UK PM Boris Johnson has signed a deal and announced a controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. PM Johnson has stressed that $157 million scheme has been taken into action to break people's smuggling network.

UK to send thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to arrive in India next week on a state visit that will aim to highlight a successful India-UK partnership. The visit of British PM is yet to be formally announced by Downing Street, it follows the successful completion of 4 out of 26 chapters in the ongoing India-UK free trade negotiations.

UK PM Boris Johnson to visit India next week, Ukraine conflict on the cards

UK PM Boris Johnson is expected to arrive in India next week in a state visit which will aim to highlight a successful India-UK partnership. The visit of British PM is yet to be formally announced by Downing Street, it follows the successful completion of 4 out of 26 chapters in the ongoing India-UK free trade negotiations

UK PM's visit to India for India-UK free trade agreement yet to be formally announced

According to UK scientists, the psychedelic drug psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms can lead to long-term improvements in depression symptom severity. WION tells you more in this report.

UK scientists say, magic mushrooms have Psychedelics which can treat depression

British PM Boris Johnson who has been fined for partygate case could face more fines for lockdown breaches. Justice minister David Wolfson has already resigned and now the opposition calls for PM's resignation. To get more details, we're joined by correspondent Chris Jones.

Partygate: Opposition calls for UK PM Boris Johnson's resignation

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation.

With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive.

As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines.

The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive,&nbsp;said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests &amp; more

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Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses,&nbsp;he said.

The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/what-is-myocarditis-a-rare-complication-of-covid-19-and-non-covid-vaccination-470438">What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations</a>

The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus.

Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation. With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive. As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines. The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive, said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests & more Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses, he said. The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible. Also read | What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus. Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

UK medicines regulator approves Valneva COVID-19 vaccine for adult use

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to resign after being fined for breaking his government's pandemic lockdown rules, saying he would instead redouble his efforts to strengthen the economy and combat Russian aggression in Ukraine.

London police fined Johnson and other people Tuesday for attending a birthday party thrown for the prime minister at his Downing Street offices on June 19, 2020. The penalty made Johnson the first British prime minister ever found to have broken the law while in office.

Gatherings of more than two people were banned in Britain at the time of the birthday party to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amidst-row-surrounding-uk-fm-rishi-sunak-wife-akshata-indias-infosys-exits-russia-470800">Amidst row surrounding UK FM Rishi Sunak &amp; wife Akshata, India’s Infosys exits Russia</a>

I understand the anger that many will feel that I, myself, fell short when it came to observing the very rules which the government I lead had introduced to protect the public. And I accept in all sincerity that people had the right to expect better, Johnson said late Tuesday.

And now I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people.

The fine followed a police investigation and months of questions about lockdown-breaking parties at government offices, which Johnson had tried to bat away by saying there were no parties and that he believed no rules were broken.

Opposition lawmakers demanded Johnson's resignation, arguing the fines given to him and Treasury chief Rishi Sunak were evidence of criminality&nbsp;at the heart of government. The opposition argued that the Downing Street gathering demonstrated that Johnson and his supporters believed the rules don't apply to them.

On Wednesday, a Conservative member of the House of Lords resigned from his role as justice minister, criticising repeated rule-breaking and breaches of criminal law in Downing Street.

"It is not just a question of what happened in Downing Street, or your own conduct,&nbsp;David Wolfson wrote in a letter to Johnson. It is also, and perhaps more so, the official response to what took place."

Watch |&nbsp;Partygate: Boris Johnson says 'sorry' for partying, rejects calls to resign

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While the partygate&nbsp;scandal poses a threat to Johnson's government, the world has changed tremendously since the first reports of the parties surfaced late last year.

Johnson has been a leading figure in marshalling international opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Britain is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1950s. His supporters are already arguing that whatever the prime minister may have done wrong, now is not time for a leadership contest.

That his Treasury chief also received an undermining fine helped Johnson, since Sunak had been seen as the leading Conservative candidate to succeed Johnson.

But Johnson still faces the possibility of additional fines. He is reported to have attended three other gatherings that the Metropolitan Police Service is still investigating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-scandal-british-pm-boris-johnson-and-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-fined-470579">'Partygate' scandal: British PM Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak fined</a>

He will also have to answer questions about whether he knowingly misled Parliament with his previous statements about the parties, said Jill Rutter, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government in London.

