London and UK are in the grips of heavy winter, with Storm Darcy bringing the mercury down to -20C in some parts of the country. The extreme freeze has had a marked effect in London as large parts of river Thames have frozen for the first time since 1963. London has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures. UK experienced coldest night in 25 years on Friday.

Even in the face of harsh winter, Thames has been not given to freezing usually. And it is exactly why the freeze this time is creating so much of buzz and excitement. Images of frozen surface of the Thames in Teddington (southwest London) are doing rounds on social media. Spokesperson for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) joked that they would have to use icebreakers in order to abe able to operate lifeboats in the Thames.

Extreme cold has had effect on transport around London. Train services have had to be cancelled. Travelling by roads has become dangerous due to heavy snow deposits.

It was a regular occurrence for the Thames to freeze during winters centuries ago. It was during this time the 'frost fairs' would be held on the ice. It was so thick that even elephants could walk across the ice sheet. Last of such fairs was held in the year 1814.

London and UK are in the grips of heavy winter, with Storm Darcy bringing the mercury down to -20C in some parts of the country. The extreme freeze has had a marked effect in London as large parts of river Thames have frozen for the first time since 1963.

London and UK are in the grips of heavy winter, with Storm Darcy bringing the mercury down to -20C in some parts of the country. The extreme freeze has had a marked effect in London as large parts of river Thames have frozen for the first time since 1963. London has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures. UK experienced coldest night in 25 years on Friday. Even in the face of harsh winter, Thames has been not given to freezing usually. And it is exactly why the freeze this time is creating so much of buzz and excitement. Images of frozen surface of the Thames in Teddington (southwest London) are doing rounds on social media. Spokesperson for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) joked that they would have to use icebreakers in order to abe able to operate lifeboats in the Thames. Extreme cold has had effect on transport around London. Train services have had to be cancelled. Travelling by roads has become dangerous due to heavy snow deposits. It was a regular occurrence for the Thames to freeze during winters centuries ago. It was during this time the 'frost fairs' would be held on the ice. It was so thick that even elephants could walk across the ice sheet. Last of such fairs was held in the year 1814.

Parts of river Thames freeze for first time in 60 years

Meghan, Britain`s Duchess of Sussex, said on Thursday the pain caused by the Mail on Sunday newspaper and its publisher ran deep, saying the courts had held them to account for their "illegal and dehumanizing practices". 
 
After a judge ruled the newspaper had breached her privacy, the British royal said, "After two long years of pursuing litigation, I am grateful to the courts for holding Associated Newspapers and The Mail on Sunday to account for their illegal and dehumanizing practices. 
 
"These tactics (and those of their sister publications MailOnline and the Daily Mail) are not new; in fact, they’ve been going on for far too long without consequence. The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep," she said in a statement.&nbsp;

Meghan, 39, the wife of Queen Elizabeth`s grandson Prince Harry, has sued publisher Associated Newspapers after its Mail on Sunday tabloid printed extracts of the handwritten letter she sent to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in August 2018. 
 
She says the articles breached her privacy and copyright, and last month her lawyers asked London High Court judge Mark Warby to rule in her favour without the need for trial later this year, arguing the paper had no chance of winning.&nbsp; 
 
Meghan wrote the five-page letter to Markle after their relationship collapsed in the run-up to her glittering wedding to Harry in May 2018, which her father missed due to ill health and after he admitted posing for paparazzi pictures. The Mail published extracts in Feb. 2019 and has argued it did so to allow Markle to respond to comments made by Meghan`s anonymous friends in interviews with the US magazine People.

Meghan, Britain`s Duchess of Sussex, said on Thursday the pain caused by the Mail on Sunday newspaper and its publisher ran deep, saying the courts had held them to account for their "illegal and dehumanizing practices".

