As the UK does stare at a difficult winter amid a cost of living crisis. Downing Street is urging public sector unions who are heading for a series of strikes to turn towards negotiations. UK PM Rishi Sunak called the strike unnecessary and is expressing concern at the impact that the walkouts will have.

UK: Ambulance workers to strike; Rishi Sunak calls nurses strike threat 'very regrettable'

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be running once again in the 2024 general election. According to reports, Johnson told his local Conservative Party leaders that he will be fighting the elections in a bid to become a Member of Parliament once again.

Reports: Boris Johnson announces plans to contest UK Elections in 2024

According to a new study, Brexit has added an average $7.2 billion to household food bills in the two years to the end of 2021. The increase in prices would disproportionately hit poorer people, said researchers.

Study: Brexit added $7.2 billion to UK food bills in two years

The world is fast moving towards using Electric vehicles, powered by Lithium-ion batteries, to wean itself off its dependence on fossil fuel. But hold on! A recent report published by BBC has set the alarm bells ringing by blaming the same lithium-ion batteries for causing too frequent life-threatening fires and explosions. Local authorities in the United Kingdom have revealed that batteries thrown in household rubbish bins cause about 700 fires every year in dustcarts and waste-processing centres, costing firefighters and waste operators some $160 million every year.

<h2>People’s ignorance blamed for the battery-related fires</h2>

Lithium-ion batteries indeed have become a preferred alternative for the world to power daily-use household items, from brushes to toys to mobile phones, over the last two decades. However, the concerns and threats linked to this trend have started to emerge now. Experts have blamed people’s ignorance for this worrying trend, as they tend to mix battery waste with regular household waste, thus denying the opportunity to waste operators to properly dispose off or recycle them.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-what-causes-sudden-fires-in-electric-vehicles-and-how-it-can-be-prevented-467317">Explained: What causes sudden fires in Electric vehicles and how it can be prevented</a>

BBC News quoted Ben Johnson, from the Environmental Services Association (ESA), as saying, "More and more people were putting devices containing these batteries in with household rubbish" or mixing them with other recycling. Now, some local NGOs are helping people find their nearest recycling centre under the initiatives to enlighten people.

<h2>Why mixing battery waste with regular household waste is lethal?</h2>

Ben Johnson further explained why the mixing of lithium batteries with regular household waste is not just dangerous but lethal too. He said, “That causes a real problem, because they have a tendency - when damaged - to explode or ignite. That can cause them to short-circuit. And of course they're then in the presence of other flammable material like plastic, paper and card and that can lead to quite big fires."

<h2>Lack of clear rules and guidelines</h2>

Experts also blame unclear rules and guidelines regarding the disposal of lithium batteries for the burgeoning menace. Fire safety experts were quoted by BBC as saying that clearer rules will guide people on how to deal with battery waste and help authorities recycle as much battery waste as possible in a safe manner. 
(With inputs from agencies)

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The world is fast moving towards using Electric vehicles, powered by Lithium-ion batteries, to wean itself off its dependence on fossil fuel. But hold on! A recent report published by BBC has set the alarm bells ringing by blaming the same lithium-ion batteries for causing too frequent life-threatening fires and explosions.

The world is fast moving towards using Electric vehicles, powered by Lithium-ion batteries, to wean itself off its dependence on fossil fuel. But hold on! A recent report published by BBC has set the alarm bells ringing by blaming the same lithium-ion batteries for causing too frequent life-threatening fires and explosions. Local authorities in the United Kingdom have revealed that batteries thrown in household rubbish bins cause about 700 fires every year in dustcarts and waste-processing centres, costing firefighters and waste operators some $160 million every year. People’s ignorance blamed for the battery-related fires Lithium-ion batteries indeed have become a preferred alternative for the world to power daily-use household items, from brushes to toys to mobile phones, over the last two decades. However, the concerns and threats linked to this trend have started to emerge now. Experts have blamed people’s ignorance for this worrying trend, as they tend to mix battery waste with regular household waste, thus denying the opportunity to waste operators to properly dispose off or recycle them. Read More: Explained: What causes sudden fires in Electric vehicles and how it can be prevented BBC News quoted Ben Johnson, from the Environmental Services Association (ESA), as saying, "More and more people were putting devices containing these batteries in with household rubbish" or mixing them with other recycling. Now, some local NGOs are helping people find their nearest recycling centre under the initiatives to enlighten people. Why mixing battery waste with regular household waste is lethal? Ben Johnson further explained why the mixing of lithium batteries with regular household waste is not just dangerous but lethal too. He said, “That causes a real problem, because they have a tendency - when damaged - to explode or ignite. That can cause them to short-circuit. And of course they're then in the presence of other flammable material like plastic, paper and card and that can lead to quite big fires." Lack of clear rules and guidelines Experts also blame unclear rules and guidelines regarding the disposal of lithium batteries for the burgeoning menace. Fire safety experts were quoted by BBC as saying that clearer rules will guide people on how to deal with battery waste and help authorities recycle as much battery waste as possible in a safe manner. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lithium ion battery waste gives a $160 million jolt to UK authorities