Governments have to realize that they can't just make laws and then skirt around them and rationalize themselves that it's all OK because they're very important people working at the center of government, Rutter said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to resign after being fined for breaking his government's pandemic lockdown rules, saying he would instead redouble his efforts to strengthen the economy and combat Russian aggression in Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to resign after being fined for breaking his government's pandemic lockdown rules, saying he would instead redouble his efforts to strengthen the economy and combat Russian aggression in Ukraine. London police fined Johnson and other people Tuesday for attending a birthday party thrown for the prime minister at his Downing Street offices on June 19, 2020. The penalty made Johnson the first British prime minister ever found to have broken the law while in office. Gatherings of more than two people were banned in Britain at the time of the birthday party to curb the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Amidst row surrounding UK FM Rishi Sunak & wife Akshata, India’s Infosys exits Russia I understand the anger that many will feel that I, myself, fell short when it came to observing the very rules which the government I lead had introduced to protect the public. And I accept in all sincerity that people had the right to expect better, Johnson said late Tuesday. And now I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people. The fine followed a police investigation and months of questions about lockdown-breaking parties at government offices, which Johnson had tried to bat away by saying there were no parties and that he believed no rules were broken. Opposition lawmakers demanded Johnson's resignation, arguing the fines given to him and Treasury chief Rishi Sunak were evidence of criminality at the heart of government. The opposition argued that the Downing Street gathering demonstrated that Johnson and his supporters believed the rules don't apply to them. On Wednesday, a Conservative member of the House of Lords resigned from his role as justice minister, criticising repeated rule-breaking and breaches of criminal law in Downing Street. "It is not just a question of what happened in Downing Street, or your own conduct, David Wolfson wrote in a letter to Johnson. It is also, and perhaps more so, the official response to what took place." Watch | Partygate: Boris Johnson says 'sorry' for partying, rejects calls to resign While the partygate scandal poses a threat to Johnson's government, the world has changed tremendously since the first reports of the parties surfaced late last year. Johnson has been a leading figure in marshalling international opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Britain is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1950s. His supporters are already arguing that whatever the prime minister may have done wrong, now is not time for a leadership contest. That his Treasury chief also received an undermining fine helped Johnson, since Sunak had been seen as the leading Conservative candidate to succeed Johnson. But Johnson still faces the possibility of additional fines. He is reported to have attended three other gatherings that the Metropolitan Police Service is still investigating. Also read | 'Partygate' scandal: British PM Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak fined He will also have to answer questions about whether he knowingly misled Parliament with his previous statements about the parties, said Jill Rutter, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government in London. Governments have to realize that they can't just make laws and then skirt around them and rationalize themselves that it's all OK because they're very important people working at the center of government, Rutter said.

Partygate row: UK Justice minister quits, but Johnson continues to refuse calls for his resignation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has been fined for breaking the lockdown rules during the pandemic is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches. According to the British media reports, this the first time that a PM has been fined for breaking their own law.

Reports: UK PM Boris Johnson faces 3 more fines for breaking covid-19 lockdown norms

In a recent update on partygate case, UK's prime minister Boris Johnson has offered an apology. However, PM Boris Johnson and Sunak have rejected calls to resign over 'partygate'.

Partygate: Boris Johnson says 'sorry' for partying, rejects calls to resign

Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a lot of criticism over his family's financial arrangements. Rishi Sunak has now asked PM Boris Johnson for a review of his declarations of interest he is urged to determine whether he stuck to the rules on ministerial declarations.

Tax arrangements of UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak's family under scrutiny

British prime minister Boris Johnson held talks with Zelensky in Kyiv after the top leaders from the EU visited Ukrainian regions. Johnson hailed the courage that the Ukrainians have shown and also condemned Russian atrocities in Bucha.

Boris Johnson appreciates courage shown by Ukrainians, pledges more military aid for Ukraine

The European Union has imposed sanctions on those who are believed to be Vladimir Putin's daughters. This move came after the United States and the UK imposed strict restrictions on them earlier.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughters hit with EU sanctions

UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is now under pressure to reveal details of his private investments four days after his wife, Akshata Murthy was non-domiciled in Britain for tax purposes

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak faces quiz on blind investment holdings

An internal inquiry has been launched into how the tax affairs of Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, were leaked to a newspaper, according to UK media reports on Sunday.

