The UK is preparing to join the growing list of countries, which are rolling out digital currencies. British authorities have given emphasis to the idea and have formally asked for public comment on the same.

Britcoin: UK's digital currency

Nurses and ambulance staff staged Britain's biggest round yet of health service strikes, stepping up their demands for better pay to combat a cost-of-living crisis.

UK faces largest-ever healthcare strikes

<p>The COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic and the unrest in the bitcoin market have led to a trading frenzy in digital currencies. Luxury rehab centres are already proliferating everywhere, promising to treat "crypto addiction." The majority of the rehab facilities the BBC has discovered appear to be of the upscale variety and include care for eating disorders, alcoholism, and other addictions &nbsp;The BBC visited three treatment facilities and two addiction clinics, both of which reported receiving hundreds of inquiries on Crypto addiction over the previous two years.</p>

<p>However, addiction experts question if cryptocurrency trading calls for such a costly intervention.</p>

<h2><strong>The need for treatment for cryptocurrency addiction</strong></h2>

<p>Dr&nbsp;Anna Lembke, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, who spoke to the BBC said, "It is a biopsychosocial disease, thus a biopsychosocial solution is required, which may entail medication, individual and group therapy, changing one's surroundings and habits, or introducing healthy alternative activities, according to the findings."</p>

<p>Like other addictions, treatment for crypto addiction should begin with abstinence and managing withdrawal symptoms - which could include anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, Dr&nbsp;Lembke said. "No crypto trading or viewing for at least four weeks, which gives the brain a chance to reset reward pathways. The [withdrawal] symptoms are usually time-limited and can be managed with emotional support and reassurance that they will eventually go away."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong>North Korea behind crypto heist that happened in June last year: FBI</p>

<p>In the long run, treatment would also include healthier options for monetary investment, she added.</p>

<p>However, she also&nbsp;asserted that occasionally the cost is not justified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are making money off desperate people," says Lia Nower, director at the Centre for Gambling Studies in Rutgers School of Social Work, who spoke to the BBC.&nbsp;"Whether you're 'addicted' to trading crypto, betting on sports, or playing the lottery, your symptoms and treatment will be largely the same."</p>

<p>"Crypto trading has an air of being legitimate, whilst gambling is more talked about as being potentially problematic," said Jan Geber, chief executive at Zurich-based rehab centre Paracelsus Recovery, who spoke to the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The signs of crypto addiction&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Those who are addicted to crypto trading start to increasingly turn to it as a source of "excitement and pleasure in their lives", said Aaron Sternlicht, who spoke to BBC and who runs New York-based Family Addiction Specialist with his wife, Lin.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US | Rules on Crypto transactions: Will it push investors away?</strong></p>

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<p>He claims red flags include lying, stealing, debt, trouble unwinding or falling asleep, constant attention to cryptocurrency values, and trading at the expense of friendships, possibilities for a profession, and educational opportunities.</p>

<p>Cryptocurrency addicts often need help setting boundaries, such as trading time limits and stop-loss orders, which advise the cancellation of a position when it reaches a certain price in order to shield investors from disproportionate losses.</p>

