Britain put the army on standby to help with the ongoing fuel crisis as fears over tanker driver shortages led to panic buying, leaving many of the country’s petrol pumps dry.

Britain puts army on standby to deliver fuels as service stations run dry

The shortage of lorry drivers is causing a major disruption to parts of some British supply chains. Sectors from food to fuel have been impacted. Fears over tanker driver shortages led to panic, leaving many of the country's petrol pump dry.

Post-Brexit shortage of lorry drivers in UK

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it.

The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-gains-as-soft-dollar-lifts-bullion-appeal-fed-in-focus-416319">Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus</a>

The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions

The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number.

The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds.

Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price.

The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it. The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve. Also Read | Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number. The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds. Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price. The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth

Up to 90% of the pumps in major British cities were out of fuel today. Reports say UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson could consider using the army to deliver fuel to petrol stations. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas US Edition: Will the UK use the Army to transport petrol?

Fuel shortage in the UK has resulted in utter chaos. The situation is grim as the government is mulling to send in the army to help ease the supply disruptions. &nbsp;

Long lines of vehicles can be witnessed at numerous gas stations in the country for the fourth day on Monday.

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The fuel crunch has been triggered by a shortage of truck drivers. Due to coronavirus pandemic, an aging workforce and an exodus of foreign workers following Brexit, the haulage industry says the UK is short of as many as 100,000 truckers. &nbsp;

Calling for emergency workers to be given priority for fuel supplies, Petrol Retailers Association chairman Brian Madderson said the military personnel are also being given training to help them drive tankers. &nbsp;

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Although the government said it has no plans to deploy troops, it was making preparations just in case. To discuss the fuel squeeze, government ministers also held a meeting. &nbsp;

As the truck driver shortage set off rounds of gas panic-buying, the Petrol Retailers Association, which represents around 5,500 independent outlets, said on Sunday that about two-thirds of its members had run out of fuel. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-it-has-captured-evidence-of-multiple-ships-breaching-north-korea-sanctions-416235" hreflang="en">UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions</a>

The government has insisted the country has 'ample fuel stocks', and has blamed the ruckus on consumer behaviour. &nbsp;

"The only reason we don't have petrol on the forecourts is that people are buying petrol they don't need," said Environment Secretary George Eustice. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Fuel shortage in the UK has resulted in utter chaos. The situation is grim as the government is mulling to send in the army to help ease the supply disruptions. Long lines of vehicles can be witnessed at numerous gas stations in the country for the fourth day on Monday.

Fuel shortage in the UK has resulted in utter chaos. The situation is grim as the government is mulling to send in the army to help ease the supply disruptions. Long lines of vehicles can be witnessed at numerous gas stations in the country for the fourth day on Monday. Watch: × The fuel crunch has been triggered by a shortage of truck drivers. Due to coronavirus pandemic, an aging workforce and an exodus of foreign workers following Brexit, the haulage industry says the UK is short of as many as 100,000 truckers. Calling for emergency workers to be given priority for fuel supplies, Petrol Retailers Association chairman Brian Madderson said the military personnel are also being given training to help them drive tankers. Also Read: Amid AUKUS row, concern grows over Chinese vessels overfishing in high seas Although the government said it has no plans to deploy troops, it was making preparations just in case. To discuss the fuel squeeze, government ministers also held a meeting. As the truck driver shortage set off rounds of gas panic-buying, the Petrol Retailers Association, which represents around 5,500 independent outlets, said on Sunday that about two-thirds of its members had run out of fuel. Also Read: UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions The government has insisted the country has 'ample fuel stocks', and has blamed the ruckus on consumer behaviour. "The only reason we don't have petrol on the forecourts is that people are buying petrol they don't need," said Environment Secretary George Eustice. (With inputs from agencies)

Truckers' shortage forces UK to mull army deployment to ease gas crunch at pumps  

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying.

Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-it-has-captured-evidence-of-multiple-ships-breaching-north-korea-sanctions-416235">UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions</a>

Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-issue-temporary-visas-to-ease-truck-driver-shortage-until-christmas-eve-416005">UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve</a>

UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-macron-lead-the-european-union-after-merkel-retires-415957">Can Macron lead the European Union after Merkel retires?</a>

UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country.

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying. Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel. Also Read | UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented. Also Read | UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis. Also Read | Can Macron lead the European Union after Merkel retires? UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.

UK PM Boris Johnson may deploy army to address fuel crisis

The UK is scrambling for basic necessities and for the third day running, Britain is now waiting to fill up the fuels. The oil firms are claiming that lack of drivers are causing transportation problems.

Supply-Chain issues at fuel station, opposition slams UK government for crisis

BP said nearly a third of its British petrol stations had run out of the two main grades of fuel on Sunday as panic buying continued despite the government pleading with motorists to behave normally and insisting there was no fundamental shortage.Watch this report for more details.

UK: Transport Minister tells people to behave normally

British defence secretary Ben Wallace said that it had collected evidence of ships "breaching" United Nations sanctions against North Korea which ban the sale of fuel to the country.&nbsp;

UK's HMS Richmond has been taking part in UN sanctions enforcement operations in the region. The Type 23 Royal Navy frigate captured evidence of ships breaching sanctions. It collected updated intelligence on other ships of interest, providing video and photographic evidence to the UN Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC), an officlal statement released on Sunday (September 27), revealed.&nbsp;

As per the statement, Wallace said, "HMS Richmond's deployment in the East China Sea identified ships acting in suspected breach of UN sanctions and tracked vessels which had previously not been flagged to the Enforcement Coordination Cell."

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"North Korea's ambitions to acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction destabilises the region and poses a threat to the world. This vital activity, part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment to the region, has frustrated those ambitions," he added.&nbsp;

Mentoning identification of the "multiple ships of various nationalities", the statement did not divulge details of those thought to be in breach of the sanctions.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalNavy</a> has been helping to enforce <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> sanctions targeting North Korea's weapons programmes. <a href="https://twitter.com/HMS_Richmond?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMS_Richmond</a> detached from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSG21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSG21</a> to patrol the East China Sea, capturing evidence of ships apparently breaching the sanctions. 
 
