United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade is on a two-day visit to India. The British trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch free trade agreement negotiations in New Delhi.

India & UK to launch joint trade panel

Issuing a warning on the digital currency the British lawmakers have said that a digital pound used by consumers could potentially harm financial stability, raise the cost of credit, and also erode privacy.

British lawmakers issue warning against the digital pound

Tearless onions will be available in the UK market. They'll be less pungent and much more expensive than normal onions.

Tearless onions will be available in the UK market

Under fire for organising and attending parties when the UK was under strict lockdown, PM Boris Johnson apologises in the British parliament.

Under fire for lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson grilled in the British Parliament

British trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch free trade agreement negotiations in India

A US judge has denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit. This lawsuit was brought against the British royal by Virginia Giuffre.

A US judge has denied Prince Andrew's plea to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit

UK PM Boris Johnson apologises in British parliament for lockdown 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 and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership.

UK PM Boris Johnson apologizes over lockdown parties, what next?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect.

"The prime minister will no longer be visiting Lancashire today due to a family member testing positive for coronavirus," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

"He will follow the guidance for vaccinated close contacts, including daily testing and limiting contact with others."

In Britain, self-isolation is no longer required for fully vaccinated people after they come into contact with infected person. However, they are advised to "limit close contact with other people outside your household".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-was-a-forced-apology-netizens-slam-boris-johnson-for-bring-your-own-booze-party-at-downing-street-444329lso">'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street</a>

Johnson lives in a Downing Street flat with his wife Carrie and their two small children.&nbsp;

For his critics, Johnson's scrupulous adherence to the rules now will contrast with his attendance at a party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when Britain was under a strict lockdown.

After days of stonewalling the scandal, on Wednesday he issued "heartfelt apologies", conceding that millions had observed the lockdown even at the cost of missing final farewells to dying relatives.

But opposition parties and even some Conservatives are demanding Johnson resign.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday cancelled a trip to northern England after a relative was found positive with Covid. The cancellation has come a day after Johnson apologised over a party he had when lockdown was in effect. "The prime minister will no longer be visiting Lancashire today due to a family member testing positive for coronavirus," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "He will follow the guidance for vaccinated close contacts, including daily testing and limiting contact with others." In Britain, self-isolation is no longer required for fully vaccinated people after they come into contact with infected person. However, they are advised to "limit close contact with other people outside your household". Also Read | 'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street Johnson lives in a Downing Street flat with his wife Carrie and their two small children. For his critics, Johnson's scrupulous adherence to the rules now will contrast with his attendance at a party in the Downing Street garden in May 2020, when Britain was under a strict lockdown. After days of stonewalling the scandal, on Wednesday he issued "heartfelt apologies", conceding that millions had observed the lockdown even at the cost of missing final farewells to dying relatives. But opposition parties and even some Conservatives are demanding Johnson resign. (With inputs from agencies)

A day after lockdown party apology, UK PM cancels trip as family member tests positive for Covid

As UK is still battling the coronavirus pandemic with rise in Omicron cases, parents are being warned to watch out for signs of infection by a non-Covid virus that is causing breathing problems in children. The cases of infection from this non-Covid virus are on the rise.&nbsp;

British Lung Foundation (BLF) said that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is staging a comeback. In the winter of last year, Covid lockdown meant that there were fewer infections.

“In the last few weeks, we have noticed a surge in calls from parents who are worried about their child’s breathing,” said Caroline Fredericks, a nurse supporting BLF helpline. She was quoted by The Guardian. She added that most of the parents who had called on the helpline did not know about RSV.

The foundation has seen 400 per cent rise in calls in last three months as compared to the same period the year before.

RSV is an infection common in babies and children. It normally causes cough and cold but in some cases it may further develop into Bronchiolitis. It is an inflammatory infection of lower airways of the lungs. Bronchiolitis may cause difficulty in breathing.

Bronchiolitis has early symptoms similar to those of common cold but in a few days, this may lead to high fever, dry cough, difficulty feeding and wheezes.

As UK is still battling the coronavirus pandemic with rise in Omicron cases, parents are being warned to watch out for signs of infection by a non-Covid virus that is causing breathing problems in children.