Meghan, Britain`s Duchess of Sussex, said on Thursday the pain caused by the Mail on Sunday newspaper and its publisher ran deep, saying the courts had held them to account for their "illegal and dehumanizing practices". After a judge ruled the newspaper had breached her privacy, the British royal said, "After two long years of pursuing litigation, I am grateful to the courts for holding Associated Newspapers and The Mail on Sunday to account for their illegal and dehumanizing practices. "These tactics (and those of their sister publications MailOnline and the Daily Mail) are not new; in fact, they’ve been going on for far too long without consequence. The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep," she said in a statement. Meghan, 39, the wife of Queen Elizabeth`s grandson Prince Harry, has sued publisher Associated Newspapers after its Mail on Sunday tabloid printed extracts of the handwritten letter she sent to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in August 2018. She says the articles breached her privacy and copyright, and last month her lawyers asked London High Court judge Mark Warby to rule in her favour without the need for trial later this year, arguing the paper had no chance of winning. Meghan wrote the five-page letter to Markle after their relationship collapsed in the run-up to her glittering wedding to Harry in May 2018, which her father missed due to ill health and after he admitted posing for paparazzi pictures. The Mail published extracts in Feb. 2019 and has argued it did so to allow Markle to respond to comments made by Meghan`s anonymous friends in interviews with the US magazine People.

UK's Duchess Meghan says pain caused by tabloid paper runs deep

Coronavirus has killed more than 2 million people globally and alter the lives of billions. COVID-19 variant first found in the British region of Kent is now becoming a concern because it could undermine the protection given by vaccines against developing coronavirus antibodies.

Coronavirus Updates: 'UK COVID-19 variant likely to sweep the world'

Professor Sharon Peacock, head of the Covid-19 Genomics UK (Cog-UK) Consortium said the variant 'is going to sweep the world.

Kent Covid variant is going to sweep the world, says Professor Peacock

Temperatures plunged to their lowest so far this winter as a weather system forecasters have widely dubbed the "Beast from the East"

UK records lowest temperature in the decade as snowstorm hits Europe

The WHO has also been monitoring two additional coronavirus strains that are actively spreading in UK's Bristol and Liverpool.

2 new Covid variants detected in UK's Liverpool and Bristol

The discovery of two new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;variants in the UK has led to authorities reclassifying the strains as concerns across the country.&nbsp;

The two new mutations of coronavirus found in Bristol and Liverpool have been reclassified as "variant of concern" and "variant under investigation" respectively by the British government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-finds-more-coronavirus-cases-with-concerning-mutation-361033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Public Health England has reported at least 55 cases of the Liverpool mutation and 14 cases of the Bristol variant, reports The Sun.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-let-long-covid-fall-through-the-cracks-who-warns-362512">Don't let Long Covid 'fall through the cracks', WHO warns</a>

Both the variants contain E484K mutation that has been located in the South African and Brazilian variants and can make the Covid-19 vaccine ineffective.&nbsp;

Last week, mass testing was announced in Liverpool and Bristol where the cases of South African variant have risen.&nbsp;

The British government is expected to confirm that travellers arriving in the UK from abroad will have to undergo two coronavirus tests while in quarantine.&nbsp;

"Enhancing our testing regime to cover all arrivals while they isolate will provide a further level of protection and enable us to better track any new cases which might be brought into the country, and give us even more opportunities to detect new variants," a spokesman was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing severe criticism over laxity to test international flyers that have led to a rise in cases of various variants identified abroad.&nbsp;

Under new lockdown rules, travellers coming from 33 countries, including South Africa and all South American nations are banned from entering the UK.&nbsp;

The discovery of two new coronavirus variants in the UK has led to authorities reclassifying the strains as concerns across the country. The two new mutations of coronavirus found in Bristol and Liverpool have been reclassified as "variant of concern" and "variant under investigation" respectively by the British government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) on Tuesday.

