Britain government has promised full support to US investigators after it emerged that the man behind a hostage taking at a Texas synagogue was a British citizen.

Britain vows US full support over Texas synagogue attack

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been accused of lying to Parliament in a scathing new blog post by former aide Dominic Cummings.

UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide accuses him of lying to Parliament

British PM Boris Johnson is preparing for the toughest week of his career. Reports say 10 Downing street's staff partied the night before Prince Philip's funeral. Senior Tory MPs have called for Johnson to resign. Over 30 conservatives have expressed 'no-confidence' in him. Will Boris Johnson step down? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: BYOB Party: Senior Tory MP call for Boris Johnson's resignation

A British Pakistani took hostages in America's Texas this weekend. The terrorist was the brother of "Lady Al-Qaeda" - a woman who is serving an 86-year-long jail term in the US. Is Britain the new laboratory for radical Islam? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: United Kingdom: A new launchpad for terror attacks?

British PM Boris Johnson has been accused of lying to the parliament. A former senior adviser to Johnson has said that the PM was aware of a party being held at his residence during a covid-19 lockdown. British media have reported that at least 11 gatherings took place at 10 downing street between May 2020 and April 2021.

'UK PM Boris Johnson was aware of booze party,' says PM's former senior adviser

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures. However, the Opposition alleged that the real motive behind the move was part of vendetta of right-wingers against the mediahouse.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries told parliament the £159 ($217, 190 euros) annual fee, paid by every television set owner in the country, would be fixed for the next two years.

After that it will rise in line with inflation for four years, she said, saying the rising annual cost of the compulsory charge was hurting cash-strapped families.

The long-term future of the corporation should not depend on a system which criminalises non-payers, she added.

But opposition parties linked the move to efforts to keep Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a job, by offering "red meat" to BBC critics, due to anger at lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street.

Labour media spokeswoman Lucy Powell said monthly payments for the license fee were small change compared to proposed Tory annual tax increases and soaring energy bills totalling thousands of pounds.

"Is the license fee really at the heart of the cost of living crisis or is this really about their long-term vendetta against the BBC?" she asked

"It's at the heart of Operation Red Meat to stop the prime minister becoming dead meat," she added, referring to a proposed government fight-back plan of populist measures to boost Johnson's standing.

The BBC has come under increasing criticism from right-wingers since Britain's divisive Brexit referendum in 2016 for alleged political bias, and pushing a "woke", London-centric liberal agenda.

But the public service broadcaster, which this year marks its 100th anniversary and has editorial independence from government, has faced similar accusations from the political left.

Critics accused Johnson loyalist Dorries, who leaked details of the plan on Twitter on Sunday night after a torrid week for the prime minister, of "cultural vandalism", wrecking a world-renowned British institution.

The licence fee funds television, radio and online services, including its popular iPlayer on-demand platform, as well as programming, many of which are exported commercially worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures.

UK government on Monday announced freeze on British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) license fee. The government claimed that freeze on the license fee was aimed at providing relief to families from cost of living pressures. However, the Opposition alleged that the real motive behind the move was part of vendetta of right-wingers against the mediahouse. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries told parliament the £159 ($217, 190 euros) annual fee, paid by every television set owner in the country, would be fixed for the next two years. After that it will rise in line with inflation for four years, she said, saying the rising annual cost of the compulsory charge was hurting cash-strapped families. The long-term future of the corporation should not depend on a system which criminalises non-payers, she added. But opposition parties linked the move to efforts to keep Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a job, by offering "red meat" to BBC critics, due to anger at lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street. Labour media spokeswoman Lucy Powell said monthly payments for the license fee were small change compared to proposed Tory annual tax increases and soaring energy bills totalling thousands of pounds. "Is the license fee really at the heart of the cost of living crisis or is this really about their long-term vendetta against the BBC?" she asked "It's at the heart of Operation Red Meat to stop the prime minister becoming dead meat," she added, referring to a proposed government fight-back plan of populist measures to boost Johnson's standing. The BBC has come under increasing criticism from right-wingers since Britain's divisive Brexit referendum in 2016 for alleged political bias, and pushing a "woke", London-centric liberal agenda. But the public service broadcaster, which this year marks its 100th anniversary and has editorial independence from government, has faced similar accusations from the political left. Critics accused Johnson loyalist Dorries, who leaked details of the plan on Twitter on Sunday night after a torrid week for the prime minister, of "cultural vandalism", wrecking a world-renowned British institution. The licence fee funds television, radio and online services, including its popular iPlayer on-demand platform, as well as programming, many of which are exported commercially worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

UK government announces freeze on BBC's license fee

The British government has shortened the mandatory Covid-19 self-isolation period in England from seven to five days. It comes after a review of the medical evidence.

UK shortens Covid-19 self-isolation period to 5 days after medical reviews

Britain's Prince Harry is challenging a government decision that he should not receive police protection when on British soil even if he covers the cost himself, his legal representatives said.

United Kingdom: Prince Harry seeks right to pay for UK police protection

The battle of the Booze parties has gripped UK politics, with Senior Tories condemning Keir Starmer in the latest.