As UK is still battling the coronavirus pandemic with rise in Omicron cases, parents are being warned to watch out for signs of infection by a non-Covid virus that is causing breathing problems in children. The cases of infection from this non-Covid virus are on the rise. British Lung Foundation (BLF) said that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is staging a comeback. In the winter of last year, Covid lockdown meant that there were fewer infections. “In the last few weeks, we have noticed a surge in calls from parents who are worried about their child’s breathing,” said Caroline Fredericks, a nurse supporting BLF helpline. She was quoted by The Guardian. She added that most of the parents who had called on the helpline did not know about RSV. The foundation has seen 400 per cent rise in calls in last three months as compared to the same period the year before. RSV is an infection common in babies and children. It normally causes cough and cold but in some cases it may further develop into Bronchiolitis. It is an inflammatory infection of lower airways of the lungs. Bronchiolitis may cause difficulty in breathing. Bronchiolitis has early symptoms similar to those of common cold but in a few days, this may lead to high fever, dry cough, difficulty feeding and wheezes.

UK: Cases of non-Covid virus causing breathing problems in children on rise

A leaked email shows the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email exposes another lockdown party organised by UK PM Boris Johnson during strict lockdown

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted and apologized for attending a 'bring your own booze party' at the downing street. This is the first time that UK PM acknowledged attending the Garden party though he added that it was a 'work event'.

Downing street: Boris Johnson apologizes for lockdown party, calls it a 'work event'

Boris Johnson is currently answering questions over the controversial booze party in the House of Commons. Today's parliament session comes after the revelation of another secret lockdown party held at the PM's residence the conservative party members are watching the growing list of secret parties held at the downing street.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces furious backlash over lockdown parties

Days after new COVID test rules for travelers were brought to England, Heathrow airport has now called for further relaxation of rules. Heathrow has called for the removal of testing for all vaccinated travelers after 600,000 flight bookings were canceled in December alone when the omicron spread began in the United Kingdom.

UK: Heathrow airport calls for the removal of testing for all vaccinated travelers

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan. 4, “to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again.”

Public health experts may disagree. Yet Mr. Johnson is at least being consistent — not only with his conduct throughout the pandemic, where lockdowns were a last resort and restrictions were to be shelved as soon as possible, but also with the political platform that elevated him to the highest office. After all, this is the man who rose to power — bringing about Brexit in the process — on the promise to restore “freedom” and “take back control.”

Undeterred by the pandemic, Mr. Johnson has been quietly pursuing that agenda. But instead of reforming the country’s creaking democracy and shoring up Britons’ rights, he and his lieutenants are doing the opposite: seizing control for themselves and stripping away the freedoms of others. A raft of bills likely to pass this year will set Britain, self-professed beacon of democracy, on the road to autocracy. Once in place, the legislation will be very hard to shift. For Mr. Johnson, it amounts to a concerted power grab.

It’s also an answer. A political chameleon, Mr. Johnson’s true ideological bent — liberal? one-nation Tory? English nationalist? — has long been a subject of speculation. Now he has, beyond any doubt, revealed who he really is: a brattish authoritarian who puts his personal whims above anything else. And whatever his future, Britain will be remade in his image.

Amid the chaos wrought by the pandemic, Brexit tumult and increasing questions about the stability of Mr. Johnson’s individual position, the full scale of the impending assault on civil liberties has — understandably — not yet come into focus for much of the British public. The list of legislation is long and deliberately overwhelming. But pieced together, the picture is bleakly repressive.

First, there’s the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, a draconian and broad piece of legislation that effectively bans protest in England and Wales. The police would be equipped to shut down demonstrations that create “serious disruption.” Those who break this condition, which could be done just by making noise, would face prison sentences or hefty fines. Combined with other measures, such as outlawing traditional direct-action tactics like “locking on,” the bill could eventually make it almost impossible to attend a demonstration without committing an offense.

Yet it goes beyond protest, putting minority groups in the cross hairs. New trespass provisions, which make “residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle” a criminal offense, would essentially erase nomadic Gypsy, Roma and Traveler communities from public life. And the expansion of police powers would not only allow officers widespread access to private education and health care records, but also pave the way for suspicionless stop and search. Ethnic minority communities, disproportionately singled out for police attention, are likely to bear the brunt of such overreach.

Similarly punitive is the Nationality and Borders Bill. Stiffening Britain’s already hawkish immigration policy, it seeks to criminalize asylum seekers who take unsanctioned routes: Refugees who arrive by boat, for example, could face up to four years in prison, regardless of the validity of their claim for safe haven. And if claimants escape traditional jail, they would be kept in concentration camp-style housing and offshore processing centers, sites long denounced by human rights activists.

