US&nbsp;President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. 
 
The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. 
 
The decision by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US&nbsp;allies. 
 
The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. 
 
As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. 
 
A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday on the situation in Afghanistan and they agreed to hold a virtual G7 leaders’ meeting next week to discuss a common strategy and approach, the White House said. The two leaders "discussed the need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans," the White House said in a statement. The decision by US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to stick to the troop withdrawal deal struck by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump has stirred widespread criticism at home and among US allies. The United States and Western allies resumed evacuating diplomats and civilians on Tuesday, the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans thronged the runway. As they rush to evacuate, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the transformed situation on the ground after Afghan forces melted away in just days, with what many had predicted as the likely fast unraveling of women's rights. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson in the call with Biden "stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Biden, Johnson discuss Afghanistan on call, agree to hold G7 meeting

While speaking in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK will do “everything to avert a humanitarian crisis” in Afghanistan. Johnson also added that deploying UK troops to fight the Taliban is not an option.

Johnson says UK will do anything to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

The United Kingdom has said that it aims to start negotiations for a trade agreement with India by the end of the year. "We are currently in the pre-ngotiation scoping phase of an FTA (free trade agreement), with the aim of starting negotiations by the end of this year," a spokesperson for Britain's Department for International Trade said.

United Kingdom to start negotiations for trade agreement with India by year end

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government is considering a "bespoke arrangement" for Afghan refugees that will be announced soon.

New resettlement schemes will focus on making the UK more accessible to those most in need, such as women and girls. While Raab did not confirm how many refugees would be admitted, he called the UK 'an open-hearted nation'.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-burqa-not-mandatory-for-women-hijab-is-says-taliban-406158">LIVE Afghanistan crisis — Burqa not mandatory for women, hijab is, says Taliban</a></h2>

Speaking to BBC, Raab stated that the UK has had always been a country in which people fleeing persecution could find refuge.&nbsp;He added that the prime minister and the home secretary would announce the details of the new resettlement program in due course.

On Wednesday, the British Parliament will return from its summer recess to debate the war in Afghanistan.

According to former Conservative minister for defence, Tobias Ellwood&nbsp;the fall of Afghanistan will spur a mass migration on a scale not seen since the end of World War II.

New resettlement programme is likely to follow a similar model to the one used for Syrian refugees,&nbsp;which since its launch&nbsp;in 2014, has&nbsp;resettled around 20,000 refugees from Syria in the UK.

Over 3,300 Afghan interpreters, staff and their families have already been accepted into the UK for resettlement, the Home Office reported on Monday. According to them, the decision on how many Afghan refugees to accept would be based on the capacity of local authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-military-and-civilian-flights-halted-at-kabul-airport-pentagon-406126" hreflang="en">All military and civilian flights halted at Kabul airport: Pentagon</a>

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced Monday that an additional 200 British troops would deploy to Kabul to assist in evacuating British citizens and Afghan citizens eligible for resettlement in the UK.

In addition, MoD officials say more troops will be deployed to nations in the region and ready to go to Afghanistan if necessary, and additional troops will be kept on standby in the UK.

Most Afghans who qualify for relocation to the UK previously worked in frontline military roles for the British government.&nbsp;

In addition to interpreters and cultural advisers, embassy staff are also involved in this group. Ministry of Defence also considers those that are at high or imminent risk eligible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-vice-president-amrullah-saleh-declares-himself-as-caretaker-president-406357" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself as caretaker President</a>

As many as 350 more British nationals and Afghan employees are expected to leave the country in the next 24 hours - and if the situation settles, the number could increase "quite significantly."

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government is considering a "bespoke arrangement" for Afghan refugees that will be announced soon. New resettlement schemes will focus on making the UK more accessible to those most in need, such as women and girls.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government is considering a "bespoke arrangement" for Afghan refugees that will be announced soon. New resettlement schemes will focus on making the UK more accessible to those most in need, such as women and girls. While Raab did not confirm how many refugees would be admitted, he called the UK 'an open-hearted nation'. LIVE Afghanistan crisis — Burqa not mandatory for women, hijab is, says Taliban Speaking to BBC, Raab stated that the UK has had always been a country in which people fleeing persecution could find refuge. He added that the prime minister and the home secretary would announce the details of the new resettlement program in due course. On Wednesday, the British Parliament will return from its summer recess to debate the war in Afghanistan. According to former Conservative minister for defence, Tobias Ellwood the fall of Afghanistan will spur a mass migration on a scale not seen since the end of World War II. New resettlement programme is likely to follow a similar model to the one used for Syrian refugees, which since its launch in 2014, has resettled around 20,000 refugees from Syria in the UK. Over 3,300 Afghan interpreters, staff and their families have already been accepted into the UK for resettlement, the Home Office reported on Monday. According to them, the decision on how many Afghan refugees to accept would be based on the capacity of local authorities. Also read | All military and civilian flights halted at Kabul airport: Pentagon The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced Monday that an additional 200 British troops would deploy to Kabul to assist in evacuating British citizens and Afghan citizens eligible for resettlement in the UK. In addition, MoD officials say more troops will be deployed to nations in the region and ready to go to Afghanistan if necessary, and additional troops will be kept on standby in the UK. Most Afghans who qualify for relocation to the UK previously worked in frontline military roles for the British government. In addition to interpreters and cultural advisers, embassy staff are also involved in this group. Ministry of Defence also considers those that are at high or imminent risk eligible. Also read | Afghanistan's Vice President Amrullah Saleh declares himself as caretaker President As many as 350 more British nationals and Afghan employees are expected to leave the country in the next 24 hours - and if the situation settles, the number could increase "quite significantly."

