If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old&nbsp;Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation. &nbsp;

Codenamed Operation London Bridge, these plans were first revealed in a Guardian Long Read in 2017. The details have now been revealed in full by Politico. It gives insights about the scale of the arrangements for the funeral and government anxieties about whether the UK has the resources to execute them. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab meets Pakistan PM Khan and Pak FM

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Playing a prominent role, the social media strategy includes plans to change the royal family’s website to a black holding page with a short statement confirming the Queen’s death. The gov.uk website and all governmental social media pages will also display a black banner.

All non-urgent content will not be published. Retweets will also be banned unless cleared by the government’s head of communications. &nbsp;

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According to the documents, the Queen’s coffin is to be taken on a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where it will lie on a raised box known as a catafalque, which will be open to the public for 23 hours a day for three days. Tickets with a time slot will be issued for VIPs. &nbsp;

It also says the state funeral will be held 10 days after her death and heralded as a “day of national mourning”. It will not be an official bank holiday though. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation.

If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation. Codenamed Operation London Bridge, these plans were first revealed in a Guardian Long Read in 2017. The details have now been revealed in full by Politico. It gives insights about the scale of the arrangements for the funeral and government anxieties about whether the UK has the resources to execute them. Watch: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab meets Pakistan PM Khan and Pak FM × Playing a prominent role, the social media strategy includes plans to change the royal family’s website to a black holding page with a short statement confirming the Queen’s death. The gov.uk website and all governmental social media pages will also display a black banner. All non-urgent content will not be published. Retweets will also be banned unless cleared by the government’s head of communications. Also Read: US companies lash out at Texas law changes According to the documents, the Queen’s coffin is to be taken on a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where it will lie on a raised box known as a catafalque, which will be open to the public for 23 hours a day for three days. Tickets with a time slot will be issued for VIPs. It also says the state funeral will be held 10 days after her death and heralded as a “day of national mourning”. It will not be an official bank holiday though.

Queen Elizabeth II's death to follow social media blackouts, retweets' ban: Report

One of the most popular drugs among the young people of the UK is about to be criminalised in the country, Priti Patel said.<o:p></o:p>

As per a report, one on ten (more than half a million) young people between the age of 16 and 24, have been inhaling nitrous oxide in the UK.<o:p></o:p>

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she is ready to "take tough action"&nbsp;on the widespread usage of this laughing gas in the UK. As per reports, Patel is planning to criminalise possession of this drug.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cats-experiencing-life-threatening-stress-due-to-extra-attention-from-owners-410387">Cats experiencing 'life threatening' stress due to extra attention from owners</a></o:p>

Patel has directed the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)&nbsp;to review the harms of nitrous oxide, in order to help the government take a concrete decision on its legal status.<o:p></o:p>

Laughing gas "can cause serious long-term effects such as vitamin B12 deficiency and anaemia. It is also commonly used at antisocial gatherings and leads to widespread littering in public places, bringing misery to communities,"&nbsp;Patel said. "Misusing drugs can have a devastating impact on lives and communities. We are determined to do all we can to address this issue and protect the futures of our children and young people."<o:p></o:p>

The drug is widely available in small cylinders which is then usually transferred to a balloon, from which young people inhale it in form of a gas. Commonly known as the laughing gas, it is a common sight in clubs and parties.

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Nitrous oxide is also easily available online, however, majority of the suppliers attach a warning against using this drug for psychoactive properties.<o:p></o:p>

While Patel believes this is an important step to control drug usage in the country, some experts have opposed this move and warned against a possible spread of hesitancy in young people.<o:p></o:p>

"The government’s insistence on criminalisation and incarceration for minor drug offences worsens problems linked to illicit drug use, including social inequality and violence,"&nbsp;said Burcu Borysik, head of policy at the Royal Society for Public Health. "The heavy-handed enforcement approach to drugs does nothing but spread fear among young people, prevents them from seeking the support they need, and unnecessarily drags them into the criminal justice system."<o:p></o:p>

One of the most popular drugs among the young people of the UK is about to be criminalised in the country, Priti Patel said. As per a report, one on ten (more than half a million) young people between the age of 16 and 24, have been inhaling nitrous oxide in the UK.

