French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has canceled a meeting with his UK counterpart Priti Patel in light of the latest criticism of France on the illegal migrants issue addressed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin cancels meet with UK counterpart

In what is being termed as the deadliest migrant boat tragedy, at least 27 migrants lost their lives after their boat sank in the English Channel near Calais. The migrants were trying to reach England from France.

In what is being termed as the deadliest migrant boat tragedy, at least 27 migrants lost their lives after their boat sank in the English Channel near Calais. The migrants were trying to reach England from France. "It is Europe's deepest values - humanism, respect for the dignity of each person - that are in mourning," said French President Emmanuel Macron. As an aftermath of the accident, Macron also made an effort to speak to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about magnifying efforts to stop the traffickers, who have been blamed for an increase in such crossings. Johnson said he was "appalled" and would leave "no stone unturned" to stop people responsible for human trafficking. He further said that Britain had faced "difficulties persuading some of our partners, particularly the French, to do things in a way that the situation deserves," urging tougher action from France. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter probe. Also read | Havana Syndrome: FBI makes it a top priority, will continue to 'identify the cause' Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 4 suspected traffickers who have been accused of having a direct link are arrested. He further stated that five women and a girl were among those who have lost their lives. Initially, the toll said that 31 migrants had died but the interior ministry later revised this to 27. Prime Minister Jean Castex will hold a crisis meeting early on Thursday. The UK House of Commons will be holding a debate on “the numbers of migrants arriving in the UK illegally by boat.” The British Red Cross has described the incident as “truly heartbreaking” as the society called on the UK government to “rethink its plans” regarding the asylum system. (With inputs from agencies)

'Truly heartbreaking': At least 27 people die after migrant boat sank in English Channel

At least 27 migrants were killed after their dinghy capsized while they were attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain, it is one of the worst disaster.

English channel migrant crisis: 27 killed after boat sinks, UK and France starts blame game

Several British politicians are demanding a change in parliamentary rules after a lawmaker was told she couldn't bring her 3-month-old baby to parliament.

United Kingdom: British lawmakers reject ban on babies in parliament

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders.

According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel.

A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/real-lesson-for-me-going-to-peppa-pig-world-twitter-in-splits-over-johnsons-bizarre-speech-431359">'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech</a>

Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priti-patel-furious-as-boris-johnson-blocks-public-sexual-harassment-law-419621">Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law</a>

The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism.

During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”.

He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change.

&nbsp;“I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly losing the confidence of his party members over his ‘rambling’ speech to the top industry leaders. According to the Guardian, the Conservative party members are questioning his competence in running the government and are dismayed over his address at the business summit, where he—instead of discussing key policy issues—allocated a majority of address discussing his trip to the Peppa Pig World— an amusement park dedicated to the British preschool animated television series. Apart from that, the Tory Party members are also reportedly unhappy over his key policy decisions such as social care proposals, decision to scale back rail improvements for the north and frustration over the government’s failure to keep its promises on small boats crossing the Channel. A source from the prime ministers’ office at the Downing Street told the BBC that there was “a lot of concern inside the building about the PM … it’s just not working”, adding that the “cabinet needs to wake up and demand serious changes otherwise it’ll keep getting worse”. Also read | 'Real lesson for me going to Peppa Pig World': Twitter in splits over Johnson's bizarre speech Similarly, a former cabinet minister told the Guardian that there was “an accumulation of things building up, really relating to his competence and that is beginning to look very shaky” after a “pretty bad bloody fortnight”. Also read | Priti Patel furious as Boris Johnson blocks public sexual harassment law The backlash against Johnson comes after his address to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where was accused of lacking seriousness and professionalism. During that speech, it was said that Johnson imitated the sound of an accelerating car with sounds like “arum arum aaaaaaaaag”. He also compared himself to Moses while discussing his plans to help businesses invest in tackling climate change. “I said to my officials the new 10 commandments were that ‘Thou shalt develop industries like offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear power and carbon capture,” the prime minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Conservative MPs question UK PM Johnson’s ‘competence’ after ‘rambling’ speech

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law.

The report was commissioned by the UK government. Experts at the London School of Economics looked at 300 scientific studies to evaluate of sentience.

Sentience is defined as the quality of being able to experience feelings. Humans are sentient beings. In new animal welfare legislation being debated in UK, vertebrates, or animals with backbone have already been classified as sentient.

The study by LSE experts has concluded that cephalopods ( like squids, octopuses and cuttlefish) and decapods (crabs and other animals) are sentient. The report recommends that lobsters and crabs shouldn't be boiled alive as they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. The report has also suggested best practices.

"The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill provides a crucial assurance that animal wellbeing is rightly considered when developing new laws. The science is now clear that decapods and cephalopods can feel pain and therefore it is only right they are covered by this vital piece of legislation," said Animal Welfare Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith in a statement published on UK government website.

The legislation is not yet a law. When the law comes to effect, it will establish an Animal Sentience Committee

This committee will observe and make reports on to what extent government would have taken into account sentient animal welfare.

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law.

