<p>The threat of more strikes by British nurses ended on Tuesday (June 27) after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that a vote on industrial action had not met the legal threshold. The RCN said that it had got votes for more strikes from 100,000 members but that the turnout for voting was only 43 per cent. The statutory minimum is 50 per cent.</p>

<p>Nurses in England were voting on a six-month renewal of strike action, after turning down a five per cent government pay offer.</p>

<p>RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said in April that the nurses were prepared to strike till Christmas if an improved offer was not forthcoming.</p>

<p>She acknowledged on Tuesday that the result would be disappointing but promised that the "fight for the fair pay and safe staffing of our profession, our patients and our NHS deserve is far from over".</p>

<p>“To every one of you who took part, whether by voting or encouraging others to, thank you. We have so much to be proud of," Cullen told members in an e-mail as quoted by the Independent.</p>

<p>“While the vast majority of members who returned their ballot papers voted in favour of strike action, we did not meet the 50 per cent&nbsp;turnout threshold necessary for us to be able to take further strike action."</p>

<p>Cullen said that she was going to meet UK PM Rishi Sunak on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>NHS under pressure</strong></h2>

<p>State-run National Health Service (NHS) has been under pressure due to successive walkouts by nurses. The NHS is trying hard to cut waiting lists for appointments and treatment.</p>

<p>The walk-outs were part of a series of public and private sector strikes which were stoked by soaring inflation as well as demands for wages to keep pace with the increased cost of living.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/medical-breakthrough-multi-cancer-blood-test-shows-real-potential-in-nhs-study-599677">Medical breakthrough! Multi-cancer blood test shows real potential in NHS study</a></strong></p>

<p>The health ministry called the nurses' strikes "hugely disruptive" and called on other unions to end their disputes.</p>

<p>Hospital doctors in England last week announced a five-day strike for next month -- the longest in the NHS's 75-year history.</p>

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The threat of more strikes by British nurses ended on Tuesday (June 27) after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that a vote on industrial action had not met the legal threshold.

The threat of more strikes by British nurses ended on Tuesday (June 27) after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said that a vote on industrial action had not met the legal threshold. The RCN said that it had got votes for more strikes from 100,000 members but that the turnout for voting was only 43 per cent. The statutory minimum is 50 per cent. Nurses in England were voting on a six-month renewal of strike action, after turning down a five per cent government pay offer. RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said in April that the nurses were prepared to strike till Christmas if an improved offer was not forthcoming. She acknowledged on Tuesday that the result would be disappointing but promised that the "fight for the fair pay and safe staffing of our profession, our patients and our NHS deserve is far from over". “To every one of you who took part, whether by voting or encouraging others to, thank you. We have so much to be proud of," Cullen told members in an e-mail as quoted by the Independent. “While the vast majority of members who returned their ballot papers voted in favour of strike action, we did not meet the 50 per cent turnout threshold necessary for us to be able to take further strike action." Cullen said that she was going to meet UK PM Rishi Sunak on Tuesday. NHS under pressure State-run National Health Service (NHS) has been under pressure due to successive walkouts by nurses. The NHS is trying hard to cut waiting lists for appointments and treatment. The walk-outs were part of a series of public and private sector strikes which were stoked by soaring inflation as well as demands for wages to keep pace with the increased cost of living. Also Read | Medical breakthrough! Multi-cancer blood test shows real potential in NHS study The health ministry called the nurses' strikes "hugely disruptive" and called on other unions to end their disputes. Hospital doctors in England last week announced a five-day strike for next month -- the longest in the NHS's 75-year history. 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: Nurses' strike ends after low voter turnout

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of “modern India” to a Labour government (should the party win the next general election) in a speech on Monday and declared: “This a changed Labour party”.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer declares he has 'reset party's relationship with India'

<p>Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry.</p>

<p>Hancock, who was health secretary during and at the height of the pandemic, said that it was a mistake to consider that the pandemic would be flu-based and that it was not possible to contain the spread of coronavirus. Hancock told the inquiry that he “bore ministerial responsibility for that calamitous state of affairs”.</p>

<p>“I bear responsibility for all the things that happened, not only in my department but also the agencies that reported to me as secretary of state,” said Hancock, as quoted by The Guardian.</p>

<p>The former health secretary said that the main error had been to assume that Covid virus cannot be stopped from spreading.</p>

<p>“The doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster,” Hancock said. “Can we buy enough body bags? Where are we going to bury the dead? And that was completely wrong."</p>

<p>“Of course, it’s important to have that in case you failed to stop a pandemic. But central to pandemic planning needs to be how do you stop that disaster from happening in the first place. How do you suppress the virus?”</p>

<h2><strong>'Huge error in the doctrine'</strong></h2>

<p>Keith attempted to grill Hancock and ask why in the 18 months before the pandemic when he was the health secretary, he did not attempt to improve the situation and ensure that the UK was prepared.</p>

<p>“Because I was assured that the UK planning was among the best and in some instances the best in the world,” Hancock said. “Of course, in hindsight, I wish I’d spent that short period of time as health secretary before the pandemic struck changing the entire attitude to how we respond to a pandemic.”</p>

<p>Hancock admitted that there was a “huge error in the doctrine”.</p>

<p>“If I may say so, I am profoundly sorry, for the impact that had, I’m profoundly sorry for each death that has occurred. And I also understand why, for some, it will be hard to take that apology from me," he said.</p>

<p>“I understand that, I get it. But it is honest and heartfelt. And I’m not very good at talking about my emotions on how I feel. But that is honest and true. And all I can do is ensure that this inquiry gets to the bottom of it and that for the future we learn the right lessons so that we stop a pandemic in its tracks much, much earlier.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry.

Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry. Hancock, who was health secretary during and at the height of the pandemic, said that it was a mistake to consider that the pandemic would be flu-based and that it was not possible to contain the spread of coronavirus. Hancock told the inquiry that he “bore ministerial responsibility for that calamitous state of affairs”. “I bear responsibility for all the things that happened, not only in my department but also the agencies that reported to me as secretary of state,” said Hancock, as quoted by The Guardian. The former health secretary said that the main error had been to assume that Covid virus cannot be stopped from spreading. “The doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster,” Hancock said. “Can we buy enough body bags? Where are we going to bury the dead? And that was completely wrong." “Of course, it’s important to have that in case you failed to stop a pandemic. But central to pandemic planning needs to be how do you stop that disaster from happening in the first place. How do you suppress the virus?” 'Huge error in the doctrine' Keith attempted to grill Hancock and ask why in the 18 months before the pandemic when he was the health secretary, he did not attempt to improve the situation and ensure that the UK was prepared. “Because I was assured that the UK planning was among the best and in some instances the best in the world,” Hancock said. “Of course, in hindsight, I wish I’d spent that short period of time as health secretary before the pandemic struck changing the entire attitude to how we respond to a pandemic.” Hancock admitted that there was a “huge error in the doctrine”. “If I may say so, I am profoundly sorry, for the impact that had, I’m profoundly sorry for each death that has occurred. And I also understand why, for some, it will be hard to take that apology from me," he said. “I understand that, I get it. But it is honest and heartfelt. And I’m not very good at talking about my emotions on how I feel. But that is honest and true. And all I can do is ensure that this inquiry gets to the bottom of it and that for the future we learn the right lessons so that we stop a pandemic in its tracks much, much earlier.” (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 ×

'Profoundly sorry for each death,' says former UK health secretary over Covid pandemic

Britain's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will cost £169,000 ($215,035) per person, according to the first detailed government assessment of a high-stakes promise to tackle record numbers of people arriving in small boats. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative government wants to send thousands of migrants more than 4,000 miles (6,400 km) away to Rwanda as part of a deal with the central African country agreed last year.

UK: Deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda will cost $215,035 per person

Theresa May is under pressure to clarify her involvement in a “socially distanced party” she attended during the second full lockdown. The former prime minister was pictured taking part in an event held on Nov 24 2020 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Women2Win, a Tory pressure group she co-founded with Baroness Jenkin.

Former UK PM Theresa May under pressure over 'socially distanced party' during lockdown

UK: Deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda will cost £169,000 a person

<p>The UK government's ambitious plan to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda is causing a stir as the first comprehensive evaluation of the proposal reveals an estimated cost of around $215,035&nbsp;per person.</p>

<p>With an increasing number of migrants arriving in small boats, this initiative has become a focal point for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative government, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>In a recently released economic impact assessment, the government provided a breakdown of the expenses involved in deporting individuals to Rwanda. The costs include a $133,000 (approx) payment to Rwanda for hosting each asylum seeker, $28,000 (approx) for transportation and escort services, and&nbsp;$22,800 (approx)&nbsp;for processing and legal expenses.</p>

<p>Home Secretary Suella Braverman stressed the importance of considering these costs in the context of deterring future attempts to reach Britain and the mounting expenses associated with housing asylum seekers.</p>

<p>Braverman cautioned that if no action is taken, the annual cost of accommodating asylum seekers could soar to a staggering around&nbsp;around $14.3 billion.</p>

<p>The government acknowledged the uncertain potential for savings from this plan, but estimated that in order to break even, the strategy would need to deter nearly two in five individuals who attempt to cross the English Channel in small boats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-police-chief-a-rwandan-genocide-suspect-arrested-in-south-africa-596495">Former police chief, a Rwandan genocide suspect, arrested in South Africa</a></p>

<h2><strong>Government's strategy seen as crucial in deterrence efforts, amid political pressure</strong></h2>

<p>Critics, however, were quick to denounce the economic assessment as a "complete joke" according to the Labour Party, which lambasted its failure to provide an accurate overall cost for the entire plan. Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party accused the government of allocating "astronomical" funds for deportations while neglecting the needs of UK citizens grappling with rising mortgage and food costs.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Horrific memories resurface, fugitive captured 29 years later</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, all eyes are on the Court of Appeal, which is set to deliver its judgement on the legality of the Rwanda flights. The initial scheduled flight in June of the previous year was abruptly halted due to a last-minute ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. The court imposed an injunction, suspending all deportations until the conclusion of legal proceedings in the UK. Although the High Court in London later deemed the policy lawful in December, asylum seekers from various countries, along with human rights organisations, continue to challenge this decision.</p>

<p>The urgency to address this issue stems from the record-breaking number of individuals who arrived in Britain via small boats last year, reaching an alarming total of 45,000. This trend has continued into the present year with over 11,000 arrivals, predominantly originating from France.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The UK government's ambitious plan to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda is causing a stir as the first comprehensive evaluation of the proposal reveals an estimated cost of around $215,035 per person.