UK: Senior Tories condemn Keir Starmer over Booze party

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering. An online survey conducted by the Conservative Home website asked a question to a panel of Tory members, activists and supporters. It showed that over 53% believed that Johnson should resign immediately.

UK: Online survey cites support for British PM Boris Johnson as dwindling

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return. &nbsp;

UK’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps seems to be in favour of ending the testing system for the double-vaccinated people during the February break, The Times reported. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-live-with-covid-south-africa-to-not-impose-lockdown-or-quarantine-rules-445191" hreflang="en">Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules</a>

On January 26, an announcement may come up on the same, the report said. &nbsp;

This comes as London’s Heathrow Airport authorities recently said that it suffered 600,000 flight cancellation in December last year as cases related to the Omicron variant surged in the United Kingdom. &nbsp;

Airport authorities are demanding an end of coronavirus testing for those, who have been fully inoculated as passengers are abandoning their plans due to uncertainty in restrictions. &nbsp;

"Covid continues to pose significant challenges for the travel industry," Heathrow said in a statement. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-not-the-last-covid-variant-scientists-warn-445185" hreflang="en">Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn</a>

With the Omicron coronavirus variant stalling recovery prospects, the number of passengers passing through London's main airport dropped more than 12 per cent last year. &nbsp;

Britain still requires all inbound travellers to take either a PCR or a rapid lateral flow test a maximum of 48 hours before departure, a measure Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said would be reviewed in the second week of January. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return.

If a report is to be believed, the vaccinated travellers from Britain may be able to go on half-term holidays in February without having to undergo COVID-19 tests on their return. UK’s Transport Minister Grant Shapps seems to be in favour of ending the testing system for the double-vaccinated people during the February break, The Times reported. Also Read: Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules On January 26, an announcement may come up on the same, the report said. This comes as London’s Heathrow Airport authorities recently said that it suffered 600,000 flight cancellation in December last year as cases related to the Omicron variant surged in the United Kingdom. Airport authorities are demanding an end of coronavirus testing for those, who have been fully inoculated as passengers are abandoning their plans due to uncertainty in restrictions. "Covid continues to pose significant challenges for the travel industry," Heathrow said in a statement. Also Read: Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn With the Omicron coronavirus variant stalling recovery prospects, the number of passengers passing through London's main airport dropped more than 12 per cent last year. Britain still requires all inbound travellers to take either a PCR or a rapid lateral flow test a maximum of 48 hours before departure, a measure Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said would be reviewed in the second week of January. (With inputs from agencies)

UK’s vaccinated travellers may not have to take Covid tests in Feb, says report

Adding to the current political crisis in the United Kingdom, the British intelligence service has now warned of foreign interference into the country for the very first time.

British intelligence service MI5 accuses China of political interference in the UK

Another day and reports of yet another lockdown party have emerged. This too was held in 10 downing street, the residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Trouble for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues with reports of two more parties emerge

In the UK the royal status of a prince has been demolished and that is of Prince Andrew. His mother Queen Elizabeth has stripped him of all royal titles and military honours. He is no longer 'his royal highness.'The decision comes barely a day after NY court ordered a trial against charges of sexual allegations.The price will now have to fight the case as a private citizen.

United Kingdom: Queen Elizabeth strips Prince Andrew of royal titles

Britain's Prince Andrew will defend himself against a US civil suit alleging sexual abuse as a private citizen. This after the Royal Family removed Prince Andrew's military links and royal patronages.

How will the sexual assault lawsuit harm Prince Andrew?

A US judge denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing the royal of sexually abusing her when she was underage. Now, Prince Andrew has lost the Royal status and Military links after the allegations and lawsuit.

UK's Prince Andrew stripped of Royal status & Military links amid sexual assault allegations

Facebook is facing a 3.2 billion dollar plus class-action suit in Britain for allegations that it has abused its market dominance by exploiting the personal data of almost about 44 million users.

Facebook is facing a 3.2 billion dollar class-action lawsuit in Britain

A US judge has denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing the royal of sexually abusing her when she was underage.

Prince Andrew loses Royal status & Military links amid sexual assault allegations

Before the Omicron variant struck in November, the UK economy had increased faster than projected, returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 percent in November, compared to 0.1 percent in October.&nbsp;

The holiday season made a significant contribution to the economy's rebound.&nbsp;

The ONS claimed that an increase in restaurant bookings and a quick turnaround in building output were also factors in the expansion, which lifted the economy's size by 0.7 percent above its March 2020 level.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-bats-for-india-uk-fta-says-deal-takes-ties-to-next-level-444315">Also read | British PM bats for India-UK FTA; says deal takes ties to 'next level'</a>

City economists predicted a 0.4 percent expansion and that November would be a high point in 2021, with the ONS data arriving just as the Omicron variant took hold, increasing workforce shortages and prompting the government to impose plan B limits.

It followed a 0.2 percent rise in October.

Another factor driving the rise in GDP, according to the ONS, was the continued expansion of health services as a proportion of economic activity.

