The western media has painted Cornwall as a tourist paradise with beaches & resorts. But it is actually among the poorest counties in the UK. Why is there no outrage over Cornwall hiding its poor? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: G7 glitz hides Cornwall's poverty

There is a risk of a 'sausage war' breaking out between UK and EU. Cold cuts have become a bone of contention between the two sides. UK is threatening to delay Brexit deal implementation. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Why are UK and EU fighting over sausages?

The delta variant first found in India is estimated by scientists advising the government to be between 40 percent and 80 percent more transmissible than the previous dominant strain.

UK PM delays lockdown easing for England by 4 weeks

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. 
 
Under a roadmap outlined by Johnson back in February, the government signalled all social restrictions imposed to control the spread of the disease would be lifted 'no earlier' than June 21, when pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen. 
 
But, in recent weeks there has been a fast growth again in the number of new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain and scientists warn could trigger a third wave of infections. 
 
Johnson has refused to deny suggestions in the British media that the end of lockdown would be delayed by up to a month, saying in recent days there was 'serious concern' about rising infections and hospitalisations. 
 
"We're continuing to look at the data, no final decision has been taken and the right time to fill everybody in on what we're going to do with ... June the 21st is tomorrow," Johnson told reporters at the conclusion of the Group of Seven leader's summit on Sunday. 
 
"That's when we'll be putting out the whole package of information so that everybody can see it together." 
 
On Sunday, Britain recorded 7,490 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, with the number of new infections rising almost 50% between June 7 and 13 compared with the previous week. Hospitalisations were up 15% between June 2 and 8 compared with the previous seven days. 
 
The government has stressed any easing of restrictions would be irreversible, meaning it would always act with caution. 
 
The hesitancy comes despite Britain having one of the fastest rollouts of COVID-19 vaccinations in the world, with more than 41 million people having had their first shot. Nearly 30 million receiving both doses - about 56% of the adult population. 
 
Foreign minister Dominic Raab said the critical issue was data on the link between transmission of the virus and hospitalisations. 
 
"We know we've made great progress and weakening the link between transmission ... and hospitalisation and of course those who are more seriously sick," he told BBC TV on Sunday. "The question is whether we've severed and broken it." 
 
Hospitality bosses have said there must be more government support for businesses to keep them afloat if the lockdown restrictions are kept in place. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Under a roadmap outlined by Johnson back in February, the government signalled all social restrictions imposed to control the spread of the disease would be lifted 'no earlier' than June 21, when pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen. But, in recent weeks there has been a fast growth again in the number of new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain and scientists warn could trigger a third wave of infections. Johnson has refused to deny suggestions in the British media that the end of lockdown would be delayed by up to a month, saying in recent days there was 'serious concern' about rising infections and hospitalisations. "We're continuing to look at the data, no final decision has been taken and the right time to fill everybody in on what we're going to do with ... June the 21st is tomorrow," Johnson told reporters at the conclusion of the Group of Seven leader's summit on Sunday. "That's when we'll be putting out the whole package of information so that everybody can see it together." On Sunday, Britain recorded 7,490 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, with the number of new infections rising almost 50% between June 7 and 13 compared with the previous week. Hospitalisations were up 15% between June 2 and 8 compared with the previous seven days. The government has stressed any easing of restrictions would be irreversible, meaning it would always act with caution. The hesitancy comes despite Britain having one of the fastest rollouts of COVID-19 vaccinations in the world, with more than 41 million people having had their first shot. Nearly 30 million receiving both doses - about 56% of the adult population. Foreign minister Dominic Raab said the critical issue was data on the link between transmission of the virus and hospitalisations. "We know we've made great progress and weakening the link between transmission ... and hospitalisation and of course those who are more seriously sick," he told BBC TV on Sunday. "The question is whether we've severed and broken it." Hospitality bosses have said there must be more government support for businesses to keep them afloat if the lockdown restrictions are kept in place. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM set to announce delay to end of COVID-19 restrictions

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. 
 
The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. 
 
"Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. 
 
"I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. 
 
During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. 
 
"In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. 
 
"I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe.

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. "Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. "I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. "In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. "I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

Brexit tensions are a test for Europe, says French minister

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found. 
 
The threat by Johnson seemed to break a temporary truce in a war of words over part of the Brexit deal that covers border issues with Northern Ireland, the focus for tensions since Britain completed its exit from the EU late last year. 
 
Despite US&nbsp;President Joe Biden encouraging them to find a compromise, Johnson used a G7 summit to indicate no softening in his position on what is called the Northern Ireland protocol that covers border issues with the British province. 
 
