.4 per cent in 2023, the IMF said in its latest outlook document, which cited weaker energy prices. The IMF ripped up its previous forecast in April for a 0.3-per cent contraction. "The IMF said yesterday we've acted decisively to tackle inflation but although it is positive that it is now in single digits, food prices are still rising too fast," UK finance minister Jeremy Hunt said following the release of inflation data on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Rishi Sunak delivers inflation respite for Britain, food prices fall but still remain high

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in the midst of a four-country trip to the Caribbean and South America and has recently come under fire for his choice of aircraft. At a time when the economy in the United Kingdom is not faring well and the country is facing a cost of living crisis, the minister chose to travel in luxury with the Embraer Lineage 1000E, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Best luxury jet money can buy’: Embraer Lineage 1000E</h2>

According to the media report, the jet costs more than 10,000 pounds (over $12,000) an hour to hire and includes several amenities like a lounge area with big-screen TV, a master suite complete with a queen-size bed, a private bathroom and a shower. The Embraer Lineage 1000E has been described as “one of the best luxury private jets money can buy” by Business Insider.&nbsp;

The aircraft from the German aviation company has also featured in the fleet of corporate jets and is a go-to private jet used by the billionaire Roy family in the hit TV show Succession. As per media reports, the ten-day trip that the British foreign secretary is on would cost the UK taxpayers about 348,000 pounds (approximately $431,078).&nbsp;

As of Monday, with a flying time of nearly 19 hours since Cleverly visited Jamaica, Colombia, and Chile, the private jet has already cost the taxpayers&nbsp;around 228,000 pounds (approx $282,520), reported The Mirror.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Ludicrous extravagance’: Opposition Labour Party on use of private jet</h2>

The opposition Labour Party has called the hire of Embraer Lineage 1000E&nbsp;a “ludicrous extravagance” and accused the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government of being out of touch with the public, as per The Guardian.&nbsp;

The shadow Attorney General, Emily Thornberry acknowledged that while travelling overseas is an essential part of the foreign secretary’s role, it does not justify his use of a luxury jet when British families are running out of ways to make ends meet.&nbsp;

“At a time when British families are running out of ways to make ends meet – James Cleverly thought it was appropriate to conduct this tour in the kind of luxury jet used by billionaires and pop stars, with British taxpayers footing the bill,” said Thornberry, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

She added, “This sort of ludicrous extravagance at the public expense just shows how out of touch Rishi Sunak’s government are. No wonder their response to the cost of living crisis has been so utterly hopeless when they have such little concept of what ordinary life is like for people in our country.”

According to the media report, between the beginning of 2021 and the end of last year, foreign secretaries -&nbsp;Dominic Raab,&nbsp;Liz Truss and Cleverly -&nbsp;have hired private jets or used one of the government’s fleets of ministerial planes to travel overseas on 31 separate occasions. The cost of which, as per The Guardian, would amount to 4.6 million pounds (approx $5.7 million).&nbsp;

Not to mention the cost of the members of the media or delegations of businesspeople who accompanied the ministers on these trips, which is&nbsp;also paid for by the UK taxpayers. The number of people travelling with Cleverly was not known.&nbsp;

<h2>Cleverly’s office responds</h2>

“The foreign secretary’s job requires him to travel abroad to pursue UK interests. This was the most time-effective way to do this in this instance,” said a spokesperson from the foreign, commonwealth and development office, as per The Guardian. The statement added, “Value for money is taken into account in all travel decisions and costs are regularly published for transparency.”

The spokesperson&nbsp;also said that the ministers use commercial flights where practical and security considerations allow.&nbsp; 
 
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British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in the midst of a four-country trip to the Caribbean and South America and has recently come under fire for his choice of aircraft.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is in the midst of a four-country trip to the Caribbean and South America and has recently come under fire for his choice of aircraft. At a time when the economy in the United Kingdom is not faring well and the country is facing a cost of living crisis, the minister chose to travel in luxury with the Embraer Lineage 1000E, reported The Guardian. ‘Best luxury jet money can buy’: Embraer Lineage 1000E According to the media report, the jet costs more than 10,000 pounds (over $12,000) an hour to hire and includes several amenities like a lounge area with big-screen TV, a master suite complete with a queen-size bed, a private bathroom and a shower. The Embraer Lineage 1000E has been described as “one of the best luxury private jets money can buy” by Business Insider. The aircraft from the German aviation company has also featured in the fleet of corporate jets and is a go-to private jet used by the billionaire Roy family in the hit TV show Succession. As per media reports, the ten-day trip that the British foreign secretary is on would cost the UK taxpayers about 348,000 pounds (approximately $431,078). As of Monday, with a flying time of nearly 19 hours since Cleverly visited Jamaica, Colombia, and Chile, the private jet has already cost the taxpayers around 228,000 pounds (approx $282,520), reported The Mirror. ‘Ludicrous extravagance’: Opposition Labour Party on use of private jet The opposition Labour Party has called the hire of Embraer Lineage 1000E a “ludicrous extravagance” and accused the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government of being out of touch with the public, as per The Guardian. The shadow Attorney General, Emily Thornberry acknowledged that while travelling overseas is an essential part of the foreign secretary’s role, it does not justify his use of a luxury jet when British families are running out of ways to make ends meet. “At a time when British families are running out of ways to make ends meet – James Cleverly thought it was appropriate to conduct this tour in the kind of luxury jet used by billionaires and pop stars, with British taxpayers footing the bill,” said Thornberry, as quoted by The Guardian. She added, “This sort of ludicrous extravagance at the public expense just shows how out of touch Rishi Sunak’s government are. No wonder their response to the cost of living crisis has been so utterly hopeless when they have such little concept of what ordinary life is like for people in our country.” According to the media report, between the beginning of 2021 and the end of last year, foreign secretaries - Dominic Raab, Liz Truss and Cleverly - have hired private jets or used one of the government’s fleets of ministerial planes to travel overseas on 31 separate occasions. The cost of which, as per The Guardian, would amount to 4.6 million pounds (approx $5.7 million). Not to mention the cost of the members of the media or delegations of businesspeople who accompanied the ministers on these trips, which is also paid for by the UK taxpayers. The number of people travelling with Cleverly was not known. Cleverly’s office responds “The foreign secretary’s job requires him to travel abroad to pursue UK interests. This was the most time-effective way to do this in this instance,” said a spokesperson from the foreign, commonwealth and development office, as per The Guardian. The statement added, “Value for money is taken into account in all travel decisions and costs are regularly published for transparency.” The spokesperson also said that the ministers use commercial flights where practical and security considerations allow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly criticised for use of $12,000-an-hour private jet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations. 
 
PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/qf1VHiMl9i">pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660095586513694722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-pm-modi-president-zelenskyy-to-meet-in-hiroshima-594003">&nbsp;EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion</a>

<h2>Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful'</h2>

"A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 
 
“Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade &amp; investment, science &amp; technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated. 
 
Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.”

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The meeting with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. <a href="https://t.co/FI9nI1gc9V">pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1660114033645846528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. 
 
Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas.

WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit

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Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai. 
 
As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi&nbsp;visited the Peace Memorial Museum&nbsp;where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also&nbsp;paid floral&nbsp;tributes to the&nbsp;Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.&nbsp;

The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's&nbsp;PM Modi also held&nbsp;bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations. PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023 × The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful' "A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade & investment, science & technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated. Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.” The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023 × Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas. WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai. As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Peace Memorial Museum where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also paid floral tributes to the Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bilateral at G7: Modi, Sunak review FTA progress, agree to deepen cooperation on trade & investment

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy's consolidated wealth declined in the last 12 months. However, the couple with a net worth of $668 million still remains immune from the cost of living crisis which remains dominant on the political agenda of the United Kingdom. 
 
