France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England

Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England. France is the only exception to this rule.

France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune called the decision "discriminatory towards French people,"

"It is excessive and makes no sense in terms of health policy," he told the LCI TV channel, adding that "it has no foundation in science".

France was singled out due to British government's concern over the "persistent presence" of the Beta variant, which is believed to be more resistant to vaccines.

But Beaune said the Delta strain accounted for fewer than five percent of Covid cases in France, and mostly occurred in overseas territories from where relatively few people travelled to the UK.

Beaune also said he regretted that travellers from the EU could still not enter the United States, even though American tourists can easily come to EU countries so long as they are vaccinated or have a negative Covid test.

"We should have kept reciprocity as a trump card up our sleeves at the European level," he said. "Perhaps Europe overall should have been tougher in the negotiations."

France on Wednesday reported just under 28,000 new Covid cases for the previous 24 hours and 40 new deaths from the virus.

A total of 111,768 people have died from Covid in France, according to health authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England.

France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England. France is the only exception to this rule. France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune called the decision "discriminatory towards French people," "It is excessive and makes no sense in terms of health policy," he told the LCI TV channel, adding that "it has no foundation in science". France was singled out due to British government's concern over the "persistent presence" of the Beta variant, which is believed to be more resistant to vaccines. But Beaune said the Delta strain accounted for fewer than five percent of Covid cases in France, and mostly occurred in overseas territories from where relatively few people travelled to the UK. Beaune also said he regretted that travellers from the EU could still not enter the United States, even though American tourists can easily come to EU countries so long as they are vaccinated or have a negative Covid test. "We should have kept reciprocity as a trump card up our sleeves at the European level," he said. "Perhaps Europe overall should have been tougher in the negotiations." France on Wednesday reported just under 28,000 new Covid cases for the previous 24 hours and 40 new deaths from the virus. A total of 111,768 people have died from Covid in France, according to health authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

France calls England quarantine rules 'discriminatory towards French people'

British PM Boris Johnson has unveiled a plan to GPS track burglars released on probation. The plan is to extend this system to all serial offenders. Is this breakthrough in crime prevention or mass surveillance? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Britain to strap GPS tag on freed burglars

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings.

The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Judge Michael Fordham ruled in favour of citizen Katie Rowley against the Cabinet Office for not providing the interpretation during broadcasts on September 21 and October 12 last year.

Fordham said the omission constituted "discrimination" as it breached the "reasonable adjustments duty" but found the government was not "in present or continuing breach".

Campaign group The Good Law Project took it to court amid accusations of inadequate transparency and cronyism relating to the procurement of contracts for personal protective equipment.

In June, the High Court ruled against senior minister Michael Gove for unlawfully awarding a contract worth more than £560,000 ($777,000, 658,000 euros) for virus-related communications to a firm without going through proper procedures.

And state auditors last year found the government failed to account clearly for spending on supplies and services during the pandemic worth £18 billion.

Rowley, a self-employed actor and writer in her thirties from Leeds in northern England, wanted compensation for "injury to feelings".

Her lawyers claimed she should receive thousands of pounds in compensation, and a lower court will award damages at a later date.

Only two of more than 170 COVID-19 briefings were unlawful because British Sign Language was not provided, according to officials.

"Our priority has always been to reach the largest possible audience with important public information," said a government spokesperson.

"We will continue to ensure that British Sign Language interpretation is made available during COVID-19 briefings."

Televised pandemic briefings by the UK's devolved authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have included British Sign Language interpreters on screen.

The London High Court case comes at an inopportune time for the UK government, which on Tuesday launched plans to improve access to public transport and taxis for people with disabilities.

