Thousands of ambulance workers in England and Wales will strike over pay on Wednesday, increasing the strain on a state-funded health service a day after nurses walked out.

UK: After nurses, ambulance workers strike over pay rise

The business that received two significant PPE contracts after Michelle Mone, a Conservative peer, recommended it to ministers is been sued by the UK government to collect more than £100 million.

The claim, which has been approved by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is for the entire £122 million (US$148 million) paid to PPE Medpro under a June 2020 contract for the business to provide 25 million sterile surgical gowns. The DHSC is also attempting to recoup the expenses associated with keeping and discarding the gowns, which its inspectors rejected following an inspection when they arrived at the Daventry NHS warehouse.

In a statement released in December 2020 by a lawyer for its director Anthony Page, the business claimed that the gowns and 210 million face masks provided under a separate deal for £80.85 million had "unquestionably helped keep our NHS personnel safe." The gowns have never really been used in the NHS. PPE Medpro claims the robes were approved for use and that it would "rigorously" defend the lawsuit. The face masks have not been the subject of any legal disputes.

According to data obtained by the Guardian last month and assembled by HSBC bank, £29 million from PPE Medpro earnings was transferred to an offshore trust whose beneficiaries were Lady Mone and her three adult children, according to bank records.

PPE Medpro paid Mone's spouse, Isle of Man-based banker Douglas Barrowman, £70 million, at least £65 million of which came from the company's earnings from the two government contracts. The filings state that Barrowman subsequently made a number of payments from that cash, including the £29 million to Mone's trust.

A lawyer for Mone told the Guardian in response: “There are a number of reasons why our client cannot comment on these issues and she is under no duty to do so.”

Asserting that its gowns "passed quality inspection in China," PPE Medpro stated in a statement that it will "rigorously" defend the legal action. The company also accused the DHSC of making a "cynical" attempt to get its money back since it had significantly overordered PPE. The corporation claimed that the delivery of gowns came after the "successful" delivery of face masks under the first contract.

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The business that received two significant PPE contracts after Michelle Mone, a Conservative peer, recommended it to ministers is been sued by the UK government to collect more than £100 million.

The business that received two significant PPE contracts after Michelle Mone, a Conservative peer, recommended it to ministers is been sued by the UK government to collect more than £100 million. The claim, which has been approved by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is for the entire £122 million (US$148 million) paid to PPE Medpro under a June 2020 contract for the business to provide 25 million sterile surgical gowns. The DHSC is also attempting to recoup the expenses associated with keeping and discarding the gowns, which its inspectors rejected following an inspection when they arrived at the Daventry NHS warehouse. In a statement released in December 2020 by a lawyer for its director Anthony Page, the business claimed that the gowns and 210 million face masks provided under a separate deal for £80.85 million had "unquestionably helped keep our NHS personnel safe." The gowns have never really been used in the NHS. PPE Medpro claims the robes were approved for use and that it would "rigorously" defend the lawsuit. The face masks have not been the subject of any legal disputes. According to data obtained by the Guardian last month and assembled by HSBC bank, £29 million from PPE Medpro earnings was transferred to an offshore trust whose beneficiaries were Lady Mone and her three adult children, according to bank records. PPE Medpro paid Mone's spouse, Isle of Man-based banker Douglas Barrowman, £70 million, at least £65 million of which came from the company's earnings from the two government contracts. The filings state that Barrowman subsequently made a number of payments from that cash, including the £29 million to Mone's trust. A lawyer for Mone told the Guardian in response: “There are a number of reasons why our client cannot comment on these issues and she is under no duty to do so.” Asserting that its gowns "passed quality inspection in China," PPE Medpro stated in a statement that it will "rigorously" defend the legal action. The company also accused the DHSC of making a "cynical" attempt to get its money back since it had significantly overordered PPE. The corporation claimed that the delivery of gowns came after the "successful" delivery of face masks under the first contract. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK government sues Michelle Mone-linked PPE Medpro for US$148 million

No end to UK's strike woes in Christmas and New Year season. Up to 100,000 members of the Royal College of Nursing hold the strike. Nurses strike for the second time to demand a pay rise.