"I think we can sort it out but ... it is up to our EU friends and partners to understand that we will do whatever it takes," Johnson told Sky News. 
 
"I think if the protocol continues to be applied in this way, then we will obviously not hesitate to invoke Article 16," he added, referring to a safeguard clause that allows either side to take measures if they believe the agreement is leading to economic, societal or environment difficulties. 
 
"I've talked to some of our friends here today, who do seem to misunderstand that the UK is a single country, a single territory. I just need to get that into their heads." 
 
His comments came after he met French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel at a Group of Seven summit in southwestern England. 
 
The EU told the British government once again that it must implement the Brexit deal in full and introduce checks on certain goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland. Britain repeated its call for urgent and innovative solutions to ease the friction. 
 
The province has an open border with EU member Ireland so the Northern Ireland protocol was agreed as a way to preserve the bloc's single market after Britain left. 
 
The protocol essentially kept the province in the EU’s customs union and adhering to many of the single market rules, creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea between the British province and the rest of the United Kingdom. 
 
Since Britain exited the bloc's orbit, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the protocol, including checks on chilled meats, such as sausages moving from the mainland to Northern Ireland, saying it was causing disruption to some supplies to the province. 
 
"Both sides must implement what we agreed on," von der Leyen, European Commission president, said after meeting Johnson alongside Michel, the European Council president. 
 
"There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the bloc. 
 
Germany's Merkel said the two sides could find pragmatic solutions on technical questions, while the EU protected its single market. 
 
Earlier this week, talks between the two sets of negotiators ended in an exchange of threats over the so-called 'sausage wars'. An EU official said at the G7 that there was a need for the rhetoric to be toned down. 
 
The head of the World Trade Organization said she hoped the tensions would not escalate into a trade war. 
 
The United States has also expressed grave concern the dispute could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. 
 
That agreement largely brought an end to the 'Troubles' - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant 'loyalist' paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. 
 
Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the G7 summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it has more than once threatened to cloud the meeting. 
 
France's Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stood by the Brexit deal - a characterisation of the meeting that was rejected by the British team. 
 
Brexit has also strained the situation in Northern Ireland, where the pro-British 'unionist' community say they are now split off from the rest of the United Kingdom and the Brexit deal breaches the 1998 peace deal. But the open border between the province and Ireland was a key principle of the Good Friday deal.

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found.

Britain will do 'whatever it takes' to protect its territorial integrity in a trade dispute with the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday, threatening emergency measures if no solution was found. The threat by Johnson seemed to break a temporary truce in a war of words over part of the Brexit deal that covers border issues with Northern Ireland, the focus for tensions since Britain completed its exit from the EU late last year. Despite US President Joe Biden encouraging them to find a compromise, Johnson used a G7 summit to indicate no softening in his position on what is called the Northern Ireland protocol that covers border issues with the British province. "I think we can sort it out but ... it is up to our EU friends and partners to understand that we will do whatever it takes," Johnson told Sky News. "I think if the protocol continues to be applied in this way, then we will obviously not hesitate to invoke Article 16," he added, referring to a safeguard clause that allows either side to take measures if they believe the agreement is leading to economic, societal or environment difficulties. "I've talked to some of our friends here today, who do seem to misunderstand that the UK is a single country, a single territory. I just need to get that into their heads." His comments came after he met French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel at a Group of Seven summit in southwestern England. The EU told the British government once again that it must implement the Brexit deal in full and introduce checks on certain goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland. Britain repeated its call for urgent and innovative solutions to ease the friction. The province has an open border with EU member Ireland so the Northern Ireland protocol was agreed as a way to preserve the bloc's single market after Britain left. The protocol essentially kept the province in the EU’s customs union and adhering to many of the single market rules, creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea between the British province and the rest of the United Kingdom. Since Britain exited the bloc's orbit, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the protocol, including checks on chilled meats, such as sausages moving from the mainland to Northern Ireland, saying it was causing disruption to some supplies to the province. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on," von der Leyen, European Commission president, said after meeting Johnson alongside Michel, the European Council president. "There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the bloc. Germany's Merkel said the two sides could find pragmatic solutions on technical questions, while the EU protected its single market. Earlier this week, talks between the two sets of negotiators ended in an exchange of threats over the so-called 'sausage wars'. An EU official said at the G7 that there was a need for the rhetoric to be toned down. The head of the World Trade Organization said she hoped the tensions would not escalate into a trade war. The United States has also expressed grave concern the dispute could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. That agreement largely brought an end to the 'Troubles' - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant 'loyalist' paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the G7 summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it has more than once threatened to cloud the meeting. France's Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stood by the Brexit deal - a characterisation of the meeting that was rejected by the British team. Brexit has also strained the situation in Northern Ireland, where the pro-British 'unionist' community say they are now split off from the rest of the United Kingdom and the Brexit deal breaches the 1998 peace deal. But the open border between the province and Ireland was a key principle of the Good Friday deal.