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The COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest in the bitcoin market have led to a trading frenzy in digital currencies. Luxury rehab centres are already proliferating everywhere, promising to treat "crypto addiction.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest in the bitcoin market have led to a trading frenzy in digital currencies. Luxury rehab centres are already proliferating everywhere, promising to treat "crypto addiction." The majority of the rehab facilities the BBC has discovered appear to be of the upscale variety and include care for eating disorders, alcoholism, and other addictions The BBC visited three treatment facilities and two addiction clinics, both of which reported receiving hundreds of inquiries on Crypto addiction over the previous two years. However, addiction experts question if cryptocurrency trading calls for such a costly intervention. The need for treatment for cryptocurrency addiction Dr Anna Lembke, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, who spoke to the BBC said, "It is a biopsychosocial disease, thus a biopsychosocial solution is required, which may entail medication, individual and group therapy, changing one's surroundings and habits, or introducing healthy alternative activities, according to the findings." Like other addictions, treatment for crypto addiction should begin with abstinence and managing withdrawal symptoms - which could include anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, Dr Lembke said. "No crypto trading or viewing for at least four weeks, which gives the brain a chance to reset reward pathways. The [withdrawal] symptoms are usually time-limited and can be managed with emotional support and reassurance that they will eventually go away." Also read | North Korea behind crypto heist that happened in June last year: FBI In the long run, treatment would also include healthier options for monetary investment, she added. However, she also asserted that occasionally the cost is not justified. "They are making money off desperate people," says Lia Nower, director at the Centre for Gambling Studies in Rutgers School of Social Work, who spoke to the BBC. "Whether you're 'addicted' to trading crypto, betting on sports, or playing the lottery, your symptoms and treatment will be largely the same." "Crypto trading has an air of being legitimate, whilst gambling is more talked about as being potentially problematic," said Jan Geber, chief executive at Zurich-based rehab centre Paracelsus Recovery, who spoke to the BBC. The signs of crypto addiction Those who are addicted to crypto trading start to increasingly turn to it as a source of "excitement and pleasure in their lives", said Aaron Sternlicht, who spoke to BBC and who runs New York-based Family Addiction Specialist with his wife, Lin. Also watch | US | Rules on Crypto transactions: Will it push investors away? He claims red flags include lying, stealing, debt, trouble unwinding or falling asleep, constant attention to cryptocurrency values, and trading at the expense of friendships, possibilities for a profession, and educational opportunities. Cryptocurrency addicts often need help setting boundaries, such as trading time limits and stop-loss orders, which advise the cancellation of a position when it reaches a certain price in order to shield investors from disproportionate losses. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Treatment for 'crypto addiction': Upscale rehab centres now offer therapy

<p>In an escalating pay dispute, tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance workers have&nbsp;staged&nbsp;Britain's largest-ever health workers' strike on Monday (February 6), the health minister warning that this will put further strain on the National Health Service (NHS). The largest strike in the NHS's 75-year history&nbsp;included&nbsp;both nurses and ambulance personnel after they had been striking separately on and off since late last year.</p>

<p>Stephen Powis, England's top physician who spoke to Reuters, said that this week's strike action—during which physiotherapists will also walk out on Thursday (February 9) —would likely be the most disruptive so far.</p>

<p>The government claims that health workers' demands for salary reflecting the highest inflation in Britain in four decades are unaffordable and would lead to more price hikes, which would raise interest rates and mortgage payments.</p>

<p>Since the summer of 2022, some 500,000 workers, majority of them in the public sector, have gone on strike. This has increased the pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to settle the conflicts and reduce the impact on essential public services like trains and schools.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NHS stages biggest-ever nursing strike, calls on UK Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishiSunak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishiSunak</a> to intervene.<br />
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Nurses to call off strike if Sunak makes fresh pay offer.<br />
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<p>While stressing that there would be disruption, health minister Steve Barclay urged people to keep using the emergency services and showing up for appointments unless they had been cancelled.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">"Despite contingency measures in place, strikes by ambulance and nursing unions this week will inevitably cause further delays for patients who already face longer waits due to the Covid backlogs," he said in a statement.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">"I have held constructive talks with the trade unions on pay and affordability and continue to urge them to call off the strikes."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">The National Health Service (NHS), once a source of pride for the majority of Britons, is under enormous pressure due to the millions of people on waiting lists for surgeries and the hundreds of patients who are denied immediate emergency care each month.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Sunak government under fire over strikes in UK</strong></p>

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<p data-testid="paragraph-7">A decade of low compensation has caused tens of thousands of nurses to quit their jobs – 25,000 in the past year alone — with detrimental consequences on patient care due to the acute staffing shortages, according to the spokesperson from&nbsp;the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), who spoke to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">Although both parties had been in negotiations for weeks without coming to an agreement, the RCN first requested a salary increase of five per cent over inflation and then suggested it might meet the government "halfway."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In an escalating pay dispute, tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance workers have staged Britain's largest-ever health workers' strike on Monday (February 6), the health minister warning that this will put further strain on the National Health Service (NHS).