The UK government's ambitious plan to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda is causing a stir as the first comprehensive evaluation of the proposal reveals an estimated cost of around $215,035 per person. With an increasing number of migrants arriving in small boats, this initiative has become a focal point for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative government, as reported by Reuters. In a recently released economic impact assessment, the government provided a breakdown of the expenses involved in deporting individuals to Rwanda. The costs include a $133,000 (approx) payment to Rwanda for hosting each asylum seeker, $28,000 (approx) for transportation and escort services, and $22,800 (approx) for processing and legal expenses. Home Secretary Suella Braverman stressed the importance of considering these costs in the context of deterring future attempts to reach Britain and the mounting expenses associated with housing asylum seekers. Braverman cautioned that if no action is taken, the annual cost of accommodating asylum seekers could soar to a staggering around around $14.3 billion. The government acknowledged the uncertain potential for savings from this plan, but estimated that in order to break even, the strategy would need to deter nearly two in five individuals who attempt to cross the English Channel in small boats. Also read | Former police chief, a Rwandan genocide suspect, arrested in South Africa Government's strategy seen as crucial in deterrence efforts, amid political pressure Critics, however, were quick to denounce the economic assessment as a "complete joke" according to the Labour Party, which lambasted its failure to provide an accurate overall cost for the entire plan. Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party accused the government of allocating "astronomical" funds for deportations while neglecting the needs of UK citizens grappling with rising mortgage and food costs. Also watch | Horrific memories resurface, fugitive captured 29 years later On Thursday, all eyes are on the Court of Appeal, which is set to deliver its judgement on the legality of the Rwanda flights. The initial scheduled flight in June of the previous year was abruptly halted due to a last-minute ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. The court imposed an injunction, suspending all deportations until the conclusion of legal proceedings in the UK. Although the High Court in London later deemed the policy lawful in December, asylum seekers from various countries, along with human rights organisations, continue to challenge this decision. The urgency to address this issue stems from the record-breaking number of individuals who arrived in Britain via small boats last year, reaching an alarming total of 45,000. This trend has continued into the present year with over 11,000 arrivals, predominantly originating from France. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

High costs and controversy: UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to cost $215K

<p>The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, on Monday (June 26) named a major suspect in the decades-old investigation of the Stephen Lawrence murder and admitted making too many mistakes in the initial investigation. The name of the new suspect emerged following a BBC investigation which found that the Met police “seriously mishandled key inquiries” related to Matthew White, which the report said was central to the case.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>Stephen Lawrence, a Black teenager was murdered in a reportedly racially motivated attack in south-east London in April 1993. It is said to be the UK’s most notorious racist killing while the failure of the first police investigation also&nbsp;prompted a public inquiry into the Met police which found that they were institutionally racist.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-apologise-for-wrongfully-convicting-a-man-executed-70-years-ago-512747">UK police apologise for wrongfully convicting a man executed 70 years ago</a></strong></p>

<p>During the inquiry in 1999, the Met Police were branded institutionally racist for their bungling of a high-profile racially motivated killing of a black teenager. An inquiry into the police investigation found that it had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”.</p>

<p>Lawrence, who was 18 at the time, is said to have been stabbed to death by a “gang of young white men,” as per BBC. The UK-based media outlet also reported that the five prime suspects became widely known after the murder while the public inquiry said there were “five or six” attackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly named suspect, Matthew White, was publicly named in 2011 for the first time at the trial of David Norris and Gary Dobson. The duo had been given life sentences for Lawrence’s murder in 2012, while the other three suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt were, acquitted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-uk-police-shot-dead-two-dogs-tasered-man-in-front-of-screaming-witnesses-590454">Video | UK police allegedly shot dead two dogs, tasered man in front of screaming witnesses</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case “inactive” and said that all identified lines of inquiry had been followed while assuring&nbsp;Lawrence’s family that the police would investigate any new information.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Matthew White and what did the investigation find?</strong></h2>

<p>Matthew White is now the sixth suspect named following the BBC investigation. White, who died in August 2021, at the age of 50, first appeared on the police radar after he was presented&nbsp;as a witness related to the case for Norris and Dobson in 2011.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new investigation by BBC finds that White was central to the case. Initially, he was known as Witness K and was granted an alias despite never really cooperating with police said the UK-based media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-met-police-plagued-with-institutional-racism-sexism-homophobia-casseys-report-574085">London Met Police plagued with institutional racism, sexism &amp; homophobia: Cassey's Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, a relative of White had also tried to speak to the Met after the murder but wrong information was entered into the police database and the lead was not followed, said the media report. BBC’s investigation also found that when the relative was eventually traced by the police 20 years later,&nbsp;the relative said that White had admitted to being present during the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was in addition to another witness back in 2000 who reportedly said that White had admitted to being a part of the attack. The media report citing evidence also said that White’s alibi was false and that police surveillance photos of White showed a resemblance to witness accounts of an unidentified fair-haired attacker. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Too many mistakes’: Met police about their investigation</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement to BBC, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, said, “Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation.” This comes after the UK police took the almost unprecedented step of naming White as a suspect following the media report. It added, “The impact of them continues to be seen.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-watchdog-to-assess-racial-bias-among-officers-312250">UK police watchdog to assess racial bias among officers</a></strong></p>

