The UK is currently witnessing one of the most severe omicron surges. However, UK PM resists lockdown plans for now.

UK PM resists another lockdown, insists 'Plan B' is working amid record surge in COVID-19 cases

A record number of COVID-19 cases has been reported in the US, United Kingdom, France, and Australia as the WHO warned that Omicron's rapid spread could lead to the spread of new, more dangerous variants.

On Tuesday, Britain reached 200,000 cases for the first time, Australia posted almost 50,000, and France tallied over 270,000, easily surpassing their previous records.

A global record was set on Monday by the United States with 1,080,211 cases reported, dwarfing even the high numbers of these countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-silver-bullets-australia-reports-record-high-in-covid-19-cases-hospitalisations-surge-442377" hreflang="en">'No silver bullets': Australia reports record high in COVID-19 cases; hospitalisations surge</a>

Due to weekend tally delays, Monday's figures are usually higher than those of the weekend and may have been inflated by a three-day New Year's holiday weekend.

As of Monday evening, Johns Hopkins University reported that the rolling average over seven days, which experts deem more reliable, was 486,000 cases per day.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/omicron">Omicron variant</a>, the most transmissible to date, accounted for around 59 per cent of cases in the United States near the end of last year.

Deaths and hospitalizations due to Omicron have been lower across the world, which raises hopes that the virus could be evolving into a relatively benign seasonal illness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-new-ihu-variant-discovered-in-france-442349" hreflang="en">Explained: What is the new 'IHU' variant discovered in France?</a>

In Europe, the World Health Organization sounded an ominous note of caution on Tuesday, warning that the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect.

"The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant," said WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood.

"Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out," she added.&nbsp;

"Even in well-capacitated, sophisticated health systems, there are real struggles that are happening at the moment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-omicron-cases-may-lead-to-more-dangerous-variants-warns-who-442321" hreflang="en">Rising Omicron cases may lead to more dangerous variants, warns WHO</a>

In Britain, where the government announced Tuesday that hospitals were on "war footing" due to staff shortages, such a scenario has long been feared.

In the wake of a record number of 218,724 cases in 24 hours in the UK, President Boris Johnson promised action to plug staff shortages in the worst-hit areas, including the recruitment of medical volunteers backed by army support.

Johnson also said another nationwide lockdown is unlikely in England defending his decision not to increase restrictions over the festive season unlike other parts of the country.

Watch |&nbsp;Omicron: Australia's COVID-19 infections have hit a record high for the third consecutive day

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With over 47,700 cases, Australia has also smashed its previous caseload record.

Rich nations have rushed to give their populations the third booster shot in an effort to curb the rising cases, while the poorest nations have only been able to receive the first.

Ahead of the pack, Israel has already begun rolling out the fourth dose last week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A record number of COVID-19 cases has been reported in the US, United Kingdom, France, and Australia as the WHO warned that Omicron's rapid spread could lead to the spread of new, more dangerous variants.

A record number of COVID-19 cases has been reported in the US, United Kingdom, France, and Australia as the WHO warned that Omicron's rapid spread could lead to the spread of new, more dangerous variants. On Tuesday, Britain reached 200,000 cases for the first time, Australia posted almost 50,000, and France tallied over 270,000, easily surpassing their previous records. A global record was set on Monday by the United States with 1,080,211 cases reported, dwarfing even the high numbers of these countries. Also read | 'No silver bullets': Australia reports record high in COVID-19 cases; hospitalisations surge Due to weekend tally delays, Monday's figures are usually higher than those of the weekend and may have been inflated by a three-day New Year's holiday weekend. As of Monday evening, Johns Hopkins University reported that the rolling average over seven days, which experts deem more reliable, was 486,000 cases per day. The Omicron variant, the most transmissible to date, accounted for around 59 per cent of cases in the United States near the end of last year. Deaths and hospitalizations due to Omicron have been lower across the world, which raises hopes that the virus could be evolving into a relatively benign seasonal illness. Also read | Explained: What is the new 'IHU' variant discovered in France? In Europe, the World Health Organization sounded an ominous note of caution on Tuesday, warning that the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect. "The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant," said WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood. "Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out," she added. "Even in well-capacitated, sophisticated health systems, there are real struggles that are happening at the moment." Also read | Rising Omicron cases may lead to more dangerous variants, warns WHO In Britain, where the government announced Tuesday that hospitals were on "war footing" due to staff shortages, such a scenario has long been feared. In the wake of a record number of 218,724 cases in 24 hours in the UK, President Boris Johnson promised action to plug staff shortages in the worst-hit areas, including the recruitment of medical volunteers backed by army support. Johnson also said another nationwide lockdown is unlikely in England defending his decision not to increase restrictions over the festive season unlike other parts of the country. Watch | Omicron: Australia's COVID-19 infections have hit a record high for the third consecutive day With over 47,700 cases, Australia has also smashed its previous caseload record. Rich nations have rushed to give their populations the third booster shot in an effort to curb the rising cases, while the poorest nations have only been able to receive the first. Ahead of the pack, Israel has already begun rolling out the fourth dose last week. (With inputs from agencies)

US sets global record, reports more than 1 million cases; UK, Australia, France also break previous records

Leaders of the five major nuclear powers- Russia, China, the United States, Britain and France have adopted a joint statement in which they affirmed that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.

