India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar in New Delhi said that Russia's enhanced volume of trade with Asian economies is because of the Ukraine conflict as the Western countries began closing their trade routes to Russia after that. Jaishankar also informed reporters in a separate comment that New Delhi has requested partner countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistani separatists.

India requests partner nations on extremism; Not good for our relations: Jaishankar

<p>The council leader of Britain's Orkney Islands, an archipelago about 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland, said that the islands are considering "alternative forms of governance". This could include becoming part of Norway.</p>

<p>Orkney is made up of around 70 islands and has a population of 22,000 people. Council leader James Stockan has said that the islands are considering their future in light of financial neglect by the Scottish and British governments for years.</p>

<p>Stockan believes that Orkney's historic Nordic connections present options. The islands were part of Norway for about 500 years until 1472.</p>

<p>Stockan says Orcadians regularly ask him for a return to Norway, a country that has given the islands shared cultural affinity.</p>

<p>"At the moment we're not getting that support coming through from other governments and we would just like to see what other alternatives are there for us," Stockan told BBC Radio on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A row over funding for new ferries between the islands and Scotland has brought Orkney's situation to a head.</p>

<p>Stockan has proposed a motion for the council. The motion is to "explore options for alternative models of governance that provide greater fiscal security and economic opportunity".</p>

<p>Councillors will decide whether to back it or not on Tuesday.</p>

<p>There are options other than rejoining Norway. These are British arrangements, like becoming a crown dependency, the system of government in the Channel Islands. Another option is of an arrangement akin to Faroe Islands, a self-governing part of Denmark.</p>

<p>In 2014, Scotland rejected ending the more than 300-year-old union with England in a referendum. Orkney has since looked at strengthening its autonomy.</p>

<p>Stockan said that in spite of a large part of Britain's North Sea oil output being processed on Orkney, the islands haven't seen sufficient benefits.</p>

<p>With new opportunities from offshore wind farms, he wants the islands to see a greater return.</p>

<p>Stockan wasn't clear about how Orkney's return to Norway, 250 miles across the North Sea, would work.</p>

<h2><strong>So is it final?</strong></h2>

<p>Not quite. Reuters cited an e-mail from a spokesperson from Norway's foreign ministry.</p>

<p>"This is a domestic and constitutional British matter. We have no view regarding this motion," said the e-mail as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Stockan said there were loose ends to be tied up from 1469 over the dowry which Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, failed to pay when his daughter married Scotland's James III, gifting Orkney instead.</p>

<p>There was no mention of the dowry from 554 years ago in the UK government's response to the question over Orkney's future.</p>

<p>"We will always be stronger together as one United Kingdom," a government spokesman said, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The council leader of Britain's Orkney Islands, an archipelago about 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland, said that the islands are considering "alternative forms of governance".

The council leader of Britain's Orkney Islands, an archipelago about 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland, said that the islands are considering "alternative forms of governance". This could include becoming part of Norway. Orkney is made up of around 70 islands and has a population of 22,000 people. Council leader James Stockan has said that the islands are considering their future in light of financial neglect by the Scottish and British governments for years. Stockan believes that Orkney's historic Nordic connections present options. The islands were part of Norway for about 500 years until 1472. Stockan says Orcadians regularly ask him for a return to Norway, a country that has given the islands shared cultural affinity. "At the moment we're not getting that support coming through from other governments and we would just like to see what other alternatives are there for us," Stockan told BBC Radio on Monday. A row over funding for new ferries between the islands and Scotland has brought Orkney's situation to a head. Stockan has proposed a motion for the council. The motion is to "explore options for alternative models of governance that provide greater fiscal security and economic opportunity". Councillors will decide whether to back it or not on Tuesday. There are options other than rejoining Norway. These are British arrangements, like becoming a crown dependency, the system of government in the Channel Islands. Another option is of an arrangement akin to Faroe Islands, a self-governing part of Denmark. In 2014, Scotland rejected ending the more than 300-year-old union with England in a referendum. Orkney has since looked at strengthening its autonomy. Stockan said that in spite of a large part of Britain's North Sea oil output being processed on Orkney, the islands haven't seen sufficient benefits. With new opportunities from offshore wind farms, he wants the islands to see a greater return. Stockan wasn't clear about how Orkney's return to Norway, 250 miles across the North Sea, would work. So is it final? Not quite. Reuters cited an e-mail from a spokesperson from Norway's foreign ministry. "This is a domestic and constitutional British matter. We have no view regarding this motion," said the e-mail as reported by Reuters. Stockan said there were loose ends to be tied up from 1469 over the dowry which Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, failed to pay when his daughter married Scotland's James III, gifting Orkney instead. There was no mention of the dowry from 554 years ago in the UK government's response to the question over Orkney's future. "We will always be stronger together as one United Kingdom," a government spokesman said, as quoted by Reuters. (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's Orkney Islands want to join Norway over financial neglect

A group of islands just off the North Coast of Scotland announced their plans for self-governance the leadership in Orkney archipelago is considering a move to leave the UK and become a self-governing territory of Norway the islands Council may also consider changing the legal status within the UK the Orkney council has opted to explore Alternative forms of governance and more economic opportunities emotion has been put forward by the Orkney items Council leader James Token the motion aims to explore the historic Nordic connections of the islands Orkney was under Norwegian and danish control until 1472.

Orkney could leave UK  to become self-governing territory of Norway

Instead of introducing a policy that required victims to provide immediate proof of trafficking so that the UK government can identify them as a potential victim of slavery, UK Home Secretary Braverman withdrew a contentious portion from the illegal migration rules that made it harder for trafficking victims to have their pleas accepted earlier.

UK: Braverman withdraws rule that made asylum harder for victims

United Kingdom has announced its plans for self-governance so the Orkney archipelago can leave the UK to become a self-governing territory of Norway.

United Kingdom and Orkney Island to become self-governing

Tory rebellion on a government-proposed bill at least 50 conservative MPs are threatening to rebel against the measure that will impose fines on public bodies boycotting Israel.

