Ahead of his meeting with G7 leaders, United Kingdom PM Boris Johnson has called the rich country leaders to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022.

UK PM: G7 must ensure full global vaccination by end of 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson married his fiancee Carrie Symonds in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday.

UK PM Johnson marries fiancee in secret ceremony

Dominic Cummings, the former chief adviser to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Wednesday cast his former boss as a dithering leader surrounded by fools whose ineptitude led to a 'disastrous' response to the most devastating global pandemic in decades.

Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson's ex-adviser unveils PM's initial COVID-19 strategy to MPs

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response. The allegation is that Johnson lied about the strategy of herd immunity when the pandemic first hit Britain.

He is due to give evidence to House of Commons select committees on health and science on Wednesday. Cummings has already suggested that he has a crucial document that'll expose the government's handling of the pandemic.

The influential adviser was sacked at the end of last year, and has recently been involved in a war of words with Downing Street, which accused him of leaking internal conversations and documents to the media.

Cummings tweeted that the government initially intended to treat the virus-like the flu and pursue a strategy of herd immunity by building up natural defences, but Johnson has denied that was ever the official plan.

"No 10 decided to lie... V foolish, &amp; appalling ethics, to lie about it," Cummings tweeted late Saturday.&nbsp;

Herd immunity by September 2020 "was literally the official plan," he said.

"The right line wd have been what PM knows is true: our original plan was wrong &amp; we changed when we realised," he added.

The initial herd immunity strategy was abandoned less than two weeks before the first lockdown in March 2020 and "is a fundamental issue in the whole disaster", he also said.

"If we'd had the right preparations + competent people in charge, we wd probably have avoided lockdown1, *definitely* no need for lockdowns 2&amp;3," he wrote.

Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance suggested in March 2021 that herd immunity was one of the goals, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock two days later said it was "not a goal or strategy".

The former adviser warned he will release a "crucial historical document from Covid decision-making" to the Commons committee ahead of his appearance before MPs on Wednesday.

Cummings is constrained by the Official Secrets Act, which limits his ability to release classified documents.

MPs can only release documents that relate to their "lessons learned inquiry" into the pandemic.

Johnson has ordered a full public inquiry into how the pandemic was handled.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response. The allegation is that Johnson lied about the strategy of herd immunity when the pandemic first hit Britain. He is due to give evidence to House of Commons select committees on health and science on Wednesday. Cummings has already suggested that he has a crucial document that'll expose the government's handling of the pandemic. The influential adviser was sacked at the end of last year, and has recently been involved in a war of words with Downing Street, which accused him of leaking internal conversations and documents to the media. Cummings tweeted that the government initially intended to treat the virus-like the flu and pursue a strategy of herd immunity by building up natural defences, but Johnson has denied that was ever the official plan. "No 10 decided to lie... V foolish, & appalling ethics, to lie about it," Cummings tweeted late Saturday. Herd immunity by September 2020 "was literally the official plan," he said. "The right line wd have been what PM knows is true: our original plan was wrong & we changed when we realised," he added. The initial herd immunity strategy was abandoned less than two weeks before the first lockdown in March 2020 and "is a fundamental issue in the whole disaster", he also said. "If we'd had the right preparations + competent people in charge, we wd probably have avoided lockdown1, *definitely* no need for lockdowns 2&3," he wrote. Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance suggested in March 2021 that herd immunity was one of the goals, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock two days later said it was "not a goal or strategy". The former adviser warned he will release a "crucial historical document from Covid decision-making" to the Commons committee ahead of his appearance before MPs on Wednesday. Cummings is constrained by the Official Secrets Act, which limits his ability to release classified documents. MPs can only release documents that relate to their "lessons learned inquiry" into the pandemic. Johnson has ordered a full public inquiry into how the pandemic was handled. (With inputs from agencies)

Former aide accuses UK PM Boris Johnson of lying over Covid response

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel.&nbsp;

At the time, many reports were pointing to the dire situation of the British PM&nbsp;and&nbsp;pinned his recovery on the care he received at the hands of medical staff at the treating hospital,&nbsp;including a nurse who is now leaving her job. According to the The Guardian, the nurse is frustrated over how the government has treated its healthcare workers during the course of the pandemic.

The situation in the United Kingdom has improved tremendously over the last few weeks due to the quick vaccination programme in force throughout the country.&nbsp;But Jenny McGee, a nurse of New Zealand paints another picture of how the world’s caretakers have been treated during the course of the pandemic.

Johnson had singled out two nurses including McGee for their instrumental role in his recovery. After recovering, he announced that the NHS was responsible for saving his life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/boris-johnson-says-uk-anxious-about-coronavirus-variant-first-detected-in-india-384924" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

However, things seem to taken a turn for the worse as McGee recently criticised the government for not doing enough to protect its healthcare workers. "We're not getting the respect and now pay that we deserve. I'm just sick of it. So I've handed in my resignation," The Guardian quoted her as saying during the filming of a Channel 4 TV documentary which will air on May 24.