P5 nations reaffirm a goal of a nuke-free world

A Sikh army officer, Preet Chandi, has achieved a rare feat. The UK-born Chandi has become the first woman of colour to finish a solo expedition to the South Pole. &nbsp;

The 32-year-old officer has spent the past few months in skiing solo across Antarctica. On January 3, Chandi announced that she completed the 700-mile trek in 40 days. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-fold-increase-in-uk-web-traffic-to-incel-websites-plymouth-mass-shooter-termed-as-hero-442018" hreflang="en">Six-fold increase in UK web traffic to incel websites; Plymouth mass shooter termed as hero</a>

On November 7, 2021, Chandi flew to Chile and began the expedition from Antarctica's Hercules Inlet. Along the way, the woman hauled a sled weighing 90 kilograms holding kit, fuel and food to last for around 45 days. &nbsp;

On her blog, Chandi said, "Feeling so many emotions right now." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-hospitals-to-face-considerable-pressure-says-pm-johnson-amid-record-omicron-cases-442089" hreflang="en">UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases</a>

Before departing for her trip, Chandi said that she hoped her adventure would inspire others to push their boundaries and defy norms. &nbsp;

The same was reiterated in her last line of the post on blog. "The expedition was always about so much more than me. I want to encourage people to push their boundaries and to believe in themselves, and I want you to be able to do it without being labeled a rebel," reads her update on January 3. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Sikh army officer, Preet Chandi, has achieved a rare feat. The UK-born Chandi has become the first woman of colour to finish a solo expedition to the South Pole.

A Sikh army officer, Preet Chandi, has achieved a rare feat. The UK-born Chandi has become the first woman of colour to finish a solo expedition to the South Pole. The 32-year-old officer has spent the past few months in skiing solo across Antarctica. On January 3, Chandi announced that she completed the 700-mile trek in 40 days. Also Read: Six-fold increase in UK web traffic to incel websites; Plymouth mass shooter termed as hero On November 7, 2021, Chandi flew to Chile and began the expedition from Antarctica's Hercules Inlet. Along the way, the woman hauled a sled weighing 90 kilograms holding kit, fuel and food to last for around 45 days. On her blog, Chandi said, "Feeling so many emotions right now." Also Read: UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases Before departing for her trip, Chandi said that she hoped her adventure would inspire others to push their boundaries and defy norms. The same was reiterated in her last line of the post on blog. "The expedition was always about so much more than me. I want to encourage people to push their boundaries and to believe in themselves, and I want you to be able to do it without being labeled a rebel," reads her update on January 3. (With inputs from agencies)

In a rare feat, UK’s Sikh army officer becomes first woman of colour to ski solo to South Pole

The UK government has asked public sector managers to test their contingency plans against a worst-case scenario.

The UK government pushes for contingency plans against a worst-case scenario

A new analysis has revealed that there has been a six-fold increase in UK web traffic to websites that promote hate-filled “incel” culture. As per reports, users on these websites have been discussing raping women. A report by The Times suggested that users on the sites referred to Plymouth mass shooter Jake Davison as a hero and called for “all women to be raped at least once”.

Davison killed five people, including his mother. As per the police, the incident, which is termed the worst mass shooting in Britain since 2010, is not terror-related. In videos which surfaced online, Davison spoke of being "beaten down" and "defeated by life"

According to the law commission, incel websites show "threatening or abusive material which incites and glorifies violence, including sexual violence, against women and girls."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientist-says-climate-change-helped-dry-out-grasslands-that-fuelled-colorado-fire-441972">Also read |&nbsp;Scientist says climate change helped dry out grasslands that fuelled Colorado fire</a>

As per the Centre for countering digital hate, the UK web traffic data to three of the largest “incel” sites has seen a surge from 114,420 monthly visits to 638,505, from March to November 2021.&nbsp;

Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the CCDH, while speaking to The Times said, "Make no mistake, incel communities are bound together by an ideology which preaches hatred of women, and has inspired deadly real-world attacks."

“The web-hosting services and other companies who are enabling incels need to stop doing business with disgusting hate groups — or regulators, law enforcement and legislators must and will step in to protect the public.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A new analysis has revealed that there has been a six-fold increase in UK web traffic to websites that promote hate-filled “incel” culture. As per reports, users on these websites have been discussing raping women.