In an escalating pay dispute, tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance workers have staged Britain's largest-ever health workers' strike on Monday (February 6), the health minister warning that this will put further strain on the National Health Service (NHS). The largest strike in the NHS's 75-year history included both nurses and ambulance personnel after they had been striking separately on and off since late last year. Stephen Powis, England's top physician who spoke to Reuters, said that this week's strike action—during which physiotherapists will also walk out on Thursday (February 9) —would likely be the most disruptive so far. The government claims that health workers' demands for salary reflecting the highest inflation in Britain in four decades are unaffordable and would lead to more price hikes, which would raise interest rates and mortgage payments. Since the summer of 2022, some 500,000 workers, majority of them in the public sector, have gone on strike. This has increased the pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to settle the conflicts and reduce the impact on essential public services like trains and schools. NHS stages biggest-ever nursing strike, calls on UK Prime Minister #RishiSunak to intervene. Nurses to call off strike if Sunak makes fresh pay offer. WION correspondent @AlexonTV joins @alysonle from London with the latest For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/dgby6P2uY0 — WION (@WIONews) February 6, 2023 × While stressing that there would be disruption, health minister Steve Barclay urged people to keep using the emergency services and showing up for appointments unless they had been cancelled. "Despite contingency measures in place, strikes by ambulance and nursing unions this week will inevitably cause further delays for patients who already face longer waits due to the Covid backlogs," he said in a statement. "I have held constructive talks with the trade unions on pay and affordability and continue to urge them to call off the strikes." The National Health Service (NHS), once a source of pride for the majority of Britons, is under enormous pressure due to the millions of people on waiting lists for surgeries and the hundreds of patients who are denied immediate emergency care each month. Also watch | Sunak government under fire over strikes in UK A decade of low compensation has caused tens of thousands of nurses to quit their jobs – 25,000 in the past year alone — with detrimental consequences on patient care due to the acute staffing shortages, according to the spokesperson from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), who spoke to Reuters. Although both parties had been in negotiations for weeks without coming to an agreement, the RCN first requested a salary increase of five per cent over inflation and then suggested it might meet the government "halfway." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Britain witnesses largest healthcare worker strikes in history of NHS

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<p>In what is being dubbed the biggest strike in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), thousands of workers, including nurses and GMB union workers in England and Wales are taking industrial action today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government has escalated in recent times, forcing the workers to go on strike. Patricia Marquis, director RCN urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address the concerns of the NHS workers and find a solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, despite four previous strike days, Sunak is yet to establish any 'direct contact' with RCN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a cry out to Rishi Sunak to come to the table to seek a resolution. So far we've not had direct contact with him, all of our efforts have been through the secretary of state for health," Marquis was quoted as saying by Sky.</p>

<p>"So really, now, we don't want the strikes to go ahead...and we're really calling on the prime minister to intervene, to come to the table and seek a resolution with us."</p>

<p>It will be the first time since December that ambulance crews and nurses will simultaneously take industrial action after the movement got off the ground in December last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the workers, under the trade union laws, emergency cover will be provided. However, the citizens are requested to avail 'emergency' services, only in cases of acute distress.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-100000-nhs-nurses-strike-in-uk-over-salaries-543517"><strong>WATCH| Gravitas: 100,000 NHS Nurses strike in UK over salaries</strong></a></p>

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<p>NHS, a revered British institute has been crumbling under the sheer weight of demand as staffing shortages, stretched funding and measly payments make it almost impossible for the workers to continue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NHS workers were at the forefront of Britain's battle with COVID-19. However, the failure of the government to compensate them fairly for their services has irked thousands plying their trade in the medical sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RCN has been demanding that the Sunak government give a pay hike of five per cent above retail inflation. Additionally, the Tories are being requested to fill the staff vacancies as patient safety remains in jeopardy due to an excessive staff crunch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-nurses-threaten-tougher-strikes-as-nhs-dispute-escalates-544170" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: NHS crisis may worsen: UK nurses set Thursday deadline for talks, warn of tougher strikes ahead&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what is being dubbed the biggest strike in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), thousands of workers, including nurses and GMB union workers in England and Wales are taking industrial action today.

