Lockdown restrictions ease in England after more than a year but with cases surging UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to remain cautious. Johnson himself remains in isolation after the British Health Minister contracted the virus.

England comes out of COVID-19 lockdown, PM Johnson urges caution

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate 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 comes 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. 
 
Almost all remaining restrictions in England will be lifted on Monday despite a surge in infections as ministers put their faith in the advanced vaccine programme. 
 
Cases are rising by more than 50,000 a day and hundreds of thousands of Britons are being asked to self isolate for 10 days, causing havoc for employers and parents, prompting train cancellations and forcing some businesses to close their doors. 
 
The government announced at 0700 GMT that Johnson and Sunak had been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and would take part in a trial scheme that allowed them to keep working instead of self-isolating. 
 
But less than three hours later that decision had been reversed after a flurry of criticism from voters, political opponents and business owners. 
 
"We did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme... but I think it's far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules," Johnson said in a video message from his country residence, where he will isolate until July 26. 
 
The Telegraph reported late on Sunday that ministers were urging Johnson to ditch the requirement for fully-vaccinated people to self-isolate entirely. 
 
Opposition politicians had said it was hypocritical for Johnson and Sunak to have tried to exempt themselves from some of the rules. 
 
"Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them," said Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. 
 
Sunak also acknowledged the backlash over their initial decision. 
 
"I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong," he said on Twitter. 
 
The government's handling of the pandemic has been dogged with episodes that have damaged public trust - most recently when then-health minister Matt Hancock was pictured kissing an adviser, in breach of social distancing regulations. He later resigned. 
 
Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the government would go ahead with its "freedom day" plan on Monday, removing the requirement to wear face masks, lifting limits on social gatherings and allowing high-risk businesses to reopen. 
 
Johnson used his video message to plead with the public to take a cautious approach to the change of rules. 
 
"Please, please, please, be cautious," he said. 
 
"Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people, for the risks that the disease continues to present and, above all, please, please, please when you`re asked to get that second jab ... please come forward and do it." 
 
Ministers argue that the vaccination programme, under which 87.8% of the adult population has had one vaccine dose and 67.8% have been double vaccinated, has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. 
 
"The last time we had cases at the level we do today, the number of people dying from the virus was 30 times the number it is today," Jenrick told the BBC.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate in line with national guidance, abandoning heavily criticised plans to take part in a pilot scheme that would have allowed them to continue working.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak will both self-isolate 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 comes 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. Almost all remaining restrictions in England will be lifted on Monday despite a surge in infections as ministers put their faith in the advanced vaccine programme. Cases are rising by more than 50,000 a day and hundreds of thousands of Britons are being asked to self isolate for 10 days, causing havoc for employers and parents, prompting train cancellations and forcing some businesses to close their doors. The government announced at 0700 GMT that Johnson and Sunak had been exposed to a person with COVID-19 and would take part in a trial scheme that allowed them to keep working instead of self-isolating. But less than three hours later that decision had been reversed after a flurry of criticism from voters, political opponents and business owners. "We did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme... but I think it's far more important that everybody sticks to the same rules," Johnson said in a video message from his country residence, where he will isolate until July 26. The Telegraph reported late on Sunday that ministers were urging Johnson to ditch the requirement for fully-vaccinated people to self-isolate entirely. Opposition politicians had said it was hypocritical for Johnson and Sunak to have tried to exempt themselves from some of the rules. "Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have been busted yet again for thinking the rules that we are all following don’t apply to them," said Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. Sunak also acknowledged the backlash over their initial decision. "I recognise that even the sense that the rules aren’t the same for everyone is wrong," he said on Twitter. The government's handling of the pandemic has been dogged with episodes that have damaged public trust - most recently when then-health minister Matt Hancock was pictured kissing an adviser, in breach of social distancing regulations. He later resigned. Housing minister Robert Jenrick confirmed that the government would go ahead with its "freedom day" plan on Monday, removing the requirement to wear face masks, lifting limits on social gatherings and allowing high-risk businesses to reopen. Johnson used his video message to plead with the public to take a cautious approach to the change of rules. "Please, please, please, be cautious," he said. "Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people, for the risks that the disease continues to present and, above all, please, please, please when you`re asked to get that second jab ... please come forward and do it." Ministers argue that the vaccination programme, under which 87.8% of the adult population has had one vaccine dose and 67.8% have been double vaccinated, has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. "The last time we had cases at the level we do today, the number of people dying from the virus was 30 times the number it is today," Jenrick told the BBC.