One of the most popular drugs among the young people of the UK is about to be criminalised in the country, Priti Patel said. As per a report, one on ten (more than half a million) young people between the age of 16 and 24, have been inhaling nitrous oxide in the UK. Home Secretary Priti Patel said she is ready to "take tough action" on the widespread usage of this laughing gas in the UK. As per reports, Patel is planning to criminalise possession of this drug. Also read | Cats experiencing 'life threatening' stress due to extra attention from owners Patel has directed the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to review the harms of nitrous oxide, in order to help the government take a concrete decision on its legal status. Laughing gas "can cause serious long-term effects such as vitamin B12 deficiency and anaemia. It is also commonly used at antisocial gatherings and leads to widespread littering in public places, bringing misery to communities," Patel said. "Misusing drugs can have a devastating impact on lives and communities. We are determined to do all we can to address this issue and protect the futures of our children and young people." The drug is widely available in small cylinders which is then usually transferred to a balloon, from which young people inhale it in form of a gas. Commonly known as the laughing gas, it is a common sight in clubs and parties. Also read | Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming Nitrous oxide is also easily available online, however, majority of the suppliers attach a warning against using this drug for psychoactive properties. While Patel believes this is an important step to control drug usage in the country, some experts have opposed this move and warned against a possible spread of hesitancy in young people. "The government’s insistence on criminalisation and incarceration for minor drug offences worsens problems linked to illicit drug use, including social inequality and violence," said Burcu Borysik, head of policy at the Royal Society for Public Health. "The heavy-handed enforcement approach to drugs does nothing but spread fear among young people, prevents them from seeking the support they need, and unnecessarily drags them into the criminal justice system."

No more laughing gas: UK set to ban Nitrous Oxide soon

In what can be said to be further and stronger criticism of USA's hasty retreat from Afghanistan, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested that US was no longer a superpower. His comments have come just days after total withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.

The strong words came as he gave an interview to Spectator magazine.

On being asked whether situation in Afghanistan revealed limitations of UK's power, Wallace said,"“It is obvious that Britain is not a superpower"

He then shifted focus to the US.

“But a superpower that is also not prepared to stick at something isn’t probably a superpower either. It is certainly not a global force, it’s just a big power," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-for-afghanistan-lies-on-president-biden-says-911-era-nypd-commissioner-410532">Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner&nbsp;</a>

The hasty retreat from Afghanistan has put USA and especially President Joe Biden on a defensive foot in light of the global criticism. The US has entered Afghanistan and fought against Taliban. But the same regime came back to power after US withdrawal.

This is not the first time the British defence secretary expressed his disapproval of American manoeuvres in Afghanistan. In mid-August, when theh Taliban were making lightning advance across the country, Wallace said that Donald Trump's peace deal with Taliban in 2020 was "a mistake".

In what can be said to be further and stronger criticism of USA's hasty retreat from Afghanistan, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested that US was no longer a superpower.

In what can be said to be further and stronger criticism of USA's hasty retreat from Afghanistan, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested that US was no longer a superpower. His comments have come just days after total withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The strong words came as he gave an interview to Spectator magazine. On being asked whether situation in Afghanistan revealed limitations of UK's power, Wallace said,"“It is obvious that Britain is not a superpower" He then shifted focus to the US. “But a superpower that is also not prepared to stick at something isn’t probably a superpower either. It is certainly not a global force, it’s just a big power," he said. Also Read | Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner The hasty retreat from Afghanistan has put USA and especially President Joe Biden on a defensive foot in light of the global criticism. The US has entered Afghanistan and fought against Taliban. But the same regime came back to power after US withdrawal. This is not the first time the British defence secretary expressed his disapproval of American manoeuvres in Afghanistan. In mid-August, when theh Taliban were making lightning advance across the country, Wallace said that Donald Trump's peace deal with Taliban in 2020 was "a mistake".

US no longer a superpower, suggests UK defence secretary

The British government unveiled plans Friday to make&nbsp;pet&nbsp;abduction&nbsp;a new criminal offence, in response to a pandemic-fuelled spike in dognapping and other animal thefts.

The offence is among the recommendations of a task force launched in May to tackle the reported rise in&nbsp;dog&nbsp;and other&nbsp;pet&nbsp;thefts, which have soared during the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

The price of some&nbsp;dog&nbsp;breeds has increased by as much as 89 percent since several lockdown periods in Britain, as interest in owning a&nbsp;pet&nbsp;surged, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

This is blamed for making&nbsp;dog&nbsp;theft more appealing to criminals, with evidence suggesting police received around 2,000 reports of canines being stolen last year.

The task force, comprising government officials as well as police, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies, considered evidence from academics, animal welfare organisations and various experts.

In its report released Friday, it also recommended keeping reliable data on&nbsp;pet&nbsp;thefts to "build a stronger evidence base about the problem" and improving ownership records.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Also read |&nbsp;Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

New requirements to register additional&nbsp;pet&nbsp;details and a single point of access to around 16 microchipping databases would support tracking lost and stolen dogs, the taskforce said.

Meanwhile it urged raising awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures targeted at the issue.

