As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London.

Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.&nbsp;

There were a lot of videos of partially submerged vehicles in southwest London on social media, with more heavy rain set to fall as a band of thunderstorms made its way across southeast England. The Met has issued amber weather warning London and surrounding counties until 7 pm local time

It warned there was a risk of lightning strikes and flooding, with up to 10 centimetres (four inches) of rain forecast to fall in some areas, almost double the monthly average for July.

Police closed a road near Queenstown Road station in southwest London, where three double-decker London buses were stuck under a railway bridge, according to an AFP journalist.

A driver, who gave his name as Eric, said &nbsp;passengers had to get off after his bus started taking on water.&nbsp;

Other motorists in Walthamstow, northeast London, abandoned their vehicles as the rain hammered down.

Police said they were "currently dealing with numerous floods in the east," warning that tunnels and roundabouts were submerged.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London. Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London. Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. There were a lot of videos of partially submerged vehicles in southwest London on social media, with more heavy rain set to fall as a band of thunderstorms made its way across southeast England. The Met has issued amber weather warning London and surrounding counties until 7 pm local time It warned there was a risk of lightning strikes and flooding, with up to 10 centimetres (four inches) of rain forecast to fall in some areas, almost double the monthly average for July. Police closed a road near Queenstown Road station in southwest London, where three double-decker London buses were stuck under a railway bridge, according to an AFP journalist. A driver, who gave his name as Eric, said passengers had to get off after his bus started taking on water. Other motorists in Walthamstow, northeast London, abandoned their vehicles as the rain hammered down. Police said they were "currently dealing with numerous floods in the east," warning that tunnels and roundabouts were submerged. (With inputs from agencies)

Thunderstorms flood London streets, Tube stations and hospitals hit

The British government will be&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;to financial&nbsp;risks&nbsp;from its 372 billion pound&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;spending for&nbsp;decades, according to lawmakers'&nbsp;reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

In two&nbsp;reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022.

"With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period&nbsp;of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said.

"The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new&nbsp;risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-is-letting-people-get-infected-by-covid-aide-claims-400358">Also read |&nbsp;UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims</a>

The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;as an example of the ongoing financial risk.

In a second&nbsp;report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money.

The government said only 0.84 per cent&nbsp;of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service.

"There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said.

The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;needed to start immediately.

&nbsp;

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment. In two reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19 pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022. "With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said. "The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage." Also read | UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the pandemic as an example of the ongoing financial risk. In a second report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money. The government said only 0.84 per cent of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service. "There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said. The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the pandemic needed to start immediately.

UK will be exposed to paying pandemic cost risks for decades: Report

UNESCO confirmed that Stonehenge could be stripped of its world heritage site status, over its concern that a road tunnel, backed by the govt, would damage the area. The UK is eroding its global reputation for conserving its “unparalleled” historic assets with Stonehenge expected to be next in line to lose its coveted World Heritage status after Liverpool.

UNESCO slams UK govt for approving plan that could strip Stonehenge's world heritage site status

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status.&nbsp;

Sites expected to come under the scrutiny of the body include Stonehenge, Edinburgh’s new and old towns, the Tower of London and Cornwall’s historic mining area.

The president of World Heritage UK, Chris Blandford, has complained that there was a “low awareness at the government level” of the importance of the country’s Unesco sites.&nbsp;

He further said many were critically underfunded and that ministers had shown a “great reluctance to want to make the most of our World Heritage offer”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liverpool-removed-from-unescos-heritage-list-due-to-overdevelopment-399460">Also read |&nbsp;Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment'</a>

However, the UNESCO chiefs criticised the UK government for failing to “fulfil its obligations” to protect Liverpool’s Victorian waterfront. They also&nbsp;blamed years of development for an “irreversible loss” to its historic value.

Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years.

"It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said.

Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city.

However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium. 
&nbsp;

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status.