The Whitehall investigation within UK government quarters will look into how the information about the non-domicile status of the wife of Chancellor Rishi Sunak was passed on to 'The Independent' newspaper, which first published the story earlier this week.

According to The Sunday Times', Sunak's team believes an Opposition Labour Party supporting government official dubbed "red throat" is responsible for the leak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-members-of-conservative-party-dash-rishi-sunaks-hopes-of-becoming-british-prime-minister-469883">Top members of Conservative Party dash Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister: Report</a>

There's going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence,? the paper quoted an unnamed senior government official as saying.

The revelation that the Chancellor's wife, who is an Indian national, was "non-domiciled" in the UK for tax purposes meant she was not legally bound to pay taxes on her overseas earnings.

This led to allegations of hypocrisy from the Opposition benches, pointing to recent tax rises imposed by the Indian-origin finance minister. The Labour Party accused his family of potentially saving millions as a result of Murty's tax arrangement.

On Friday, Akshata announced that she would pay tax in the UK on all her income in order to avoid the issue being a continued distraction&nbsp;for her husband.

Watch |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty claims non-domicile status

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My decision to pay UK tax on all my worldwide income will not change the fact that India remains the country of my birth, citizenship, parents' home and place of domicile. But I love the UK too, Murty said in a Twitter statement on Saturday.

It comes as a new opinion poll by Opinium shows Sunak's approval rating dropped by three points to 28 per cent since late March and his disapproval rating has risen by eight points to 43 per cent.

This reflects the damage to his prospects as a future leader of the Conservative Party and a key candidate tipped to succeed Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.

Meanwhile,The Sun' reports that Johnson gave his finance minister and neighbour at 11 Downing Street a pep talk over the weekend and convinced him against resigning over the tax storm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finance-minister-under-new-attack-despite-wifes-tax-u-turn-469704">UK finance minister under new attack despite wife's tax U-turn</a>

Sunak's team told the newspaper that the prime minister has been super supportive of the Cabinet minister.

He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more, one of them was quoted as saying.

Within his own Tory party, many are now questioning Sunak's judgment and a Cabinet minister who admires him was quoted as saying: This might well make him walk away.

An internal inquiry has been launched into how the tax affairs of Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, were leaked to a newspaper, according to UK media reports on Sunday.

An internal inquiry has been launched into how the tax affairs of Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, were leaked to a newspaper, according to UK media reports on Sunday. The Whitehall investigation within UK government quarters will look into how the information about the non-domicile status of the wife of Chancellor Rishi Sunak was passed on to 'The Independent' newspaper, which first published the story earlier this week. According to The Sunday Times', Sunak's team believes an Opposition Labour Party supporting government official dubbed "red throat" is responsible for the leak. Also read | Top members of Conservative Party dash Rishi Sunak's hopes of becoming British prime minister: Report There's going to be a full Cabinet Office and HM Treasury investigation into who had that information and if anyone has requested that information. Divulging the tax status of a private individual is a criminal offence,? the paper quoted an unnamed senior government official as saying. The revelation that the Chancellor's wife, who is an Indian national, was "non-domiciled" in the UK for tax purposes meant she was not legally bound to pay taxes on her overseas earnings. This led to allegations of hypocrisy from the Opposition benches, pointing to recent tax rises imposed by the Indian-origin finance minister. The Labour Party accused his family of potentially saving millions as a result of Murty's tax arrangement. On Friday, Akshata announced that she would pay tax in the UK on all her income in order to avoid the issue being a continued distraction for her husband. Watch | Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty claims non-domicile status My decision to pay UK tax on all my worldwide income will not change the fact that India remains the country of my birth, citizenship, parents' home and place of domicile. But I love the UK too, Murty said in a Twitter statement on Saturday. It comes as a new opinion poll by Opinium shows Sunak's approval rating dropped by three points to 28 per cent since late March and his disapproval rating has risen by eight points to 43 per cent. This reflects the damage to his prospects as a future leader of the Conservative Party and a key candidate tipped to succeed Boris Johnson as Prime Minister. Meanwhile,The Sun' reports that Johnson gave his finance minister and neighbour at 11 Downing Street a pep talk over the weekend and convinced him against resigning over the tax storm. Also read | UK finance minister under new attack despite wife's tax U-turn Sunak's team told the newspaper that the prime minister has been super supportive of the Cabinet minister. He was considering whether he could withstand his family taking this any more, one of them was quoted as saying. Within his own Tory party, many are now questioning Sunak's judgment and a Cabinet minister who admires him was quoted as saying: This might well make him walk away.