The power couple has been currently ranked in the 275th position in the Sunday Times Rich List, falling from their 222nd position last year because of the decline in value of their stake in India's IT giant Infosys, which has been founded by Akshata Murthy's father N R Narayana Murthy. 
 
“Over the past year, their wealth has fallen by more than half a million pounds a day. When the pair made their debut on the Rich List 12 months ago, this stake was worth about GBP 690 million. Since then Infosys' shares have plummeted owing to lower revenues from its banking, tech and other clients,” stated an analysis published in the Sunday Times Rich List.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-no-longer-committed-to-bringing-net-migration-below-250000-593785">UK PM Rishi Sunak no longer committed to bringing net migration below 250,000</a>

<h2>Sunak's wealth declined from&nbsp;$908 million to $658 million</h2>

As United Kingdom's PM, Sunak earns an annual salary of around $205,367. When he took the position of prime minister last October, his income increased from the general lawmaker rate but it was not enough to cushion the decline in his wealth which was estimated at $908 million last year to $658 million in 2023. 
 
Because of his fortune, Sunak faces&nbsp;regular attacks from opposition politicians who claim that he is out of touch with people from the ordinary class at a time when citizens of Britain are getting poorer. 
 
Inflation in the country stands at over 10 per cent and people's wages have not increased frequently which has resulted in squeezing household incomes and causing a "cost of living crisis". Sunak took the pledge to halve inflation and enhance the economy to address the issue.

WATCH |&nbsp;UK inflation at 10-year-high, says report; PM Rishi Sunak claims economy is looking up | WION

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Sunak is 10 Downing Street's richest occupant ever but he has constantly appealed to people to not hold his wealth against him. 
 
"I think in our country, we judge people not by their bank account, we judge them by their character and their actions. And yes, I'm really fortunate to be in the situation I'm in now, but I wasn't born like this," Sunak had said last year. 
 
Sunak's wife Akshata had also faced public anger and criticism in April over her "non-domiciled" tax status which meant she was not required to pay tax in Britain on the earnings she made abroad. Subsequently, she gave up the status and agreed to pay British tax on her global income.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy's consolidated wealth declined in the last 12 months. However, the couple with a net worth of $668 million still remains immune from the cost of living crisis which remains dominant on the political agenda of the United Kingdom.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy's consolidated wealth declined in the last 12 months. However, the couple with a net worth of $668 million still remains immune from the cost of living crisis which remains dominant on the political agenda of the United Kingdom. The power couple has been currently ranked in the 275th position in the Sunday Times Rich List, falling from their 222nd position last year because of the decline in value of their stake in India's IT giant Infosys, which has been founded by Akshata Murthy's father N R Narayana Murthy. “Over the past year, their wealth has fallen by more than half a million pounds a day. When the pair made their debut on the Rich List 12 months ago, this stake was worth about GBP 690 million. Since then Infosys' shares have plummeted owing to lower revenues from its banking, tech and other clients,” stated an analysis published in the Sunday Times Rich List. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak no longer committed to bringing net migration below 250,000 Sunak's wealth declined from $908 million to $658 million As United Kingdom's PM, Sunak earns an annual salary of around $205,367. When he took the position of prime minister last October, his income increased from the general lawmaker rate but it was not enough to cushion the decline in his wealth which was estimated at $908 million last year to $658 million in 2023. Because of his fortune, Sunak faces regular attacks from opposition politicians who claim that he is out of touch with people from the ordinary class at a time when citizens of Britain are getting poorer. Inflation in the country stands at over 10 per cent and people's wages have not increased frequently which has resulted in squeezing household incomes and causing a "cost of living crisis". Sunak took the pledge to halve inflation and enhance the economy to address the issue. WATCH | UK inflation at 10-year-high, says report; PM Rishi Sunak claims economy is looking up | WION Sunak is 10 Downing Street's richest occupant ever but he has constantly appealed to people to not hold his wealth against him. "I think in our country, we judge people not by their bank account, we judge them by their character and their actions. And yes, I'm really fortunate to be in the situation I'm in now, but I wasn't born like this," Sunak had said last year. Sunak's wife Akshata had also faced public anger and criticism in April over her "non-domiciled" tax status which meant she was not required to pay tax in Britain on the earnings she made abroad. Subsequently, she gave up the status and agreed to pay British tax on her global income. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK PM Rishi Sunak, wife lose $668 million as value of their Infosys stake plummets

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority". 
 
The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto committed to making sure "overall numbers come down". At the time, the country's net migration remained at 226,000, which was seen as an effective target to meet during this parliament. 
 
While interacting with journalists on his way to the G7 summit in Japan, PM Sunak accepted that he had "inherited some numbers", but he thrice refused to explicitly recommit to cutting down legal immigration in the country to that level.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rishi-sunak-taps-linkedin-to-boost-uk-businesses-585925">Rishi Sunak taps LinkedIn to boost UK businesses</a>

"I've said I do want to bring legal migration down. I think illegal migration is undoubtedly the country's priority, and you can see all the work I'm putting into that. But on legal migration as well, we are committed to bringing those numbers down,” Sunak said.

<h2>Sunak&nbsp;focuses on curbing illegal small boat crossings</h2>

Speaking about the meeting he had conducted in Iceland earlier this week, Sunak stated that talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had resulted in "a big step forward" in his efforts to stop small boat crossings in the Channel. 
 
"That is of practical value to us in stopping illegal migration - sharing intelligence, operational co-operation will make a difference to our ability to stop the boats, tackle organised crime upstream. That’s a very tangible result of the engagement and diplomacy we conducted,” Sunak said. 
 
Explaining his unwillingness to place a hard target on legal migration levels, PM Sunak said, "The key thing for people is to know [when it comes to legal migration] is why people are here, the circumstances and the terms on which they are here, making sure they contribute, to public services like the NHS for example. Those are all now part of our migration system and they weren't before."

WATCH | PM Rishi Sunak visits Japanese Naval Base ahead of G7 Summit

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According to media reports, Sunak's focus on curbing illegal small boat crossings and not on setting a specific target for reducing the number of illegal migrants reflects the prime minister's pragmatism. 
 
"His motto is deliver on promises and don't promise what you can't deliver," stated one government official. 
 
However, the recent remarks made by the prime minister are likely to stoke tensions in the cabinet where divisions can be seen appearing between those who want to prioritise cutting down overall numbers and those who argue that such measure can limit the country's economic growth.&nbsp;

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United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority".

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority". The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto committed to making sure "overall numbers come down". At the time, the country's net migration remained at 226,000, which was seen as an effective target to meet during this parliament. While interacting with journalists on his way to the G7 summit in Japan, PM Sunak accepted that he had "inherited some numbers", but he thrice refused to explicitly recommit to cutting down legal immigration in the country to that level. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak taps LinkedIn to boost UK businesses "I've said I do want to bring legal migration down. I think illegal migration is undoubtedly the country's priority, and you can see all the work I'm putting into that. But on legal migration as well, we are committed to bringing those numbers down,” Sunak said. Sunak focuses on curbing illegal small boat crossings Speaking about the meeting he had conducted in Iceland earlier this week, Sunak stated that talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had resulted in "a big step forward" in his efforts to stop small boat crossings in the Channel. "That is of practical value to us in stopping illegal migration - sharing intelligence, operational co-operation will make a difference to our ability to stop the boats, tackle organised crime upstream. That’s a very tangible result of the engagement and diplomacy we conducted,” Sunak said. Explaining his unwillingness to place a hard target on legal migration levels, PM Sunak said, "The key thing for people is to know [when it comes to legal migration] is why people are here, the circumstances and the terms on which they are here, making sure they contribute, to public services like the NHS for example. Those are all now part of our migration system and they weren't before." WATCH | PM Rishi Sunak visits Japanese Naval Base ahead of G7 Summit According to media reports, Sunak's focus on curbing illegal small boat crossings and not on setting a specific target for reducing the number of illegal migrants reflects the prime minister's pragmatism. "His motto is deliver on promises and don't promise what you can't deliver," stated one government official. However, the recent remarks made by the prime minister are likely to stoke tensions in the cabinet where divisions can be seen appearing between those who want to prioritise cutting down overall numbers and those who argue that such measure can limit the country's economic growth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Rishi Sunak no longer committed to bringing net migration below 250,000

Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security. This comes amid her five-day trip to Taiwan which the Chinese embassy in London has called a “dangerous political stunt”.&nbsp;

Notably, Truss, who is also Britain’s shortest-serving PM, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday and is also the first former British leader to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher in 1996. Upon her arrival in Taiwan, the former UK PM was greeted by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.&nbsp;

According to media reports, Truss is also due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen, however, officials are yet to confirm if the meeting will take place. The press conference on Wednesday also follows a closed-door speech at Taipei’s Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted by the Prospect Foundation, a government-funded think tank that focuses on cross-strait relations.