"Pet&nbsp;owners shouldn't have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime," Environment Secretary George Eustice said in a statement.

"Its recommendations will reassure&nbsp;pet&nbsp;owners, help the police to tackle&nbsp;pet&nbsp;theft, and deliver justice for victims," he added, vowing ministers would start implementing them.

The new&nbsp;pet&nbsp;abduction&nbsp;offence will be created through new legislation, with reports it could be included in a policing and crime bill currently going through parliament.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA charity, welcomed the proposals to acknowledge the "seriousness" of&nbsp;pet&nbsp;thefts and "utter turmoil" they can cause.

"We hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to&nbsp;pet&nbsp;thieves," he said.

The British government unveiled plans Friday to make pet abduction a new criminal offence, in response to a pandemic-fuelled spike in dognapping and other animal thefts.

The British government unveiled plans Friday to make pet abduction a new criminal offence, in response to a pandemic-fuelled spike in dognapping and other animal thefts. The offence is among the recommendations of a task force launched in May to tackle the reported rise in dog and other pet thefts, which have soared during the coronavirus crisis. The price of some dog breeds has increased by as much as 89 percent since several lockdown periods in Britain, as interest in owning a pet surged, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This is blamed for making dog theft more appealing to criminals, with evidence suggesting police received around 2,000 reports of canines being stolen last year. The task force, comprising government officials as well as police, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies, considered evidence from academics, animal welfare organisations and various experts. In its report released Friday, it also recommended keeping reliable data on pet thefts to "build a stronger evidence base about the problem" and improving ownership records. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work New requirements to register additional pet details and a single point of access to around 16 microchipping databases would support tracking lost and stolen dogs, the taskforce said. Meanwhile it urged raising awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures targeted at the issue. "Pet owners shouldn't have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime," Environment Secretary George Eustice said in a statement. "Its recommendations will reassure pet owners, help the police to tackle pet theft, and deliver justice for victims," he added, vowing ministers would start implementing them. The new pet abduction offence will be created through new legislation, with reports it could be included in a policing and crime bill currently going through parliament. Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA charity, welcomed the proposals to acknowledge the "seriousness" of pet thefts and "utter turmoil" they can cause. "We hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves," he said.

UK to create new pet abduction offence after rise in dog thefts

As it prepares to host United Nations' Cop26 climate summit, Glasgow has experienced hottest summer on record, as per the Met Office. In the month of August, Scotland also recorded the highest temperature in the UK.

This broke England's 20 year run for having the hottest day in the UK. This time around, rainfall in Scotland was 62 per cent of its usual average making it a drier than usual summer.

Global Warming is a key issue that will certainly be addressed in the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. Global warming has led to extreme weather patterns in recent years including 2021 so far. Summer this year in the UK was among the hottest 10 ever recorded.

Across the world, the effects of global warming were seen. Record breaking heatwave in northwestern North America, heavy floods in Germany and China bear testimony to that.

As it prepares to host United Nations' Cop26 climate summit, Glasgow has experienced hottest summer on record, as per the Met Office. In the month of August, Scotland also recorded the highest temperature in the UK.

As it prepares to host United Nations' Cop26 climate summit, Glasgow has experienced hottest summer on record, as per the Met Office. In the month of August, Scotland also recorded the highest temperature in the UK. This broke England's 20 year run for having the hottest day in the UK. This time around, rainfall in Scotland was 62 per cent of its usual average making it a drier than usual summer. Global Warming is a key issue that will certainly be addressed in the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. Global warming has led to extreme weather patterns in recent years including 2021 so far. Summer this year in the UK was among the hottest 10 ever recorded. Across the world, the effects of global warming were seen. Record breaking heatwave in northwestern North America, heavy floods in Germany and China bear testimony to that.

In run up to Cop26 summit, Glasgow records hottest summer

Defending Britain's withdrawal from Afghanistan after the Taliban swept across the country, UK foreign minister Dominic Raab said intelligence assessment indicated that Kabul's fall this year was unlikely.

Dominic Raab: Intel said Kabul won't fall this year, UK wants diplomatic presence in Afghanistan

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke on UK's withdrawal from Afghanistan amid escalation crisis.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab speaks on Afghan crisis, evacuation of UK nationals in country

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

According to the Guardian, the costs of Brexit-induced red tape is also fuelling inflation as household budgets start to feel the sting.

The latest figures from the BRC reveal a 0.4 per cent month-on-month rise in August, driven by a 0.6 per cent rise in non-food prices, which includes a sharp spike in the cost of electrical goods caused by shortages of micro-chips and shipping problems.

“There are some modest indications that rising costs are starting to filter through into product prices,” Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, which represents hundreds of retail businesses, told the Guardian.