UK considering a resettlement programme for Afghans: Dominic Raab

Australia has said that it will not be able to help all Afghans that assisted its military. Australia becomes a second country after the United Kingdom to admit to this possibility.

Australia & UK admit to being unable to evacuate all Afghan helpers

Critics are asking if the war in Afghanistan for UK troops was a complete failure? WION's London Bureau Chief Mandy Clark highlights the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's stance on not recognising the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.

Critics ask if war in Afghanistan for UK troops was a complete failure?

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864" hreflang="en">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse</a>

After Taliban militants&nbsp;entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country."

"And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me."

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Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: <a href="https://t.co/vkcW5UCE4h">pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h</a>
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After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was&nbsp;stunned at&nbsp;the&nbsp;pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need."

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If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. 
 
Τoday ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/LaStampa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaStampa</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i">https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i</a>
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India has decided not to shut its&nbsp;embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions.&nbsp;

"The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867" hreflang="en">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan.

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We must not&nbsp;abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse After Taliban militants entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country." "And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me." Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) August 14, 2021 × After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was stunned at the pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need." If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. Τoday ⁦@LaStampa⁩ https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i — Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) August 15, 2021 × India has decided not to shut its embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions. "The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI. IN PICS| 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan. "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We must not abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Shock and awe: World expresses concern as Taliban enter Kabul

The British government will provide 232 million pounds ($320 million) in addition to National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the Paris Games in 2024, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-next-up-for-haaland-in-german-super-cup-showdown-at-dortmund-405930" hreflang="en">Football - Bayern next up for Haaland in German Super Cup showdown at Dortmund</a>

The investment, which represents a 44% rise on the funding received by UK Sport in the run-up to the Tokyo Games, will be used to back aspiring athletes as well as their coaches and support staff.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) investment will also support athletes and coaches targeting success at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Earlier this month, Team GB won 65 medals across 25 disciplines in Tokyo and finished fourth in the overall medals table. The Paralympic Games are set to begin on Aug. 24.

"Team GB showed us the very best of this country in Tokyo - demonstrating sportsmanship, hard work and record-breaking performances," Johnson said in a statement.

"This increased funding will support Team GB to deliver their best possible performances in three years' time in Paris."

The British government will provide 232 million pounds ($320 million) in addition to National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the Paris Games in 2024, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

The British government will provide 232 million pounds ($320 million) in addition to National Lottery funding to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the Paris Games in 2024, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. ALSO READ: Football - Bayern next up for Haaland in German Super Cup showdown at Dortmund The investment, which represents a 44% rise on the funding received by UK Sport in the run-up to the Tokyo Games, will be used to back aspiring athletes as well as their coaches and support staff. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) investment will also support athletes and coaches targeting success at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Earlier this month, Team GB won 65 medals across 25 disciplines in Tokyo and finished fourth in the overall medals table. The Paralympic Games are set to begin on Aug. 24. "Team GB showed us the very best of this country in Tokyo - demonstrating sportsmanship, hard work and record-breaking performances," Johnson said in a statement. "This increased funding will support Team GB to deliver their best possible performances in three years' time in Paris."

UK govt to invest £232m to support 2024 Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Four people have been treated in hospital after a suspected shooting in London. Police, including firearms officers, were deployed to Clarence Gardens, Camden, at about 22:10 BST on Saturday after there were reports of shots being fired.

Four people have been treated in hospital after a suspected shooting in London. Police, including firearms officers, were deployed to Clarence Gardens, Camden, at about 22:10 BST on Saturday after there were reports of shots being fired. According to BBC, two women were treated by paramedics at the scene for suspected gunshot wounds before being taken to hospital. A man and a woman later attended the hospital with similar injuries, police said. As of now, there have been no arrests in connection with the incident which is not being treated as terror-related. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said, ‘Police were called shortly before 10.10pm on Saturday, 14 August to reports of gunshots heard in the vicinity of Clarence Gardens, NW1. Also read | Nigeria imposes partial curfew after deadly attack ‘Officers, including firearms officers, attended along with paramedics from London Ambulance Service. ‘Two women were treated at the scene for suspected gunshot injuries before being taken to hospital. ‘A man and a female later self-presented at hospital with suspected gunshot wounds. We await an update on the condition of all four.’ As per police, a Section 60 order was authorised across the borough until 7am in the morning.