Business organisations cautioned that the economy remained sluggish in the face of growing inflation and the Bank of England's threat of raising interest rates.&nbsp;

According to the ONS, the world's fifth-largest economy was 0.7 percent larger in February 2020 than it was in February 2019.

Despite the acceleration in growth in November, GDP is likely to have suffered a knock in December as the Omicron coronavirus type spread over the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Before the Omicron variant struck in November, the UK economy had increased faster than projected, returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.

Before the Omicron variant struck in November, the UK economy had increased faster than projected, returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 percent in November, compared to 0.1 percent in October. The holiday season made a significant contribution to the economy's rebound. The ONS claimed that an increase in restaurant bookings and a quick turnaround in building output were also factors in the expansion, which lifted the economy's size by 0.7 percent above its March 2020 level. Also read | British PM bats for India-UK FTA; says deal takes ties to 'next level' City economists predicted a 0.4 percent expansion and that November would be a high point in 2021, with the ONS data arriving just as the Omicron variant took hold, increasing workforce shortages and prompting the government to impose plan B limits. It followed a 0.2 percent rise in October. Another factor driving the rise in GDP, according to the ONS, was the continued expansion of health services as a proportion of economic activity. Business organisations cautioned that the economy remained sluggish in the face of growing inflation and the Bank of England's threat of raising interest rates. According to the ONS, the world's fifth-largest economy was 0.7 percent larger in February 2020 than it was in February 2019. Despite the acceleration in growth in November, GDP is likely to have suffered a knock in December as the Omicron coronavirus type spread over the world. (With inputs from agencies)

British economy reaches back above pre-COVID level for first time

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership.

UK PM Boris Johnson admits hosting parties in lockdown & offers apology over it

British lawmakers are asking Boris Johnson to resign after he admitted to attending a Downing Street party during lockdown. With party & public against him, is this the end of the road for Boris? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: End of the road for Boris Johnson?

The UK appears to have surpassed the peak of the latest wave of COVID-19 caused by Omicron, providing a glimmer of hope to rest of the world.

UK's Omicron data offers hope to the world as cases surpasses peak

Social media giant Facebook is facing a $3.2 billion class-action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting user data in the United Kingdom. It has been accused of abusing its market dominance by exploiting the personal data of nearly 44 million users.

Liza Lovdahl Gormsen, who happens to be the senior adviser to the British watchdog group Financial Conduct Authority,&nbsp;is suing Meta on behalf of people who used Facebook in between 2015 to 2019.

Lovdahl Gornsen said, "In the 17 years since it was created, Facebook became the sole social network in the UK where you could be sure to connect with friends and family in one place."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scaling-new-milestone-chinas-trade-surplus-reaches-6764-billion-in-2021-444661">Also read |&nbsp;Scaling new milestone? China's trade surplus reaches $676.4 billion in 2021</a>

She further added, "Yet, there was a dark side to Facebook; it abused its market dominance to impose unfair terms and conditions on ordinary Britons, giving it the power to exploit their personal data."

The lawsuit will be heard by London's Competition Appeal Tribunal. As per Lovdahl Gornsen, Facebook collected data within its platform using tools like the Facebook pixel.&nbsp;

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart &amp; Sullivan is the law firm representing Lovdahl Gormsen. The firm has notified Facebook of the claim. 
Responding to the allegation, Facebook said that people used its services because they were valued as "they have meaningful control of what information they share on Meta's platforms and who with."&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-is-facing-a-32-billion-dollar-class-action-lawsuit-in-britain-444595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(With inputs from agencies)</div>

Social media giant Facebook is facing a $3.2 billion class-action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting user data in the United Kingdom. It has been accused of abusing its market dominance by exploiting the personal data of nearly 44 million users.

Social media giant Facebook is facing a $3.2 billion class-action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting user data in the United Kingdom. It has been accused of abusing its market dominance by exploiting the personal data of nearly 44 million users. Liza Lovdahl Gormsen, who happens to be the senior adviser to the British watchdog group Financial Conduct Authority, is suing Meta on behalf of people who used Facebook in between 2015 to 2019. Lovdahl Gornsen said, "In the 17 years since it was created, Facebook became the sole social network in the UK where you could be sure to connect with friends and family in one place." Also read | Scaling new milestone? China's trade surplus reaches $676.4 billion in 2021 She further added, "Yet, there was a dark side to Facebook; it abused its market dominance to impose unfair terms and conditions on ordinary Britons, giving it the power to exploit their personal data." The lawsuit will be heard by London's Competition Appeal Tribunal. As per Lovdahl Gornsen, Facebook collected data within its platform using tools like the Facebook pixel. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is the law firm representing Lovdahl Gormsen. The firm has notified Facebook of the claim. Responding to the allegation, Facebook said that people used its services because they were valued as "they have meaningful control of what information they share on Meta's platforms and who with." (With inputs from agencies)

Here is why social media giant Facebook is facing $3.2 billion class-action lawsuit in UK

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership. Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight with at least 30 people attending.

Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight

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