WION Dispatch: NHS nurses begin second day-long strike

A Lords report has warned that an exodus of more than half a million people from the British workforce since the Covid pandemic is putting the UK economy at risk of weaker growth and persistently higher inflation.

Workforce exodus hits UK economy; House of Lords panel report raises concerns

British nurses launch unprecedented strike

UK Govt plans to reduce carbon emissions. Millions to get €2 CAP for bus fares in England. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: England promotes use of public transport

The UK Road, rail and immigration desk worker strikes are scheduled for the Christmas and New Year weekends. The British hospitality industry is gearing up for a rough festive period.

WION Fineprint | UK strikes to affect holiday season

The number of UK billionaires has increased by a fifth since the Covid pandemic. Reportedly, the Equality Trust found that the number of billionaires increased from 147 in 2020 to 177 this year. Watch further to know more.

UK billionaire numbers up by 20% since pandemic

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, rebuked trade unions on Sunday for their "particularly cruelly timed" strikes during the Christmas holiday season, saying they had put millions of people through hardship. The government also announced plans to use about 1,200 troops to cover for the striking workers and maintain essential services.

Over the course of the upcoming weeks, there will be a wave of winter strikes that will include train employees, healthcare professionals, and border security personnel who are all calling for improved compensation and working conditions.

Writing in “The Sun on Sunday”, Sunak said the workers have been offered “deals that are fair and affordable” and accused the unions of unleashing a “class war”.

“The unions are causing misery for millions, with transport strikes in particular cruelly timed to hit at Christmas,” writes Sunak.

“Rail workers and border officers have been offered deals that are fair – and affordable to taxpayers. An increasing number of union members want a deal. They are tired of being foot soldiers in [Railway RMT Union chief] Mick Lynch’s class war,” he said.

The government has frequently cautioned against giving in to union demands for significant wage increases because doing so would send Britain into a "inflation spiral" that would disproportionately affect the poorest people.

“Even [Opposition] Labour have admitted the unions’ demands are unaffordable. But they’ll still take union money and undermine the interests of the travelling public. Labour back the Grinches that want to steal Christmas for their own political ends. We are doing everything we can to ensure people get the Christmas they deserve,” said Sunak.

“The army is stepping up and we’re putting in place other measures to keep services running where possible,” he added.

Union leaders caution that the military is not "sufficiently prepared" to protect the nation's borders or operate ambulances and that they already have "enough on their plate" to prevent them from being placed in such an "invidious" situation.

Stephen Kinnock, the opposition minister for immigration in Labour, said on "Sky News" that the government is "spoiling for a battle" with the unions and termed the Prime Minister's words "incendiary."

“I think the government needs to stop all the rhetoric, the empty posturing and sowing the seeds of division and actually now needs to start finding a constructive solution so that we can get people back to work in a way where they feel valued and where they feel that there is a real future for them in those jobs,” said Kinnock.

If ministers don't come up with a solution within 48 hours after next week's walkout, nurses are threatening to launch a second round of strikes in the new year on a far greater scale.

After Tuesday's second unprecedented round of strikes by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the 48-hour countdown will start.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, rebuked trade unions on Sunday for their "particularly cruelly timed" strikes during the Christmas holiday season, saying they had put millions of people through hardship.