Truss’ visit to Taiwan

Truss addressed the press in Taipei City on Wednesday and challenged the incumbent PM to follow through his rhetoric when he called China “the biggest-long term threat to Britain,” during the Conservative party leadership contest. In the speech, Sunak also vowed to close nearly 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK, which promote Chinese culture on campus in higher education and some British schools.&nbsp;

However, the institutes teaching Chinese language and culture recently came under fire amid allegations that these centres are being used by Beijing’s government to spread propaganda, interfere with free speech on campuses, and even spy on students, reported BBC.&nbsp;

During a press conference in Taipei, the former UK PM also asked democratic countries to take a stand against China and make it clear to Beijing that it would face sanctions and other repercussions if it attacked Taiwan. It is “absolutely clear” that Chinese President Xi Jinping has the ambition of taking over Taiwan, said Truss.&nbsp;

She added, “We don’t know exactly when that could take place, we also don’t know how, and it’s my view that the preference of President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party would be to do it in a way that doesn’t involve using force, but I certainly think they would be prepared to use force if necessary,” as quoted by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

As per media reports, she also drew comparisons between escalating tensions in China and Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
China’s reaction to the visit

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London, on Wednesday, said that Truss’s visit to Taiwan was a “dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK”.&nbsp;

The statement added, “We urge the relevant British politician to correct her wrongdoing, stop making political shows with the Taiwan question and stop conniving at and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces.”

Notably, the former UK PM is the most senior British lawmaker to visit the country since Thatcher in the 1990s. The embassy also suggested that the visit could have repercussions for the government of the incumbent PM Sunak.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security.

Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security. This comes amid her five-day trip to Taiwan which the Chinese embassy in London has called a “dangerous political stunt”. Notably, Truss, who is also Britain’s shortest-serving PM, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday and is also the first former British leader to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher in 1996. Upon her arrival in Taiwan, the former UK PM was greeted by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. According to media reports, Truss is also due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen, however, officials are yet to confirm if the meeting will take place. The press conference on Wednesday also follows a closed-door speech at Taipei’s Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted by the Prospect Foundation, a government-funded think tank that focuses on cross-strait relations. Truss’ visit to Taiwan Truss addressed the press in Taipei City on Wednesday and challenged the incumbent PM to follow through his rhetoric when he called China “the biggest-long term threat to Britain,” during the Conservative party leadership contest. In the speech, Sunak also vowed to close nearly 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK, which promote Chinese culture on campus in higher education and some British schools. However, the institutes teaching Chinese language and culture recently came under fire amid allegations that these centres are being used by Beijing’s government to spread propaganda, interfere with free speech on campuses, and even spy on students, reported BBC. During a press conference in Taipei, the former UK PM also asked democratic countries to take a stand against China and make it clear to Beijing that it would face sanctions and other repercussions if it attacked Taiwan. It is “absolutely clear” that Chinese President Xi Jinping has the ambition of taking over Taiwan, said Truss. She added, “We don’t know exactly when that could take place, we also don’t know how, and it’s my view that the preference of President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party would be to do it in a way that doesn’t involve using force, but I certainly think they would be prepared to use force if necessary,” as quoted by Al Jazeera. As per media reports, she also drew comparisons between escalating tensions in China and Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China’s reaction to the visit A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London, on Wednesday, said that Truss’s visit to Taiwan was a “dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK”. The statement added, “We urge the relevant British politician to correct her wrongdoing, stop making political shows with the Taiwan question and stop conniving at and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces.” Notably, the former UK PM is the most senior British lawmaker to visit the country since Thatcher in the 1990s. The embassy also suggested that the visit could have repercussions for the government of the incumbent PM Sunak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former UK PM Liz Truss calls for tough stance against China amid visit to Taiwan

Keir Starmer, Britain's opposition leader, said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has "questions to answer" after reports emerged that his wife holds a stake in a company that was given public money.&nbsp;

Sunak's spouse, Akshata Murty, reportedly controls an investment company called Catamaran Ventures Ltd and a report by the Sunday Times mentioned that Catamaran has a stake in Study Hall, which is an education start-up that&nbsp;was given almost £350,000 of UK grant money.&nbsp;

The Times reports noted that Study Hall was founded by Sofia Fenichell, who previously ran a company called Mrs Wordsmith which collapsed in 2021.&nbsp;

On the grant award by Innovate UK, the Study Hall has been termed as a firm that is "developing a cutting-edge AI-based adaptive learning and assessment platform that can accelerate student progress".&nbsp;

"I think there are questions to answer in relation to this, there seems to be an emerging pattern of behaviour here, so I think the sooner those questions are answered, the better," Labour leader Starmer said while speaking from Blackpool as he campaigned ahead of Thursday's local elections.&nbsp;

This update comes amid Sunak&nbsp;facing a probe into concerns that he did not properly declare Akshata's shares in a childcare agency that benefited from the Budget.&nbsp;

Innovate said that the adaptive learning and assessments being developed by Study Hall could "help optimise the large sums of public and private funds invested in high-dosage tutoring and school intervention programmes" when it also announced the funding for the 12-month period between August 2022 and August 2023.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak unveils 'Business Connect': New initiative to attract start-ups&nbsp;

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"Study Hall boosts engagement and increases teaching and learning efficiency, saving taxpayers, teachers, parents and students time and money," the grant abstract added.&nbsp;

A report by The Independent stated that at the time of the statement’s submission, a confirmation statement dated August 31 suggests Catamaran Ventures UK Ltd. held 2,474 shares in Study Hall but there were no documents that can show that the shares had been sold,&nbsp;The Times report said.

As quoted by the UK-based media outlet, a spokesperson for UK Research and Innovation said: "All Innovate UK funding decisions are made through a rigorous, transparent process by independent experts."&nbsp;

Starmer also criticised Sunak recently after the resignation of his deputy, Dominic Raab over bullying complaints. "I think there's a weakness from top to bottom. You know, strong government that delivers, requires leadership, and we haven't got that," he said during a visit to a hospital in Middlesborough.&nbsp;

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Keir Starmer, Britain's opposition leader, said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has "questions to answer" after reports emerged that his wife holds a stake in a company that was given public money.