Not even British citizens are safe from the dragnet. A provision slipped into the bill in November by its architect, the home secretary, Priti Patel, would endow the government with the power to remove British citizenship from dual nationals without notice. Those singled out might not even have recourse to the law: Proposed reform of the Human Rights Act would make it easier for the government to deport foreign nationals and deny them claims of mistreatment.

Such draconian measures, in time, are sure to be contested. But the government has a plan for that: draining the life blood from democracy. There’s the Elections Bill, which — alongside potentially disenfranchising millions through the introduction of mandatory voter ID — aims to furnish the government with new powers over the independent elections regulator, sealing up the political process. Unless substantially amended, the bill’s consequences could be constitutionally far-reaching.

The urge to centralize power also underlies the Judicial Review and Courts Bill, which would enable Mr. Johnson and his ministers to overrule judicial review findings that challenge their agenda. The Online Safety Bill, ostensibly designed to regulate Big Tech, is yet to be introduced to Parliament. But many free-speech advocates fear that it could be used to silence critics on social media, censoring those reporting details Mr. Johnson’s government would rather keep from public view. No more pesky judges or overly inquisitive journalists interfering with government business.

It’s a truism that nations sleepwalk into tyranny, and England — the most politically powerful of the nations comprising Britain — is no exception. For decades it has possessed all the necessary ingredients: ever more spiteful nationalism, press fealty sold to the highest bidder and a fervent, misplaced belief that authoritarianism could never set up shop here, because we simply wouldn’t let it.

In this event, though, concerted opposition to Mr. Johnson’s plans has not materialized. Establishment politics have been no match for the determination of Mr. Johnson and his allies: A hefty and largely supportive Conservative majority means that even when the Labour Party has decided to oppose legislation, its votes have barely counted. And despite valiant efforts by a coalition of grass-roots groups and the initial groundswell of the “Kill the Bill” protests, a mass movement opposing these bills has failed to come together. Instead, a miasma of grim inevitability has settled in.

That’s dangerous, not least because this authoritarian assault is so comprehensive that once settled as law, it will prove very tricky to unpick. Like many leaders who seek to transcend the constraints of democracy, Mr. Johnson may not foresee a future where he isn’t the one calling the shots. But the miserable shadow his power grab will cast over Britain is likely to last far longer than the tenure of the would-be “world king” himself.