“Food retailers are fighting to keep their prices down as far as possible. But mounting pressures – from rising commodity and shipping costs as well as Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not be sustainable for much longer, and food price rises are likely in the coming months,” he added.

Watch |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bid-to-fight-medical-staff-shortage-in-uk-404558">&nbsp;Bid to fight medical staff shortage in UK</a>

The BRC’s warning comes after the toy retailer The Entertainer said prices could rise by 10 per cent over 18 months because of supply chain disruption, labour shortages and higher transport costs.

The indications of rising prices surface&nbsp;in the UK as inflation across the eurozone surged to its highest level in a decade with mounting costs of energy, goods and services hitting household spending.

The statistics body Eurostat has estimated that euro area annual inflation is expected to be 3 per cent in August, up from 2.2 per cent in July.

(With inputs from agencies)

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). According to the Guardian, the costs of Brexit-induced red tape is also fuelling inflation as household budgets start to feel the sting. The latest figures from the BRC reveal a 0.4 per cent month-on-month rise in August, driven by a 0.6 per cent rise in non-food prices, which includes a sharp spike in the cost of electrical goods caused by shortages of micro-chips and shipping problems. “There are some modest indications that rising costs are starting to filter through into product prices,” Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, which represents hundreds of retail businesses, told the Guardian. “Food retailers are fighting to keep their prices down as far as possible. But mounting pressures – from rising commodity and shipping costs as well as Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not be sustainable for much longer, and food price rises are likely in the coming months,” he added. Watch | Bid to fight medical staff shortage in UK The BRC’s warning comes after the toy retailer The Entertainer said prices could rise by 10 per cent over 18 months because of supply chain disruption, labour shortages and higher transport costs. The indications of rising prices surface in the UK as inflation across the eurozone surged to its highest level in a decade with mounting costs of energy, goods and services hitting household spending. The statistics body Eurostat has estimated that euro area annual inflation is expected to be 3 per cent in August, up from 2.2 per cent in July. (With inputs from agencies)

Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK

Talks are being held between Taliban and UK in Doha regarding evacuations of UK nationals.

Talks being held between Taliban and UK in Doha

The government data for England, Wales and Scotland has revealed that since 2015, hate crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity have increased.

In the year to March 2020 in England and Wales, sexual orientation hate crimes rose by 19 per cent to 15,835, and transgender identity hate crimes by 16 per cent to 2,540, averaging more than 50 reports each day.

Just two weeks ago, Ranjith “Roy” Kankanamalage, who is 50-years-old, was discovered with a fatal head injury in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, east London.&nbsp;

As per the police, the attack was motivated by homophobia and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In another such instance, a couple called Rob and Patrick was attacked with broken bottles in Birmingham’s gay village.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-rockets-fired-towards-kabul-airport-intercepted-by-us-defence-system-report-409275">Also read |&nbsp;Several rockets fired towards Kabul airport, intercepted by US defence system: Report</a>

In Liverpool, during Pride month, hundreds of people joined a protest on June 22, after at least three street attacks on young men within the space of a few weeks.

While speaking with The Guardian, local activists and national campaigners revealed that this spate of attacks across the UK underscores a climate of fear endured by the LGBTQ+ community on the streets.

Sasha Misra, the associate director of campaigns at the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The recent incidents in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool and London are a stark reminder that in 2021, lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people do not feel safe to be ourselves".

She also highlighted the Stonewall data from 2017 indicating that four in five such incidents go unreported, with LGBTQ+ victims often reluctant to go to the police.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for hate crime, deputy chief constable Mark Hamilton backed her as he said, "Traditionally, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have been significantly underreported,” he said, though he argued that the work of

LGBTQ+ liaison officers with specific responsibility for building community links was among initiatives that were paying off.

“We believe some of the increase may be down to better reporting.”

However, the local activists have described this as an escalation in public hostility.&nbsp;

The government data for England, Wales and Scotland has revealed that since 2015, hate crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity have increased. In the year to March 2020 in England and Wales, sexual orientation hate crimes rose by 19 per cent to 15,835, and transgender identity hate crimes by 16 per cent to 2,540, averaging more than 50 reports each day.