After recovering, Johnson had thanked McGee and her colleague for staying by his side at St Thomas Hospital in London. He said that “things could have gone either way”.

The government had faced criticism for its recent proposal to increase wages of NHS staff by 1 per cent. Many critics of the government have referred to the hike as insulting to frontline workers. "Lots of nurses felt that the government hadn't led very effectively – the indecisiveness, so many mixed messages. It was just very upsetting," Reuters quoted McGee as saying of the government’s response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-has-unpaid-debt-worth-ps535-384587" hreflang="en">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unpaid debt worth £535</a>

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel.

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel. At the time, many reports were pointing to the dire situation of the British PM and pinned his recovery on the care he received at the hands of medical staff at the treating hospital, including a nurse who is now leaving her job. According to the The Guardian, the nurse is frustrated over how the government has treated its healthcare workers during the course of the pandemic. The situation in the United Kingdom has improved tremendously over the last few weeks due to the quick vaccination programme in force throughout the country. But Jenny McGee, a nurse of New Zealand paints another picture of how the world’s caretakers have been treated during the course of the pandemic. Johnson had singled out two nurses including McGee for their instrumental role in his recovery. After recovering, he announced that the NHS was responsible for saving his life. Also read: Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India However, things seem to taken a turn for the worse as McGee recently criticised the government for not doing enough to protect its healthcare workers. "We're not getting the respect and now pay that we deserve. I'm just sick of it. So I've handed in my resignation," The Guardian quoted her as saying during the filming of a Channel 4 TV documentary which will air on May 24. After recovering, Johnson had thanked McGee and her colleague for staying by his side at St Thomas Hospital in London. He said that “things could have gone either way”. The government had faced criticism for its recent proposal to increase wages of NHS staff by 1 per cent. Many critics of the government have referred to the hike as insulting to frontline workers. "Lots of nurses felt that the government hadn't led very effectively – the indecisiveness, so many mixed messages. It was just very upsetting," Reuters quoted McGee as saying of the government’s response. Also read: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unpaid debt worth £535

Nurse who played key role in Boris Johnson's Covid recovery has quit. Here's what happened

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns that French fishermen could blockade its main port in an escalating post-Brexit row. France has threatened to cut off electricity to the island, which began issuing licences to French boats under a new system last week.

UK sending Navy ships to Jersey amid post-Brexit fishing rights row

Britain has the world's fifth largest official COVID-19 death toll, with 127,681 deaths, after the United States, Brazil, Mexico and India, according to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine.

PM Boris Johnson faces pressure over alleged 'Let bodies pile high' remark

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has shorten his visit to India amid rising Coronavirus cases. India is currently battling second wave of Covid-19 with over 1lakh daily cases.

UK PM Boris Johnson shortens India visit due to Covid-19

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine.

'We have one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world,' Johnson said. 'They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination program.'

The British leader on Tuesday echoed assurances that the jab was not harmful.

"That vaccine is safe and works extremely well," Johnson wrote in The Times newspaper. 
 
Gravitas | AstraZeneca Suspension: Facts vs Hype

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-astrazeneca-suspension-facts-vs-hype-370736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is being made in multiple places from India to the US, as well as Britain, and it is being used around the world," he added.

Fears have grown in some countries over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after several cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in people after receiving the inoculation, with a small number of deaths reported.

But AstraZeneca and medical experts in Britain have said there is no evidence of clots being caused by the jab or that they are occurring in greater numbers or frequency than in the general population.

The vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in Britain, where more than 11 million doses have been administered, without any major problems reported.

On Monday, Johnson told reporters that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is "one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world".

"They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination programme... for either of the vaccines that we're currently using," he said.

"They believe that they are highly effective in driving down not just hospitalisation but also serious disease and mortality.

"We continue to be very confident about the programme and it's great to see it being rolled out at such speed across the UK."

(With inputs from agencies)

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine.

After a number of European countries announced they were temporarily suspending the use of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine, UK PM Boris Johnson has said the government is confident in the safety of the vaccine. 'We have one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world,' Johnson said. 'They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination program.' The British leader on Tuesday echoed assurances that the jab was not harmful. "That vaccine is safe and works extremely well," Johnson wrote in The Times newspaper. Gravitas | AstraZeneca Suspension: Facts vs Hype "It is being made in multiple places from India to the US, as well as Britain, and it is being used around the world," he added. Fears have grown in some countries over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after several cases of blood clots or brain haemorrhages in people after receiving the inoculation, with a small number of deaths reported. But AstraZeneca and medical experts in Britain have said there is no evidence of clots being caused by the jab or that they are occurring in greater numbers or frequency than in the general population. The vaccine was developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford in Britain, where more than 11 million doses have been administered, without any major problems reported. On Monday, Johnson told reporters that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is "one of the toughest and most experienced regulators in the world". "They see no reason at all to discontinue the vaccination programme... for either of the vaccines that we're currently using," he said. "They believe that they are highly effective in driving down not just hospitalisation but also serious disease and mortality. "We continue to be very confident about the programme and it's great to see it being rolled out at such speed across the UK." (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca is safe and works extremely well: UK PM defends vaccine over blood clot fears

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out a four-step roadmap to take England out of its Covid-19 lockdown.

