UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled US $18.85 billion worth cost-of-living bailout package to help millions of people struggling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.

United Kingdom: Energy bills to be cut by hundreds for households, Rishi Sunak unveils new package

Many parts of the world are reporting the rare monkeypox outbreak. The US reported its first case, and Britain reported close to 10 cases.

Predominant in African countries, cases of rare monkeypox surface in various countries including US

Rare monkeypox outbreak: The US reports the first case of monkeypox

The UK government will announce an emergency package to help people through the cost of living crisis on Thursday. Treasury sources suggested that Sunak's fresh support would focus on the poorest households.

UK: Rishi Sunak to unveil cost of living support package

The long-awaited investigation into UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the so-called partygate was released on Wednesday. The report suggests that the staff members who were present at Johnson's birthday party got drunk, puked and engaged in fights.

'Partygate' Report: PM Johnson's staff got drunk, brawled & abused cleaning workers

An investigation report into the UK partygate scandal, that involves PM Boris Johnson, blamed top officials in his office for allowing a 'culture of rule-breaking'. Gray investigated 15 gatherings attended by Johnson and his staff in 2020 and 2021.

'Partygate' Report Out: Sue Gray report details 15 illegal parties

The much-awaited report on the lockdown parties has been handed over to the downing street. The report is prepared by senior civil servant Sue Gray who had been tasked with looking into the claims of 10 downing street parties.

Boris Johnson grilled in Parliament after 48-page Sue Gray report with images published

Sue Gray report published: UK PM Johnson takes questions in the House of Commons

The Boehly-Clearlake consortium, which agreed terms to acquire Chelsea for 4.25 billion pounds earlier this month, passed the Premier League Owners` and Directors` Test, the league said on Tuesday, paving the way for the club`s takeover.

Chelsea Football Club Sale: UK govt issues license to Todd Boehly

New photographs have emerged of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson from another party during the lockdown. These images were published by the British broadcaster ITV shows Johnson partying with 9 other people

New 'Partygate' photos leak online, UK PM under scanner

While the United Kingdom is preparing to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, Harry and Meghan's Waxwork figures are back at Madame Tussauds.

Harry and Meghan are back for Queen's Platinum Jubilee at Madame Tussauds

Commissioned by a private collector, UK's Royal Mint has unveiled a 15-kilogram huge gold coin to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

Giant gold coin unveiled to celebrate Queen’s platinum jubilee

The much-awaited report on the lockdown parties will be handed over to the downing street later today. The report is prepared by senior civil servant Sue Gray who had been tasked with looking into the claims of 10 downing street parties.

Partygate scandal: Pressure mounts on UK PM Boris Johnson over Sue Gray report

The sale of Chelsea football club has gone through after the British government has approved its takeover by Todd Boehly.

Chelsea sale goes through as British government approves takeover

Sources said that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the instigator of the 13 November, 2020 party at the No. 10 Downing Street during national Covid lockdown.

Sources: UK PM Boris Johnson was instigator of Nov 13 party

The long awaited Sue Gray report on the UK's Partygate scandal will likely be out this week. It is expected that the document will feature photographs of illegal gatherings.

Long-awaited Sue Gray's Partygate probe report to be released soon

British news outlet Dail Mail has said the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda asylum plan was 'working'. Patel's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has attracted fierce criticism in UK as well as in Rwanda.&nbsp;

Daily Mail said that fearing getting sent to Rwanda, asylum seekers who initially wanted to stay in the UK are withdrawing their applications. The report mentions that 10 such applicants have withdrawn their applications.

‘It’s a positive start,’ an unnamed 'Government source' was quoted in the report as saying.

Meanwhile, officials in Kigali have said that first batch of asylum seekers&nbsp;from UK will arrive in the country &nbsp;"in the next few weeks"

According to the arrangement, the British government will send anyone entering the UK illegally, as well as those who have arrived illegally since January 1, to Rwanda.

According to the Rwandan authorities, the British government will provide up to £120 million ($157 million, 144 million euros) to Kigali and migrants will be "integrated into communities across the country."&nbsp;

The proposals to relocate tens of thousands of people in the coming years, which is set to be challenged in British courts, has been slammed by rights groups as "inhumane".

Campaigners accuse President Paul Kagame's government of crushing dissent and keeping an iron grip on power, but while announcing the asylum deal on April 14, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Rwanda was "one of the safest countries in the world."