'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay.

The Delta variant has caused a surge in Covid cases in Britain, throwing into doubt government plans to ease curbs from June 21.

Johnson said that the spread was a matter of "serious, serious concern". He was speaking on the sidelines of G7 leaders' summit in England.

As per reports, the government&nbsp;may announce a delay of up to four weeks.

Asked if he was less optimistic than he was at the end of May that restrictions could be eased as planned, a downbeat Johnson responded: "Yes, that's certainly fair."

He added that while some data was "still open to question", a formal announcement would come on Monday.

On Friday, the government said the Delta variant was 60 percent more transmissible in households than the variant that forced the country into its last complete lockdown in January.

The research from Public Health England also showed there had been 42,323 identified cases of the Delta variant in the UK, according to data -- up from 29,892 on June 2.

The Alpha variant, first identified in Kent, southeast England, drove a huge surge of Covid cases in January, and hit early in Britain's mass vaccination campaign.

It caused a wave of Covid cases that stretched the state-run National Health Service (NHS) close to breaking point.&nbsp;

Johnson said the current situation was "dramatically different from what it was in either of the first two waves of the pandemic" because of what he called the "effectiveness of the vaccine rollout".

Faced with the Delta variant, the UK has stepped up its vaccine programme, and has now administered nearly 71 million jabs, with over 40 percent of the total population fully vaccinated.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday gave his strongest hint till now that lifting of all coronavirus restrictions would be delayed. Concerns over spread of the new variant is causing the delay. The Delta variant has caused a surge in Covid cases in Britain, throwing into doubt government plans to ease curbs from June 21. Johnson said that the spread was a matter of "serious, serious concern". He was speaking on the sidelines of G7 leaders' summit in England. As per reports, the government may announce a delay of up to four weeks. Asked if he was less optimistic than he was at the end of May that restrictions could be eased as planned, a downbeat Johnson responded: "Yes, that's certainly fair." He added that while some data was "still open to question", a formal announcement would come on Monday. On Friday, the government said the Delta variant was 60 percent more transmissible in households than the variant that forced the country into its last complete lockdown in January. The research from Public Health England also showed there had been 42,323 identified cases of the Delta variant in the UK, according to data -- up from 29,892 on June 2. The Alpha variant, first identified in Kent, southeast England, drove a huge surge of Covid cases in January, and hit early in Britain's mass vaccination campaign. It caused a wave of Covid cases that stretched the state-run National Health Service (NHS) close to breaking point. Johnson said the current situation was "dramatically different from what it was in either of the first two waves of the pandemic" because of what he called the "effectiveness of the vaccine rollout". Faced with the Delta variant, the UK has stepped up its vaccine programme, and has now administered nearly 71 million jabs, with over 40 percent of the total population fully vaccinated. (With inputs from agencies)

Johnson hints at delay in lifting coronavirus curbs

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources. 
 
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will use one-to-one meetings with Johnson on Saturday to demand that Britain honours the terms of the Brexit deal in relation to Northern Ireland, The Times reported. 
 
Downing Street said that Johnson would dismiss the EU’s threats and make clear he was ready to override a key part of the agreement this month unless the bloc backs down, The Times reported.

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources.

European Union leaders will threaten British Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a trade war over Northern Ireland, The Times reported on Friday, without citing sources. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron will use one-to-one meetings with Johnson on Saturday to demand that Britain honours the terms of the Brexit deal in relation to Northern Ireland, The Times reported. Downing Street said that Johnson would dismiss the EU’s threats and make clear he was ready to override a key part of the agreement this month unless the bloc backs down, The Times reported.

EU leaders to threaten UK PM with trade war over Northern Ireland: The Times

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions in&nbsp;England&nbsp;as data shows a further rise in cases of the rapidly spreading Delta variant, British media reported.

Johnson is due to announce on Monday whether the planned lifting of restrictions, which would see an end to limits on social contact, can go ahead on June 21.

But the rapid spread of the Delta variant, first discovered in India, has thrown those plans into jeopardy, meaning there will be a one-month delay to the lifting of the restrictions, the Daily Telegraph reported.

