The UK has come up with an ambitious agreement among world leaders at Cop26, which requires them to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation, reveals a report by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Big producers and consumers of deforestation-linked commodities, which include, soya, cocoa, coffee and palm oil have been asked to halt land clearances, which becomes the second-largest source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

World leaders are expected to announce the initiative on the second day of the climate summit in Glasgow along with new funding to protect forests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-queen-finds-world-leaders-irritating-because-they-only-talk-and-dont-act-420982">Also read |&nbsp;COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'</a>

A new report in August revealed that deforestation in the Amazon forest has hit the highest annual level in a decade.&nbsp;

Between August 2020 and July 2021, the rainforest lost 10.476 square kilometres, an area nearly seven times bigger than greater London and 13 times the size of New York City, reveals by Imazon, a Brazilian research institute that has been tracking the Amazon deforestation since 2008. The figure is 57 per cent higher than in the previous year and is the worst since 2012.

The aim of Cop26 is to put the world on track to fulfil the 2015 Paris agreement, which binds governments to limit global heating to “well below” 2C, with an aspiration to keep within a 1.5C threshold.&nbsp;

The UK has come up with an ambitious agreement among world leaders at Cop26, which requires them to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation, reveals a report by The Guardian.

The UK has come up with an ambitious agreement among world leaders at Cop26, which requires them to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation, reveals a report by The Guardian. Big producers and consumers of deforestation-linked commodities, which include, soya, cocoa, coffee and palm oil have been asked to halt land clearances, which becomes the second-largest source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. World leaders are expected to announce the initiative on the second day of the climate summit in Glasgow along with new funding to protect forests. Also read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act' A new report in August revealed that deforestation in the Amazon forest has hit the highest annual level in a decade. Between August 2020 and July 2021, the rainforest lost 10.476 square kilometres, an area nearly seven times bigger than greater London and 13 times the size of New York City, reveals by Imazon, a Brazilian research institute that has been tracking the Amazon deforestation since 2008. The figure is 57 per cent higher than in the previous year and is the worst since 2012. The aim of Cop26 is to put the world on track to fulfil the 2015 Paris agreement, which binds governments to limit global heating to “well below” 2C, with an aspiration to keep within a 1.5C threshold.

COP26: UK to push plan to halt and reverse global deforestation by 2030

In the first 6 months of 2021, fraudsters stole $1 billion in the United Kingdom. The plague of financial crime is now hitting British citizens. Palki Sharma tells you how the UK is emerging as the new global hub for financial fraud.

Gravitas: Is Britain the new hub for financial fraud?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday that a COVID-19 testing laboratory in Wolverhampton in central England has been suspended over concerns that it had been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to thousands of people. An investigation had been launched into the lab by NHS Test and Trace. The investigation was launched after receiving reports that people were getting negative PCR test results after &nbsp;testing positive on rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs)

As per UKHSA, about 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results.

US Government's advice says that PCR tests are more accurate than LFDs, and people can stop self-isolating if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR test result.

"We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation," said Dr Will Welfare, Public Health Incident Director at UKHSA.

"There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided."

Immensa Health Clinic, the private company that runs the lab, was founded in May 2020, and has been awarded contracts worth 170 million pounds ($234 million) to process results of PCR tests.

Its chief executive, Andrea Riposati, said the company was "fully collaborating" with UKHSA's investigation, and did "not wish this matter or anything else to tarnish the amazing work done by the UK in this pandemic."

Riposati also runs Dante Labs, which is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over allegations it has failed to deliver PCR test results on time or sometimes at all.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-one-third-of-farmers-could-be-depressed-reveals-survey-421003">UK: One third of farmers could be depressed, reveals survey</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism, with many saying NHS Test and Trace falls well short of the "world-beating" system he had promised.

"If it was found that the results of 40,000 cancer or HIV tests may have been incorrect, there would be an uproar and heads would roll," said opposition Labour party lawmaker Rosena Allin-Khan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-queen-finds-world-leaders-irritating-because-they-only-talk-and-dont-act-420982">COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'</a>

"Not with Test and Trace. Tens of billions of pounds thrown at numerous private companies who have put profit before the pandemic."

UKHSA said it was an isolated incident in one laboratory, with samples now being redirected to other labs, and overall testing availability was unaffected.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday that a COVID-19 testing laboratory in Wolverhampton in central England has been suspended over concerns that it had been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to thousands of people.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday that a COVID-19 testing laboratory in Wolverhampton in central England has been suspended over concerns that it had been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to thousands of people. An investigation had been launched into the lab by NHS Test and Trace. The investigation was launched after receiving reports that people were getting negative PCR test results after testing positive on rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs) As per UKHSA, about 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results. US Government's advice says that PCR tests are more accurate than LFDs, and people can stop self-isolating if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR test result. "We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation," said Dr Will Welfare, Public Health Incident Director at UKHSA. "There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided." Immensa Health Clinic, the private company that runs the lab, was founded in May 2020, and has been awarded contracts worth 170 million pounds ($234 million) to process results of PCR tests. Its chief executive, Andrea Riposati, said the company was "fully collaborating" with UKHSA's investigation, and did "not wish this matter or anything else to tarnish the amazing work done by the UK in this pandemic." Riposati also runs Dante Labs, which is being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over allegations it has failed to deliver PCR test results on time or sometimes at all. Also Read | UK: One third of farmers could be depressed, reveals survey Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism, with many saying NHS Test and Trace falls well short of the "world-beating" system he had promised. "If it was found that the results of 40,000 cancer or HIV tests may have been incorrect, there would be an uproar and heads would roll," said opposition Labour party lawmaker Rosena Allin-Khan. Also Read | COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act' "Not with Test and Trace. Tens of billions of pounds thrown at numerous private companies who have put profit before the pandemic." UKHSA said it was an isolated incident in one laboratory, with samples now being redirected to other labs, and overall testing availability was unaffected. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Covid testing lab suspended after thousands get incorrect results

A COVID-19 testing laboratory in central England has been suspended over concern that it has been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to people who are infected, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) said on Friday.

NHS Test and Trace launched an investigation into a lab in Wolverhampton after reports of people getting negative PCR test results after testing positive on rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-it-is-last-chance-to-find-origin-of-covid-19-420559">WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19</a>

Government advice says PCR tests are more accurate than LFDs, and people can stop self-isolating if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR test result.

UKSHA said that an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results, mainly in South West England, possibly underestimating the number of people with coronavirus between September 8&nbsp;and October&nbsp;12.