Keir Starmer, Britain's opposition leader, said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has "questions to answer" after reports emerged that his wife holds a stake in a company that was given public money. Sunak's spouse, Akshata Murty, reportedly controls an investment company called Catamaran Ventures Ltd and a report by the Sunday Times mentioned that Catamaran has a stake in Study Hall, which is an education start-up that was given almost £350,000 of UK grant money. The Times reports noted that Study Hall was founded by Sofia Fenichell, who previously ran a company called Mrs Wordsmith which collapsed in 2021. On the grant award by Innovate UK, the Study Hall has been termed as a firm that is "developing a cutting-edge AI-based adaptive learning and assessment platform that can accelerate student progress". "I think there are questions to answer in relation to this, there seems to be an emerging pattern of behaviour here, so I think the sooner those questions are answered, the better," Labour leader Starmer said while speaking from Blackpool as he campaigned ahead of Thursday's local elections. This update comes amid Sunak facing a probe into concerns that he did not properly declare Akshata's shares in a childcare agency that benefited from the Budget. Innovate said that the adaptive learning and assessments being developed by Study Hall could "help optimise the large sums of public and private funds invested in high-dosage tutoring and school intervention programmes" when it also announced the funding for the 12-month period between August 2022 and August 2023. WATCH | Rishi Sunak unveils 'Business Connect': New initiative to attract start-ups × "Study Hall boosts engagement and increases teaching and learning efficiency, saving taxpayers, teachers, parents and students time and money," the grant abstract added. A report by The Independent stated that at the time of the statement’s submission, a confirmation statement dated August 31 suggests Catamaran Ventures UK Ltd. held 2,474 shares in Study Hall but there were no documents that can show that the shares had been sold, The Times report said. As quoted by the UK-based media outlet, a spokesperson for UK Research and Innovation said: "All Innovate UK funding decisions are made through a rigorous, transparent process by independent experts." Starmer also criticised Sunak recently after the resignation of his deputy, Dominic Raab over bullying complaints. "I think there's a weakness from top to bottom. You know, strong government that delivers, requires leadership, and we haven't got that," he said during a visit to a hospital in Middlesborough. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Rishi Sunak has ‘questions to answer’ on wife Akshata Murthy’s financial interests: Keir Starmer

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Monday (April 3) unveiled his plans to create a new task force which would crack down on grooming gangs in Britain and claimed that “political correctness” will not get in the way of their actions.&nbsp;

This comes a day after, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in a series of media interviews criticised the culture of silence around British Pakistani male gangs involved in child sexual abuse at the fear of being called racists.

Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing debate in the UK:

What is grooming?

According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), grooming is when someone, a stranger or someone you know, builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.&nbsp;

“Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked,” said the UK-based organisation. Children and young people can be groomed online, in person or both, by a stranger or someone they know, it added.&nbsp;

UK Home Secretary's claims

Last year, a seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) described sexual abuse of children as an “epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake”. In line with its recommendations, Braverman said that the government has sought to introduce a policy to make failure to report child sexual abuse illegal for people who work with children in England, on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-suella-braverman-makes-reporting-child-sexual-abuse-a-legal-duty-attacks-british-pakistani-gangs-578267">UK: Suella Braverman to make reporting child sexual abuse a legal duty; slams British Pakistani gangs</a>

She added, the policy will target criminals who hold cultural attitudes that are incompatible with British values and how they remain unchallenged within their communities out of political correctness and fear of being called racists.&nbsp;

In this context, she was referring to British Pakistani grooming gangs that she said targeted “vulnerable white girls living in troubled circumstances.” The home secretary added, these girls had been abused, drugged, raped, and exploited by networks of gangs of rapists, which she claimed were “overwhelmingly” made up of British-Pakistani males, reported BBC.&nbsp; 
 
However, “cultural sensitivities” and concerns about “being called bigoted” had played a role in high-profile abuse scandals including in Rochdale and Rotherham, Braverman told the UK-based media outlet.&nbsp;

Investigations into UK’s grooming gangs

The bombshell report published in October by the IICSA gathered data from seven years of hearings and testimonies from 725 witnesses. The report accounted for abuse which took place in schools, children’s homes and religious institutions and described the scale of abuse as “deeply disturbing”. It also found a “horrifying picture” of children being “threatened, beaten and humiliated”.&nbsp;

A separate report in 2014 by Professor Alexis Jay found that 1,400 children had been subjected to sexual abuse in the UK’s Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 where the perpetrators were predominantly men of Pakistani heritage. This report also found girls as young as 11 being groomed and trafficked across the north of England by gangs of men, mainly of Pakistani heritage.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-to-launch-crackdown-on-grooming-gangs-578550">UK PM Rishi Sunak to launch crackdown on grooming gangs</a> 
 
Jay, in her report, also called for the agencies to “acknowledge the suspected model of localised grooming of young white girls by men of Pakistani heritage, instead of being inhibited by the fear of affecting community relations. People must be able to raise concerns without fear of being labelled racist.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similarly, earlier this year, a documentary named Grooming Gangs: Britain’s Shame also claimed that child sex abuse perpetrated by British Pakistani grooming gangs continues to take place but has been ignored by the police almost a decade after it was exposed, reported the Telegraph.&nbsp;

On the other hand, a Home Office-commissioned research, in 2020, found that overall there is not enough evidence to suggest that members of these so-called grooming gangs were more likely to be Asian or black than other ethnicities and are carried out predominantly by young white men.&nbsp;

Backlash from Braverman’s comments

Following Braverman’s remarks, the NSPCC and experts on grooming gangs have warned lawmakers not to frame the issue based on ethnicity as it could hamper tackling the crime. “It’s also vital we remember that any child can be a victim of child sexual exploitation and adult perpetrators do not just come from one background,” said Sir Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-finds-israeli-headmistress-malka-leifer-guilty-of-sexual-assault-578557">Court finds Israeli headmistress Malka Leifer guilty of sexual assault</a>

He added, “Sexual predators will target the most vulnerable and accessible children in society and there must be a focus on more than just race so we do not create new blindspots that prevent victims from being identified.”&nbsp;

According to official reports, only 11 per cent of child sexual abuse cases in the UK end with a charge which is down from 32 per cent seven years ago.&nbsp;

The director of public prosecutions, when the Rochdale gangs were prosecuted, Keir Starmer, said that while “political correctness should not get in the way” of tackling the issue we must also rely on facts. “The vast majority of sexual abuse cases do not involve those of ethnic minorities,” he added, in an interview with LBC Radio.&nbsp;

Braverman was also slammed for ignoring her own department’s evidence and broader research, “she’s choosing instead to mainstream hard-right talking points, and to push discredited stereotypes,” told Dr Ella Cockbain, associate professor of crime science at University College London to BBC Radio.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-interior-minister-braverman-says-rwanda-is-safe-for-migrants-578384">British interior minister Braverman says Rwanda is safe for migrants</a>

Notably, high-profile cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Telford where perpetrators were groups of men of mainly Pakistani ethnicity have fueled the perception of grooming being an “Asian problem” in the UK, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;

The Labour Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, criticising the home secretary’s remarks called it a “dog whistle” suggesting that Braverman is unaware of steps that have been taken to mitigate the gangs.&nbsp;

What has the UK government proposed?

In addition to the home secretary’s proposed policy, UK PM Sunak plans to launch a new grooming gangs taskforce which will be set up with specialist officers supported by the National Crime Agency. The crime agency will help local forces with their child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations by offering the use of ethnicity data.&nbsp;

In a statement, prior to the announcement during a visit to Leeds and Manchester, he said, “For too long political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women.” He added, “We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.”