(With inputs from agencies)

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British news outlet Dail Mail has said the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda asylum plan was 'working'. Patel's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has attracted fierce criticism in UK as well as in Rwanda.

British news outlet Dail Mail has said the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda asylum plan was 'working'. Patel's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has attracted fierce criticism in UK as well as in Rwanda. Daily Mail said that fearing getting sent to Rwanda, asylum seekers who initially wanted to stay in the UK are withdrawing their applications. The report mentions that 10 such applicants have withdrawn their applications. ‘It’s a positive start,’ an unnamed 'Government source' was quoted in the report as saying. Meanwhile, officials in Kigali have said that first batch of asylum seekers from UK will arrive in the country "in the next few weeks" According to the arrangement, the British government will send anyone entering the UK illegally, as well as those who have arrived illegally since January 1, to Rwanda. According to the Rwandan authorities, the British government will provide up to £120 million ($157 million, 144 million euros) to Kigali and migrants will be "integrated into communities across the country." The proposals to relocate tens of thousands of people in the coming years, which is set to be challenged in British courts, has been slammed by rights groups as "inhumane". Campaigners accuse President Paul Kagame's government of crushing dissent and keeping an iron grip on power, but while announcing the asylum deal on April 14, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Rwanda was "one of the safest countries in the world." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda plan is 'working', says report

The United Kingdom has classified two types of Omicron variant — BA.4 and BA.5 — of coronavirus (COVID-19) as variants of concern, an announcement on Friday (May 20) revealed. Notably, only a fewer cases of these two types of variants have been identified in the country so far.&nbsp;

However, data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the mentioned Omicron variants are likely to have a "growth advantage" over the current dominant variant.&nbsp;

A total of 115 cases of confirmed (or probable) BA.4 have been identified in the UK as of May 20. The cases were detected in England (67), Scotland (41), Wales (6) and Northern Ireland (1).&nbsp;

On the other hand, a total of 80 cases of BA.5 have been identified so far in England (48), Scotland (25), Northern Ireland (6) and Wales (1).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/impact-of-climate-change-rising-temperatures-could-cause-hours-of-sleep-loss-480890">Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss</a>

As quoted by Evening Standard, Dr Meera Chand, who is the UKHSA director of clinical and emerging infections, said: "The reclassification of these variants as variants of concern reflects emerging evidence on the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 internationally and in the UK."&nbsp;

"Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting," she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parasites-that-can-alter-the-mind-can-make-infected-people-more-attractive-study-claims-480742">Parasites that can alter the mind can make infected people more attractive, study claims</a>

WATCH |&nbsp;Foreign students and teachers drop out of Chinese schools amid stringent Covid curbs

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Meanwhile, vaccine advisers in Britain recently told that an anticipated autumn Covid booster campaign would be aimed at people aged over 65. Frontline health workers, social care workers, care home residents and all adults in a clinical risk group are included.&nbsp;

"The JCVI’s [Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation] current view is that in autumn 2022, a COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to: Residents in a care home for older adults and staff; Frontline health and social care workers; All those 65 years of age and over; Adults aged 16 to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group," UKHSA said in a statement.&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom has classified two types of Omicron variant — BA.4 and BA.5 — of coronavirus (COVID-19) as variants of concern, an announcement on Friday (May 20) revealed.

The United Kingdom has classified two types of Omicron variant — BA.4 and BA.5 — of coronavirus (COVID-19) as variants of concern, an announcement on Friday (May 20) revealed. Notably, only a fewer cases of these two types of variants have been identified in the country so far. However, data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the mentioned Omicron variants are likely to have a "growth advantage" over the current dominant variant. A total of 115 cases of confirmed (or probable) BA.4 have been identified in the UK as of May 20. The cases were detected in England (67), Scotland (41), Wales (6) and Northern Ireland (1). On the other hand, a total of 80 cases of BA.5 have been identified so far in England (48), Scotland (25), Northern Ireland (6) and Wales (1). ALSO READ | Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss As quoted by Evening Standard, Dr Meera Chand, who is the UKHSA director of clinical and emerging infections, said: "The reclassification of these variants as variants of concern reflects emerging evidence on the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 internationally and in the UK." "Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting," she added. ALSO READ | Parasites that can alter the mind can make infected people more attractive, study claims WATCH | Foreign students and teachers drop out of Chinese schools amid stringent Covid curbs × Meanwhile, vaccine advisers in Britain recently told that an anticipated autumn Covid booster campaign would be aimed at people aged over 65. Frontline health workers, social care workers, care home residents and all adults in a clinical risk group are included. "The JCVI’s [Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation] current view is that in autumn 2022, a COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to: Residents in a care home for older adults and staff; Frontline health and social care workers; All those 65 years of age and over; Adults aged 16 to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group," UKHSA said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK classifies two types of the Omicron variants of Covid as variants of concern

The investigation into Covid-19 lockdown parties held at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office has ended. London Police said that they had issued a total of 126 fines.