"We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation," Dr Will Welfare, Public Health Incident Director

"There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-960-million-covid-19-vaccines-administered-in-india-says-health-ministry-420498">Over 960 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in India, says health ministry</a>

Immensa Health Clinic, who run the lab, said they were "fully collaborating" with UKSHA in the investigation. UKSHA said it was an isolated incident in one laboratory, with samples now being redirected to other labs.

It added the Immensa lab was only a small part of the national network, so overall testing availability was unaffected, and people with a positive LFD test result should continue to get it confirmed with a PCR.

A COVID-19 testing laboratory in central England has been suspended over concern that it has been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to people who are infected, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) said on Friday.

A COVID-19 testing laboratory in central England has been suspended over concern that it has been incorrectly giving negative PCR test results to people who are infected, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) said on Friday. NHS Test and Trace launched an investigation into a lab in Wolverhampton after reports of people getting negative PCR test results after testing positive on rapid lateral flow devices (LFDs). Also Read | WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19 Government advice says PCR tests are more accurate than LFDs, and people can stop self-isolating if a positive LFD result is followed by a negative PCR test result. UKSHA said that an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results, mainly in South West England, possibly underestimating the number of people with coronavirus between September 8 and October 12. "We have immediately suspended testing at this laboratory while we continue the investigation," Dr Will Welfare, Public Health Incident Director "There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided." Also Read | Over 960 million COVID-19 vaccines administered in India, says health ministry Immensa Health Clinic, who run the lab, said they were "fully collaborating" with UKSHA in the investigation. UKSHA said it was an isolated incident in one laboratory, with samples now being redirected to other labs. It added the Immensa lab was only a small part of the national network, so overall testing availability was unaffected, and people with a positive LFD test result should continue to get it confirmed with a PCR.

UK lab suspended after false negative Covid tests

A new survey has revealed that over a third of people in UK farming could be suffering from depression. There have been reports of high levels of anxiety, particularly in women.

Stress is being attributed to reasons like financial pressure, physical pain, the COVID-19 pandemic, regulations and bad weather.

The survey by the University of Exeter and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) came as pig farmers have been reporting distress at having to kill their animals due to a shortage of abattoir workers.

As a part of the survey, the researchers spoke to 15,000 people involved in farming in the UK. The survey was carried out before the shortage of abattoir workers became a major problem in the UK.&nbsp;

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It found that specialist pig farmers were reporting the highest number of stress factors and rates of depression across all areas of farming.

However, people in cereals and general cropping reported fewer causes of stress. About 70 per cent were not experiencing depression.

The rise in extreme weather is a cause of major concern as 44 per cent of people are calling it a matter of significant worry.

Isolation and long hours have also contributed in poor well-being. Younger people have reported higher levels of loneliness than across the general population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-is-in-the-bin-british-artist-banksys-half-shredded-picture-sells-for-record-25-million-420854">Also read |&nbsp;'Love is in the Bin:' British artist Banksy's half-shredded picture sells for record $25 million</a>

Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Mental health in agriculture is the elephant in the room. No-one really wants to talk about loneliness, anxiety or suicide but it's there. This report has emphasised the need for the whole farming community to tackle the issue and encourage farmers to take notice, open up and talk to each other."

The findings have revealed that taking time off for a break or leisure is not an option for many farmers. Nearly one-third of respondents said that they hardly ever get time to leave the farm.

A new survey has revealed that over a third of people in UK farming could be suffering from depression. There have been reports of high levels of anxiety, particularly in women.

A new survey has revealed that over a third of people in UK farming could be suffering from depression. There have been reports of high levels of anxiety, particularly in women. Stress is being attributed to reasons like financial pressure, physical pain, the COVID-19 pandemic, regulations and bad weather. The survey by the University of Exeter and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) came as pig farmers have been reporting distress at having to kill their animals due to a shortage of abattoir workers. As a part of the survey, the researchers spoke to 15,000 people involved in farming in the UK. The survey was carried out before the shortage of abattoir workers became a major problem in the UK. Also read | NASA's Lucy mission to begin voyage to Trojan asteroids It found that specialist pig farmers were reporting the highest number of stress factors and rates of depression across all areas of farming. However, people in cereals and general cropping reported fewer causes of stress. About 70 per cent were not experiencing depression. The rise in extreme weather is a cause of major concern as 44 per cent of people are calling it a matter of significant worry. Isolation and long hours have also contributed in poor well-being. Younger people have reported higher levels of loneliness than across the general population. Also read | 'Love is in the Bin:' British artist Banksy's half-shredded picture sells for record $25 million Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Mental health in agriculture is the elephant in the room. No-one really wants to talk about loneliness, anxiety or suicide but it's there. This report has emphasised the need for the whole farming community to tackle the issue and encourage farmers to take notice, open up and talk to each other." The findings have revealed that taking time off for a break or leisure is not an option for many farmers. Nearly one-third of respondents said that they hardly ever get time to leave the farm.

UK: One third of farmers could be depressed, reveals survey

The UK is now being termed as the bank scam capital of the world with a massive surge in the incidents of online scams.&nbsp;

In the first six months of 2021, an amount of 1 billion dollars was&nbsp;stolen. The bank scams in the UK have gone up by 30 per cent since last year.&nbsp;

UK's super fast payment infrastructure is being blamed for this surge as it makes money transfers less secure. Also, there is weak policing of fraud-related crimes.&nbsp;

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People of the UK are also being seen as easy targets because of their language. The wide use of the English language has made the UK an ideal testbed for such scams.&nbsp;

The scammers target victims using this language. The targets are found through the internet by buying badges of leaked personal data from the dark net.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-18-year-old-afghan-refugee-stabbed-to-death-in-london-420669">Also read |&nbsp;UK: 18-year-old Afghan refugee stabbed to death in London</a>

A 2019 exposed the system in the UK as it analysed 400 corruption and money laundering cases.&nbsp;The survey revealed that nearly 600 businesses, institutions and individuals in the UK help in laundering money for the corrupt.

The total amount came down to over 400 billion dollars.&nbsp;

It was further revealed that 118 luxury goods and services firms, 81 law firms, 86 banks and financial institutions, and 62 accountancy firms have been involved in such acts.&nbsp;

Even the Educational institutions accepted suspicious funds. A total of 178 such institutions took more than 5 million dollars.&nbsp;

Some of these institutions include the Charterhouse Square School, Harrow School, University College London, and the University of St. Andrews.&nbsp;

Reports reveal that more than 42,000 properties are owned by offshore companies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/californias-alisal-fire-continues-to-burn-14500-acres-420718">Also read |&nbsp;California's Alisal fire continues to burn 14,500-acres</a>

Money launderers have found a new home in London as for years now, the UK has allowed criminals to get away with stealing. Indian businessman Vijay Malya defaulted on loans worth 1 billion dollars. While India has been trying to extradite him, he seems to have found a new home in the UK.&nbsp;

Luxury properties in London have become a way for the corrupt to hide their cash. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif's children, who have set up three offshore companies owned at least six upscale properties. In 2017, after he resigned following the Panama Papers verdict, he found a home in London to avoid his jail time.&nbsp;

The UK is now being termed as the bank scam capital of the world with a massive surge in the incidents of online scams. In the first six months of 2021, an amount of 1 billion dollars was stolen.