The PM has also vowed that grooming gang members and leaders will receive the toughest sentences possible with the introduction of these proposed legislations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Monday (April 3) unveiled his plans to create a new task force which would crack down on grooming gangs in Britain and claimed that “political correctness” will not get in the way of their actions.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Monday (April 3) unveiled his plans to create a new task force which would crack down on grooming gangs in Britain and claimed that “political correctness” will not get in the way of their actions. This comes a day after, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in a series of media interviews criticised the culture of silence around British Pakistani male gangs involved in child sexual abuse at the fear of being called racists. Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing debate in the UK: What is grooming? According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), grooming is when someone, a stranger or someone you know, builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. “Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked,” said the UK-based organisation. Children and young people can be groomed online, in person or both, by a stranger or someone they know, it added. UK Home Secretary's claims Last year, a seven-year Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) described sexual abuse of children as an “epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake”. In line with its recommendations, Braverman said that the government has sought to introduce a policy to make failure to report child sexual abuse illegal for people who work with children in England, on Sunday. ALSO READ | UK: Suella Braverman to make reporting child sexual abuse a legal duty; slams British Pakistani gangs She added, the policy will target criminals who hold cultural attitudes that are incompatible with British values and how they remain unchallenged within their communities out of political correctness and fear of being called racists. In this context, she was referring to British Pakistani grooming gangs that she said targeted “vulnerable white girls living in troubled circumstances.” The home secretary added, these girls had been abused, drugged, raped, and exploited by networks of gangs of rapists, which she claimed were “overwhelmingly” made up of British-Pakistani males, reported BBC. However, “cultural sensitivities” and concerns about “being called bigoted” had played a role in high-profile abuse scandals including in Rochdale and Rotherham, Braverman told the UK-based media outlet. Investigations into UK’s grooming gangs The bombshell report published in October by the IICSA gathered data from seven years of hearings and testimonies from 725 witnesses. The report accounted for abuse which took place in schools, children’s homes and religious institutions and described the scale of abuse as “deeply disturbing”. It also found a “horrifying picture” of children being “threatened, beaten and humiliated”. A separate report in 2014 by Professor Alexis Jay found that 1,400 children had been subjected to sexual abuse in the UK’s Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 where the perpetrators were predominantly men of Pakistani heritage. This report also found girls as young as 11 being groomed and trafficked across the north of England by gangs of men, mainly of Pakistani heritage. ALSO WATCH | UK PM Rishi Sunak to launch crackdown on grooming gangs Jay, in her report, also called for the agencies to “acknowledge the suspected model of localised grooming of young white girls by men of Pakistani heritage, instead of being inhibited by the fear of affecting community relations. People must be able to raise concerns without fear of being labelled racist.” Similarly, earlier this year, a documentary named Grooming Gangs: Britain’s Shame also claimed that child sex abuse perpetrated by British Pakistani grooming gangs continues to take place but has been ignored by the police almost a decade after it was exposed, reported the Telegraph. On the other hand, a Home Office-commissioned research, in 2020, found that overall there is not enough evidence to suggest that members of these so-called grooming gangs were more likely to be Asian or black than other ethnicities and are carried out predominantly by young white men. Backlash from Braverman’s comments Following Braverman’s remarks, the NSPCC and experts on grooming gangs have warned lawmakers not to frame the issue based on ethnicity as it could hamper tackling the crime. “It’s also vital we remember that any child can be a victim of child sexual exploitation and adult perpetrators do not just come from one background,” said Sir Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC. ALSO READ | Court finds Israeli headmistress Malka Leifer guilty of sexual assault He added, “Sexual predators will target the most vulnerable and accessible children in society and there must be a focus on more than just race so we do not create new blindspots that prevent victims from being identified.” According to official reports, only 11 per cent of child sexual abuse cases in the UK end with a charge which is down from 32 per cent seven years ago. The director of public prosecutions, when the Rochdale gangs were prosecuted, Keir Starmer, said that while “political correctness should not get in the way” of tackling the issue we must also rely on facts. “The vast majority of sexual abuse cases do not involve those of ethnic minorities,” he added, in an interview with LBC Radio. Braverman was also slammed for ignoring her own department’s evidence and broader research, “she’s choosing instead to mainstream hard-right talking points, and to push discredited stereotypes,” told Dr Ella Cockbain, associate professor of crime science at University College London to BBC Radio. ALSO READ | British interior minister Braverman says Rwanda is safe for migrants Notably, high-profile cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Telford where perpetrators were groups of men of mainly Pakistani ethnicity have fueled the perception of grooming being an “Asian problem” in the UK, as per the Guardian. The Labour Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, criticising the home secretary’s remarks called it a “dog whistle” suggesting that Braverman is unaware of steps that have been taken to mitigate the gangs. What has the UK government proposed? In addition to the home secretary’s proposed policy, UK PM Sunak plans to launch a new grooming gangs taskforce which will be set up with specialist officers supported by the National Crime Agency. The crime agency will help local forces with their child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations by offering the use of ethnicity data. In a statement, prior to the announcement during a visit to Leeds and Manchester, he said, “For too long political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women.” He added, “We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.” The PM has also vowed that grooming gang members and leaders will receive the toughest sentences possible with the introduction of these proposed legislations. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | UK PM Sunak’s task force for grooming gang crackdown will not adhere to ‘political correctness’

Environmental activists have&nbsp;lined up outside Rishi Sunak's home while donning swimwear, flip-flops, and diving gear&nbsp;— to take a dip in his heated private pool.&nbsp;

Greenpeace protesters lined up outside the PM's Grade-II listed manor residence in Richmond, Yorkshire to show their displeasure with the energy-draining pool, reported the Mirror.&nbsp;

Last month's revelation that Sunak's new heated private pool, which cost £4,00,000 (US$4,93,492)&nbsp;would require an upgrade to the local electricity infrastructure.&nbsp;

The UK's richest Prime Minister has "failed to upgrade our outdated national grid, which remains unable to deliver the green energy revolution for the rest of us that would lower bills and help tackle the climate crisis," the protesters asserted. They said they wanted to draw attention to his "hypocrisy."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨OUR POOL PARTY AT RISHI SUNAK’S: Tomorrow 11am / 11:00 BST, Twitter 🚨
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenpeaceUK/status/1641130624428785675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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A smart grid, according to Ofgem (The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, supporting the Gas and Electricity Markets&nbsp;Authority), may save up to £4.7 billion (US$5.8 billion)&nbsp;annually by the end of this decade, which might help lower energy prices.&nbsp;

According to information provided to lawmakers earlier this month, around 350 public swimming pools have had to close or reduce their operating hours due to rising energy costs.&nbsp;

Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK’s climate campaigner, who spoke to the Mirror said, “We're queuing up for the Prime Minister's heated pool because a better electricity grid should be a public good, not the private luxury of millionaires.”

“While Sunak will enjoy doing lengths in his warm pool, the rest of us are stuck with an outdated power network, not fit for purpose, that’s blocking the roll-out of more cheap and clean renewables,” he added.

Greenpeace is pushing the government to pay attention to the energy experts who have warned that if the outdated grid isn't upgraded, they won't be able to roll out renewable energy sources at the rate required to address the rising cost of energy and climate crisis.&nbsp;

Household costs may soar if the government delays its goal of getting rid of harmful fossil fuels from the power grid by 2035, a Whitehall budget watchdog said earlier this month. 
 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Environmental activists have lined up outside Rishi Sunak's home while donning swimwear, flip-flops, and diving gear — to take a dip in his heated private pool. Greenpeace protesters lined up outside the PM's Grade-II listed manor residence in Richmond, Yorkshire to show their displeasure with the energy-draining pool, reported the Mirror.