UK inquiry launched into Akshata Murty's tax affairs leak

In a visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, an aide of Ukrainian leader said. &nbsp;

On Facebook, Zelensky’s aide Andriy Sybiha, in a post along with photo of the two leaders, said, "Boris Johnson's visit in Kyiv began just now with a tete-a-tete meeting with President Zelensky." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ukrainian President has reiterated on Saturday that his country was "still ready" to continue negotiations with Russia, an AFP report said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-strike-by-russians-on-station-in-ukraine-kills-30-injures-100-says-report-469355" hreflang="en">Russian rocket strike on Ukraine train station kills 52, injures many, say reports&nbsp;</a>

The peace negotiations are currently on hold after the discovery of atrocities in Bucha and other areas near Kyiv. &nbsp;

In a press conference with the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Zelensky said, "Yes, (Russian) forces are gathering in the east (of Ukraine). This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war.” &nbsp;

Nehammer also visited the capital and Bucha. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;EU hints at giving membership to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Several world leaders seem to have been makings visits to the Ukraine capital now. &nbsp;

In cities across eastern Ukraine, air-raid sirens were sounded as it has become the focus of Russian forces after a withdrawal from areas, which were close to Kyiv. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, an aide of Ukrainian leader said. On Facebook, Zelensky’s aide Andriy Sybiha, in a post along with photo of the two leaders, said, "Boris Johnson's visit in Kyiv began just now with a tete-a-tete meeting with President Zelensky.

In a visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, an aide of Ukrainian leader said. On Facebook, Zelensky’s aide Andriy Sybiha, in a post along with photo of the two leaders, said, "Boris Johnson's visit in Kyiv began just now with a tete-a-tete meeting with President Zelensky." The Ukrainian President has reiterated on Saturday that his country was "still ready" to continue negotiations with Russia, an AFP report said. Also Read: Russian rocket strike on Ukraine train station kills 52, injures many, say reports The peace negotiations are currently on hold after the discovery of atrocities in Bucha and other areas near Kyiv. In a press conference with the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Zelensky said, "Yes, (Russian) forces are gathering in the east (of Ukraine). This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war.” Nehammer also visited the capital and Bucha. Watch: EU hints at giving membership to Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine × Several world leaders seem to have been makings visits to the Ukraine capital now. In cities across eastern Ukraine, air-raid sirens were sounded as it has become the focus of Russian forces after a withdrawal from areas, which were close to Kyiv. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv

Britain's embattled&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as&nbsp;new&nbsp;questions emerged over offshore&nbsp;tax&nbsp;havens reportedly held by his Indian&nbsp;wife.

Sunak was also criticised for a lack of transparency, after he admitted to holding a "Green Card" for US permanent residents until last year.

Sunak's wealthy&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Akshata Murty said she would start paying&nbsp;UK&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on "all worldwide income", in a bid to defuse a controversy that has further imperilled his waning political fortunes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-finance-minister-rishi-sunaks-wife-agrees-to-pay-more-tax-on-foreign-income-469592">British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income</a>

But Labour frontbench MP Louise Haigh told BBC radio that Sunak had "come out on a number of occasions to try and muddy the waters" around his family's&nbsp;tax&nbsp;affairs.

She conceded that the "non-domicile" status enjoyed by Murty -- shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against&nbsp;UK&nbsp;taxes -- was legal.&nbsp;

But Haigh queried "whether it was right that the chancellor of the exchequer, whilst piling on 15 separate&nbsp;tax&nbsp;rises to the British public, was benefiting from a&nbsp;tax&nbsp;scheme that allowed his household to pay significantly less to the tune of potentially tens of millions of pounds."