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings. The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

A deaf woman on Wednesday won a court case against the UK government for failing to provide sign language interpreters at televised COVID-19 briefings. The ruling is the latest setback for the UK government in its legal battles against citizens suing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Judge Michael Fordham ruled in favour of citizen Katie Rowley against the Cabinet Office for not providing the interpretation during broadcasts on September 21 and October 12 last year. Fordham said the omission constituted "discrimination" as it breached the "reasonable adjustments duty" but found the government was not "in present or continuing breach". Campaign group The Good Law Project took it to court amid accusations of inadequate transparency and cronyism relating to the procurement of contracts for personal protective equipment. In June, the High Court ruled against senior minister Michael Gove for unlawfully awarding a contract worth more than £560,000 ($777,000, 658,000 euros) for virus-related communications to a firm without going through proper procedures. And state auditors last year found the government failed to account clearly for spending on supplies and services during the pandemic worth £18 billion. Rowley, a self-employed actor and writer in her thirties from Leeds in northern England, wanted compensation for "injury to feelings". Her lawyers claimed she should receive thousands of pounds in compensation, and a lower court will award damages at a later date. Only two of more than 170 COVID-19 briefings were unlawful because British Sign Language was not provided, according to officials. "Our priority has always been to reach the largest possible audience with important public information," said a government spokesperson. "We will continue to ensure that British Sign Language interpretation is made available during COVID-19 briefings." Televised pandemic briefings by the UK's devolved authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have included British Sign Language interpreters on screen. The London High Court case comes at an inopportune time for the UK government, which on Tuesday launched plans to improve access to public transport and taxis for people with disabilities.

UK govt loses court case over sign language interpreters

The London High Court declared fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bankrupt on July 26 in a major victory for Indian banks.

This will clear the way for a group of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a worldwide freezing order to seize Vijay Mallya's Indian assets in order to recover debt owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

"As at 15:42 (UK time), I adjudicate Dr Mallya bankrupt," Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs said in his ruling during a virtual hearing of the Chancery Division of the High Court in London.

The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, had argued for the bankruptcy order to be granted in favour of the Indian banks. 
 
Watch:

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Mallya reportedly attempted to appeal the High Court decision but was denied permission to do so.

An application by a lender consortium led by the SBI to alter their bankruptcy case in favour of surrendering their security over Mallya's assets in India was upheld by a UK court earlier this year in May.

Meanwhile, the 65-year-old businessman remains in the UK on bail pending the resolution of a "secret" court matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, in connection with unrelated extradition proceedings.

His lawyer, Philip Marshall, asked for a stay and a postponement of the ruling while legal challenges in India are still pending.

The judge, however, denied the requests, concluding that there was "insufficient proof" that the debt would be paid in full to the petitioners within a reasonable time. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The London High Court declared fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bankrupt on July 26 in a major victory for Indian banks. This will clear the way for a group of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a worldwide freezing order to seize Vijay Mallya's Indian assets in order to recover debt owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The London High Court declared fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bankrupt on July 26 in a major victory for Indian banks. This will clear the way for a group of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a worldwide freezing order to seize Vijay Mallya's Indian assets in order to recover debt owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. "As at 15:42 (UK time), I adjudicate Dr Mallya bankrupt," Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs said in his ruling during a virtual hearing of the Chancery Division of the High Court in London. The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, had argued for the bankruptcy order to be granted in favour of the Indian banks. Watch: Mallya reportedly attempted to appeal the High Court decision but was denied permission to do so. An application by a lender consortium led by the SBI to alter their bankruptcy case in favour of surrendering their security over Mallya's assets in India was upheld by a UK court earlier this year in May. Meanwhile, the 65-year-old businessman remains in the UK on bail pending the resolution of a "secret" court matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, in connection with unrelated extradition proceedings. His lawyer, Philip Marshall, asked for a stay and a postponement of the ruling while legal challenges in India are still pending. The judge, however, denied the requests, concluding that there was "insufficient proof" that the debt would be paid in full to the petitioners within a reasonable time. (With inputs from agencies)

UK court declares Vijay Mallya bankrupt, allowing Indian Banks to pursue recovery

The British government is investigating ways to block China's state-owned Nuclear energy company from all future power projects including CGN's plan to build a GBP20-billion Sizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk.

UK mulling banning Chinese Nuclear energy company

Following the declaration of Vijay Mallya as "bankrupt" by the UK High Court, 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 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; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-declares-vijay-mallya-bankrupt-allowing-indian-banks-to-pursue-recovery-400877">Also read | UK court declares Vijay Mallya bankrupt, allowing Indian Banks to pursue recovery</a> 
 
"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," he tweeted.