UK bill to impose bans on public & local bodies boycotting Israeli goods

<p>British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine began excavations after a World War II-era bomb was discovered near Kyiv which prompted the local authorities to check the entire ravine with metal detectors when they stumbled upon the remains of the aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the discovery</strong></h2>

<p>The remnants of the aircraft were found near an unexploded bomb dating back to the same conflict, in the forest south of Kyiv which until 1991 was a part of the USSR. “It is very rare to find this aircraft in Ukraine,” said Oleks Shtan, a former airline pilot who is leading the excavation, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It’s very important for our aviation history because no lend-lease aircraft have been found here before.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The British Hurricane fighter jets were sent as&nbsp;part of a package of Allied military support for the USSR by Britain after the invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941, and paid for by the United States under the so-called lend-lease scheme. Notably, Washington is currently using similar legislation to send military aid to Kyiv amid its conflict with Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The discovery is said to be unique since Hawker Hurricanes are rarely found in Ukraine. According to historians, some of these aircraft were purposely broken and buried by the Soviets so that they did not have to pay back the US as a part of the legislation requiring the USSR to pay for donated military equipment that remained intact.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Hawker Hurricane fighter jet?</strong></h2>

<p>“The Hurricane was a strong, easy to fly machine,” said Shtan, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It was stable as a gun platform and suitable for inexperienced pilots. A reliable aircraft.” It is also reported that the rusty remains of the aircraft had been stripped of its valuable components like radios and machine guns as well as any useful scrap metal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hawker Hurricane is said to be key in the Battle of Britain and shot down more than half of the enemy aircraft when Nazi Germany attempted to invade the UK. While its role was overshadowed by the Spitfire plane, Hurricane’s role was seen as significant in 1940.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
As per British media reports, a total of 3,000 Hurricanes were sent to the USSR between 1941 and 1944 to support their war efforts. However, most of them were destroyed in combat or dismantled later for parts. The &nbsp;National Aviation Museum of Ukraine aims to reassemble the Hurricanes fighter jets found and put them on display.</p>

<p>“The Hurricanes are a symbol of British assistance during the years of the Second World War, just as we are very appreciative of British assistance nowadays,” said the head of research at the museum, Valerii Romanenko, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “The UK is one of the largest suppliers of military equipment to our country now.”</p>

<p>He also spoke about how even in 1941, Britain was the first one to supply fighter aircraft to the Soviet Union on a mass scale and currently the UK is the first country to provide Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Ukrainian forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv.

British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine began excavations after a World War II-era bomb was discovered near Kyiv which prompted the local authorities to check the entire ravine with metal detectors when they stumbled upon the remains of the aircraft. About the discovery The remnants of the aircraft were found near an unexploded bomb dating back to the same conflict, in the forest south of Kyiv which until 1991 was a part of the USSR. “It is very rare to find this aircraft in Ukraine,” said Oleks Shtan, a former airline pilot who is leading the excavation, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It’s very important for our aviation history because no lend-lease aircraft have been found here before.” The British Hurricane fighter jets were sent as part of a package of Allied military support for the USSR by Britain after the invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941, and paid for by the United States under the so-called lend-lease scheme. Notably, Washington is currently using similar legislation to send military aid to Kyiv amid its conflict with Moscow. The discovery is said to be unique since Hawker Hurricanes are rarely found in Ukraine. According to historians, some of these aircraft were purposely broken and buried by the Soviets so that they did not have to pay back the US as a part of the legislation requiring the USSR to pay for donated military equipment that remained intact. What is the Hawker Hurricane fighter jet? “The Hurricane was a strong, easy to fly machine,” said Shtan, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It was stable as a gun platform and suitable for inexperienced pilots. A reliable aircraft.” It is also reported that the rusty remains of the aircraft had been stripped of its valuable components like radios and machine guns as well as any useful scrap metal. The Hawker Hurricane is said to be key in the Battle of Britain and shot down more than half of the enemy aircraft when Nazi Germany attempted to invade the UK. While its role was overshadowed by the Spitfire plane, Hurricane’s role was seen as significant in 1940. As per British media reports, a total of 3,000 Hurricanes were sent to the USSR between 1941 and 1944 to support their war efforts. However, most of them were destroyed in combat or dismantled later for parts. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine aims to reassemble the Hurricanes fighter jets found and put them on display. “The Hurricanes are a symbol of British assistance during the years of the Second World War, just as we are very appreciative of British assistance nowadays,” said the head of research at the museum, Valerii Romanenko, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “The UK is one of the largest suppliers of military equipment to our country now.” He also spoke about how even in 1941, Britain was the first one to supply fighter aircraft to the Soviet Union on a mass scale and currently the UK is the first country to provide Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Ukrainian forces. 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.

‘Very rare’: Ukraine finds remnants of British WWII Hurricane fighter planes outside Kyiv

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Rwanda stays committed to UK asylum deal

Water bills for UK consumers have increased at about twice the rate of other goods since the industry was privatized, according to the office of national statistics.

UK water bills soar 350% since privatization to double inflation

<p>UK environment minister Lord Zac Goldsmith has tendered his resignation citing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's lack of interest in addressing climate change, media reports said. Lord Goldsmith expressed his dismay for "uninterested" Sunak and the government's indifference towards environmental issues, which led him to find it "untenable" to continue serving as the environment minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His resignation letter strongly criticised the government's abandonment of environmental commitments and withdrawal of global leadership. Lord Goldsmith highlighted the abandonment of the flagship animal welfare bill and the failure to fulfil a pledge to allocate £11.6 billion ($14.7bn) of UK aid to climate and environmental initiatives.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sledgehammer-robbery-at-an-upscale-jewelry-store-in-mexico-610524">Dramatic footage shows robbers smashing windows of jewellery store in Mexico City. Watch!</a></p>

<p>This comes after Lord Goldsmith was accused of undermining a parliamentary investigation into former UK prime minister Boris Johnson's actions in the Partygate scandal. The committee identified Lord Goldsmith as one of ten Conservative Party members involved in an effort to interfere with the probe.</p>

<p>"The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our prime minister, are simply uninterested," he wrote in the resignation letter, adding, "That signal, or lack of it, has trickled down through Whitehall and caused a kind of paralysis."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-threat-around-world-doctors-battle-impersonators-610521">'Significant threat': Around world, doctors battle impersonators</a></p>

<p>The resignation follows a warning from the Climate Change Committee, a government climate watchdog, which stated that the UK had lost its leadership position on climate issues.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political responses</strong></h2>

<p>Both the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties had called for Lord Goldsmith's resignation following the publication of the Privileges Committee report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A verbal spat&nbsp;unfolded between Lord Zac Goldsmith and Rishi Sunak, following Sunak's claim that Lord Goldsmith refused to apologise for criticising a Commons investigation into Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You were asked to apologise for your comments about the Privileges Committee as we felt they were incompatible with your position as a Minister of the Crown. You have decided to take a different course," Sunak said adding, Lord Goldsmith had been "a vocal advocate of some of the most important issues that the UK and the world face today".</p>

<p>Sunak also assured that "UK continues to play an important role globally in tackling climate change and preserving the environment."</p>

<h2><strong>Lord Goldsmith's response</strong></h2>

<p>Lord Zac Goldsmith has responded strongly to Rishi Sunak's allegations that the former minister&nbsp;declined to apologise and asserted that the prime minister's claim was "wrong".</p>