The Independent newspaper reported that Sunak was listed as the beneficiary of trusts set up in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands to help manage his&nbsp;wife's&nbsp;tax&nbsp;and business affairs.

Sunak was listed in 2020, after he became chancellor and after a prior stint as chief secretary to the Treasury, the newspaper said.

"No-one in Akshata's family is aware of this alleged trust," a spokeswoman close to the Sunak family said in response.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link

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As chancellor, Sunak oversaw a huge programme of government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, but is now tightening the belt just as Britons face the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations.

Once a leading contender to succeed Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Boris Johnson, Sunak has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks as a result, and has accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his&nbsp;wife.

Allies of the&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;have told newspapers that Johnson's office is waging a political hit job.

They said the prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;believed Sunak had not backed him strongly enough during an ongoing scandal into Downing Street lockdown parties.

Johnson on Friday denied knowledge of any briefing operation against Sunak, and told reporters that his chancellor was doing an "absolutely outstanding job".

The White House meanwhile declined to comment about Sunak's Green Card, which the&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said he only gave up ahead of his first visit to the United States as chancellor in October last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-faces-fire-over-wife-akshata-murthys-non-domicile-tax-status-469148">UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak faces fire over wife Akshata Murthy's non-domicile tax status</a>

Under&nbsp;US law, possession of the card meant that Sunak intended to live in America and pay US taxes,&nbsp;despite&nbsp;serving as Britain's second-most powerful politician.

Sunak and Murty met as students in the United States and they married in 2009. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of the IT giant Infosys.

Britain's embattled finance minister Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as new questions emerged over offshore tax havens reportedly held by his Indian wife.

Britain's embattled finance minister Rishi Sunak stood accused Saturday of political hypocrisy as new questions emerged over offshore tax havens reportedly held by his Indian wife. Sunak was also criticised for a lack of transparency, after he admitted to holding a "Green Card" for US permanent residents until last year. Sunak's wealthy wife Akshata Murty said she would start paying UK tax on "all worldwide income", in a bid to defuse a controversy that has further imperilled his waning political fortunes. Also read | British finance minister Rishi Sunak's wife agrees to pay more tax on foreign income But Labour frontbench MP Louise Haigh told BBC radio that Sunak had "come out on a number of occasions to try and muddy the waters" around his family's tax affairs. She conceded that the "non-domicile" status enjoyed by Murty -- shielding the overseas income from her family's company Infosys against UK taxes -- was legal. But Haigh queried "whether it was right that the chancellor of the exchequer, whilst piling on 15 separate tax rises to the British public, was benefiting from a tax scheme that allowed his household to pay significantly less to the tune of potentially tens of millions of pounds." The Independent newspaper reported that Sunak was listed as the beneficiary of trusts set up in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands to help manage his wife's tax and business affairs. Sunak was listed in 2020, after he became chancellor and after a prior stint as chief secretary to the Treasury, the newspaper said. "No-one in Akshata's family is aware of this alleged trust," a spokeswoman close to the Sunak family said in response. Watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link As chancellor, Sunak oversaw a huge programme of government spending during the coronavirus pandemic, but is now tightening the belt just as Britons face the worst cost-of-living crisis in generations. Once a leading contender to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sunak has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks as a result, and has accused critics of mounting a "smear" campaign against his wife. Allies of the finance minister have told newspapers that Johnson's office is waging a political hit job. They said the prime minister believed Sunak had not backed him strongly enough during an ongoing scandal into Downing Street lockdown parties. Johnson on Friday denied knowledge of any briefing operation against Sunak, and told reporters that his chancellor was doing an "absolutely outstanding job". The White House meanwhile declined to comment about Sunak's Green Card, which the minister said he only gave up ahead of his first visit to the United States as chancellor in October last year. Also read | UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak faces fire over wife Akshata Murthy's non-domicile tax status Under US law, possession of the card meant that Sunak intended to live in America and pay US taxes, despite serving as Britain's second-most powerful politician. Sunak and Murty met as students in the United States and they married in 2009. She is the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of the IT giant Infosys.

UK finance minister under new attack despite wife's tax U-turn

Japan gifted royal gifts including jewel boxes, ornate tables and armour to the UK. Dozens of Japanese artifacts from the British royal collection go on display at Buckingham Palace.