England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has warned that the UK might witness a spike in deaths from heart attacks and cancer. You might be wondering that this is a threat from long Covid but no, the increase in number of deaths is due to heart diseases is because of the collateral effects of Covid lockdown.

After-effects of Covid-19 lockdown: Heart disease deaths spiked during Coronavirus

A senior British lawmaker said on Friday that her delegation had discussed defence cooperation with Taiwan during a visit this week to the Chinese-claimed island.

UK to help defend Taiwan if China invades?

Queen Elizabeth's longtime aide Lady Susan Hussey, has resigned after making what Buckingham Palace has described as 'unacceptable, deeply regrettable comments' to a female guest at a reception at the palace. Hussey resigned after being accused of interrogating a guest about where she "really came from".

UK Buckingham Palace racism row: Longtime aide to the Queen resigns over racist remark

HSBC will close 114 more branches in the UK from April 2023. This move comes after their customers have fallen significantly since the pandemic. Bank claims that they would try to redeploy affected staff but about 100 will lose their jobs.

World Business Watch | HSBC to close 114 UK bank branches from April 2023

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.&nbsp;The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights.

Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose.

Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of&nbsp;cups&nbsp;of&nbsp;tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens.

"We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs."

The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens.

Crucial&nbsp;crabs

The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world.

After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens.

Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to&nbsp;beat the virus.

They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be.

Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout.

"When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens.

"Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise.&nbsp;But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres."

He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market.

"Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens.&nbsp;

"The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said.

"But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners."

Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of&nbsp;crabs.

"We do have some examples of horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens.

The blood from the horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;is&nbsp;highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained.

"So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story."

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From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects. The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights. Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose. Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of cups of tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens. "We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs." The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens. Crucial crabs The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world. After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens. Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to beat the virus. They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be. Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout. "When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens. "Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise. But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres." He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market. "Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens. "The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said. "But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners." Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of crabs. "We do have some examples of horseshoe crabs within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens. The blood from the horseshoe crabs is highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained. "So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crabs, T-shirt, mugs and tea cups: UK show lifts the lid on Covid vaccine race

UK has witnessed a decrease in the native mussels population. Mussels population has declined by 95%. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Alarming decline in UK's native mussels population

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech. 
"Emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping our economies and our daily lives. It is also presenting new challenges to our values and security, which I spoke about at the UN Committee Security Council on counter-terrorism last month. India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use our science, technology and digital leadership to meet these challenges and maximize these opportunities,"&nbsp;he said while speaking virtually at the Global Technology summit here.

Hailing Bengaluru as the world's fastest-growing hub, Cleverly said that both India and United Kingdom believe in innovation as a force for good and to make Britain even more attractive in Tech Talent, the country is establishing its global tech development network in Bengaluru this year.

"Together, we are a formidable team. We top our region's ranking in the global innovation index. Bengaluru is the fastest-growing tech hub in the world. London is number two. Our two countries believe in innovation as a force for good. Last year, the UK attracted over a third of all the tech investment in Europe. India and UK have superb academic research base and four of the top 10 universities are found in the UK. The number of Indian students coming to the UK has more than doubled in the past three years. We want to make Britain even more attractive in tech talent. So, we are establishing our global tech development network in Bengaluru this year,"&nbsp;he said.

The minister further highlighted India and UK's research partnership and stressed upon the sinister side of the digital age that needs to be protected from crime.

"The UK is India's second largest research partner across 200 projects, 175 institutions and 100 companies and now we are increasing research and development funding to 20 billion pounds by 2025. We expect 1.5 billion pounds of digital services to India and India's tech giants like Tata and Infosys, to support over 30,000 UK jobs. We are already working in so many ways to mobilize technology in our shared struggle against disease and against climate change,"&nbsp;he said.