Read more here 👉<a href="https://t.co/HbnssFrUX8">https://t.co/HbnssFrUX8</a>
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The Commanding Officer, Commander Hugh Botterill MBE said, "Participating in UNSCR enforcement activity has been a critical moment of our CSG 21 deployment. HMS Richmond is proud to have participated in the effort to curtail DPRK's WMD programmes, reporting on vessels of interest and providing valuable imagery and contact data."

"My team located multiple ships of various nationalities apparently acting in contravention of United Nations Security Council sanctions, and located, tracked and approached a number of ships that hadn't previously been identified to the Enforcement Coordination Cell," he added.&nbsp;

North Korea is under strict international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. Talks aimed at persuading Pyongyang to give up those weapons in return for lifting sanctions have been stalled.

Earlier this month, a US-based research group said in a report that smugglers suspected of evading sanctions on North Korea have turned to schemes to create fraudulent identities for sanctioned ships.

Over the last month the UK Carrier Strike Group has been conducting a series of exercises with the Japanese, United States and the Republic of Korea, separate to sanctions enforcement.

British defence secretary Ben Wallace said that it had collected evidence of ships "breaching" United Nations sanctions against North Korea which ban the sale of fuel to the country.

British defence secretary Ben Wallace said that it had collected evidence of ships "breaching" United Nations sanctions against North Korea which ban the sale of fuel to the country. UK's HMS Richmond has been taking part in UN sanctions enforcement operations in the region. The Type 23 Royal Navy frigate captured evidence of ships breaching sanctions. It collected updated intelligence on other ships of interest, providing video and photographic evidence to the UN Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC), an officlal statement released on Sunday (September 27), revealed. As per the statement, Wallace said, "HMS Richmond's deployment in the East China Sea identified ships acting in suspected breach of UN sanctions and tracked vessels which had previously not been flagged to the Enforcement Coordination Cell." ALSO READ | Hillary Clinton called 'war criminal' as she becomes Chancellor of Queen's University "North Korea's ambitions to acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction destabilises the region and poses a threat to the world. This vital activity, part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment to the region, has frustrated those ambitions," he added. Mentoning identification of the "multiple ships of various nationalities", the statement did not divulge details of those thought to be in breach of the sanctions. The @RoyalNavy has been helping to enforce @UN sanctions targeting North Korea's weapons programmes. @HMS_Richmond detached from the #CSG21 to patrol the East China Sea, capturing evidence of ships apparently breaching the sanctions. Read more here 👉https://t.co/HbnssFrUX8 — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 26, 2021 × The Commanding Officer, Commander Hugh Botterill MBE said, "Participating in UNSCR enforcement activity has been a critical moment of our CSG 21 deployment. HMS Richmond is proud to have participated in the effort to curtail DPRK's WMD programmes, reporting on vessels of interest and providing valuable imagery and contact data." "My team located multiple ships of various nationalities apparently acting in contravention of United Nations Security Council sanctions, and located, tracked and approached a number of ships that hadn't previously been identified to the Enforcement Coordination Cell," he added. North Korea is under strict international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. Talks aimed at persuading Pyongyang to give up those weapons in return for lifting sanctions have been stalled. Earlier this month, a US-based research group said in a report that smugglers suspected of evading sanctions on North Korea have turned to schemes to create fraudulent identities for sanctioned ships. Over the last month the UK Carrier Strike Group has been conducting a series of exercises with the Japanese, United States and the Republic of Korea, separate to sanctions enforcement.

UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions

The United Kingdom is struggling with a drivers' drought. Supply chains have been crippled. Petrol pumps are running dry. Motorists are struggling with empty tanks. 5,000 new visas are expected to be issued for foreign drivers. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas US Edition: Drivers' drought leaves UK without fuel

Fuel crisis has escalated in the UK and opposition leaders have slammed the government over the crisis. However UK's transport minister has denied the fuel shortage.

Opposition leaders slam the government over the rising fuel crisis in UK

The British government announced Saturday that it will award up to 10,500 temporary work visas to lorry drivers and poultry workers to help alleviate chronic workforce shortages, in a U-turn on post-Brexit immigration policy. 
 
The short-term visas, which will last until late December, come as ministers battle with a massive shortage of drivers and other vital personnel, which has harmed fuel supplies and other industries.&nbsp;

According to Downing Street officials, the programme attempts to relieve delivery pressures in the run-up to Christmas.

According to media sources, up to 5,000 temporary visas could be awarded under the short-term programme, owing to a projected shortage of 100,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.&nbsp;

It comes after a scarcity of HGV drivers led several fuel sellers to close their pumps and curtail sales, resulting in long lines at gas stations.

The petrol shortages come amid rising worry over the impact of a shortage of HGV drivers on supermarket supplies, with fears that Christmas shopping could be hampered if nothing is done.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has tightened post-Brexit immigration laws and frequently stated that Britain's reliance on foreign labour must come to an end.

After the epidemic and Brexit combined to worsen the haulier shortage, Johnson has been under growing pressure to act, and he faces other pressing issues such as escalating energy prices.

The shortage of lorry drivers has disrupted deliveries of food and other items, in addition to affecting timely fuel supplies.&nbsp;

According to experts, the business is short of roughly 90,000 drivers.

Around 25,000 HGV drivers from the EU left in 2020 and never returned, and there is a waiting list of 40,000 people to take their HGV tests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government announced Saturday that it will award up to 10,500 temporary work visas to lorry drivers and poultry workers to help alleviate chronic workforce shortages, in a U-turn on post-Brexit immigration policy.

The British government announced Saturday that it will award up to 10,500 temporary work visas to lorry drivers and poultry workers to help alleviate chronic workforce shortages, in a U-turn on post-Brexit immigration policy. The short-term visas, which will last until late December, come as ministers battle with a massive shortage of drivers and other vital personnel, which has harmed fuel supplies and other industries. According to Downing Street officials, the programme attempts to relieve delivery pressures in the run-up to Christmas. According to media sources, up to 5,000 temporary visas could be awarded under the short-term programme, owing to a projected shortage of 100,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers. It comes after a scarcity of HGV drivers led several fuel sellers to close their pumps and curtail sales, resulting in long lines at gas stations. The petrol shortages come amid rising worry over the impact of a shortage of HGV drivers on supermarket supplies, with fears that Christmas shopping could be hampered if nothing is done. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has tightened post-Brexit immigration laws and frequently stated that Britain's reliance on foreign labour must come to an end. After the epidemic and Brexit combined to worsen the haulier shortage, Johnson has been under growing pressure to act, and he faces other pressing issues such as escalating energy prices. The shortage of lorry drivers has disrupted deliveries of food and other items, in addition to affecting timely fuel supplies. According to experts, the business is short of roughly 90,000 drivers. Around 25,000 HGV drivers from the EU left in 2020 and never returned, and there is a waiting list of 40,000 people to take their HGV tests. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve

It's famous for its roundabouts and statues of concrete cows. But the English town of&nbsp;Milton&nbsp;Keynes&nbsp;now has another claim to fame -- a trundling army of shopping delivery robots.