The discovery of two new coronavirus variants in the UK has led to authorities reclassifying the strains as concerns across the country. The two new mutations of coronavirus found in Bristol and Liverpool have been reclassified as "variant of concern" and "variant under investigation" respectively by the British government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) on Tuesday. Watch | Public Health England has reported at least 55 cases of the Liverpool mutation and 14 cases of the Bristol variant, reports The Sun. Also read | Don't let Long Covid 'fall through the cracks', WHO warns Both the variants contain E484K mutation that has been located in the South African and Brazilian variants and can make the Covid-19 vaccine ineffective. Last week, mass testing was announced in Liverpool and Bristol where the cases of South African variant have risen. The British government is expected to confirm that travellers arriving in the UK from abroad will have to undergo two coronavirus tests while in quarantine. "Enhancing our testing regime to cover all arrivals while they isolate will provide a further level of protection and enable us to better track any new cases which might be brought into the country, and give us even more opportunities to detect new variants," a spokesman was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing severe criticism over laxity to test international flyers that have led to a rise in cases of various variants identified abroad. Under new lockdown rules, travellers coming from 33 countries, including South Africa and all South American nations are banned from entering the UK.

UK finds two new mutations of coronavirus amid virus surge

Travellers arriving in Britain from abroad will have to take two coronavirus tests during quarantine, the government is expected to confirm on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to announce that people told to isolate at home will be required to get a test two and eight days into a mandatory 10-day quarantine period.&nbsp;

The new measures, which critics say come too late to curb the spread of the virus, are aimed at halting new variants.&nbsp;

But the health ministry said Britain's response had been informed by experts leading to 'some of the toughest border regimes in the world'.&nbsp;

"Enhancing our testing regime to cover all arrivals while they isolate will provide a further level of protection and enable us to better track any new cases which might be brought into the country, and give us even more opportunities to detect new variants," a spokesman said.&nbsp;

Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed that announcements on the new quarantine regime would be made in Parliament later on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"We have to be ever mindful of the risk of other variants entering the country," he said. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been under pressure to tighten rules for international travellers, following criticism the regime was too lax.&nbsp;

New mandatory hotel quarantine rules for travellers returning from dozens of countries deemed 'high risk' from Covid-19 are due to start from February 15.&nbsp;

The new rules will require all UK citizens and permanent residents returning from countries on a travel ban list to self-isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. &nbsp;

Other visitors from the 33 countries currently on the list, which includes all South American nations and South Africa, are currently barred from visiting Britain under virus lockdown rules.&nbsp;

Travellers arriving in Britain from abroad will have to take two coronavirus tests during quarantine, the government is expected to confirm on Tuesday. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to announce that people told to isolate at home will be required to get a test two and eight days into a mandatory 10-day quarantine period.

Travellers arriving in Britain from abroad will have to take two coronavirus tests during quarantine, the government is expected to confirm on Tuesday. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to announce that people told to isolate at home will be required to get a test two and eight days into a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. The new measures, which critics say come too late to curb the spread of the virus, are aimed at halting new variants. But the health ministry said Britain's response had been informed by experts leading to 'some of the toughest border regimes in the world'. "Enhancing our testing regime to cover all arrivals while they isolate will provide a further level of protection and enable us to better track any new cases which might be brought into the country, and give us even more opportunities to detect new variants," a spokesman said. Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed that announcements on the new quarantine regime would be made in Parliament later on Tuesday. "We have to be ever mindful of the risk of other variants entering the country," he said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been under pressure to tighten rules for international travellers, following criticism the regime was too lax. New mandatory hotel quarantine rules for travellers returning from dozens of countries deemed 'high risk' from Covid-19 are due to start from February 15. The new rules will require all UK citizens and permanent residents returning from countries on a travel ban list to self-isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. Other visitors from the 33 countries currently on the list, which includes all South American nations and South Africa, are currently barred from visiting Britain under virus lockdown rules.

UK travellers may have to undergo Covid tests in quarantine

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks.

Anyone in the UK can register with local doctors and get access to free frontline medical care, without having to worry about their immigration status in the country.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poorer-regions-of-uk-struggling-to-control-coronavirus-cases-study-361975">&nbsp;Poorer regions of UK struggling to control coronavirus cases: Study</a>

"Coronavirus vaccines will be offered to everyone living in the UK free of charge, regardless of immigration status," a spokeswoman for the government announced.

While the interior ministry receives regular data about the individuals who need to be deported due to their immigration status, this time the health ministry has directed the National Health Service (NHS) and the interior ministry that the people turning up for testing and/or treatment, including vaccination, should not be subjected to any immigration checks.