The UK is now being termed as the bank scam capital of the world with a massive surge in the incidents of online scams. In the first six months of 2021, an amount of 1 billion dollars was stolen. The bank scams in the UK have gone up by 30 per cent since last year. UK's super fast payment infrastructure is being blamed for this surge as it makes money transfers less secure. Also, there is weak policing of fraud-related crimes. × People of the UK are also being seen as easy targets because of their language. The wide use of the English language has made the UK an ideal testbed for such scams. The scammers target victims using this language. The targets are found through the internet by buying badges of leaked personal data from the dark net. Also read | UK: 18-year-old Afghan refugee stabbed to death in London A 2019 exposed the system in the UK as it analysed 400 corruption and money laundering cases. The survey revealed that nearly 600 businesses, institutions and individuals in the UK help in laundering money for the corrupt. The total amount came down to over 400 billion dollars. It was further revealed that 118 luxury goods and services firms, 81 law firms, 86 banks and financial institutions, and 62 accountancy firms have been involved in such acts. Even the Educational institutions accepted suspicious funds. A total of 178 such institutions took more than 5 million dollars. Some of these institutions include the Charterhouse Square School, Harrow School, University College London, and the University of St. Andrews. Reports reveal that more than 42,000 properties are owned by offshore companies. Also read | California's Alisal fire continues to burn 14,500-acres Money launderers have found a new home in London as for years now, the UK has allowed criminals to get away with stealing. Indian businessman Vijay Malya defaulted on loans worth 1 billion dollars. While India has been trying to extradite him, he seems to have found a new home in the UK. Luxury properties in London have become a way for the corrupt to hide their cash. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif's children, who have set up three offshore companies owned at least six upscale properties. In 2017, after he resigned following the Panama Papers verdict, he found a home in London to avoid his jail time.

UK now being termed as the bank scam capital of the world, here is why

Industries across Britain have been warning in recent months that they are struggling to maintain operations because of labor market shortage. The government says it's caused by covid 19 and global factors, industry representatives say Brexit is a cause too.

Britain: Farmers urge British PM to ease immigration rules

The European Union and United Kingdom are facing their next standoff, Northern Ireland is once again at the heart of it. The European commission will soon setup proposals to address tensions over trade.

European Union-United Kingdom dispute over Northern Ireland escalates

Fed up with traffic jams&nbsp;Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh.

That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-holds-giga-fest-at-disputed-german-factory-419364">Tesla holds 'Giga Fest' at disputed German factory</a>

And he's not alone. Some of the world's most high-profile engineers and airlines believe Vertical is onto something with its plan for zero-emission mini-aircraft to almost silently take four passengers through the skies for up to 120 miles (193 kms).

American Airlines, aircraft lessor Avolon, engineers Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, as well as Microsoft’s M12 unit are investing in the merger, which is expected to complete by the end of the year.

Fitzpatrick, who also set up OVO Energy, Britain's no.3 energy retailer, said Vertical flights between London's Heathrow airport and its Canary Wharf financial district will take 15 minutes and cost 50 pounds ($68) per passenger.

That potential is attracting airlines&nbsp;attention. More than 1,000 VA-X4 aircraft have been pre-ordered by customers. Interest in the zero-emission aircraft comes at a time when aviation companies are under mounting pressure from investors to help decarbonize the sector and boost their environmental, social and governance scores.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jury-orders-tesla-to-pay-137-million-over-racist-treatment-418415">Jury orders Tesla to pay $137 million over racist treatment</a>

"We are going to sign deals. We`re finding the appetite and the demand from airlines to be really strong," Fitzpatrick told Reuters.

The biggest challenge for Vertical is certifying its aircraft, which Fitzpatrick said it is on track to do by the end of 2024, funded by new money from the merger.

Test flights

Fitzpatrick first had the idea back in 2015 when he sat for hours in 10 lanes of gridlocked traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Back then, there weren't many competitors, he said, but today analysts estimate there are more than 100 companies working on rival electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft.

The VA-X4 is still in construction and will start test flights early next year. Fitzpatrick believes Verticals partnerships will help it emerge as a winner.

Using battery technology from the car industry, and tried and tested electrical propulsion units and motors, and backed by Honeywell's electronics, Fitzpatrick has "no doubt" that the VA-X4 will fly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lucid-to-start-deliveries-of-electric-cars-with-range-exceeding-teslas-in-october-416769">Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October</a>

Certification will depend on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

"The process of certifying the aircraft is known. The technologies are new, but the steps we need to go through are relatively similar to other aircraft," said Fitzpatrick, who has recruited senior engineers from both Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

Developing a new mode of transport comes with other challenges such as the infrastructure, but Fitzpatrick is confident.

"We're already in discussions with, for example, Heathrow Airport," he said, pointing out of his office window to potential skyport locations on rooftops.

As for convincing passengers, that's where airlines come in.

"I think the brand association with trusted airlines is really going to help passengers embrace the new technology," he said.&nbsp;

Fed up with traffic jams Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh. That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s.