In what is being dubbed the biggest strike in the history of the National Health Service (NHS), thousands of workers, including nurses and GMB union workers in England and Wales are taking industrial action today. The pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government has escalated in recent times, forcing the workers to go on strike. Patricia Marquis, director RCN urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address the concerns of the NHS workers and find a solution. Notably, despite four previous strike days, Sunak is yet to establish any 'direct contact' with RCN. "It's a cry out to Rishi Sunak to come to the table to seek a resolution. So far we've not had direct contact with him, all of our efforts have been through the secretary of state for health," Marquis was quoted as saying by Sky. "So really, now, we don't want the strikes to go ahead...and we're really calling on the prime minister to intervene, to come to the table and seek a resolution with us." It will be the first time since December that ambulance crews and nurses will simultaneously take industrial action after the movement got off the ground in December last year. According to the workers, under the trade union laws, emergency cover will be provided. However, the citizens are requested to avail 'emergency' services, only in cases of acute distress. WATCH| Gravitas: 100,000 NHS Nurses strike in UK over salaries × NHS, a revered British institute has been crumbling under the sheer weight of demand as staffing shortages, stretched funding and measly payments make it almost impossible for the workers to continue. NHS workers were at the forefront of Britain's battle with COVID-19. However, the failure of the government to compensate them fairly for their services has irked thousands plying their trade in the medical sector. RCN has been demanding that the Sunak government give a pay hike of five per cent above retail inflation. Additionally, the Tories are being requested to fill the staff vacancies as patient safety remains in jeopardy due to an excessive staff crunch. Read more: NHS crisis may worsen: UK nurses set Thursday deadline for talks, warn of tougher strikes ahead (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NHS stages biggest-ever industrial strike, calls on Sunak to intervene

The NHS is facing a day of massive disruption next month when nurses and ambulance staff in England and Wales stage an unprecedented joint strike over pay. Watch video to know more.

UK: Biggest-ever nursing strike in NHS history begins

UK faces largest ever healthcare strikes

<p>The head of a prestigious private school, Emma Pattison, 45, in the United Kingdom’s town of Surrey was found dead alongside her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter on Sunday (February 5). According to the local police, an investigation is underway. The police were called to the school at 1:00 am (local time) when they found the Pattison family dead on a property on school grounds, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 45-year-old had become Epsom's first female head only five months ago after she joined the school this academic year in September. Previously, Pattison was the head of Croydon High school in South London for six years. While her husband was a chartered accountant and director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, as per Companies House. The school which was founded in 1855 is now attended by more than 850 boys and girls.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, in a statement, has expressed utter shock and disbelief at the tragic news. He added, “Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career. Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.”</p>

<p>“In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family. But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss,” said Dr Wells.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an email to the parents, he also assured that counsellors would be available to staff and students for support. Notably, Emma with her entire family including their pet Labrador, Bella, stayed at&nbsp;Epsom College. In a statement, the Surrey police said that while the investigation is underway at this stage, “police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.”</p>

<p>“We're aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community. While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers and the local community,” said Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s borough commander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.” Meanwhile, the school has appointed Paul Williams as acting headmaster, as per BBC. The Surrey police have also said that the deaths have been reported to the coroner. In a recent development, the rifle range at Epsom College has been cordoned off after the incident came to light, as per UK media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The head of a prestigious private school, Emma Pattison, 45, in the United Kingdom’s town of Surrey was found dead alongside her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter on Sunday (February 5).

The head of a prestigious private school, Emma Pattison, 45, in the United Kingdom’s town of Surrey was found dead alongside her husband George, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter on Sunday (February 5). According to the local police, an investigation is underway. The police were called to the school at 1:00 am (local time) when they found the Pattison family dead on a property on school grounds, as per media reports. The 45-year-old had become Epsom's first female head only five months ago after she joined the school this academic year in September. Previously, Pattison was the head of Croydon High school in South London for six years. While her husband was a chartered accountant and director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, as per Companies House. The school which was founded in 1855 is now attended by more than 850 boys and girls. Meanwhile, Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, in a statement, has expressed utter shock and disbelief at the tragic news. He added, “Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career. Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.” “In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family. But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss,” said Dr Wells. In an email to the parents, he also assured that counsellors would be available to staff and students for support. Notably, Emma with her entire family including their pet Labrador, Bella, stayed at Epsom College. In a statement, the Surrey police said that while the investigation is underway at this stage, “police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.” “We're aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community. While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers and the local community,” said Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s borough commander. He added, “I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.” Meanwhile, the school has appointed Paul Williams as acting headmaster, as per BBC. The Surrey police have also said that the deaths have been reported to the coroner. In a recent development, the rifle range at Epsom College has been cordoned off after the incident came to light, as per UK media reports. (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.

UK: Epsom College head Emma Pattison found dead at school alongside her husband and daughter

Liz Truss's essay in the Sunday Telegraph has highlighted the deep divide within the ruling Conservative party. In conversation with Mike Buckley, Senior Journalist and Political Commentator, we discussed the implications of the growing rebellion.