Boris Johnson's 4-stage plan to lift lockdown

Britain expects the European Union to facilitate all deliveries of vaccines, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, repeating the government wanted the doses to make sure the most vulnerable were vaccinated.

UK PM Boris Johnson takes a jibe at EU vaccination

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC. Britain recorded 57,725 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. On top of that, a new virus strain is tearing through the country.

"It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country," Johnson told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show.

"I'm fully, fully reconciled to that."

UK's health officials are concerned about the possibility that surging numbers could overwhelm hospitals.

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the prime minister to immediately impose national lockdown measures.

"It's no good the prime minister hinting that further restrictions are coming into place in a week or two or three," he told British media, adding the virus was "clearly out of control".

"So I say bring in those restrictions now, national restrictions within the next 24 hours."

Much of Britain is already under strict regional rules to prevent the spread, although primary schools are set to reopen in most of the country when the Christmas holiday ends on Monday.

However, around one million four to 11-year-olds will learn remotely after the government announced primary schools in London, where case rates are particularly high, would remain closed.

Johnson told parents elsewhere that they should "absolutely" send their young children to school when term begins.

"I understand people's frustrations, I understand people's anxieties but there is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe and that education is a priority.

"We've really fought very hard throughout this pandemic across the country to keep schools open," he added.

But Jerry Glazier, national executive member of the National Education Union, told AFP on Sunday that "schools are now playing a significant part in the spreading of the infection" and called for them all to be closed for at least two weeks.

"Schools are unsafe for the kids and unsafe for the education workers," he added. "Many teachers are very anxious about going back into the workplace."

Johnson said that public health experts had highlighted the long term health and social costs of children being kept out of school.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday warned the country of tougher coronavirus restrictions in coming days owing to surge in coronavirus cases. He was speaking with BBC. Britain recorded 57,725 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. On top of that, a new virus strain is tearing through the country. "It may be that we need to do things in the next few weeks that will be tougher in many parts of the country," Johnson told the BBC's The Andrew Marr Show. "I'm fully, fully reconciled to that." UK's health officials are concerned about the possibility that surging numbers could overwhelm hospitals. Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer urged the prime minister to immediately impose national lockdown measures. "It's no good the prime minister hinting that further restrictions are coming into place in a week or two or three," he told British media, adding the virus was "clearly out of control". "So I say bring in those restrictions now, national restrictions within the next 24 hours." Much of Britain is already under strict regional rules to prevent the spread, although primary schools are set to reopen in most of the country when the Christmas holiday ends on Monday. However, around one million four to 11-year-olds will learn remotely after the government announced primary schools in London, where case rates are particularly high, would remain closed. Johnson told parents elsewhere that they should "absolutely" send their young children to school when term begins. "I understand people's frustrations, I understand people's anxieties but there is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe and that education is a priority. "We've really fought very hard throughout this pandemic across the country to keep schools open," he added. But Jerry Glazier, national executive member of the National Education Union, told AFP on Sunday that "schools are now playing a significant part in the spreading of the infection" and called for them all to be closed for at least two weeks. "Schools are unsafe for the kids and unsafe for the education workers," he added. "Many teachers are very anxious about going back into the workplace." Johnson said that public health experts had highlighted the long term health and social costs of children being kept out of school. (With AFP inputs)

UK PM warns country of tougher COVID restriction in coming days

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus.

More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times.

The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed.

The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government.

The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found.

Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties.

But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on course to lose his own seat and neither of the two main political parties is likely to win an outright majority at the next general election, not due until 2024, according to a new poll. This is the first detailed survey of the public`s perception of Johnson`s handling of the recently concluded Brexit talks and the COVID-19 pandemic after he reversed plans to allow families to meet up at Christmas in parts of southern England to combat the spread of the virus. More than 22,000 people were surveyed in a closely watched poll constituency-by-constituency poll over a four-week period in December, which was conducted by the research data company Focaldata and published by the Sunday Times. The so-called multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) poll found the ruling Conservatives would lose 81 seats, wiping out the 80-seat majority. This would leave the Conservatives with 284 seats, while the opposition Labour Party would win 282 seats, the poll showed. The Scottish National Party, which wants to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, is predicted to win 57 of the 59 seats in Scotland, meaning the party could potentially play a kingmaker role in forming the next government. The prime minister is at risk to lose his own seat of Uxbridge, west of London, the poll found. Johnson won a resounding election victory last year that allowed him to take Britain out of the European Union`s orbit on New Year`s Eve after almost half a century of close ties. But Johnson`s premiership may increasingly be defined by the government`s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has already killed more than 74,000 people and crushed the economy.