A new analysis has revealed that there has been a six-fold increase in UK web traffic to websites that promote hate-filled “incel” culture. As per reports, users on these websites have been discussing raping women. A report by The Times suggested that users on the sites referred to Plymouth mass shooter Jake Davison as a hero and called for “all women to be raped at least once”. Davison killed five people, including his mother. As per the police, the incident, which is termed the worst mass shooting in Britain since 2010, is not terror-related. In videos which surfaced online, Davison spoke of being "beaten down" and "defeated by life" According to the law commission, incel websites show "threatening or abusive material which incites and glorifies violence, including sexual violence, against women and girls." Also read | Scientist says climate change helped dry out grasslands that fuelled Colorado fire As per the Centre for countering digital hate, the UK web traffic data to three of the largest “incel” sites has seen a surge from 114,420 monthly visits to 638,505, from March to November 2021. Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the CCDH, while speaking to The Times said, "Make no mistake, incel communities are bound together by an ideology which preaches hatred of women, and has inspired deadly real-world attacks." “The web-hosting services and other companies who are enabling incels need to stop doing business with disgusting hate groups — or regulators, law enforcement and legislators must and will step in to protect the public.” (With inputs from agencies)

Six-fold increase in UK web traffic to incel websites; Plymouth mass shooter termed as hero

A retired high-ranking officer, &nbsp;Air Marshal Edward Stringer, has revealed that a cyber-attack on the UK’s Defense Academy, mostly caused by Russia, China or North Korea, led to “significant” damage.&nbsp;

The academy is based in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire and it teaches 28,000 military personnel, diplomats and civil servants per year. However, it had to move online due to the pandemic.

Stringer further said that the damage is yet to be corrected. "It could be any of those or it could just be someone trying to find a vulnerability for a ransomware attack that was just, you know, a genuine criminal organisation," he said.&nbsp;

As per a report by Sky News, no sensitive information was stored on the academy’s network.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-mystery-illness-canadian-whistleblower-warns-of-a-disease-affecting-young-adults-441926">Also read |&nbsp;A new mystery illness? Canadian whistleblower warns of a disease affecting young adults</a>

“There were costs to … operational output. There were opportunity costs in what our staff could have been doing when they were having to repair this damage. And what could we be spending the money on that we’ve had to bring forward to rebuild the network? There are not bodies in the streets but there’s still been some damage done," Stringer said.&nbsp;

"Unusual activity” was first discovered by contractors when they were working for outsourcing company Serco and “alarm bells” started ringing. At that time, he told that there were “external agents on our network who looked like they were there for what looked pretty quickly like nefarious reasons”.

The attack, however, was not successful and there were no breaches beyond the school.

(With inputs from agencies)

A retired high-ranking officer, Air Marshal Edward Stringer, has revealed that a cyber-attack on the UK’s Defense Academy, mostly caused by Russia, China or North Korea, led to “significant” damage.

A retired high-ranking officer, Air Marshal Edward Stringer, has revealed that a cyber-attack on the UK’s Defense Academy, mostly caused by Russia, China or North Korea, led to “significant” damage. The academy is based in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire and it teaches 28,000 military personnel, diplomats and civil servants per year. However, it had to move online due to the pandemic. Stringer further said that the damage is yet to be corrected. "It could be any of those or it could just be someone trying to find a vulnerability for a ransomware attack that was just, you know, a genuine criminal organisation," he said. As per a report by Sky News, no sensitive information was stored on the academy’s network. Also read | A new mystery illness? Canadian whistleblower warns of a disease affecting young adults “There were costs to … operational output. There were opportunity costs in what our staff could have been doing when they were having to repair this damage. And what could we be spending the money on that we’ve had to bring forward to rebuild the network? There are not bodies in the streets but there’s still been some damage done," Stringer said. "Unusual activity” was first discovered by contractors when they were working for outsourcing company Serco and “alarm bells” started ringing. At that time, he told that there were “external agents on our network who looked like they were there for what looked pretty quickly like nefarious reasons”. The attack, however, was not successful and there were no breaches beyond the school. (With inputs from agencies)

UK’s Defense Academy hit by cyber attack; 'significant' damage caused

New Brexit custom rules for goods arriving from the European Union to Britain are taking effect. A leading food industry body has warned that the new border control measures could lead to food shortages from January.

Food shortages feared in the UK as new Brexit custom rules for goods from EU taking effect

Britain experienced its warmest new year's day on record as temperatures rose above 16 degrees celsius for the first time on 1st January.

UK witnesses warmest New Year on record as temperatures rises to 16 degrees celsius

The UK is currently witnessing one of the most severe omicron surges, with England reporting a record daily spike of over 162,500 new cases on Saturday.