Environmental activists have lined up outside Rishi Sunak's home while donning swimwear, flip-flops, and diving gear — to take a dip in his heated private pool. Greenpeace protesters lined up outside the PM's Grade-II listed manor residence in Richmond, Yorkshire to show their displeasure with the energy-draining pool, reported the Mirror. Last month's revelation that Sunak's new heated private pool, which cost £4,00,000 (US$4,93,492) would require an upgrade to the local electricity infrastructure. The UK's richest Prime Minister has "failed to upgrade our outdated national grid, which remains unable to deliver the green energy revolution for the rest of us that would lower bills and help tackle the climate crisis," the protesters asserted. They said they wanted to draw attention to his "hypocrisy." 🚨OUR POOL PARTY AT RISHI SUNAK’S: Tomorrow 11am / 11:00 BST, Twitter 🚨 — Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) March 29, 2023 × A smart grid, according to Ofgem (The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, supporting the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority), may save up to £4.7 billion (US$5.8 billion) annually by the end of this decade, which might help lower energy prices. According to information provided to lawmakers earlier this month, around 350 public swimming pools have had to close or reduce their operating hours due to rising energy costs. Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK’s climate campaigner, who spoke to the Mirror said, “We're queuing up for the Prime Minister's heated pool because a better electricity grid should be a public good, not the private luxury of millionaires.” “While Sunak will enjoy doing lengths in his warm pool, the rest of us are stuck with an outdated power network, not fit for purpose, that’s blocking the roll-out of more cheap and clean renewables,” he added. Greenpeace is pushing the government to pay attention to the energy experts who have warned that if the outdated grid isn't upgraded, they won't be able to roll out renewable energy sources at the rate required to address the rising cost of energy and climate crisis. Household costs may soar if the government delays its goal of getting rid of harmful fossil fuels from the power grid by 2035, a Whitehall budget watchdog said earlier this month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pool party at Sunak's? Greenpeace activists gather outside UK PM's home in protest of his energy-draining pool

Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons. The announcement made in San Diego, US, was the first time that a loophole in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state, reported the Guardian.

What is the AUKUS deal?

Under the AUKUS mechanism, which is short for Australia, UK, and US, the three countries made a deal by which Canberra would acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines with Washington and Britain’s assistance. The plan is set to cost Australia up to $245 billion by 2055, said a report by Reuters on Tuesday, citing a defence official.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-nuclear-submarine-deal-an-act-of-error-and-danger-china-571840">AUKUS nuke deal: China, Russia flag 'error and danger' that will bring 'years of confrontation'</a>

The announcement was made at a US Naval base in San Diego, California by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak&nbsp; after 18 months of talks.&nbsp;

What will happen as part of this deal?

In a joint statement by the three nations, a phased approach to deliver the nuclear-powered subs to Australia at the earliest possible date was outlined, each of which is “based on mutual commitments from each nation”.&nbsp; 
 
Phase 1

At the beginning of 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will be embedded with the US Navy and the British Royal Navy as well as their submarine industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel. The US plans to increase SSN (submersible ship nuclear, the formal name for submarine vessels) port visits to Australia, where the sailors from the two countries will participate in training and development. On the other hand, the UK will increase visits to Australia in early 2026.&nbsp;

Phase 2 
 
The US will deploy four Virginia-class boats to HMAS Stirling, at a naval port near Perth, over four years, starting in 2027 while Britain will also deploy one of their Astute-class submarines after a few years. This would be done to accelerate the development of the Australian naval personnel, workforce, infrastructure and regulatory system for SSN capability.&nbsp;

Phase 3&nbsp;

By the early 2030s, the US intends to sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia with a potential option for two more if required. However, the decision would require Congressional approval.&nbsp;

Phase 4

The UK will deliver its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy by the late 2030s, as a part of the deal. While Australia will deliver the first SSN-AUKUS made in Canberra to the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-nato-quad-and-aukus-failed-the-world-in-2022-541906">How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022</a>

The SSN-AUKUS will be a combination of UK submarine design and US defence technology. Both Australia and Britain intend to build nuclear-powered subs in their domestic shipyards before the end of this decade. Meanwhile, Canberra is set to begin the construction of the submarines in South Australia’s Osborne as early as this year.&nbsp;

Why now?

The security agreement announced in 2021 by the three countries is seen as a way to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region including the South China Sea. Reports suggest that Australia is convinced that it also requires to strengthen its navy which includes having submarines capable of operating far from their base to act as a deterrent and used in the event of a conflict.&nbsp;

“The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history, strengthening Australia’s national security and stability in our region,” the Australian PM said during the announcement in the US.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aukus-submarines-deal-embarks-on-path-of-danger-says-china-572028">Aukus submarines deal embarks on path of danger, says China</a>

The nuclear-powered subs may also strengthen the Australian Navy as they have a distinct advantage over the diesel-electric boats which are a part of the current fleet. Since nuclear submarines generate their own energy source they can leave the port and stay underwater for weeks undetected.&nbsp;

What is NPT?

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly referred to as NPT, was a landmark international deal signed by a total of 191 countries out of which five are nuclear-weapon states in 1968. According to the United Nations, the objective of this treaty is to “prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.” The NPT also recognises the US, Russia, China, the UK and France as “weapons states” all of which also have nuclear-powered subs.&nbsp;

What is the cause of concern?

According to a report by the Guardian, there is a loophole in paragraph 14 of the NPT which has been used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state. Additionally, fissile material used for non-explosive military purposes like naval propulsion, are also exempted from inspections and monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as per the treaty.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aukus-not-a-challenge-to-anybody-says-joe-biden-as-us-shares-nuclear-tech-with-australia-571861">AUKUS not a challenge to 'anybody', says Joe Biden as US shares nuclear tech with Australia</a>

This has sparked fears among arms control experts as it sets a precedent which would potentially be used by some countries to hide highly enriched uranium or plutonium from oversight. Notably, AUKUS will be the first time that the US will share its nuclear-propulsion technology after it did so with the UK in the 1950s.&nbsp;

However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that the submarines are “nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed” and that “Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state and it’s committed to stay that way.”&nbsp;

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the Nobel peace prize winner of 2017, said that Australia’s decision to procure and build nuclear-powered submarines poses a significant proliferation risk as well as could be seen as a precursor to Canberra acquiring nuclear weapons someday, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, “Ultimately, the agency must ensure that no proliferation risks will emanate from this project” in the context of the AUKUS deal. He added that Australia will also have to make “an arrangement” with the UN watchdog to use the aforementioned nuclear material.&nbsp;

“This process involves serious legal and complex technical matters,” said Grossi.

In the joint statement, the leaders of the three nations also said that they are “committed to set the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard. The plan we announce today delivers on this commitment and reflects our longstanding leadership in, and respect for, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-thwart-china-australia-to-buy-five-virginia-class-submarines-under-aukus-pact-570218">To thwart China, Australia to buy five Virginia class submarines under AUKUS pact</a> 
 
It added,&nbsp;that they will continue to consult with the IAEA to “develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the strongest precedent for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.”

China and Russia weigh in on the issue

On Tuesday, China said that the three countries are treading a “path of error and danger” following the announcement. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that UK, US and Australia “for the sake of their own geopolitical interests, completely disregard the concerns of the international communities and are walking further and further down the path of error and danger”.&nbsp;

He also went on to accuse them of inciting an arms race and that the deal was “a typical case of Cold War mentality” and that the sale of the nuclear-powered subs “constitutes a severe nuclear proliferation risk, and violates the aims and objectives of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “There are a lot of questions here related to the problem of non-proliferation. Here we need special transparency, and we need to answer the questions that arise.”