"Those registered with a GP (general practitioner) are being contacted at the earliest opportunity and we are working closely with partners and external organisations to contact those who are not registered with a GP to ensure they are also offered the vaccine," the government said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eeek-new-mutations-in-uk-worry-experts-as-virus-surge-continues-360992" hreflang="en">'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues</a>

This declaration has come at a time when the country is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus, especially after the identification of the new strain.

Britain was one fo the first countries to start the mass vaccination programme for its locals and has since vaccinated more than 11 million people. However, the country fears it will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating at least 15 million people by the end of this week.

For now, the Boris Johnson-led country is using the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines.

The government is urging undocumented immigrants to get registered with the local doctors and get checked, treated and vaccinated against the deadly virus. While it is not yet completely clear as to how many undocumented people are residing in the country, the figure is being assumed to be as high as 1.3 million.

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks.

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks. Anyone in the UK can register with local doctors and get access to free frontline medical care, without having to worry about their immigration status in the country. Also read| Poorer regions of UK struggling to control coronavirus cases: Study "Coronavirus vaccines will be offered to everyone living in the UK free of charge, regardless of immigration status," a spokeswoman for the government announced. While the interior ministry receives regular data about the individuals who need to be deported due to their immigration status, this time the health ministry has directed the National Health Service (NHS) and the interior ministry that the people turning up for testing and/or treatment, including vaccination, should not be subjected to any immigration checks. "Those registered with a GP (general practitioner) are being contacted at the earliest opportunity and we are working closely with partners and external organisations to contact those who are not registered with a GP to ensure they are also offered the vaccine," the government said. Also read| 'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues This declaration has come at a time when the country is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus, especially after the identification of the new strain. Britain was one fo the first countries to start the mass vaccination programme for its locals and has since vaccinated more than 11 million people. However, the country fears it will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating at least 15 million people by the end of this week. For now, the Boris Johnson-led country is using the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines. The government is urging undocumented immigrants to get registered with the local doctors and get checked, treated and vaccinated against the deadly virus. While it is not yet completely clear as to how many undocumented people are residing in the country, the figure is being assumed to be as high as 1.3 million.

Undocumented immigrants to get free access to COVID vaccines too: UK govt

The UK government has refrained from making a statement on the on going farmers protest in India. In the back drop of the protest Britain chose to interfere and said that the agricultural reform is India government's domestic policy issue.

WION Fineprint: UK govt refuses to comment on Indian Farmers' Protest

While the number of coronavirus cases has been decreasing in the UK, the same is not being observed for the poorer sections of the country.

According to the analysis of government data, the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people remained higher in the last week of January in the poorer sections of the country rather than the wealthy ones.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-may-have-contributed-to-emergence-of-coronavirus-in-china-study-361841" hreflang="en">Climate change may have contributed to emergence of coronavirus in China: Study</a>

This data, which has been verified by the House of Commons library and compiled by Labour from official statistics, has raised concerns. Scientists believe that when the lockdown ends if this trend continues and some areas have higher infection rates than others then the virus can spread and lead the country back to square one.

In several areas, the decline in cases was 9 per cent to 14 per cent, whereas the declining percentage was much higher (such as 70 per cent) in other well-off areas such as Oxford West and Abingdon constituency in the last week of January.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eeek-new-mutations-in-uk-worry-experts-as-virus-surge-continues-360992" hreflang="en">'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues</a>

Some experts believe this gap shows the incompetence of the Boris Johnson-led government which has allegedly failed to help the low-income groups of the country.

"Given we’re grappling with new, more infectious variants, some of which may partially evade vaccines, it’s now more urgent than ever this is fixed," Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s shadow health secretary said. "Without decent financial help, transmission chains won’t be broken in these areas. People will remain at risk of illness while Boris Johnson’s promise to ‘level up’ lies in tatters."

Scientists have also warned the rise in the danger level if people communicate from the better-off areas to these poorer regions that are in danger of higher infection rates.