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status. Sites expected to come under the scrutiny of the body include Stonehenge, Edinburgh’s new and old towns, the Tower of London and Cornwall’s historic mining area. The president of World Heritage UK, Chris Blandford, has complained that there was a “low awareness at the government level” of the importance of the country’s Unesco sites. He further said many were critically underfunded and that ministers had shown a “great reluctance to want to make the most of our World Heritage offer”. Also read | Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment' However, the UNESCO chiefs criticised the UK government for failing to “fulfil its obligations” to protect Liverpool’s Victorian waterfront. They also blamed years of development for an “irreversible loss” to its historic value. Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years. "It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said. Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city. However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium.

Stonehenge could lose world heritage status, here is why

After staff shortages in the food sector&nbsp;which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> case.&nbsp;

A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home.

Also read |&nbsp;All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain

Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves.&nbsp;

According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It&nbsp;includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories&nbsp;and bread manufacturing sites.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers.

In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves.

Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests.

The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week.

Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-launch-daily-covid-19-tests-in-food-sector-to-tackle-pingdemic-399920">UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic'</a>

A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January.

At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required.

(With inputs from agencies)

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case.

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case. A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home. Also read | All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves. According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories and bread manufacturing sites. Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers. In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves. Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests. The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week. Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday. Also read | UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic' A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January. At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required. (With inputs from agencies)

UK food sector workers exempt from self-isolation rules

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-calls-danish-siddiquis-father-and-extends-condolences-399792">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan president calls Danish Siddiqui's father and extends condolences</a>

"Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said.

During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. "Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here. Also read | Afghan president calls Danish Siddiqui's father and extends condolences "Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said. During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will visit UK on July 23-24

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday. 
 
Some supermarkets are facing shortages of specific products - mainly those in demand in hot weather - and some petrol stations have had to close after the health app told workers to isolate following contact with someone with the virus. 
 
British newspapers carried front-page pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets, declaring a "pingdemic". 
 
With cases rising to nearly 50,000 a day in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of people have been advised - or "pinged" - by the National Health Service`s contact-tracing app to isolate for 10 days. 
 
The government said priority testing sites would be set up at the largest supermarket distribution centres this week, and up to 500 sites would start next week. 
 
"As we manage this virus and do everything we can to break chains of transmission, daily contact testing of workers in this vital sector will help to minimise the disruption caused by rising cases in the coming weeks, while ensuring workers are not put at risk," Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. 
 
Contact testing is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people infected by being in proximity to someone with the virus, either via the app or human contact tracers, but who have no symptoms themselves.

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday.

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday. Some supermarkets are facing shortages of specific products - mainly those in demand in hot weather - and some petrol stations have had to close after the health app told workers to isolate following contact with someone with the virus. British newspapers carried front-page pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets, declaring a "pingdemic". With cases rising to nearly 50,000 a day in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of people have been advised - or "pinged" - by the National Health Service`s contact-tracing app to isolate for 10 days. The government said priority testing sites would be set up at the largest supermarket distribution centres this week, and up to 500 sites would start next week. "As we manage this virus and do everything we can to break chains of transmission, daily contact testing of workers in this vital sector will help to minimise the disruption caused by rising cases in the coming weeks, while ensuring workers are not put at risk," Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. Contact testing is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people infected by being in proximity to someone with the virus, either via the app or human contact tracers, but who have no symptoms themselves.

UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic'

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile.

An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270.

The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison.

The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit.

The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored.

According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc.

The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions.

Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfire-aftermath-new-york-air-quality-is-now-among-the-worst-in-world-399626">Also read |&nbsp;Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world</a>

Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say.

Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says.

O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump.

Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him.

A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday. It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile. An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270. The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison. The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit. The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored. According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions. Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers." Also read | Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say. Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says. O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump. Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him. A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

UK citizen arrested in Spain for role in 2020 Twitter hack that targeted Biden, Obama, Musk, Karadashian

The Met Office has issued new extreme heat weather warnings for the first time for parts of the UK. The temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday. The office warns of the potential impact of the heat on people's health, as the UK experiences a prolonged period of sweltering conditions.