Liz Truss' political comeback

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended a meeting between British counterpart Tim Barrow and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval at the UK&nbsp;Cabinet Office as a "special gesture." During the discussion on Friday, (February 3), Sunak emphasized&nbsp;the UK government's support for strengthening strategic alliances in sectors including trade, defence, and science and technology.</p>

<p>On his way back from Washington, where he met his American colleague Jake Sullivan for comparable discussions, Doval stopped in London for an annual bilateral strategic conversation.</p>

<p>“A special gesture by PM Rishi Sunak to join for a while the India-U.K. NSA dialogue between Sir Tim Barrow and Mr. Doval at Cabinet Office,” the Indian High Commission in London and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted late on Saturday, with reference to the meeting.</p>

<p>“Deeply value PM's assurance of his government’s full support to deepen strategic partnership in trade, defence, S&amp;T. Look forward to visiting of Sir Tim to India soon,” it noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-never-given-a-chance-former-uk-pm-liz-truss-opens-up-first-time-post-exit-558943">‘Was never given a chance to enact tax cuts’: Former UK PM Liz Truss opens up first time post exit</a></p>

<p>The controversial BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question," which the Indian government has condemned as biased propaganda, serves as the context for the security discussion.</p>

<p>“We recognise how this portrayal of the Indian government has played out in India. I made it clear that the BBC is independent in its output, that the UK&nbsp;regards India as an incredibly important international partner and that we will be investing heavily in that relationship in the coming decades,” UK. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told the House of Commons earlier last week.</p>

<p>In order to strengthen their bilateral ties in all areas, including defence and security, India and the UK have agreed on a 2030 Roadmap.</p>

<p>Six rounds of negotiations have taken place for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two parties, and a seventh-round is anticipated to take place in Britain in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>Official UK&nbsp;government figures indicate that bilateral commerce now amounts to about 29.6 billion pounds annually, a figure that both parties hope to increase through an FTA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended a meeting between British counterpart Tim Barrow and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval at the UK Cabinet Office as a "special gesture.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended a meeting between British counterpart Tim Barrow and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval at the UK Cabinet Office as a "special gesture." During the discussion on Friday, (February 3), Sunak emphasized the UK government's support for strengthening strategic alliances in sectors including trade, defence, and science and technology. On his way back from Washington, where he met his American colleague Jake Sullivan for comparable discussions, Doval stopped in London for an annual bilateral strategic conversation. “A special gesture by PM Rishi Sunak to join for a while the India-U.K. NSA dialogue between Sir Tim Barrow and Mr. Doval at Cabinet Office,” the Indian High Commission in London and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted late on Saturday, with reference to the meeting. “Deeply value PM's assurance of his government’s full support to deepen strategic partnership in trade, defence, S&T. Look forward to visiting of Sir Tim to India soon,” it noted. Also read | ‘Was never given a chance to enact tax cuts’: Former UK PM Liz Truss opens up first time post exit The controversial BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question," which the Indian government has condemned as biased propaganda, serves as the context for the security discussion. “We recognise how this portrayal of the Indian government has played out in India. I made it clear that the BBC is independent in its output, that the UK regards India as an incredibly important international partner and that we will be investing heavily in that relationship in the coming decades,” UK. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told the House of Commons earlier last week. In order to strengthen their bilateral ties in all areas, including defence and security, India and the UK have agreed on a 2030 Roadmap. Six rounds of negotiations have taken place for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two parties, and a seventh-round is anticipated to take place in Britain in the coming weeks. Official UK government figures indicate that bilateral commerce now amounts to about 29.6 billion pounds annually, a figure that both parties hope to increase through an FTA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rishi Sunak joins the India-UK security discussion as a 'special gesture'

The UK is now in recession and the shrinking labour force means the economy has little scope to make up ground once the slump is over, as the resolution foundation Think Tank pointed out Britain is in the midst of the worst 20 years for growth.

UK: Bank of England raises borrowing costs to 4%, expects inflation to fall sharply this year

There was once a time when the British Army ruled over the world but the current situation of the English Defence Force is not good and with more cuts proposed in the number of troops experts are worried that the UK army will stand up to any war or threat.