A UK report has concluded that crabs, octopuses and lobsters are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. This has led to addition of these animals in the list of sentient beings which will be protected under new animal protection law. The report was commissioned by the UK government. Experts at the London School of Economics looked at 300 scientific studies to evaluate of sentience. Sentience is defined as the quality of being able to experience feelings. Humans are sentient beings. In new animal welfare legislation being debated in UK, vertebrates, or animals with backbone have already been classified as sentient. The study by LSE experts has concluded that cephalopods ( like squids, octopuses and cuttlefish) and decapods (crabs and other animals) are sentient. The report recommends that lobsters and crabs shouldn't be boiled alive as they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain. The report has also suggested best practices. "The Animal Welfare Sentience Bill provides a crucial assurance that animal wellbeing is rightly considered when developing new laws. The science is now clear that decapods and cephalopods can feel pain and therefore it is only right they are covered by this vital piece of legislation," said Animal Welfare Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith in a statement published on UK government website. The legislation is not yet a law. When the law comes to effect, it will establish an Animal Sentience Committee This committee will observe and make reports on to what extent government would have taken into account sentient animal welfare.

Crabs and lobsters are sentient beings, don't boil them alive: UK report

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. &nbsp;

A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/third-of-human-population-to-be-displaced-if-climate-change-not-curbed-427759" hreflang="en">Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed</a>

The policies looking to encourage sustainable diets should focus on plant-based foods. The switching of drinks and cutting down on sweet snacks also help, the scientists said. &nbsp;

In western countries, another study found that vegan and vegetarian diets were around one third cheaper to buy than the regular diets. &nbsp;

Published in the journal ‘Plos One’, the new study analysed the emissions linked to over 3,200 specific food items and examined the diets of around 212 British people. The food and drink intake of these people were recorded for three 24-hour periods. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-tea-coffee-lowers-risk-of-stroke-and-dementia-study-430110" hreflang="en">Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study</a>

The study found that animal products were responsible for almost half of the average diet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Around 31% was from meat and 14% from dairy. &nbsp;

The non-vegetarian diets lead to 59% more greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets. The diets of men had 41% more emissions as they eat more meat and drinks, the research showed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research.

If a study in the UK is to be believed, meaty diets of men are responsible for 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than those of women. A quarter of diet-related carbon emissions were due to the “optional” food and drink like alcohol, coffee, cakes and sweets, found the research. Also Read: Third of human population to be displaced if climate change not curbed The policies looking to encourage sustainable diets should focus on plant-based foods. The switching of drinks and cutting down on sweet snacks also help, the scientists said. In western countries, another study found that vegan and vegetarian diets were around one third cheaper to buy than the regular diets. Published in the journal ‘Plos One’, the new study analysed the emissions linked to over 3,200 specific food items and examined the diets of around 212 British people. The food and drink intake of these people were recorded for three 24-hour periods. Also Read | Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study The study found that animal products were responsible for almost half of the average diet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Around 31% was from meat and 14% from dairy. The non-vegetarian diets lead to 59% more greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets. The diets of men had 41% more emissions as they eat more meat and drinks, the research showed. (With inputs from agencies)

UK study says meaty diets of men lead to 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than women

Charging points for electric vehicles will be required to be installed in new buildings in Britain from next year under the new legislation.

UK to require charge points for electric vehicles in new buildings in Britain

The UK has invited south-east Asian nations to attend the G7 foreign ministers meeting next month. Representatives from South Korea, India, South Africa will also attend the summit that is being held in Liverpool.

UK invites ASEAN to G7 summit amid AUKUS row

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research. The research, he said, had indicated that oximeters were less effective on people with darker skin.

He made the announcement in his writeup in Sunday Times.

"One of the founding principles of our NHS is equality, and the possibility that a bias -- even an inadvertent one -- could lead to a poorer health outcome is totally unacceptable," he wrote, referring to Britain's National Health Service.

"We urgently need to know more about the bias in these devices, and what impact it is having on the front line.

"So I have commissioned an independent review, looking at whether systematic bias exists within current devices, and if so, how we can address it."

Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the first person from an ethnic minority to hold the role of UK health secretary, said it would assess all medical devices, and other common biases aside from racial bias, such as gender.

He noted his interest in focusing on this issue came in part from seeing health disparities during the height of the coronavirus crisis last winter.

Then, black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups made up 28 percent of critical-care admissions in England -- about double their representation in the population as a whole.

On international collaboration to tackle the issue, Javid said he had already discussed it with Becerra.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research.

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, said that he had commissioned a review to ascertain whether Oximeters, used to check blood oxygen levels had an 'inherent bias' as per a research. The research, he said, had indicated that oximeters were less effective on people with darker skin. He made the announcement in his writeup in Sunday Times. "One of the founding principles of our NHS is equality, and the possibility that a bias -- even an inadvertent one -- could lead to a poorer health outcome is totally unacceptable," he wrote, referring to Britain's National Health Service. "We urgently need to know more about the bias in these devices, and what impact it is having on the front line. "So I have commissioned an independent review, looking at whether systematic bias exists within current devices, and if so, how we can address it." Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the first person from an ethnic minority to hold the role of UK health secretary, said it would assess all medical devices, and other common biases aside from racial bias, such as gender. He noted his interest in focusing on this issue came in part from seeing health disparities during the height of the coronavirus crisis last winter. Then, black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups made up 28 percent of critical-care admissions in England -- about double their representation in the population as a whole. On international collaboration to tackle the issue, Javid said he had already discussed it with Becerra. (With inputs from agencies)

Oximeters reportedly less accurate on dark skin, UK launches review

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.S. Naipaul's and painter Lucian Freud's — is a suave, aristocratic fellow once described by The Observer as “Britain’s best-connected man.” He also opposed Brexit.

When Greig was abruptly ousted this past week in an internal power struggle, it caught both him and London’s media class off guard, setting off a round of lip-smacking gossip worthy of a tabloid headline. But in some ways, it merely signified a return to form for a right-leaning, middlebrow paper that staunchly supports the Conservative Party and led the charge for Brexit over the past two decades.