<p>“On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lawrence’s parents fume at Met Police over recent findings</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement to the UK-based media outlet, Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence called for “serious sanctions” against police officers who were investigating White after the BBC released its findings. She added, “Only when police officers lose their jobs can the public have confidence that failure and incompetence will not be tolerated and that change will happen.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, his father, Dr Neville Lawrence told the BBC, “They must be able to find a decent police force who could investigate.”&nbsp;<br />
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The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, on Monday (June 26) named a major suspect in the decades-old investigation of the Stephen Lawrence murder and admitted making too many mistakes in the initial investigation.

The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, on Monday (June 26) named a major suspect in the decades-old investigation of the Stephen Lawrence murder and admitted making too many mistakes in the initial investigation. The name of the new suspect emerged following a BBC investigation which found that the Met police “seriously mishandled key inquiries” related to Matthew White, which the report said was central to the case. What is the case about? Stephen Lawrence, a Black teenager was murdered in a reportedly racially motivated attack in south-east London in April 1993. It is said to be the UK’s most notorious racist killing while the failure of the first police investigation also prompted a public inquiry into the Met police which found that they were institutionally racist. ALSO READ | UK police apologise for wrongfully convicting a man executed 70 years ago During the inquiry in 1999, the Met Police were branded institutionally racist for their bungling of a high-profile racially motivated killing of a black teenager. An inquiry into the police investigation found that it had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”. Lawrence, who was 18 at the time, is said to have been stabbed to death by a “gang of young white men,” as per BBC. The UK-based media outlet also reported that the five prime suspects became widely known after the murder while the public inquiry said there were “five or six” attackers. The newly named suspect, Matthew White, was publicly named in 2011 for the first time at the trial of David Norris and Gary Dobson. The duo had been given life sentences for Lawrence’s murder in 2012, while the other three suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt were, acquitted. ALSO READ | Video | UK police allegedly shot dead two dogs, tasered man in front of screaming witnesses In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case “inactive” and said that all identified lines of inquiry had been followed while assuring Lawrence’s family that the police would investigate any new information. Who is Matthew White and what did the investigation find? Matthew White is now the sixth suspect named following the BBC investigation. White, who died in August 2021, at the age of 50, first appeared on the police radar after he was presented as a witness related to the case for Norris and Dobson in 2011. The new investigation by BBC finds that White was central to the case. Initially, he was known as Witness K and was granted an alias despite never really cooperating with police said the UK-based media outlet. ALSO READ | London Met Police plagued with institutional racism, sexism & homophobia: Cassey's Report Additionally, a relative of White had also tried to speak to the Met after the murder but wrong information was entered into the police database and the lead was not followed, said the media report. BBC’s investigation also found that when the relative was eventually traced by the police 20 years later, the relative said that White had admitted to being present during the attack. This was in addition to another witness back in 2000 who reportedly said that White had admitted to being a part of the attack. The media report citing evidence also said that White’s alibi was false and that police surveillance photos of White showed a resemblance to witness accounts of an unidentified fair-haired attacker. ‘Too many mistakes’: Met police about their investigation In a statement to BBC, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, said, “Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation.” This comes after the UK police took the almost unprecedented step of naming White as a suspect following the media report. It added, “The impact of them continues to be seen.” ALSO READ | UK police watchdog to assess racial bias among officers “On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today,” the statement added. Lawrence’s parents fume at Met Police over recent findings In a statement to the UK-based media outlet, Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence called for “serious sanctions” against police officers who were investigating White after the BBC released its findings. She added, “Only when police officers lose their jobs can the public have confidence that failure and incompetence will not be tolerated and that change will happen.” Similarly, his father, Dr Neville Lawrence told the BBC, “They must be able to find a decent police force who could investigate.” 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: Police name new suspect in murder of Stephen Lawrence after media investigation

<p>An Indian-origin doctor has been sent to jail in the UK for his role in running a dark web portal for sharing images of child sexual abuse, BBC has reported. The punishment, slapped on him on Friday last week, will send Dr Kabir Garg (33) to jail for six years. Garg, who is from Lewisham, south-east London, has pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of facilitating the exploitation of children.</p>

<p>He reportedly pleaded guilty to 'one count of facilitating the exploitation of children, three counts of distributing indecent images of children, &nbsp;three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession of a prohibited image of children' according to BBC.</p>

<p>Garg&nbsp;was arrested in November. Until then he was working in South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.</p>

<p>The court has heard that Garg was acting as a 'moderator' of the website. The role of the moderator&nbsp;meant that he had to deal with issues regarding the everyday running of the website and also tell people how to post the images.</p>

<p>At the time of his arrest, the National Crime Agency (NCA) found thousands of indecent images on his computer and a memory card. BBC reported&nbsp;that there were 522 category A images which, according to the UK law is the most serious category.</p>

<p>In addition to this, numerous medical journals were found on his devices. Some of them discussed the impact of child sexual abuse on the child. The NCA said that this showed Garg understood the impact of his activities and it makes the matter graver still.</p>