The UK is currently witnessing one of the most severe Omicron surges

A UK study done on Omicron mutant variant's hospitalisation rates claim that Hospitalisation risk is one-third of Delta in Omicron.

UK Study on Omicron hospitalisation rates: Hospitalisation risk one-third of Delta

UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report.

UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to Delhi this month for formal negotiations on the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA).

According to the Times newspaper, Trevelyan will be using the visit to open the prospect of relaxing immigration rules for Indian citizens — a key demand from Delhi.

Trevelyan is said to have the backing of foreign secretary Liz Truss who is keen to secure closer ties with India to curb China’s growing influence in the region. However, home secretary Priti Patel has been opposing the offer, according to the report.

According to the news outlet, among the visa relaxation&nbsp;options that are being considered&nbsp;include a scheme similar to the one agreed with Australia which would allow young Indians the right to live and work in the UK for up to three years.

Another would be to cut visa fees for students and allow them to stay in Britain for a period of time after they graduate.

Presently, an Indian citizen coughs up to 1,400 pounds for a work visa, whereas students pay 348 pounds and tourists 95 pounds respectively— a significantly higher amount to what the Chinese citizens pay.

It is being reported that there is a unanimous agreement between the ministers for a “generous” offer on visas for such a deal.

&nbsp;“The tech and digital space in India is still hugely protectionist and if we could open up even a slither of access it would put us ahead of the game,” a government official told the Times.

A spokesperson from the Department for International Trade said, “India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2050 and a free trade agreement will open up huge opportunities for UK businesses to trade with India’s £2.25tn economy.”

(With inputs from agencies)

UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report.

UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report. UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to Delhi this month for formal negotiations on the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). According to the Times newspaper, Trevelyan will be using the visit to open the prospect of relaxing immigration rules for Indian citizens — a key demand from Delhi. Trevelyan is said to have the backing of foreign secretary Liz Truss who is keen to secure closer ties with India to curb China’s growing influence in the region. However, home secretary Priti Patel has been opposing the offer, according to the report. According to the news outlet, among the visa relaxation options that are being considered include a scheme similar to the one agreed with Australia which would allow young Indians the right to live and work in the UK for up to three years. Another would be to cut visa fees for students and allow them to stay in Britain for a period of time after they graduate. Presently, an Indian citizen coughs up to 1,400 pounds for a work visa, whereas students pay 348 pounds and tourists 95 pounds respectively— a significantly higher amount to what the Chinese citizens pay. It is being reported that there is a unanimous agreement between the ministers for a “generous” offer on visas for such a deal. “The tech and digital space in India is still hugely protectionist and if we could open up even a slither of access it would put us ahead of the game,” a government official told the Times. A spokesperson from the Department for International Trade said, “India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2050 and a free trade agreement will open up huge opportunities for UK businesses to trade with India’s £2.25tn economy.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK planning to ease visa rules for Indian citizens to clinch trade deal: Report

Controversy erupted, and 25,000 signed petitions to block prestigious Knighthood honor given to former UK PM Tony Blair.

Former UK PM Tony Blair receives Knighthood: 25,000 sign petition to block award amid controversy

Britain recorded its warmest New Year's Day this time around after temperature hit 16 degrees Celsius for the first time.

In St. James's Park in central London, the mercury climbed to 16.2C, as per provisional reading from the Meteorological Office. The previous record was of 15.6C. It was set in Cornwall in 1916.

The unprecedented warm start to the year follows the UK seeing its hottest New Year's Eve on record, with several locations in England breaking previous highs set in 2011.

The warmth saw Somerset House in London close its ice rink on Saturday, after officials there said the balmy temperatures impacted the quality of the ice.

"The extremely mild spell is driven by a flow of warm, moist air from the Canary Islands, further south in the Atlantic," the Met Office said.

However, 2022's warm start was set to come to an abrupt end, with daytime temperatures expected to plunge to as low as 3C in the Scottish capital Edinburgh by mid-week, when colder air from the north has moved in.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 2021 overall was "slightly warmer and slightly drier than average," Mike Kendon of the National Climate Information Centre, said in a summary published by the Met Office.

The year was "likely to fall inside the top 20 warmest years on record for the UK -- a series which begins in 1884," it added, as "our climate is warming".

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain recorded its warmest New Year's Day this time around after temperature hit 16 degrees Celsius for the first time. In St. James's Park in central London, the mercury climbed to 16.