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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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On July 26, the London High Court declared the fugitive Indian businessman bankrupt, in a major victory for Indian banks.

This will clear the way for the group of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a worldwide freezing order to seize Mallya's Indian assets in order to recover debt owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

"As at 15:42 (UK time), I adjudicate Dr Mallya bankrupt," Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs said in his ruling during a virtual hearing of the Chancery Division of the High Court in London.

The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, had argued for the bankruptcy order to be granted in favour of the Indian banks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the declaration of Vijay Mallya as "bankrupt" by the UK High Court, 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.

Following the declaration of Vijay Mallya as "bankrupt" by the UK High Court, 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 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." Also read | UK court declares Vijay Mallya bankrupt, allowing Indian Banks to pursue recovery "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," he tweeted. 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 × On July 26, the London High Court declared the fugitive Indian businessman bankrupt, in a major victory for Indian banks. This will clear the way for the group of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to seek a worldwide freezing order to seize Mallya's Indian assets in order to recover debt owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. "As at 15:42 (UK time), I adjudicate Dr Mallya bankrupt," Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs said in his ruling during a virtual hearing of the Chancery Division of the High Court in London. The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, had argued for the bankruptcy order to be granted in favour of the Indian banks. (With inputs from agencies)

Attaching ₹140 billion assets over ₹62 billion debt 'incredible': Mallya on being declared bankrupt

A court in the United Kingdom has declared Indian fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya bankrupt. This paves the way for a consortium of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India, to recover debt from loans.

London court declares fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya bankrupt, Indian banks can realise debt

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in London. As rains lashed parts of London, roads got submerged and traffic was disrupted. MET has issued an amber thunderstorm warning.

WION Live Broadcast: Heavy rains cause flooding in London, traffic disrupted

As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London.

Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.&nbsp;

There were a lot of videos of partially submerged vehicles in southwest London on social media, with more heavy rain set to fall as a band of thunderstorms made its way across southeast England. The Met has issued amber weather warning London and surrounding counties until 7 pm local time

It warned there was a risk of lightning strikes and flooding, with up to 10 centimetres (four inches) of rain forecast to fall in some areas, almost double the monthly average for July.

Police closed a road near Queenstown Road station in southwest London, where three double-decker London buses were stuck under a railway bridge, according to an AFP journalist.

A driver, who gave his name as Eric, said &nbsp;passengers had to get off after his bus started taking on water.&nbsp;

Other motorists in Walthamstow, northeast London, abandoned their vehicles as the rain hammered down.

Police said they were "currently dealing with numerous floods in the east," warning that tunnels and roundabouts were submerged.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London. Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

As a result of repeated thunderstorms battering the British capital on Sunday, buses and cars were left stranded on flooded roads in London. Emergency services were battling "significant flooding across London", Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted, adding that all public transport services were affected and advising people to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. There were a lot of videos of partially submerged vehicles in southwest London on social media, with more heavy rain set to fall as a band of thunderstorms made its way across southeast England. The Met has issued amber weather warning London and surrounding counties until 7 pm local time It warned there was a risk of lightning strikes and flooding, with up to 10 centimetres (four inches) of rain forecast to fall in some areas, almost double the monthly average for July. Police closed a road near Queenstown Road station in southwest London, where three double-decker London buses were stuck under a railway bridge, according to an AFP journalist. A driver, who gave his name as Eric, said passengers had to get off after his bus started taking on water. Other motorists in Walthamstow, northeast London, abandoned their vehicles as the rain hammered down. Police said they were "currently dealing with numerous floods in the east," warning that tunnels and roundabouts were submerged. (With inputs from agencies)

Thunderstorms flood London streets, Tube stations and hospitals hit

The British government will be&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;to financial&nbsp;risks&nbsp;from its 372 billion pound&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;spending for&nbsp;decades, according to lawmakers'&nbsp;reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

In two&nbsp;reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022.

"With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period&nbsp;of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said.

"The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new&nbsp;risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-is-letting-people-get-infected-by-covid-aide-claims-400358">Also read |&nbsp;UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims</a>

The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;as an example of the ongoing financial risk.