<p>Garg's crimes are "especially shocking given his role as an NHS psychiatrist, treating vulnerable members of the public, and his understanding of the psychological impact of sexual abuse on children," said Bethany Raine, specialist prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. She was quoted by the BBC.</p>

<p>"When faced with the evidence of his crimes, Garg had no choice but to plead guilty."</p>

<p>After Garg's jailing, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust said it hoped that the punishment brought a "sense of justice and closure to all those impacted by his deplorable actions".</p>

<p>UK's General Medical Council (GMC) has said that Garg is suspended "pending the conclusion of a full GMC investigation".</p>

<p>When the investigation is complete, the council will hand the case over for a full tribunal hearing during which it will be decided if Garg is to be struck off the list of licensed practitioners.</p>

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An Indian-origin doctor has been sent to jail in the UK for his role in running a dark web portal for sharing images of child sexual abuse, BBC has reported. The punishment, slapped on him on Friday last week, will send Dr Kabir Garg (33) to jail for six years.

An Indian-origin doctor has been sent to jail in the UK for his role in running a dark web portal for sharing images of child sexual abuse, BBC has reported. The punishment, slapped on him on Friday last week, will send Dr Kabir Garg (33) to jail for six years. Garg, who is from Lewisham, south-east London, has pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of facilitating the exploitation of children. He reportedly pleaded guilty to 'one count of facilitating the exploitation of children, three counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession of a prohibited image of children' according to BBC. Garg was arrested in November. Until then he was working in South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. The court has heard that Garg was acting as a 'moderator' of the website. The role of the moderator meant that he had to deal with issues regarding the everyday running of the website and also tell people how to post the images. At the time of his arrest, the National Crime Agency (NCA) found thousands of indecent images on his computer and a memory card. BBC reported that there were 522 category A images which, according to the UK law is the most serious category. In addition to this, numerous medical journals were found on his devices. Some of them discussed the impact of child sexual abuse on the child. The NCA said that this showed Garg understood the impact of his activities and it makes the matter graver still. Garg's crimes are "especially shocking given his role as an NHS psychiatrist, treating vulnerable members of the public, and his understanding of the psychological impact of sexual abuse on children," said Bethany Raine, specialist prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. She was quoted by the BBC. "When faced with the evidence of his crimes, Garg had no choice but to plead guilty." After Garg's jailing, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust said it hoped that the punishment brought a "sense of justice and closure to all those impacted by his deplorable actions". UK's General Medical Council (GMC) has said that Garg is suspended "pending the conclusion of a full GMC investigation". When the investigation is complete, the council will hand the case over for a full tribunal hearing during which it will be decided if Garg is to be struck off the list of licensed practitioners. 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: Indian-origin doctor jailed for dark website on child sexual abuse

The leader of the UK's labor party Keir Starmer opened the fifth annual India Global Forum UK India Week 2023 in London. During Starmer's opening remarks, his message was clearly tailored to invigorate the labor party's ties with India and the Indian diaspora. Starmer interaction is seen as a hugely significant speech as he outlined the labor party's engagement with India.

Britain has healthy relationship with Indian communities: Keir Starmer

India is shining as the world's biggest democracy: Keir Starmer

'India: A modern nation, a confident nation'

A study has found that United Kingdom citizens die sooner from cancer and heart diseases than people in other rich countries. The main reason is stated as the lack of beds and staff, according to a report by Thinktank.

UK's Alarming Cancer Mortality Rates Compared to Other Wealthy Nations

The Greenhouse theatre, billed as Britain's first zero waste theatre, is staging plays in London over the summer months when long, light evenings reduce the need for electricity.

London: Zero waste theater seeks to spark climate action

Rocket Man Sir Elton John has played his final ever UK show. He rounded off this year's Glastonbury weekend in style, headlining the final night on the Pyramid Stage with a hit-stacked, 21-song setlist.

Glastonbury 2023: Elton John bids farewell in his final live show in UK

British people are staring at a seemingly endless summer sun. Five more heatwaves are expected to bake the United Kingdom this year, with sizzling hot weather until September.

City dwellers hit British beaches; Mercury boosted by hot continental air

Problems for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led the UK government seem to be never-ending. As per a local public poll dissatisfaction is nearing record levels this has come as a further blow to Sunak whose cabinet is dealing with a speech of resignations and embarrassment over a parliamentary report on the Party Gate scandal. Watch this report to know more.

Poll: Support drops massively for the UK government

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<p>Months after being elected as president of the Cambridge Union for Michaelmas 2023, Max Ghose has resigned following allegations of rigging the ballot. An investigation carried out found "a number of irregularities" in the Easter 2023 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ghose had been accused of "stuffing ballots" to get a friend installed as his successor. According to a statement released by the Union, Charlier Palmer, the vice president, will serve as the president for Michaelmas 2023 in Ghose’s place.</p>

<h2><strong>Rigging the elections&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The investigation into the issue was prompted by James Hardy, the deputy returning officer for the vote who wrote a letter to the review committee accusing Ghose, an Old Etonian, of one of “the most astonishing acts of electoral malpractice I have seen”.</p>