The six-wheeled automated vehicles, launched three years ago, barely get a second glance as they ply the residential streets, some 80 kilometres (49 miles) north of London.

Numbers have grown to 200 in&nbsp;Milton&nbsp;Keynes&nbsp;and nearby Northampton, which introduced the service in 2020, with plans for as many as 500 to be in action in five more places across the country.

According to the robots' operators, the squat white machines came into their own when Britain locked down last year as coronavirus hit the country.

<img alt="Shopping robots" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88667d09-ad06-4aac-8692-7962074a7259" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9NC8ET.jpg" />

Image: Sheila, 71, picks up a delivery from an autonomous robot called Starship delivering groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP

"Everyone was so in need of contactless delivery during the pandemic," Andrew Curtis, head of UK operations at Starship Technologies, told AFP.

The US company, which has quadrupled its deliveries in the UK, now makes 1,000 deliveries a day.&nbsp;

"Demand hasn't dropped off," Curtis said, adding that as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, users became more willing to try the technology.

<img alt="Shopping robots" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31240cdd-d786-4f82-96bd-856ae9976d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9NC8EN.jpg" />

Image: An autonomous robot called Starship is pictured on its way to deliver groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP

The company has signed a new agreement with longstanding partner the Co-op Group's chain of supermarkets, to provide 300 new robots by the end of the year and triple deliveries.

In front of one of the retailer's shops in&nbsp;Milton&nbsp;Keynes, which was the first to use the delivery machines in 2018, a dozen robots are ready and waiting.&nbsp;

With their antenna topped with an orange flag to aid visibility, they look almost like a queue of empty bumper cars.

Starship troopers

An employee emerges from the shop and places the newest order inside one of the robots -- a small bag containing raspberries, yoghurt and a bouquet of flowers.

With its lid locked, the droid immediately dashes out onto the pavement. It turns and moves forward to cross the road before stopping, reversing suddenly to let a car pass.

Fitted with cameras, sensors and a loud alarm if needed, the robots -- first created in 2014 by the two founders of Skype -- are 99 percent autonomous.&nbsp;

But if they become stuck, an operator can take control.

<img alt="Shopping robots" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbbebbe7-4724-45e5-8f11-4ae42aedd102" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9NC8FC.jpg" />

Image:&nbsp;An autonomous robot called Starship travels along a pathway under construction on its way to deliver groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP

Once launched, the robot navigates the maze of footpaths that wind between&nbsp;Milton&nbsp;Keynes' red brick houses.

When the way is clear, it can reach speeds of up to six kilometres (nearly four miles) per hour -- a little more than a reasonable walking pace.&nbsp;

Deliveries reach customers in less than an hour.

The Co-op said the use of the robots is environmentally friendly as well as convenient, with 70 percent of Starship's customers going without a trip in the car to a store or receiving a delivery from a fuel-powered vehicle.

Under the delivery system, the robots remain the property of Starship and orders are placed via an application they developed.&nbsp;

The company manages 1,000 robots, mainly in Britain and the United States but also in Estonia, Germany and Denmark.

The tech firm is not alone in the delivery robot race.&nbsp;

In the United States, for example, where it operates mainly on university campuses, it is jockeying for position with start-ups and logistics giants such as Amazon and FedEx.

A 'godsend'

As their numbers grow, the wheeled delivery drones have drawn criticism from unions, who fear they will take jobs from people.&nbsp;

The debate has made its way into US town halls, which are tasked with deciding limits on delivery journeys and rules around sharing the pavement.

"Fortunately, we've not had any accidents so far," Curtis said, adding that in the UK Starship has obtained permission from local authorities for each of its operating locations.

The robot carrying raspberries, yoghurt and flowers continues its journey, hesitating as it encounters a gaping hole, the result of ongoing road maintenance.&nbsp;

Roadworkers look non-plussed as they put down planks to bridge the gap.

When the delivery robot finally reaches its destination, Sheila Rose, 71, walks out of her house and unlocks it with her smartphone, to retrieve her groceries and blooms.

"If I can use it, anyone can," she said, leaning on a walking stick.

"Because of my ill health, I have problems getting out to the shops," she said, calling the robots a "godsend".&nbsp;

The delivery drones have become so essential to the septuagenarian that some weeks she uses them everyday. "I've got great-grandchildren. And they love it," she added.

It's famous for its roundabouts and statues of concrete cows. But the English town of Milton Keynes now has another claim to fame -- a trundling army of shopping delivery robots.