His place in the history books, however, is secured. He will forever be the libertine whose pursuit of personal freedom and “control” saw his countrymen robbed of theirs.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan. 4, “to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again.” Public health experts may disagree. Yet Mr. Johnson is at least being consistent — not only with his conduct throughout the pandemic, where lockdowns were a last resort and restrictions were to be shelved as soon as possible, but also with the political platform that elevated him to the highest office. After all, this is the man who rose to power — bringing about Brexit in the process — on the promise to restore “freedom” and “take back control.” Undeterred by the pandemic, Mr. Johnson has been quietly pursuing that agenda. But instead of reforming the country’s creaking democracy and shoring up Britons’ rights, he and his lieutenants are doing the opposite: seizing control for themselves and stripping away the freedoms of others. A raft of bills likely to pass this year will set Britain, self-professed beacon of democracy, on the road to autocracy. Once in place, the legislation will be very hard to shift. For Mr. Johnson, it amounts to a concerted power grab. It’s also an answer. A political chameleon, Mr. Johnson’s true ideological bent — liberal? one-nation Tory? English nationalist? — has long been a subject of speculation. Now he has, beyond any doubt, revealed who he really is: a brattish authoritarian who puts his personal whims above anything else. And whatever his future, Britain will be remade in his image. Amid the chaos wrought by the pandemic, Brexit tumult and increasing questions about the stability of Mr. Johnson’s individual position, the full scale of the impending assault on civil liberties has — understandably — not yet come into focus for much of the British public. The list of legislation is long and deliberately overwhelming. But pieced together, the picture is bleakly repressive. First, there’s the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, a draconian and broad piece of legislation that effectively bans protest in England and Wales. The police would be equipped to shut down demonstrations that create “serious disruption.” Those who break this condition, which could be done just by making noise, would face prison sentences or hefty fines. Combined with other measures, such as outlawing traditional direct-action tactics like “locking on,” the bill could eventually make it almost impossible to attend a demonstration without committing an offense. Yet it goes beyond protest, putting minority groups in the cross hairs. New trespass provisions, which make “residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle” a criminal offense, would essentially erase nomadic Gypsy, Roma and Traveler communities from public life. And the expansion of police powers would not only allow officers widespread access to private education and health care records, but also pave the way for suspicionless stop and search. Ethnic minority communities, disproportionately singled out for police attention, are likely to bear the brunt of such overreach. Similarly punitive is the Nationality and Borders Bill. Stiffening Britain’s already hawkish immigration policy, it seeks to criminalize asylum seekers who take unsanctioned routes: Refugees who arrive by boat, for example, could face up to four years in prison, regardless of the validity of their claim for safe haven. And if claimants escape traditional jail, they would be kept in concentration camp-style housing and offshore processing centers, sites long denounced by human rights activists. Not even British citizens are safe from the dragnet. A provision slipped into the bill in November by its architect, the home secretary, Priti Patel, would endow the government with the power to remove British citizenship from dual nationals without notice. Those singled out might not even have recourse to the law: Proposed reform of the Human Rights Act would make it easier for the government to deport foreign nationals and deny them claims of mistreatment. Such draconian measures, in time, are sure to be contested. But the government has a plan for that: draining the life blood from democracy. There’s the Elections Bill, which — alongside potentially disenfranchising millions through the introduction of mandatory voter ID — aims to furnish the government with new powers over the independent elections regulator, sealing up the political process. Unless substantially amended, the bill’s consequences could be constitutionally far-reaching. The urge to centralize power also underlies the Judicial Review and Courts Bill, which would enable Mr. Johnson and his ministers to overrule judicial review findings that challenge their agenda. The Online Safety Bill, ostensibly designed to regulate Big Tech, is yet to be introduced to Parliament. But many free-speech advocates fear that it could be used to silence critics on social media, censoring those reporting details Mr. Johnson’s government would rather keep from public view. No more pesky judges or overly inquisitive journalists interfering with government business. It’s a truism that nations sleepwalk into tyranny, and England — the most politically powerful of the nations comprising Britain — is no exception. For decades it has possessed all the necessary ingredients: ever more spiteful nationalism, press fealty sold to the highest bidder and a fervent, misplaced belief that authoritarianism could never set up shop here, because we simply wouldn’t let it. In this event, though, concerted opposition to Mr. Johnson’s plans has not materialized. Establishment politics have been no match for the determination of Mr. Johnson and his allies: A hefty and largely supportive Conservative majority means that even when the Labour Party has decided to oppose legislation, its votes have barely counted. And despite valiant efforts by a coalition of grass-roots groups and the initial groundswell of the “Kill the Bill” protests, a mass movement opposing these bills has failed to come together. Instead, a miasma of grim inevitability has settled in. That’s dangerous, not least because this authoritarian assault is so comprehensive that once settled as law, it will prove very tricky to unpick. Like many leaders who seek to transcend the constraints of democracy, Mr. Johnson may not foresee a future where he isn’t the one calling the shots. But the miserable shadow his power grab will cast over Britain is likely to last far longer than the tenure of the would-be “world king” himself. His place in the history books, however, is secured. He will forever be the libertine whose pursuit of personal freedom and “control” saw his countrymen robbed of theirs.

Boris Johnson is revealing who he really is

Pics | Brits angrily contrast own lives during Covid lockdown when PM Johnson partied

A leaked email shows an aide for the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email shows UK PM's aide inviting staff to 'bring your own booze' party during COVID lockdown

Indian-origin Finance Minister of UK Rishi Sunak has emerged as the 'favourite' to be UK'S next Prime Minister. A survey says nearly half of all members in the Conservative Party want him to replace Boris Johnson. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Tories want Rishi Sunak to be UK'S next Prime Minister

As Queen Elizabeth II seems to have been housed in Windsor Castle for a long time due to the rising number of coronavirus cases, the police in the UK have applied to establish a 'no-fly' zone over the property. &nbsp;

This comes as the cops are reviewing security arrangements for the queen. &nbsp;

If the 'no-fly' zone is granted, the order would prevent any aircraft from flying up to 2,500 feet (762 metres) above and 1.5 nautical miles (around three kilometres) around the castle. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harassed-by-hospital-over-cross-necklace-for-years-christian-nurse-wins-lawsuit-in-uk-443472" hreflang="en">Harassed by hospital over cross necklace for years, Christian nurse wins lawsuit in UK</a>