UK PM Johnson could lose his seat and majority at next election, poll says

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson will likely to take stock of the current crisis in the nation. So far, the prime minister’s management of Britain’s COVID-19 crisis has been disastrous.

UK PM Boris Johnson expected take stock of the current pandemic situation

Negotiations on finalising a Brexit trade deal has been completed, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the agreement as fair, balanced and right.

'It was worth fighting for this Brexit deal', says EU Commission Chief

"The deal is done," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, declaring that the UK would remain Europe's ally and number one market.

'The trade deal is done': EU and UK clinch narrow Brexit accord

Announcing the measures, Prime Minister Boris Johnson abruptly tore up plans to allow three households to mix indoors for five days over the festive period

Several nations ban UK flights, fearing new COVID-19 variant

UK warns new COVID-19 virus strain 'Out of Control'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed an effective lockdown on over 16 million people in England and reversed plans to ease curbs over Christmas, saying Britain was dealing with a new coronavirus strain up to 70% more transmissible than the original.

UK PM Johnson reverses Christmas plans for millions

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

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

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

In a joint statement, European Commission President von der Leyen and UK PM Boris Johnson said they had a useful phone call in which they discussed the major unresolved topics of the talks about the future relationship

WION Dispatch: What will happen in case of a no deal brexit?

UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India. Watch this video to know more

UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India

The pair will hold talks over dinner, after negotiations between officials ended in deadlock.

UK PM Boris Johnson to meet Ursula von der Leyen for trade deal talks

The UK government has said talks with the EU on reaching a post-Brexit trade deal have reached a "critical stage".

UK PM and EU commission prez all set to come face to face

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support his new system of regional coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, arguing in the face of criticism from his party that the system was needed to keep the virus under control. 
 
More than 40% of people in England will be subject to the toughest tier of restrictions on their daily life from Wednesday, when the government shifts to a region-by-region approach after a month of national lockdown, with just 1% in the lowest band. 
 
"With the spread of the epidemic varying across the country, there remains a compelling ... case for regional tiers in England," Johnson told parliament, batting away criticism from several unhappy lawmakers. 
 
"All we need to do now is to hold our nerve until these vaccines are indeed in our grasp and indeed being injected into our arms... let`s work together to control the virus." 
 
The tiered system has ignited a rebellion in Johnson`s Conservative Party, with as many as 80 of the 364 elected Conservatives already criticising the plan as draconian, badly implemented or based on insufficient evidence. 
 
The measures will be approved by a vote in parliament later on Tuesday despite the anticipated rebellion because the main opposition Labour Party has chosen to abstain rather than vote against the government. 
 
DOS AND DON`TS 
 
The new system dictates what citizens can and can`t do and, while it is less strict than the two nationwide lockdowns England has endured this year, it is still a restriction of social and commercial freedoms previously unheard of outside wartime. 
 
Shops and schools will stay open in all tiers, but in the top tier pubs and restaurants will be closed except for takeaway services. 
 
Travelling to or from top tier regions is not allowed and mixing indoors with other households is banned in the top two tiers. The government estimates 23 million people will be in the toughest tier and 32 million in the middle tier - together accounting for just under 99% of England`s population. 
 
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all implement their own restrictions set by their devolved governments. 
 
REBELLION BREWING 
 
Johnson responded to members of his party who raised complaints about the allocation of their regions into tiers by acknowledging the difficulty they would cause and promising decisions would be reviewed every two weeks. 
 
"The government will look at how we can reflect as closely as possible the reality of what is happening on the ground," he said. 
 
He also announced a one-off payment of 1,000 pounds ($1,335) to pubs that would be unable to reopen under the new rules, seeking to address one of the most acutely affected industries. 
 
The rebellion - due at a vote around 1900 GMT - will underscore how Johnson`s handling of the pandemic has weakened his grip on the ruling Conservatives since they secured a landslide election win a year ago. 
 