<p>"I am happy to apologise for publicly sharing my views on the Privilege Committee," said Lord Goldsmith adding, "I firmly believe our parliamentary democracy can only be strengthened by robust scrutiny, and parliamentarians should of course be free to be critical of its reports and proceedings.</p>

<p>"But as a minister I shouldn't have commented publicly. No 10 asked me to acknowledge that, and made clear that there was no question of my being 'sacked' if I did so. I was - and am - happy to do so. My decision to step down has been a long time coming," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK NHS to have 12,500 extra doctors and nurses a year: Reports</strong></p>

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<p>As a long-standing ally of former prime&nbsp;minister Boris Johnson, Lord Goldsmith's criticism&nbsp;of Rishi Sunak carries&nbsp;weight and may have caused significant damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Privileges Committee Report</strong></h2>

<p>The Privileges Committee report said "unprecedented and coordinated pressure" was put on its members during their investigation into whether Boris Johnson misled the parliament regarding lockdown parties at Downing Street.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lord Goldsmith's tweet expressing support for those who considered the investigation a "witch hunt" and a "kangaroo court" was cited as evidence. Other Tories named in the report claimed that the committee was attempting to stifle freedom of speech.</p>

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UK environment minister Lord Zac Goldsmith has tendered his resignation citing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's lack of interest in addressing climate change, media reports said.

UK environment minister Lord Zac Goldsmith has tendered his resignation citing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's lack of interest in addressing climate change, media reports said. Lord Goldsmith expressed his dismay for "uninterested" Sunak and the government's indifference towards environmental issues, which led him to find it "untenable" to continue serving as the environment minister. His resignation letter strongly criticised the government's abandonment of environmental commitments and withdrawal of global leadership. Lord Goldsmith highlighted the abandonment of the flagship animal welfare bill and the failure to fulfil a pledge to allocate £11.6 billion ($14.7bn) of UK aid to climate and environmental initiatives. Also Read | Dramatic footage shows robbers smashing windows of jewellery store in Mexico City. Watch! This comes after Lord Goldsmith was accused of undermining a parliamentary investigation into former UK prime minister Boris Johnson's actions in the Partygate scandal. The committee identified Lord Goldsmith as one of ten Conservative Party members involved in an effort to interfere with the probe. "The problem is not that the government is hostile to the environment, it is that you, our prime minister, are simply uninterested," he wrote in the resignation letter, adding, "That signal, or lack of it, has trickled down through Whitehall and caused a kind of paralysis." Also Read | 'Significant threat': Around world, doctors battle impersonators The resignation follows a warning from the Climate Change Committee, a government climate watchdog, which stated that the UK had lost its leadership position on climate issues. Political responses Both the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties had called for Lord Goldsmith's resignation following the publication of the Privileges Committee report. A verbal spat unfolded between Lord Zac Goldsmith and Rishi Sunak, following Sunak's claim that Lord Goldsmith refused to apologise for criticising a Commons investigation into Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "You were asked to apologise for your comments about the Privileges Committee as we felt they were incompatible with your position as a Minister of the Crown. You have decided to take a different course," Sunak said adding, Lord Goldsmith had been "a vocal advocate of some of the most important issues that the UK and the world face today". Sunak also assured that "UK continues to play an important role globally in tackling climate change and preserving the environment." Lord Goldsmith's response Lord Zac Goldsmith has responded strongly to Rishi Sunak's allegations that the former minister declined to apologise and asserted that the prime minister's claim was "wrong". "I am happy to apologise for publicly sharing my views on the Privilege Committee," said Lord Goldsmith adding, "I firmly believe our parliamentary democracy can only be strengthened by robust scrutiny, and parliamentarians should of course be free to be critical of its reports and proceedings. "But as a minister I shouldn't have commented publicly. No 10 asked me to acknowledge that, and made clear that there was no question of my being 'sacked' if I did so. I was - and am - happy to do so. My decision to step down has been a long time coming," he said. Watch | UK NHS to have 12,500 extra doctors and nurses a year: Reports × As a long-standing ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson, Lord Goldsmith's criticism of Rishi Sunak carries weight and may have caused significant damage. Privileges Committee Report The Privileges Committee report said "unprecedented and coordinated pressure" was put on its members during their investigation into whether Boris Johnson misled the parliament regarding lockdown parties at Downing Street. Lord Goldsmith's tweet expressing support for those who considered the investigation a "witch hunt" and a "kangaroo court" was cited as evidence. Other Tories named in the report claimed that the committee was attempting to stifle freedom of speech. 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 environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting climate change

The row over the British govt wanting to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has intensified. Not just the opposition, now a London appeals court described the plan as unlawful. The UK government has vowed to fight the ruling. After the ruling UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak quickly announced plans to appeal the verdict at the supreme court. The UK home secretary Suella Braverman described the ruling as a big disappointment, adding that she and Sunak will do everything possible to stop the illegal migrants coming into the UK on small boats.

UK government vows to fight court ruling on deporting refugees to Rwanda

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government on Friday asked London's High Court to stop a public&nbsp;enquiry&nbsp;into its handling of the Covid&nbsp;pandemic forcing it to hand over some internal WhatsApp messages.<br />
<br />
Britain's Cabinet Office refused to provide WhatsApp messages concerning the government's handling of the pandemic and other political issues earlier this month, saying some of the material sought was "unambiguously irrelevant".<br />
<br />
The&nbsp;enquiry&nbsp;was ordered by the government itself in 2021 and is chaired by a former senior judge, Heather Hallett, who asked the government to provide two years' worth of WhatsApp messages between senior figures, including former prime minister Boris Johnson and 40 different individuals.<br />
<br />
However, the Cabinet Office has brought a legal challenge over the&nbsp;enquiry's&nbsp;demands, which its lawyer James Eadie told the court was brought "with some considerable reluctance".<br />
<br />
He argued in court filings that documents relevant to the&nbsp;enquiry&nbsp;"simply cannot cover all government business and all the policy areas that were live over the two-year period".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/british-pm-rishi-sunak-found-using-pen-with-erasable-ink-to-sign-official-documents-make-notes-609565">British PM Rishi Sunak found using pen with erasable ink to sign official documents, make notes</a></strong></p>