In a second&nbsp;report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money.

The government said only 0.84 per cent&nbsp;of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service.

"There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said.

The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;needed to start immediately.

&nbsp;

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment.

The British government will be exposed to financial risks from its 372 billion pound pandemic spending for decades, according to lawmakers' reports on Sunday that also said more than 2 billion pounds had been spent on unusable protective equipment. In two reports on the response by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to the COVID-19 pandemic, parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said lessons needed to be learned before a promised public inquiry due to be held in 2022. "With eye-watering sums of money spent on COVID-19 measures so far the government needs to be clear, now, how this will be managed going forward, and over what period of time," Meg Hillier, the PAC chair, said. "The ongoing risk to the taxpayer will run for 20 years on things like arts and culture recovery loans, let alone the other new risks that departments across government must quickly learn to manage." Also read | UK government is letting people get infected by Covid, aide claims The PAC highlighted an estimated loss of 26 billion pounds through fraud and repayment default from loans handed to businesses to help cope with the pandemic as an example of the ongoing financial risk. In a second report, the committee said there had also been "unacceptably high" levels of wasteful spending, with 2.1 billion items of unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased, equating to more than 2 billion pounds of public money. The government said only 0.84 per cent of all PPE had been found to be unusable, and it had plans to repurpose that which could not be used in the health service. "There are robust processes in place to ensure that government spending always provides value for money for the taxpayer," a Department of Health spokesperson said. The opposition Labour Party said the findings were further evidence of failings by the government and said the inquiry into the pandemic needed to start immediately.

UK will be exposed to paying pandemic cost risks for decades: Report

UNESCO confirmed that Stonehenge could be stripped of its world heritage site status, over its concern that a road tunnel, backed by the govt, would damage the area. The UK is eroding its global reputation for conserving its “unparalleled” historic assets with Stonehenge expected to be next in line to lose its coveted World Heritage status after Liverpool.

UNESCO slams UK govt for approving plan that could strip Stonehenge's world heritage site status

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status.&nbsp;

Sites expected to come under the scrutiny of the body include Stonehenge, Edinburgh’s new and old towns, the Tower of London and Cornwall’s historic mining area.

The president of World Heritage UK, Chris Blandford, has complained that there was a “low awareness at the government level” of the importance of the country’s Unesco sites.&nbsp;

He further said many were critically underfunded and that ministers had shown a “great reluctance to want to make the most of our World Heritage offer”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liverpool-removed-from-unescos-heritage-list-due-to-overdevelopment-399460">Also read |&nbsp;Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment'</a>

However, the UNESCO chiefs criticised the UK government for failing to “fulfil its obligations” to protect Liverpool’s Victorian waterfront. They also&nbsp;blamed years of development for an “irreversible loss” to its historic value.

Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years.

"It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said.

Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city.

However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium. 
&nbsp;

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status.

Heritage bodies said on Friday that UNESCO would throw a “harsher spotlight” on the UK’s other 31 listed sites after Liverpool became only the third place in nearly 50 years to be stripped of its world heritage status. Sites expected to come under the scrutiny of the body include Stonehenge, Edinburgh’s new and old towns, the Tower of London and Cornwall’s historic mining area. The president of World Heritage UK, Chris Blandford, has complained that there was a “low awareness at the government level” of the importance of the country’s Unesco sites. He further said many were critically underfunded and that ministers had shown a “great reluctance to want to make the most of our World Heritage offer”. Also read | Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment' However, the UNESCO chiefs criticised the UK government for failing to “fulfil its obligations” to protect Liverpool’s Victorian waterfront. They also blamed years of development for an “irreversible loss” to its historic value. Liverpool has been removed from the UNESCO’s world heritage list as experts think there has been overdevelopment in the British city in the last few years. "It means that the site of Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is deleted from the World Heritage List," Tian Xuejun, chairman of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, said. Liverpool had been on this heritage list due to its charm and the rich past related to the historic port in northwest England city. However, the delegates believe the city has been indulging in overdevelopment. The committee spent two days discussing the plans for redevelopment and introduction of more ‘high-rise’ buildings as well as a new football stadium.