Last month Johnson sought to reset his relationship with rank and file Conservative lawmakers, replacing his most senior adviser Dominic Cummings - whom many Conservatives distrusted - with a more conventional appointment.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support his new system of regional coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, arguing in the face of criticism from his party that the system was needed to keep the virus under control.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support his new system of regional coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday, arguing in the face of criticism from his party that the system was needed to keep the virus under control. More than 40% of people in England will be subject to the toughest tier of restrictions on their daily life from Wednesday, when the government shifts to a region-by-region approach after a month of national lockdown, with just 1% in the lowest band. "With the spread of the epidemic varying across the country, there remains a compelling ... case for regional tiers in England," Johnson told parliament, batting away criticism from several unhappy lawmakers. "All we need to do now is to hold our nerve until these vaccines are indeed in our grasp and indeed being injected into our arms... let`s work together to control the virus." The tiered system has ignited a rebellion in Johnson`s Conservative Party, with as many as 80 of the 364 elected Conservatives already criticising the plan as draconian, badly implemented or based on insufficient evidence. The measures will be approved by a vote in parliament later on Tuesday despite the anticipated rebellion because the main opposition Labour Party has chosen to abstain rather than vote against the government. DOS AND DON`TS The new system dictates what citizens can and can`t do and, while it is less strict than the two nationwide lockdowns England has endured this year, it is still a restriction of social and commercial freedoms previously unheard of outside wartime. Shops and schools will stay open in all tiers, but in the top tier pubs and restaurants will be closed except for takeaway services. Travelling to or from top tier regions is not allowed and mixing indoors with other households is banned in the top two tiers. The government estimates 23 million people will be in the toughest tier and 32 million in the middle tier - together accounting for just under 99% of England`s population. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all implement their own restrictions set by their devolved governments. REBELLION BREWING Johnson responded to members of his party who raised complaints about the allocation of their regions into tiers by acknowledging the difficulty they would cause and promising decisions would be reviewed every two weeks. "The government will look at how we can reflect as closely as possible the reality of what is happening on the ground," he said. He also announced a one-off payment of 1,000 pounds ($1,335) to pubs that would be unable to reopen under the new rules, seeking to address one of the most acutely affected industries. The rebellion - due at a vote around 1900 GMT - will underscore how Johnson`s handling of the pandemic has weakened his grip on the ruling Conservatives since they secured a landslide election win a year ago. Last month Johnson sought to reset his relationship with rank and file Conservative lawmakers, replacing his most senior adviser Dominic Cummings - whom many Conservatives distrusted - with a more conventional appointment.

UK's Johnson urges lawmakers to back regional COVID-19 restrictions

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared.

In the English town of Grantham, an hour’s train ride north of London, an 11-foot pedestal now stands empty. That’s not because the statue atop it has been vandalized — though many expect it will be once it is finally installed.

Next year, that plinth is to become the base of a stern-looking, larger-than-life bronze monument to Grantham’s most famous daughter: Margaret Thatcher.

If Thatcher — the “Iron Lady” who was the first female prime minister of Britain — is currently getting a sympathetic portrayal from Gillian Anderson on Netflix’s “The Crown,” she remains a divisive and polarizing figure three decades after leaving office.

That’s true even in her hometown. So while the unveiling of a statue is usually a festive occasion, few in Grantham expect Thatcher’s homecoming to be celebrated as a hero’s return.

“If you’re a Conservative,” said Graham Newton, the news editor of the weekly Grantham Journal, “you want a statue, and you want her recognized. But if you’re not, there’s a lot of people who — not to put a fine point on it — hated her.”

Many in Grantham expect her critics will not wait long to make their mark, Newton added. “Either way, it’ll make a good story for the paper,” he said.

Culture wars have been roiling around statues since 2017, when officials in Charlottesville, Virginia, said they would remove a statue memorializing Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy’s top general. But voices calling for the removal of statues associated with slavery and colonialism have grown steadily louder this year, particularly since the killing of George Floyd and the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement.

In England, some have taken matters into their own hands. A monument to Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, was toppled in Bristol in June during a Black Lives Matter protest.

That same month, a protester in London scrawled “racist” on a statue of Winston Churchill, an ardent imperialist who once said it was right for “a stronger race, a higher-grade race” to claim territory from another. (He is also widely regarded as Britain’s greatest prime minister for his leadership in World War II.) The statue was boarded up to prevent further damage, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that it was “absurd and shameful” that Churchill’s statue was at risk of attack.

As in the United States, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln was considered fair game for protesters in Portland, Oregon, a wide range of monuments now seems more vulnerable to attack. And while it is unusual for a statue of a woman — a rarity itself — to attract such strong emotions, this was always the way with Thatcher.

Internationally, Thatcher, who died in 2013 at age 87, may be seen as a political colossus, the British equivalent of Ronald Reagan. But in Britain, her 11 years in power have a more complicated legacy.

Some see her as the leader of a much-needed political and economic revolution, privatizing industry, facing down trade unions and winning victory for Britain against Argentina in the Falklands War. To others, she is someone who, coldly, left towns that were dependent on state-run industries to rot and turned Britain into a society of uncaring individuals.