UK PM Johnson reverses plan to skip quarantine after COVID-19 exposure

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England.

Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions.

After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19.

Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions.

Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses".

Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport.

British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history.

Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid.

Many Londoners appeared to be apprehensive on Monday about the Boris Johnson administration's decision of lifting Covid restrictions across England. Britain has one of the world's highest death tolls from Covid. The country is facing a new wave of cases. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pushing ahead with lifting of restrictions. After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, the government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19. Reuters quoted some of the Londoners who expressed apprehension about lifting of restrictions. Retiree Wendy Bryant, 66, told Reuters she thought the lifting of rules, including law-mandated mask-wearing, happened too quickly and that Johnson "bowed to pressure from large businesses". Surveyor Jordan Buche, 42, said he was "caught in two minds" and felt nervous about the restrictions coming to an end. He was also unsure about whether he should continue to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. British society appears split on the restrictions: some want tough rules to continue as they fear the virus will keep killing people, but others have chafed at the most onerous restrictions in peacetime history. Business owners - including nightclubs, travel companies and the hospitality industry - have been desperate to reopen the economy while many students, young people and parents have disregarded many of the most onerous rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions

End of COVID-19 restrictions make London clubbers go gaga

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. 
 
Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. 
 
Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. 
 
However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. 
 
“They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” 
 
Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. 
 
The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. 
 
The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. 
 
The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. 
 
In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister Rishi Sunak will be limited to working from their offices and subject to daily COVID-19 testing after being identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for the virus. Health minister Sajid Javid on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19. “The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid," a statement from Johnson's Downing Street office said on Sunday. Typically, anyone identified as a contact by the tracing scheme would be required by law to self isolate for 10 days. However, the government's two most senior ministers will instead take part in a pilot study that allows them to continue working from their offices, and only self-isolate when not working. “They will be participating in the daily contact testing pilot to allow them to continue to work from Downing Street," Downing Street said. “They will be conducting only essential government business during this period.” Britain will remove almost all its remaining coronavirus restrictions on Monday, even as the country faces a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Minister argue that the vaccination programme has largely broken the link between cases and mortality. The surge in cases is causing problems for employers though, with more than half a million people told to self isolate in the week to July 7 because they had been exposed to the virus. The pilot scheme that exempts Johnson and Sunak is currently running in 20 workplaces, including transport and immigration infrastructure, and eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis. The study is designed to look at whether daily contact testing is an effective way of identifying new cases and whether it has any impact on transmission of the virus. In mid-August, Britain plans to change its rules on self isolation to exempt those who have been double vaccinated from the requirement to stay at home for 10 days.

UK PM, finance minister exposed to COVID-19, confined to office work

UK to ditch most COVID-19 curbs despite recording over 50,000 cases in 24 hours - its highest in six months. Nearly 1,200 health experts have slammed the unlocking plans, calling it "a threat to the world".

England's COVID unlocking is a threat to world, say experts

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route. This route goes up to Ben Nevis peak in the UK.

Scottish Mountaineering charities are lashing out at Google Maps. A trust that looks after upper reaches of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, has said that when a hiker searches for way to the peak and opts for and option of car, Google Maps suggests the nearest car park from the peak and recommends walking after that.

It is this distance to be covered by walking that has drawn the ire of mountaineering associations. Safety advisers have been quoted in media reports as saying that this path is treacherous, too steep and very hard to follow even when the visibility is good. Add a little rain and low clouds, and this path become "potentially fatal"

The charities and associations have attempted to contact Google, but they have not received any answer.

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route.

We all use Google Maps, it has become inseparable part of our lives. There may be glitches here and there, but we trust the navigation it offers. But what if we told you that Google Maps is under fire for showing a "potentially fatal" route. This route goes up to Ben Nevis peak in the UK. Scottish Mountaineering charities are lashing out at Google Maps. A trust that looks after upper reaches of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, has said that when a hiker searches for way to the peak and opts for and option of car, Google Maps suggests the nearest car park from the peak and recommends walking after that. It is this distance to be covered by walking that has drawn the ire of mountaineering associations. Safety advisers have been quoted in media reports as saying that this path is treacherous, too steep and very hard to follow even when the visibility is good. Add a little rain and low clouds, and this path become "potentially fatal" The charities and associations have attempted to contact Google, but they have not received any answer.