"This was not brought about in response to any specific threat or intelligence, but was intended to further enhance the security at what is an iconic location and keep the community living nearby safe," police said on Sunday. &nbsp;

Earlier, police had arrested an armed intruder on Christmas Day for entering the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth was celebrating the festival with family. &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to the police, the breach was reported around 8:30 am local time. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-six-months-after-opening-londons-newest-tourist-attraction-marble-arch-mound-is-closing-443423" hreflang="en">Just six months after opening, London's newest tourist attraction Marble Arch Mound is closing</a>

In a statement, Thames Valley Police Superintendent Rebecca Mears had said that security protocols were initiated by the officials "within moments of the man entering the grounds." &nbsp; &nbsp;

The suspect, who was a 19-year-old teen from Southampton, could not enter any buildings, Mears said as reported by CBS News. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Queen Elizabeth II seems to have been housed in Windsor Castle for a long time due to the rising number of coronavirus cases, the police in the UK have applied to establish a 'no-fly' zone over the property.

As Queen Elizabeth II seems to have been housed in Windsor Castle for a long time due to the rising number of coronavirus cases, the police in the UK have applied to establish a 'no-fly' zone over the property. This comes as the cops are reviewing security arrangements for the queen. If the 'no-fly' zone is granted, the order would prevent any aircraft from flying up to 2,500 feet (762 metres) above and 1.5 nautical miles (around three kilometres) around the castle. Also Read: Harassed by hospital over cross necklace for years, Christian nurse wins lawsuit in UK "This was not brought about in response to any specific threat or intelligence, but was intended to further enhance the security at what is an iconic location and keep the community living nearby safe," police said on Sunday. Earlier, police had arrested an armed intruder on Christmas Day for entering the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth was celebrating the festival with family. According to the police, the breach was reported around 8:30 am local time. Also Read: Just six months after opening, London's newest tourist attraction Marble Arch Mound is closing In a statement, Thames Valley Police Superintendent Rebecca Mears had said that security protocols were initiated by the officials "within moments of the man entering the grounds." The suspect, who was a 19-year-old teen from Southampton, could not enter any buildings, Mears said as reported by CBS News. (With inputs from agencies)

As queen extends stay, UK cops apply to turn Windsor Castle into 'no-fly' zone

Even as the number of coronavirus cases have been continuously rising, the United Kingdom will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace said on Monday. &nbsp;

Numerous celebrations&nbsp;will take place throughout the year. The&nbsp;first event will begin&nbsp;on Monday and the&nbsp;celebration&nbsp;will culminate in a four-day bank holiday weekend for the UK from June 2 to 5.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-queen-extends-stay-uk-cops-apply-to-turn-windsor-castle-into-no-fly-zone-443481" hreflang="en">As Queen extends stay, UK cops apply to turn Windsor Castle into 'no-fly' zone</a>

In the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a military parade, neighbourhood parties and a competition to create a new dessert will be held. &nbsp;

This comes as around 1.227 million people tested positive for COVID-19 last week, 10.6 per cent more than the week before. The number of deaths was up 38.3 per cent on a week before at 1,271. &nbsp;

The recent surge in the number of cases has been linked to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The death rates have been lower than previous waves of the disease. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harassed-by-hospital-over-cross-necklace-for-years-christian-nurse-wins-lawsuit-in-uk-443472" hreflang="en">Harassed by hospital over cross necklace for years, Christian nurse wins lawsuit in UK</a>

On February 6, Elizabeth will become the first monarch to reign for seven decades in British history. &nbsp;

As the doctors had recently advised 95-year-old queen to get more rest, it is unclear which events she will attend. &nbsp;

According to the palace, there will be around 2,00,000 neighbourhood events across the UK.&nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the number of coronavirus cases have been continuously rising, the United Kingdom will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace said on Monday.