Stonehenge could lose world heritage status, here is why

After staff shortages in the food sector&nbsp;which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> case.&nbsp;

A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home.

Also read |&nbsp;All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain

Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves.&nbsp;

According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It&nbsp;includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories&nbsp;and bread manufacturing sites.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers.

In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves.

Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests.

The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week.

Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-launch-daily-covid-19-tests-in-food-sector-to-tackle-pingdemic-399920">UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic'</a>

A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January.

At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required.

(With inputs from agencies)

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case.

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case. A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home. Also read | All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves. According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories and bread manufacturing sites. Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers. In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves. Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests. The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week. Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday. Also read | UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic' A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January. At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required. (With inputs from agencies)

UK food sector workers exempt from self-isolation rules

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-calls-danish-siddiquis-father-and-extends-condolences-399792">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan president calls Danish Siddiqui's father and extends condolences</a>

"Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said.

During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs informed. During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. "Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit the UK on July 23-24. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts and conduct a detailed review of bilateral relations with a focus on the implementation of Roadmap 2030. He will also discuss regional, global issues," he said during a press conference here. Also read | Afghan president calls Danish Siddiqui's father and extends condolences "Both the countries adopted an ambitious project 2030 to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterparts to conduct a detailed review of bilateral relation between the countries," Bagchi said. During the conference, the MEA spokesperson also informed about countries easing travel restrictions for India. "We have been taking up with foreign countries the need to ease travel restrictions of Indians. We believe this easing will be an important step, Bagchi said.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will visit UK on July 23-24

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday. 
 
Some supermarkets are facing shortages of specific products - mainly those in demand in hot weather - and some petrol stations have had to close after the health app told workers to isolate following contact with someone with the virus. 
 
British newspapers carried front-page pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets, declaring a "pingdemic". 
 
With cases rising to nearly 50,000 a day in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of people have been advised - or "pinged" - by the National Health Service`s contact-tracing app to isolate for 10 days. 
 
The government said priority testing sites would be set up at the largest supermarket distribution centres this week, and up to 500 sites would start next week. 
 
"As we manage this virus and do everything we can to break chains of transmission, daily contact testing of workers in this vital sector will help to minimise the disruption caused by rising cases in the coming weeks, while ensuring workers are not put at risk," Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. 
 
Contact testing is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people infected by being in proximity to someone with the virus, either via the app or human contact tracers, but who have no symptoms themselves.

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday.

Daily contact testing will be rolled out to workplaces in Britain's food sector so staff, who have been 'pinged' by the COVID-19 app can keep working if they test negative rather than isolating, the government said on Thursday. Some supermarkets are facing shortages of specific products - mainly those in demand in hot weather - and some petrol stations have had to close after the health app told workers to isolate following contact with someone with the virus. British newspapers carried front-page pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets, declaring a "pingdemic". With cases rising to nearly 50,000 a day in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of people have been advised - or "pinged" - by the National Health Service`s contact-tracing app to isolate for 10 days. The government said priority testing sites would be set up at the largest supermarket distribution centres this week, and up to 500 sites would start next week. "As we manage this virus and do everything we can to break chains of transmission, daily contact testing of workers in this vital sector will help to minimise the disruption caused by rising cases in the coming weeks, while ensuring workers are not put at risk," Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. Contact testing is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people infected by being in proximity to someone with the virus, either via the app or human contact tracers, but who have no symptoms themselves.

UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic'

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile.

An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270.

The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison.

The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit.

The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored.

According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc.

The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions.

Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfire-aftermath-new-york-air-quality-is-now-among-the-worst-in-world-399626">Also read |&nbsp;Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world</a>

Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say.

Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says.

O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump.

Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him.

A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday. It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile. An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270. The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison. The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit. The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored. According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions. Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers." Also read | Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say. Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says. O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump. Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him. A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

UK citizen arrested in Spain for role in 2020 Twitter hack that targeted Biden, Obama, Musk, Karadashian

The Met Office has issued new extreme heat weather warnings for the first time for parts of the UK. The temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday. The office warns of the potential impact of the heat on people's health, as the UK experiences a prolonged period of sweltering conditions.