Britain recorded its warmest New Year's Day this time around after temperature hit 16 degrees Celsius for the first time. In St. James's Park in central London, the mercury climbed to 16.2C, as per provisional reading from the Meteorological Office. The previous record was of 15.6C. It was set in Cornwall in 1916. The unprecedented warm start to the year follows the UK seeing its hottest New Year's Eve on record, with several locations in England breaking previous highs set in 2011. The warmth saw Somerset House in London close its ice rink on Saturday, after officials there said the balmy temperatures impacted the quality of the ice. "The extremely mild spell is driven by a flow of warm, moist air from the Canary Islands, further south in the Atlantic," the Met Office said. However, 2022's warm start was set to come to an abrupt end, with daytime temperatures expected to plunge to as low as 3C in the Scottish capital Edinburgh by mid-week, when colder air from the north has moved in. Meanwhile, 2021 overall was "slightly warmer and slightly drier than average," Mike Kendon of the National Climate Information Centre, said in a summary published by the Met Office. The year was "likely to fall inside the top 20 warmest years on record for the UK -- a series which begins in 1884," it added, as "our climate is warming". (With inputs from agencies)

UK experiences warmest New Year's Day on record

On Friday, the UK ended the New Year’s Eve on a warm note—quite literally—as the country experienced its warmest day on record with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), the Met Office said.

The previous record was 14.8 degrees C (58.6F) in Colwyn Bay, Wales, in 2011.

The Met Office tweeted that the village of Coningsby in Lincolnshire in the East Midlands had recorded 15.3 degrees C “meaning today is the warmest New Year's Eve on record for the UK”.

Temperatures of 15 degrees C were forecast for several cities including London and Cardiff on Friday. "We are ending 2021 on a very mild note across the UK,” the Met Office said.

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Temperatures have continued to climb this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYearsEve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYearsEve</a> afternoon with Merryfield in Somerset recording 15.8 °C so far <a href="https://t.co/q2LehhF5me">pic.twitter.com/q2LehhF5me</a>
— Met Office (@metoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1476914559193686047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Met Office said the weather was forecast to get cooler from Tuesday, potentially bringing winter showers and frosts.

The Met Office linked UK’s record temperatures with climate change, which has raised the global temperatures by 1.1 degrees C.

Despite the warm conditions, the UK celebrated New Year's Eve in muted fashion without the usual grandiose fireworks displays in London and Edinburgh, and with nightclubs closed and limits on social gatherings in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

This year "as a whole has been slightly warmer and slightly drier than average," Mike Kendon of the National Climate Information Centre, said in a summary published by the Met Office.

Apart from UK, other regions also witnessed unusual weather patterns.

Alaska—one of the coldest US states— has been witnessing cold and warm temperatures simultaneously, with experts warning of an “Icemageddon”, as torrents of rain and snow have left ice as hard as cement coating the roads.

Experts say warm air pouring in from Hawaii has made Alaska's air —usually cold and dry during December —moister.

In Colorado—another US state—wildfires have been rampaging the region that has gutted thousands of homes. Over 100 people are reported to be missing.

The latest bout of wildfires is being attributed to the La Nina weather pattern which leaves eaves much of the west US hotter and drier.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday, the UK ended the New Year’s Eve on a warm note—quite literally—as the country experienced its warmest day on record with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), the Met Office said.

On Friday, the UK ended the New Year’s Eve on a warm note—quite literally—as the country experienced its warmest day on record with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), the Met Office said. The previous record was 14.8 degrees C (58.6F) in Colwyn Bay, Wales, in 2011. The Met Office tweeted that the village of Coningsby in Lincolnshire in the East Midlands had recorded 15.3 degrees C “meaning today is the warmest New Year's Eve on record for the UK”. Temperatures of 15 degrees C were forecast for several cities including London and Cardiff on Friday. "We are ending 2021 on a very mild note across the UK,” the Met Office said. Temperatures have continued to climb this #NewYearsEve afternoon with Merryfield in Somerset recording 15.8 °C so far pic.twitter.com/q2LehhF5me — Met Office (@metoffice) December 31, 2021 × The Met Office said the weather was forecast to get cooler from Tuesday, potentially bringing winter showers and frosts. The Met Office linked UK’s record temperatures with climate change, which has raised the global temperatures by 1.1 degrees C. Despite the warm conditions, the UK celebrated New Year's Eve in muted fashion without the usual grandiose fireworks displays in London and Edinburgh, and with nightclubs closed and limits on social gatherings in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This year "as a whole has been slightly warmer and slightly drier than average," Mike Kendon of the National Climate Information Centre, said in a summary published by the Met Office. Apart from UK, other regions also witnessed unusual weather patterns. Alaska—one of the coldest US states— has been witnessing cold and warm temperatures simultaneously, with experts warning of an “Icemageddon”, as torrents of rain and snow have left ice as hard as cement coating the roads. Experts say warm air pouring in from Hawaii has made Alaska's air —usually cold and dry during December —moister. In Colorado—another US state—wildfires have been rampaging the region that has gutted thousands of homes. Over 100 people are reported to be missing. The latest bout of wildfires is being attributed to the La Nina weather pattern which leaves eaves much of the west US hotter and drier. (With inputs from agencies)

Ending 2021 on a warm note: UK records warmest New Year’s Eve

The UK reveals new commemorative coins for the new year 2022, celebrating Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee.