The government data for England, Wales and Scotland has revealed that since 2015, hate crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity have increased. In the year to March 2020 in England and Wales, sexual orientation hate crimes rose by 19 per cent to 15,835, and transgender identity hate crimes by 16 per cent to 2,540, averaging more than 50 reports each day. Just two weeks ago, Ranjith “Roy” Kankanamalage, who is 50-years-old, was discovered with a fatal head injury in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, east London. As per the police, the attack was motivated by homophobia and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. In another such instance, a couple called Rob and Patrick was attacked with broken bottles in Birmingham’s gay village. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding. Also read | Several rockets fired towards Kabul airport, intercepted by US defence system: Report In Liverpool, during Pride month, hundreds of people joined a protest on June 22, after at least three street attacks on young men within the space of a few weeks. While speaking with The Guardian, local activists and national campaigners revealed that this spate of attacks across the UK underscores a climate of fear endured by the LGBTQ+ community on the streets. Sasha Misra, the associate director of campaigns at the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The recent incidents in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool and London are a stark reminder that in 2021, lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people do not feel safe to be ourselves". She also highlighted the Stonewall data from 2017 indicating that four in five such incidents go unreported, with LGBTQ+ victims often reluctant to go to the police. National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for hate crime, deputy chief constable Mark Hamilton backed her as he said, "Traditionally, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have been significantly underreported,” he said, though he argued that the work of LGBTQ+ liaison officers with specific responsibility for building community links was among initiatives that were paying off. “We believe some of the increase may be down to better reporting.” However, the local activists have described this as an escalation in public hostility.

Attacks on LGBTQ+ community across UK spark fear

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.”

Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans.

In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.”

“They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.”

On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks&nbsp;of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-loud-explosion-heard-in-kabul-few-hours-after-bidens-warning-409224">Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning</a>

However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind.&nbsp;

Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process.

Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK.

(with inputs from agencies)

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.

Amid growing criticism of UK’s handling of the evacuation process in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday defended their airlift operation saying that “the culmination of a mission, unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes.” Like the United States, UK has also been facing criticism for failing to pre-empt the quick takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban forces and not making adequate preparations for the smooth evacuation of British nationals and vulnerable Afghans. In a video clip uploaded to Twitter, he said, “UK troops and officials have worked around the clock to a remorseless deadline in harrowing conditions. They have expended all the patience and care and thought they possess to help people in fear for their lives.” “They’ve seen at first-hand barbaric terrorist attacks on the queues of people they were trying to comfort, as well as on our American friends. They didn't flinch. They kept calm. They got on with the job. It’s thanks to their colossal exertions that this country has now processed, checked, vetted and airlifted more than 15,000 people to safety in less than two weeks.” On Saturday, the final British troops and diplomatic staff were airlifted from Kabul, culminating a chaotic two weeks of the evacuation process which saw thousands of Afghans fleeing, fearing the Taliban rule. Also read | Afghanistan: Loud explosion heard in Kabul few hours after Biden's warning However, as per reports, over 150 British nationals and more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted the western forces have been left behind. Johnson said however that while Britain would not have wished to leave Afghanistan in the way it did, the armed forces should still be proud of their achievements. A Foreign Office spokesperson said it had worked tirelessly to evacuate people but it had always cautioned that it would not be able to help everyone. The spokesperson declined to give any further details on the process. Britain`s defence minister, Ben Wallace, predicted last week that time had run out to evacuate around 1,000 Afghans who were eligible to come to Britain, including former staff to the UK. (with inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson defends Kabul evacuation amid criticism

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found.&nbsp;

Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know.

Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower.

While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.&nbsp;

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years. Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found. Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place. Also read | Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know. Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower. While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.

Majority of voters in Northern Ireland want vote on staying in UK

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

Britain&nbsp;earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities.

"Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday.

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"This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said.

The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban.

An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported.

"We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report.

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"Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago.

Britain&nbsp;has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

The British government acknowledged that more can be done to help and assist Afghan nationals and their families settle in Britain as they escape from Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban. Britain earlier announced plans to welcome up to 5,000 Afghans fleeing the Taliban during the first year of a new resettlement programme that will prioritise women, girls and religious and other minorities. "Approximately only 5% of councils have declined to sign up to our relocation and assistance scheme and close to a third of councils have already stepped up to support new arrivals, but we know there is more that can be done for those that have risked their lives supporting us", a UK government spokesperson said in an emailed statement late on Friday. ALSO READ | Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings "This is why we are calling on all councils who have not yet come forward with a firm offer of support to help Afghan nationals and their families as they build a new life here in safety", the spokesperson said. The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that around 30 councils have refused to take any Afghan refugees who have arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban. An initial request from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities was met with push back from around 10% of England's 333 councils, the newspaper had reported. "We do not recognise these figures", the government spokesperson said in response to the report. ALSO READ | UN issues urgent appeal to help drought-hit Afghan farmers "Councils in England, Scotland and Wales will have access to a share of an additional £5 million to help them provide the necessary housing and support to Afghans who have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but who now face threats of persecution or worse," the statement added. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in mid-August from a U.S.-backed government, sending thousands fleeing and potentially heralding a return to the militants' austere and autocratic rule of two decades ago. Britain has so far evacuated more than more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals, the defence ministry said late on Friday.