The Met Office has issued new extreme heat weather warnings for the first time for parts of the UK. The temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday. The office warns of the potential impact of the heat on people's health, as the UK experiences a prolonged period of sweltering conditions. Steven Ramsdale, from the Met Office, was quoted by BBC saying, "The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week. Many areas will continue to reach heatwave thresholds but the amber extreme heat warning focuses on western areas where the most unusually high temperatures are likely to persist". Meanwhile, in a new revelation, climate scientists have said that no place is safe from the kind of extreme heat events that have hit the western US and Canada in recent days. Also read | No place is safe, reveal scientists amid unprecedented heatwave in parts of US and Canada Being deemed as a 'heat dome', it has caused temperatures to rise to almost 50C in Canada and has been linked to hundreds of deaths, melted power lines, buckled roads and wildfires. At least 300 sudden deaths have been reported in Canada, as the country recorded its highest ever temperature amid scorching conditions that extended to the US Pacific Northwest. Sir David King, the former UK chief scientific adviser, was quoted by the Guardian saying, "Nowhere is safe … who would have predicted a temperature of 48/49C in British Columbia? He added, "The risks have been understood and known for so long and we have not acted, now we have a very narrow timeline for us to manage the problem".

Met Office now issues new UK extreme heat warning

The UK government has urged the European Union to rewrite the trade deal with Northern Ireland. However, the European Union said that it would not agree to renegotiate the terms of the 2019 deal.

Brexit: UK calls for changes in Northern Ireland Protocol, EU rejects demand

Scientific advisers have warned UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he should be prepared to act in the first week of August to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed by the end of that month with Covid cases spiraling out of control.

Scientific advisers have warned UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he should be prepared to act in the first week of August to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed by the end of that month with Covid cases spiraling out of control. They cautioned that the restrictions could be reimposed in just three weeks if cases continue to soar. It has been suggested that UK daily hospitalisations at the peak of the third wave, which is expected at the end of August, could be between 1,000 and 2,000, with deaths predicted to be between 100 and 200 per day. However, six weeks before the peak, in July, there were 745 patients admitted to hospitals in the UK in a day. The figure continued to rise even before the day all restrictions were lifted. Also read | Vaccination proof to be mandatory in nightclubs from September: UK government The scientists have also advised that some non-pharmaceutical measures should be reintroduced. This includes mandatory face masks and advice to work from home. Meanwhile, Johnson said the government is planning to make proof of vaccination mandatory for people to enter nightclubs and other crowded places from September. "Proof of a negative test will no longer be enough," PM Johnson said while referring to entry requirements for nightclubs in England from September. "We're planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather," Johnson added.

Scientists warn that UK COVID-19 restrictions could return after three weeks

A new report by the UK Home Office revealed that hate crimes surged 7% in Britain last year. But the government has given itself a clean chit, calling the UK an example for other white-majority countries. What explains this British denial?

Gravitas: UK:  Hate crimes doubled in 6 years

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday.

Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record.

A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers.

"I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-seen-this-before-britain-france-spain-witness-surge-in-covid-19-cases-399293">Also read |&nbsp;'Never seen this before': Britain, France &amp; Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases&nbsp;</a>

"However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control."

An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge.

"Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report.

Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation.

At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions.

But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record. A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers. "I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data. Also read | 'Never seen this before': Britain, France & Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases "However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control." An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge. "Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report. Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation. At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions. But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK borrowing drops as lockdowns ease, reveals data

The country is celebrating the end of Covid restrictions - while new cases are rising, the country's Health Minister has tested positive, and PM Boris Johnson is forced to self-isolate.

Gravitas: UK drops all Covid restrictions

The UK government has warned that there will be an increase in COVID-19 deaths in the coming weeks. This warning comes as England celebrated the lifting of nearly all COVID-19 restrictions after over a year.

UK Govt: Will see an increase in COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks

According to a report, the proportion of women on the board at 200 of Britain’s top financial firms has risen to nearly a third in the five years since the government launched an initiative to improve gender balance in the sector.

World Business Watch: Report says women make up nearly a third of financial service firm boards

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