What makes the upheaval at The Mail reverberate beyond the insular world of Fleet Street is the central role it plays in British politics and society. More so than any other British newspaper, The Mail is the voice of what sociologists call Middle England, a broad section of middle-class readers, predominantly white and socially conservative, most of whom live outside London and generally favor Brexit.

Keeping the affections of these voters is critical for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his party. So Greig’s dismissal — and his replacement by Ted Verity, an editor viewed as less likely to run critical coverage of the government — is sure to be welcome at No. 10 Downing St., even if, by most accounts, that is not why The Mail’s owner, Jonathan Harmsworth, made the change.

“Geordie Greig was, personally, a Remainer and didn’t see politics through that one lens,” said Alan Rusbridger, a former editor of the left-leaning Guardian. “His Mail had recently been sharply critical of Boris Johnson and his government, causing some alarm in the current government and its ranks of MPs.”

For Johnson, a former journalist who once worked for the pro-Tory Daily Telegraph and edited The Spectator, a less confrontational Mail would be one less headache at a time when his poll ratings have eroded in the glare of a lingering corruption scandal involving Conservative members of Parliament.

It could also give Johnson a muscular ally if he decides in coming weeks to rip up the trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. That decision could prompt a trade war with the European Union, one that would rekindle the anti-Brussels passions that long fueled The Mail and helped set the stage for Britain’s 2016 vote to break away.

“It’s an unknowable question whether Brexit could have been won without The Mail,” said Rusbridger, whose latest book, “News and How to Use It,” explores journalism in the age of Brexit and Donald Trump.

With a handful of exceptions, Britain’s newspapers still firmly tilt to the right. But after nearly two years in which the coronavirus pandemic replaced Brexit as the country’s abiding preoccupation — a crisis that at times seemed to overwhelm the government — Johnson has not been able to count on an easy ride from the news media. The Mail under Greig was especially unforgiving about the perceived “sleaze” factor in government.

The paper aggressively covered the lucrative side jobs taken by Conservative lawmakers. It broke the story of a Conservative Party donor who picked up a bill for 58,000 pounds ($77,000) for the redecorating of Johnson’s Downing Street apartment by his wife, Carrie. (Johnson later reimbursed the cost of what The Mail, perhaps inevitably, nicknamed “Wallpapergate.”)

“There are certain things that really get to a Daily Mail reader, and one is fat cats and people feathering their own nests,” said Julian Petley, a journalism professor at Brunel University in London. “The Mail is right wing but very populist.”

It can also be crusading: In the 1990s, the paper went after a flawed police investigation of the racially motivated killing of a Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, at a London bus stop. It also campaigned, with some success, to curb the use of plastic bags in Britain.

When Johnson’s aides excluded some journalists from a briefing about the EU in 2020, The Mail’s reporter joined competitors from other papers in walking out in protest. In an editorial comment that aptly summarized its tough-love approach, The Mail said, “This paper is an avid supporter of all he is trying to achieve. But we cannot be an uncritical friend.”

For all of its strengths, The Mail still gleefully traffics in tabloid fodder. Meghan, Prince Harry’s wife, won a privacy ruling against the Sunday paper for publishing a personal letter she sent her father, Thomas Markle. Its lawyers are appealing.

The Mail’s internal politics are at least as rough-and-tumble as its coverage of national politics — and Greig, 60, is a battle-scarred veteran of both. Before taking the top job at The Daily Mail in 2018, he was editor of The Mail on Sunday, which often seemed at war with its sister paper. Although Greig inveighed against Brexit, The Daily Mail was a full-throated champion, under Paul Dacre, its longtime editor and an ardent Brexiteer.

“I was surprised at Geordie Greig being made editor, for his Remain views but also his aristocratic educational background,” said Meera Selva, deputy director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford.

Greig’s views, however, did not disqualify him with Harmsworth, 53, who is better known as the Fourth Viscount Rothermere. Executives at the company said Lord Rothermere, whose great-grandfather co-founded The Daily Mail in 1896, wanted Greig to “detoxify the brand” after years in which banging the drum for Brexit had hurt its reputation with readers and advertisers.

In June 2020, less than two years after Greig took over, The Mail surpassed Rupert Murdoch’s Sun as Britain’s largest daily, with a circulation of just under 1 million. But politics poisoned his relationship with Dacre, who stayed on as editor-in-chief of the parent company. He publicly criticized his successor for what he described as diluting The Mail’s pro-Brexit DNA.

Greig declined to discuss his departure, beyond saying in a statement that he looked forward to using the skills learned from “my years at The Mail, which I first joined in 1983 as its most junior reporter on the graveyard shift.” In his statement, Lord Rothermere gave no reason for the shake-up. He praised Greig as a “hugely successful editor” and said Verity was a “Mail journalist to his core.”

People inside the company said Greig was less a victim of politics than of a power struggle in a changing media empire. Verity, whose Mail on Sunday was notably softer on Johnson than The Daily Mail, is an ally of Martin Clarke, who runs Mail Online, the company’s popular, fast-growing website.

Both are close to Dacre, who suffered a setback of his own this past week when he withdrew his name from contention to lead Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, despite support from the Johnson government. In a letter to The Times of London, Dacre said the Civil Service had targeted him because of his right-of-center views, calling it his “infelicitous dalliance with the Blob.”

Lord Rothermere is preparing to take the family empire, Daily Mail and General Trust, private. As part of that transition, analysts said, he plans to integrate the daily and Sunday papers, which struggled during the pandemic, and bring Mail Online, which is managed separately, closer to the fold.