<p><br />
Eadie added the WhatsApp messages contained references to personal and family information and "comments of a personal nature" about identifiable government figures.<br />
<br />
But lawyers representing Hallett said the limits the Cabinet Office sought to place on public inquiries' powers to compel the production of documents was "flawed and unworkable".<br />
<br />
Hugo Keith said in court filings that the relevance of material is kept under review, saying a witness statement provided by Johnson earlier this month led to the relevance of previously-provided WhatsApp messages being reassessed.<br />
<br />
"Material that had been redacted by the Cabinet Office as 'unambiguously irrelevant' is now assessed as relevant in light of Mr Johnson's statement," Keith said.<br />
<br />
Johnson is an interested party to the Cabinet Office's case and his lawyers argue the government's legal challenge should be dismissed.<br />
<br />
"Mr Johnson has no objection to the&nbsp;enquiry&nbsp;inspecting the materials unredacted, subject to appropriate security and confidentiality arrangements," they said in court filings.</p>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government on Friday asked London's High Court to stop a public enquiry into its handling of the Covid pandemic forcing it to hand over some internal WhatsApp messages.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government on Friday asked London's High Court to stop a public enquiry into its handling of the Covid pandemic forcing it to hand over some internal WhatsApp messages. Britain's Cabinet Office refused to provide WhatsApp messages concerning the government's handling of the pandemic and other political issues earlier this month, saying some of the material sought was "unambiguously irrelevant". The enquiry was ordered by the government itself in 2021 and is chaired by a former senior judge, Heather Hallett, who asked the government to provide two years' worth of WhatsApp messages between senior figures, including former prime minister Boris Johnson and 40 different individuals. However, the Cabinet Office has brought a legal challenge over the enquiry's demands, which its lawyer James Eadie told the court was brought "with some considerable reluctance". He argued in court filings that documents relevant to the enquiry "simply cannot cover all government business and all the policy areas that were live over the two-year period". Also read | British PM Rishi Sunak found using pen with erasable ink to sign official documents, make notes Eadie added the WhatsApp messages contained references to personal and family information and "comments of a personal nature" about identifiable government figures. But lawyers representing Hallett said the limits the Cabinet Office sought to place on public inquiries' powers to compel the production of documents was "flawed and unworkable". Hugo Keith said in court filings that the relevance of material is kept under review, saying a witness statement provided by Johnson earlier this month led to the relevance of previously-provided WhatsApp messages being reassessed. "Material that had been redacted by the Cabinet Office as 'unambiguously irrelevant' is now assessed as relevant in light of Mr Johnson's statement," Keith said. Johnson is an interested party to the Cabinet Office's case and his lawyers argue the government's legal challenge should be dismissed. "Mr Johnson has no objection to the enquiry inspecting the materials unredacted, subject to appropriate security and confidentiality arrangements," they said in court filings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK asks court to curb powers of COVID-19 enquiry to see WhatsApp messages

<p>Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision. The member states have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to ask Stoltenberg to extend his tenure by one year.</p>

<p>NATO is soon to hold its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The summit will be held on July 11-12. AP reported that it had been conveyed to Stoltenberg by US President Joe Biden that it was difficult to reach a consensus on picking a new leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian PM, has been at the helm of NATO since 2014. His term was set to expire last year, but it was extended for a second time after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic Senator from New Hampshire, who is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is leading a delegation to Vilnius next month. She told AP in an interview that she expected Stoltenberg's term to be extended and called it "very good news for NATO and for the allies."</p>

<p>“I think Stoltenberg has proved to be critical as the challenges to NATO have unfolded over the last couple of years,” Shaheen said. “He’s been very adept at working with all the NATO countries and I think any time we’re in the middle of a crisis — as we are now with what’s happening in the war in Ukraine — being able to maintain that kind of stability and leadership that he’s provided is really critical.”</p>

<p>Biden has already told Stoltenberg that he would welcome any development that sees the latter being NATO chief for a longer time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO leaders have now reportedly agreed with Biden's sentiment that Stoltenberg should stick around for more time especially as no end to the Ukraine war is in sight and Sweden's inclusion in the bloc is still an uncertainty.</p>

<p>Douglas Lute, who served as US ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, said extending Stoltenberg’s tenure offers NATO the path of least resistance.</p>

<p>“What the alliance does not need right now is a lack of solidarity over who to succeed him,” Lute said. “The simplest thing is for him to be extended.”</p>

<p>Lute was quoted by AP.</p>

<h2><strong>Other candidates</strong></h2>

<p>Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was considered to be a favourite after a meeting with Biden recently. NATO has been keen to name a woman to the top post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Frederiksen has publicly said that she was not seeking the job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>British PM Rishi Sunak has also lobbied Biden on behalf of British Defence Minister Ben Wallace.</p>

<p>Poland is opposed to the next secretary-general coming from a Nordic state given Stoltenberg's long tenure, AP reported citing the US official.</p>

<p>Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Stoltenberg's predecessor, is from Denmark. Poland is now reportedly lobbying that the next secretary-general of the bloc should come from a Baltic nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision.

Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision. The member states have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to ask Stoltenberg to extend his tenure by one year. NATO is soon to hold its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The summit will be held on July 11-12. AP reported that it had been conveyed to Stoltenberg by US President Joe Biden that it was difficult to reach a consensus on picking a new leader. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian PM, has been at the helm of NATO since 2014. His term was set to expire last year, but it was extended for a second time after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic Senator from New Hampshire, who is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is leading a delegation to Vilnius next month. She told AP in an interview that she expected Stoltenberg's term to be extended and called it "very good news for NATO and for the allies." “I think Stoltenberg has proved to be critical as the challenges to NATO have unfolded over the last couple of years,” Shaheen said. “He’s been very adept at working with all the NATO countries and I think any time we’re in the middle of a crisis — as we are now with what’s happening in the war in Ukraine — being able to maintain that kind of stability and leadership that he’s provided is really critical.” Biden has already told Stoltenberg that he would welcome any development that sees the latter being NATO chief for a longer time. NATO leaders have now reportedly agreed with Biden's sentiment that Stoltenberg should stick around for more time especially as no end to the Ukraine war is in sight and Sweden's inclusion in the bloc is still an uncertainty. Douglas Lute, who served as US ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, said extending Stoltenberg’s tenure offers NATO the path of least resistance. “What the alliance does not need right now is a lack of solidarity over who to succeed him,” Lute said. “The simplest thing is for him to be extended.” Lute was quoted by AP. Other candidates Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was considered to be a favourite after a meeting with Biden recently. NATO has been keen to name a woman to the top post. However, Frederiksen has publicly said that she was not seeking the job. British PM Rishi Sunak has also lobbied Biden on behalf of British Defence Minister Ben Wallace. Poland is opposed to the next secretary-general coming from a Nordic state given Stoltenberg's long tenure, AP reported citing the US official. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Stoltenberg's predecessor, is from Denmark. Poland is now reportedly lobbying that the next secretary-general of the bloc should come from a Baltic nation. (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 ×

NATO countries open to extending Stoltenberg's tenure: Report

According to reports, UK NHS could have 12,500 extra doctors and nurses a year by 2028 to fill staffing shortages. The number of places in medical schools will rise from 7,500 to 10,000 by 2028 and could reach 15,000 by 2031 as a result of the NHS’s first long-term workforce plan.