Fed up with traffic jams Imagine a world where your taxi takes to the skies and lands on top of your office building, recharges and sets off afresh. That's the vision of Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which is set to raise $394 million in a merger with a blank-cheque New York-listed company, and who says his aircraft will be flying by the mid-2020s. Also read | Tesla holds 'Giga Fest' at disputed German factory And he's not alone. Some of the world's most high-profile engineers and airlines believe Vertical is onto something with its plan for zero-emission mini-aircraft to almost silently take four passengers through the skies for up to 120 miles (193 kms). American Airlines, aircraft lessor Avolon, engineers Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, as well as Microsoft’s M12 unit are investing in the merger, which is expected to complete by the end of the year. Fitzpatrick, who also set up OVO Energy, Britain's no.3 energy retailer, said Vertical flights between London's Heathrow airport and its Canary Wharf financial district will take 15 minutes and cost 50 pounds ($68) per passenger. That potential is attracting airlines attention. More than 1,000 VA-X4 aircraft have been pre-ordered by customers. Interest in the zero-emission aircraft comes at a time when aviation companies are under mounting pressure from investors to help decarbonize the sector and boost their environmental, social and governance scores. Also read | Jury orders Tesla to pay $137 million over racist treatment "We are going to sign deals. We`re finding the appetite and the demand from airlines to be really strong," Fitzpatrick told Reuters. The biggest challenge for Vertical is certifying its aircraft, which Fitzpatrick said it is on track to do by the end of 2024, funded by new money from the merger. Test flights Fitzpatrick first had the idea back in 2015 when he sat for hours in 10 lanes of gridlocked traffic in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Back then, there weren't many competitors, he said, but today analysts estimate there are more than 100 companies working on rival electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft. The VA-X4 is still in construction and will start test flights early next year. Fitzpatrick believes Verticals partnerships will help it emerge as a winner. Using battery technology from the car industry, and tried and tested electrical propulsion units and motors, and backed by Honeywell's electronics, Fitzpatrick has "no doubt" that the VA-X4 will fly. Also read | Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October Certification will depend on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). "The process of certifying the aircraft is known. The technologies are new, but the steps we need to go through are relatively similar to other aircraft," said Fitzpatrick, who has recruited senior engineers from both Airbus and Rolls-Royce. Developing a new mode of transport comes with other challenges such as the infrastructure, but Fitzpatrick is confident. "We're already in discussions with, for example, Heathrow Airport," he said, pointing out of his office window to potential skyport locations on rooftops. As for convincing passengers, that's where airlines come in. "I think the brand association with trusted airlines is really going to help passengers embrace the new technology," he said.

Flying taxis to take to the sky in mid-2020s, says UK's Vertical Aerospace

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was &nbsp;"one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history.

The MPs found government's pandemic planning as having been too focussed on flu. They said that the government failed to learn lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola outbreaks.

The study, published by two parliamentary watchdog committees after months of hearings, comes ahead of an independent public inquiry into the government's coronavirus handling due to begin next year.

Britain has been hit hard by the crisis, with nearly 138,000 Covid-19 deaths since March last year, raising questions about why it has fared worse than other nations.

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MPs on two parliamentary committees said the government had waited too long to push through lockdown measures in early 2020.

Leading advisors had pushed a "deliberate policy" to take a "gradual and incremental approach" to interventions such as social distancing, isolation and lockdowns, said the report.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consistently-in-the-bottom-10-of-nations-in-biodiversity-intactness-419731">UK consistently in the bottom 10% of nations in biodiversity intactness</a>

That approach had been proved "wrong" and cost lives, they noted.

"Decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic -- and the advice that led to them -- rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced," they wrote.

There was a "policy approach of fatalism about the prospects for Covid in the community", which contributed to the failures.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was "one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history.

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was "one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history. The MPs found government's pandemic planning as having been too focussed on flu. They said that the government failed to learn lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola outbreaks. The study, published by two parliamentary watchdog committees after months of hearings, comes ahead of an independent public inquiry into the government's coronavirus handling due to begin next year. Britain has been hit hard by the crisis, with nearly 138,000 Covid-19 deaths since March last year, raising questions about why it has fared worse than other nations. Also Read | 'Leave Serena Hotel area immediately': US and UK citizens warned of threat to Kabul hotels MPs on two parliamentary committees said the government had waited too long to push through lockdown measures in early 2020. Leading advisors had pushed a "deliberate policy" to take a "gradual and incremental approach" to interventions such as social distancing, isolation and lockdowns, said the report. Also Read | UK consistently in the bottom 10% of nations in biodiversity intactness That approach had been proved "wrong" and cost lives, they noted. "Decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic -- and the advice that led to them -- rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced," they wrote. There was a "policy approach of fatalism about the prospects for Covid in the community", which contributed to the failures. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's COVID response 'public health failure': British MPs

The British government waited too long to impose a lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, missing a chance to contain the disease and leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths, a parliamentary report concluded Tuesday.

The deadly delay resulted from ministers' failure to question the recommendations of scientific advisers, resulting in a dangerous level of group think&nbsp;that caused them to dismiss the more aggressive strategies adopted in East and Southeast Asia, according to the joint report from the House of Commons' science and health committees.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-prevent-severe-covid-even-from-delta-study-419798">Vaccines prevent severe Covid, even from Delta: study</a>

It was only when Britain's National Health Service risked being overwhelmed by rapidly rising infections that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative government finally ordered a lockdown.

"There was a desire to avoid a lockdown because of the immense harm it would entail to the economy, normal health services and society,'' the report said.

In the absence of other strategies such as rigorous case isolation, a meaningful test-and-trace operation, and robust border controls, a full lockdown was inevitable and should have come sooner.''

The UK parliamentary report comes amid frustration with the timetable for a formal public inquiry into the government's response to COVID-19, which Johnson says will start next spring.

Lawmakers said their inquiry was designed to uncover why Britain performed significantly worse&nbsp;than many other countries during the early days of the pandemic so that the UK could improve its response to the ongoing threat from COVID-19 and prepare for future threats.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-quarantine-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-in-uk-from-october-11-british-envoy-418989">No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy</a>

The 150-page report is based on testimony from 50 witnesses, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and former government insider Dominic Cummings.

It was unanimously approved by 22 lawmakers from the three largest parties in Parliament: the governing Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party and the Scottish National Party.

The committees praised the government's early focus on vaccines as the ultimate way out of the pandemic and its decision to invest in vaccine development.

These decisions led to Britain's successful inoculation program, which has seen almost 80 per cent&nbsp;of people 12 and over now fully vaccinated.

Millions of lives will ultimately be saved as a result of the global vaccine effort in which the U.K. Has played a leading part,&nbsp;the committees said.

But they also criticized the government's test-and-trace program, saying its slow, uncertain and often chaotic performance hampered Britain's response to the pandemic.

The government's strategy during the first three months of the crisis reflected official scientific advice that widespread infection was inevitable given that testing capacity was limited that there was no immediate prospect for a vaccine&nbsp;and the belief that the public wouldn't accept a lengthy lockdown, the report said.

As a result, the government sought merely to manage the spread of the virus, instead of trying to stop it altogether.

The report described this as a serious early error&nbsp;that the UK shared with many countries in Europe and North America.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/old-fake-news-sputnik-v-refutes-claims-russia-stole-oxford-vaccine-blueprint-419855">'Old fake news': Sputnik V refutes claims Russia stole Oxford vaccine blueprint</a>

Accountability in a democracy depends on elected decision-makers not just taking advice, but examining, questioning and challenging it before making their own decisions,&nbsp;the committees said.