UK Royal Mint launches new commemorative coins celebrating Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee

After getting into the gifting spirit of Christmas on December 25 by mistakenly transferring a total of £130 million ($175 million) to its customers, UK’s bank Santander is trying to recover the amount.&nbsp;

The customers of the bank were in for a big surprise when the credit occurred. &nbsp;

In a statement published on Thursday, Santander said that the total amount was split over 75,000 transactions for around 2,000 corporate and commercial customers. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-maori-scribe-with-facial-tattoo-presents-news-at-primetime-in-new-zealand-441324" hreflang="en">In a first, Māori scribe with facial tattoo presents news at primetime in New Zealand</a>

"We're sorry that due to a technical issue, some payments from our corporate clients were incorrectly duplicated on the recipients' accounts," reads the statement. &nbsp;

"None of our clients were at any point left out of pocket as a result and we will be working hard with many banks across the UK to recover the duplicated transactions over the coming days." &nbsp;

The duplicated payments have been blamed on a scheduling issue by the bank. The issue has been "quickly identified and rectified," said the bank. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-falls-short-of-self-testing-kits-amid-coronavirus-wave-441245" hreflang="en">UK falls short of self-testing kits amid coronavirus wave</a>

These transactions included both regular and one-off payments, which could have included supplier payments or wages, the statement added. &nbsp;

The bank is currently working to recover the funds from recipient banks with the help of "bank error recovery process," said the statement. It also has processes in place to seek funds’ recovery, which have been deposited due to error, directly from the recipients. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After getting into the gifting spirit of Christmas on December 25 by mistakenly transferring a total of £130 million ($175 million) to its customers, UK’s bank Santander is trying to recover the amount.

After getting into the gifting spirit of Christmas on December 25 by mistakenly transferring a total of £130 million ($175 million) to its customers, UK’s bank Santander is trying to recover the amount. The customers of the bank were in for a big surprise when the credit occurred. In a statement published on Thursday, Santander said that the total amount was split over 75,000 transactions for around 2,000 corporate and commercial customers. Also Read: In a first, Māori scribe with facial tattoo presents news at primetime in New Zealand "We're sorry that due to a technical issue, some payments from our corporate clients were incorrectly duplicated on the recipients' accounts," reads the statement. "None of our clients were at any point left out of pocket as a result and we will be working hard with many banks across the UK to recover the duplicated transactions over the coming days." The duplicated payments have been blamed on a scheduling issue by the bank. The issue has been "quickly identified and rectified," said the bank. Also Read: UK falls short of self-testing kits amid coronavirus wave These transactions included both regular and one-off payments, which could have included supplier payments or wages, the statement added. The bank is currently working to recover the funds from recipient banks with the help of "bank error recovery process," said the statement. It also has processes in place to seek funds’ recovery, which have been deposited due to error, directly from the recipients. (With inputs from agencies)

Christmas blunder: UK bank mistakenly transfers $175 mn to customers, now wants it back

With cases ballooning due to the omicron variant, England is resorting to building temporary hospitals to cope with the rising cases.

England is building temporary hospitals to cope with the rising COVID-19 cases fueled by Omicron

The United Kingdom has hit another record high for daily COVID cases, with over 180,000 reported in the last 24 hours, but there is growing frustration.

Makeshift hospitals to be set up in the UK amid record-high COVID-19 cases due to Omicron

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID19 cases

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID cases

Amid a record surge in cases, UK is witnessing a huge surge in hospitalizations. In the latest, the Boris Johnson government has asked hospitals to identify sites foe setting up 4,000 emergency beds.

UK to set up makeshift hospitals amid surge in Covid-19 cases

Amid the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and rapidly rising cases in the UK, Health Minister clarifies that no new restrictions are to be imposed before the end of 2021.

UK: No new restrictions for new year's eve amid Omicron scare & rising COVID-19 cases

France, Britain, and Greece reported a record number of COVID cases amid Omicron spread across the European continent.

COVID surge wreaks havoc across the European continent amid Omicron spread

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian. &nbsp;

As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), from the 16,500 people, who were airlifted from Afghanistan to the UK since August, “over 4,000 individuals have either moved into a settled home or are in the process of being moved or matched to a suitable home.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-signs-electricity-supply-contract-with-tajikistan-amid-power-crisis-440678" hreflang="en">Afghanistan signs electricity supply deal with Tajikistan amid power crisis</a>

The rest of the refugees are still waiting for the news when they can begin rebuilding their lives. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a spokesperson of the Home Office, over 300 local authorities in the country are making concerted efforts to offer permanent accommodation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-education-minister-says-co-education-is-against-islamic-values-440211" hreflang="en">Afghan education minister says co-education is against Islamic values</a>

As the government has decided to not force local authorities to rehouse the refugees, they may not be evenly distributed across the UK, said the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the sources at both the DWP and Home Office, over 12,000 Afghan evacuees still remained in hotels as of December 22. According to London Councils, around 4,000 are in London. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian.