It's famous for its roundabouts and statues of concrete cows. But the English town of Milton Keynes now has another claim to fame -- a trundling army of shopping delivery robots. The six-wheeled automated vehicles, launched three years ago, barely get a second glance as they ply the residential streets, some 80 kilometres (49 miles) north of London. Numbers have grown to 200 in Milton Keynes and nearby Northampton, which introduced the service in 2020, with plans for as many as 500 to be in action in five more places across the country. According to the robots' operators, the squat white machines came into their own when Britain locked down last year as coronavirus hit the country. Image: Sheila, 71, picks up a delivery from an autonomous robot called Starship delivering groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP "Everyone was so in need of contactless delivery during the pandemic," Andrew Curtis, head of UK operations at Starship Technologies, told AFP. The US company, which has quadrupled its deliveries in the UK, now makes 1,000 deliveries a day. "Demand hasn't dropped off," Curtis said, adding that as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, users became more willing to try the technology. Image: An autonomous robot called Starship is pictured on its way to deliver groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP The company has signed a new agreement with longstanding partner the Co-op Group's chain of supermarkets, to provide 300 new robots by the end of the year and triple deliveries. In front of one of the retailer's shops in Milton Keynes, which was the first to use the delivery machines in 2018, a dozen robots are ready and waiting. With their antenna topped with an orange flag to aid visibility, they look almost like a queue of empty bumper cars. Starship troopers An employee emerges from the shop and places the newest order inside one of the robots -- a small bag containing raspberries, yoghurt and a bouquet of flowers. With its lid locked, the droid immediately dashes out onto the pavement. It turns and moves forward to cross the road before stopping, reversing suddenly to let a car pass. Fitted with cameras, sensors and a loud alarm if needed, the robots -- first created in 2014 by the two founders of Skype -- are 99 percent autonomous. But if they become stuck, an operator can take control. Image: An autonomous robot called Starship travels along a pathway under construction on its way to deliver groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. Source: AFP Once launched, the robot navigates the maze of footpaths that wind between Milton Keynes' red brick houses. When the way is clear, it can reach speeds of up to six kilometres (nearly four miles) per hour -- a little more than a reasonable walking pace. Deliveries reach customers in less than an hour. The Co-op said the use of the robots is environmentally friendly as well as convenient, with 70 percent of Starship's customers going without a trip in the car to a store or receiving a delivery from a fuel-powered vehicle. Under the delivery system, the robots remain the property of Starship and orders are placed via an application they developed. The company manages 1,000 robots, mainly in Britain and the United States but also in Estonia, Germany and Denmark. The tech firm is not alone in the delivery robot race. In the United States, for example, where it operates mainly on university campuses, it is jockeying for position with start-ups and logistics giants such as Amazon and FedEx. A 'godsend' As their numbers grow, the wheeled delivery drones have drawn criticism from unions, who fear they will take jobs from people. The debate has made its way into US town halls, which are tasked with deciding limits on delivery journeys and rules around sharing the pavement. "Fortunately, we've not had any accidents so far," Curtis said, adding that in the UK Starship has obtained permission from local authorities for each of its operating locations. The robot carrying raspberries, yoghurt and flowers continues its journey, hesitating as it encounters a gaping hole, the result of ongoing road maintenance. Roadworkers look non-plussed as they put down planks to bridge the gap. When the delivery robot finally reaches its destination, Sheila Rose, 71, walks out of her house and unlocks it with her smartphone, to retrieve her groceries and blooms. "If I can use it, anyone can," she said, leaning on a walking stick. "Because of my ill health, I have problems getting out to the shops," she said, calling the robots a "godsend". The delivery drones have become so essential to the septuagenarian that some weeks she uses them everyday. "I've got great-grandchildren. And they love it," she added.

Delivery robots take the strain out of shopping in UK town

In a swap deal, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine’s one million doses will be sent to South Korea by the UK government. &nbsp;

Before the end of the year, South Korea will also return the same “overall volume of doses”, said the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The department said, the initiative looks to help South Korea hit its target of administering a second dose to 70% of its population by October end. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The first batch of doses will be shipped in just a few weeks. &nbsp;

At the UN general assembly on Monday, UK PM Boris Johnson held talks with South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/put-uk-on-covid-high-alert-as-over-100000-kids-go-absent-from-school-warn-headteachers-415010" hreflang="en">Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers</a>

A UK government source said, “The arrangement will mutually support the rollout of the lifesaving vaccine in each nation.” &nbsp;

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, “By working closely with our friends in South Korea, this vaccine swap will maximise their rollout speed without having an impact on the UK’s vaccine programme.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanity-has-to-grow-up-tackle-climate-change-uk-pm-wants-to-tell-leaders-at-unga-2021-415038" hreflang="en">Humanity has to 'grow up', tackle climate change, UK PM wants to tell leaders at UNGA 2021</a>

As per the health secretary, there would be no impact of this deal on the UK’s Covid vaccine booster programme or on supplies to the COVAX vaccine sharing scheme. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a swap deal, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine’s one million doses will be sent to South Korea by the UK government. Before the end of the year, South Korea will also return the same “overall volume of doses”, said the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

In a swap deal, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine’s one million doses will be sent to South Korea by the UK government. Before the end of the year, South Korea will also return the same “overall volume of doses”, said the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Watch: × The department said, the initiative looks to help South Korea hit its target of administering a second dose to 70% of its population by October end. The first batch of doses will be shipped in just a few weeks. At the UN general assembly on Monday, UK PM Boris Johnson held talks with South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in. Also Read: Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers A UK government source said, “The arrangement will mutually support the rollout of the lifesaving vaccine in each nation.” Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, “By working closely with our friends in South Korea, this vaccine swap will maximise their rollout speed without having an impact on the UK’s vaccine programme.” Also Read: Humanity has to 'grow up', tackle climate change, UK PM wants to tell leaders at UNGA 2021 As per the health secretary, there would be no impact of this deal on the UK’s Covid vaccine booster programme or on supplies to the COVAX vaccine sharing scheme. (With inputs from agencies)

In a vaccine swap deal, UK to send 1 million Pfizer doses to South Korea

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots.

Booster shots for Americans ages 65 and older

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday cast UN climate talks in Glasgow in November as a last chance for humanity as he made a passionate appeal for the world to slash carbon emissions. Watch this report for more details.

United Kingdom PM makes a passionate appeal on climate

To curb COVID-19 outbreaks in schools, the UK government should be on 'high alert' as more than 100,000 children went absent from school last week, due to confirmed or suspected infections, said headteachers of the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On September 16, less than 92% pupils were present in classrooms, the Department for Education’s figures showed. Around 59,000 were absent with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 45,000 could not make it to school as they were suspected of having Covid disease.

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For Covid, 122,000 kids were absent last week from state schools in total. These included 16,000, who were marked off as isolating and another 2,000 “due to attendance restrictions being in place to manage an outbreak,” said DfE. &nbsp;

Paul Whiteman, general secretary, National Association of Head Teachers, said, “These national figures mask some significant issues arising at a local level, and we already know of schools that are struggling to keep classes open due to outbreaks occurring.” &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-running-worlds-largest-vaccination-campaign-indian-pm-narendra-modi-at-the-covid-19-summit-414998" hreflang="en">India running world's largest vaccination campaign: Indian PM Narendra Modi at the COVID-19 Summit</a>

“It is crucial that both central and local government are now on high alert and are ready to react quickly if and when cases rise rapidly or outbreaks occur. The next few weeks will be crucial,” added Whiteman. &nbsp;

Geoff Barton, general secretary, Association of School and College Leaders, said he was aware of schools where “significant numbers” of students were absent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-pledges-to-donate-500-million-vaccines-to-other-nations-414999" hreflang="en">Biden pledges to donate 500 million vaccines to other nations</a>&nbsp;

“We are hopeful that the vaccination programme for 12- to 15-year-olds will help to reduce this level of disruption. However, the government must also take more action to support schools and colleges,” Barton said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To curb COVID-19 outbreaks in schools, the UK government should be on 'high alert' as more than 100,000 children went absent from school last week, due to confirmed or suspected infections, said headteachers of the country.