However, he did not elaborate on Russia’s concerns while China has argued that supplying nuclear-powered submarines to Australia amounts to an act of nuclear proliferation.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons. The announcement made in San Diego, US, was the first time that a loophole in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state, reported the Guardian. What is the AUKUS deal? Under the AUKUS mechanism, which is short for Australia, UK, and US, the three countries made a deal by which Canberra would acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines with Washington and Britain’s assistance. The plan is set to cost Australia up to $245 billion by 2055, said a report by Reuters on Tuesday, citing a defence official. ALSO READ | AUKUS nuke deal: China, Russia flag 'error and danger' that will bring 'years of confrontation' The announcement was made at a US Naval base in San Diego, California by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after 18 months of talks. What will happen as part of this deal? In a joint statement by the three nations, a phased approach to deliver the nuclear-powered subs to Australia at the earliest possible date was outlined, each of which is “based on mutual commitments from each nation”. Phase 1 At the beginning of 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will be embedded with the US Navy and the British Royal Navy as well as their submarine industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel. The US plans to increase SSN (submersible ship nuclear, the formal name for submarine vessels) port visits to Australia, where the sailors from the two countries will participate in training and development. On the other hand, the UK will increase visits to Australia in early 2026. Phase 2 The US will deploy four Virginia-class boats to HMAS Stirling, at a naval port near Perth, over four years, starting in 2027 while Britain will also deploy one of their Astute-class submarines after a few years. This would be done to accelerate the development of the Australian naval personnel, workforce, infrastructure and regulatory system for SSN capability. Phase 3 By the early 2030s, the US intends to sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia with a potential option for two more if required. However, the decision would require Congressional approval. Phase 4 The UK will deliver its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy by the late 2030s, as a part of the deal. While Australia will deliver the first SSN-AUKUS made in Canberra to the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s. ALSO READ | How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022 The SSN-AUKUS will be a combination of UK submarine design and US defence technology. Both Australia and Britain intend to build nuclear-powered subs in their domestic shipyards before the end of this decade. Meanwhile, Canberra is set to begin the construction of the submarines in South Australia’s Osborne as early as this year. Why now? The security agreement announced in 2021 by the three countries is seen as a way to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region including the South China Sea. Reports suggest that Australia is convinced that it also requires to strengthen its navy which includes having submarines capable of operating far from their base to act as a deterrent and used in the event of a conflict. “The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history, strengthening Australia’s national security and stability in our region,” the Australian PM said during the announcement in the US. ALSO WATCH | Aukus submarines deal embarks on path of danger, says China The nuclear-powered subs may also strengthen the Australian Navy as they have a distinct advantage over the diesel-electric boats which are a part of the current fleet. Since nuclear submarines generate their own energy source they can leave the port and stay underwater for weeks undetected. What is NPT? The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly referred to as NPT, was a landmark international deal signed by a total of 191 countries out of which five are nuclear-weapon states in 1968. According to the United Nations, the objective of this treaty is to “prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.” The NPT also recognises the US, Russia, China, the UK and France as “weapons states” all of which also have nuclear-powered subs. What is the cause of concern? According to a report by the Guardian, there is a loophole in paragraph 14 of the NPT which has been used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state. Additionally, fissile material used for non-explosive military purposes like naval propulsion, are also exempted from inspections and monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as per the treaty. ALSO WATCH | AUKUS not a challenge to 'anybody', says Joe Biden as US shares nuclear tech with Australia This has sparked fears among arms control experts as it sets a precedent which would potentially be used by some countries to hide highly enriched uranium or plutonium from oversight. Notably, AUKUS will be the first time that the US will share its nuclear-propulsion technology after it did so with the UK in the 1950s. However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that the submarines are “nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed” and that “Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state and it’s committed to stay that way.” International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the Nobel peace prize winner of 2017, said that Australia’s decision to procure and build nuclear-powered submarines poses a significant proliferation risk as well as could be seen as a precursor to Canberra acquiring nuclear weapons someday, reported the Guardian. The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, “Ultimately, the agency must ensure that no proliferation risks will emanate from this project” in the context of the AUKUS deal. He added that Australia will also have to make “an arrangement” with the UN watchdog to use the aforementioned nuclear material. “This process involves serious legal and complex technical matters,” said Grossi. In the joint statement, the leaders of the three nations also said that they are “committed to set the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard. The plan we announce today delivers on this commitment and reflects our longstanding leadership in, and respect for, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.” ALSO READ | To thwart China, Australia to buy five Virginia class submarines under AUKUS pact It added, that they will continue to consult with the IAEA to “develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the strongest precedent for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.” China and Russia weigh in on the issue On Tuesday, China said that the three countries are treading a “path of error and danger” following the announcement. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that UK, US and Australia “for the sake of their own geopolitical interests, completely disregard the concerns of the international communities and are walking further and further down the path of error and danger”. He also went on to accuse them of inciting an arms race and that the deal was “a typical case of Cold War mentality” and that the sale of the nuclear-powered subs “constitutes a severe nuclear proliferation risk, and violates the aims and objectives of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “There are a lot of questions here related to the problem of non-proliferation. Here we need special transparency, and we need to answer the questions that arise.” However, he did not elaborate on Russia’s concerns while China has argued that supplying nuclear-powered submarines to Australia amounts to an act of nuclear proliferation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | AUKUS submarine deal sparks nuclear proliferation concerns. Here's why

In the first sign of a break in a long-running dispute in the United Kingdom, nurses will pause their planned strike actions to enter "intensive talks" with the government on pay and working conditions, both sides said on Tuesday.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government said that the first talks would start on Wednesday (Feb 22) after health minister Steve Barclay meets medical representatives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nhs-stages-biggest-ever-industrial-strike-calls-on-sunak-to-intervene-559070">Also read |&nbsp;NHS stages biggest-ever industrial strike, calls on Sunak to intervene</a>

The statement read, "both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom."

The government mentioned that it had also invited teaching unions for formal talks on pay, conditions and reforms, on the "condition that upcoming strikes were cancelled."

Responding to the letter, education union secretary Kevin Courtney said there was nothing for them to call off the strikes and added that their decision might change after the national executive meeting on Saturday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK faces largest ever healthcare strikes

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RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen told Sky News, "we will put our plans on the table, they can put their plans on the table, but I'm confident that we will come out with a fair pay settlement for our nursing staff."

The European country has been experiencing several demonstrations involving hundreds of medical officials, pressuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the government to raise their pay.

The RCN held a series of two-day strikes in the UK in December, January and earlier this month.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In the first sign of a break in a long-running dispute in the United Kingdom, nurses will pause their planned strike actions to enter "intensive talks" with the government on pay and working conditions, both sides said on Tuesday.

In the first sign of a break in a long-running dispute in the United Kingdom, nurses will pause their planned strike actions to enter "intensive talks" with the government on pay and working conditions, both sides said on Tuesday. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government said that the first talks would start on Wednesday (Feb 22) after health minister Steve Barclay meets medical representatives. Also read | NHS stages biggest-ever industrial strike, calls on Sunak to intervene The statement read, "both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom." The government mentioned that it had also invited teaching unions for formal talks on pay, conditions and reforms, on the "condition that upcoming strikes were cancelled." Responding to the letter, education union secretary Kevin Courtney said there was nothing for them to call off the strikes and added that their decision might change after the national executive meeting on Saturday. Watch | UK faces largest ever healthcare strikes RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen told Sky News, "we will put our plans on the table, they can put their plans on the table, but I'm confident that we will come out with a fair pay settlement for our nursing staff." The European country has been experiencing several demonstrations involving hundreds of medical officials, pressuring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the government to raise their pay. The RCN held a series of two-day strikes in the UK in December, January and earlier this month. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK: Nurses to pause strikes to enter 'intensive' pay talks with Sunak government

A local Indian fisherman named Francois Fernandes, popularly known as Pele, requested the UK's First Lady Akshata Murthy to keep Goans living in the UK safe. A video shot by the locals shows Pele interacting with Akshata.&nbsp;The request came&nbsp;as the family of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including his wife Akshata Murthy, their two daughters, and his mother -in-law Sudha Murthy were spotted holidaying on&nbsp;the Benaulim Beach in South Goa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-co-accused-of-splurging-taxpayers-money-labour-releases-a-damning-dossier-561397">Also read |&nbsp;Sunak &amp; co. accused of splurging taxpayers' money, Labour releases a damning dossier</a>

Pele, who runs a water sports business at the beach, told reporters that he approached Akshata and her family and asked if they are interested in water sports activities.

He said, "She asked me, is water sports in Goa safe?" To which he responded, "Ma’am, it is 100 per cent safe and I will keep you and your family safe if they wish to do water sports."