Four people injured in suspected shooting in London

Left-wing British filmmaker&nbsp;Ken&nbsp;Loach&nbsp;said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer.

Veteran socialist&nbsp;Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

"Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted.

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'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL
— Ken Loach &amp; Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenLoachSixteen/status/1426478743225315331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership.

Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values.

Loach&nbsp;tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed.

"I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt.

"Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added.

Loach&nbsp;has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake".

Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace".

"To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted.

"Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change &amp; inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected. "Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted. 'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL — Ken Loach & Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) August 14, 2021 × Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership. Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values. Loach tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed. "I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt. "Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added. Loach has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake". Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace". "To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted. "Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

UK Labour Party kicks out veteran filmmaker Ken Loach

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday announced that some 600 troops would help evacuate British nationals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the country, as the Islamists seize more control.

But he told Sky News television the US decision to withdraw troops "leaves a very big problem on the ground", handing momentum to the Taliban.

He predicted it would benefit Al-Qaeda, who were given safe haven by the Taliban before the September 11, 2001 attacks that prompted the West's 20-year involvement in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"I'm absolutely worried that failed states are breeding grounds for those type of people," he added.

"Of course Al-Qaeda will probably come back," he said, warning that would lead to "a security threat to us and our interests."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-protesters-clash-with-pak-forces-after-man-dies-waiting-to-enter-spin-boldak-405191">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak</a>

"I felt that that was a&nbsp;mistake&nbsp;to have done it that way, that we'll all as an international community probably pay the consequences of that," Wallace said of the Doha agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban.

The agreement, signed under former US president Donald Trump last year, left Britain with no choice but to withdraw its troops, he said.

The 600 British troops being sent to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to help with repatriation is close to the 750 Britain had in the country before the withdrawal.

They will help up to 3,000 British nationals leave, Wallace said.

The minister's critical comments about the withdrawal were among several&nbsp;from&nbsp;senior politicians and military top brass.

'Total betrayal'

The chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in parliament, Tom Tugendhat, told the BBC: "We've just pulled the rug&nbsp;from&nbsp;under them," referring to the Afghan people.

The Conservative MP added that Britain's need to send in more troops to facilitate its withdrawal was "a sure sign of failure".

Former international development minister Rory Stewart called the troop withdrawal "a total betrayal by the US and by the&nbsp;UK" that risked triggering a civil war between rival warlords currently defending against the Taliban.

Johnny Mercer, a Conservative MP and former veterans minister who served in&nbsp;Afghanistan, called the withdrawal "a disgrace".

"I think it's humiliating for the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;military, for the families who lost individuals over there but above all it's a huge tragedy for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan, who've been through so much over so many years," he told Times Radio.

"We've chosen this defeat and it's shameful."

The leader of Northern Ireland's Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie, served three tours in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;with the British Army, said ordinary Afghans would pay the price.

"We raised the expectations of the Afghan people that we would create something better for them," he told Irish state broadcaster RTE.

"And we're going to dash it by our inactivity... We have made strategic failures, and the latest one is to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as quickly as we have and without a political settlement."

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world.

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday announced that some 600 troops would help evacuate British nationals from the country, as the Islamists seize more control. But he told Sky News television the US decision to withdraw troops "leaves a very big problem on the ground", handing momentum to the Taliban. He predicted it would benefit Al-Qaeda, who were given safe haven by the Taliban before the September 11, 2001 attacks that prompted the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan. "I'm absolutely worried that failed states are breeding grounds for those type of people," he added. "Of course Al-Qaeda will probably come back," he said, warning that would lead to "a security threat to us and our interests." Also read | Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak "I felt that that was a mistake to have done it that way, that we'll all as an international community probably pay the consequences of that," Wallace said of the Doha agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban. The agreement, signed under former US president Donald Trump last year, left Britain with no choice but to withdraw its troops, he said. The 600 British troops being sent to Afghanistan to help with repatriation is close to the 750 Britain had in the country before the withdrawal. They will help up to 3,000 British nationals leave, Wallace said. The minister's critical comments about the withdrawal were among several from senior politicians and military top brass. 'Total betrayal' The chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in parliament, Tom Tugendhat, told the BBC: "We've just pulled the rug from under them," referring to the Afghan people. The Conservative MP added that Britain's need to send in more troops to facilitate its withdrawal was "a sure sign of failure". Former international development minister Rory Stewart called the troop withdrawal "a total betrayal by the US and by the UK" that risked triggering a civil war between rival warlords currently defending against the Taliban. Johnny Mercer, a Conservative MP and former veterans minister who served in Afghanistan, called the withdrawal "a disgrace". "I think it's humiliating for the UK military, for the families who lost individuals over there but above all it's a huge tragedy for the people of Afghanistan, who've been through so much over so many years," he told Times Radio. "We've chosen this defeat and it's shameful." The leader of Northern Ireland's Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie, served three tours in Afghanistan with the British Army, said ordinary Afghans would pay the price. "We raised the expectations of the Afghan people that we would create something better for them," he told Irish state broadcaster RTE. "And we're going to dash it by our inactivity... We have made strategic failures, and the latest one is to leave Afghanistan as quickly as we have and without a political settlement."