To curb COVID-19 outbreaks in schools, the UK government should be on 'high alert' as more than 100,000 children went absent from school last week, due to confirmed or suspected infections, said headteachers of the country. On September 16, less than 92% pupils were present in classrooms, the Department for Education’s figures showed. Around 59,000 were absent with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 45,000 could not make it to school as they were suspected of having Covid disease. Watch: × For Covid, 122,000 kids were absent last week from state schools in total. These included 16,000, who were marked off as isolating and another 2,000 “due to attendance restrictions being in place to manage an outbreak,” said DfE. Paul Whiteman, general secretary, National Association of Head Teachers, said, “These national figures mask some significant issues arising at a local level, and we already know of schools that are struggling to keep classes open due to outbreaks occurring.” Also Read | India running world's largest vaccination campaign: Indian PM Narendra Modi at the COVID-19 Summit “It is crucial that both central and local government are now on high alert and are ready to react quickly if and when cases rise rapidly or outbreaks occur. The next few weeks will be crucial,” added Whiteman. Geoff Barton, general secretary, Association of School and College Leaders, said he was aware of schools where “significant numbers” of students were absent. Also Read: Biden pledges to donate 500 million vaccines to other nations “We are hopeful that the vaccination programme for 12- to 15-year-olds will help to reduce this level of disruption. However, the government must also take more action to support schools and colleges,” Barton said. (With inputs from agencies)

Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers

&nbsp;India's National Health Authority CEO RS Sharma on Wednesday said he was not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK about India's Covid&nbsp;vaccine certification and stressed that the Co-WIN system is WHO-compliant.

Indian travellers vaccinated with two doses of Covishield will still have to undergo 10 days of quarantine in the UK even after the vaccine was approved under the revised guidelines for travel on Wednesday.

British officials suggested the main issue is Covid vaccine certification and not the Covishield vaccine and that both India and the UK are holding talks to mutually resolve the matter.

"I am not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK. The British High Commissioner met me on September 2 and wanted to know details about the Co-WIN system. 
"So we connected their technical team with our technical teams that had two rounds of discussion, with the second one being just yesterday. They have conveyed to us there is no need for any further discussion as all information has been exchanged between the two parties," Sharma told PTI.

He further said the Co-WIN system is WHO compliant and that so far they have not received any communication about any concerns from the Ministry of External Affairs or the British High Commission.

Referring to the latest guidelines issued by the UK government that will come into effect on October 4, the UK officials said on Wednesday that London does not have any problem with the Covishield vaccine but there are certain issues related to vaccine certification in India.

They said the UK is engaging with the government of India to explore how it could expand its recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India. 
Quoting new guidelines, the officials said Indian travellers to the UK must follow the "non-vaccinated rules" set out by the authorities.

India had on Tuesday warned of "reciprocal measures" if the UK does not address its concerns over the new travel rules relating to COVID-19 vaccine certification with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla describing these norms as "discriminatory".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the issue of Covishield-vaccinated travellers being required to quarantine in the UK with newly-appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss at a meeting in New York on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the UK government added Covishield, the Indian-manufactured Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, to an updated international travel advisory.

Asked whether the problem is with India's vaccine certification, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said on Wednesday that the UK government is trying to understand how the Indian COVID vaccine app works and that it is a two-way process.

He said the UK government is letting India know how its COVID app functions, adding both sides are going through a normal technical process to resolve any issue.

"This is happening at an extraordinary speed," he said

"The UK is committed to opening up international travel again as soon as is practicable and this announcement is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, in a safe and

sustainable way, while protecting public health," a spokesperson in the British High Commission said.

"We are engaging with the Government of India to explore how we could expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the official said.

India's National Health Authority CEO RS Sharma on Wednesday said he was not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK about India's Covid vaccine certification and stressed that the Co-WIN system is WHO-compliant.

India's National Health Authority CEO RS Sharma on Wednesday said he was not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK about India's Covid vaccine certification and stressed that the Co-WIN system is WHO-compliant. Indian travellers vaccinated with two doses of Covishield will still have to undergo 10 days of quarantine in the UK even after the vaccine was approved under the revised guidelines for travel on Wednesday. British officials suggested the main issue is Covid vaccine certification and not the Covishield vaccine and that both India and the UK are holding talks to mutually resolve the matter. "I am not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK. The British High Commissioner met me on September 2 and wanted to know details about the Co-WIN system. "So we connected their technical team with our technical teams that had two rounds of discussion, with the second one being just yesterday. They have conveyed to us there is no need for any further discussion as all information has been exchanged between the two parties," Sharma told PTI. He further said the Co-WIN system is WHO compliant and that so far they have not received any communication about any concerns from the Ministry of External Affairs or the British High Commission. Referring to the latest guidelines issued by the UK government that will come into effect on October 4, the UK officials said on Wednesday that London does not have any problem with the Covishield vaccine but there are certain issues related to vaccine certification in India. They said the UK is engaging with the government of India to explore how it could expand its recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India. Quoting new guidelines, the officials said Indian travellers to the UK must follow the "non-vaccinated rules" set out by the authorities. India had on Tuesday warned of "reciprocal measures" if the UK does not address its concerns over the new travel rules relating to COVID-19 vaccine certification with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla describing these norms as "discriminatory". External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the issue of Covishield-vaccinated travellers being required to quarantine in the UK with newly-appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss at a meeting in New York on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the UK government added Covishield, the Indian-manufactured Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, to an updated international travel advisory. Asked whether the problem is with India's vaccine certification, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said on Wednesday that the UK government is trying to understand how the Indian COVID vaccine app works and that it is a two-way process. He said the UK government is letting India know how its COVID app functions, adding both sides are going through a normal technical process to resolve any issue. "This is happening at an extraordinary speed," he said "The UK is committed to opening up international travel again as soon as is practicable and this announcement is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, in a safe and sustainable way, while protecting public health," a spokesperson in the British High Commission said. "We are engaging with the Government of India to explore how we could expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the official said.