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, rebuked trade unions on Sunday for their "particularly cruelly timed" strikes during the Christmas holiday season, saying they had put millions of people through hardship. The government also announced plans to use about 1,200 troops to cover for the striking workers and maintain essential services. Over the course of the upcoming weeks, there will be a wave of winter strikes that will include train employees, healthcare professionals, and border security personnel who are all calling for improved compensation and working conditions. Writing in “The Sun on Sunday”, Sunak said the workers have been offered “deals that are fair and affordable” and accused the unions of unleashing a “class war”. “The unions are causing misery for millions, with transport strikes in particular cruelly timed to hit at Christmas,” writes Sunak. “Rail workers and border officers have been offered deals that are fair – and affordable to taxpayers. An increasing number of union members want a deal. They are tired of being foot soldiers in [Railway RMT Union chief] Mick Lynch’s class war,” he said. The government has frequently cautioned against giving in to union demands for significant wage increases because doing so would send Britain into a "inflation spiral" that would disproportionately affect the poorest people. “Even [Opposition] Labour have admitted the unions’ demands are unaffordable. But they’ll still take union money and undermine the interests of the travelling public. Labour back the Grinches that want to steal Christmas for their own political ends. We are doing everything we can to ensure people get the Christmas they deserve,” said Sunak. “The army is stepping up and we’re putting in place other measures to keep services running where possible,” he added. Union leaders caution that the military is not "sufficiently prepared" to protect the nation's borders or operate ambulances and that they already have "enough on their plate" to prevent them from being placed in such an "invidious" situation. Stephen Kinnock, the opposition minister for immigration in Labour, said on "Sky News" that the government is "spoiling for a battle" with the unions and termed the Prime Minister's words "incendiary." “I think the government needs to stop all the rhetoric, the empty posturing and sowing the seeds of division and actually now needs to start finding a constructive solution so that we can get people back to work in a way where they feel valued and where they feel that there is a real future for them in those jobs,” said Kinnock. If ministers don't come up with a solution within 48 hours after next week's walkout, nurses are threatening to launch a second round of strikes in the new year on a far greater scale. After Tuesday's second unprecedented round of strikes by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the 48-hour countdown will start. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK PM Rishi Sunak uses troops to manage Christmas strikes

Britain's King Charles shook a leg during the Hanukkah celebrations in London. Cheering for his active participation in dance moves, King Charles then took an opportunity and danced with Eva Schloss who is stepsister to famous Jewish diarist Anne Frank.

UK: King Charles dances with Anne Frank's step sister

UK has seen it's 48-hour rail strike come back to normalcy. Only 20% rail traffic to work is to be seen on December 16 and 17. Services in England, Scotland and Wales has been hit.

UK: 40,000 rail union workers on strike, services paralysed

Some pretty explosive reports are doing rounds in the British media which have made some sensational claims about the use of drugs at the parties of former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. The reports say that traces of a suspected class A drug was found at parties while Truss was the Foreign Secretary.

UK: Traces of cocaine at Liz Truss' party? Former UK PM's spokesperson denies claims | WION

Tennis legend Boris Becker will return to Germany after serving eight months in prison in Britain. The 55-year-old was sentenced to two-and-a-half-years in jail at the end of April for breaking insolvency laws.

Tennis legend Boris Becker released from prison, to be deported from UK

The UK is bracing itself for a winter of discontent. On Thursday, over 100,000 NHS nurses went on strike. This comes after protests by UK's rail & postal service unions. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: 100,000 NHS Nurses strike in UK over salaries

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (December 15) made his first trip to Northern Ireland since taking office. He met with leaders of the main political parties.

The talks were expected to focus on a dispute over post-Brexit trade rules governing the region, which has blocked a normalisation of relations between Britain and the European Union and plunged local politics into crisis.

After a prolonged Status Quo, Britain and the European Union resumed talks in October.

The EU has said it is "very confident" a positive conclusion is within reach if Britain shows the political will.

Any agreement will have to overcome opposition from within Sunak's own Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party, largest pro-British party in the Northern Ireland.

Sunak's office posted a picture of him posing after the talks with the leaders of the five main parties, including the DUP and Irish nationalists Sinn Fein.

The DUP in February withdrew from Northern Ireland's power-sharing government, a key part of a 1998 peace deal, in protest at the trade checks. Neither the power-sharing government or the Stormont Assembly can function without the DUP's support.