Although it was a rapidly changing situation, given the large number of deaths predicted, it was surprising the initially fatalistic assumptions about the impossibility of suppressing the virus were not challenged until it became clear the NHS would be overwhelmed.&nbsp;

Trish Greenhalgh, a professor of primary care health services at the University of Oxford, said the report hints at a less-than-healthy'' relationship between government and scientific bodies.

With COVID-19 still killing hundreds of people every week in Britain, advisory committees continue to debate exactly what evidence is sufficiently definitive&nbsp;to be considered certain, she said.

Uncertainty is a defining feature of crises,&nbsp;Greenhalgh said.

Dare we replace following the science&nbsp;with deliberating on what best to do when the problem is urgent but certainty eludes us&nbsp;This report suggests that unless we wish to continue to repeat the mistakes of the recent past, we must.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a>

Even senior officials like Cummings and Hancock told the committees they were reluctant to push back against scientific consensus.

Hancock said as early as January 28, 2020, he found it difficult to push for widespread testing of people who didn't show symptoms of COVID-19 because scientific advisers said it wouldn't be useful.

I was in a situation of not having hard evidence that a global scientific consensus of decades was wrong but having an instinct that it was,&nbsp;he testified. I bitterly regret that I did not overrule that scientific advice.&nbsp;

The British government waited too long to impose a lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, missing a chance to contain the disease and leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths, a parliamentary report concluded Tuesday.

The British government waited too long to impose a lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, missing a chance to contain the disease and leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths, a parliamentary report concluded Tuesday. The deadly delay resulted from ministers' failure to question the recommendations of scientific advisers, resulting in a dangerous level of group think that caused them to dismiss the more aggressive strategies adopted in East and Southeast Asia, according to the joint report from the House of Commons' science and health committees. Also Read | Vaccines prevent severe Covid, even from Delta: study It was only when Britain's National Health Service risked being overwhelmed by rapidly rising infections that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative government finally ordered a lockdown. "There was a desire to avoid a lockdown because of the immense harm it would entail to the economy, normal health services and society,'' the report said. In the absence of other strategies such as rigorous case isolation, a meaningful test-and-trace operation, and robust border controls, a full lockdown was inevitable and should have come sooner.'' The UK parliamentary report comes amid frustration with the timetable for a formal public inquiry into the government's response to COVID-19, which Johnson says will start next spring. Lawmakers said their inquiry was designed to uncover why Britain performed significantly worse than many other countries during the early days of the pandemic so that the UK could improve its response to the ongoing threat from COVID-19 and prepare for future threats. Also Read | No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy The 150-page report is based on testimony from 50 witnesses, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and former government insider Dominic Cummings. It was unanimously approved by 22 lawmakers from the three largest parties in Parliament: the governing Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party and the Scottish National Party. The committees praised the government's early focus on vaccines as the ultimate way out of the pandemic and its decision to invest in vaccine development. These decisions led to Britain's successful inoculation program, which has seen almost 80 per cent of people 12 and over now fully vaccinated. Millions of lives will ultimately be saved as a result of the global vaccine effort in which the U.K. Has played a leading part, the committees said. But they also criticized the government's test-and-trace program, saying its slow, uncertain and often chaotic performance hampered Britain's response to the pandemic. The government's strategy during the first three months of the crisis reflected official scientific advice that widespread infection was inevitable given that testing capacity was limited that there was no immediate prospect for a vaccine and the belief that the public wouldn't accept a lengthy lockdown, the report said. As a result, the government sought merely to manage the spread of the virus, instead of trying to stop it altogether. The report described this as a serious early error that the UK shared with many countries in Europe and North America. Also Read | 'Old fake news': Sputnik V refutes claims Russia stole Oxford vaccine blueprint Accountability in a democracy depends on elected decision-makers not just taking advice, but examining, questioning and challenging it before making their own decisions, the committees said. Although it was a rapidly changing situation, given the large number of deaths predicted, it was surprising the initially fatalistic assumptions about the impossibility of suppressing the virus were not challenged until it became clear the NHS would be overwhelmed. Trish Greenhalgh, a professor of primary care health services at the University of Oxford, said the report hints at a less-than-healthy'' relationship between government and scientific bodies. With COVID-19 still killing hundreds of people every week in Britain, advisory committees continue to debate exactly what evidence is sufficiently definitive to be considered certain, she said. Uncertainty is a defining feature of crises, Greenhalgh said. Dare we replace following the science with deliberating on what best to do when the problem is urgent but certainty eludes us This report suggests that unless we wish to continue to repeat the mistakes of the recent past, we must. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study Even senior officials like Cummings and Hancock told the committees they were reluctant to push back against scientific consensus. Hancock said as early as January 28, 2020, he found it difficult to push for widespread testing of people who didn't show symptoms of COVID-19 because scientific advisers said it wouldn't be useful. I was in a situation of not having hard evidence that a global scientific consensus of decades was wrong but having an instinct that it was, he testified. I bitterly regret that I did not overrule that scientific advice.

Report concludes UK waited too long for virus lockdown

The United States and Britain have issued a security alert for Kabul. U.S & UK have warned their citizens to avoid hotels in the Afghan capital. The warning comes days after dozens were killed at a mosque in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.

United States, Britain issue security alert for Kabul

A new study has revealed that almost half of Britain’s natural biodiversity has disappeared over the centuries. Farming and urban spread triggered by the industrial and agricultural revolutions are being blamed as major factors for this loss.

Scientists at London’s Natural History Museum have revealed that the UK is one of the worst-rated nations in the world.

Professor Andy Purvis, of the museum’s life science department, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Britain has lost more of its natural biodiversity than almost anywhere else in western Europe, the most of all the G7 nations and more than many other nations such as China."

The study will be used as a negotiator to prepare to begin online discussions for the UN biodiversity conference (Cop15) this week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-bid-to-combat-climate-impact-cut-carbon-footprint-germany-unveils-synthetic-kerosene-plant-418471">Also read |&nbsp;In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant</a>

These talks will then be followed by an international biodiversity summit next April in Kunming in China.&nbsp;

The aim is to establish firm goals that would end the loss of wildlife.&nbsp;

Dr Adriana De Palma, a senior researcher at the museum said that the analysis found that the UK was consistently in the bottom 10 per cent of nations in terms of biodiversity intactness. This is because the agricultural and industrial revolutions started in the UK.

Across the UK, woods and grasslands have been ripped up and fields of single crops have been planted in their place.&nbsp;

Also, more than two-thirds of the UK is now used for agriculture and 8 per cent has been built on. This leaves very little room for nature.

The world’s overall biodiversity intactness is estimated at 75 per cent. This is significantly lower than the 90 per cent average considered to be a safe limit for ensuring the planet does not fall into an ecological recession.