“There’s a ‘Game of Thrones’ drama taking place,” said Douglas McCabe, CEO of Enders Analysis, a media research firm in London. “But the key story behind it is this profound strategic rethinking of the company.”

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.

Geordie Greig was always an odd fit as the editor of The Daily Mail, Britain’s biggest tabloid. Greig — educated at Eton and Oxford, a former editor of the society magazine Tatler, and a friend of writer V.S. Naipaul's and painter Lucian Freud's — is a suave, aristocratic fellow once described by The Observer as “Britain’s best-connected man.” He also opposed Brexit. When Greig was abruptly ousted this past week in an internal power struggle, it caught both him and London’s media class off guard, setting off a round of lip-smacking gossip worthy of a tabloid headline. But in some ways, it merely signified a return to form for a right-leaning, middlebrow paper that staunchly supports the Conservative Party and led the charge for Brexit over the past two decades. What makes the upheaval at The Mail reverberate beyond the insular world of Fleet Street is the central role it plays in British politics and society. More so than any other British newspaper, The Mail is the voice of what sociologists call Middle England, a broad section of middle-class readers, predominantly white and socially conservative, most of whom live outside London and generally favor Brexit. Keeping the affections of these voters is critical for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his party. So Greig’s dismissal — and his replacement by Ted Verity, an editor viewed as less likely to run critical coverage of the government — is sure to be welcome at No. 10 Downing St., even if, by most accounts, that is not why The Mail’s owner, Jonathan Harmsworth, made the change. “Geordie Greig was, personally, a Remainer and didn’t see politics through that one lens,” said Alan Rusbridger, a former editor of the left-leaning Guardian. “His Mail had recently been sharply critical of Boris Johnson and his government, causing some alarm in the current government and its ranks of MPs.” For Johnson, a former journalist who once worked for the pro-Tory Daily Telegraph and edited The Spectator, a less confrontational Mail would be one less headache at a time when his poll ratings have eroded in the glare of a lingering corruption scandal involving Conservative members of Parliament. It could also give Johnson a muscular ally if he decides in coming weeks to rip up the trade arrangements for Northern Ireland. That decision could prompt a trade war with the European Union, one that would rekindle the anti-Brussels passions that long fueled The Mail and helped set the stage for Britain’s 2016 vote to break away. “It’s an unknowable question whether Brexit could have been won without The Mail,” said Rusbridger, whose latest book, “News and How to Use It,” explores journalism in the age of Brexit and Donald Trump. With a handful of exceptions, Britain’s newspapers still firmly tilt to the right. But after nearly two years in which the coronavirus pandemic replaced Brexit as the country’s abiding preoccupation — a crisis that at times seemed to overwhelm the government — Johnson has not been able to count on an easy ride from the news media. The Mail under Greig was especially unforgiving about the perceived “sleaze” factor in government. The paper aggressively covered the lucrative side jobs taken by Conservative lawmakers. It broke the story of a Conservative Party donor who picked up a bill for 58,000 pounds ($77,000) for the redecorating of Johnson’s Downing Street apartment by his wife, Carrie. (Johnson later reimbursed the cost of what The Mail, perhaps inevitably, nicknamed “Wallpapergate.”) “There are certain things that really get to a Daily Mail reader, and one is fat cats and people feathering their own nests,” said Julian Petley, a journalism professor at Brunel University in London. “The Mail is right wing but very populist.” It can also be crusading: In the 1990s, the paper went after a flawed police investigation of the racially motivated killing of a Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, at a London bus stop. It also campaigned, with some success, to curb the use of plastic bags in Britain. When Johnson’s aides excluded some journalists from a briefing about the EU in 2020, The Mail’s reporter joined competitors from other papers in walking out in protest. In an editorial comment that aptly summarized its tough-love approach, The Mail said, “This paper is an avid supporter of all he is trying to achieve. But we cannot be an uncritical friend.” For all of its strengths, The Mail still gleefully traffics in tabloid fodder. Meghan, Prince Harry’s wife, won a privacy ruling against the Sunday paper for publishing a personal letter she sent her father, Thomas Markle. Its lawyers are appealing. The Mail’s internal politics are at least as rough-and-tumble as its coverage of national politics — and Greig, 60, is a battle-scarred veteran of both. Before taking the top job at The Daily Mail in 2018, he was editor of The Mail on Sunday, which often seemed at war with its sister paper. Although Greig inveighed against Brexit, The Daily Mail was a full-throated champion, under Paul Dacre, its longtime editor and an ardent Brexiteer. “I was surprised at Geordie Greig being made editor, for his Remain views but also his aristocratic educational background,” said Meera Selva, deputy director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford. Greig’s views, however, did not disqualify him with Harmsworth, 53, who is better known as the Fourth Viscount Rothermere. Executives at the company said Lord Rothermere, whose great-grandfather co-founded The Daily Mail in 1896, wanted Greig to “detoxify the brand” after years in which banging the drum for Brexit had hurt its reputation with readers and advertisers. In June 2020, less than two years after Greig took over, The Mail surpassed Rupert Murdoch’s Sun as Britain’s largest daily, with a circulation of just under 1 million. But politics poisoned his relationship with Dacre, who stayed on as editor-in-chief of the parent company. He publicly criticized his successor for what he described as diluting The Mail’s pro-Brexit DNA. Greig declined to discuss his departure, beyond saying in a statement that he looked forward to using the skills learned from “my years at The Mail, which I first joined in 1983 as its most junior reporter on the graveyard shift.” In his statement, Lord Rothermere gave no reason for the shake-up. He praised Greig as a “hugely successful editor” and said Verity was a “Mail journalist to his core.” People inside the company said Greig was less a victim of politics than of a power struggle in a changing media empire. Verity, whose Mail on Sunday was notably softer on Johnson than The Daily Mail, is an ally of Martin Clarke, who runs Mail Online, the company’s popular, fast-growing website. Both are close to Dacre, who suffered a setback of his own this past week when he withdrew his name from contention to lead Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, despite support from the Johnson government. In a letter to The Times of London, Dacre said the Civil Service had targeted him because of his right-of-center views, calling it his “infelicitous dalliance with the Blob.” Lord Rothermere is preparing to take the family empire, Daily Mail and General Trust, private. As part of that transition, analysts said, he plans to integrate the daily and Sunday papers, which struggled during the pandemic, and bring Mail Online, which is managed separately, closer to the fold. “There’s a ‘Game of Thrones’ drama taking place,” said Douglas McCabe, CEO of Enders Analysis, a media research firm in London. “But the key story behind it is this profound strategic rethinking of the company.”