Sunak's meetings follow a roundtable with party leaders hosted by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland earlier in the day to discuss solutions to the return of power-sharing government in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (December 15) made his first trip to Northern Ireland since taking office. He met with leaders of the main political parties.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (December 15) made his first trip to Northern Ireland since taking office. He met with leaders of the main political parties. The talks were expected to focus on a dispute over post-Brexit trade rules governing the region, which has blocked a normalisation of relations between Britain and the European Union and plunged local politics into crisis. After a prolonged Status Quo, Britain and the European Union resumed talks in October. The EU has said it is "very confident" a positive conclusion is within reach if Britain shows the political will. Any agreement will have to overcome opposition from within Sunak's own Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party, largest pro-British party in the Northern Ireland. Sunak's office posted a picture of him posing after the talks with the leaders of the five main parties, including the DUP and Irish nationalists Sinn Fein. The DUP in February withdrew from Northern Ireland's power-sharing government, a key part of a 1998 peace deal, in protest at the trade checks. Neither the power-sharing government or the Stormont Assembly can function without the DUP's support. Sunak's meetings follow a roundtable with party leaders hosted by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland earlier in the day to discuss solutions to the return of power-sharing government in the region. (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 ×

Rishi Sunak visits Northern Ireland for first time as UK PM

UK airports are set to scrap their rules limiting liquids in cabin baggage. The deadline for the change is June 2024. Neha Khanna tells brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | UK airports to scrap 'no liquids' rule

China has decided to recall staff from Manchester instead of letting them face questioning. The UK wanted six officials to wave immunity. Watch this report.

UK: China recalls staff from Manchester consulate instead of letting them face questioning

China has decided to remove six officials from the United Kingdom over the controversy surrounding the alleged assault on a protester in front of their consulate in Manchester. British foreign minister James Cleverly said that the officials were all questioned by the local police about the incident.

A protester was allegedly beaten up by officials who came out of the Chinese consulate in Manchester during a protest. The protest was held by pro-Hong Kong democracy activists and people condemning the corruption in government while the Communist Party congress was underway in Beijing. The congress ended with President Xi Jinping winning a third term.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slams-chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-lauds-indias-de-escalation-efforts-542868">UN chief calls for de-escalation in tensions at Tawang between India and China</a>

Cleverly told reporters on Wednesday that he had requested the officials to let go of their diplomatic immunity so that the police could question them about the incident.

"We set a deadline which expired today, making it clear that we expected them to take action. In response to our request, the Chinese government have now removed from the UK those officials, including the Consul General himself," Cleverly said according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-authorities-were-wrong-to-ban-tiananmen-vigil-in-2021-court-rules-543055">Hong Kong authorities were wrong to ban Tiananmen vigil in 2021, court rules</a>

"This demonstrates that our adherence to the rule of law, the seriousness with which we take (this) instance, has had an effect... it is right that the Chinese government have now removed these officials from the UK," he added when asked about the government’s role in the proceedings.

The incident was criticised severely by UK politicians including the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In the aftermath of the incident in Manchester, the police launched an investigation into the assault charges and even identified the people who were allegedly involved from the consulate.

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China has decided to remove six officials from the United Kingdom over the controversy surrounding the alleged assault on a protester in front of their consulate in Manchester.

China has decided to remove six officials from the United Kingdom over the controversy surrounding the alleged assault on a protester in front of their consulate in Manchester. British foreign minister James Cleverly said that the officials were all questioned by the local police about the incident. A protester was allegedly beaten up by officials who came out of the Chinese consulate in Manchester during a protest. The protest was held by pro-Hong Kong democracy activists and people condemning the corruption in government while the Communist Party congress was underway in Beijing. The congress ended with President Xi Jinping winning a third term. Also read | UN chief calls for de-escalation in tensions at Tawang between India and China Cleverly told reporters on Wednesday that he had requested the officials to let go of their diplomatic immunity so that the police could question them about the incident. "We set a deadline which expired today, making it clear that we expected them to take action. In response to our request, the Chinese government have now removed from the UK those officials, including the Consul General himself," Cleverly said according to Reuters. Also read | Hong Kong authorities were wrong to ban Tiananmen vigil in 2021, court rules "This demonstrates that our adherence to the rule of law, the seriousness with which we take (this) instance, has had an effect... it is right that the Chinese government have now removed these officials from the UK," he added when asked about the government’s role in the proceedings. The incident was criticised severely by UK politicians including the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In the aftermath of the incident in Manchester, the police launched an investigation into the assault charges and even identified the people who were allegedly involved from the consulate.