While the number of coronavirus cases has been decreasing in the UK, the same is not being observed for the poorer sections of the country. According to the analysis of government data, the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people remained higher in the last week of January in the poorer sections of the country rather than the wealthy ones.

While the number of coronavirus cases has been decreasing in the UK, the same is not being observed for the poorer sections of the country. According to the analysis of government data, the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people remained higher in the last week of January in the poorer sections of the country rather than the wealthy ones. Also read| Climate change may have contributed to emergence of coronavirus in China: Study This data, which has been verified by the House of Commons library and compiled by Labour from official statistics, has raised concerns. Scientists believe that when the lockdown ends if this trend continues and some areas have higher infection rates than others then the virus can spread and lead the country back to square one. In several areas, the decline in cases was 9 per cent to 14 per cent, whereas the declining percentage was much higher (such as 70 per cent) in other well-off areas such as Oxford West and Abingdon constituency in the last week of January. Also read| 'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues Some experts believe this gap shows the incompetence of the Boris Johnson-led government which has allegedly failed to help the low-income groups of the country. "Given we’re grappling with new, more infectious variants, some of which may partially evade vaccines, it’s now more urgent than ever this is fixed," Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s shadow health secretary said. "Without decent financial help, transmission chains won’t be broken in these areas. People will remain at risk of illness while Boris Johnson’s promise to ‘level up’ lies in tatters." Scientists have also warned the rise in the danger level if people communicate from the better-off areas to these poorer regions that are in danger of higher infection rates.

Poorer regions of UK struggling to control coronavirus cases: Study

The United Kingdom has refused to make any statement over India's Farmers protest, stating 'it's India's domestic issue'. British official Nigel Adams says that 'we are aware of concerns in India and here in the UK about how these reforms might affect farming communities'

UK refuses to speak on farmers protest, says 'Its India's domestic matter'

Following first in-depth talks since President Joe Biden took office, the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Germany, and the United States on Friday said they wanted 'to revive' the transatlantic relationship. &nbsp;

In a statement, the German foreign ministry said, "The foreign ministers agreed that they want to revive the traditionally close transatlantic partnership and tackle global challenges together in future." &nbsp;

"This first, in-depth exchange between the foreign ministers since President Biden's inauguration was characterised by a trusting and constructive atmosphere." &nbsp;

The European foreign ministers and their new US counterpart Antony Blinken discussed the Iran nuclear deal, which has been in tatters since former President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact in 2018. &nbsp;

"The E3 and the US discussed how a united approach could address our shared concerns towards Iran," tweeted British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, with E3 referring to the three European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal. &nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Twitter described the talks as an "important conversation on Iran" and handling nuclear and regional security challenges "together". &nbsp;

In a shift from Trump's go-it-alone 'America First' approach, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that Blinken 'underscored the US commitment to coordinated action to overcome global challenges’. &nbsp;

Blinken and his counterparts "affirmed the centrality of the transatlantic relationship in dealing with security, climate, economic, health and other challenges the world faces," Price said. &nbsp;

Following first in-depth talks since President Joe Biden took office, the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Germany, and the United States on Friday said they wanted 'to revive' the transatlantic relationship.

Following first in-depth talks since President Joe Biden took office, the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Germany, and the United States on Friday said they wanted 'to revive' the transatlantic relationship. In a statement, the German foreign ministry said, "The foreign ministers agreed that they want to revive the traditionally close transatlantic partnership and tackle global challenges together in future." "This first, in-depth exchange between the foreign ministers since President Biden's inauguration was characterised by a trusting and constructive atmosphere." The European foreign ministers and their new US counterpart Antony Blinken discussed the Iran nuclear deal, which has been in tatters since former President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact in 2018. "The E3 and the US discussed how a united approach could address our shared concerns towards Iran," tweeted British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, with E3 referring to the three European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Twitter described the talks as an "important conversation on Iran" and handling nuclear and regional security challenges "together". In a shift from Trump's go-it-alone 'America First' approach, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that Blinken 'underscored the US commitment to coordinated action to overcome global challenges’.  Blinken and his counterparts "affirmed the centrality of the transatlantic relationship in dealing with security, climate, economic, health and other challenges the world faces," Price said.