Perhaps that’s why Thatcher’s presence in Grantham is currently so low-key. She grew up above the grocery store her father ran, and there is a small plaque on the building today — although the store itself is now a center for “chiropractic natural therapies,” beauty and massage treatments. The town’s museum features a few exhibits, including her childhood bed and one of her suits, though none of her trademark handbags are on display.

“She was never very fond of Grantham, and so Grantham was never very fond of her,” said John Campbell, a biographer, pointing out that Thacher rarely visited the town as prime minister, and did not mention it in speeches. “She was happy to leave it behind,” he said.

The new monument, designed by sculptor Douglas Jennings, won’t be Britain’s first to Thatcher, but it will be the first outdoors, in easy reach of vandals.

The Grantham statue was initially proposed for Parliament Square in London, putting Thatcher in the company of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and the Churchill statue that was boarded up this summer.

But officials rejected it twice for a variety of reasons, including a rule that people honored with statues must have been dead for a decade, “to allow partisan passions to cool and enable sober reflection.”

The monument is now in storage at a secret location, said Ivan Saxton, the founder of the Public Memorials Appeal, a nonprofit that raised the money to erect it.

The plinth was installed in Grantham in February, and the statue was meant to join it in May, Saxton said, but the coronavirus pandemic scuppered those plans. The unveiling ceremony will now be postponed until social distancing is no longer required, he added, so the event could have a sense of pageantry, complete with local dignitaries and a military band.

For many, such pomp couldn’t be more inappropriate. In a telephone interview, Charmaine Morgan, a Labour Party councilor in Grantham, said that Thatcher “represents a period in our history when inequality was prevalent, and many of her policies led to a significant increase in it that is only continuing to grow.”

She said she wouldn’t mind if the statue were in the town’s museum — she just doesn’t want it in public.

Charles Moore, a former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper, who wrote an authorized biography of Thatcher, said such objections were the views of a minority. “It’s obvious there should be statues to Britain’s first woman prime minister, and I think they would be accepted by most people in Britain,” he said.

Moore added that while “divisive” was the first word most British journalists used to describe her, he preferred “successful.”

“She won every election she fought,” he said. “She won big majorities. And this made some of her critics very, very angry.” Her success is what made her divisive, he said.

The authorities in Grantham considered extra measures to stop the statue from being vandalized, said Rosemary Kaberry-Brown, a Conservative local councilor. “I still think it should be in the middle of a fish pond, so anyone who wanted to vandalize it has a hard job,” she said.

But last week, the plinth seemed far from a fortress. Two local government employees stood by it, discussing a plan to install flower beds.

In interviews with 20 Grantham residents, more were in favor of the statue than against.

Joan McDaniel, 82, said she had mixed views on Thatcher as a politician, but added that she deserved a monument, even if it could “attract idiots” who might vandalize it.

“It looks just like Maggie — the fierceness of her,” McDaniel said.

Many said it would be good for at least one thing: tourism.

“No one talks about Grantham” said Sarah Gibson, 46, a cafe owner. “At least this will get them.”

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared.