A tabloid ‘Game of Thrones’ in London could tilt UK politics

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups.&nbsp;

UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife. This government has waged war on unnecessary, wasteful plastics - banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut consumption by 95 per cent in the main supermarkets."&nbsp;

He further added that its time to leave throwaway culture behind as he said, "Through our world-leading Environment Act, we will reduce waste and make better use of our resources, helping us to build back greener and leave the environment in a better state than we found it. These new plans represent the next major step in eradicating the use of problematic plastics that pollute our natural world."

The department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is launching another way to address other sources of plastic pollution.

As per this new method, stakeholders will be asked to express their views on tackling commonly littered plastics including, wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets and other single-use cups.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrageous-amount-france-bans-plastic-packaging-for-30-fruits-and-vegetables-420047">Also read |&nbsp;‘Outrageous amount’: France BANS plastic packaging for 30 fruits and vegetables</a>

The UK government will also be examining a way to put the responsibility on manufacturers and ensure that they are doing their best to tackle single-use plastics. This also includes litter from cigarette butts.

"Many companies are already taking action to cut this avoidable waste, with many shops already stocking alternatives to conventional plastic wipes, and today's move will urge more to do the same," DEFRA said. 
Official data reveals that the UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups per year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-set-to-ban-sale-of-plastic-wrapped-fruits-and-vegetables-from-2023-reports-415346">Also read |&nbsp;Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports</a>

Meanwhile, France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023.

Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife.

In an effort to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. UK Environment Secretary George Eustice said, "Plastic damages our environment and destroys wildlife. This government has waged war on unnecessary, wasteful plastics - banning the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, while our carrier bag charge has cut consumption by 95 per cent in the main supermarkets." He further added that its time to leave throwaway culture behind as he said, "Through our world-leading Environment Act, we will reduce waste and make better use of our resources, helping us to build back greener and leave the environment in a better state than we found it. These new plans represent the next major step in eradicating the use of problematic plastics that pollute our natural world." The department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is launching another way to address other sources of plastic pollution. As per this new method, stakeholders will be asked to express their views on tackling commonly littered plastics including, wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets and other single-use cups. Also read | ‘Outrageous amount’: France BANS plastic packaging for 30 fruits and vegetables The UK government will also be examining a way to put the responsibility on manufacturers and ensure that they are doing their best to tackle single-use plastics. This also includes litter from cigarette butts. "Many companies are already taking action to cut this avoidable waste, with many shops already stocking alternatives to conventional plastic wipes, and today's move will urge more to do the same," DEFRA said. Official data reveals that the UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups per year. Also read | Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports Meanwhile, France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023. Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

In a bid to eliminate plastic waste, UK to ban single use cutlery and plates

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims.&nbsp;

UK’s leading newspaper The Times reported that Johnson's administration would not attend the games, however, some of the UK diplomats to China will.

UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has been actively discussing the possibility of not sending officials to the game.&nbsp;This comes after US President Joe Biden has confirmed that the US is considering a 'diplomatic boycott' of the upcoming games.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-biden-to-attend-beijing-winter-olympics-report-says-he-might-get-a-personal-invitation-from-xi-jinping-428790">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Report says he might get a personal invitation from Xi Jinping</a>

Earlier, there have been reports of Biden getting an invite by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the winter games. CNBC on November 11, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that the Chinese President is likely to extend his invitation to Biden when the two leaders will meet during a virtual summit.&nbsp;

The preparation for the upcoming games have seen several obstacles. There have been calls by the human rights groups for a partial or full boycott over reported abuses. Also, the preparation wereovershadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

China on November 12 confirmed the first COVID-19 cases among foreign athletes at preparatory events. Two lugers of the same nationality tested positive, said Huang Chun, an official of the Games organising committee.&nbsp;

The Games will run from February 4 until February 20.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics. This comes as a move against China's violation of human rights, especially its treatment of Uighur muslims. UK’s leading newspaper The Times reported that Johnson's administration would not attend the games, however, some of the UK diplomats to China will. UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has been actively discussing the possibility of not sending officials to the game. This comes after US President Joe Biden has confirmed that the US is considering a 'diplomatic boycott' of the upcoming games. Also read | Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Report says he might get a personal invitation from Xi Jinping Earlier, there have been reports of Biden getting an invite by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the winter games. CNBC on November 11, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that the Chinese President is likely to extend his invitation to Biden when the two leaders will meet during a virtual summit. The preparation for the upcoming games have seen several obstacles. There have been calls by the human rights groups for a partial or full boycott over reported abuses. Also, the preparation wereovershadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. China on November 12 confirmed the first COVID-19 cases among foreign athletes at preparatory events. Two lugers of the same nationality tested positive, said Huang Chun, an official of the Games organising committee. The Games will run from February 4 until February 20. (With inputs from agencies)

After US, UK 'considering' boycott of Beijing winter Olympics

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. &nbsp;

Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. &nbsp;

As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/princess-elizabeth-doll-which-angered-royal-family-to-be-auctioned-430611" hreflang="en">Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned</a>&nbsp;

According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. &nbsp;

Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” &nbsp;

“It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-drivers-to-be-banned-from-using-handheld-devices-from-next-year-430603" hreflang="en">UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year</a>

The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill.