UK says more can be done for Afghans who have arrived in Britain

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice.

The discovery comes as a battle is looming among Arctic nations the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway for control of the North Pole some 700 km (435 miles) to the north and of the surrounding seabed, fishing rights and shipping routes exposed by melting ice due to climate change.

"It was not our intention to discover a new island," polar explorer and head of the Arctic Station research facility in Greenland, Morten Rasch, told Reuters. "We just went there to collect samples." 
The scientists initially thought they had arrived at Oodaaq, an island discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. Only later, when checking the exact location, they realized they had visited another island 780 metres northwest.

"Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island," said Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition.

"It`s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they`d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place."

The small island, measuring roughly 30 metres across and a peak of about three metres, consists of seabed mud as well as moraine - soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. The team said they would recommend it is named "Qeqertaq Avannarleq", which means "the northernmost island" in Greenlandic.

Several U.S. expeditions in the area have in recent decades searched for the world`s northernmost island. In 2007, Arctic veteran Dennis Schmitt discovered a similar island close by.

Though it was exposed by shifting pack ice, the scientists said the island`s appearance now was not a direct consequence of global warming, which has been shrinking Greenland`s ice sheet.

Rene Forsberg, professor and head of geodynamics at Denmark`s National Space Institute, said the area north of Greenland has some of the thicket polar sea ice, though he added it was now 2-3 metres thick in summer, compared with 4 metres when he first visited as part of the expedition that discovered Oodaaq in 1978.

Any hope of extending territorial claims in the Arctic depends on whether it is in fact an island or a bank that may disappear again. An island need to remain above sea level at high tide.

"It meets the criteria of an island," said Forsberg. "This is currently the world`s northernmost land."

But Forsberg, an advisor to the Danish government, said it was unlikely to change Denmark`s territorial claim north of Greenland.

"These small island come and go," he said.

The discovery was first reported earlier on Friday by Danish newspaper Weekendavisen.

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice.

Scientists last month set foot on a tiny island off the coast of Greenland which they say is the world`s northernmost point of land and was revealed by shifting pack ice. The discovery comes as a battle is looming among Arctic nations the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark and Norway for control of the North Pole some 700 km (435 miles) to the north and of the surrounding seabed, fishing rights and shipping routes exposed by melting ice due to climate change. "It was not our intention to discover a new island," polar explorer and head of the Arctic Station research facility in Greenland, Morten Rasch, told Reuters. "We just went there to collect samples." The scientists initially thought they had arrived at Oodaaq, an island discovered by a Danish survey team in 1978. Only later, when checking the exact location, they realized they had visited another island 780 metres northwest. "Everybody was happy that we found what we thought was Oodaaq island," said Swiss entrepreneur Christiane Leister, creator of the Leister Foundation that financed the expedition. "It`s a bit like explorers in the past, who thought they`d landed in a certain place but actually found a totally different place." The small island, measuring roughly 30 metres across and a peak of about three metres, consists of seabed mud as well as moraine - soil and rock left behind by moving glaciers. The team said they would recommend it is named "Qeqertaq Avannarleq", which means "the northernmost island" in Greenlandic. Several U.S. expeditions in the area have in recent decades searched for the world`s northernmost island. In 2007, Arctic veteran Dennis Schmitt discovered a similar island close by. Though it was exposed by shifting pack ice, the scientists said the island`s appearance now was not a direct consequence of global warming, which has been shrinking Greenland`s ice sheet. Rene Forsberg, professor and head of geodynamics at Denmark`s National Space Institute, said the area north of Greenland has some of the thicket polar sea ice, though he added it was now 2-3 metres thick in summer, compared with 4 metres when he first visited as part of the expedition that discovered Oodaaq in 1978. Any hope of extending territorial claims in the Arctic depends on whether it is in fact an island or a bank that may disappear again. An island need to remain above sea level at high tide. "It meets the criteria of an island," said Forsberg. "This is currently the world`s northernmost land." But Forsberg, an advisor to the Danish government, said it was unlikely to change Denmark`s territorial claim north of Greenland. "These small island come and go," he said. The discovery was first reported earlier on Friday by Danish newspaper Weekendavisen.

Scientists discover ‘world’s northernmost island’ off Greenland’s coast

Britain’s Chief&nbsp;of&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Staff General&nbsp;Nick Carter said the British troops will end&nbsp;their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday,&nbsp;adding that&nbsp;“over&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;of Afghans&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;to&nbsp;resettlement&nbsp;in Britain are most&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to be left behind”.&nbsp;

“We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry, more&nbsp;than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals&nbsp;have been evacuated&nbsp;in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country.&nbsp;

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The General admitted that&nbsp;“not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

“It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,”&nbsp;Carter&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

“If they are able to get&nbsp;out&nbsp;they will always be&nbsp;welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added.&nbsp;

UK’s&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport.&nbsp;

Wallace&nbsp;had estimated&nbsp;that&nbsp;estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”.