China removes six officials at Manchester consulate in the UK over assault incident probe

The UK government announced on Thursday that it will significantly relax limits on taking liquids in carry-on luggage at airports from June 2024.

World Business Watch: UK airports to relax aircraft liquid rules beginning in mid-2024

An official register of UK parliamentarians' interests has revealed that former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already earned more than&nbsp;1 million pounds (USD 1.2 million) for giving paid speeches since leaving office.&nbsp;

Famous for his rhetorical flourishes, Johnson has in recent months delivered speeches to bankers in New York, insurers in the United States, a summit organised by broadcaster CNN in Portugal and another talk in India.

Payments he received ranged from £215,000 to £277,000 (USD 267,000 to $344,000), according to the official document published on UK parliament website.

Johnson resigned from his post in July this year following a series of scandals that tarnished his government and his premiership.

He attempted to make a spectacular political comeback after the rapid fall of his successor Liz Truss triggered another Conservative leadership contest, but Tory MPs backed his former finance minister Rishi Sunak instead.

Johnson, who remains popular with Tory members, has not ruled out another bid for the top job, saying he was "well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024" as the main opposition Labour party rides high in the polls.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An official register of UK parliamentarians' interests has revealed that former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already earned more than 1 million pounds (USD 1.

An official register of UK parliamentarians' interests has revealed that former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already earned more than 1 million pounds (USD 1.2 million) for giving paid speeches since leaving office. Famous for his rhetorical flourishes, Johnson has in recent months delivered speeches to bankers in New York, insurers in the United States, a summit organised by broadcaster CNN in Portugal and another talk in India. Payments he received ranged from £215,000 to £277,000 (USD 267,000 to $344,000), according to the official document published on UK parliament website. Johnson resigned from his post in July this year following a series of scandals that tarnished his government and his premiership. He attempted to make a spectacular political comeback after the rapid fall of his successor Liz Truss triggered another Conservative leadership contest, but Tory MPs backed his former finance minister Rishi Sunak instead. Johnson, who remains popular with Tory members, has not ruled out another bid for the top job, saying he was "well placed to deliver a Conservative victory in 2024" as the main opposition Labour party rides high in the polls. (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 ×

Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson has earned over £1 million by giving speeches since quitting

The UK government will soon ease some rules regarding security check-ins at the airport in 2024. Passengers at most major British airports will be able to carry liquids in two-liter containers.

WION Dispatch: UK airports to relax aircraft liquid rules beginning in mid-2024

The UK government on Thursday (December 15) announced that limits on liquids in carry-on luggage at airports will be significantly relaxed from June 24. As per current rules, only containers of less than 100 ml are allowed in the aircraft cabin, provided they are placed in clear bags at security checks.

Larger containers have to be checked in the hold, and electronic devices such as laptops must also be removed from bags.

A new bill, to be presented to parliament on Thirsday seeks to increase the limit to two litres.&nbsp;

Electronic devices will also no longer have to be checked separately, the Department for Transport said in a statement.&nbsp;

Restrictions on liquids were introduced in the early 2000s to prevent use of liquid explosives on plane. These rules have become a bind for travellers , regularly holding up queues.

The relaxation comes as a result of new technology being deployed at major airports in the UK over the next two years, the department said.

The "cutting-edge" machines will give security staff more detailed three-dimensional images of what people are carrying in their bags.

Similar CT X-ray technology uses "highly advanced threat-detection algorithms" and is being rolled out at other airports around the world, said Transport Secretary Mark Harper.

"By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queueing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats," he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UK government on Thursday (December 15) announced that limits on liquids in carry-on luggage at airports will be significantly relaxed from June 24. As per current rules, only containers of less than 100 ml are allowed in the aircraft cabin, provided they are placed in clear bags at security checks.