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month. Also Read: Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” “It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. Also Read: UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” (With inputs from agencies)

In UK, new bill empowers British govt to remove citizenship without notice

British Govt has decided to now designate Palestine's Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it will no longer differentiate between the groups' political and military wings.

United Kingdom to label entirety of Palestinian Hamas as a 'terror outfit'

A rare doll&nbsp;which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old&nbsp;will be auctioned soon.

The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau &amp; Hoffmeister.

According to reports, the doll never went into mass production as the Queen’s mother thought that the toy made her daughter look “too chubby.” &nbsp;

The blonde-haired and blue-eyed toy was made in 1929. Only very few of the prototypes reportedly exist today.

All the collection of dolls belonged to Betty Fox from Nottinghamshire, who died in 2019 aged 95.

Daniel Agnew, from Special Auction Services, told the BBC that the whole doll collection is worth between £40,000 ( US $45,000 approx) and £60,000 (US $67,000 approx) , while the Princess Elizabeth toy has been valued at £500 to £800.

Agnew said that the doll did not receive royal approval&nbsp;and it was not a big seller at that time.&nbsp;

Speaking about Betty Fox, Agnew said, “She bought all sorts of oddities and made them&nbsp;lovely clothes. She was a farmer's wife with four sons. She had a full life and this was her time - she would take herself off and make clothes and buy dolls."

He said the dolls were “all over” the farmhouse.

&nbsp;Agnew added that Fox’s sons told him that in the 1960s she would put advertisements in the local paper asking people for dolls, which she would pay £5 for.

The collection will be sold as part of a three-day online auction from Monday to Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare doll which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old will be auctioned soon. The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau & Hoffmeister.

A rare doll which was based on Queen Elizabeth II when she was three years old will be auctioned soon. The ‘Princess Elizabeth’ doll, as it is called, will be sold as part of a collection of about 500 dolls—all made by German makers Schoenau & Hoffmeister. According to reports, the doll never went into mass production as the Queen’s mother thought that the toy made her daughter look “too chubby.” The blonde-haired and blue-eyed toy was made in 1929. Only very few of the prototypes reportedly exist today. All the collection of dolls belonged to Betty Fox from Nottinghamshire, who died in 2019 aged 95. Daniel Agnew, from Special Auction Services, told the BBC that the whole doll collection is worth between £40,000 ( US $45,000 approx) and £60,000 (US $67,000 approx) , while the Princess Elizabeth toy has been valued at £500 to £800. Agnew said that the doll did not receive royal approval and it was not a big seller at that time. Speaking about Betty Fox, Agnew said, “She bought all sorts of oddities and made them lovely clothes. She was a farmer's wife with four sons. She had a full life and this was her time - she would take herself off and make clothes and buy dolls." He said the dolls were “all over” the farmhouse. Agnew added that Fox’s sons told him that in the 1960s she would put advertisements in the local paper asking people for dolls, which she would pay £5 for. The collection will be sold as part of a three-day online auction from Monday to Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned

Toughening its stand on road safety, the UK government has said that drivers will be banned from using handheld devices for searching photos, listening to music or playing games from next year.

The government said that if found guilty, the drivers would be fined £200 and six licence points, which means that repeated offence would lead to suspension of license for six months and even revocation in the worst case scenario.

The government had already barred drivers to call or text on hand-held phones while driving unless it is an emergency.

Motorists will still be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving, such as navigation devices or mobile phone, if is secured in a cradle.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-issue-temporary-visas-to-ease-truck-driver-shortage-until-christmas-eve-416005">UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve</a>

The Department for&nbsp;Transport has announced it is planning to strengthen laws from next year to make it easier to prosecute drivers using and holding their phones at the wheel.

The crackdown on mobile phones comes after a public consultation that found 81% of respondents supported proposals to strengthen the law, according to the Guardian.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uk-government-greenlights-self-driving-cars-on-motorways-380964">UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways</a>

According to reports, the Highway Code will be revised to make it clear that being stationary in traffic counts as driving and handheld mobile phone use at traffic lights or in motorway jams is illegal except in very limited circumstances.

But they must ensure they take full responsibility for their driving and can face charges if police find them not in proper control of their vehicle, the transport department said.

However, drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary will be exempt from the new rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Toughening its stand on road safety, the UK government has said that drivers will be banned from using handheld devices for searching photos, listening to music or playing games from next year.