UK NHS to have 12,500 extra doctors and nurses a year: Reports

After a London Court appealed to describe the plan as unlawful, that was the judgement. However, the UK government has vowed that it will battle to reverse this verdict that occurred yesterday. The dispute over the Rwanda Asylum Policy is still ongoing in the UK.

London Court: UK's Rwanda asylum plan unlawful

Frogmore Cottage, a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, has been officially abandoned. According to Buckingham Palace's annual financial report, the couple recently removed their possessions from the house.

UK: Prince Harry and Meghan vacate Frogmore cottage

A 16-year-old reportedly fell ill after drinking a protein shake and died after suffering irreversible brain damage. A UK official has now called for protein drinks to have 'life-saving' health warnings. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Warning labels for protein shakes?

In Buckingham Palace, inflation has waged a war against the royal family. Bucking the trend of rising costs, the British royals have taken a bold step to cut expenses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The annual sovereign grant report cited by Reuters has laid bare the strain on the royal family's budget due to the surging inflation. Rising costs for fuel and energy have taken their toll on the monarchy's finances, leading to a 5% increase in royal spending, primarily driven by escalating staff costs.

Royalty Vs Inflation: UK royal budgets rise as staff costs surge

<p>Former UK ministers Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg have faced strong criticism from a committee in the House of Commons for attempting to obstruct an investigation against former prime minister Boris Johnson in relation to the Partygate scandal. The committee found that Johnson had misled the parliament regarding Covid breaches at 10 Downing Street, which ultimately ended in his resignation as an MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report accuses Johnson's allies of launching "vociferous attacks" against the committee. Other Conservative Party members, including Dame Priti Patel and Lord Zac Goldsmith, were also criticised for attacking the committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-court-declares-govts-plan-to-send-migrants-to-rwanda-unlawful-610088">British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful</a></p>

<p>The Privileges Committee, a cross-party group, expressed concerns about the security implications of the&nbsp;"unprecedented and co-ordinated pressure" exerted on its members through social media and television comments, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The committee singled out Dorries, Rees-Mogg, and Goldsmith for their particularly vehement attacks, noting that two of them used their own television shows to voice their criticisms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-man-jailed-for-smuggling-800-people-into-us-using-uber-610082">Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber</a></p>

<h2><strong>Debate around freedom of speech&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The report emphasised the importance of free speech in parliamentary democracy but condemned the interference by politicians in disciplinary proceedings as unacceptable.</p>

<p>It warned that such behaviour could discourage future committee members from serving due to fears of similar attacks, the reports said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversy has sparked a debate regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the ability of MPs to examine the conduct of their colleagues without facing personal attacks on their integrity.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Tarang Shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year</strong></p>

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<p>The report suggests that MPs should exercise responsibility in their criticisms to maintain the committee's effectiveness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson announced his resignation as an MP shortly before the committee released its initial findings, dismissing the investigation as a "kangaroo court."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The year-long inquiry concluded that Johnson deliberately made misleading statements in the&nbsp;parliament about parties at Downing Street during lockdown.</p>

<p>It recommended a 90-day suspension for Johnson, which would have likely triggered a by-election in his constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cross-party privileges committee consists of seven members, four of whom are Tory MPs, two are from the Labour Party, and one represents the Scottish National Party.</p>

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Former UK ministers Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg have faced strong criticism from a committee in the House of Commons for attempting to obstruct an investigation against former prime minister Boris Johnson in relation to the Partygate scandal.

Former UK ministers Nadine Dorries and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg have faced strong criticism from a committee in the House of Commons for attempting to obstruct an investigation against former prime minister Boris Johnson in relation to the Partygate scandal. The committee found that Johnson had misled the parliament regarding Covid breaches at 10 Downing Street, which ultimately ended in his resignation as an MP. The report accuses Johnson's allies of launching "vociferous attacks" against the committee. Other Conservative Party members, including Dame Priti Patel and Lord Zac Goldsmith, were also criticised for attacking the committee. Also Read | British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful The Privileges Committee, a cross-party group, expressed concerns about the security implications of the "unprecedented and co-ordinated pressure" exerted on its members through social media and television comments, media reports said. The committee singled out Dorries, Rees-Mogg, and Goldsmith for their particularly vehement attacks, noting that two of them used their own television shows to voice their criticisms. Also Read | Indian-Origin man jailed for smuggling over 800 Indians into US using Uber Debate around freedom of speech The report emphasised the importance of free speech in parliamentary democracy but condemned the interference by politicians in disciplinary proceedings as unacceptable. It warned that such behaviour could discourage future committee members from serving due to fears of similar attacks, the reports said. The controversy has sparked a debate regarding the balance between freedom of expression and the ability of MPs to examine the conduct of their colleagues without facing personal attacks on their integrity. Watch | Tarang Shakti, India's largest multilateral air exercise to be held this year × The report suggests that MPs should exercise responsibility in their criticisms to maintain the committee's effectiveness. Johnson announced his resignation as an MP shortly before the committee released its initial findings, dismissing the investigation as a "kangaroo court." The year-long inquiry concluded that Johnson deliberately made misleading statements in the parliament about parties at Downing Street during lockdown. It recommended a 90-day suspension for Johnson, which would have likely triggered a by-election in his constituency. The cross-party privileges committee consists of seven members, four of whom are Tory MPs, two are from the Labour Party, and one represents the Scottish National Party. 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. ×

Partygate scandal: Ex-ministers Nadine Dorries, Jacob Rees-Mogg accused of interfering with probe

<p>A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling is a major setback for the UK government, which last December got the green light from a high court to pursue its Rwanda deportation scheme. However, that ruling stands overturned now. In response, the UK government is expected to approach the country’s Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Following the court's decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respects the decision but&nbsp;“disagreed fundamentally” with its conclusions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I strongly believe the Rwandan government has provided the assurances necessary to ensure there is no real risk that asylum-seekers relocated under the Rwanda policy would be wrongly returned to third countries – something that the Lord Chief Justice agrees with," Sunak said.</p>

<p>“Rwanda is a safe country. The High Court agreed. The UNHCR have their own refugee scheme for Libyan refugees in Rwanda. We will now seek permission to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court," he added.</p>

<p>“The policy of this government is very simple, it is this country – and your government – who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs. And I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen,” Sunak was quoted as saying by the Independent.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she remained "fully committed" to the policy.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s the migration deal with Rwanda?</strong></h2>