"But I also want to see democracies like ours address other challenges, the sinister side of the digital age. We have learned over the past 20 years that without the right values built in from the start, tech can create serious problems and there will be also those who will be seeing in each new opportunity or new innovation, a new opportunity for crime or repression. Just as we want to protect our natural world for children, so we need to ensure protect our digital world is free, safe and peaceful,"&nbsp;he added.

The seventh edition of Global Technology Summit is being held from Tuesday in New Delhi till December 1 in a hybrid format. The Summit is India's annual flagship event on Geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India. The theme for this year's Summit is 'Geopolitics of Technology'. &nbsp;

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech.

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties with India, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday said that both India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use science, technology and digital leadership to meet challenges related to the security of emerging tech. "Emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping our economies and our daily lives. It is also presenting new challenges to our values and security, which I spoke about at the UN Committee Security Council on counter-terrorism last month. India and the United Kingdom are ideally placed to use our science, technology and digital leadership to meet these challenges and maximize these opportunities," he said while speaking virtually at the Global Technology summit here. Hailing Bengaluru as the world's fastest-growing hub, Cleverly said that both India and United Kingdom believe in innovation as a force for good and to make Britain even more attractive in Tech Talent, the country is establishing its global tech development network in Bengaluru this year. "Together, we are a formidable team. We top our region's ranking in the global innovation index. Bengaluru is the fastest-growing tech hub in the world. London is number two. Our two countries believe in innovation as a force for good. Last year, the UK attracted over a third of all the tech investment in Europe. India and UK have superb academic research base and four of the top 10 universities are found in the UK. The number of Indian students coming to the UK has more than doubled in the past three years. We want to make Britain even more attractive in tech talent. So, we are establishing our global tech development network in Bengaluru this year," he said. The minister further highlighted India and UK's research partnership and stressed upon the sinister side of the digital age that needs to be protected from crime. "The UK is India's second largest research partner across 200 projects, 175 institutions and 100 companies and now we are increasing research and development funding to 20 billion pounds by 2025. We expect 1.5 billion pounds of digital services to India and India's tech giants like Tata and Infosys, to support over 30,000 UK jobs. We are already working in so many ways to mobilize technology in our shared struggle against disease and against climate change," he said. "But I also want to see democracies like ours address other challenges, the sinister side of the digital age. We have learned over the past 20 years that without the right values built in from the start, tech can create serious problems and there will be also those who will be seeing in each new opportunity or new innovation, a new opportunity for crime or repression. Just as we want to protect our natural world for children, so we need to ensure protect our digital world is free, safe and peaceful," he added. The seventh edition of Global Technology Summit is being held from Tuesday in New Delhi till December 1 in a hybrid format. The Summit is India's annual flagship event on Geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India. The theme for this year's Summit is 'Geopolitics of Technology'.

India, UK ideally placed to meet challenges of digital world: UK Foreign Secretary

Paramedics, nurses, ambulance technicians and emergency call handlers are preparing to walk out for 24 hours before Christmas as the unions have voted for a strike. The British government on Wednesday (November 30) has rejected pay hike demands raised by the unions. The strike, if it indeed takes place, will affect London and four other regions of England. The strike has been called over government pay offers which are not in line with the double-digit inflation.

"Our economic circumstances mean unions' demands are not affordable," Health Secretary Steve Barclay said, after the Unison and GMB unions confirmed the ambulance service faced its biggest strike in 30 years.&nbsp;

The Royal College of Nursing is also holding the first strike in its 106-year history on December 15 and 20.&nbsp;

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said it was a "tough call" for ambulance workers to strike too.&nbsp;

"But thousands of ambulance staff and their NHS (National Health Service) colleagues know delays won't lessen, nor waiting times reduce, until the government acts on wages," she said.&nbsp;

The nurses' strike will be sandwiched between the first of a series of two-day walkouts by national railway workers, while postal service employees will stage fresh stoppages in the run-up to Christmas.&nbsp;

The GMB union, meanwhile, on Wednesday said its members working in the ambulance service had also voted to strike across nine regions. The union is planning to meet in coming days to finalise the date of the strike.

"Ambulance workers –- like other NHS workers –- are on their knees," said Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary.&nbsp;

"No one in the NHS takes strike action lightly -– today shows just how desperate they are," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Paramedics, nurses, ambulance technicians and emergency call handlers are preparing to walk out for 24 hours before Christmas as the unions have voted for a strike.