UK police concludes partygate scandal investigation with 126 fines

Smoking is one of the leading reasons behind preventable deaths accounting for nearly 78,000 deaths each year. According to reports, health secretary Sajid Javid is now looking to revamp the legal age for smoking.

UK: Legal smoking age could rise to 21, health secy Sajid Javid to revamp legal age for smoking

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not receive further fines for the lockdown-breaching parties, British media reported after the Metropolitan (Met) police finished their probe into such gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall during the pandemic.

So far, 126 fixed-penalty notices have been issued by the police after covering all 12 events.

The 126 fines were issued to 83 different people, the Met said. There were 53 FPNs issued to 35 men and 73 to 48 women, meaning 28 people received between two and five penalties.

Out of those, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie&nbsp;have each received a £50 fine last month for breaking Covid laws at a birthday party for the PM in Downing Street in June 2020.

It was expected that Johnson would receive more fixed penalty notices after a probe found that he attended up to six of the lockdown gatherings.

“The Met has confirmed they are taking no further action as regards the prime minister,” The Guardian quoted Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson as saying.

Watch | London Police end investigation into lockdown parties in PM Boris Johnson's office

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However, Johnson is yet to get a sigh of relief as a full report into illicit gatherings by the senior civil servant Sue Gray is due to be published next week.

An interim version of the report was published, but the full details were delayed for the police investigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-scandal-british-pm-boris-johnson-and-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-fined-470579">'Partygate' scandal: British PM Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak fined</a>

The Met’s acting deputy commissioner, Helen Ball, said 97 fines had so far been paid, and none of those outstanding were beyond the 28-day period people have to make the payment.

Meanwhile, the opposition Labour party is hell-bent on resignation from the prime minister.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-distraction-plan-forget-partygate-lets-take-back-control-of-uk-borders-471150">Boris Johnson's distraction plan: Forget partygate, let's 'take back control' of UK borders</a>

Deputy Labour leader Keir Starmer– who faces his own potential penalty for a possible Covid rules breach – told The Guardian, “After an investigation that shows 120-plus breaches of the law in Downing Street, of course, he should resign. He’s responsible for the culture.”

&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not receive further fines for the lockdown-breaching parties, British media reported after the Metropolitan (Met) police finished their probe into such gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall during the pandemic.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not receive further fines for the lockdown-breaching parties, British media reported after the Metropolitan (Met) police finished their probe into such gatherings in Downing Street and Whitehall during the pandemic. So far, 126 fixed-penalty notices have been issued by the police after covering all 12 events. The 126 fines were issued to 83 different people, the Met said. There were 53 FPNs issued to 35 men and 73 to 48 women, meaning 28 people received between two and five penalties. Out of those, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie have each received a £50 fine last month for breaking Covid laws at a birthday party for the PM in Downing Street in June 2020. It was expected that Johnson would receive more fixed penalty notices after a probe found that he attended up to six of the lockdown gatherings. “The Met has confirmed they are taking no further action as regards the prime minister,” The Guardian quoted Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson as saying. Watch | London Police end investigation into lockdown parties in PM Boris Johnson's office However, Johnson is yet to get a sigh of relief as a full report into illicit gatherings by the senior civil servant Sue Gray is due to be published next week. An interim version of the report was published, but the full details were delayed for the police investigation. Also read | 'Partygate' scandal: British PM Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak fined The Met’s acting deputy commissioner, Helen Ball, said 97 fines had so far been paid, and none of those outstanding were beyond the 28-day period people have to make the payment. Meanwhile, the opposition Labour party is hell-bent on resignation from the prime minister. Also read | Boris Johnson's distraction plan: Forget partygate, let's 'take back control' of UK borders Deputy Labour leader Keir Starmer– who faces his own potential penalty for a possible Covid rules breach – told The Guardian, “After an investigation that shows 120-plus breaches of the law in Downing Street, of course, he should resign. He’s responsible for the culture.” (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.