UK Govt trimming military; Tory MP asks govt to reverse army downsizing

British conservative MP Jo Johnson has resigned as a director of one of the firms linked to Indian tycoon Gautam Adani. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has sought a revision of its electricity pact with Adani. Molly Gambhir explains.

Gravitas: Adani saga echoes in UK, Bangladesh

The Chinese government has urged that the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA quickly halt the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, citing that the deal would violate the agency's own rules.

China objects to Aukus nuclear submarine deal talks

A 21-year-old man in the United Kingdom (UK) pleaded guilty at London's Old Bailey court on Friday (February 3) to an offence under the Treason Act and threatening to kill late Queen Elizabeth II in 2021. Jaswant Singh Chail admitted the offences after he was arrested wearing a hood, mask and gloves in the grounds of the castle to the west of London on Christmas day in 2021. Queen Elizabeth II was at the castle with her family on the day of the intrusion.

UK man admits 'threatening to kill' Queen Elizabeth II

Over the course of 2022, businesses in the UK saw 788 cyberattacks a week on average. This is an increase of 77% from 2021. The latest statistics show that sophisticated ransomware gangs are mostly to blame for the rising concerns about cyberattacks.

Reports: Cyber attacks on UK organisations surged 77% in 2022

Indians account for the third largest group of migrants who have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year. UK home office has reportedly told Times they believe that Indian students are using loophole in asylum rules.

UK: 250 Indians arrive in small boats; much cheaper than visa route

China firmly objects to further cooperation between Britain, United States and Australia on nuclear submarines as tensions between the West and China increases.

China objects to more talks on nuclear submarines among UK, US, Australia

UK energy minister described the practice of forcibly entering homes to install prepayment meters, as outrageous and called on all firms to stop it. According to a report by the times publication, contractors working for British gas sent debt collectors to "Break into" homes and "Force-fit" meters.

UK energy minister condemns prepay meters

As UK is grappling with high food and energy crisis amid cost of living crisis, UK energy minister described the practise of forcibly entering homes to force-fit prepayment meters as outrageous.

UK: Energy Minister condemns force-fitting of prepaid meters

This unfolding crisis for India's Adani group is sending ripples across the UK's political community as well. In the latest Jo Johnson, a former Conservative Minister and the young brother of former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has resigned as the Director of a London-based investment firm.

UK: Boris Johnson's younger brother quits board of an investment firm

A recent study by Recap shows that London is now the world’s leading crypto hub. Watch this video to know more.

London is the world’s leading crypto hub

The UK Navy Chief has ordered an urgent investigation amid claims that workers on a Trident nuclear armed submarine fixed broken bolts in the vessel's reactor chamber using glue.

WION Fineprint: 'Botched attempt' to fix UK nuclear submarine

<p>The Bank of England increased interest rates on Thursday (Feb 2), in the midst of a recession, for the 10th&nbsp;time in a row, to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with a warning that more hikes may be necessary to combat inflation.&nbsp;Rates were hiked by 50 basis points to four per cent, the highest level in over 15 years, by the nine-member committee of rate-setters involved in deciding the UK's basic level of borrowing costs. Governor Andrew Bailey was one of the 7-2 yes votes. In spite of the bank's forecast that Britain would remain in a recession for the entirety of this year and most of next, more hardship has been inflicted on individuals and businesses.</p>

<p>Additionally,&nbsp;European Central Bank (ECB) has once again&nbsp;hikes interest rates by 50 basis points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest economic projections from the central bank were raised from its November forecasts, which called for the sharpest contraction since the early 1990s. However, after 15 months in a row, the length of the reversal is more or less&nbsp;the same.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-investors-have-plowed-billions-into-chinas-ai-sector-report-shows-558217">US investors have plowed billions into China's AI sector, report shows</a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">GDP is projected to contract by 0.5 per cent&nbsp;in 2023 and 0.25 in 2024, which is a little more gloomy than predictions made earlier this week by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that the UK would be the only wealthy economy to experience a contraction this year but growth the following year.</div>

<p>The economy is projected to shrink by one per cent&nbsp;by the end of the recession, and by 2026 it may still be less than it was before the Covid&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Fed approves 0.25% rate increase, Powell suggests 'couple' more hikes coming</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fed-approves-025-rate-increase-powell-suggests-couple-more-hikes-coming-558092/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Bank still believes "further tightening in monetary policy" would be necessary if "more persistent" inflationary pressures persist despite the protracted recession.</p>