<p>To deter migrants from crossing the English Channel and embarking on a perilous journey, the UK government and the Rwandan authorities reached a £120 million ($151mn) agreement last April to transport asylum seekers to the African nation while their asylum claims in the UK are processed. Those granted asylum would stay in Rwanda rather than return to the UK, as per the deal.</p>

<p>However, now judges have ruled that Rwanda could not be considered safe for the migrants. The judges concluded, "The result is that the High Court's decision that Rwanda was a safe third country is reversed, and unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum process are corrected, removal of asylum seekers will be unlawful."</p>

<h2><strong>What do the critics say?</strong></h2>

<p>Those among the critics of the scheme are the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR, lawyers, charities and a group of asylum seekers. They question Rwanda’s human rights credentials while doubting that Home Office would be in a position to ensure that the rights of migrants in the East African nation are protected.<br />
UNHCR told the British court that Rwanda had a record of human rights abuses towards refugees within its borders, including refoulement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK's asylum seekers to be deported</strong></p>

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<p>However, Sir James Eadie KC, counsel for the home secretary, Suella Braverman, has dismissed all these concerns, saying that the secretary was confident the government of Rwanda would respect the memorandum of understanding signed by the two nations.</p>

<h2><strong>Not a single migrant sent to Rwanda so far</strong></h2>

<p>The policy, initially implemented by the Boris Johnson administration and continued by subsequent leaders, aims to address the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-costs-and-controversy-uks-plan-to-send-asylum-seekers-to-rwanda-to-cost-215k-609115"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;High costs and controversy: UK`s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to cost $215K</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite its implementation, no individuals have undertaken the journey so far. In June of the previous year, a flight was halted at the last moment due to an appeal made to the European Court of Human Rights.&nbsp;</p>

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A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed.

A British court has declared the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as unlawful. The court of appeal ruling from Lord Burnett, Sir Geoffrey Vos, and Lord Justice Underhill came on Thursday, which refused to consider Rwanda as a “safe third country” where illegal migrants could be sent while their claims are processed. The ruling is a major setback for the UK government, which last December got the green light from a high court to pursue its Rwanda deportation scheme. However, that ruling stands overturned now. In response, the UK government is expected to approach the country’s Supreme Court. Following the court's decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he respects the decision but “disagreed fundamentally” with its conclusions. "I strongly believe the Rwandan government has provided the assurances necessary to ensure there is no real risk that asylum-seekers relocated under the Rwanda policy would be wrongly returned to third countries – something that the Lord Chief Justice agrees with," Sunak said. “Rwanda is a safe country. The High Court agreed. The UNHCR have their own refugee scheme for Libyan refugees in Rwanda. We will now seek permission to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court," he added. “The policy of this government is very simple, it is this country – and your government – who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs. And I will do whatever is necessary to make that happen,” Sunak was quoted as saying by the Independent. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she remained "fully committed" to the policy. What’s the migration deal with Rwanda? To deter migrants from crossing the English Channel and embarking on a perilous journey, the UK government and the Rwandan authorities reached a £120 million ($151mn) agreement last April to transport asylum seekers to the African nation while their asylum claims in the UK are processed. Those granted asylum would stay in Rwanda rather than return to the UK, as per the deal. However, now judges have ruled that Rwanda could not be considered safe for the migrants. The judges concluded, "The result is that the High Court's decision that Rwanda was a safe third country is reversed, and unless and until the deficiencies in its asylum process are corrected, removal of asylum seekers will be unlawful." What do the critics say? Those among the critics of the scheme are the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR, lawyers, charities and a group of asylum seekers. They question Rwanda’s human rights credentials while doubting that Home Office would be in a position to ensure that the rights of migrants in the East African nation are protected. UNHCR told the British court that Rwanda had a record of human rights abuses towards refugees within its borders, including refoulement. Watch: UK's asylum seekers to be deported × However, Sir James Eadie KC, counsel for the home secretary, Suella Braverman, has dismissed all these concerns, saying that the secretary was confident the government of Rwanda would respect the memorandum of understanding signed by the two nations. Not a single migrant sent to Rwanda so far The policy, initially implemented by the Boris Johnson administration and continued by subsequent leaders, aims to address the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel. Also read: High costs and controversy: UK`s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to cost $215K Despite its implementation, no individuals have undertaken the journey so far. In June of the previous year, a flight was halted at the last moment due to an appeal made to the European Court of Human Rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

British court declares govt’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda unlawful

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson's allies are heavily criticized by a Commons committee after they launched a campaign to undermine the committee's investigation into Boris Johnson's claim.

Boris Johnson and other UK ministers admit to a gap in planning

London's Court of Appeal has ruled that the United Kingdom's government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful. Two of the three-judge panel have ruled that Rwanda is not safe. The court agreed that the UK government could not guarantee that Asylum Seekers sent to Rwanda would not be deported to the country from which they were fleeing adding that sending anyone to Rwanda would constitute a breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on human rights

Big setback to Rishi Sunak's govt: Rwanda asylum plan announced unlawful

London's court of appeal will rule if the United Kingdom's government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is lawful. This verdict is crucial for the image of United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Rwanda asylum plan explained: UK's asylum seekers to be sent deported

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pen has prompted some serious concerns in 10 downing street as he was pictured using pens with erasable ink in a cabinet meet.

Gravitas:  UK PM Rishi Sunak's pen triggers controversy

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<p>A British man on vacation with his family in Jamaica has died after attempting to sweep the entire roster of 21 cocktails featured on a bar's menu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man, identified as 53-year-old Timothy Southern, hailed from Kingston and was staying at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Saint Ann. He had finished 12 of the menu's various cocktails before returning to his hotel room. However, when family members arrived at the scene, Southern was already choking and could not be resuscitated back to life.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Southern embarks upon the challenge&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, before attempting to gulp the 21 cocktails, Southern had been drinking brandy and beer throughout the morning. It was only after he met two Canadian women celebrating a birthday that he embarked upon the challenge. The women reportedly told home they were trying to complete the 21-cocktail challenge before midnight as part of the birthday festivities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He was on his back choking. I put him in the recovery position and screamed for an ambulance. He was making a gurgling sound. As soon as he was in the recovery position, he vomited. I was shouting his name with no response,”</p>

<p>“When the nurse arrived, I said had an ambulance been called and she said ‘no.’ I thought she would take over. But that was not the case. I noticed he was starting to lose temperature. I checked his pulse and couldn’t find it,”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-inflation-at-10-year-high-says-report-pm-rishi-sunak-claims-economy-is-looking-up-wion-593673"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK inflation at 10-year-high, says report; PM Rishi Sunak claims economy is looking up | WION</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>GoFundMe page started</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, the family set up a GoFundMe page to bring Southern back to the UK as his bank did not cover the insurance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After doing some digging to find information about his insurance we have found out that he's not actually covered by his bank (as he had originally thought). This leaves us with an impossibly large amount of money to find in order to bring him home and pay for his funeral." read the GoFundMe page.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-influencer-dies-after-gulping-copious-amounts-of-liquor-on-livestream-597395" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | China: Influencer dies after gulping copious amounts of liquor on&nbsp;</strong></a>live stream</p>

<p>"We're hoping by doing this we could try to raise as much money as we can to get him home so that we, as a family, get to say our goodbyes. Anything that is left over from the funds we raise will go to the MIND charity."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A British man on vacation with his family in Jamaica has died after attempting to sweep the entire roster of 21 cocktails featured on a bar's menu. The man, identified as 53-year-old Timothy Southern, hailed from Kingston and was staying at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Saint Ann.