The Met Office has issued new extreme heat weather warnings for the first time for parts of the UK. The temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday. The office warns of the potential impact of the heat on people's health, as the UK experiences a prolonged period of sweltering conditions. Steven Ramsdale, from the Met Office, was quoted by BBC saying, "The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week. Many areas will continue to reach heatwave thresholds but the amber extreme heat warning focuses on western areas where the most unusually high temperatures are likely to persist". Meanwhile, in a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days. Also read | No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada Being deemed as a 'heat dome', it has caused temperatures to rise to almost 50C in Canada and has been linked to hundreds of deaths, melted power lines, buckled roads and wildfires. At least 300 sudden deaths have been reported in Canada, as the country recorded its highest ever temperature amid scorching conditions that extended to the US Pacific Northwest. Sir David King, the former UK chief scientific adviser, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "Nowhere is safe … who would have predicted a temperature of 48/49C in British Columbia? He added, "The risks have been understood and known for so long and we have not acted, now we have a very narrow timeline for us to manage the problem".

Met Office now issues new UK extreme heat warning

The UK government has urged the European Union to rewrite the trade deal with Northern Ireland. However, the European Union said that it would not agree to renegotiate the terms of the 2019 deal.

Brexit: UK calls for changes in Northern Ireland Protocol, EU rejects demand

Scientific advisers have warned UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he should be prepared to act in the first week of August to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed by the end of that month with Covid cases spiraling out of control.

Scientific advisers have warned UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he should be prepared to act in the first week of August to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed by the end of that month with Covid cases spiraling out of control. They cautioned that the restrictions could be reimposed in just three weeks if cases continue to soar. It has been suggested that UK daily hospitalisations at the peak of the third wave, which is expected at the end of August, could be between 1,000 and 2,000, with deaths predicted to be between 100 and 200 per day. However, six weeks before the peak, in July, there were 745 patients admitted to hospitals in the UK in a day. The figure continued to rise even before the day all restrictions were lifted. Also read | Vaccination proof to be mandatory in nightclubs from September: UK government The scientists have also advised that some non-pharmaceutical measures should be reintroduced. This includes mandatory face masks and advice to work from home. Meanwhile, Johnson said the government is planning to make proof of vaccination mandatory for people to enter nightclubs and other crowded places from September. "Proof of a negative test will no longer be enough," PM Johnson said while referring to entry requirements for nightclubs in England from September. "We're planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather," Johnson added.

Scientists warn that UK COVID-19 restrictions could return after three weeks

A new report by the UK Home Office revealed that hate crimes surged 7% in Britain last year. But the government has given itself a clean chit, calling the UK an example for other white-majority countries. What explains this British denial?

Gravitas: UK:  Hate crimes doubled in 6 years

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday.

Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record.

A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers.

"I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-seen-this-before-britain-france-spain-witness-surge-in-covid-19-cases-399293">Also read |&nbsp;'Never seen this before': Britain, France &amp; Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases&nbsp;</a>

"However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control."

An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge.

"Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report.

Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation.

At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions.

But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record. A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers. "I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data. Also read | 'Never seen this before': Britain, France & Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases "However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control." An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge. "Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report. Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation. At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions. But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK borrowing drops as lockdowns ease, reveals data

The country is celebrating the end of Covid restrictions - while new cases are rising, the country's Health Minister has tested positive, and PM Boris Johnson is forced to self-isolate.

Gravitas: UK drops all Covid restrictions

The UK government has warned that there will be an increase in COVID-19 deaths in the coming weeks. This warning comes as England celebrated the lifting of nearly all COVID-19 restrictions after over a year.

UK Govt: Will see an increase in COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks

According to a report, the proportion of women on the board at 200 of Britain’s top financial firms has risen to nearly a third in the five years since the government launched an initiative to improve gender balance in the sector.

World Business Watch: Report says women make up nearly a third of financial service firm boards

Lockdown restrictions ease in England after more than a year but with cases surging UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to remain cautious. Johnson himself remains in isolation after the British Health Minister contracted the virus.

England comes out of COVID-19 lockdown, PM Johnson urges caution

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working. 
 
The U-turn comes a day after health minister Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and at a time when the government's coronavirus response is under intense scrutiny. 
 