Paramedics, nurses, ambulance technicians and emergency call handlers are preparing to walk out for 24 hours before Christmas as the unions have voted for a strike. The British government on Wednesday (November 30) has rejected pay hike demands raised by the unions. The strike, if it indeed takes place, will affect London and four other regions of England. The strike has been called over government pay offers which are not in line with the double-digit inflation. "Our economic circumstances mean unions' demands are not affordable," Health Secretary Steve Barclay said, after the Unison and GMB unions confirmed the ambulance service faced its biggest strike in 30 years. The Royal College of Nursing is also holding the first strike in its 106-year history on December 15 and 20. Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said it was a "tough call" for ambulance workers to strike too. "But thousands of ambulance staff and their NHS (National Health Service) colleagues know delays won't lessen, nor waiting times reduce, until the government acts on wages," she said. The nurses' strike will be sandwiched between the first of a series of two-day walkouts by national railway workers, while postal service employees will stage fresh stoppages in the run-up to Christmas. The GMB union, meanwhile, on Wednesday said its members working in the ambulance service had also voted to strike across nine regions. The union is planning to meet in coming days to finalise the date of the strike. "Ambulance workers –- like other NHS workers –- are on their knees," said Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary. "No one in the NHS takes strike action lightly -– today shows just how desperate they are," she 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: Unions vote for ambulance strike before Christmas over pay hike demand, to decide date

The UK could be facing a shortage of turkeys ahead of the festive season. According to Industry leaders half of the free-range turkeys that were reared for Christmas have either died or been slaughtered because of the ongoing bird flu epidemic that means that 600,000 birds have been lost to the highly infectious bird flu.

UK: Christmas Turkey shortage looms as worst bird flu epidemic hits the country

Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, two cities in the United Kingdom, Leicester and Birmingham became the first to be labelled as “minority majorities”. Nearly&nbsp;60 per cent of people in Leicester and 51.4 per cent of Birmingham residents are from ethnic minorities, the census data showed.

Notably, the people were asked what their religion was rather than about their religious practices or beliefs, a question which is optional since 2001. The number of people who identified as Christians were down from 59.3 per cent in 2011 to 46.6 per cent in 2021. On the other hand, people who said they do not have a religion grew from 25 per cent a decade ago to 37 per cent, last year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removed-from-uk-nuclear-project-a-day-after-sunaks-golden-era-over-statement-538678">China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement</a>

This has supposedly triggered calls for reform of laws that mandate Christian teaching and worship in schools and allowing bishops from the Church of England to sit in the House of Lords, said a report by the Guardian. Notably, England is legally a Christian country with the aforementioned religious institute as the established church and the Monarchy as its nominal head.&nbsp;

This grants the Church of England the power which secularists and others now want an end. Some of the mandates include King Charles making an oath to preserve the church, guaranteeing Church of England bishops and archbishops over 20 seats in the Parliament, and state schools required to hold Christian worship.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-government-bans-chinese-security-cameras-in-sensitive-government-sites-537270">UK government bans Chinese security cameras in 'sensitive' government sites</a>

On the other hand, the Muslim population in the two British nations grew from 2.7 million (2011) to 3.9 million (2021). Almost 82 per cent of the population in England and Wales is now white including non-British, the census data shows.&nbsp;

While some of the most common ethnic groups included Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh, accounting for a little over 9.3 per cent of the population. Overall nearly 75 per cent of the total population identified as white as well as English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/part-time-jobs-skipped-meals-indian-students-in-uk-battle-to-stay-afloat-535104">Part-time jobs, skipped meals: Indian students in UK battle to stay afloat</a>

One in 10 households across England and Wales is made up of people with two or more ethnic groups which is an increase from 8.7 per cent. The census also identified Shamanism as one of the fastest-growing religious identities and Romanian as one of the fastest-rising languages.&nbsp;The survey covers only two of the four nations in the UK, England and Wales while Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own census.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian.