UK says US pullout from Afghanistan a 'mistake'

For five days now, 3 Gurkha veterans have been sitting on a hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street. Gurkha soldiers have served in the British Forces for more than 200 years. But, many veterans are still denied equal pension. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: 3 Gurkha veterans on hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street

Methodically inspecting this farmer's field for weeds and pests, this labourer doesn't complain or even break a sweat. That's because it's a four-wheel robot, dubbed "Tom", that uses GPS and artificial intelligence to digitally map the field. Tom's creator, Small Robot Company, is part of a wave of "agri-tech" startups working to transform production in a sector that's under economic strain, due to market pressures to keep food cheap, a rising global population and uncertainties over climate change

Rise of the Robots: British startup launches crop-monitoring bot

The UK government's climate chief Alok Sharma has warned that the world is "dangerously close" to running out of time to stop a climate change catastrophe. Sharma, who is leading COP26, the climate summit hosted by the UK this year, said that the effects were already clear with floods, fires and heatwaves.

The UK government's climate chief Alok Sharma has warned that the world is "dangerously close" to running out of time to stop a climate change catastrophe. Sharma, who is leading COP26, the climate summit hosted by the UK this year, said that the effects were already clear with floods, fires and heatwaves. "This is going to be the starkest warning yet that human behaviour is alarmingly accelerating global warming and this is why COP26 has to be the moment we get this right", Sharma said. He added, "We can't afford to wait two years, five years, 10 years -– this is the moment," he added, explaining that unless nations "act now, we will, unfortunately, be out of time". Meanwhile, a report recently revealed that Sharma has flown to 30 countries in the past seven months. Also read | Climate change summit Cop26's president Alok Sharma flew to 30 countries in 7 months According to Daily Mail, Ashok Sharma was appointed as president of Cop26 in January and has visited countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya since February. He visited India in March, as well as Costa Rica, Qatar and the UAE. In April, he saw trips to the Far East, before he travelled to Bangladesh in June. Not all of the 30 known journeys were return flights to the UK. Sharma also visited a group of countries on one trip. However, travel to and from all the destinations Sharma has visited would stretch to 200,000 miles. The aviation industry produced 915m tonnes of CO2 in 2019, which is equivalent to 2 per cent of all human-made CO2 emissions.

Time running out to stop 'catastrophe', warns UK's climate chief

The British Government has retained Pakistan on the 'red list' of its travel advisory due to the 'deteriorating Covid situation' in the country.

UK senior health official JO Churchill, in a letter dated August 6 explained the reasons for keeping Pakistan on the red list of countries, reported The Express Tribune.

She said that UK's Joint Biosecurity Centre continues to assess risk based on factors including incidence, trends in deaths/hospitalisations, exported cases as well as testing and test positivity rates.

Her response comes after Pakistan was retained in the red list of countries at the latest coronavirus travel update while India was removed from it, reported The Express Tribune.

The British government placed Pakistan and India on the red list on April 2 and 19, respectively. However, in an updated list, the government announced that India, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE would be moved to the amber list from August 8.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-govt-unveils-common-minimum-programme-404101">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal govt unveils ‘common minimum programme’</a>

"In Pakistan, the combination of a deteriorating epidemiological situation, combined with low testing rates and limited genomic surveillance, presents a high risk that an outbreak of a new variant, or existing VoC [variant of concern], will not be identified before it is imported to the UK," she said in a letter.

The UK health official said the current trajectory of the pandemic in Pakistan is also of particular concern.

"In the past seven days, the incidence of cases in Pakistan has increased by 87 per cent on the previous week (19 - 25 July). The incidence of deaths has increased by 75 per cent in that same period. Test positivity is high and rising, growing from 5.6 per cent on July 26 to 7.9 per cent on August 3," read the letter.

Major cities like Karachi have reported positivity rates of up to 20 per cent, she added.

The red list of the countries means only the UK nationals and those with residency rights will be allowed to travel to the country if they stayed in Pakistan for the ten days before they arrive. The amber travel list means that returnees can quarantine at home, rather than in a hotel.