US, UK, Germany, France to revive transatlantic ties

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday.

The report, which has not been independently verified by Reuters and cites a UK government source, says that three intelligence officers for China's Ministry of State Security purported to work for three different Chinese media agencies.

"Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," said the report, referring to the UK's domestic security services.

Also on Thursday, Britain's media regulator revoked a Chinese TV licence after it concluded that the Chinese Communist Party had ultimate editorial responsibility for the channel.

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday.

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday. The report, which has not been independently verified by Reuters and cites a UK government source, says that three intelligence officers for China's Ministry of State Security purported to work for three different Chinese media agencies. "Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," said the report, referring to the UK's domestic security services. Also on Thursday, Britain's media regulator revoked a Chinese TV licence after it concluded that the Chinese Communist Party had ultimate editorial responsibility for the channel.

UK expelled three Chinese spies posing as journalists - Report

China on Friday,&nbsp;made allegations of 'ideological prejudice' as Britain revoked license of Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. British regulator Ofcom revoked CGTN's license on Thursday after finding that CGTN's state-backed ownership structure broke UK law.

This means that UK broadcast providers should stop CGTN broadcast or pay unlimited fine.

Beijing hit out at the ruling on Friday, saying it was "based on ideological prejudice and political reasons."

"China urges the UK to immediately cease political manipulation and correct its mistakes," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, adding that China "reserves the right to make the necessary responses."

He said the news channel had played a role in "enhancing understanding and communication" between the two countries.

Ofcom said CGTN's licence holder, Star China Media Ltd, had failed to show it had editorial oversight over the network and that a proposed transfer to another media group would still keep it tied to the Chinese Communist Party.

According to British law, broadcasters must not be controlled by political bodies.

"We have given CGTN significant time to come into compliance with the statutory rules. Those efforts have now been exhausted," Ofcom said.

The regulator added that an investigation into alleged breaches by CGTN of impartiality, fairness and privacy requirements would be completed "shortly".&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

China on Friday, made allegations of 'ideological prejudice' as Britain revoked license of Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. British regulator Ofcom revoked CGTN's license on Thursday after finding that CGTN's state-backed ownership structure broke UK law.

China on Friday, made allegations of 'ideological prejudice' as Britain revoked license of Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. British regulator Ofcom revoked CGTN's license on Thursday after finding that CGTN's state-backed ownership structure broke UK law. This means that UK broadcast providers should stop CGTN broadcast or pay unlimited fine. Beijing hit out at the ruling on Friday, saying it was "based on ideological prejudice and political reasons." "China urges the UK to immediately cease political manipulation and correct its mistakes," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, adding that China "reserves the right to make the necessary responses." He said the news channel had played a role in "enhancing understanding and communication" between the two countries. Ofcom said CGTN's licence holder, Star China Media Ltd, had failed to show it had editorial oversight over the network and that a proposed transfer to another media group would still keep it tied to the Chinese Communist Party. According to British law, broadcasters must not be controlled by political bodies. "We have given CGTN significant time to come into compliance with the statutory rules. Those efforts have now been exhausted," Ofcom said. The regulator added that an investigation into alleged breaches by CGTN of impartiality, fairness and privacy requirements would be completed "shortly". (With AFP inputs)

China cries 'ideological prejudice' as Britain revokes CGTN license

Companies in the UK that had directly been selling their produce to customers within the EU are not facing the brunt. Brexit has created many unforced hurdles for them and a British based cheese company is considering shifting a large chunk of its investments to France.

British companies facing hurdles post Brexit

The UK variant of the deadly Coronavirus has now mutated yet again. Public health officials in the UK are currently investigating the cases of the Coronavirus with some worrying genetic changes.