Not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK, says India's top health official on vaccine certification issue

"We are going to have to work that through," said Biden, standing next to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in answer to a question about a free trade agreement that Britain is pushing hard for.

No commitment on US-UK free trade agreement says US President Joe Biden

The UK government has issued a revised travel advisory on Wednesday in which it said that Covishield will qualify as an approved vaccine for travellers visiting Britain from any part of the world from October 4 onwards.

UK recognises Covishield as an approved vaccine in revised travel advisory

US President Joe Biden refrained from making any commitment to a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, only saying the issue was under discussion while receiving the British premier at the White House.

US President Joe Biden non-committal on US-UK free trade deal

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to. The defense deal is a clear escalation and indication that Washington views Beijing as an adversary.

It also has thrust Australia into a central role in America’s rivalry with China. After hinting at a more self-reliant defense posture for the past several years, Australia’s government is now instead betting big on the future of its alliance with the United States with the new pact. Australia seems to be assuming that America will remain engaged in Asia for the long haul and will be prepared to face down China if necessary — but it shouldn’t.

The crux of the partnership, called AUKUS, is an agreement for the United States and Britain to share their technology to help Australia deploy nuclear-powered submarines. But this is no ordinary arms agreement, nothing like exporting fighter jets or howitzers. Only a handful of nations have nuclear-powered submarines, and Australia will be just the second country, after Britain, to benefit from the top-secret U.S. technology.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-has-lost-30-of-its-koala-population-in-3-years-due-to-bushfire-deforestation-414883">Australia has lost 30% of its koala population in 3 years due to bushfire, deforestation</a>

Why is Australia worthy of such favorable treatment? It’s not just that it is one of America’s oldest and closest allies. It’s that for many American observers of China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, Australia is also the canary in the coal mine for great power competition with China.

Australia has been subject to economic coercion from China against its exports, such as barley and coal. Chinese hackers were implicated in a breach of the Australian parliament’s website in 2019. Its security agencies report widespread espionage and interference activities. And its ministers have been frozen out by their Chinese counterparts. Last year, a Chinese diplomat even released a list of 14 grievances Beijing holds against Australia — a document that featured in deliberations at the Group of 7 summit in June.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-trade-talks-eu-seeks-apology-from-australia-over-frances-treatment-in-aukus-row-414641">Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row</a>

Those grievances reflect the tough line Australia has taken against Beijing, from barring Chinese telecom giant Huawei from competing for a 5G infrastructure project to introducing far-reaching legislation to curb foreign interference in politics and tearing up a state’s Belt and Road agreements with China. Australia also has increased its defense spending over the past five years, particularly its naval procurement. AUKUS takes this to a new level.

Like the United States, Australia’s government has watched with increasing alarm the rapid and extensive buildup of China’s military capabilities, particularly its naval forces.

For most of its history, Australia has relied on a friend or ally to help secure the Pacific Ocean. The only serious threat to Australia’s territorial integrity since European settlement more than 200 years ago was during World War II. If Chinese — not American — maritime power were to dominate Asia’s waterways, Australia would undoubtedly face a more uncertain future.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aukus-wont-impact-bilateral-cooperation-quad-us-to-india-414606">AUKUS won't impact bilateral cooperation, Quad: US to India</a>

So although the AUKUS initiative was a surprise to many around the world, the Australian government’s motivation is clear. Saddled with a late and over-budget French submarine project, the Australian government saw an opportunity not only to bolster its naval strength by getting the world’s leading submarine technology but also to bring the United States into a closer embrace.

The Biden team agreed because it, too, is worried about China. But there is a difference. The United States is in Asia by choice; Australia has no such luxury. Washington’s gesture, this commitment of American military and technological prowess, is hugely significant. But it is no guarantee the United States is prepared to enter into a new Cold War-style contest with China.

The United States is blessed by geography, friendly neighbors, a huge economy, an unrivaled military and a nuclear-weapons arsenal to help maintain its security. But China is strong too. The size of its economy alone makes it one of the mightiest adversaries the United States has faced in more than a century. So the United States would need a very good reason to take on a power as great as China.

The fact that China is authoritarian and bullies its neighbors should not be reason enough. Nor should the threats against U.S. allies like Australia, as alliances exist to further the aims of both partners — not just the junior one. Nor the fact that America would be somehow diminished if and when China attains global supremacy. There would need to be clear indications that China poses a threat to America’s core national security interests, to its territory and to its way of life. Since China does not clear that bar, there’s no urgent reason for the United States to undertake grievous risks to prevent its rise to regional leadership.

That doubt should be nagging at the minds of Australian decision makers who just staked their future on the alliance, and it should be on the minds of Americans, too. Why should the United States commit itself to a contest with China when the stakes are less than existential? Without a clear answer to that question, Australia must assume that it will ultimately need to ensure its security alone.

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to.