The British Government has retained Pakistan on the 'red list' of its travel advisory due to the 'deteriorating Covid situation' in the country. UK senior health official JO Churchill, in a letter dated August 6 explained the reasons for keeping Pakistan on the red list of countries, reported The Express Tribune.

The British Government has retained Pakistan on the 'red list' of its travel advisory due to the 'deteriorating Covid situation' in the country. UK senior health official JO Churchill, in a letter dated August 6 explained the reasons for keeping Pakistan on the red list of countries, reported The Express Tribune. She said that UK's Joint Biosecurity Centre continues to assess risk based on factors including incidence, trends in deaths/hospitalisations, exported cases as well as testing and test positivity rates. Her response comes after Pakistan was retained in the red list of countries at the latest coronavirus travel update while India was removed from it, reported The Express Tribune. The British government placed Pakistan and India on the red list on April 2 and 19, respectively. However, in an updated list, the government announced that India, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE would be moved to the amber list from August 8. Also read | Nepal govt unveils ‘common minimum programme’ "In Pakistan, the combination of a deteriorating epidemiological situation, combined with low testing rates and limited genomic surveillance, presents a high risk that an outbreak of a new variant, or existing VoC [variant of concern], will not be identified before it is imported to the UK," she said in a letter. The UK health official said the current trajectory of the pandemic in Pakistan is also of particular concern. "In the past seven days, the incidence of cases in Pakistan has increased by 87 per cent on the previous week (19 - 25 July). The incidence of deaths has increased by 75 per cent in that same period. Test positivity is high and rising, growing from 5.6 per cent on July 26 to 7.9 per cent on August 3," read the letter. Major cities like Karachi have reported positivity rates of up to 20 per cent, she added. The red list of the countries means only the UK nationals and those with residency rights will be allowed to travel to the country if they stayed in Pakistan for the ten days before they arrive. The amber travel list means that returnees can quarantine at home, rather than in a hotel.

International travel update: UK retains Pakistan in red list amid 'deteriorating COVID-19 situation'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not need to self isolate even though a member of his staff on a recent trip to Scotland tested positive for the coronavirus, his Downing Street office said.

Johnson visited a police college in Fife on Wednesday and a wind farm off Aberdeenshire on Thursday.

As per the local media, a member of Johnson’s staff who accompanied him to the police college and travelled with him on a plane tested positive for coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-reverses-plan-to-skip-quarantine-after-covid-19-exposure-398957">Also read |&nbsp;UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure</a>

“The Prime Minister regularly visits communities across the UK and all aspects of visits are carried out in line with COVID guidance," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

He added, “The Prime Minister has not come into close contact with anyone who has tested positive.”

This comes a month after Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak self-isolated in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working.

The U-turn came a day after health minister Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and at a time when the government's coronavirus response is under intense scrutiny. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not need to self isolate even though a member of his staff on a recent trip to Scotland tested positive for the coronavirus, his Downing Street office said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not need to self isolate even though a member of his staff on a recent trip to Scotland tested positive for the coronavirus, his Downing Street office said. Johnson visited a police college in Fife on Wednesday and a wind farm off Aberdeenshire on Thursday. As per the local media, a member of Johnson’s staff who accompanied him to the police college and travelled with him on a plane tested positive for coronavirus. Also read | UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure “The Prime Minister regularly visits communities across the UK and all aspects of visits are carried out in line with COVID guidance," a Downing Street spokesperson said. He added, “The Prime Minister has not come into close contact with anyone who has tested positive.” This comes a month after Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak self-isolated in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working. The U-turn came a day after health minister Sajid Javid said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and at a time when the government's coronavirus response is under intense scrutiny.

UK PM Johnson will not isolate after staff member tests COVID positive

Fully vaccinated passengers from France returning to Scotland, Northern Ireland and England will not need to quarantine.

As per UK's widespread changes to the traffic light system for travel, France is being moved from amber-plus to amber.

France was added to the list last month when concerns about the COVID-19 Beta variant started growing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-you-crawl-back-under-the-rock-uk-pm-johnson-condemns-racial-abuse-of-england-football-stars-397699">Also read |&nbsp;I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars</a>

Also, even after prior speculation, Spain will remain on the amber list. This will enable travellers who are fully vaccinated to continue to enjoy a quarantine-free return.

India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will also be moved from the red list to the amber list as part of the changes, which come into effect from 04:00 BST on 8 August.

Germany, Austria and Norway are among seven nations being added to the green list.

Fully vaccinated passengers from France returning to Scotland, Northern Ireland and England will not need to quarantine. As per UK's widespread changes to the traffic light system for travel, France is being moved from amber-plus to amber.