A British man on vacation with his family in Jamaica has died after attempting to sweep the entire roster of 21 cocktails featured on a bar's menu. The man, identified as 53-year-old Timothy Southern, hailed from Kingston and was staying at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Saint Ann. He had finished 12 of the menu's various cocktails before returning to his hotel room. However, when family members arrived at the scene, Southern was already choking and could not be resuscitated back to life. Southern embarks upon the challenge Notably, before attempting to gulp the 21 cocktails, Southern had been drinking brandy and beer throughout the morning. It was only after he met two Canadian women celebrating a birthday that he embarked upon the challenge. The women reportedly told home they were trying to complete the 21-cocktail challenge before midnight as part of the birthday festivities. “He was on his back choking. I put him in the recovery position and screamed for an ambulance. He was making a gurgling sound. As soon as he was in the recovery position, he vomited. I was shouting his name with no response,” “When the nurse arrived, I said had an ambulance been called and she said ‘no.’ I thought she would take over. But that was not the case. I noticed he was starting to lose temperature. I checked his pulse and couldn’t find it,” WATCH | UK inflation at 10-year-high, says report; PM Rishi Sunak claims economy is looking up | WION GoFundMe page started After the incident, the family set up a GoFundMe page to bring Southern back to the UK as his bank did not cover the insurance. "After doing some digging to find information about his insurance we have found out that he's not actually covered by his bank (as he had originally thought). This leaves us with an impossibly large amount of money to find in order to bring him home and pay for his funeral." read the GoFundMe page. Also read | China: Influencer dies after gulping copious amounts of liquor on live stream "We're hoping by doing this we could try to raise as much money as we can to get him home so that we, as a family, get to say our goodbyes. Anything that is left over from the funds we raise will go to the MIND charity." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British man dies after attempting to gulp all 21 cocktails on bar menu in Jamaica

Going hungry in the UK due to historically high levels of food inflation risks becoming "the new normal" for millions of people, according to a study released on Tuesday. The study by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex said it was "concerning" that 14 percent of the population was now suffering from food poverty.

Hunger may become a 'new normal' in UK, shows study

In inflation hit UK, hunger could become 'new normal': Study

Labour leader Keir Starmer has vowed not to attack Rishi Sunak for being rich or for sending his children to private schools. Watch the video to know more.

Starmer vows not to attack Sunak over wealth

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has come under controversy yet again after it was revealed that he has been using pens with erasable ink during his tenure at 10, Downing Street. The discovery made by <em>The Guardian</em> raises fresh security concerns over the secrecy of the documents and other important records that Sunak may have signed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication noted that the prime minister is regularly seen using the&nbsp;disposable "Pilot V" fountain pens during his&nbsp;time as chancellor and prime minister. He has been photographed making cabinet notes, working on government papers and signing official letters in the UK and at international summits using the same pen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pen, which sells for&nbsp;£4.75, carries an "erasable ink" logo. The company markets the pen as&nbsp;“ideal for those learning to write with ink because if you make a mistake, the ink erases using standard ink eradicators”.</p>

<p>This raises concerns as his hand-written notes and other documents where he has used the ink can be erased.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Pen provided by the civil service: Downing Street</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak's office, however, maintains that the PM has never used the 'erasing' feature of the pen, nor would he do so ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is a pen provided by and used widely by the civil service. The prime minister has never used the erase function and nor would he," Sunak's press secretary was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sunak's opponents took the opportunity to target him and said the PM was accountable for his actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When trust in politicians is at an all-time low, the PM signing official documents in erasable ink could push it through the floor and into the basement," said Tom Brake, a former Liberal Democrat MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Erasable ink, lost mobile phones and disappearing WhatsApp messages all add to a picture of a cavalier attitude towards ensuring government is accountable for its actions.”</p>

<h2><strong>What if?</strong></h2>

<p>Experts are wary that official Covid inquiry papers that could put Sunak's party members in jeopardy, might be fudged by removing the PM's scribbled notes or signatures.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-scandal-5-key-takeaways-from-committee-report-accusing-boris-johnson-on-lockdown-parties-604914"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Partygate scandal': 5 key takeaways from committee report accusing Boris Johnson of lockdown parties</strong></a></p>

<p>The Tory government is already having a torrid time cleaning up the 'Partygate' mess of former PM Boris Johnson. The recent reports of the Sunak administration planning to go to court to try and block the official Covid inquiry from gaining access to government WhatsApp messages have further raised&nbsp;eyebrows. Add the pen controversy and Sunak has invited more attention to his government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has come under controversy yet again after it was revealed that he has been using pens with erasable ink during his tenure at 10, Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has come under controversy yet again after it was revealed that he has been using pens with erasable ink during his tenure at 10, Downing Street. The discovery made by The Guardian raises fresh security concerns over the secrecy of the documents and other important records that Sunak may have signed. The publication noted that the prime minister is regularly seen using the disposable "Pilot V" fountain pens during his time as chancellor and prime minister. He has been photographed making cabinet notes, working on government papers and signing official letters in the UK and at international summits using the same pen. The pen, which sells for £4.75, carries an "erasable ink" logo. The company markets the pen as “ideal for those learning to write with ink because if you make a mistake, the ink erases using standard ink eradicators”. This raises concerns as his hand-written notes and other documents where he has used the ink can be erased. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report × Pen provided by the civil service: Downing Street Sunak's office, however, maintains that the PM has never used the 'erasing' feature of the pen, nor would he do so ever. “This is a pen provided by and used widely by the civil service. The prime minister has never used the erase function and nor would he," Sunak's press secretary was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Sunak's opponents took the opportunity to target him and said the PM was accountable for his actions. “When trust in politicians is at an all-time low, the PM signing official documents in erasable ink could push it through the floor and into the basement," said Tom Brake, a former Liberal Democrat MP. “Erasable ink, lost mobile phones and disappearing WhatsApp messages all add to a picture of a cavalier attitude towards ensuring government is accountable for its actions.” What if? Experts are wary that official Covid inquiry papers that could put Sunak's party members in jeopardy, might be fudged by removing the PM's scribbled notes or signatures. Also read | 'Partygate scandal': 5 key takeaways from committee report accusing Boris Johnson of lockdown parties The Tory government is already having a torrid time cleaning up the 'Partygate' mess of former PM Boris Johnson. The recent reports of the Sunak administration planning to go to court to try and block the official Covid inquiry from gaining access to government WhatsApp messages have further raised eyebrows. Add the pen controversy and Sunak has invited more attention to his government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British PM Rishi Sunak found using pen with erasable ink to sign official documents, make notes