Almost all remaining restrictions in England will be lifted on Monday despite a surge in infections as ministers put their faith in the advanced vaccine programme. 
 
Cases are rising by more than 50,000 a day and hundreds of thousands of Britons are being asked to self isolate for 10 days, causing havoc for employers and parents, prompting train cancellations and forcing some businesses to close their doors. 
 
The government announced at 0700 GMT that Johnson and Sunak had been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and would take part in a trial scheme that allowed them to keep working instead of self-isolating. 
 
But less than three hours later that decision had been reversed after a flurry of criticism from voters, political opponents and business owners. 
 
"We did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme... but I think it's far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules," Johnson said in a video message from his country residence, where he will isolate until July 26. 
 
The Telegraph reported late on Sunday that ministers were urging Johnson to ditch the requirement for fully-vaccinated people to self-isolate entirely. 
 
Opposition politicians had said it was hypocritical for Johnson and Sunak to have tried to exempt themselves from some of the rules. 
 
"Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them," said Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. 
 
Sunak also acknowledged the backlash over their initial decision. 
 
"I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong," he said on Twitter. 
 
The government's handling of the pandemic has been dogged with episodes that have damaged public trust - most recently when then-health minister Matt Hancock was pictured kissing an adviser, in breach of social distancing regulations. He later resigned. 
 
Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the government would go ahead with its "freedom day" plan on Monday, removing the requirement to wear face masks, lifting limits on social gatherings and allowing high-risk businesses to reopen. 
 
Johnson used his video message to plead with the public to take a cautious approach to the change of rules. 
 
"Please, please, please, be cautious," he said. 
 
"Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people, for the risks that the disease continues to present and, above all, please, please, please when you`re asked to get that second jab ... please come forward and do it." 
 
Ministers argue that the vaccination programme, under which 87.8% of the adult population has had one vaccine dose and 67.8% have been double vaccinated, has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. 
 
"The last time we had cases at the level we do today, the number of people dying from the virus was 30 times the number it is today," Jenrick told the BBC.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working. The U-turn comes a day after health minister Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and at a time when the government's coronavirus response is under intense scrutiny. Almost all remaining restrictions in England will be lifted on Monday despite a surge in infections as ministers put their faith in the advanced vaccine programme. Cases are rising by more than 50,000 a day and hundreds of thousands of Britons are being asked to self isolate for 10 days, causing havoc for employers and parents, prompting train cancellations and forcing some businesses to close their doors. The government announced at 0700 GMT that Johnson and Sunak had been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and would take part in a trial scheme that allowed them to keep working instead of self-isolating. But less than three hours later that decision had been reversed after a flurry of criticism from voters, political opponents and business owners. "We did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme... but I think it's far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules," Johnson said in a video message from his country residence, where he will isolate until July 26. The Telegraph reported late on Sunday that ministers were urging Johnson to ditch the requirement for fully-vaccinated people to self-isolate entirely. Opposition politicians had said it was hypocritical for Johnson and Sunak to have tried to exempt themselves from some of the rules. "Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them," said Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. Sunak also acknowledged the backlash over their initial decision. "I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong," he said on Twitter. The government's handling of the pandemic has been dogged with episodes that have damaged public trust - most recently when then-health minister Matt Hancock was pictured kissing an adviser, in breach of social distancing regulations. He later resigned. Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the government would go ahead with its "freedom day" plan on Monday, removing the requirement to wear face masks, lifting limits on social gatherings and allowing high-risk businesses to reopen. Johnson used his video message to plead with the public to take a cautious approach to the change of rules. "Please, please, please, be cautious," he said. "Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people, for the risks that the disease continues to present and, above all, please, please, please when you`re asked to get that second jab ... please come forward and do it." Ministers argue that the vaccination programme, under which 87.8% of the adult population has had one vaccine dose and 67.8% have been double vaccinated, has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. "The last time we had cases at the level we do today, the number of people dying from the virus was 30 times the number it is today," Jenrick told the BBC.

UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England.

Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions.

After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19.

Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions.

Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses".

Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport.

British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history.

Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid.