Fully vaccinated passengers from France returning to Scotland, Northern Ireland and England will not need to quarantine. As per UK's widespread changes to the traffic light system for travel, France is being moved from amber-plus to amber. France was added to the list last month when concerns about the COVID-19 Beta variant started growing. Also read | I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars Also, even after prior speculation, Spain will remain on the amber list. This will enable travellers who are fully vaccinated to continue to enjoy a quarantine-free return. India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will also be moved from the red list to the amber list as part of the changes, which come into effect from 04:00 BST on 8 August. Germany, Austria and Norway are among seven nations being added to the green list.

International travel update: Fully vaccinated passengers from France will not need to quarantine in UK

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;translators&nbsp;and their&nbsp;families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the&nbsp;families&nbsp;of&nbsp;500&nbsp;staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some&nbsp;2,500&nbsp;individuals in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff.

"There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff," Wallace and Patel wrote.

"This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added.

In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan,&nbsp; the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;accelerated its relocation scheme for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;local staff in May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;

Since the expansion was announced, 1,400&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014.

Six former heads of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns.

Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service.

The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence".&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claim-responisibilty-for-major-attack-in-kabul-402906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals.

Regular reprisals against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;and interpreters and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement.

As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the families of 500 staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some 2,500 individuals in total. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff. "There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current Afghan staff," Wallace and Patel wrote. "This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added. In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK accelerated its relocation scheme for Afghan local staff in May. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban Since the expansion was announced, 1,400 Afghan staff and their families had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014. Six former heads of the UK armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that Afghan staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns. Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service. The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of Afghan staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence". Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation. The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals. Regular reprisals against Afghan and interpreters and their families have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement. As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the UK also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former Afghan staff and their families to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

UK govt aims to relocate 2,500 Afghan translators and families

UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. &nbsp;

Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car.&nbsp;

She also cited the time taken to recharge on long journeys to be an issue even as average electric vehicle now has range of over 200 miles.&nbsp;

In an interview with Times Radio, Stratton explained she needed to visit elderly relatives '200, 250 miles away', and having to stop the vehicle to charge it would slow her down, particularly with two young children, who might otherwise remain asleep during the ride.&nbsp;

The spokesperson, who lives in north London, said, “I don’t fancy it just yet,” because of the length of time, it takes to make trips to visit her father in south Scotland, her mother in Gloucestershire, her grandmother in north Wales, and her in-laws in the Lake district.&nbsp;

Stratton said, “They’re all journeys that I think would be at least one quite long stop to charge,” while adding an electric car would become a more viable option for her if 'the stop times for recharging improve so much that it’s half an hour'.&nbsp;

UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car.

UK PM Boris Johnson’s climate spokesperson Allegra Stratton reveals she drives a 'third-hand' diesel Volkswagen Golf, a report by the Guardian said. Stratton, who is the prime minister’s former press secretary, has criticised the critical infrastructure needed to run an electric car, by saying, it is not letting people like her switch to an electric car. She also cited the time taken to recharge on long journeys to be an issue even as average electric vehicle now has range of over 200 miles. In an interview with Times Radio, Stratton explained she needed to visit elderly relatives '200, 250 miles away', and having to stop the vehicle to charge it would slow her down, particularly with two young children, who might otherwise remain asleep during the ride. The spokesperson, who lives in north London, said, “I don’t fancy it just yet,” because of the length of time, it takes to make trips to visit her father in south Scotland, her mother in Gloucestershire, her grandmother in north Wales, and her in-laws in the Lake district. Stratton said, “They’re all journeys that I think would be at least one quite long stop to charge,” while adding an electric car would become a more viable option for her if 'the stop times for recharging improve so much that it’s half an hour'.

UK PM’s climate spokesperson says diesel car suits better than electric 

Families&nbsp;and friends were overjoyed at London's&nbsp;Heathrow&nbsp;Airport on Monday after a travel rule change meant they could&nbsp;reunite&nbsp;after 18 months of pandemic separation.

"Very, very excited. It means the world," said Sue Blake, as she waited to greet her son, daughter-in-law and grandson who had flown in from New York and who she last saw two years ago.

"It's a big chunk of his life and I'm so thrilled for him that he can come here," she said of the eight-year-old.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heathrow-airlines-tell-uk-to-open-up-travel-as-hopes-rise-for-us-visitors-400841">Also read |&nbsp;Heathrow, airlines tell UK to open up travel as hopes rise for US visitors</a>

Watching the&nbsp;hugs&nbsp;and&nbsp;tears&nbsp;in the arrivals hall,&nbsp;Heathrow's boss urged Britain to remove barriers to travel, not add to them, amid speculation that the government was poised to impose more rules.

"Let's just make it easier now for people to travel,"&nbsp;Heathrow's chief executive John Holland-Kaye told Reuters.