The United States did not directly mention China in announcing its historic new security partnership with Australia and Britain last week, but it didn’t have to. The defense deal is a clear escalation and indication that Washington views Beijing as an adversary. It also has thrust Australia into a central role in America’s rivalry with China. After hinting at a more self-reliant defense posture for the past several years, Australia’s government is now instead betting big on the future of its alliance with the United States with the new pact. Australia seems to be assuming that America will remain engaged in Asia for the long haul and will be prepared to face down China if necessary — but it shouldn’t. The crux of the partnership, called AUKUS, is an agreement for the United States and Britain to share their technology to help Australia deploy nuclear-powered submarines. But this is no ordinary arms agreement, nothing like exporting fighter jets or howitzers. Only a handful of nations have nuclear-powered submarines, and Australia will be just the second country, after Britain, to benefit from the top-secret U.S. technology. Also Read: Australia has lost 30% of its koala population in 3 years due to bushfire, deforestation Why is Australia worthy of such favorable treatment? It’s not just that it is one of America’s oldest and closest allies. It’s that for many American observers of China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, Australia is also the canary in the coal mine for great power competition with China. Australia has been subject to economic coercion from China against its exports, such as barley and coal. Chinese hackers were implicated in a breach of the Australian parliament’s website in 2019. Its security agencies report widespread espionage and interference activities. And its ministers have been frozen out by their Chinese counterparts. Last year, a Chinese diplomat even released a list of 14 grievances Beijing holds against Australia — a document that featured in deliberations at the Group of 7 summit in June. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row Those grievances reflect the tough line Australia has taken against Beijing, from barring Chinese telecom giant Huawei from competing for a 5G infrastructure project to introducing far-reaching legislation to curb foreign interference in politics and tearing up a state’s Belt and Road agreements with China. Australia also has increased its defense spending over the past five years, particularly its naval procurement. AUKUS takes this to a new level. Like the United States, Australia’s government has watched with increasing alarm the rapid and extensive buildup of China’s military capabilities, particularly its naval forces. For most of its history, Australia has relied on a friend or ally to help secure the Pacific Ocean. The only serious threat to Australia’s territorial integrity since European settlement more than 200 years ago was during World War II. If Chinese — not American — maritime power were to dominate Asia’s waterways, Australia would undoubtedly face a more uncertain future. Also Read: AUKUS won't impact bilateral cooperation, Quad: US to India So although the AUKUS initiative was a surprise to many around the world, the Australian government’s motivation is clear. Saddled with a late and over-budget French submarine project, the Australian government saw an opportunity not only to bolster its naval strength by getting the world’s leading submarine technology but also to bring the United States into a closer embrace. The Biden team agreed because it, too, is worried about China. But there is a difference. The United States is in Asia by choice; Australia has no such luxury. Washington’s gesture, this commitment of American military and technological prowess, is hugely significant. But it is no guarantee the United States is prepared to enter into a new Cold War-style contest with China. The United States is blessed by geography, friendly neighbors, a huge economy, an unrivaled military and a nuclear-weapons arsenal to help maintain its security. But China is strong too. The size of its economy alone makes it one of the mightiest adversaries the United States has faced in more than a century. So the United States would need a very good reason to take on a power as great as China. The fact that China is authoritarian and bullies its neighbors should not be reason enough. Nor should the threats against U.S. allies like Australia, as alliances exist to further the aims of both partners — not just the junior one. Nor the fact that America would be somehow diminished if and when China attains global supremacy. There would need to be clear indications that China poses a threat to America’s core national security interests, to its territory and to its way of life. Since China does not clear that bar, there’s no urgent reason for the United States to undertake grievous risks to prevent its rise to regional leadership. That doubt should be nagging at the minds of Australian decision makers who just staked their future on the alliance, and it should be on the minds of Americans, too. Why should the United States commit itself to a contest with China when the stakes are less than existential? Without a clear answer to that question, Australia must assume that it will ultimately need to ensure its security alone.

Australia is making a risky bet on the US

In a fresh update to its travel rules, UK said on Wednesday that Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was an approved vaccine. The development has come after fierce criticism for UK's travel advisory that mandated 10-day quarantine even for fully vaccinated Indians. However, certificates issued by India remains a grey area in the eyes of the UK as Indian public health bodies have not been recognised by the UK.

The new travel advisory that will be implemented from October 4 at 4 a.m. says, "Formulations of the four listed vaccines -- AstraZeneca Covishield, AstraZeneca vaxzevria and Moderna Takeda qualify as approved vaccines." It adds further, "You must have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neighbourhood-to-get-first-tranche-as-india-announces-resumption-of-covid-vaccine-export-414450">Neighbourhood to get first tranche as India announces resumption of Covid vaccine export &nbsp;</a>

However, the new travel advisory said that until October 4, mixed vaccines are only permitted if you are vaccinated under the UK, Europe, USA or UK overseas vaccination program.

About vaccine certificates, UK High Commission said on Tuesday that UK government was "working with India to expand recognition of vaccine certification." This indicated doubts about vaccine certification in India.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-evolving-to-get-better-at-becoming-airborne-study-shows-414713">COVID-19 virus evolving to get better at becoming airborne, study shows</a>

This suggests that though Covishield has been approved by the UK, Indian travellers may still have to undergo quarantine on arrival in UK.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-rage-asked-to-put-on-mask-angry-customer-kills-petrol-station-worker-in-germany-414648">Covid rage: Asked to put on mask, angry customer kills petrol station worker in Germany</a>

A British High Commission spokesperson said, "The UK is committed to opening up international travel again as soon as is practicable and this announcement is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, in a safe and sustainable way, while protecting public health. We are engaging with the Government of India to explore how we could expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a fresh update to its travel rules, UK said on Wednesday that Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was an approved vaccine.

In a fresh update to its travel rules, UK said on Wednesday that Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India, was an approved vaccine. The development has come after fierce criticism for UK's travel advisory that mandated 10-day quarantine even for fully vaccinated Indians. However, certificates issued by India remains a grey area in the eyes of the UK as Indian public health bodies have not been recognised by the UK. The new travel advisory that will be implemented from October 4 at 4 a.m. says, "Formulations of the four listed vaccines -- AstraZeneca Covishield, AstraZeneca vaxzevria and Moderna Takeda qualify as approved vaccines." It adds further, "You must have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England". Also Read: Neighbourhood to get first tranche as India announces resumption of Covid vaccine export However, the new travel advisory said that until October 4, mixed vaccines are only permitted if you are vaccinated under the UK, Europe, USA or UK overseas vaccination program. About vaccine certificates, UK High Commission said on Tuesday that UK government was "working with India to expand recognition of vaccine certification." This indicated doubts about vaccine certification in India. Also Read: COVID-19 virus evolving to get better at becoming airborne, study shows This suggests that though Covishield has been approved by the UK, Indian travellers may still have to undergo quarantine on arrival in UK. Also Read: Covid rage: Asked to put on mask, angry customer kills petrol station worker in Germany A British High Commission spokesperson said, "The UK is committed to opening up international travel again as soon as is practicable and this announcement is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, in a safe and sustainable way, while protecting public health. We are engaging with the Government of India to explore how we could expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India." (With inputs from agencies)

UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates

After facing intense criticism over its flawed covid-19 travel restrictions, the United Kingdom has now claimed that talks are underway between London and New Delhi for recognition of India's vaccine certificate.

Covid-19: UK's travel laws draw criticism in India, talks underway

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to meet with US President Joe Biden during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Both leaders are expected to discuss issues like China, the climate crisis & the COVID-19 pandemic.