Google Maps criticised for showing 'fatal' route to Ben Nevis peak

Travellers returning to England from the&nbsp;Balearic&nbsp;Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules.

It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list.

After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days.

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Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber.

The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel.

"Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said.

The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers.

Travellers returning to England from the Balearic Islands from next week will have to quarantine at home unless they have had both COVID-19 vaccines following a change in policy that could spell bad news for young holidaymakers. Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules. It is slowly lifting restrictions and from July 19 it will allow fully vaccinated passengers to travel without quarantine to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, which are on a red list. After a travel review, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Wednesday (July 14) Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca had been added to the amber list for travel from Monday (July 19), which means that those younger adults who have not yet had both shots would need to quarantine at home for 10 days. Also read | I hope you crawl back under the rock, UK PM Johnson condemns racial abuse of England football stars Shapps said the status of the islands had changed due to a sharp rise in cases. The British Virgin Islands were also moved to amber. The government also put Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone on to its red list, meaning anyone travelling from there would need to quarantine in a hotel. "Travel continues to be different from usual, and passengers should check latest travel advice from the Foreign Office and be prepared for longer wait times and more checks during their journey," the government said. The government is adding Hong Kong and Bulgaria to the green list from July 19, the statement said.

UK adds Balearic Islands to amber list in blow to younger tourists

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. 
 
However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

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The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. 
 
Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. 
 
In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. 
 
"What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. 
 
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added.

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Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. 
 
Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. 
 
Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. "Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Also Read | Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. "What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. "You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added. Also Read | Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

British defence minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report

As part of a broader package of green initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions from all forms of transport ten years later, Britain will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel heavy good vehicles from 2040.

World Business Watch: Britain to ban sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles from 2040

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson kicked off a debate ahead of the parliamentary vote regarding the government's decision to cut the country's overseas aid spending by around 4 billion pounds a year.

Boris Johnson defends proposal to cut UK foreign aid spending

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday condemned the racist abuse directed at three Black England players who missed their penalties in the team’s shootout loss to Italy in the final of the European Championship.

Euro 2020: England players face racial abuse after defeat, PM condemns behaviour

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that all remaining lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted in a week's time. Johnson has also urged people to proceed with caution and continue to take steps to stay safe.

UK PM Johnson outlines end to virus restrictions despite rise in cases

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom',&nbsp;Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact&nbsp;and the instruction to work from home&nbsp;earlier this week.

The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." 
 
"Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." 
 
Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. 
 
Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. 
 
The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19. On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom', Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact and the instruction to work from home earlier this week. The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." "Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up. (With inputs from agencies)

As England set for rule easing, PM Johnson warns pandemic not over

The UK vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is confident that plans to lift a range of COVID-19 restrictions will go ahead on July 19 in England but mask-wearing in indoor enclosed places will be expected.

UK govt to lift range of COVID-19 restrictions from July 19

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities.

The prime minister has said he wants to tackle regional inequalities and make sure areas outside of the economic powerhouse, London, have more opportunities.&nbsp;Johnson had&nbsp;won 2019 elections, all thanks to voters in struggling regions of England.

In a speech next week, PM&nbsp;will explain how a new High Streets strategy will help local communities thrive&nbsp;by allowing dining on pavements, helping eateries to serve more customers. Under the plans, local sports facilities will receive a 25 million pound ($35 million) boost. 
 
A statement by his office said on Saturday, temporary permissions given to pubs during the pandemic, allowing them to serve 'takeaway pints' will also be extended for another year. 
 
"The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society,&nbsp;one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed," a government spokesperson said in the statement. 
 
As part of his plan, Johnson has announced a series of urban renewal projects worth 830 million pounds in towns and cities away from London, as well as establishing of eight Freeports in England. He also&nbsp;backs green technology jobs. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities.