As the UK government finds it hard to persuade enough councils to look for permanent homes, around 12,000 Afghan refugees will usher in the new year in hotels, said a report by the Guardian. As per the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), from the 16,500 people, who were airlifted from Afghanistan to the UK since August, “over 4,000 individuals have either moved into a settled home or are in the process of being moved or matched to a suitable home.” Also Read: Afghanistan signs electricity supply deal with Tajikistan amid power crisis The rest of the refugees are still waiting for the news when they can begin rebuilding their lives. According to a spokesperson of the Home Office, over 300 local authorities in the country are making concerted efforts to offer permanent accommodation. Also Read: Afghan education minister says co-education is against Islamic values As the government has decided to not force local authorities to rehouse the refugees, they may not be evenly distributed across the UK, said the report. As per the sources at both the DWP and Home Office, over 12,000 Afghan evacuees still remained in hotels as of December 22. According to London Councils, around 4,000 are in London. (With inputs from agencies)

12,000 Afghan evacuees to usher in new year in hotels as UK govt fails to look for homes

Britain’s Cairn Energy Plc has withdrawn lawsuits against the Indian government and its entities in the US and UK in the retro tax case.

Cairn Energy withdraws cases from US, UK in retro tax case

This week the global COVID cases shot up by almost about 500 per cent and what this means is that the average number of cases has increased pretty much on a day-to-day basis.

Omicron spreads across the world, with the UK becoming the worst-hit nation in Europe

On responding to reports of a security breach, police in the UK have arrested an armed intruder on Saturday. &nbsp;

On Christmas Day, the person had entered the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth is celebrating the festival with family. &nbsp;

According to the police, the breach was reported around 8:30 am local time. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

In a statement, Thames Valley Police Superintendent Rebecca Mears said that security protocols were initiated by the officials "within moments of the man entering the grounds." &nbsp;

The suspect, who is a 19-year-old teen from Southampton, could not enter any buildings, Mears said as reported by CBS News. &nbsp;

The teen is in custody and a probe is going on in the case, the report said. &nbsp;

"The teen has been arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public," Mears added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mother-safeguards-christmas-tree-decorated-by-son-before-demise-439988" hreflang="en">US mother safeguards Christmas tree decorated by son before demise</a>

After cancelling the traditional plans of visiting Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth of Britain is spending Christmas this year at the castle along with Prince Charles and Camilla, who is the Duchess of Cornwall. &nbsp;

Although the royal family usually spends Christmas and the New Year at Sandringham House in Berkshire, it decided to celebrate the holiday at this castle due to the rising COVID-19 cases, as per the UK media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On responding to reports of a security breach, police in the UK have arrested an armed intruder on Saturday. On Christmas Day, the person had entered the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth is celebrating the festival with family.

On responding to reports of a security breach, police in the UK have arrested an armed intruder on Saturday. On Christmas Day, the person had entered the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth is celebrating the festival with family. According to the police, the breach was reported around 8:30 am local time. Also Read | Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas In a statement, Thames Valley Police Superintendent Rebecca Mears said that security protocols were initiated by the officials "within moments of the man entering the grounds." The suspect, who is a 19-year-old teen from Southampton, could not enter any buildings, Mears said as reported by CBS News. The teen is in custody and a probe is going on in the case, the report said. "The teen has been arrested on suspicion of breach or trespass of a protected site and possession of an offensive weapon. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public," Mears added. Also Read: US mother safeguards Christmas tree decorated by son before demise After cancelling the traditional plans of visiting Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth of Britain is spending Christmas this year at the castle along with Prince Charles and Camilla, who is the Duchess of Cornwall. Although the royal family usually spends Christmas and the New Year at Sandringham House in Berkshire, it decided to celebrate the holiday at this castle due to the rising COVID-19 cases, as per the UK media. (With inputs from agencies)

UK cops nab armed 19-year-old for entering Windsor Castle premises where Queen celebrates Christmas

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.&nbsp;

The survey further revealed that &nbsp;42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected.&nbsp;

In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected.

Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-big-blow-to-uk-government-brexit-minister-david-frost-resigns-438073">Also read |&nbsp;In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns</a>

The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned.&nbsp;

In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month.&nbsp;

In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.''&nbsp;

However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union. The survey further revealed that 42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected. In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected. Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected." Also read | In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned. In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month. In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.'' However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Most voters not satisfied with how Brexit turned out; only 14% say it was better than expected

In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). “In England, COVID-19 infections have increased in all regions except the South West in the latest week; the highest rates are in London where around 1 in 20 people had COVID-19 and lowest in the North East where around 1 in 55 people had COVID-19,” the ONS said.