WION-USA Direct: US & UK leaders to discuss China, climate & COVID during 76th UNGA session

Ahead of the general debate at the 76th UNGA session, India's External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar will be meeting UK's newly-appointed Foreign minister Liz Truss to evaluate the strategic 2030 roadmap.

WION USA Direct: India EAM S Jaishankar to meet UK counterpart, work closely on 'Roadmap 2030'

In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In this age group, around&nbsp;three million children are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This move has been taken after the government's acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation last week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This week, England and Scotland will begin the vaccines rollout, while Wales and Northern Ireland are scheduled to do it by next week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, it's encouraging to see 12 to 15-year-olds are starting to get their vaccinations today reflecting our ongoing commitment to protect young people from COVID-19 and minimise any disruption to their education. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459" hreflang="en">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a>

The vaccine has made a significant difference in saving lives and reducing transmissions, and has met the strict standards of safety and effectiveness of our renowned medicines regulator for those aged 12 and over, the health secretary said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The jabs will start in hundreds of schools across the country this week, said the National Health Service (NHS). It added that invitations for a Covid booster dose are also being sent to eligible over-50s this week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday.

In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday. In this age group, around three million children are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This move has been taken after the government's acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation last week. Watch: × This week, England and Scotland will begin the vaccines rollout, while Wales and Northern Ireland are scheduled to do it by next week. UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, it's encouraging to see 12 to 15-year-olds are starting to get their vaccinations today reflecting our ongoing commitment to protect young people from COVID-19 and minimise any disruption to their education. Also Read | 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report The vaccine has made a significant difference in saving lives and reducing transmissions, and has met the strict standards of safety and effectiveness of our renowned medicines regulator for those aged 12 and over, the health secretary said. The jabs will start in hundreds of schools across the country this week, said the National Health Service (NHS). It added that invitations for a Covid booster dose are also being sent to eligible over-50s this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK

The British government has announced that folic acid would be added to the most regularly consumed flours in the UK to help prevent spinal problems in babies.

Doctors recommend that pregnant women take folic acid supplements, but with approximately half of all pregnancies in the UK being unexpected, many expectant moms may not be able to do so early enough.

The government claims that mandating flour millers to add folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour will help prevent roughly 200 neural tube abnormalities in infants each year, lowering the yearly UK total by about 20%.&nbsp;

Everyone who eats items like bread will get more folic acid in their diets if the government implements mandatory fortification, which was the subject of a public consultation in 2019.

About 1,000 pregnancies in the UK are affected by neural tube defects such as spina bifida (abnormal spine development) and anencephaly (a life-limiting brain disorder).

Many babies born with spina bifida live into adulthood, although they will be disabled for the rest of their lives.

For at least a month before conception and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government has announced that folic acid would be added to the most regularly consumed flours in the UK to help prevent spinal problems in babies. Doctors recommend that pregnant women take folic acid supplements, but with approximately half of all pregnancies in the UK being unexpected, many expectant moms may not be able to do so early enough.

The British government has announced that folic acid would be added to the most regularly consumed flours in the UK to help prevent spinal problems in babies. Doctors recommend that pregnant women take folic acid supplements, but with approximately half of all pregnancies in the UK being unexpected, many expectant moms may not be able to do so early enough. The government claims that mandating flour millers to add folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour will help prevent roughly 200 neural tube abnormalities in infants each year, lowering the yearly UK total by about 20%. Everyone who eats items like bread will get more folic acid in their diets if the government implements mandatory fortification, which was the subject of a public consultation in 2019. About 1,000 pregnancies in the UK are affected by neural tube defects such as spina bifida (abnormal spine development) and anencephaly (a life-limiting brain disorder). Many babies born with spina bifida live into adulthood, although they will be disabled for the rest of their lives. For at least a month before conception and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Folic acid to be added to non-wholemeal flour under new British rules

UK foreign secretary Liz Truss all set to meet Iranian foreign minister for the first time at the UN general assembly in New York. This will be the first meeting between the Iran and the UK at the foreign minister level since 2018.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to meet Iranian counterpart

New travel rules in Britain have sparked outrage from Africa to South Asia, provoking allegations of racism and raising concerns of deepening rifts between wealthy and poor nations as global travel begins to open up.

UK's new COVID-19 rules provoke allegations of racism in poor countries

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK.

UK changed travel rules on Friday and did away with the 'red, amber and green list'.&nbsp;

Under the changed rules, only those Indians who have received two shots of Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or a single shot of Janssen vaccine “under an approved vaccination program in the UK, Europe, US or UK vaccine programme overseas” will be considered fully vaccinated.

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UK government confirm tonight that if a person has been vaccinated in Africa, or South America, or countries including UAE, India, Turkey, Jordan, Thailand, Russia… 
 
…you are considered “unvaccinated” and must follow “unvaccinated” rules ⛔️ = 10 day home quarantine &amp; tests
— Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1438991435697639427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This effectively means that Indians who have received Covishield, or Indian version of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be considered unvaccinated. Such individuals will have to spend 10 days in quarantine after going to UK.

Exclusion of Covishield puts a lot of Indians at a disadvantage as it was one of the two main vaccines used for domestic immunisation program.

Indian side is upset as high ranking officials and even India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was involved in diplomatic effort to make Indians' travel to UK problem-free. The step taken by UK in spite of these hi-level efforts is thus not gone down well with India.

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK.

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK. UK changed travel rules on Friday and did away with the 'red, amber and green list'. Under the changed rules, only those Indians who have received two shots of Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or a single shot of Janssen vaccine “under an approved vaccination program in the UK, Europe, US or UK vaccine programme overseas” will be considered fully vaccinated. UK government confirm tonight that if a person has been vaccinated in Africa, or South America, or countries including UAE, India, Turkey, Jordan, Thailand, Russia… …you are considered “unvaccinated” and must follow “unvaccinated” rules ⛔️ = 10 day home quarantine & tests — Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) September 17, 2021 × This effectively means that Indians who have received Covishield, or Indian version of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be considered unvaccinated. Such individuals will have to spend 10 days in quarantine after going to UK. Exclusion of Covishield puts a lot of Indians at a disadvantage as it was one of the two main vaccines used for domestic immunisation program. Indian side is upset as high ranking officials and even India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was involved in diplomatic effort to make Indians' travel to UK problem-free. The step taken by UK in spite of these hi-level efforts is thus not gone down well with India.

India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report

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