Exhibition of Japanese royal gifts, Samurai Armour steals the show

Britain also ratcheted up sanctions on Russia. UK in a similar move to the United States has targeted Russia's largest bank and has decided to end all new British investment in Moscow, the latest round of sanctions were in response to the reports of civilians being killed by Russian forces in Bucha.

New sanctions on Russia: UK targets Sberbank and credit bank of Moscow

In a recent development on Sunak's case, Akshata Murty has claimed non-domicile status. But, what does it mean, and how does it allows Murty to avoid tax?

Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty claims non-domicile status

Unhappy spouses in UK can now end their marriages without blaming each other. This is marked as the biggest reform of divorce law in half a century. New 'No-fault divorce' law introduced in England and Wales

England's unhappy spouses celebrate at the country introduces new 'No-fault divorce' law

UK, EU impose new sanctions on Russia in response to reports of Bucha killings

Britain insisted Thursday it was sticking to its&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change goals despite unveiling a new energy strategy that foresees new drilling for North Sea fossil fuels.

After weeks of cabinet infighting, the government finally released its strategy as Britons struggle with soaring energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The plan envisions eight new nuclear power stations, a five-fold increase in solar and enough electricity from offshore wind to power every UK home by 2030.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-pact-australia-us-uk-agree-to-cooperate-on-hypersonic-weapons-and-electronic-warfare-capabilities-468737">US tests hypersonic missile; Australia, US, UK agree to cooperate on hypersonic weapons</a>

But to the dismay of environmentalists, the politically charged problem of onshore wind turbines -- cheaper and quicker to build than offshore -- was left on the backburner.&nbsp;

And campaign groups said plans to offer new licences to drill for North Sea oil and gas made a mockery of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's legally enshrined commitment to make Britain carbon net zero by 2050.

"This isn't an energy security strategy and will do nothing to bring down energy bills," argued Ed Matthew, campaigns director at&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change think tank E3G.&nbsp;

"It is a national security threat and the person who will be happiest with it is&nbsp;(Russian President) Vladimir Putin," he said.

But the government says the market shock from sanctions on Russia has forced a temporary reappraisal of fossil fuels, as Britons confront the worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1950s.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng denied the government had turned its back on net zero.

"Not at all," he told Sky News. "It's still in the law of the land, we're focused on that.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: The fight against climate change, Bangladesh Protests, Corsica clashes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-the-fight-against-climate-change-bangladesh-protests-corsica-clashes-468396/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"But of course given what's happening around the world, given the pressure on energy prices, we're also doing lots of other things to make sure we get energy independence back into the UK," he said.

The government acknowledges that the strategy will do little to curb household energy bills in the near term, which Johnson said had "absolutely soared" after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Madness

But in a social media video promoting the new strategy, the prime minister stressed: "We just can't carry on like this."

The plan would make British energy "cleaner, more affordable and more secure", he said.

Johnson vowed that "instead of a new reactor every decade, we will have a new reactor every year".

He went on to visit a new nuclear plant under construction at Hinkley Point in southwest England -- which is years overdue and billions over budget.

The plan flagged a new competition to find UK manufacturers of electric heat pumps -- which are much more efficient than gas-fired household boilers, but also much more expensive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-warns-that-its-now-or-never-to-avoid-climate-catastrophe-468369">United Nations warns that it's 'now or never' to avoid climate catastrophe</a>

Otherwise, as critics noted, it had nothing to say about cutting down on energy wastage and improving efficiency in homes, after the finance ministry reportedly vetoed new spending on that front.

"This strategy comprehensively fails to stand up to Putin's violence, to take the sting out of soaring energy bills, or take control of the spiralling&nbsp;climate&nbsp;crisis," said Rebecca Newsom, head of politics at Greenpeace UK.

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, marking the launch Monday of the latest UN report on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, said it was "moral and economic madness" to invest any more in fossil fuels.

The 3,000-page report warned that countries risk ending up with trillions in worthless assets such as offshore platforms and pipelines when demand for fossil fuels wanes in coming decades.