The UK government on Thursday (December 15) announced that limits on liquids in carry-on luggage at airports will be significantly relaxed from June 24. As per current rules, only containers of less than 100 ml are allowed in the aircraft cabin, provided they are placed in clear bags at security checks. Larger containers have to be checked in the hold, and electronic devices such as laptops must also be removed from bags. A new bill, to be presented to parliament on Thirsday seeks to increase the limit to two litres. Electronic devices will also no longer have to be checked separately, the Department for Transport said in a statement. Restrictions on liquids were introduced in the early 2000s to prevent use of liquid explosives on plane. These rules have become a bind for travellers , regularly holding up queues. The relaxation comes as a result of new technology being deployed at major airports in the UK over the next two years, the department said. The "cutting-edge" machines will give security staff more detailed three-dimensional images of what people are carrying in their bags. Similar CT X-ray technology uses "highly advanced threat-detection algorithms" and is being rolled out at other airports around the world, said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. "By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queueing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK: Rules about liquids in planes to be relaxed from 2024

An official register of UK parliamentarians' interests has revealed that former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already earned more that 1 million pounds (USD 1.2 million) for giving paid speeches since leaving office.

Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson earns over £1 million giving speeches since quitting

Britain's troubles around striking workers are set to worsen. The nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are on a 12-hour strike. A plethora of strikes is there across the UK in December.

UK Nurses strike: Surgery, planned medical procedures to be hit

British inflation declined much more rapidly than anticipated in November to 10.7 per cent&nbsp;from the 41-year high of 11.1 per cent according to official consumer pricing data, which may provide some comfort to the Bank of England and hard-pressed households. Consumer price inflation was expected to fall to 10.9 per cent as per economists surveyed by Reuters. Last month, both the US&nbsp;and Euro zone inflation rates dropped far more sharply than expected, fuelling hopes that the current inflation wave may have reached its apex.&nbsp;

"Prices are still rising, but by less than this time last year with the most notable example of this being motor fuels," the Office for National Statistics' chief economist, Grant Fitzner told Reuters.&nbsp;

The Bank of England ( BoE) has&nbsp;sharply increased interest rates over the past 12 months in an effort to tackle&nbsp;inflation that is significantly higher than its two per cent&nbsp;target. Most economists anticipate that it will increase rates once again on Thursday, to 3.5 per cent&nbsp;from three&nbsp;per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boat-carrying-migrants-sinks-off-english-coast-at-least-three-dead-reports-543003">UK: Boat carrying migrants sinks off English Coast, four dead</a>

The government's budget watchdog anticipated the worst pressure on living standards since records began in the 1950s, while the BoE forecasted that Britain will enter a protracted recession with inflation not returning to target until early 2024.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak announces crackdown on Albanian illegal migrants

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British inflation started to take shape&nbsp;last year, mostly driven by post-pandemic congestion&nbsp;in the domestic and global economy, and accelerated&nbsp;particularly when European energy prices surged after Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. The BoE has also shed light&nbsp;labour shortages and trade and migration frictions due to Brexit as playing a role in pushing up prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

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British inflation declined much more rapidly than anticipated in November to 10.7 per cent from the 41-year high of 11.1 per cent according to official consumer pricing data, which may provide some comfort to the Bank of England and hard-pressed households.