<p>Reports state that when polls closed around 6 pm on Wednesday last week, Ghose, who was acting as chief returning officer for the vote, allegedly accessed the spreadsheet on which votes were stored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results were to be announced on Friday but after allegations of voter fraud appeared, the Union released a statement confirming the delay in the publication of the final outcome. It cited a "potential irregularity in the electoral process" as the reason for the delay.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ghose's election victory&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In March, Ghose defeated David Eagleson with the poll plank of a “better and bolder union” in a landslide victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m delighted to have had such overwhelming support from the members. I’ve been given a mandate to deliver and I will do exactly that," said Ghose after the result.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cambridge-union-president-max-ghose-rigged-easter-elections-607528" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Cambridge Union president Max Ghose rigged Easter Elections</strong></a></p>

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<p>Prior to his accession to the presidential post, Ghose was serving as the Union’s debates officer and vice-chair of the Cambridge University Liberal Association.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time allegations of corruption and ballot rigging have emerged in Cambridge Union elections. Last year's election also had allegations of electoral irregularities and the appointment process of Returning Officers was found to be “procedurally irregular”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mps-overwhelmingly-back-report-slamming-boris-johnson-for-partygate-606269"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK MPs overwhelmingly back report slamming Boris Johnson for ‘partygate’</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What next?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The race for the president post this term was between Ellie Breeze and Nick Davis, who have previously served on the committees of the University’s Conservative (CUCA) and Labour (CULC) societies respectively. However, after the irregularities, the election, for positions serving Lent 2024 will be launched next term. Applications for an interim vice president to replace Charlie Palmer will open soon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Months after being elected as president of the Cambridge Union for Michaelmas 2023, Max Ghose has resigned following allegations of rigging the ballot. An investigation carried out found "a number of irregularities" in the Easter 2023 election.

Months after being elected as president of the Cambridge Union for Michaelmas 2023, Max Ghose has resigned following allegations of rigging the ballot. An investigation carried out found "a number of irregularities" in the Easter 2023 election. Ghose had been accused of "stuffing ballots" to get a friend installed as his successor. According to a statement released by the Union, Charlier Palmer, the vice president, will serve as the president for Michaelmas 2023 in Ghose’s place. Rigging the elections The investigation into the issue was prompted by James Hardy, the deputy returning officer for the vote who wrote a letter to the review committee accusing Ghose, an Old Etonian, of one of “the most astonishing acts of electoral malpractice I have seen”. Reports state that when polls closed around 6 pm on Wednesday last week, Ghose, who was acting as chief returning officer for the vote, allegedly accessed the spreadsheet on which votes were stored. The results were to be announced on Friday but after allegations of voter fraud appeared, the Union released a statement confirming the delay in the publication of the final outcome. It cited a "potential irregularity in the electoral process" as the reason for the delay. Ghose's election victory In March, Ghose defeated David Eagleson with the poll plank of a “better and bolder union” in a landslide victory. “I’m delighted to have had such overwhelming support from the members. I’ve been given a mandate to deliver and I will do exactly that," said Ghose after the result. WATCH | Gravitas: Cambridge Union president Max Ghose rigged Easter Elections × Prior to his accession to the presidential post, Ghose was serving as the Union’s debates officer and vice-chair of the Cambridge University Liberal Association. Notably, this is not the first time allegations of corruption and ballot rigging have emerged in Cambridge Union elections. Last year's election also had allegations of electoral irregularities and the appointment process of Returning Officers was found to be “procedurally irregular”. Also read | UK MPs overwhelmingly back report slamming Boris Johnson for ‘partygate’ What next? The race for the president post this term was between Ellie Breeze and Nick Davis, who have previously served on the committees of the University’s Conservative (CUCA) and Labour (CULC) societies respectively. However, after the irregularities, the election, for positions serving Lent 2024 will be launched next term. Applications for an interim vice president to replace Charlie Palmer will open soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Max Ghose resigns as Cambridge Union president after allegations of vote-rigging

Shocking revelations from the UK casting a cloud over the reach of democratic processes. A study by the studying the Electoral Commission says at least 14 000 people did not get access to voting rights in the recent local elections. The findings suggest the total tally of such cases could run into thousands as they lacked the right voter ID. The data consists of voting information from 230 councils in England that went to polls on the 4th of May.

UK's new controversial act requires voters to show photo IDs

The study by the Election Commission of UK says that atleast 14,000 people did not get access to the voting rights in recent local elections because they lacked right ID.

About 14,000 people in UK denied vote due to ID rule

<p>10, Downing Street is being accused of 'sitting on' and delaying publication of a key report about Chinese spying activities in Britain, The Times has reported. The report prepared by British parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been made public after four years of inquiry.</p>

<p>The committee found itself at the centre of a similar row in the year 2019, before the election, when former UK PM Boris Johnson refused to sanction publication of its report on Russia. That report had examined how oligarchs with connections with Kremlin had entered London's elite society.</p>

<p>British intelligence agencies MI5, MI6 and GCHQ have been warning about growing Chinese threat in everything from corporate espionage to intimidation of Chinese citizens abroad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China plans a new training facility in Cuba: Report</strong></p>

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<p>The Times reported that the ISC submits the report to 10, Downing Street, the official residence of the British PM, before it can be published. This is done to avoid compromising the work of British intelligence agencies. Usually, permission to publish comes in 10 days. But in the case of Russia report, it took nine months.</p>