‘Partygate’: UK PM Boris Johnson to not receive further fines as Met finishes probe

A&nbsp;married&nbsp;couple&nbsp;from western England were revealed Thursday as Britain's biggest-ever lottery winners after scooping a jackpot of nearly £185 million ($230 million, 218 million euros) in the EuroMillions draw.&nbsp;

Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, called the unprecedented win "huge for us" as they claimed the&nbsp;record-breaking sum of £184,262,899 with a ticket of randomly selected numbers earlier this month.

"It was amazing but also surreal," said Joe, 49, who works at a communications company, at a press conference with his wife as they recounted the momentous moment they discovered online their May 10 win.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/put-trash-in-its-place-this-is-why-this-environmental-activist-is-wearing-trash-in-posh-la-480505">'Put trash in its place': This is why an environmental activist is wearing trash in posh LA</a>

&nbsp;

"I looked at the amount. I put the phone down and I picked the phone up again and I looked at the amount again!"

The early-riser somehow contained his excitement enough to let his wife keep sleeping until her alarm sounded -- and then relayed the news.

"He was like, 'I've got a secret to tell you'," recalled Jess, 44. "I was like 'don't be stupid!," she said, adding they initially thought it was a joke and "obviously wrong".

Watch |&nbsp;UK unveils Pride coin to mark 50th anniversary

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The&nbsp;couple, like many other Britons, have been struggling through the&nbsp;country's growing cost-of-living crisis and plan to share their newly-amassed fortune with friends and family.

"This is an amazing thing that's happened to us, and this means it's an amazing thing that's happened to our family and we want to share that with them," said Jess, who runs a hair salon with her mother and sister.&nbsp;

"Even though it's wonderful and exciting, it's also a massive relief for everybody that's been struggling with all their bills.&nbsp;

"We're like every normal family... so it's just a huge relief."

'Family holiday' -

Joe said the blockbuster win meant they had been enjoying simple pleasures like hot water without worrying about the costs, amid the spiralling energy prices hitting Britain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-parliament-in-trouble-again-unidentified-lawmaker-arrested-over-suspicion-of-rape-says-police-479964">UK’s parliament in trouble again? Unidentified lawmaker arrested over suspicion of rape, say police</a>

"I did put the immersion heater on the other day and heated up the hot water and just thought that's fine, whereas in the past these are the sorts of things you just didn't do," he added.

Beyond that, the immediate Thwaite family -- which comprises two primary school-aged children and a host of pets including horses, ponies, dogs and even geckos -- are planning a rare family holiday and likely a new car purchase.

"We never go on holiday," said Jess. "So our kids would just die to go to the sun and do that kind of thing," she added, noting one favoured Hawaii while the other wanted to go to a Texas horse ranch.

The Thwaite's jackpot sets a new&nbsp;record&nbsp;in Britain and is the second-largest in the history of EuroMillions, which is played in the territories of nine European countries.

Last October saw an unprecedented 220-million-euro jackpot claimed by an undisclosed woman -- who had never previously played the game -- on the Pacific island of Tahiti, which is part of French Polynesia.

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A married couple from western England were revealed Thursday as Britain's biggest-ever lottery winners after scooping a jackpot of nearly £185 million ($230 million, 218 million euros) in the EuroMillions draw.