Census results published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), on Tuesday, show that less than half of people in the two British nations, England and Wales, identify themselves as Christian. The announcement has also reportedly renewed calls to end the Church of England’s role in parliament and schools. Meanwhile, two cities in the United Kingdom, Leicester and Birmingham became the first to be labelled as “minority majorities”. Nearly 60 per cent of people in Leicester and 51.4 per cent of Birmingham residents are from ethnic minorities, the census data showed. Notably, the people were asked what their religion was rather than about their religious practices or beliefs, a question which is optional since 2001. The number of people who identified as Christians were down from 59.3 per cent in 2011 to 46.6 per cent in 2021. On the other hand, people who said they do not have a religion grew from 25 per cent a decade ago to 37 per cent, last year. ALSO READ | China removed from UK nuclear project, a day after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement This has supposedly triggered calls for reform of laws that mandate Christian teaching and worship in schools and allowing bishops from the Church of England to sit in the House of Lords, said a report by the Guardian. Notably, England is legally a Christian country with the aforementioned religious institute as the established church and the Monarchy as its nominal head. This grants the Church of England the power which secularists and others now want an end. Some of the mandates include King Charles making an oath to preserve the church, guaranteeing Church of England bishops and archbishops over 20 seats in the Parliament, and state schools required to hold Christian worship. ALSO WATCH | UK government bans Chinese security cameras in 'sensitive' government sites On the other hand, the Muslim population in the two British nations grew from 2.7 million (2011) to 3.9 million (2021). Almost 82 per cent of the population in England and Wales is now white including non-British, the census data shows. While some of the most common ethnic groups included Asian, Asian British or Asian Welsh, accounting for a little over 9.3 per cent of the population. Overall nearly 75 per cent of the total population identified as white as well as English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British. ALSO READ | Part-time jobs, skipped meals: Indian students in UK battle to stay afloat One in 10 households across England and Wales is made up of people with two or more ethnic groups which is an increase from 8.7 per cent. The census also identified Shamanism as one of the fastest-growing religious identities and Romanian as one of the fastest-rising languages. The survey covers only two of the four nations in the UK, England and Wales while Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own census. 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.

England, Wales no longer majority Christian; Leicester, Birmingham now ‘minority majorities’: Census

100 companies in the UK have moved to permanent 4-day work week. Employees will be given an additional day off, and this will not affect their salary. What is stopping Indian companies from making the switch?

Gravitas: 100 UK companies move to permanent 4-day work week

Climate activist alliance 'just stop oil' is once again causing disruption on the streets of London. Monday marked the start of two weeks of protests.

UK: 'Just Stop Oil' climate group begins two weeks of action in London

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivered his first major foreign policy speech in London. He has called out China, stating that the "golden era" of ties with China was over. Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch | UK: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's first big foreign policy speech

James Whale, the TalkTV and TalkRadio host, has said he has terminal cancer. The radio host, 71, made a moving address at the British Curry Awards in London on Monday night and discussed his battle with cancer. Two years after revealing he was battling cancer that had spread to his brain, spine, kidney, and lungs, James said he only has a few months to live.

He was speaking with the attendees at an event where he said, "I know a lot of you won't like me, but this time next year I won't be here. I have terminal cancer. As you might be able to hear, I am having chemotherapy which makes it harder for me to breathe, but I'm OK. Don't worry".

"I am in my 70s now and I just want to say don't waste your time on stupid things that don't matter", he said. "25 years later I've got it again. I'm 71 and I've had a great life."&nbsp;

James continued by mentioning his buddy Enam Ali, the man behind the British Curry Awards, who passed away recently from cancer. "He was one of my best mates, he showed us that as communities we can all get on together. For that tonight I would like to give you a round of applause."

The TalkTV host continued saying, "When I'm on my TV or radio show, people might go: 'Oh, he's a bit controversial, I just want people to live together and stop being so b****y stupid all the time. Because when you get to 70, some of you will know, you can look back at your life and think 'maybe you could have done that differently'."

He presented a brave front for the event even amid this devastating news. On the red carpet, the radio personality waved at cameras and posed with his wife of one year, Nadine Talbot-Brown. In his most recent The Express column, James also discussed his cancer diagnosis and his sympathy for Jonnie Irwin of the British TV series 'A Place In The Sun.' Notably, Jonnie Irwin is also battling the terminal disease, as per The Mirror.&nbsp;

He wrote, "I found it very difficult to talk about mine because I didn't want people to think I was using it to get sympathy or for any other reason. But along with a number of other people in the public eye, I am at stage four. There is no stage five."&nbsp;

"I don't want sympathy; I've had a good life but I do find talking about it helps me and although that might sound selfish, hopefully it helps others too. Jonnie, mate, I wish you the best of luck. It is very difficult and you're a lot younger than me. But I did start this journey 25 years ago.