Toughening its stand on road safety, the UK government has said that drivers will be banned from using handheld devices for searching photos, listening to music or playing games from next year. The government said that if found guilty, the drivers would be fined £200 and six licence points, which means that repeated offence would lead to suspension of license for six months and even revocation in the worst case scenario. The government had already barred drivers to call or text on hand-held phones while driving unless it is an emergency. Motorists will still be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving, such as navigation devices or mobile phone, if is secured in a cradle. Also read: UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve The Department for Transport has announced it is planning to strengthen laws from next year to make it easier to prosecute drivers using and holding their phones at the wheel. The crackdown on mobile phones comes after a public consultation that found 81% of respondents supported proposals to strengthen the law, according to the Guardian. Also read: UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways According to reports, the Highway Code will be revised to make it clear that being stationary in traffic counts as driving and handheld mobile phone use at traffic lights or in motorway jams is illegal except in very limited circumstances. But they must ensure they take full responsibility for their driving and can face charges if police find them not in proper control of their vehicle, the transport department said. However, drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary will be exempt from the new rules. (With inputs from agencies)

UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year

'You may be the Prime Minister of this country, but in this house, I'm in charge'. These were the words of the speaker of UK's House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle as he reprimanded Boris Johnson for dodging questions on the 'sleaze row' Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: UK House Speaker reprimands Boris Johnson during 'sleaze row' grilling

UK PM Boris Johnson has admitted he made a mistake in his handling of a sleaze scandal as he faced fiery questions from lawmakers in Westminster.

Sleaze Row | 'It was a mistake,' says UK PM Boris Johnson

A British F-35 aircraft, one of the newest stealth fighter jets in UK military costing 100 million pounds, crashed into Mediterranean Sea during a routine exercise, the Ministry of Dence said on Wednesday.

In a tweet, the ministry informed that the pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean.

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A British F35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning. 
 
The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
— Ministry of Defence Press Office (@DefenceHQPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQPress/status/1460987353410027530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the jet came down soon after take-off.

“We are pleased the pilot is safe and well and back on board,” BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

Wallace further said that operational and training flights onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth are continuing despite the incident.

UK operates the F-35B, a single-engine, short-take-off vertical landing variant of the US stealth jet. It was developed by US firm Lockheed Martin. The aircraft are Britain's most advanced and expensive jets.

There are eight UK F-35Bs on the carrier and 10 from the US Marine Corps.

They have conducted around 2,000 take-off and landings on board HMS Queen Elizabeth without any major incident over the past six months.

The F-35 jet contains highly sensitive technology and data. It is hard to detect on radar and is one of the most expensive defence projects undertaken by the American military.

According to CNN, Britain plans to acquire 138 more F-35 jets, making it the third-largest operator of the Lockheed-Martin produced jets, behind the United States and&nbsp;Japan.

This is the first time a UK F-35 has crashed, but CNN reports that both the US and Japan have lost F-35s to accidents.

(With reports from agencies)

A British F-35 aircraft, one of the newest stealth fighter jets in UK military costing 100 million pounds, crashed into Mediterranean Sea during a routine exercise, the Ministry of Dence said on Wednesday.

A British F-35 aircraft, one of the newest stealth fighter jets in UK military costing 100 million pounds, crashed into Mediterranean Sea during a routine exercise, the Ministry of Dence said on Wednesday. In a tweet, the ministry informed that the pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean. A British F35 pilot from HMS Queen Elizabeth ejected during routine flying operations in the Mediterranean this morning. The pilot has been safely returned to the ship and an investigation has begun, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. — Ministry of Defence Press Office (@DefenceHQPress) November 17, 2021 × Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the jet came down soon after take-off. “We are pleased the pilot is safe and well and back on board,” BBC quoted Wallace as saying. Wallace further said that operational and training flights onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth are continuing despite the incident. UK operates the F-35B, a single-engine, short-take-off vertical landing variant of the US stealth jet. It was developed by US firm Lockheed Martin. The aircraft are Britain's most advanced and expensive jets. There are eight UK F-35Bs on the carrier and 10 from the US Marine Corps. They have conducted around 2,000 take-off and landings on board HMS Queen Elizabeth without any major incident over the past six months. The F-35 jet contains highly sensitive technology and data. It is hard to detect on radar and is one of the most expensive defence projects undertaken by the American military. According to CNN, Britain plans to acquire 138 more F-35 jets, making it the third-largest operator of the Lockheed-Martin produced jets, behind the United States and Japan. This is the first time a UK F-35 has crashed, but CNN reports that both the US and Japan have lost F-35s to accidents. (With reports from agencies)

British F-35 stealth fight jet crashes into Mediterranean, probe ordered

The UK is paying over $800,000 to hide diaries and letters of Lord and Lady Mountbatten. What was written in them? What did Mountbatten pen down in his diary? Did he mention Nehru? Gandhi? or Jinnah? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Why is UK hiding the Mountbatten papers?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a parliamentary grilling over charges of sleaze within his Conservative party, the parliament committee is taking stock of his government policies. Here we bring you all the latest news.

Fiery session in UK parliament, no easy exit from sleaze row for Boris Johnson

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a parliamentary grilling over charges of sleaze within his Conservative party, the parliament committee will take stock of his government policies.

Boris Johnson faces grilling from MPs, UK parliament braces for fiery session

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose.

The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two.

The UK government is trying to bury these papers, especially from the Partition years,&nbsp;and paying that amount in a court battle against British author Andrew Lownie, out of fear that it could damage the reputation of the British royal family, and jeopardise the relationships between UK, Pakistan and India.

Mountbatten was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria. He was a royalist and like every proud royalist, he went on to serve the Royal Navy.

He commanded the Navy during World War II and held various positions in the British Raj. He also became the last viceroy of India.

It was&nbsp;in Delhi in 1922 that Mountbatten met a young woman, Edwina. They then decided to get married, which allegedly had many ups and downs.