UK's National Health Service is again under the radar, a study has found UK citizens die sooner from cancer and heart diseases than people in other rich countries. The main reason it stated is the lack of beds and staff according to a report by King's fund Thinktank, the NHS has been affected by years of under-investment while adding the number of avoidable deaths could have been prevented had patients received better treatment. The study includes 19 rich countries and included and it concluded that Britain has below average Health outcomes because it spends less.

Thinktank Report: UK has below average health outcomes

<p>A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27). However, it was later found that the government had incorrectly sent him the notification. The incident has since left the 39-year-old in a “state of disbelief”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The 39-year-old&nbsp;Dutch research scientist&nbsp;Bobby Stuijfzand received a letter from the British Home Office&nbsp;earlier this month&nbsp;which informed him that his skilled migrant visa is being cancelled and he has to leave the country in August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Stuijfzand had reportedly switched to a family visa over a year ago being a father of his six-year-old British daughter Malou to legally stay in the UK. The notification in question quoted by British media outlets said that his skilled worker visa which granted him entry clearance had been removed as he “stopped working for your sponsor”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this was also not the case since Stuijfzand is still employed by the same company. The letter added, “You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission to stay.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘State of disbelief’: Stuijfzand about the mix-up</strong></h2>

<p>The 39-year-old moved near London, England from Switzerland in 2021, so that his&nbsp;daughter, who was born in Bristol, could be closer to his&nbsp;English wife’s relatives after she passed away due to cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, he was not able to apply for the European Union settled status, which was an immigration option for EU citizens after Brexit, as&nbsp;he fell short of the requirement of five years of residency since his family moved to Switzerland in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, he still works for the Behavioural Insights Team and while his skilled migrant visa has expired, Stuijfzand no longer requires it to stay in the UK since he switched to a parental visa 18 months before the notification was sent to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the UK-based media outlet, Standard, Stuijfzand, said he was in a “state of disbelief” after the Home Office sent him the letter. He also took to Twitter after the government’s blunder and wrote, “I have two months this summer to pack up, leave my job, find my daughter a new school in the Netherlands and cross the North Sea.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He initially suspected that there had been an error and after multiple attempts to inform the Home Office failed, Stuijfzand&nbsp;wrote them an email informing them that he believes there has been a mistake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stuijfzand also spoke about how he was shocked at the accusatory and “threatening” tone of the letter which said he could be detained, prosecuted, fined and imprisoned, removed and banned from returning to the UK, as per the Guardian. Additionally, he was also told that his earnings could be seized and assets confiscated, and bank accounts frozen, if he worked illegally.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did the UK Home Office respond to the incident?</strong></h2>

<p>When media outlets began contacting the Home Office about the incident, they confirmed that they made a mistake and would get in touch with Stuijfzand. “Unfortunately a visa cancellation letter was issued to Dr Stuijfzand in error. We have issued a retraction and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused him and his family,” said the government&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, while the error has been fixed, they have not contacted the Dutch scientist, as of Tuesday. “I don’t think I’ll be very rested until I’ve received that confirmation,” he told the Standard.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27).

A Dutch research scientist living in the United Kingdom along with his six-year-old daughter was asked to leave within two months after his skilled worker visa was cancelled by the Home Office, reported the British media, on Tuesday (May 27). However, it was later found that the government had incorrectly sent him the notification. The incident has since left the 39-year-old in a “state of disbelief”. What happened? The 39-year-old Dutch research scientist Bobby Stuijfzand received a letter from the British Home Office earlier this month which informed him that his skilled migrant visa is being cancelled and he has to leave the country in August. This comes after Stuijfzand had reportedly switched to a family visa over a year ago being a father of his six-year-old British daughter Malou to legally stay in the UK. The notification in question quoted by British media outlets said that his skilled worker visa which granted him entry clearance had been removed as he “stopped working for your sponsor”. But this was also not the case since Stuijfzand is still employed by the same company. The letter added, “You do not have a right of appeal or administrative review against the decision to cancel your permission to stay.” ‘State of disbelief’: Stuijfzand about the mix-up The 39-year-old moved near London, England from Switzerland in 2021, so that his daughter, who was born in Bristol, could be closer to his English wife’s relatives after she passed away due to cancer. At the time, he was not able to apply for the European Union settled status, which was an immigration option for EU citizens after Brexit, as he fell short of the requirement of five years of residency since his family moved to Switzerland in 2018. Furthermore, he still works for the Behavioural Insights Team and while his skilled migrant visa has expired, Stuijfzand no longer requires it to stay in the UK since he switched to a parental visa 18 months before the notification was sent to him. Speaking to the UK-based media outlet, Standard, Stuijfzand, said he was in a “state of disbelief” after the Home Office sent him the letter. He also took to Twitter after the government’s blunder and wrote, “I have two months this summer to pack up, leave my job, find my daughter a new school in the Netherlands and cross the North Sea.” He initially suspected that there had been an error and after multiple attempts to inform the Home Office failed, Stuijfzand wrote them an email informing them that he believes there has been a mistake. Stuijfzand also spoke about how he was shocked at the accusatory and “threatening” tone of the letter which said he could be detained, prosecuted, fined and imprisoned, removed and banned from returning to the UK, as per the Guardian. Additionally, he was also told that his earnings could be seized and assets confiscated, and bank accounts frozen, if he worked illegally. How did the UK Home Office respond to the incident? When media outlets began contacting the Home Office about the incident, they confirmed that they made a mistake and would get in touch with Stuijfzand. “Unfortunately a visa cancellation letter was issued to Dr Stuijfzand in error. We have issued a retraction and we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused him and his family,” said the government in a statement. However, while the error has been fixed, they have not contacted the Dutch scientist, as of Tuesday. “I don’t think I’ll be very rested until I’ve received that confirmation,” he told the Standard. 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.

Dutch widower with British daughter asked to leave UK after Home Office blunder: Here's what happened

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