The ten worst-hit by areas in England are within a three-square miles radius in south London. This region is the worst affected by the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Last week, in Wales,70,000 people tested positive for the virus. About 44,900 people in Northern Ireland had Covid and in Scotland, 79,200 people were infected.

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Today we’ve published interim estimates of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positivity between 13 and 19 December 2021. 
 
The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in all four UK nations, as did the number of infections compatible with the Omicron variant <a href="https://t.co/P9cnXB1xEu">https://t.co/P9cnXB1xEu</a> <a href="https://t.co/THHSHGzyKu">pic.twitter.com/THHSHGzyKu</a>
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ONS/status/1474349435706613825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The data further reveals that around one in 35 people in private households in England had Covid in the same week. North-east England has reported the lowest cases so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-post-christmas-restrictions-to-be-announced-for-uk-says-sajid-javid-439336">Also read |&nbsp;No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid</a>

As per the ONS, Omicron related infections have increased in all regions in England with “substantial regional variation."

Meanwhile, United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed that the ministers are not planning to announce any new restrictions after Christmas. "We're clear that there's no need for any further restrictions of any type before Christmas but of course, we will keep the situation under review," he said.&nbsp;

He further added that people "should enjoy their Christmases with their families and their friends," but at the same time, they need to remain cautious.&nbsp;

The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant and this is fuelling the Covid surge in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). “In England, COVID-19 infections have increased in all regions except the South West in the latest week; the highest rates are in London where around 1 in 20 people had COVID-19 and lowest in the North East where around 1 in 55 people had COVID-19,” the ONS said.

In a new record high, nearly 1.7 million people across England had had Covid last week, reveals data by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). “In England, COVID-19 infections have increased in all regions except the South West in the latest week; the highest rates are in London where around 1 in 20 people had COVID-19 and lowest in the North East where around 1 in 55 people had COVID-19,” the ONS said. The ten worst-hit by areas in England are within a three-square miles radius in south London. This region is the worst affected by the Omicron variant. Last week, in Wales,70,000 people tested positive for the virus. About 44,900 people in Northern Ireland had Covid and in Scotland, 79,200 people were infected. Today we’ve published interim estimates of #COVID19 positivity between 13 and 19 December 2021. The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in all four UK nations, as did the number of infections compatible with the Omicron variant https://t.co/P9cnXB1xEu pic.twitter.com/THHSHGzyKu — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) December 24, 2021 × The data further reveals that around one in 35 people in private households in England had Covid in the same week. North-east England has reported the lowest cases so far. Also read | No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid As per the ONS, Omicron related infections have increased in all regions in England with “substantial regional variation." Meanwhile, United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed that the ministers are not planning to announce any new restrictions after Christmas. "We're clear that there's no need for any further restrictions of any type before Christmas but of course, we will keep the situation under review," he said. He further added that people "should enjoy their Christmases with their families and their friends," but at the same time, they need to remain cautious. The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant and this is fuelling the Covid surge in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-concerns-in-china-rise-as-country-reports-highest-number-of-cases-in-four-months-439887">Covid concerns in China rise as it logs highest number of cases in 4 months</a>

Several foreign social care workers, care assistants and home care workers may become eligible for a UK Health and Care Visa for a year. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The move comes after the recommendation of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It had asked to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care Visa and also add the occupation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-cases-surge-17-million-people-in-the-uk-had-covid-last-week-439765" hreflang="en">As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week</a>

"The care sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges prompted by the pandemic and the changes we've made to the health and care visa will bolster the workforce and helping alleviate some of the pressures currently being experienced," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. &nbsp;

"This is our New Plan for Immigration in action, delivering our commitment to support the NHS and the wider health and care sector by making it easier for health professionals to live and work in the UK," Patel added. &nbsp;

These temporary measures may come into effect by early next year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant.

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. Also Read: Covid concerns in China rise as it logs highest number of cases in 4 months Several foreign social care workers, care assistants and home care workers may become eligible for a UK Health and Care Visa for a year. The move comes after the recommendation of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It had asked to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care Visa and also add the occupation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Also Read: As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week "The care sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges prompted by the pandemic and the changes we've made to the health and care visa will bolster the workforce and helping alleviate some of the pressures currently being experienced," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. "This is our New Plan for Immigration in action, delivering our commitment to support the NHS and the wider health and care sector by making it easier for health professionals to live and work in the UK," Patel added. These temporary measures may come into effect by early next year. (With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron variant torments healthcare, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules

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