Statues of the politically unpalatable have this year been toppled, beheaded and graffitied from the American South to Belgium, and Britain to New Zealand. Not even Winston Churchill was spared. In the English town of Grantham, an hour’s train ride north of London, an 11-foot pedestal now stands empty. That’s not because the statue atop it has been vandalized — though many expect it will be once it is finally installed. Next year, that plinth is to become the base of a stern-looking, larger-than-life bronze monument to Grantham’s most famous daughter: Margaret Thatcher. If Thatcher — the “Iron Lady” who was the first female prime minister of Britain — is currently getting a sympathetic portrayal from Gillian Anderson on Netflix’s “The Crown,” she remains a divisive and polarizing figure three decades after leaving office. That’s true even in her hometown. So while the unveiling of a statue is usually a festive occasion, few in Grantham expect Thatcher’s homecoming to be celebrated as a hero’s return. “If you’re a Conservative,” said Graham Newton, the news editor of the weekly Grantham Journal, “you want a statue, and you want her recognized. But if you’re not, there’s a lot of people who — not to put a fine point on it — hated her.” Many in Grantham expect her critics will not wait long to make their mark, Newton added. “Either way, it’ll make a good story for the paper,” he said. Culture wars have been roiling around statues since 2017, when officials in Charlottesville, Virginia, said they would remove a statue memorializing Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy’s top general. But voices calling for the removal of statues associated with slavery and colonialism have grown steadily louder this year, particularly since the killing of George Floyd and the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement. In England, some have taken matters into their own hands. A monument to Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, was toppled in Bristol in June during a Black Lives Matter protest. That same month, a protester in London scrawled “racist” on a statue of Winston Churchill, an ardent imperialist who once said it was right for “a stronger race, a higher-grade race” to claim territory from another. (He is also widely regarded as Britain’s greatest prime minister for his leadership in World War II.) The statue was boarded up to prevent further damage, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that it was “absurd and shameful” that Churchill’s statue was at risk of attack. As in the United States, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln was considered fair game for protesters in Portland, Oregon, a wide range of monuments now seems more vulnerable to attack. And while it is unusual for a statue of a woman — a rarity itself — to attract such strong emotions, this was always the way with Thatcher. Internationally, Thatcher, who died in 2013 at age 87, may be seen as a political colossus, the British equivalent of Ronald Reagan. But in Britain, her 11 years in power have a more complicated legacy. Some see her as the leader of a much-needed political and economic revolution, privatizing industry, facing down trade unions and winning victory for Britain against Argentina in the Falklands War. To others, she is someone who, coldly, left towns that were dependent on state-run industries to rot and turned Britain into a society of uncaring individuals. Perhaps that’s why Thatcher’s presence in Grantham is currently so low-key. She grew up above the grocery store her father ran, and there is a small plaque on the building today — although the store itself is now a center for “chiropractic natural therapies,” beauty and massage treatments. The town’s museum features a few exhibits, including her childhood bed and one of her suits, though none of her trademark handbags are on display. “She was never very fond of Grantham, and so Grantham was never very fond of her,” said John Campbell, a biographer, pointing out that Thacher rarely visited the town as prime minister, and did not mention it in speeches. “She was happy to leave it behind,” he said. The new monument, designed by sculptor Douglas Jennings, won’t be Britain’s first to Thatcher, but it will be the first outdoors, in easy reach of vandals. The Grantham statue was initially proposed for Parliament Square in London, putting Thatcher in the company of Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and the Churchill statue that was boarded up this summer. But officials rejected it twice for a variety of reasons, including a rule that people honored with statues must have been dead for a decade, “to allow partisan passions to cool and enable sober reflection.” The monument is now in storage at a secret location, said Ivan Saxton, the founder of the Public Memorials Appeal, a nonprofit that raised the money to erect it. The plinth was installed in Grantham in February, and the statue was meant to join it in May, Saxton said, but the coronavirus pandemic scuppered those plans. The unveiling ceremony will now be postponed until social distancing is no longer required, he added, so the event could have a sense of pageantry, complete with local dignitaries and a military band. For many, such pomp couldn’t be more inappropriate. In a telephone interview, Charmaine Morgan, a Labour Party councilor in Grantham, said that Thatcher “represents a period in our history when inequality was prevalent, and many of her policies led to a significant increase in it that is only continuing to grow.” She said she wouldn’t mind if the statue were in the town’s museum — she just doesn’t want it in public. Charles Moore, a former editor of The Daily Telegraph newspaper, who wrote an authorized biography of Thatcher, said such objections were the views of a minority. “It’s obvious there should be statues to Britain’s first woman prime minister, and I think they would be accepted by most people in Britain,” he said. Moore added that while “divisive” was the first word most British journalists used to describe her, he preferred “successful.” “She won every election she fought,” he said. “She won big majorities. And this made some of her critics very, very angry.” Her success is what made her divisive, he said. The authorities in Grantham considered extra measures to stop the statue from being vandalized, said Rosemary Kaberry-Brown, a Conservative local councilor. “I still think it should be in the middle of a fish pond, so anyone who wanted to vandalize it has a hard job,” she said. But last week, the plinth seemed far from a fortress. Two local government employees stood by it, discussing a plan to install flower beds. In interviews with 20 Grantham residents, more were in favor of the statue than against. Joan McDaniel, 82, said she had mixed views on Thatcher as a politician, but added that she deserved a monument, even if it could “attract idiots” who might vandalize it. “It looks just like Maggie — the fierceness of her,” McDaniel said. Many said it would be good for at least one thing: tourism. “No one talks about Grantham” said Sarah Gibson, 46, a cafe owner. “At least this will get them.”

Is Margaret Thatcher’s hometown ready to put her on a pedestal?

The potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus maybe around 90 percent effective, the company said citing interim analysis of results from late-stage clinical trials.

Oxford, AstraZeneca say their candidate prevents average 70% people from getting COVID

A US tech entrepreneur has told a newspaper she had an affair with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London. The woman has been at the centre of allegations of misconduct involving the latter.

The Daily Mail reported on Saturday that Jennifer Arcuri, when asked if she had an affair with Johnson, said: "I think that goes without saying. It's pretty much out there."

Arcuri further said Johnson bombarded her with "avalanches of passion". She was married to second wife Marina Wheeler at the time.

In the multiple interviews Arcuri gave after the allegations came to light, she said she and Johnson had enjoyed a "very special relationship", though she repeatedly refused to say whether they had had an affair.

The Daily Mail interview hence comes as an affirmation to the theories.