<p>The report on China was reportedly sent to the PM's residence. There is a concern that the report would not be published until the end of summer break in September.</p>

<p>“They’re sitting on the report,” The Times quoted a source close to the committee</p>

<p>“It’s typical of the recent approach to the ISC.”</p>

<h2><strong>Softened stance?</strong></h2>

<p>Since he took office, British PM Rishi Sunak has preferred to engage with China and assume a less-confrontational posture. UK government sent a trade minister to Hong Kong this year. During the Tory leadership contest, Sunak had pledged to shut down Confucius Institutes run by Beijing to promote Chinese culture and language. Sunak has dropped the pledge since.</p>

<p>UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly outlined government's approach to China in a speech made earlier this year. He made a case for greater engagement with China and said that not doing so would be a mistake.</p>

<p>"It would be a betrayal of our national interest and a wilful misunderstanding of the modern world,” Cleverly said as quoted by The Times.</p>

<p>Delay in publishing the report on China is eliciting negative reactions. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, urged Sunak to publish the report.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trading-with-the-dragon-germany-and-china-talk-free-trade-amid-geopolitical-tensions-606936">Trading with the Dragon? Germany and China talk free trade amid geopolitical tensions</a></strong></p>

<p>“The government must now publish this report. If they carry on blocking it, people will reach the justifiable conclusion that either they have something to hide or they don’t want to upset the Chinese,” he said.</p>

<p>“All of these things are sending signals to China, and Beijing now thinks the UK is a soft option."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.<br />
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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10, Downing Street is being accused of 'sitting on' and delaying publication of a key report about Chinese spying activities in Britain, The Times has reported. The report prepared by British parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been made public after four years of inquiry.

10, Downing Street is being accused of 'sitting on' and delaying publication of a key report about Chinese spying activities in Britain, The Times has reported. The report prepared by British parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been made public after four years of inquiry. The committee found itself at the centre of a similar row in the year 2019, before the election, when former UK PM Boris Johnson refused to sanction publication of its report on Russia. That report had examined how oligarchs with connections with Kremlin had entered London's elite society. British intelligence agencies MI5, MI6 and GCHQ have been warning about growing Chinese threat in everything from corporate espionage to intimidation of Chinese citizens abroad. Watch | China plans a new training facility in Cuba: Report × The Times reported that the ISC submits the report to 10, Downing Street, the official residence of the British PM, before it can be published. This is done to avoid compromising the work of British intelligence agencies. Usually, permission to publish comes in 10 days. But in the case of Russia report, it took nine months. The report on China was reportedly sent to the PM's residence. There is a concern that the report would not be published until the end of summer break in September. “They’re sitting on the report,” The Times quoted a source close to the committee “It’s typical of the recent approach to the ISC.” Softened stance? Since he took office, British PM Rishi Sunak has preferred to engage with China and assume a less-confrontational posture. UK government sent a trade minister to Hong Kong this year. During the Tory leadership contest, Sunak had pledged to shut down Confucius Institutes run by Beijing to promote Chinese culture and language. Sunak has dropped the pledge since. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly outlined government's approach to China in a speech made earlier this year. He made a case for greater engagement with China and said that not doing so would be a mistake. "It would be a betrayal of our national interest and a wilful misunderstanding of the modern world,” Cleverly said as quoted by The Times. Delay in publishing the report on China is eliciting negative reactions. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, urged Sunak to publish the report. Also Read | Trading with the Dragon? Germany and China talk free trade amid geopolitical tensions “The government must now publish this report. If they carry on blocking it, people will reach the justifiable conclusion that either they have something to hide or they don’t want to upset the Chinese,” he said. “All of these things are sending signals to China, and Beijing now thinks the UK is a soft option." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK: PM office criticised for delay in report on Chinese spying

UK's total government debt has crossed 100% of the GDP for the first time since 1961. The rise in total debt is largely due to the government borrowing more than doubling in recent times. Government figures show that the total debt stands at $3.28 trillion in May this translates to 100.1% of the total UK GDP.

UK's debt crosses 100% of GDP for the first time since 1961

IT services giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced the expansion of its partnership with National Employment Savings Trust, UK’s largest workplace pension scheme in a £840 million (around $1.1 billion) deal over an initial tenure of 10 years, wherein it will digitally transform the firm’s administration services to deliver enhanced member experiences.

TCS bags $1.1 billion deal from UK's National Employment Savings Trust

UK is investigating the allegations against British universities against accusations that some of them are collaborating with Iran on drones and other sensitive technologies.

UK probes report on universities working with Iran on drones

The cost of living crisis is forcing more university students to take on more hours in their part-time jobs, with most saying that supporting themselves is affecting their studies, according to a new study.