Britain’s Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said the British troops will end their evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday, adding that “over hundreds of Afghans eligible to resettlement in Britain are most likely to be left behind”. “We have some civilian flights to take out, but it is very few now,” BBC quoted Carter as saying. “We’re reaching the end of the evacuation, which will take place during the course of today. And then it will be necessary to bring our troops out on the remaining aircraft,” he said. According to the defence ministry, more than 14,500 Afghan and British nationals have been evacuated in two weeks since the Taliban took control of the country. Also read | US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack The General admitted that “not everyone will get out”. “Not a day passes where I don’t have a tear in my eye over that,” he said. “It’s not how we hoped it would end, that’s absolutely right… I think we have done an extraordinary job to evacuate as many as we can but I’m afraid it’s absolutely heart-breaking we can’t get everybody out,” Carter said. “If they are able to get out they will always be welcome but the awful fact of life is difficult decisions have to be made,” he added. UK’s Defence Minister Ben Wallace on Friday said the nation was entering “the final hours of its evacuation” and would process only people who were already inside Kabul airport. Wallace had estimated that estimated between 800 and 1,100 Afghans who had worked with Britain and were eligible to leave the country would not make it through. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to end evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan on Saturday 

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel met with a group of Afghan refugees who arrived at London Heathrow Airport on Thursday. These evacuees were among the last to escape before two explosions struck near Kabul Airport.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel meets with Afghan evacuees arriving at Heathrow

As the Kabul is still trying to hold its ground after the deadly twin blasts near the international airport, Germany has announced a stop on its evacuation process.<o:p></o:p>

Germany’s Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, on Thursday, announced that the country has successfully pulled out all its soldiers from Afghanistan as its last evacuation flight took off from the Taliban-controlled country on Thursday.<o:p></o:p>

"All soldiers, members of the foreign ministry and federal police who have led this mission to a safe end for us on the ground have been flown out of Kabul," she said.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-twin-blasts-rock-kabul-13-killed-60-injured-at-afghanistan-evacuation-site-408582" hreflang="en">Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site</a></h2>

<o:p></o:p>

She also added that the Merkel government is "relieved that our soldiers who carried out this dangerous operation have safely left Afghan airspace."<o:p></o:p>

The minister clarified that the European nation has evacuated 5,347 people since August 15 — a day after Taliban took control of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

Germany’s&nbsp;Federal Defence Minister,&nbsp;Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer also added that a hospital plane has been kept on standby to fly to Kabul and help evacuate people who have been injure din the Kabul airport attack.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/evil-circles-taliban-condemns-kabul-airport-blast-408636">'Evil circles': Taliban condemns Kabul airport blast</a></o:p>

Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, assured that his government will continue evacuation despite the deadly attack.<o:p></o:p>

"We've been ready for it," he said of the attack. "We're going to continue with that operation, we're now coming towards the very end of it in any event."<o:p></o:p>

Assuring that swift action will be taken, he added, "We're going to work flat out... getting people through as fast as they can still, and we're going to keep going up until the last moment."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-blast-isis-bomber-carried-out-attack-408632">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kabul-airport-blast-isis-bomber-carried-out-attack-408632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UK’s ministry of defence has also confirmed that no UK troops were injured in the attack. "There have been no reported UK military or UK government casualties following the incidents in Kabul," the department tweeted. "UK forces are working closely with our partners to provide security and medical assistance."<o:p></o:p>

As the Kabul is still trying to hold its ground after the deadly twin blasts near the international airport, Germany has announced a stop on its evacuation process.

As the Kabul is still trying to hold its ground after the deadly twin blasts near the international airport, Germany has announced a stop on its evacuation process. Germany’s Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, on Thursday, announced that the country has successfully pulled out all its soldiers from Afghanistan as its last evacuation flight took off from the Taliban-controlled country on Thursday. "All soldiers, members of the foreign ministry and federal police who have led this mission to a safe end for us on the ground have been flown out of Kabul," she said. Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site She also added that the Merkel government is "relieved that our soldiers who carried out this dangerous operation have safely left Afghan airspace." The minister clarified that the European nation has evacuated 5,347 people since August 15 — a day after Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Germany’s Federal Defence Minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer also added that a hospital plane has been kept on standby to fly to Kabul and help evacuate people who have been injure din the Kabul airport attack. Also read | 'Evil circles': Taliban condemns Kabul airport blast Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, assured that his government will continue evacuation despite the deadly attack. "We've been ready for it," he said of the attack. "We're going to continue with that operation, we're now coming towards the very end of it in any event." Assuring that swift action will be taken, he added, "We're going to work flat out... getting people through as fast as they can still, and we're going to keep going up until the last moment." WATCH | UK’s ministry of defence has also confirmed that no UK troops were injured in the attack. "There have been no reported UK military or UK government casualties following the incidents in Kabul," the department tweeted. "UK forces are working closely with our partners to provide security and medical assistance."