But before they got on the water speed boat, he said that there are many Goans living in the UK and he wanted her to see that they are safe too.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infosys-founded-by-pm-sunaks-father-in-law-in-tax-dispute-with-uk-authorities-557601">Also read |&nbsp;Infosys, founded by PM Sunak’s father-in-law, in tax dispute with UK authorities &nbsp;</a>

To this request, Akshata acknowledged and replied, ‘Done!.'

Pele recalled his meeting with Akshata and her mother Sudha Murthy and said, "I feel every politician in India should learn from them. They are so down to earth."

Pele further reiterated that he hopes that the UK&nbsp;government will ensure that Goans there are safe and that his message gets passed on to the UK PM Rishi Sunak.&nbsp;

Rishi Sunak became the prime minister after his predecessor Liz Truss resigned a few months back and he recently completed his 100 days in office.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A local Indian fisherman named Francois Fernandes, popularly known as Pele, requested the UK's First Lady Akshata Murthy to keep Goans living in the UK safe. A video shot by the locals shows Pele interacting with Akshata.

A local Indian fisherman named Francois Fernandes, popularly known as Pele, requested the UK's First Lady Akshata Murthy to keep Goans living in the UK safe. A video shot by the locals shows Pele interacting with Akshata. The request came as the family of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including his wife Akshata Murthy, their two daughters, and his mother -in-law Sudha Murthy were spotted holidaying on the Benaulim Beach in South Goa. Also read | Sunak & co. accused of splurging taxpayers' money, Labour releases a damning dossier Pele, who runs a water sports business at the beach, told reporters that he approached Akshata and her family and asked if they are interested in water sports activities. He said, "She asked me, is water sports in Goa safe?" To which he responded, "Ma’am, it is 100 per cent safe and I will keep you and your family safe if they wish to do water sports." But before they got on the water speed boat, he said that there are many Goans living in the UK and he wanted her to see that they are safe too. Also read | Infosys, founded by PM Sunak’s father-in-law, in tax dispute with UK authorities To this request, Akshata acknowledged and replied, ‘Done!.' Pele recalled his meeting with Akshata and her mother Sudha Murthy and said, "I feel every politician in India should learn from them. They are so down to earth." Pele further reiterated that he hopes that the UK government will ensure that Goans there are safe and that his message gets passed on to the UK PM Rishi Sunak. Rishi Sunak became the prime minister after his predecessor Liz Truss resigned a few months back and he recently completed his 100 days in office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Done,’ says UK's First Lady Akshata Murthy after fisherman asks her to keep all ‘Goans’ safe

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car.&nbsp;The Lancashire Police, without specifying the&nbsp;name, said that it had issued a fixed penalty with a conditional offer to a 42-year-old man from London, BBC reported.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;video that was posted on Thursday, went viral when netizens spotted the prime minister without a seatbelt. He was in Lancashire. 
 
The British Prime Minister had filmed a social media video in a moving car without a seatbelt on and was fined for the legal breach. 
 
“Following the circulation of a video on social media showing an individual failing to wear a seat belt while a passenger in a moving car in Lancashire we have today (Friday, January 20) issued a 42-year-old man from London with a conditional offer of fixed penalty,” Lancashire Police said in a statement. 
 
On Thursday, Sunak apologised for a “brief error of judgment” in removing his seatbelt to film a video while driving in north-west England. 
 
“That was a brief error of judgement. The PM removed his seatbelt to film a small clip. He fully accepts this was a mistake and apologises about it,” Sunak's spokesperson said. 
“The Prime Minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt,” he added. 
 
Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on

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After Sunak's video went viral, a spokesperson said, "He fully accepts this was a mistake&nbsp;and has apologised." The representative also said that he would pay the fine.

In the UK, passengers caught without wearing a seat belt can be fined £100 ($124), which can increase to £500 ($620)&nbsp;if the case goes to court.&nbsp;

Reacting to his video, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner in a tweet said that Sunak was a "total liability".

The Liberal Democrats said that being the second prime minister of the country to be fined by the police, he has shown the same disregard for the rules, as Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-know-what-happened-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-outlines-why-he-cannot-cut-taxes-says-people-are-not-idiots-554440/amp">Also read |&nbsp;'You know what happened': UK PM Rishi Sunak outlines why he cannot cut taxes, says people are 'not idiots'</a>

<ul>
</ul>

This is the second time the prime minister has received a fixed penalty notice.&nbsp;

He received one in April 2022, when he was fined along with then-prime minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carie for breaking Covid lockdown rules&nbsp;and attending a birthday party.

However, defending Sunak, Conservative MP for Blackpool South Benton said that "everybody makes mistakes." He added that police should focus on tackling serious crimes in the community.&nbsp;

In the UK, a fixed penalty notice is a sanction for breaking the law, a fine that needs to be paid within 28 days or contested. If someone chooses to contest the penalty, then the police will review the case and decide whether to withdraw the fine. 
 
The UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said, “Everyone should take seatbelt laws seriously, whoever and wherever they are.”

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car. The Lancashire Police, without specifying the name, said that it had issued a fixed penalty with a conditional offer to a 42-year-old man from London, BBC reported.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car. The Lancashire Police, without specifying the name, said that it had issued a fixed penalty with a conditional offer to a 42-year-old man from London, BBC reported. A video that was posted on Thursday, went viral when netizens spotted the prime minister without a seatbelt. He was in Lancashire. The British Prime Minister had filmed a social media video in a moving car without a seatbelt on and was fined for the legal breach. “Following the circulation of a video on social media showing an individual failing to wear a seat belt while a passenger in a moving car in Lancashire we have today (Friday, January 20) issued a 42-year-old man from London with a conditional offer of fixed penalty,” Lancashire Police said in a statement. On Thursday, Sunak apologised for a “brief error of judgment” in removing his seatbelt to film a video while driving in north-west England. “That was a brief error of judgement. The PM removed his seatbelt to film a small clip. He fully accepts this was a mistake and apologises about it,” Sunak's spokesperson said. “The Prime Minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt,” he added. Watch | WION Dispatch: Video shows Rishi Sunak in a moving car without his seat belt on After Sunak's video went viral, a spokesperson said, "He fully accepts this was a mistake and has apologised." The representative also said that he would pay the fine. In the UK, passengers caught without wearing a seat belt can be fined £100 ($124), which can increase to £500 ($620) if the case goes to court. Reacting to his video, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner in a tweet said that Sunak was a "total liability". The Liberal Democrats said that being the second prime minister of the country to be fined by the police, he has shown the same disregard for the rules, as Boris Johnson. Also read | 'You know what happened': UK PM Rishi Sunak outlines why he cannot cut taxes, says people are 'not idiots' This is the second time the prime minister has received a fixed penalty notice. He received one in April 2022, when he was fined along with then-prime minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carie for breaking Covid lockdown rules and attending a birthday party. However, defending Sunak, Conservative MP for Blackpool South Benton said that "everybody makes mistakes." He added that police should focus on tackling serious crimes in the community. In the UK, a fixed penalty notice is a sanction for breaking the law, a fine that needs to be paid within 28 days or contested. If someone chooses to contest the penalty, then the police will review the case and decide whether to withdraw the fine. The UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said, “Everyone should take seatbelt laws seriously, whoever and wherever they are.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK PM Rishi Sunak fined by police for not wearing seatbelt in car

As the pressure on NHS keeps increasing due to the ongoing strikes of nurses and ambulance workers. United Kingdom's Prime Minister is under pressure after it was revealed that he uses private health care. Sunak has told the party MPs that he is registered with the NHS.

UK PM Rishi Sunak under fire; ambulance workers stage walkouts over pay, working conditions

Is to be a keenly watched speech today from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak where he said to lay out his priorities for 2023. His speech comes amid a winter wave of strikes.

UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sets out priorities for Britain

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