James Whale had a kidney removed in 2000 when doctors discovered a tumour, and that was 20 years ago. James experienced a blow when his wife Melinda passed away in 2018 following a lung cancer fight. His popularity skyrocketed when James established himself as the Leeds presenter of The James Whale Radio Show in the 1980s. For 13 years, the radio host was well-known on talkSPORT. Later, in 2016, he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother.

James Whale, the TalkTV and TalkRadio host, has said he has terminal cancer. The radio host, 71, made a moving address at the British Curry Awards in London on Monday night and discussed his battle with cancer.

James Whale, the TalkTV and TalkRadio host, has said he has terminal cancer. The radio host, 71, made a moving address at the British Curry Awards in London on Monday night and discussed his battle with cancer. Two years after revealing he was battling cancer that had spread to his brain, spine, kidney, and lungs, James said he only has a few months to live. He was speaking with the attendees at an event where he said, "I know a lot of you won't like me, but this time next year I won't be here. I have terminal cancer. As you might be able to hear, I am having chemotherapy which makes it harder for me to breathe, but I'm OK. Don't worry". "I am in my 70s now and I just want to say don't waste your time on stupid things that don't matter", he said. "25 years later I've got it again. I'm 71 and I've had a great life." James continued by mentioning his buddy Enam Ali, the man behind the British Curry Awards, who passed away recently from cancer. "He was one of my best mates, he showed us that as communities we can all get on together. For that tonight I would like to give you a round of applause." The TalkTV host continued saying, "When I'm on my TV or radio show, people might go: 'Oh, he's a bit controversial, I just want people to live together and stop being so b****y stupid all the time. Because when you get to 70, some of you will know, you can look back at your life and think 'maybe you could have done that differently'." He presented a brave front for the event even amid this devastating news. On the red carpet, the radio personality waved at cameras and posed with his wife of one year, Nadine Talbot-Brown. In his most recent The Express column, James also discussed his cancer diagnosis and his sympathy for Jonnie Irwin of the British TV series 'A Place In The Sun.' Notably, Jonnie Irwin is also battling the terminal disease, as per The Mirror. He wrote, "I found it very difficult to talk about mine because I didn't want people to think I was using it to get sympathy or for any other reason. But along with a number of other people in the public eye, I am at stage four. There is no stage five." "I don't want sympathy; I've had a good life but I do find talking about it helps me and although that might sound selfish, hopefully it helps others too. Jonnie, mate, I wish you the best of luck. It is very difficult and you're a lot younger than me. But I did start this journey 25 years ago. James Whale had a kidney removed in 2000 when doctors discovered a tumour, and that was 20 years ago. James experienced a blow when his wife Melinda passed away in 2018 following a lung cancer fight. His popularity skyrocketed when James established himself as the Leeds presenter of The James Whale Radio Show in the 1980s. For 13 years, the radio host was well-known on talkSPORT. Later, in 2016, he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother.

'This time next year I won't be here': Emotions run high as host James Whale talks of terminal cancer

The United Kingdom has doubled its imports in the fight to keep lights on through the winter. The increasing use of coal generated power in the United Kingdom comes years after the country shifted to cleaner electricity.

WION Climate Tracker: UK doubles coal imports ahead of winter

Britain's 'golden era' with China is over, says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

A hundred companies in the UK have signed up for a permanent four-day working week for all employees without cutting any pay.

Four-day-work-week rolls out in UK

Rishi Sunak will pledge an 'evolutionary approach' to British foreign policy, arguing that states like Russia and China plan for the long term and the UK needs to follow suit.

WION Dispatch: UK PM Rishi Sunak to set out 'evolutionary' approach to dealing with Russia and China

Rishi Sunak is facing a growing rebellion of senior Conservatives. Former party chairman Sir Jake Berry added his name on Sunday to the Tory MPs backing rival legislation trying to force a U-turn from the Prime Minister.

Ex-Tory chairman joins rebellion against UK PM Rishi Sunak

UK PM Rishi Sunak to set out 'evolutionary' approach to dealing with Russia and China

The British government interestingly is changing the date of birth of child asylum seekers to classify them as adults now. Many children have been wrongly sent to a notorious manston camp in Kent and have been detained in what have been described as unsafe conditions.

UK: Home office alters age of children seeking asylum, minors detained in unsafe conditions

Christmas preparations are ramping up across the globe. From one of the world's oldest amusement parks kicking all its festive season to the official Christmas tree arriving at the White House, there is plenty of holiday cheer to go around.