Your Story: UK COVID-19 variant mutates again, 11 cases of new mutation reported

UK finds more Coronavirus cases with 'concerning' mutation

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating.&nbsp;

Owing to this discovery, mass testing is underway in the infected region. On Monday, the government announced that all infected people were self-isolating and that authorities had undertaken contact tracing to limit further transmission of the virus.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moderna-says-it-believes-vaccine-will-work-against-new-variants-359436/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The authorities are undertaking testing across three different regions in the UK London, south-east, West Midlands, eastern England, and the North West. "Surge testing" would be undertaken, implying people with no symptoms will also be tested for the new variant to limit the spread. 
 
"Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a Covid test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not," the government announced in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/as-virus-variants-spread-no-one-is-safe-until-everyone-is-safe-360479" hreflang="en">As virus variants spread, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’</a> 
 
In January, the government detected cases of the Brazilian and South African variants, but these cases were linked to travel. Since December 22, 105 cases of the South African variant have been identified in the country.

It is normal for viruses to mutate, and the same holds true for coronavirus. A variant was discovered first in the UK, which is thought not only to be more transmissible, but also more fatal.

While the world rushes to vaccinate its citizens, this has triggered fears of the vaccines not being effective enough. The South African variant seems to be more transmissible, but with no evidence of it being more severe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/fauci-says-uk-coronavirus-variant-to-become-more-dominant-in-us-by-march-360187" hreflang="en">Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March</a>

Laboratory tests, however, have shown that the new variant reduces the efficacy of vaccines.

Studies undertaken for two coronavirus vaccines developed by Novavax and Johnson &amp; Johnson showed that the vaccines had less ability to protect against sickness brought on by the South African variant. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating.

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating. Owing to this discovery, mass testing is underway in the infected region. On Monday, the government announced that all infected people were self-isolating and that authorities had undertaken contact tracing to limit further transmission of the virus. The authorities are undertaking testing across three different regions in the UK London, south-east, West Midlands, eastern England, and the North West. "Surge testing" would be undertaken, implying people with no symptoms will also be tested for the new variant to limit the spread. "Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a Covid test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not," the government announced in a statement. Also read: As virus variants spread, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’ In January, the government detected cases of the Brazilian and South African variants, but these cases were linked to travel. Since December 22, 105 cases of the South African variant have been identified in the country. It is normal for viruses to mutate, and the same holds true for coronavirus. A variant was discovered first in the UK, which is thought not only to be more transmissible, but also more fatal. While the world rushes to vaccinate its citizens, this has triggered fears of the vaccines not being effective enough. The South African variant seems to be more transmissible, but with no evidence of it being more severe. Also read: Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March Laboratory tests, however, have shown that the new variant reduces the efficacy of vaccines. Studies undertaken for two coronavirus vaccines developed by Novavax and Johnson & Johnson showed that the vaccines had less ability to protect against sickness brought on by the South African variant.

UK finds South African coronavirus variant among 11 people with no travel history

A new visa scheme will offer millions of Hong Kongers pathway to British citizenship. But China & Hong Kong have said that they will no longer recognise the British national overseas passport as a valid travel document.

UK opens a special visa route for Hong Kong residents

The world’s first urban airport dedicated to electric air-taxis and drones will be opened in Coventry, England later this year after securing UK government backing.

World's first urban airport for drones and flying taxis to start operations by November

Britain expects the European Union to facilitate all deliveries of vaccines, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, repeating the government wanted the doses to make sure the most vulnerable were vaccinated.

UK PM Boris Johnson takes a jibe at EU vaccination

The UK has secured 60 million doses of the jab, which will be made in Stockton-on-Tees in north-east England.

UK has secured 60 Mn doses of highly effective Novavax vaccine, PM Boris Johnson thanks trial volunteers

Britain's government on Friday vowed to stand by the people of its former colony Hong Kong against a Chinese crackdown as it prepared to launch a new visa scheme potentially benefiting millions.

China: Will not recognise British passport for Hong Kong residents

UK says upholding 'freedom and autonomy' with new HK visas

At Tricker's, a 192-year-old maker of English luxury shoes, relief at averting a no-deal Brexit on January 1 quickly turned to shock at the scale of the new cost of doing business with the European Union.