British inflation declined much more rapidly than anticipated in November to 10.7 per cent from the 41-year high of 11.1 per cent according to official consumer pricing data, which may provide some comfort to the Bank of England and hard-pressed households. Consumer price inflation was expected to fall to 10.9 per cent as per economists surveyed by Reuters. Last month, both the US and Euro zone inflation rates dropped far more sharply than expected, fuelling hopes that the current inflation wave may have reached its apex. "Prices are still rising, but by less than this time last year with the most notable example of this being motor fuels," the Office for National Statistics' chief economist, Grant Fitzner told Reuters. The Bank of England ( BoE) has sharply increased interest rates over the past 12 months in an effort to tackle inflation that is significantly higher than its two per cent target. Most economists anticipate that it will increase rates once again on Thursday, to 3.5 per cent from three per cent. Also read | UK: Boat carrying migrants sinks off English Coast, four dead The government's budget watchdog anticipated the worst pressure on living standards since records began in the 1950s, while the BoE forecasted that Britain will enter a protracted recession with inflation not returning to target until early 2024. Also watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak announces crackdown on Albanian illegal migrants British inflation started to take shape last year, mostly driven by post-pandemic congestion in the domestic and global economy, and accelerated particularly when European energy prices surged after Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. The BoE has also shed light labour shortages and trade and migration frictions due to Brexit as playing a role in pushing up prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK inflation declines from 41-year high but food prices continue the upswing

The UK is planning new legislation to clamp down on illegal migrants. The country aims to control a surge in people arriving in small boats on its southern coast. Watch this video for all the details.

What is UK PM Rishi Sunak's five-point strategy for dealing with illegal immigration?

UK inflation eased in November as gasoline and diesel prices rose more slowly than the previous month. Reportedly, the inflation dropped down to 10.7%.

UK inflation drops down to 10.7% in November after fuel price surge eases

The wave of strikes sweeping the United Kingdom reaches a peak this week, as rail strikes enters day two. Moreover, the Royal Mail staff are also joining rail workers in walking out today. Watch this video to know more.

UK: Royal Mail employees join rail workers on strike

As temperatures fall to -17C, Britain prepares for the 'big refreeze'

UK economy respites from the grim economic outlook in October. Businesses recovered output lost following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Watch further to know more.

World Business Watch | UK economy bounces back after two months of recession

The UK&nbsp;government on Tuesday (Dec 13) announced fresh sanctions on senior Russian and Iranian officials involved in producing and supplying drones targetting Ukraine.&nbsp;

The list includes Major General Robert Baranov, in charge of unit programming and cruise missiles in Ukraine and four Iranians along with a director of a drone manufacturing company, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-needs-more-than-800-million-in-energy-sector-aid-says-volodymyr-zelensky-542661">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine needs more than $800 million in energy sector aid, says Volodymyr Zelensky</a>

The government said that the 12 Russian top officials will be subjected to asset freezes and travel bans.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that over 6,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

It said, "Intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Those responsible must be held to account."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mian-abdul-haq-pak-cleric-accused-of-forced-conversions-among-list-of-30-entities-sanctioned-by-the-uk-541879">Also read |&nbsp;Pak cleric accused of forced conversions among list of 30 entities sanctioned by the UK</a>

Addressing Tehran's regime and Moscow's operation in Ukraine, UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that it had been "striking sordid deals."

On weekend, the UK govt sanctioned 30 individuals and entities for violating human rights. This includes Pak Cleric Mian Abdul who has been accused of forced conversions and marriages of minorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The UK government on Tuesday (Dec 13) announced fresh sanctions on senior Russian and Iranian officials involved in producing and supplying drones targetting Ukraine.

The UK government on Tuesday (Dec 13) announced fresh sanctions on senior Russian and Iranian officials involved in producing and supplying drones targetting Ukraine. The list includes Major General Robert Baranov, in charge of unit programming and cruise missiles in Ukraine and four Iranians along with a director of a drone manufacturing company, AFP reported. Also read | Ukraine needs more than $800 million in energy sector aid, says Volodymyr Zelensky The government said that the 12 Russian top officials will be subjected to asset freezes and travel bans. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) claimed that over 6,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia's invasion. It said, "Intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Those responsible must be held to account." Also read | Pak cleric accused of forced conversions among list of 30 entities sanctioned by the UK Addressing Tehran's regime and Moscow's operation in Ukraine, UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that it had been "striking sordid deals." On weekend, the UK govt sanctioned 30 individuals and entities for violating human rights. This includes Pak Cleric Mian Abdul who has been accused of forced conversions and marriages of minorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK government announces fresh sanctions against senior Russian and Iranian officials

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