A married couple from western England were revealed Thursday as Britain's biggest-ever lottery winners after scooping a jackpot of nearly £185 million ($230 million, 218 million euros) in the EuroMillions draw. Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, called the unprecedented win "huge for us" as they claimed the record-breaking sum of £184,262,899 with a ticket of randomly selected numbers earlier this month. "It was amazing but also surreal," said Joe, 49, who works at a communications company, at a press conference with his wife as they recounted the momentous moment they discovered online their May 10 win. Also read | 'Put trash in its place': This is why an environmental activist is wearing trash in posh LA "I looked at the amount. I put the phone down and I picked the phone up again and I looked at the amount again!" The early-riser somehow contained his excitement enough to let his wife keep sleeping until her alarm sounded -- and then relayed the news. "He was like, 'I've got a secret to tell you'," recalled Jess, 44. "I was like 'don't be stupid!," she said, adding they initially thought it was a joke and "obviously wrong". Watch | UK unveils Pride coin to mark 50th anniversary The couple, like many other Britons, have been struggling through the country's growing cost-of-living crisis and plan to share their newly-amassed fortune with friends and family. "This is an amazing thing that's happened to us, and this means it's an amazing thing that's happened to our family and we want to share that with them," said Jess, who runs a hair salon with her mother and sister. "Even though it's wonderful and exciting, it's also a massive relief for everybody that's been struggling with all their bills. "We're like every normal family... so it's just a huge relief." 'Family holiday' - Joe said the blockbuster win meant they had been enjoying simple pleasures like hot water without worrying about the costs, amid the spiralling energy prices hitting Britain. Also read | UK’s parliament in trouble again? Unidentified lawmaker arrested over suspicion of rape, say police "I did put the immersion heater on the other day and heated up the hot water and just thought that's fine, whereas in the past these are the sorts of things you just didn't do," he added. Beyond that, the immediate Thwaite family -- which comprises two primary school-aged children and a host of pets including horses, ponies, dogs and even geckos -- are planning a rare family holiday and likely a new car purchase. "We never go on holiday," said Jess. "So our kids would just die to go to the sun and do that kind of thing," she added, noting one favoured Hawaii while the other wanted to go to a Texas horse ranch. The Thwaite's jackpot sets a new record in Britain and is the second-largest in the history of EuroMillions, which is played in the territories of nine European countries. Last October saw an unprecedented 220-million-euro jackpot claimed by an undisclosed woman -- who had never previously played the game -- on the Pacific island of Tahiti, which is part of French Polynesia. 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.

Married couple become UK's biggest-ever lottery winners after scoring lottery jackpot of $230 million

Sharp falls in the US and Asian stock markets had reverberations across UK and Europe amid concerns over inflation and slowing economies.

The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 1.8 per cent on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany also saw massive drops, BBC reported.

This came a day after US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop on Wednesday since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.56 per cent, the S&amp;P 500 lost 4.03 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.73 per cent, reports Reuters.

The declines for the S&amp;P 500 and Dow marked their biggest one-day percentage declines since June 11, 2020.

Apart from that, UK recording a massive 9 per cent inflation in April—a 40-year high— spooked the European markets, raising concerns that some economies are heading for a slowdown as interest rates are increased in an attempt to counter price rises.

British inflation is now the highest among major economies in Europe, but prices are rapidly rising worldwide, forcing central banks around the globe to hike interest rates and tamp down growth as suggested by a modest decline in US homebuilding in April

The UK's biggest retailer, Tesco, fell 1.8 per cent while shares in consumer goods giant Unilever dropped nearly 1 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-bans-import-of-luxurious-items-as-weak-rupee-low-reserves-batter-economy-480474">Pak bans import of luxurious items as weak rupee, low reserves batter economy</a>

The biggest fall on the UK market was Royal Mail, which sank more than 12 per cent after reporting disappointing results and warning it was facing "significant headwinds" from rising costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-sri-lanka-defaults-on-its-payments-480520" hreflang="en">For the first time, Sri Lanka defaults on its payments</a>

The FTSE 100 closed 135 points lower at 7,302.7, while France's Cac-40 index and Germany's Dax dropped by 1.3% and 0.9% respectively.

In Asia, Japan's benchmark Nikkei index closed down 1.9 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 2.5 cent

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sharp falls in the US and Asian stock markets had reverberations across UK and Europe amid concerns over inflation and slowing economies. The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 1.

Sharp falls in the US and Asian stock markets had reverberations across UK and Europe amid concerns over inflation and slowing economies. The FTSE 100 index of leading companies sank 1.8 per cent on Thursday while the main stock markets in France and Germany also saw massive drops, BBC reported. This came a day after US shares recorded their biggest one-day drop on Wednesday since the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.56 per cent, the S&P 500 lost 4.03 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.73 per cent, reports Reuters. The declines for the S&P 500 and Dow marked their biggest one-day percentage declines since June 11, 2020. Apart from that, UK recording a massive 9 per cent inflation in April—a 40-year high— spooked the European markets, raising concerns that some economies are heading for a slowdown as interest rates are increased in an attempt to counter price rises. British inflation is now the highest among major economies in Europe, but prices are rapidly rising worldwide, forcing central banks around the globe to hike interest rates and tamp down growth as suggested by a modest decline in US homebuilding in April The UK's biggest retailer, Tesco, fell 1.8 per cent while shares in consumer goods giant Unilever dropped nearly 1 per cent. Also read | Pak bans import of luxurious items as weak rupee, low reserves batter economy The biggest fall on the UK market was Royal Mail, which sank more than 12 per cent after reporting disappointing results and warning it was facing "significant headwinds" from rising costs. Also read | For the first time, Sri Lanka defaults on its payments The FTSE 100 closed 135 points lower at 7,302.7, while France's Cac-40 index and Germany's Dax dropped by 1.3% and 0.9% respectively. In Asia, Japan's benchmark Nikkei index closed down 1.9 per cent while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 2.5 cent (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.