UK: Cost of living crisis forcing students to take on more hours of paid work

<p dir="ltr">Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent Indian IT services company, has announced a major partnership with the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), the largest workplace pension scheme in the UK. Valued at £840 million ($1 billion), the agreement cited by Moneycontrol allows TCS to digitally transform Nest's administration services for improved user experience.</p>

<p>The partnership between TCS and Nest follows the cancellation of Nest's previous contract with Atos, a French IT services firm. This unexpected turn of events, occurring just two years into a potential 18-year tenure, may lead to as many as 1,000 jobs being lost at&nbsp;Atos&nbsp;in both the UK and India. As a result, Nest sought a new strategic partner to ensure the seamless continuation of its services, ultimately selecting TCS as the ideal candidate.</p>

<p><strong>TCS's UK Love Affair</strong></p>

<p>This £840 million agreement is the fourth significant deal TCS has secured in the UK in 2023 alone. Previous achievements include a £723-million contract with insurer Phoenix Group, a partnership with retail giant Marks &amp; Spencer, and a 10-year agreement with the Teacher's Pension Scheme in England &amp; Wales. Despite the challenging macro environment in the region, TCS has emerged as a frontrunner, solidifying its position as the leading provider of software and IT services in the UK.</p>

<p>Since its launch in 2011, Nest and TCS have enjoyed a close working relationship. Nest, a digital auto-enrolment pension scheme, currently boasts over 12 million members and aims to manage approximately £100 billion in assets by the end of the next decade. TCS's extended partnership with Nest will see the deployment of TCS BaNCS solutions, allowing members and employers to access timely and relevant information through personalized and self-directed channels.</p>

<p>“We have a strong foundation after many years of working together and they’ve proven their ability to deliver successfully for a scheme the size and complexity of Nest," Moneycontrol quoted Gavin Perera-Betts, Chief Customer Officer at Nest, as saying&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>TCS: A Global IT Heavyweight</strong></p>

<p>With a workforce spanning 30 locations across the UK, TCS has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the industry. The company's success in securing five large deals, including the Nest partnership, in the first half of 2023 demonstrates its commitment to growth and innovation.</p>

<p>In addition to their achievements in the UK, TCS recently received an advanced purchase order of Rs 15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) from the government-run telco BSNL in India. This order forms part of a consortium aimed at expanding BSNL's 4G network nationwide, further solidifying TCS's position as a major player in the global IT services sector.</p>


Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent Indian IT services company, has announced a major partnership with the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), the largest workplace pension scheme in the UK.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent Indian IT services company, has announced a major partnership with the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest), the largest workplace pension scheme in the UK. Valued at £840 million ($1 billion), the agreement cited by Moneycontrol allows TCS to digitally transform Nest's administration services for improved user experience. The partnership between TCS and Nest follows the cancellation of Nest's previous contract with Atos, a French IT services firm. This unexpected turn of events, occurring just two years into a potential 18-year tenure, may lead to as many as 1,000 jobs being lost at Atos in both the UK and India. As a result, Nest sought a new strategic partner to ensure the seamless continuation of its services, ultimately selecting TCS as the ideal candidate. TCS's UK Love Affair This £840 million agreement is the fourth significant deal TCS has secured in the UK in 2023 alone. Previous achievements include a £723-million contract with insurer Phoenix Group, a partnership with retail giant Marks & Spencer, and a 10-year agreement with the Teacher's Pension Scheme in England & Wales. Despite the challenging macro environment in the region, TCS has emerged as a frontrunner, solidifying its position as the leading provider of software and IT services in the UK. Since its launch in 2011, Nest and TCS have enjoyed a close working relationship. Nest, a digital auto-enrolment pension scheme, currently boasts over 12 million members and aims to manage approximately £100 billion in assets by the end of the next decade. TCS's extended partnership with Nest will see the deployment of TCS BaNCS solutions, allowing members and employers to access timely and relevant information through personalized and self-directed channels. “We have a strong foundation after many years of working together and they’ve proven their ability to deliver successfully for a scheme the size and complexity of Nest," Moneycontrol quoted Gavin Perera-Betts, Chief Customer Officer at Nest, as saying TCS: A Global IT Heavyweight With a workforce spanning 30 locations across the UK, TCS has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the industry. The company's success in securing five large deals, including the Nest partnership, in the first half of 2023 demonstrates its commitment to growth and innovation. In addition to their achievements in the UK, TCS recently received an advanced purchase order of Rs 15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) from the government-run telco BSNL in India. This order forms part of a consortium aimed at expanding BSNL's 4G network nationwide, further solidifying TCS's position as a major player in the global IT services sector.

TCS wins big: Nest Pensions set for a $1 billion tech transformation

<p>The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day&nbsp;conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up".</p>

<p>Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)&nbsp;announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion&nbsp;commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK will also provide&nbsp;an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery.</p>

<h2><strong>US&nbsp;announces $1.3 billion additional aid</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.”</p>

<p>The&nbsp;top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU and others</strong></h2>

<p>European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Will it be enough?</strong></h2>

<p>A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmental-damage-from-ukraine-dam-breach-at-15-billion-says-kyiv-607053">cost of reconstruction</a> “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian PM&nbsp;urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as&nbsp;shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian president addresses the conference</strong></h2>

<p>“Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy.</p>

<p>“The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU announces new sanctions package against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries. ‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up". Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM. Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak. The UK will also provide an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery. US announces $1.3 billion additional aid Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.” The top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken. EU and others European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27. Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage. Will it be enough? A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion. Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London. He added, that the cost of reconstruction “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy. The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP. The Ukrainian PM urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Ukrainian president addresses the conference “Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy. “The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.” EU announces new sanctions package against Russia Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow. The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium. However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones. Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | The West announces billions in aid for Ukraine's recovery. Will it be enough?

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