A new study has revealed that almost half of Britain’s natural biodiversity has disappeared over the centuries. Farming and urban spread triggered by the industrial and agricultural revolutions are being blamed as major factors for this loss.

A new study has revealed that almost half of Britain’s natural biodiversity has disappeared over the centuries. Farming and urban spread triggered by the industrial and agricultural revolutions are being blamed as major factors for this loss. Scientists at London’s Natural History Museum have revealed that the UK is one of the worst-rated nations in the world. Professor Andy Purvis, of the museum’s life science department, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Britain has lost more of its natural biodiversity than almost anywhere else in western Europe, the most of all the G7 nations and more than many other nations such as China." The study will be used as a negotiator to prepare to begin online discussions for the UN biodiversity conference (Cop15) this week. Also read | In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant These talks will then be followed by an international biodiversity summit next April in Kunming in China. The aim is to establish firm goals that would end the loss of wildlife. Dr Adriana De Palma, a senior researcher at the museum said that the analysis found that the UK was consistently in the bottom 10 per cent of nations in terms of biodiversity intactness. This is because the agricultural and industrial revolutions started in the UK. Across the UK, woods and grasslands have been ripped up and fields of single crops have been planted in their place. Also, more than two-thirds of the UK is now used for agriculture and 8 per cent has been built on. This leaves very little room for nature. The world’s overall biodiversity intactness is estimated at 75 per cent. This is significantly lower than the 90 per cent average considered to be a safe limit for ensuring the planet does not fall into an ecological recession.

UK consistently in the bottom 10% of nations in biodiversity intactness

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Saturday called for the start of negotiations for a migration treaty between the European Union and Britain. Watch this report for more details.

France calls for European Union & United Kingdom treaty on migrants

Afghans who recently arrived in the UK, after fleeing the Taliban takeover have asked to be sent back. This is casting doubt over the success of Operation Warm Welcome, which was launched by Boris Johnson on August 29 to help Afghan refugees arriving in the UK by providing support so that they could “rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities”.

A widespread lack of housing means hotels have been seized as emergency temporary accommodation for 7,000 Afghan refugees.&nbsp;

The Home Office officials have admitted that some will be held in the accommodation for months. 
One doctor, who has been working with the newly arrived Afghans for weeks but who requested anonymity was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "I’ve had a few patients telling me they want to go home. One guy, who was 67, kept saying: ‘I can’t take this any more. I have to get out of this [hotel] room."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-afghans-receive-assistance-un-agency-419569">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency</a>

There have also been concerns over health care for those held in hotels after their evacuation from Kabul airport as one charity described confusion over access to local GPs.

One council leader described the government’s programme as a “shocking failure”.

Councillor Danny Thorpe of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, south-east London accused the government officials of not providing enough support. Thorpe was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "This was one of the most shocking failures of the government that I ever encountered."

Jill O’Leary, lead doctor at the Helen Bamber Foundation, which is working with 650 clients, said the situation was “muddled and confused."

She revealed that certain contractors at hotels were unaware they were obligated to help Afghans register with a GP and explain their entitlements. “When we consider the needs of people, there seems to be a blind spot with the Home Office when it comes to vulnerability,” she said.

Afghans who recently arrived in the UK, after fleeing the Taliban takeover have asked to be sent back. This is casting doubt over the success of Operation Warm Welcome, which was launched by Boris Johnson on August 29 to help Afghan refugees arriving in the UK by providing support so that they could “rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities”.

Afghans who recently arrived in the UK, after fleeing the Taliban takeover have asked to be sent back. This is casting doubt over the success of Operation Warm Welcome, which was launched by Boris Johnson on August 29 to help Afghan refugees arriving in the UK by providing support so that they could “rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities”. A widespread lack of housing means hotels have been seized as emergency temporary accommodation for 7,000 Afghan refugees. The Home Office officials have admitted that some will be held in the accommodation for months. One doctor, who has been working with the newly arrived Afghans for weeks but who requested anonymity was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "I’ve had a few patients telling me they want to go home. One guy, who was 67, kept saying: ‘I can’t take this any more. I have to get out of this [hotel] room." Also read | Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency There have also been concerns over health care for those held in hotels after their evacuation from Kabul airport as one charity described confusion over access to local GPs. One council leader described the government’s programme as a “shocking failure”. Councillor Danny Thorpe of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, south-east London accused the government officials of not providing enough support. Thorpe was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "This was one of the most shocking failures of the government that I ever encountered." Jill O’Leary, lead doctor at the Helen Bamber Foundation, which is working with 650 clients, said the situation was “muddled and confused." She revealed that certain contractors at hotels were unaware they were obligated to help Afghans register with a GP and explain their entitlements. “When we consider the needs of people, there seems to be a blind spot with the Home Office when it comes to vulnerability,” she said.

Afghan refugees stuck in UK hotels asked to be sent back

Amid ongoing outrage over the killings of two young women near their homes in London, a UK government official is looking to back a company's proposal for a new tracking service to help protect women walking alone. &nbsp;

In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's biggest phone company BT’s chief executive proposed the 'walk me home' service. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-eu-spat-will-respect-european-law-says-polish-foreign-ministry-419484" hreflang="en">Poland-EU spat: Will respect European law, says Polish foreign ministry</a>

In the letter, Philip Jansen said, once a woman activated an app on her phone, the service would track her journey and send an alert to her emergency contacts if she didn't reach her destination on time. &nbsp;

Confirming Patel received the letter, the UK Home Office said she would respond in 'due course’. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-france-tensions-spurs-debate-over-foreign-influence-419400" hreflang="en">Mali-France tensions spurs debate over foreign influence</a>

In comments to the Daily Mail, Patel was more supportive. "This new phone line is exactly the kind of innovative scheme, which would be good to get going as soon as we can. I'm now looking at it with my team and liaising with BT,'' the newspaper quoted Patel as saying. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 'walk me home' service could be up and running by Christmas, reported the Mail. The service may complement Britain's existing nationwide emergency number, said Jansen. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid ongoing outrage over the killings of two young women near their homes in London, a UK government official is looking to back a company's proposal for a new tracking service to help protect women walking alone.