Johnson was London mayor from 2008 to 2016. He became prime minister last year. 
Downing Street had no immediate comment.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation in September 2019 following a newspaper report that Johnson, when mayor of London, had failed to disclose his personal links to Arcuri, who received thousands of pounds in public funding and places on official trade trips.

Johnson denied any wrongdoing, saying everything was done with full propriety and that there was no interest to declare. In May the IOPC said he would not face criminal action.

The matter was referred to the watchdog because Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his term as mayor.

A US tech entrepreneur has told a newspaper she had an affair with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London. The woman has been at the centre of allegations of misconduct involving the latter.

A US tech entrepreneur has told a newspaper she had an affair with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London. The woman has been at the centre of allegations of misconduct involving the latter. The Daily Mail reported on Saturday that Jennifer Arcuri, when asked if she had an affair with Johnson, said: "I think that goes without saying. It's pretty much out there." Arcuri further said Johnson bombarded her with "avalanches of passion". She was married to second wife Marina Wheeler at the time. In the multiple interviews Arcuri gave after the allegations came to light, she said she and Johnson had enjoyed a "very special relationship", though she repeatedly refused to say whether they had had an affair. The Daily Mail interview hence comes as an affirmation to the theories. Johnson was London mayor from 2008 to 2016. He became prime minister last year. Downing Street had no immediate comment. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation in September 2019 following a newspaper report that Johnson, when mayor of London, had failed to disclose his personal links to Arcuri, who received thousands of pounds in public funding and places on official trade trips. Johnson denied any wrongdoing, saying everything was done with full propriety and that there was no interest to declare. In May the IOPC said he would not face criminal action. The matter was referred to the watchdog because Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his term as mayor.

US businesswoman says she did have an affair with UK PM Johnson

UK government might have plans to impose the stricter 'red alert' lockdowns under the proposed ‘three-tier system’ that seeks to ban all outdoor social gatherings

UK planning strict 'three-tier' lockdown to curb COVID-19 spread

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations.

The comments came&nbsp;ahead of a videoconference with von der Leyen to take stock of progress made in the latest round of talks.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Johnson said the prospects of a year-end deal to avoid an abrupt Brexit separation "are very good if everybody just exercises some common sense and looks at the deal that is there to be done".&nbsp;

British and EU negotiators said Friday trade discussions remained deadlocked on key areas, with London urging Brussels to give ground to avoid a damaging "no-deal" at the end of the year.

Both sides have pinpointed a European summit on October 15 as the latest an agreement could be reached for it to be ratified in time for it take effect at the end of December.

But von der Leyen has already warned against a deal "at any price".

After the ninth round of talks in the tortuous process broke up in Brussels, with renewed commitments to find a way out of the impasse, there was clear acknowledgement the clock was ticking.

Despite indicating there were signs of agreement in a number of areas, UK negotiator David Frost warned disagreements over competition rules and fishing may be "impossible" to overcome without the EU giving ground.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she believed a deal was still possible, though she said that the next days would be crucial.

The von der Leyen and Johnson call also follows the launch of legal action by Brussels in response to the British government's attempt to overturn parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

On Tuesday, British MPs backed a bill to regulate the UK's internal market from January 1, when Britain completes its post-Brexit transition period and leaves the EU single market and customs union.

Johnson has pushed on with the legislation despite concerns in his own party and a warning from Washington that it puts Irish peace at risk.

(with inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations. The comments came ahead of a videoconference with von der Leyen to take stock of progress made in the latest round of talks. According to The Daily Telegraph, Johnson said the prospects of a year-end deal to avoid an abrupt Brexit separation "are very good if everybody just exercises some common sense and looks at the deal that is there to be done". British and EU negotiators said Friday trade discussions remained deadlocked on key areas, with London urging Brussels to give ground to avoid a damaging "no-deal" at the end of the year. Both sides have pinpointed a European summit on October 15 as the latest an agreement could be reached for it to be ratified in time for it take effect at the end of December. But von der Leyen has already warned against a deal "at any price". After the ninth round of talks in the tortuous process broke up in Brussels, with renewed commitments to find a way out of the impasse, there was clear acknowledgement the clock was ticking. Despite indicating there were signs of agreement in a number of areas, UK negotiator David Frost warned disagreements over competition rules and fishing may be "impossible" to overcome without the EU giving ground. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she believed a deal was still possible, though she said that the next days would be crucial. The von der Leyen and Johnson call also follows the launch of legal action by Brussels in response to the British government's attempt to overturn parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement. On Tuesday, British MPs backed a bill to regulate the UK's internal market from January 1, when Britain completes its post-Brexit transition period and leaves the EU single market and customs union. Johnson has pushed on with the legislation despite concerns in his own party and a warning from Washington that it puts Irish peace at risk. (with inputs)

UK PM Johnson 'optimistic' over Brexit deal ahead of talks with EU chief

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