Europe, UK stock markets see steep decline amid concerns over inflation, slow growth

A team of US politicians is heading to Europe to try and calm tensions over the Northern Ireland post-Brexit protocol. The group of nine representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties kicks off a six-day trip.

US: Nancy Pelosi warns to not alter Northern Ireland deal

Estimates say that 7 out of 10 people in the UK will be obese or overweight by 2040. At least 21 million people will be obese, which is 36% of the adult population. What is the government of Boris Johnson doing to prevent this crisis? Nothing. Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Over 42 million UK adults will be overweight by 2040

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton attended the premiere of Hollywood actor Tom Cruise movie “Top Gun: Maverick” in London.

Royals attend 'Top Gun: Maverick' movie premiere in London

The Brexit-supporting&nbsp;father&nbsp;of British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;citizenship after making an application last year, a&nbsp;French&nbsp;justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday.

A Conservative who once worked for the European Commission in Brussels,&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;opposed Brexit at first but swung behind the EU departure project following 2016's narrow referendum vote that was championed by his son.

The elder&nbsp;Johnson's ties to France are through his&nbsp;French&nbsp;mother, and he speaks the language fluently.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-uk-pm-boris-johnson-to-not-receive-further-fines-as-met-finishes-probe-480539">‘Partygate’: UK PM Boris Johnson to not receive further fines as Met finishes probe</a>

The 81-year-old filed his citizenship application at the&nbsp;French&nbsp;consulate in London in November last year, with a six-month deadline for the justice ministry to object elapsing on Wednesday.

"Based on the facts in his application, and without a refusal by the justice minister, Mr&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationality on May 18 2022," the ministry told AFP.

"This decision concerns only Mr&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;and does not extend to his descendants," it added.

"I'll always be European, that's for sure,"&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told RTL radio in&nbsp;French&nbsp;in a December 2020 interview.

He had come under fire at home for his plans, announced at the same time most Britons were losing the right to travel freely across the European Union as a post-Brexit "transition period" ended.

Watch |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated'

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I'm&nbsp;French!

"It's not a question of becoming&nbsp;French. If I understand correctly I am&nbsp;French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely&nbsp;French&nbsp;as was her grandfather,"&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;said.

"For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," he added.

French&nbsp;law normally prevents children of its citizens from claiming nationality if their family has been abroad for more than 50 years without making use of their rights.

But their applications can still be considered if they can prove "concrete ties of a cultural, professional, economic or family nature" with France, a clause&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;invoked in his application.

Around 3,100 British people acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationality in 2020, according to the latest figures available from EU statistics agency Eurostat, making France the second most popular choice for acquiring European citizenship, after Germany.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-boris-johnson-under-fire-as-uk-inflation-rockets-to-40-year-high-480267">Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire as UK inflation rockets to 40-year high</a>

Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has become a public figure in Britain following his son's political rise, appearing on a celebrity reality TV show in 2017 and appearing regularly in the media.

His ex-wife Charlotte Fawcett,&nbsp;Boris's mother told a biographer recently that&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;had beaten her many times, breaking her nose on one occasion.

Last year two women, a Conservative MP and a journalist, accused him of groping or touching them inappropriately.

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The Brexit-supporting father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acquired French citizenship after making an application last year, a French justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday.