It was claimed that the two had affair with other people.

The Mountbatten couple’s marriage was no secret by the way. So, what is that the British government is trying to hide?

One of Lady Mountbatten’s close friends was Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister.

In one of her letters to Nehru, to which WION has access, it was written, “I hate to see you driving away this morning. You left me with a strange sense of peace. Perhaps, I have brought you the same?”

“Life is a dreary business,” replied Nehru.

The Mountbatten papers are a treasure trove. There is history and reportedly a lot of scandals.

Watch |&nbsp;Why is UK hiding the Mountbatten papers?

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So, a few years back, when Lownie asked for unrestricted access to these papers, the government refused to oblige him.

But Lownie didn’t take no for an answer. He cited British’s Freedom of Information law and forced the government to release the Mountbatten papers, at least 99.8 per cent of them, while refusing to&nbsp;disclose the rest of them.

The unreleased papers reportedly document the years from 1947 and 1948, including the diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten and some correspondence between the two.

This couple had the habit of putting unfiltered thoughts to paper. Both maintained diaries, both poured their hearts out in letters.

This is what Lord Mountbatten wrote to his wife in 1942:&nbsp;“Edwina darlingest, I feel terribly having had to desert you twice during the most trying week of life. I am afraid, as I once told you before, you shouldn’t have married a sailor. I am not particularly fond of saying nice things and I can’t hope to compete with most of your other admirers. But this I felt that I must say that I thought you were really grand and very sweet &amp; lovable.”

Mountbatten had overseen India’s partition. His diaries could reveal details that Britain is not comfortable sharing. They may have Mountbatten’s view of Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the man who drew the boundary between India and Pakistan.

Mountbatten, a very influential member of the Royal family, was a maternal uncle of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip.

He was like a father figure to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the two were very close. Mountbatten is believed to have played a very big role in Prince Charles’ personal life, be it his affair with the then-girlfriend Camila Parker Bowles or his marriage with Diana.

The Royal Family lovingly called Mountbatten “Uncle Dicky”. They knew about his habit of maintaining a dairy. They too had their documents.

But who in the family would have thought that Uncle Dicky’s diary would once day start draining public coffers? So far, the UK govt has spent $800,000 in protecting them, trying to hide Mountbatten’s thoughts from the world.

Right now, a trial is underway in London which will determine whether all of the private diaries and letters of the should be released to the public despite concerns by the UK cabinet office.

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose. The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two.

What is the cost of keeping a secret? The UK government is paying 600,000 pounds (around $800,000) for the same purpose. The secret: Diaries of Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Mountbatten, and some correspondence between the two. The UK government is trying to bury these papers, especially from the Partition years, and paying that amount in a court battle against British author Andrew Lownie, out of fear that it could damage the reputation of the British royal family, and jeopardise the relationships between UK, Pakistan and India. Mountbatten was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria. He was a royalist and like every proud royalist, he went on to serve the Royal Navy. He commanded the Navy during World War II and held various positions in the British Raj. He also became the last viceroy of India. It was in Delhi in 1922 that Mountbatten met a young woman, Edwina. They then decided to get married, which allegedly had many ups and downs. It was claimed that the two had affair with other people. The Mountbatten couple’s marriage was no secret by the way. So, what is that the British government is trying to hide? One of Lady Mountbatten’s close friends was Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. In one of her letters to Nehru, to which WION has access, it was written, “I hate to see you driving away this morning. You left me with a strange sense of peace. Perhaps, I have brought you the same?” “Life is a dreary business,” replied Nehru. The Mountbatten papers are a treasure trove. There is history and reportedly a lot of scandals. Watch | Why is UK hiding the Mountbatten papers? So, a few years back, when Lownie asked for unrestricted access to these papers, the government refused to oblige him. But Lownie didn’t take no for an answer. He cited British’s Freedom of Information law and forced the government to release the Mountbatten papers, at least 99.8 per cent of them, while refusing to disclose the rest of them. The unreleased papers reportedly document the years from 1947 and 1948, including the diaries of Lord and Lady Mountbatten and some correspondence between the two. This couple had the habit of putting unfiltered thoughts to paper. Both maintained diaries, both poured their hearts out in letters. This is what Lord Mountbatten wrote to his wife in 1942: “Edwina darlingest, I feel terribly having had to desert you twice during the most trying week of life. I am afraid, as I once told you before, you shouldn’t have married a sailor. I am not particularly fond of saying nice things and I can’t hope to compete with most of your other admirers. But this I felt that I must say that I thought you were really grand and very sweet & lovable.” Mountbatten had overseen India’s partition. His diaries could reveal details that Britain is not comfortable sharing. They may have Mountbatten’s view of Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Cyril Radcliffe, the man who drew the boundary between India and Pakistan. Mountbatten, a very influential member of the Royal family, was a maternal uncle of Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip. He was like a father figure to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the two were very close. Mountbatten is believed to have played a very big role in Prince Charles’ personal life, be it his affair with the then-girlfriend Camila Parker Bowles or his marriage with Diana. The Royal Family lovingly called Mountbatten “Uncle Dicky”. They knew about his habit of maintaining a dairy. They too had their documents. But who in the family would have thought that Uncle Dicky’s diary would once day start draining public coffers? So far, the UK govt has spent $800,000 in protecting them, trying to hide Mountbatten’s thoughts from the world. Right now, a trial is underway in London which will determine whether all of the private diaries and letters of the should be released to the public despite concerns by the UK cabinet office.

UK is paying $800,000 to hide Mountbatten diaries, but why?

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