For the UK government, however, political pressure to tackle the energy crisis has been heating up ahead of nationwide local elections on May 5.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-famous-personalities-with-under-18-year-audience-to-be-banned-from-featuring-in-gambling-advertisements-468532">&nbsp;UK: Famous personalities with under-18-year audience to be banned from featuring in gambling ads</a>

Ed Miliband,&nbsp;climate&nbsp;spokesman for the opposition Labour party, said Conservative backbenchers opposed to onshore turbines in rural England were "holding the government's energy policy to ransom".

"And people are paying higher bills as a result," he told BBC radio.

Britain insisted Thursday it was sticking to its climate change goals despite unveiling a new energy strategy that foresees new drilling for North Sea fossil fuels.

Britain insisted Thursday it was sticking to its climate change goals despite unveiling a new energy strategy that foresees new drilling for North Sea fossil fuels. After weeks of cabinet infighting, the government finally released its strategy as Britons struggle with soaring energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The plan envisions eight new nuclear power stations, a five-fold increase in solar and enough electricity from offshore wind to power every UK home by 2030. Also read | US tests hypersonic missile; Australia, US, UK agree to cooperate on hypersonic weapons But to the dismay of environmentalists, the politically charged problem of onshore wind turbines -- cheaper and quicker to build than offshore -- was left on the backburner. And campaign groups said plans to offer new licences to drill for North Sea oil and gas made a mockery of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's legally enshrined commitment to make Britain carbon net zero by 2050. "This isn't an energy security strategy and will do nothing to bring down energy bills," argued Ed Matthew, campaigns director at climate change think tank E3G. "It is a national security threat and the person who will be happiest with it is (Russian President) Vladimir Putin," he said. But the government says the market shock from sanctions on Russia has forced a temporary reappraisal of fossil fuels, as Britons confront the worst cost-of-living crisis since the 1950s. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng denied the government had turned its back on net zero. "Not at all," he told Sky News. "It's still in the law of the land, we're focused on that. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: The fight against climate change, Bangladesh Protests, Corsica clashes "But of course given what's happening around the world, given the pressure on energy prices, we're also doing lots of other things to make sure we get energy independence back into the UK," he said. The government acknowledges that the strategy will do little to curb household energy bills in the near term, which Johnson said had "absolutely soared" after Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Madness But in a social media video promoting the new strategy, the prime minister stressed: "We just can't carry on like this." The plan would make British energy "cleaner, more affordable and more secure", he said. Johnson vowed that "instead of a new reactor every decade, we will have a new reactor every year". He went on to visit a new nuclear plant under construction at Hinkley Point in southwest England -- which is years overdue and billions over budget. The plan flagged a new competition to find UK manufacturers of electric heat pumps -- which are much more efficient than gas-fired household boilers, but also much more expensive. Also read | United Nations warns that it's 'now or never' to avoid climate catastrophe Otherwise, as critics noted, it had nothing to say about cutting down on energy wastage and improving efficiency in homes, after the finance ministry reportedly vetoed new spending on that front. "This strategy comprehensively fails to stand up to Putin's violence, to take the sting out of soaring energy bills, or take control of the spiralling climate crisis," said Rebecca Newsom, head of politics at Greenpeace UK. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, marking the launch Monday of the latest UN report on climate change, said it was "moral and economic madness" to invest any more in fossil fuels. The 3,000-page report warned that countries risk ending up with trillions in worthless assets such as offshore platforms and pipelines when demand for fossil fuels wanes in coming decades. For the UK government, however, political pressure to tackle the energy crisis has been heating up ahead of nationwide local elections on May 5. Also read | UK: Famous personalities with under-18-year audience to be banned from featuring in gambling ads Ed Miliband, climate spokesman for the opposition Labour party, said Conservative backbenchers opposed to onshore turbines in rural England were "holding the government's energy policy to ransom". "And people are paying higher bills as a result," he told BBC radio.

UK denies climate retreat despite rethink on fossil fuels

Three members of the AUKUS alliance Britain, United States and Australia have agreed on a new defense pact under a new trilateral cooperation. The three nations will jointly begin collaborating on hypersonic and counter hypersonic weapons as well as electronic warfare capabilities.

Hypersonic weapons deal: New defence pact by US, UK, Australia; China warns against fuelling crisis

UK's health sector is under pressure yet again as it reports a surge in COVID cases. This comes after UK dropped all COVID-19 restrictions.

After dropping all COVID-19 restrictions Britain reports a surge in cases

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