Germany completes evacuation from Afghanistan; UK to continue rescue operation

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Western nations warned their citizens on August 26 to immediately leave the surrounds of Kabul airport over a terrorist threat, as thousands of people try to reach a dwindling number of evacuation flights.

Western Nations warn of terror attack at Kabul airport

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No&nbsp;1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August&nbsp;31 deadline. 
 
"What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations.

Watch:&nbsp;Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed

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"The No&nbsp;1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. 
 
"Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/joe-biden-says-us-on-pace-to-end-afghan-mission-by-august-31-408146">Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31</a> 
 
The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. 
 
Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. 
 
"What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. 
 
Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US&nbsp;President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US&nbsp;troops remaining in Afghanistan. 
 
"Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the G7 had agreed a plan to deal with the Taliban, with the No 1 condition being that militants must allow safe passage to Afghans wanting to leave the country even after an August 31 deadline. "What we've done today, the G7, is we've ... agreed not just a joint approach to dealing with the evacuation, but also a road map for the way in which we`re going to engage with the Taliban," Johnson said after an emergency virtual meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations. Watch: Afghanistan refugees in Pakistan say hopes of returning home dashed × "The No 1 condition we're setting as G7 is that they've got to guarantee right the way through, through August 31 and beyond, safe passage for those who want to come out", he added. "Some of them will say that they don't accept that, some of them I hope will see the sense of that, because the G7 has very considerable leverage, economic, diplomatic and political." Also Read: Joe Biden says US 'on pace' to end Afghan mission by August 31 The Guardian newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Britain's evacuation from Kabul is expected to end within "24 to 36 hours". It cited unidentified defence sources. Johnson said the "huge leverage" the G7 could wield over the Taliban after they seized control of the country just over a week ago included withholding substantial funds. "What we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," he said. Johnson sidestepped a question about whether other G7 leaders had expressed frustration at US President Joe Biden over his handling of the crisis and refusal to extend the deadline for US troops remaining in Afghanistan. "Let's be clear the immediate phase of the evacuation is actually ... a very considerable success by the military," he said. "We're confident we can get thousands more out. But the situation at the airport is not getting any better. It's harrowing scenes for those who are trying to get out."

UK PM Johnson says G7 agreed Taliban must allow departures after Aug 31

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Not everyone will get out of Afghanistan within August 31 deadline, warn UK, Spain

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had called a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting for Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan and urged governments to find ways to prevent conditions from getting worse.

Britain calls virtual G7 meeting on Afghanistan crisis

Mastercard faces UK’s biggest class action trial over its payment fees.

Mastercard faces UK’s biggest class action trial over its payment fees

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor.

The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials.

The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency.

These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required.

Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor. The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials. The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency. These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required. Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

Guards at UK Kabul embassy told they are not eligible for British protection

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Gravitas: Mastercard sued on behalf of 46 million customers

Some 20,000 Afghans are to be welcomed into the UK over the coming years as part of a scheme to provide sanctuary for those most at risk of persecution by the Taliban.

UK plans to welcome Afghan refugees as part of its scheme

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has been facing backlash after it was reported that help for Afghan interpreters was delayed because he was on holiday. The opposition has accused the leader of putting interpreters’ lives at risk in Afghanistan.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab criticised for failing to make an urgent call

The United Kingdom has said that it aims to start negotiations for a trade agreement with India by the end of the year. "We are currently in the pre-ngotiation scoping phase of an FTA (free trade agreement), with the aim of starting negotiations by the end of this year," a spokesperson for Britain's Department for International Trade said.

United Kingdom  aims to start negotiations for a trade agreement with India by end of the year

The British government said it would take in upto 5,000 refugees this year under the Afghanistan resettlement programme, rising to up to 20,000 in the long term. The programme will prioritise women, girls and other minorities.

UK to accept upto 5,000 refugees this year under Afghan resettlement scheme

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. 
 
The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. 
 
The decision by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US&nbsp;allies. 
 
The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. 
 
As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. 
 
A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. The decision by US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US allies. The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Biden, Johnson discuss Afghanistan on call, agree to hold G7 meeting

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