Europe puts up Christmas lights amid energy crisis, White House gets its tree

In UK, horrifying details of random racism, misogyny and bullying in the country's largest firefighting and rescue organization has come in the light. In an independent report found after a review of the London fire brigade female firefighters, they report that they have been groped, beaten and had their helmets filled with urine.

UK: Female firefighters groped and beaten, helmets filled with urine

UK: Misogyny and racism rampant at fire brigade

Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested the country’s Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima over corruption allegations, on Friday, after months of investigation, said the agency. This comes months after Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera stripped the VP of his power after he was first accused of corruption by the watchdog.&nbsp;

According to the ACB, Chilima is accused of accepting at least $280,000 and “other items” from a British businessman, Zuneth Sattar between March 2021 and October 2021 in exchange for awarding contracts by the Malawi government. The VP allegedly helped two companies, Xaviar Limited and Malachitte FZE, which are connected to Sattar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malawi-election-results-delayed-after-injunction-over-alleged-irregularities-221818">Malawi election results delayed after injunction over alleged irregularities</a>

Furthermore, Chilima will be taken to court where he is expected to face at least six charges out of which three are on counts of corrupt practices by a public officer, among others, said the ACB. Since then, he has reportedly pleaded not guilty in court to the corruption charges. “I have no comment to make. We will let the court process run its course,” said the VP to the press outside the court after being granted bail, said Reuters citing local media reports.&nbsp;

The report also said that his backers and the local police seemingly clashed when he was being taken to the court. Notably, previous attempts to question Chilima have been hindered by his followers who call the allegations against him a political witch hunt. This comes after Malawi’s president Chakwera dissolved his entire cabinet, earlier this year, following allegations of corruption against three serving ministers.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-of-africa-malawis-struggle-with-deadly-witchcraft-violence-500943">World Of Africa: Malawi's struggle with deadly witchcraft violence</a>

Meanwhile, the watchdog has been investigating the connection between the British businessman and public officials in Malawi for months over the alleged plundering of state resources by influencing the awarding of contracts through the country’s public procurement system, said the ACB.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Financial Times report said Sattar is under investigation by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for his alleged abuse of Malawi’s public procurement system. However, he has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing since, said the report. The Malawi-born British businessman was also detained in the UK last year but is reportedly out on bail.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malawi-president-says-vote-re-run-flawed-as-results-expected-309062">Malawi president says vote re-run flawed as results expected</a>

Earlier this year, in June, Chakwera also stripped the VP of all his powers after he was first accused of corruption. However, it did not stand since Malawi’s constitution does not allow the president to suspend or remove the vice president because he is an elected official but has barred Chilima from carrying out his duties. The president and vice president came into power following a coalition between their parties and subsequent victory in the elections held two years ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested the country’s Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima over corruption allegations, on Friday, after months of investigation, said the agency.

Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested the country’s Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima over corruption allegations, on Friday, after months of investigation, said the agency. This comes months after Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera stripped the VP of his power after he was first accused of corruption by the watchdog. According to the ACB, Chilima is accused of accepting at least $280,000 and “other items” from a British businessman, Zuneth Sattar between March 2021 and October 2021 in exchange for awarding contracts by the Malawi government. The VP allegedly helped two companies, Xaviar Limited and Malachitte FZE, which are connected to Sattar. ALSO READ: Malawi election results delayed after injunction over alleged irregularities Furthermore, Chilima will be taken to court where he is expected to face at least six charges out of which three are on counts of corrupt practices by a public officer, among others, said the ACB. Since then, he has reportedly pleaded not guilty in court to the corruption charges. “I have no comment to make. We will let the court process run its course,” said the VP to the press outside the court after being granted bail, said Reuters citing local media reports. The report also said that his backers and the local police seemingly clashed when he was being taken to the court. Notably, previous attempts to question Chilima have been hindered by his followers who call the allegations against him a political witch hunt. This comes after Malawi’s president Chakwera dissolved his entire cabinet, earlier this year, following allegations of corruption against three serving ministers. ALSO WATCH | World Of Africa: Malawi's struggle with deadly witchcraft violence Meanwhile, the watchdog has been investigating the connection between the British businessman and public officials in Malawi for months over the alleged plundering of state resources by influencing the awarding of contracts through the country’s public procurement system, said the ACB. Meanwhile, a Financial Times report said Sattar is under investigation by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for his alleged abuse of Malawi’s public procurement system. However, he has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing since, said the report. The Malawi-born British businessman was also detained in the UK last year but is reportedly out on bail. ALSO READ: Malawi president says vote re-run flawed as results expected Earlier this year, in June, Chakwera also stripped the VP of all his powers after he was first accused of corruption. However, it did not stand since Malawi’s constitution does not allow the president to suspend or remove the vice president because he is an elected official but has barred Chilima from carrying out his duties. The president and vice president came into power following a coalition between their parties and subsequent victory in the elections held two years ago. (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.

Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima arrested over corruption allegations

The British government has prohibited the use of Chinese CCTVs in its departments citing security threats and human rights abuse concerns. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: UK clamps down on Chinese CCTVs

After learning that thousands of nurses may strike before Christmas, UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the salary demands of the nurses' union are unaffordable.&nbsp;The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the union representing British nurses, announced on Friday that the nurses would go on strike on December 15 and 20 in order to demand higher pay. This strike action would add to a winter of industrial action and increase pressure on the government-run healthcare system, said a report in Independent.

''What the unions are asking for, I think, is a 19% pay rise and I think most people watching will recognise that that's obviously unaffordable,''&nbsp;Sunak&nbsp;said while visiting a doctor's surgery in Darlington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-faces-fresh-tory-rebellion-from-boris-johson-liz-truss-537384">UK PM Rishi Sunak faces fresh Tory rebellion from Boris Johnson, Liz Truss</a>

The strikes will put more pressure on Sunak as Britain struggles with a cost-of-living problem and an impending economic slump, with inflation hitting a 41-year high of 11.1 per cent&nbsp;in October.

The NHS, which has offered free healthcare at the point of use since 1948, is currently juggling a record seven&nbsp;million patients on hospital waiting lists. The emergency and accident rooms are similarly overworked. 
 
In a dramatic escalation of the wage dispute raging throughout the NHS, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) declared on Friday that its members will hold their first nationwide strike on December 15 and 20.

WION Dispatch: UK students may face ban if not admitted to top universities, says report

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In order to prevent a walkout, RCN general secretary Pat Cullen has encouraged Health Secretary Steve Barclay to "stop the spin and start to communicate" with nurses.

As the health system gets ready for the expected postponement of thousands of procedures and appointments next month, information will shortly be released on which areas within the NHS will be spared from strike action.

On strike days, "life-preserving" and "emergency-type care" services will be provided, according to a nursing chief, who declined to provide specifics on which departments would be filled if coworkers staged a walkout. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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After learning that thousands of nurses may strike before Christmas, UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the salary demands of the nurses' union are unaffordable.

After learning that thousands of nurses may strike before Christmas, UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the salary demands of the nurses' union are unaffordable. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the union representing British nurses, announced on Friday that the nurses would go on strike on December 15 and 20 in order to demand higher pay. This strike action would add to a winter of industrial action and increase pressure on the government-run healthcare system, said a report in Independent. ''What the unions are asking for, I think, is a 19% pay rise and I think most people watching will recognise that that's obviously unaffordable,'' Sunak said while visiting a doctor's surgery in Darlington. Also read | UK PM Rishi Sunak faces fresh Tory rebellion from Boris Johnson, Liz Truss The strikes will put more pressure on Sunak as Britain struggles with a cost-of-living problem and an impending economic slump, with inflation hitting a 41-year high of 11.1 per cent in October. The NHS, which has offered free healthcare at the point of use since 1948, is currently juggling a record seven million patients on hospital waiting lists. The emergency and accident rooms are similarly overworked. In a dramatic escalation of the wage dispute raging throughout the NHS, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) declared on Friday that its members will hold their first nationwide strike on December 15 and 20. WION Dispatch: UK students may face ban if not admitted to top universities, says report In order to prevent a walkout, RCN general secretary Pat Cullen has encouraged Health Secretary Steve Barclay to "stop the spin and start to communicate" with nurses. As the health system gets ready for the expected postponement of thousands of procedures and appointments next month, information will shortly be released on which areas within the NHS will be spared from strike action. On strike days, "life-preserving" and "emergency-type care" services will be provided, according to a nursing chief, who declined to provide specifics on which departments would be filled if coworkers staged a walkout. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rishi Sunak says nurses' demand for 19 per cent pay hike 'obviously unaffordable'

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