Amid ongoing outrage over the killings of two young women near their homes in London, a UK government official is looking to back a company's proposal for a new tracking service to help protect women walking alone. In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's biggest phone company BT’s chief executive proposed the 'walk me home' service. Also Read: Poland-EU spat: Will respect European law, says Polish foreign ministry In the letter, Philip Jansen said, once a woman activated an app on her phone, the service would track her journey and send an alert to her emergency contacts if she didn't reach her destination on time. Confirming Patel received the letter, the UK Home Office said she would respond in 'due course’. Also Read: Mali-France tensions spurs debate over foreign influence In comments to the Daily Mail, Patel was more supportive. "This new phone line is exactly the kind of innovative scheme, which would be good to get going as soon as we can. I'm now looking at it with my team and liaising with BT,'' the newspaper quoted Patel as saying. The 'walk me home' service could be up and running by Christmas, reported the Mail. The service may complement Britain's existing nationwide emergency number, said Jansen. (With inputs from agencies)

To safeguard lone women, UK looks for 'walk me home' phone-tracker

The United Kingdom has come off its high horse. It has relaxed travel rules for Indians after India made a tit-for-tat move. From October 11, fully vaccinated Indians travelling to the UK Won't have to quarantine. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: No mandatory quarantine for Indians travelling to UK

The United Kingdom announced that it will scrap tough COVID-19 quarantine travel rules for 47 countries' destinations including India from October 11. It also stated that fully vaccinated Indians with Covishield jab will not be required to undergo quarantine.

UK eases quarantine rules for 47 nations including India

Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers.

But the NHS -- which listed 211 nationalities in England alone in 2020 -- faces chronic staff shortages.

By 2029, the state-run service in England will face a shortfall of 108,000 nurses, according to the Health Foundation think-tank.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-pledges-transformed-economy-for-uk-418731">Johnson pledges transformed economy for UK</a>

Now there are fears the crisis will further deepen due to a combination of shocks depleting its substantial foreign workforce: retirement, the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and tougher immigration rules.

Migration has long been a "stopgap solution" as Britain suffered "recurring crises" for 40 years, said Mark Dayan, policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust health think-tank.

'No chance'

Retired doctor Iftikhar Ali Syed left Pakistan for Britain in 1960 and spent 45 years working in Burnley, a northern English town defined by factory chimneys belching black smoke.

Syed, 86, belonged to a generation of medical professionals from ex-British colonies who filled labour shortages after World War II.

They were directed to poorer regions -- often ex-industrial heartlands like northern England and south Wales -- where recruitment was hardest and health needs greatest.

Even today, the life expectancy gap between deprived areas of northern England and the more affluent southeast is more than 10 years.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-quarantine-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-in-uk-from-october-11-british-envoy-418989">&nbsp;No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy</a>

"Overseas doctors had no chance. You got a practice where no-one wants it," Syed told AFP.

Syed and other immigrant doctors of his generation "flooded" Burnley, he remembered, helping to establish its first cardiology unit and improve midwifery services.

But they retired after 2000, creating a shortage in Burnley, mirrored in places where immigrants disproportionately filled healthcare roles.

'Tremendous demand'

As in other countries, the pandemic has traumatised and exhausted Britain's frontline health and social care staff and created a huge backlog in treatments for other conditions.

In the year to March 2021, international travel disruptions meant 3,700 fewer nurses came to Britain than in the previous year.

Faizan Rana, a 34-year-old NHS operations manager, said pandemic travel curbs have weakened services and exacerbated staff shortages at his London hospital and elsewhere.

Britain has become less welcoming and financially rewarding for EU staff after the 2016 Brexit referendum and the subsequent fall in the pound's value, added Dayan.

In 2021, there were around 8,000 fewer nurses from European Economic Area nations on the official register than in 2016.

And more than half of EU nurses leaving Britain cited the country's departure from the bloc as a reason for their decision, a 2020 Nursing and Midwifery Council survey suggested.

Syed remembered EU staff filling shortages in Burnley after his retirement and predicted "tremendous demand" again as their numbers diminished after Brexit.

'Existential crisis'

Under Britain's new points-based immigration system, migrants must meet salary and English proficiency levels and have an offer for a skilled job, although a special visa scheme exempts healthcare workers.

Naveen Keerthi, 42, runs a recruitment agency bringing foreign doctors to Britain and believes the reforms will help hire overseas staff, with a "surge" in applicants in the past four years.

But Akshay Akulwar, a 34-year-old NHS doctor from India, said compatriots were increasingly choosing Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Middle East because of more generous visa rules.

And Dayan said the reforms will hit social care, where staff are not considered skilled and paid low wages.

The fate of social care, where trained carers look after vulnerable people in their homes and offer mental health services, is closely tied to the NHS.

Hospitals suffer greater pressures when patients cannot be discharged as adequate care services -- often provided by cash-strapped local authorities -- are unavailable for them to return home.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646">France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</a>

Social care has particularly suffered as Brexit sealed the "escape valve" of freedom of movement across the EU that had filled staff shortages, Dayan added.

Rebecca Bland, registered manager at a nursing agency in northwest England, told AFP the pandemic and new immigration rules have hampered recruitment.

The 42-year-old's company works with the local NHS and has long recruited from abroad, especially the Philippines, but has only hired one-tenth of the staff required since the pandemic began.

Bland said her colleagues were "being pushed to the limit", calling it "an existential crisis" exacerbated by pre-existing recruitment difficulties caused by low-paid, insecure work.

Mixed picture

However, Dayan blamed workforce shortages on decades-old failures by successive UK governments to train enough staff and provide adequate long-term planning.

"The underlying problems are domestic in nature," he stressed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-to-discontinue-compulsory-10-day-quarantine-rule-417795">UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule</a>

The UK government last month announced new NHS and social care funding worth £36 billion ($50 billion, 42 billion euros) over three years.

But Dayan warned cash injections alone would not resolve staff shortages, instead advocating better workforce planning to recruit and retain staff more effectively.

Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers.