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities. The prime minister has said he wants to tackle regional inequalities and make sure areas outside of the economic powerhouse, London, have more opportunities. Johnson had won 2019 elections, all thanks to voters in struggling regions of England. In a speech next week, PM will explain how a new High Streets strategy will help local communities thrive by allowing dining on pavements, helping eateries to serve more customers. Under the plans, local sports facilities will receive a 25 million pound ($35 million) boost. A statement by his office said on Saturday, temporary permissions given to pubs during the pandemic, allowing them to serve 'takeaway pints' will also be extended for another year. "The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society, one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed," a government spokesperson said in the statement. As part of his plan, Johnson has announced a series of urban renewal projects worth 830 million pounds in towns and cities away from London, as well as establishing of eight Freeports in England. He also backs green technology jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM to announce high street regeneration plans next week

The rocky material that fell to Earth in a fireball over the Cotswold town of Winchcombe in February has had its classification formally accepted. As per UK scientists, the object dates back to the very beginning of the Solar System, some 4.

The rocky material that fell to Earth in a fireball over the Cotswold town of Winchcombe in February has had its classification formally accepted. As per UK scientists, the object dates back to the very beginning of the Solar System, some 4.6 billion years ago. It is now being deemed as extremely valuable. As per the formal classification, it was concluded that that the dark grey-to-black material picked up in Gloucestershire earlier this year is now absolutely recognised as being meteoritic in nature. The term "Winchcombe" is used to describe it. It is mostly made up of phyllosilicates, or clays. The H2O is bound up in those minerals. Also read | Astronomers use artificial intelligence to reveal the true shape of universe The theory holds that a bombardment of the parent asteroids of meteorites like Winchcombe could have delivered much of the H20 we now see in our oceans. Researchers, led by London's Natural History Museum (NHM), say the meteorite, which comprises 548g of small stones and powder, is a member of the CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. Also, it is said to be "Mighei-like", which is a reference to a particular type specimen, or standard, of meteorite that was found in Ukraine in the late 19th Century. NHM's Dr Ashley King, was quoted by BBC saying, "Carbonaceous chondrites are probably the oldest and most primitive extra-terrestrial materials we have available to study". He added, "They come from asteroids that formed right back at the start of our Solar System. They're like time capsules. They're telling us about the building blocks of our Solar System. Obviously, we weren't there 4.6 billion years ago, and these meteorites are a way for us to actually see what sort of materials were there, and how those materials started to come together to make the planets".

Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283">Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a>

A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros.

The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement.

But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro&nbsp;bill&nbsp;for 2021 had been paid on time and in full.

"The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement.

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He said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years."

Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds.

The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes.&nbsp;

"It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters.

Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatever-it-takes-uk-pm-johnson-warns-eu-over-post-brexit-trade-391152">'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade</a>

But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials.

The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June.

"Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said

British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed. Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years. Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the bill still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros. The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement. But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro bill for 2021 had been paid on time and in full. "The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement. Also read | Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal He said the bill amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years." Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds. The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes. "It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters. Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc. Also read | 'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials. The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June. "Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

Brussels warns UK its Brexit bill is final

Britain has sold its biggest chip producer to the Dutch firm owned by a Chinese company. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a review of the takeover by his national security.

UK PM announces a review of country’s biggest chip plant's takeover

A five-month-old baby girl, Lexi Robins,&nbsp;from the UK, is 'turning into stone' due to a rare genetic condition that turns muscles into bones.

Lexi Robins has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) which affects only one in two million people.&nbsp;

FOP is a life-limiting disease&nbsp;that results in bone formation outside the skeleton, limiting one's movements. It basically replaces muscles with bones, which in layman terms, changes the body into stone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immortality-is-my-goal-11-year-old-boy-gets-bachelors-degree-in-physics-396174" hreflang="en">'Immortality is my goal': 11-year-old boy gets bachelor’s degree in physics</a>

The tragedy was revealed by Lexi’s mother, Alexandra Robins, who explained that the couple was concerned when they noticed their daughter’s toes upon her birth, and after talking to the doctors, they realised that Lexi is suffering from FOP.

Due to this disease, Lexi will not be able to survive any minor trauma too, such as falling over. She will also not be able to ever receive injections or take dental care.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wheres-your-mask-small-kid-urges-people-to-follow-covid-protocol-in-india-396275" hreflang="en">'Where's your mask?': Small kid urges people to follow Covid protocol in India</a>

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Alexandra informed through an IGTV video that, as of now, there are 16 clinical trials going on for the treatment of this rare disease, of which two have been "extremely successful". One of the remaining 14 had to be stopped due to COVID-19 but will hopefully be soon resumed. Another clinical trial has been successful but is being tested for side effects at the moment.