Britain, where the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has nearly reached 130,000, reopened its borders to large parts of the world on Monday, scrapping quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals from the European Union, excluding France, and the United States.

Families and friends were overjoyed at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday after a travel rule change meant they could reunite after 18 months of pandemic separation.

Families and friends were overjoyed at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday after a travel rule change meant they could reunite after 18 months of pandemic separation. "Very, very excited. It means the world," said Sue Blake, as she waited to greet her son, daughter-in-law and grandson who had flown in from New York and who she last saw two years ago. "It's a big chunk of his life and I'm so thrilled for him that he can come here," she said of the eight-year-old. Also read | Heathrow, airlines tell UK to open up travel as hopes rise for US visitors Watching the hugs and tears in the arrivals hall, Heathrow's boss urged Britain to remove barriers to travel, not add to them, amid speculation that the government was poised to impose more rules. "Let's just make it easier now for people to travel," Heathrow's chief executive John Holland-Kaye told Reuters. Britain, where the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has nearly reached 130,000, reopened its borders to large parts of the world on Monday, scrapping quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals from the European Union, excluding France, and the United States.

'It means the world': Families and friends reunite at UK's Heathrow

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn.&nbsp;

A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency. The MP has also urged ministers to abandon plans to cut universal credit.&nbsp;

A leading Brexiter and MP for Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Steve Baker has called on ministers to not ignore the cost of living crisis being faced by people 'in real trouble' in constituencies like his, who had been 'tipped over the edge' financially by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The pandemic universal credit uplift of £20 a week will be withdrawn as planned at September end, confirmed work and pensions minister Thérèse Coffey.&nbsp;

Although Coffey was earlier uneasy about the end of the uplift and lobbied for its extension to September, the minister seems to have given in as both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are opposed to its further extension.&nbsp;

Baker’s comments came after a Sheffield University study identified Wycombe as having the UK’s highest levels of food insecurity. Around 14% residents had reported going hungry in January and February, while one third struggled to afford food.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn. A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency.

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn. A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency. The MP has also urged ministers to abandon plans to cut universal credit. A leading Brexiter and MP for Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Steve Baker has called on ministers to not ignore the cost of living crisis being faced by people 'in real trouble' in constituencies like his, who had been 'tipped over the edge' financially by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic universal credit uplift of £20 a week will be withdrawn as planned at September end, confirmed work and pensions minister Thérèse Coffey. Although Coffey was earlier uneasy about the end of the uplift and lobbied for its extension to September, the minister seems to have given in as both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are opposed to its further extension. Baker’s comments came after a Sheffield University study identified Wycombe as having the UK’s highest levels of food insecurity. Around 14% residents had reported going hungry in January and February, while one third struggled to afford food.

UK PM faces ‘backbench’ rebellion over hunger, poverty in home counties 

After a UK government’s minister appeared to have backed 'no jab, no job' policies, the country’s equalities watchdog has warned businesses in the country to be 'proportionate' and 'non-discriminatory'. &nbsp;

As the world is still struggling against coronavirus pandemic, these policies could have allowed the businesses to compel employees to get vaccinated for securing their jobs.&nbsp;

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it understood firms will want to protect their staff and their customers by requiring employees to be vaccinated, but it advises them to take other factors into consideration.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, had suggested it is a good idea for people to be double jabbed before returning to the office but it will not be required by legislation.&nbsp;

“Employers are right to want to protect their staff and their customers, particularly in contexts where people are at risk, such as care homes. However, requirements must be proportionate, non-discriminatory and make provision for those, who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons,” said an EHRC spokesman.&nbsp;

Not just this,&nbsp;the UK government may also be planning to make vaccines compulsory for university students.&nbsp;The country has reopened the economy completely and abandoned all Covid-related rules recently.

(With inputs from agencies)

After a UK government’s minister appeared to have backed 'no jab, no job' policies, the country’s equalities watchdog has warned businesses in the country to be 'proportionate' and 'non-discriminatory'.

After a UK government’s minister appeared to have backed 'no jab, no job' policies, the country’s equalities watchdog has warned businesses in the country to be 'proportionate' and 'non-discriminatory'. As the world is still struggling against coronavirus pandemic, these policies could have allowed the businesses to compel employees to get vaccinated for securing their jobs. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it understood firms will want to protect their staff and their customers by requiring employees to be vaccinated, but it advises them to take other factors into consideration. The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, had suggested it is a good idea for people to be double jabbed before returning to the office but it will not be required by legislation. “Employers are right to want to protect their staff and their customers, particularly in contexts where people are at risk, such as care homes. However, requirements must be proportionate, non-discriminatory and make provision for those, who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons,” said an EHRC spokesman. Not just this, the UK government may also be planning to make vaccines compulsory for university students. The country has reopened the economy completely and abandoned all Covid-related rules recently. (With inputs from agencies)

Watchdog warns businesses over ‘no jab, no job’ policies in UK 

China has recently issued a warning to the UK's Carrier Strike Group not to carry out any "improper acts" as it enters the South China Sea. China claims practically the whole 1.