<h2><strong>Rishi Sunak marks 100 days in office</strong></h2>

<p>As the first non-white British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak celebrated his 100th day in office on Thursday (Feb 2) with a new social media video in which he vowed to bring about change despite several obstacles, such as spiralling inflation.</p>

<p>Following the abrupt resignations of his predecessors, party-gate-hit Boris Johnson and the nation's shortest-serving prime minister Liz Truss, the UK's first Prime Minister of Indian descent had entered office at 10 Downing Street on October 25, a day after Diwali (the Indian festival of lights).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


The Bank of England increased interest rates on Thursday (Feb 2), in the midst of a recession, for the 10th time in a row, to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with a warning that more hikes may be necessary to combat inflation.

The Bank of England increased interest rates on Thursday (Feb 2), in the midst of a recession, for the 10th time in a row, to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, with a warning that more hikes may be necessary to combat inflation. Rates were hiked by 50 basis points to four per cent, the highest level in over 15 years, by the nine-member committee of rate-setters involved in deciding the UK's basic level of borrowing costs. Governor Andrew Bailey was one of the 7-2 yes votes. In spite of the bank's forecast that Britain would remain in a recession for the entirety of this year and most of next, more hardship has been inflicted on individuals and businesses. Additionally, European Central Bank (ECB) has once again hikes interest rates by 50 basis points. The latest economic projections from the central bank were raised from its November forecasts, which called for the sharpest contraction since the early 1990s. However, after 15 months in a row, the length of the reversal is more or less the same. Also read | US investors have plowed billions into China's AI sector, report shows GDP is projected to contract by 0.5 per cent in 2023 and 0.25 in 2024, which is a little more gloomy than predictions made earlier this week by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that the UK would be the only wealthy economy to experience a contraction this year but growth the following year. The economy is projected to shrink by one per cent by the end of the recession, and by 2026 it may still be less than it was before the Covid pandemic. Also watch | US: Fed approves 0.25% rate increase, Powell suggests 'couple' more hikes coming The Bank still believes "further tightening in monetary policy" would be necessary if "more persistent" inflationary pressures persist despite the protracted recession. Rishi Sunak marks 100 days in office As the first non-white British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak celebrated his 100th day in office on Thursday (Feb 2) with a new social media video in which he vowed to bring about change despite several obstacles, such as spiralling inflation. Following the abrupt resignations of his predecessors, party-gate-hit Boris Johnson and the nation's shortest-serving prime minister Liz Truss, the UK's first Prime Minister of Indian descent had entered office at 10 Downing Street on October 25, a day after Diwali (the Indian festival of lights). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK: Bank of England hikes interest rates for 10th consecutive time amid recession

The greatest coordinated walkout by teachers, civil officials, and train drivers in Britain in ten years took place on Wednesday over salary, and unions are predicting further unrest as the government continues to press its pay demands.

UK: Teachers, Civil servants join mass strike, protest over new law

In UK, organisations experienced an average of 788 weekly cyber attacks across 2022. This marks a 77% increase in from the year 2021. The new figures reveal the growing concerns of cyber attack is largely driven by sophisticated ransomware gangs.

UK: Cyber attack hits London, report cites surge in attacks

Following news of a Russian financed ransomware gang assaulting a corporation that plays a major part in Britain's Financial System, stock trading in London has been thrown into pandemonium.

UK: Cyber attack on software provider disrupts trading of shares

On Wednesday, the British gaming company Entain (ENT.L) increased its annual profit projection and announced that once BetMGM, its joint venture with MGM Resorts (MGM.N), becomes viable, it will no longer get financial support.

UK's betting giant lifts profit outlook, Entain raises annual profit guidance

According to the central bank of Australia, King Charles III will not appear on the new five dollar note. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) states that the new design would honour "the culture and heritage of the First Australians."

UK: No King Charles' image on Australian banknotes, $5 note to have a new design

As per reports, as many as 500,000 workers across Britain will go on strike in the biggest day of protest action in more than a decade. Teachers, train drivers, civil servants, university lecturers, bus drivers and security guards from seven trade unions will awalk out.

UK braces for massive strikes, seven trade unions to go on strike today

The IMF has downgraded its UK growth forecast. It predicts the UK economy will perform worse than sanctions-hit Russia. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: IMF downgrades UK growth forecast

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