Even as the number of coronavirus cases have been continuously rising, the United Kingdom will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace said on Monday. Numerous celebrations will take place throughout the year. The first event will begin on Monday and the celebration will culminate in a four-day bank holiday weekend for the UK from June 2 to 5. Also Read: As Queen extends stay, UK cops apply to turn Windsor Castle into 'no-fly' zone In the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a military parade, neighbourhood parties and a competition to create a new dessert will be held. This comes as around 1.227 million people tested positive for COVID-19 last week, 10.6 per cent more than the week before. The number of deaths was up 38.3 per cent on a week before at 1,271. The recent surge in the number of cases has been linked to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The death rates have been lower than previous waves of the disease. Also Read: Harassed by hospital over cross necklace for years, Christian nurse wins lawsuit in UK On February 6, Elizabeth will become the first monarch to reign for seven decades in British history. As the doctors had recently advised 95-year-old queen to get more rest, it is unclear which events she will attend. According to the palace, there will be around 2,00,000 neighbourhood events across the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

UK turns blind eye to Covid rise, looks to celebrate queen's 70 years on throne

The United Kingdom's official death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic rose above 150,000 on Saturday, following a record wave of cases caused by the Omicron variant.

UK becomes first country in Europe to pass 150,000 COVID deaths

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement.&nbsp;

The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now.

The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low.&nbsp;

Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-provide-comfort-us-president-visits-wildfire-ravaged-colorado-443068">Also read |&nbsp;To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado</a>

He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread."

As a precautionary measure, the UK&nbsp;government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement. The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now. The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low. Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action." Also read | To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread." As a precautionary measure, the UK government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization. In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

'Very rare' human case of bird flu detected in UK; Incident reported to WHO

Ireland will no longer require vaccinated travellers to present a negative COVID test report. The change will take effect today. Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

UK eases COVID testing rules

In a rare event, a Russian submarine, which was being tracked by a UK naval warship on patrol in the North Atlantic over a year ago, had hit a sonar the vessel it was towing, said the UK Ministry of Defence. &nbsp;

In a statement on Thursday, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said, "In late 2020, a Russian submarine being tracked by HMS Northumberland came into contact with her towed array sonar." &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-progress-with-russia-so-long-as-gun-to-ukraines-head-blinken-442529" hreflang="en">No progress with Russia so long as 'gun to Ukraine's head': Blinken</a>

The statement said, "The Royal Navy regularly tracks foreign ships and submarines in order to ensure the defence of the United Kingdom." &nbsp;

A towed array sonar is a sensor, which is spooled out by a ship on deployment. &nbsp;

The HMS Northumberland had carried out a "vital mission to protect UK waters and the nation's nuclear deterrent" in 2020, as per the British Royal Navy. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-uk-battles-omicron-wave-1-in-15-infected-with-covid-19-in-england-442603" hreflang="en">As UK battles Omicron wave, 1 in 15 infected with COVID-19 in England</a>

Meanwhile, Russian President Putin had earlier inaugurated the building of new nuclear submarines and other warships as part of a broad military modernisation effort amid tensions with the West. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The event, which is a mix of war drills and an arms display, was intended to highlight Russian military weapons and lure foreign buyers. King Abdullah II of Jordan, for example, was among those present. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare event, a Russian submarine, which was being tracked by a UK naval warship on patrol in the North Atlantic over a year ago, had hit a sonar the vessel it was towing, said the UK Ministry of Defence.

In a rare event, a Russian submarine, which was being tracked by a UK naval warship on patrol in the North Atlantic over a year ago, had hit a sonar the vessel it was towing, said the UK Ministry of Defence. In a statement on Thursday, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said, "In late 2020, a Russian submarine being tracked by HMS Northumberland came into contact with her towed array sonar." Also Read | No progress with Russia so long as 'gun to Ukraine's head': Blinken The statement said, "The Royal Navy regularly tracks foreign ships and submarines in order to ensure the defence of the United Kingdom." A towed array sonar is a sensor, which is spooled out by a ship on deployment. The HMS Northumberland had carried out a "vital mission to protect UK waters and the nation's nuclear deterrent" in 2020, as per the British Royal Navy. Also Read: As UK battles Omicron wave, 1 in 15 infected with COVID-19 in England Meanwhile, Russian President Putin had earlier inaugurated the building of new nuclear submarines and other warships as part of a broad military modernisation effort amid tensions with the West. The event, which is a mix of war drills and an arms display, was intended to highlight Russian military weapons and lure foreign buyers. King Abdullah II of Jordan, for example, was among those present. (With inputs from agencies)

In rare event, Russian submarine collided with UK warship as it towed array sonar

Uk, News on Uk, stories on Uk, articles on Uk, Uk stories at Wion, Uk news, Uk latest news