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions. After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19. Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions. Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses". Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history. Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions

End of COVID-19 restrictions make London clubbers go gaga

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. 
 
Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. 
 
Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. 
 
However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. 
 
“They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” 
 
Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. 
 
The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. 
 
The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. 
 
The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. 
 
In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. “The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. “They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

UK PM, finance minister exposed to COVID-19, confined to office work

UK to ditch most COVID-19 curbs despite recording over 50,000 cases in 24 hours - its highest in six months. Nearly 1,200 health experts have slammed the unlocking plans, calling it "a threat to the world".

England's COVID unlocking is a threat to world, say experts

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route. This route goes up to Ben Nevis peak in the UK.

Scottish Mountaineering charities are lashing out at Google Maps. A trust that looks after upper reaches of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, has said that when a hiker searches for way to the peak and opts for and option of car, Google Maps suggests the nearest car park from the peak and recommends walking after that.

It is this distance to be covered by walking that has drawn the ire of mountaineering associations. Safety advisers have been quoted in media reports as saying that this path is treacherous, too steep and very hard to follow even when the visibility is good. Add a little rain and low clouds, and this path become "potentially fatal"

The charities and associations have attempted to contact Google, but they have not received any answer.

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route.

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route. This route goes up to Ben Nevis peak in the UK. Scottish Mountaineering charities are lashing out at Google Maps. A trust that looks after upper reaches of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, has said that when a hiker searches for way to the peak and opts for and option of car, Google Maps suggests the nearest car park from the peak and recommends walking after that. It is this distance to be covered by walking that has drawn the ire of mountaineering associations. Safety advisers have been quoted in media reports as saying that this path is treacherous, too steep and very hard to follow even when the visibility is good. Add a little rain and low clouds, and this path become "potentially fatal" The charities and associations have attempted to contact Google, but they have not received any answer.

Google Maps criticised for showing 'fatal' route to Ben Nevis peak

Travellers returning to England from the&nbsp;Balearic&nbsp;Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules.

It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list.

After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-you-crawl-back-under-the-rock-uk-pm-johnson-condemns-racial-abuse-of-england-football-stars-397699">Also read |&nbsp;I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars</a>

Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber.

The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel.

"Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said.

The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers. Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules. It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list. After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days. Also read | I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber. The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel. "Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said. The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

UK adds Balearic Islands to amber list in blow to younger tourists

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. 
 
However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-take-a-stand-against-them-taliban-warns-turkey-over-involvement-in-kabul-airport-397830">Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport</a>

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. 
 
Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. 
 
In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. 
 
"What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. 
 
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-22-afghan-commandos-after-they-try-to-surrender-report-397798">Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report&nbsp;</a>

Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. 
 
Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. 
 
Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. "Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Also Read | Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. "What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. "You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added. Also Read | Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

British defence minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report

As part of a broader package of green initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions from all forms of transport ten years later, Britain will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel heavy good vehicles from 2040.

World Business Watch: Britain to ban sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles from 2040

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson kicked off a debate ahead of the parliamentary vote regarding the government's decision to cut the country's overseas aid spending by around 4 billion pounds a year.

Boris Johnson defends proposal to cut UK foreign aid spending

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday condemned the racist abuse directed at three Black England players who missed their penalties in the team’s shootout loss to Italy in the final of the European Championship.

Euro 2020: England players face racial abuse after defeat, PM condemns behaviour

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that all remaining lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted in a week's time. Johnson has also urged people to proceed with caution and continue to take steps to stay safe.

UK PM Johnson outlines end to virus restrictions despite rise in cases

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom',&nbsp;Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact&nbsp;and the instruction to work from home&nbsp;earlier this week.

The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." 
 
"Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." 
 
Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. 
 
Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. 
 
The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19. On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom', Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact and the instruction to work from home earlier this week. The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." "Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up. (With inputs from agencies)

As England set for rule easing, PM Johnson warns pandemic not over

The UK vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is confident that plans to lift a range of COVID-19 restrictions will go ahead on July 19 in England but mask-wearing in indoor enclosed places will be expected.

UK govt to lift range of COVID-19 restrictions from July 19

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