The Brexit-supporting father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acquired French citizenship after making an application last year, a French justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday. A Conservative who once worked for the European Commission in Brussels, Stanley Johnson opposed Brexit at first but swung behind the EU departure project following 2016's narrow referendum vote that was championed by his son. The elder Johnson's ties to France are through his French mother, and he speaks the language fluently. Also read | ‘Partygate’: UK PM Boris Johnson to not receive further fines as Met finishes probe The 81-year-old filed his citizenship application at the French consulate in London in November last year, with a six-month deadline for the justice ministry to object elapsing on Wednesday. "Based on the facts in his application, and without a refusal by the justice minister, Mr Stanley Johnson acquired French nationality on May 18 2022," the ministry told AFP. "This decision concerns only Mr Stanley Johnson and does not extend to his descendants," it added. "I'll always be European, that's for sure," Stanley Johnson told RTL radio in French in a December 2020 interview. He had come under fire at home for his plans, announced at the same time most Britons were losing the right to travel freely across the European Union as a post-Brexit "transition period" ended. Watch | UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated' I'm French! "It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather," Stanley said. "For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," he added. French law normally prevents children of its citizens from claiming nationality if their family has been abroad for more than 50 years without making use of their rights. But their applications can still be considered if they can prove "concrete ties of a cultural, professional, economic or family nature" with France, a clause Stanley invoked in his application. Around 3,100 British people acquired French nationality in 2020, according to the latest figures available from EU statistics agency Eurostat, making France the second most popular choice for acquiring European citizenship, after Germany. Also read | Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire as UK inflation rockets to 40-year high Stanley Johnson has become a public figure in Britain following his son's political rise, appearing on a celebrity reality TV show in 2017 and appearing regularly in the media. His ex-wife Charlotte Fawcett, Boris's mother told a biographer recently that Stanley had beaten her many times, breaking her nose on one occasion. Last year two women, a Conservative MP and a journalist, accused him of groping or touching them inappropriately. 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.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French

London Police end investigation into lockdown parties in PM Boris Johnson's office

More than 42 million adults in the United States are projected to be either overweight or obese by the year 2040. The alarming report also raises concerns over cancer in the country as overweight and obese people are at a higher risk of 13 types of cancer

Over 20,000 cancer cases in UK attributed to obesity

In a fresh scandal for Boris government, a Tory MP has been accused of sexual offences. However, the name of the accused has not been disclosed so far.

Unnamed Tory MP accused of rape: Pressure on conservatives to name the MP

More trouble for Conservatives of Britain as an unidentified lawmaker from the party has been held on the suspicion of rape, media reports said. On Tuesday, the party said it had asked the MP to stay away from Parliament. This comes as the unnamed leader, said to be in his 50s, is under police investigation on the suspicion of rape and sexual assault offenses. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-employment-level-falls-to-record-low-labour-shortage-persists-479920" hreflang="en">UK employment level falls to record low; labour shortage persists</a>

In a statement, the Conservative whips office said, "Until the conclusion of the investigation, we will not be commenting further." &nbsp;

The man still remains in custody, the police said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the suspicion of indecent assault, misconduct in public office and abuse of position of trust, the suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested, said London's Metropolitan Police. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The police claimed that it got a report in January 2020 over the alleged offenses said to have been committed from 2002 to 2009 in London. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated'

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Earlier, 65-year-old British lawmaker Neil Parish, who had been suspended from the Conservative parliamentary party, had resigned and said sorry for ‘moment of madness’ when he was caught watching porn in in the House of Commons. UK’s parliament had faced immense criticism over the issue. &nbsp;

Another Conservative lawmaker, Imran Ahmad Khan, was also forced to resign recently on being convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

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(With inputs from agencies)

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More trouble for Conservatives of Britain as an unidentified lawmaker from the party has been held on the suspicion of rape, media reports said. On Tuesday, the party said it had asked the MP to stay away from Parliament.

More trouble for Conservatives of Britain as an unidentified lawmaker from the party has been held on the suspicion of rape, media reports said. On Tuesday, the party said it had asked the MP to stay away from Parliament. This comes as the unnamed leader, said to be in his 50s, is under police investigation on the suspicion of rape and sexual assault offenses. Also Read: UK employment level falls to record low; labour shortage persists In a statement, the Conservative whips office said, "Until the conclusion of the investigation, we will not be commenting further." The man still remains in custody, the police said. On the suspicion of indecent assault, misconduct in public office and abuse of position of trust, the suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested, said London's Metropolitan Police. The police claimed that it got a report in January 2020 over the alleged offenses said to have been committed from 2002 to 2009 in London. Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated' × Earlier, 65-year-old British lawmaker Neil Parish, who had been suspended from the Conservative parliamentary party, had resigned and said sorry for ‘moment of madness’ when he was caught watching porn in in the House of Commons. UK’s parliament had faced immense criticism over the issue. Another Conservative lawmaker, Imran Ahmad Khan, was also forced to resign recently on being convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (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. ×

UK’s parliament in trouble again? Unidentified lawmaker arrested over suspicion of rape, say police

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