The couple has taken to social media to request funding for FOP as the National Health Services (NHS) of the UK does not support any funding because it is a rare disease.

A five-month-old baby girl, Lexi Robins, from the UK, is 'turning into stone' due to a rare genetic condition that turns muscles into bones. Lexi Robins has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) which affects only one in two million people.

A five-month-old baby girl, Lexi Robins, from the UK, is 'turning into stone' due to a rare genetic condition that turns muscles into bones. Lexi Robins has been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) which affects only one in two million people. FOP is a life-limiting disease that results in bone formation outside the skeleton, limiting one's movements. It basically replaces muscles with bones, which in layman terms, changes the body into stone. Also read | 'Immortality is my goal': 11-year-old boy gets bachelor’s degree in physics The tragedy was revealed by Lexi’s mother, Alexandra Robins, who explained that the couple was concerned when they noticed their daughter’s toes upon her birth, and after talking to the doctors, they realised that Lexi is suffering from FOP. Due to this disease, Lexi will not be able to survive any minor trauma too, such as falling over. She will also not be able to ever receive injections or take dental care. Also read | 'Where's your mask?': Small kid urges people to follow Covid protocol in India View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexandra Robins (@alexrobins_) × Alexandra informed through an IGTV video that, as of now, there are 16 clinical trials going on for the treatment of this rare disease, of which two have been "extremely successful". One of the remaining 14 had to be stopped due to COVID-19 but will hopefully be soon resumed. Another clinical trial has been successful but is being tested for side effects at the moment. The couple has taken to social media to request funding for FOP as the National Health Services (NHS) of the UK does not support any funding because it is a rare disease.

Rare genetic disease is turning 5-month-old UK baby girl into stone

In a bid to further ease its travel curbs, Germany lifted a ban on travellers from India, the UK, and three other countries, where the delta variant of coronavirus has been found in the samples of COVID-19 patients.

Germany eases travel curbs, lifts ban on travellers from India and UK

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed plans to lift some of the major COVID-19 restrictions, including face masks and social distancing from July 19, urging personal responsibility rather than a government edict.

UK to lift up face mask & social distancing rule despite soaring cases

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK.

As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-lambda-variant-may-be-more-resistant-to-vaccines-than-other-strains-396116">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains</a>

If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment.

Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK.

The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed.

The Guardian quoted&nbsp;Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act".&nbsp;

She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".&nbsp;

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission. The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK. As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel. Also read | COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment. Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK. The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed. The Guardian quoted Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act". She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".

UK ministers to reveal proposals for offshore centres for asylum seekers

Germany's health agency on Monday, July 5, said that it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and the UK amid increased cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said India, Nepal, Russia, Portugal and the UK would be reclassified from Wednesday as "high-incidence areas".

Germany introduced its "virus variant country" travel category in a bid to stop new coronavirus variants that have not yet spread widely on home soil. However, Health Minister Jens Spahn said last week that the Delta variant was fast becoming dominant in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-in-future-to-mix-vaccine-doses-says-german-health-minister-395572">Also read |&nbsp;Possible in future to mix vaccine doses, says German health minister&nbsp;</a>

Given the increasing spread of Delta and research suggesting vaccines are effective against it, "we will look at the situation in the next few days", Spahn said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Spahn told reporters that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine the first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine with the second shot of mRNA vaccines like those from Pfizer or Moderna.

Spahn said that the addition of an mRNA shot offered more protection against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection.

Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added.

Germany's health agency on Monday, July 5, said that it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and the UK amid increased cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Germany's health agency on Monday, July 5, said that it would lift a ban on most travellers from India and the UK amid increased cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said India, Nepal, Russia, Portugal and the UK would be reclassified from Wednesday as "high-incidence areas". Germany introduced its "virus variant country" travel category in a bid to stop new coronavirus variants that have not yet spread widely on home soil. However, Health Minister Jens Spahn said last week that the Delta variant was fast becoming dominant in the country. Also read | Possible in future to mix vaccine doses, says German health minister Given the increasing spread of Delta and research suggesting vaccines are effective against it, "we will look at the situation in the next few days", Spahn said. Meanwhile, Spahn told reporters that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine the first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine with the second shot of mRNA vaccines like those from Pfizer or Moderna. Spahn said that the addition of an mRNA shot offered more protection against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection. Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added.

Germany relaxes curbs on travellers from India and UK

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