UK shoemaker feels pinch from hidden cost of Brexit

Britain announced new measures to reduce travel in and out of the country on Wednesday, hoping that by tightening its borders it can reduce the risk of new variants of the coronavirus spreading and putting its vaccination programme at risk.

Britain cracks down on travel to stop coronavirus spread

Britain's opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said on Tuesday (January 26) the UK government has been too slow to act to curb the spread of the coronavirus from the onset of the pandemic.

UK opposition: government 'too slow' as COVID-19 deaths top 100,000

Former British PM Gordon Brown has warned that 'UK risks becoming a failed state'. How true is this warning? Has the Great Britain really lost itself? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Big warning by former British PM

Relatives of COVID-19 victims have accused government of mishandling the pandemic. Families say that they have been misled by the govt. According to a report, PM Boris Johnson has let govt make several errors while tackling the public health crisis.

UK govt accused of mishandling pandemic, death toll nears 100,000

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly.

Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance&nbsp;said that the country requires immediate reforms.

"I believe the choice is now between a reformed state and a failed state," Brown wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-under-fire-as-uk-again-faces-onslaught-of-covid-19-355906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is indeed Scotland where dissatisfaction is so deep that it threatens the end of the United Kingdom", he added.

"'Whoever in London thought of that?' is a common refrain, reflecting the frustration of people in outlying communities who feel they are the forgotten men and women, virtually invisible to Whitehall," Brown wrote.

Brown served as the Prime Minister from 2007 - 2010.

The UK is currently facing a lot of crises at once, from Brexit to coronavirus. Brown believes that the bonds which hold England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland together as a $3 trillion economy are now weakening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-coronavirus-strain-can-be-more-deadly-boris-johnson-358682" hreflang="en">UK coronavirus strain can be more deadly: Boris Johnson</a>

Brown added that Boris Johnson should also reform how the United Kingdom is governed.

"Battered by Covid-19, threatened by nationalism, and uncertain what the promise of a post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ adds up to, the United Kingdom must urgently rediscover what holds it together and sort out what is driving us apart," he claimed.

Meanwhile, Scotland could be gearing for another referendum to leave the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Scottish National Party published a "Roadmap to Referendum", laying the groundwork for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/scotland-could-be-heading-towards-another-referendum-358951" hreflang="en">Scotland could be heading towards another referendum</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to agree to a new referendum and had earlier claimed that there is no need for a new referendum after Scottish voters had rejected independence in 2014.

The SNP said that if it is able to win a majority in the parliament in elections set to take place on May 6, the party will pass a bill of its own to make way for a referendum after the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly. Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance said that the country requires immediate reforms.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly. Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance said that the country requires immediate reforms. "I believe the choice is now between a reformed state and a failed state," Brown wrote in the Daily Telegraph. "It is indeed Scotland where dissatisfaction is so deep that it threatens the end of the United Kingdom", he added. "'Whoever in London thought of that?' is a common refrain, reflecting the frustration of people in outlying communities who feel they are the forgotten men and women, virtually invisible to Whitehall," Brown wrote. Brown served as the Prime Minister from 2007 - 2010. The UK is currently facing a lot of crises at once, from Brexit to coronavirus. Brown believes that the bonds which hold England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland together as a $3 trillion economy are now weakening. Also read: UK coronavirus strain can be more deadly: Boris Johnson Brown added that Boris Johnson should also reform how the United Kingdom is governed. "Battered by Covid-19, threatened by nationalism, and uncertain what the promise of a post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ adds up to, the United Kingdom must urgently rediscover what holds it together and sort out what is driving us apart," he claimed. Meanwhile, Scotland could be gearing for another referendum to leave the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Scottish National Party published a "Roadmap to Referendum", laying the groundwork for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom. Also read: Scotland could be heading towards another referendum Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to agree to a new referendum and had earlier claimed that there is no need for a new referendum after Scottish voters had rejected independence in 2014. The SNP said that if it is able to win a majority in the parliament in elections set to take place on May 6, the party will pass a bill of its own to make way for a referendum after the coronavirus pandemic.

UK could become a 'failed state' without immediate reforms, says former PM Brown

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