Britain's National Health Service, which provides free healthcare funded from general taxation and welfare contributions, is one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan employers. But the NHS -- which listed 211 nationalities in England alone in 2020 -- faces chronic staff shortages. By 2029, the state-run service in England will face a shortfall of 108,000 nurses, according to the Health Foundation think-tank. Also Read | Johnson pledges transformed economy for UK Now there are fears the crisis will further deepen due to a combination of shocks depleting its substantial foreign workforce: retirement, the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and tougher immigration rules. Migration has long been a "stopgap solution" as Britain suffered "recurring crises" for 40 years, said Mark Dayan, policy analyst at the Nuffield Trust health think-tank. 'No chance' Retired doctor Iftikhar Ali Syed left Pakistan for Britain in 1960 and spent 45 years working in Burnley, a northern English town defined by factory chimneys belching black smoke. Syed, 86, belonged to a generation of medical professionals from ex-British colonies who filled labour shortages after World War II. They were directed to poorer regions -- often ex-industrial heartlands like northern England and south Wales -- where recruitment was hardest and health needs greatest. Even today, the life expectancy gap between deprived areas of northern England and the more affluent southeast is more than 10 years. Also Read | No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy "Overseas doctors had no chance. You got a practice where no-one wants it," Syed told AFP. Syed and other immigrant doctors of his generation "flooded" Burnley, he remembered, helping to establish its first cardiology unit and improve midwifery services. But they retired after 2000, creating a shortage in Burnley, mirrored in places where immigrants disproportionately filled healthcare roles. 'Tremendous demand' As in other countries, the pandemic has traumatised and exhausted Britain's frontline health and social care staff and created a huge backlog in treatments for other conditions. In the year to March 2021, international travel disruptions meant 3,700 fewer nurses came to Britain than in the previous year. Faizan Rana, a 34-year-old NHS operations manager, said pandemic travel curbs have weakened services and exacerbated staff shortages at his London hospital and elsewhere. Britain has become less welcoming and financially rewarding for EU staff after the 2016 Brexit referendum and the subsequent fall in the pound's value, added Dayan. In 2021, there were around 8,000 fewer nurses from European Economic Area nations on the official register than in 2016. And more than half of EU nurses leaving Britain cited the country's departure from the bloc as a reason for their decision, a 2020 Nursing and Midwifery Council survey suggested. Syed remembered EU staff filling shortages in Burnley after his retirement and predicted "tremendous demand" again as their numbers diminished after Brexit. 'Existential crisis' Under Britain's new points-based immigration system, migrants must meet salary and English proficiency levels and have an offer for a skilled job, although a special visa scheme exempts healthcare workers. Naveen Keerthi, 42, runs a recruitment agency bringing foreign doctors to Britain and believes the reforms will help hire overseas staff, with a "surge" in applicants in the past four years. But Akshay Akulwar, a 34-year-old NHS doctor from India, said compatriots were increasingly choosing Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Middle East because of more generous visa rules. And Dayan said the reforms will hit social care, where staff are not considered skilled and paid low wages. The fate of social care, where trained carers look after vulnerable people in their homes and offer mental health services, is closely tied to the NHS. Hospitals suffer greater pressures when patients cannot be discharged as adequate care services -- often provided by cash-strapped local authorities -- are unavailable for them to return home. Also Read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report Social care has particularly suffered as Brexit sealed the "escape valve" of freedom of movement across the EU that had filled staff shortages, Dayan added. Rebecca Bland, registered manager at a nursing agency in northwest England, told AFP the pandemic and new immigration rules have hampered recruitment. The 42-year-old's company works with the local NHS and has long recruited from abroad, especially the Philippines, but has only hired one-tenth of the staff required since the pandemic began. Bland said her colleagues were "being pushed to the limit", calling it "an existential crisis" exacerbated by pre-existing recruitment difficulties caused by low-paid, insecure work. Mixed picture However, Dayan blamed workforce shortages on decades-old failures by successive UK governments to train enough staff and provide adequate long-term planning. "The underlying problems are domestic in nature," he stressed. Also Read | UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule The UK government last month announced new NHS and social care funding worth £36 billion ($50 billion, 42 billion euros) over three years. But Dayan warned cash injections alone would not resolve staff shortages, instead advocating better workforce planning to recruit and retain staff more effectively.

Migrant-dependent UK healthcare battles staffing crisis

The UK has eased travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Indians who have received the Covishield jab. People vaccinated with Covishield in India will not be required to undergo the mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival in the UK.

UK eases travel rules: No quarantine for Indian fully vaccinated with Covishield

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions.

The report says that the proportion of female executive directors across the FTSE 100 has flatlined at 13.7 per cent for the second consecutive year as only eight out of the city’s top 100 businesses are run by women. It includes&nbsp;NatWest’s Alison Rose and Aviva’s Amanda Blanc, and 15 chief financial officers or finance directors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointment-in-qatar-as-no-women-candidates-elected-417883">Also read |&nbsp;Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected</a>

However, the proportion of female non-executive directors on FTSE 100 boards was at an all-time high at 44 per cent. This includes 14 per cent of chairs and 35 per cent of those chairing board committees being women. Alison Kay, EY’s managing partner for client service in the UK and Ireland said that the research shows that progress in executive roles is “actually far more of an important metric than the number of women on boards as a whole”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646">Also read |&nbsp;France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</a>

Financial News, London, quoted Kay as saying, “The lack of female representation in executive roles is particularly striking, especially when the presence of women in senior positions, critically the role of CEO and chairperson, was noted to be a strong and influential driver."

As a solution, various firms have been urged to do more to tackle diversity issues. This comes as the Financial conduct authority and the Bank of England consider prioritising aims within regulation.

Also, policymakers have proposed that executives should be required to tie their pay to meeting inclusion targets. This will make people at the top directly accountable for falling short.

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions.

A recent report by Cranfield School of Management has revealed that even though UK's top-listed companies have made progress on gender targets, they still have very few women in senior leadership positions. The report says that the proportion of female executive directors across the FTSE 100 has flatlined at 13.7 per cent for the second consecutive year as only eight out of the city’s top 100 businesses are run by women. It includes NatWest’s Alison Rose and Aviva’s Amanda Blanc, and 15 chief financial officers or finance directors. Also read | Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected However, the proportion of female non-executive directors on FTSE 100 boards was at an all-time high at 44 per cent. This includes 14 per cent of chairs and 35 per cent of those chairing board committees being women. Alison Kay, EY’s managing partner for client service in the UK and Ireland said that the research shows that progress in executive roles is “actually far more of an important metric than the number of women on boards as a whole”. Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report Financial News, London, quoted Kay as saying, “The lack of female representation in executive roles is particularly striking, especially when the presence of women in senior positions, critically the role of CEO and chairperson, was noted to be a strong and influential driver." As a solution, various firms have been urged to do more to tackle diversity issues. This comes as the Financial conduct authority and the Bank of England consider prioritising aims within regulation. Also, policymakers have proposed that executives should be required to tie their pay to meeting inclusion targets. This will make people at the top directly accountable for falling short.

Only 8 out of top 100 companies in the UK headed by women: Report

UK gas price has hit new records. Surge in prices has fuelled fears of a winter energy crisis.

UK gas prices hit new records

India has withdrawn its men's and women's hockey teams from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games of 2022. Hockey India has cited Britain's discriminatory quarantine rules among the reasons for their withdrawal. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India-UK vaccine spat spills into hockey

UN wants to declare access to a safe environment a human right, but US, UK are opposing the move. Joe Biden had made tall promises on climate, Boris Johnson wanted to help countries at the forefront of the climate crisis. What happened? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: UN proposes to make safe environment a human right

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