China has recently issued a warning to the UK's Carrier Strike Group not to carry out any "improper acts" as it enters the South China Sea. China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region. The pro-government Global Times, which is seen as a mouthpiece for the ruling Chinese Communist Party, said, "The People's Liberation Army Navy is at a high state of combat readiness". China has been closely monitoring the progress of the Carrier Strike Group, which is currently sailing through the South China Sea en route to Japan. It has also accused Britain of "still living in its colonial days". Also read | UK warship ignores Beijing warnings and enters the South China Sea Also, the Royal Navy has been carrying out exercises with the Singaporean navy and Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has made a clear intention to conduct a "Freedom of Navigation" exercise through the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas." Both US and Royal Navy warships have recently challenged China's claims to sovereignty in the South China Sea by purposely sailing through it. Veerle Nouwens, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), a London think tank was quoted by BBC as saying, "China is not looking for a direct confrontation with a major US ally in the South China Sea". He added, "But it will certainly make its intentions clear". The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck. China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea.

China issues warning to the UK as carrier strike group approaches

Following news that IDBI Bank has entirely recovered its debts from the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya criticised banks for claiming he owed them money on Thursday.&nbsp;

Vijay Mallya launched a tirade on Twitter and said, "And the Banks say I owe them money!".

He shared a report on IDBI Bank fully recovering its dues from now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

According to the news clipping, IDBI Bank recovered ₹7.5 billion from Kingfisher.

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And the Banks say I owe them money ! <a href="https://t.co/XnWSjXnnF9">pic.twitter.com/XnWSjXnnF9</a>
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1420732695760486400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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His Tweet comes after a British court awarded him a bankruptcy order, clearing the way for a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a global freezing order to recover a debt due by Kingfisher Airlines.&nbsp;

On July 26, the fugitive businessman claimed that the Enforcement Directorate is seizing assets "worth ₹140 billion at the behest of government banks against a debt of ₹62 billion."

Mallya also tweeted that the SBI-led consortium of banks had asked "court to make me bankrupt as they may have to return money to the ED," which he described as "incredible."&nbsp;

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ED attach my assets worth 14K crores at behest of Govt Banks against debt of 6.2K crores.They restore assets to Banks who recover 9K crores in cash and retain security over 5K crores more.Banks ask Court to make me Bankrupt as they may have to return money to the ED. Incredible.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheVijayMallya/status/1419724187325845508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 65-year-old businessman remains on bail in the UK while a "confidential" legal matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, is resolved in connection with the unrelated extradition proceedings.

Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over a default of ₹90 billion that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. India has been seeking his extradition from the UK. He had in the past offered to repay 100 per cent of "public money" but accused the banks and government of refusing his offer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following news that IDBI Bank has entirely recovered its debts from the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya criticised banks for claiming he owed them money on Thursday.

Following news that IDBI Bank has entirely recovered its debts from the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya criticised banks for claiming he owed them money on Thursday. Vijay Mallya launched a tirade on Twitter and said, "And the Banks say I owe them money!". He shared a report on IDBI Bank fully recovering its dues from now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. According to the news clipping, IDBI Bank recovered ₹7.5 billion from Kingfisher. And the Banks say I owe them money ! pic.twitter.com/XnWSjXnnF9 — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) July 29, 2021 × His Tweet comes after a British court awarded him a bankruptcy order, clearing the way for a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a global freezing order to recover a debt due by Kingfisher Airlines. On July 26, the fugitive businessman claimed that the Enforcement Directorate is seizing assets "worth ₹140 billion at the behest of government banks against a debt of ₹62 billion." Mallya also tweeted that the SBI-led consortium of banks had asked "court to make me bankrupt as they may have to return money to the ED," which he described as "incredible." ED attach my assets worth 14K crores at behest of Govt Banks against debt of 6.2K crores.They restore assets to Banks who recover 9K crores in cash and retain security over 5K crores more.Banks ask Court to make me Bankrupt as they may have to return money to the ED. Incredible. — Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) July 26, 2021 × The 65-year-old businessman remains on bail in the UK while a "confidential" legal matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, is resolved in connection with the unrelated extradition proceedings. Mallya, who fled to the UK in March 2016, is wanted in India over a default of ₹90 billion that was loaned to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) by several banks. India has been seeking his extradition from the UK. He had in the past offered to repay 100 per cent of "public money" but accused the banks and government of refusing his offer. (With inputs from agencies)

Vijay Mallya mocks banks for saying he still owes money, shares report

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