A four-week delay would push back the easing of restrictions to July 19.

The government has always said decisions at each stage of unlocking depend on the data, and earlier this week the prime minister warned about the recent rise in cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-agree-on-a-joint-declaration-to-stop-future-pandemics-390934">Also Read |&nbsp;G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics</a>

Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland make most public health decisions in their jurisdictions.

The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Britain on Friday reported 8,125 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total since February, adding that the reproduction "R" number and daily growth rates were also higher in the latest estimates, suggesting the pandemic was growing exponentially.

Johnson has said that an increase in cases was always expected after the most recent stage of lockdown easing in May, but the key to whether all coronavirus restrictions can be scrapped will be the extent to which Britain's vaccine rollout has broken the link between cases and deaths.

Britain's total COVID-19 death toll is over 127,000 but the number of daily deaths have&nbsp;fallen following a third national lockdown and a rapid vaccine rollout. More than three-quarters of adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England as data shows a further rise in cases of the rapidly spreading Delta variant, British media reported.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England as data shows a further rise in cases of the rapidly spreading Delta variant, British media reported. Johnson is due to announce on Monday whether the planned lifting of restrictions, which would see an end to limits on social contact, can go ahead on June 21. But the rapid spread of the Delta variant, first discovered in India, has thrown those plans into jeopardy, meaning there will be a one-month delay to the lifting of the restrictions, the Daily Telegraph reported. A four-week delay would push back the easing of restrictions to July 19. The government has always said decisions at each stage of unlocking depend on the data, and earlier this week the prime minister warned about the recent rise in cases. Also Read | G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland make most public health decisions in their jurisdictions. The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Britain on Friday reported 8,125 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total since February, adding that the reproduction "R" number and daily growth rates were also higher in the latest estimates, suggesting the pandemic was growing exponentially. Johnson has said that an increase in cases was always expected after the most recent stage of lockdown easing in May, but the key to whether all coronavirus restrictions can be scrapped will be the extent to which Britain's vaccine rollout has broken the link between cases and deaths. Britain's total COVID-19 death toll is over 127,000 but the number of daily deaths have fallen following a third national lockdown and a rapid vaccine rollout. More than three-quarters of adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

UK PM Johnson might delay England's final stage of reopening as cases surge

Britain said on Thursday that G7 leaders will pledge to expand the global vaccination drive by providing at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes.

G7 leaders to donate 1 billion vaccine doses worldwide

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to participate at the G7 outreach summit over the weekend virtually, UK has told India that his presence at the meet will be "seamless". UK has invited India for the G7 meet, but PM Modi could not attend it physically due to the 2nd wave of devastating Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

WION learnt that UK has conveyed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson "understands &amp; supports" PM Modi's decision and "will make all efforts to ensure his participation at the summit seamless" as if "he were actually in the room". It was on 11th May that New Delhi announced PM Modi won't be participating in the meet in person.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be speaking at 3 sessions on Saturday and Sunday (12th and 13th June) which are themed--Building Back Stronger, Building Back Together, and Building Back Greener.&nbsp;

UK as the chair of the G7 this year had invited India, along with Australia, South Korea and South Africa.&nbsp;

This is the 7th time UK is leading the G7 and the theme is ‘Build Back Better". London has outlined 4 priority areas during the meet, which include global recovery from Covid, trade, climate change, and "Championing shared values and open societies".

India took part in G7 meetings that took place earlier this year. Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan took part in the G7 health minister meet on June 4. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar took part in G7 ministerial meet on May 21. IT minister took part in such a meeting on April 29. Moreover, India's Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal represenrted India at G7 Economic Resilience Panel as an observer.

India has been in the past invited to G7 outreach summits. India was first to be invited for the G7 outreach summit in 2003 when the then Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Invited by France. From 2005 to 2009, India has been invited annually to the G7 outreach summit with PM Manmohan Singh representing India.

India has been receiving invite for G7 since 2019 consecutively.&nbsp;In 2019, PM Modi had participated in G7 Biarritz Summit chaired by France

In 2020, President Donald Trump had invited PM Modi for the G7 outreach summit at Camp David. The summit was to take place in June 2020 but it could not take place due to the Covid pandemic.

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to participate at the G7 outreach summit over the weekend virtually, UK has told India that his presence at the meet will be "seamless".

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to participate at the G7 outreach summit over the weekend virtually, UK has told India that his presence at the meet will be "seamless". UK has invited India for the G7 meet, but PM Modi could not attend it physically due to the 2nd wave of devastating Covid pandemic. WION learnt that UK has conveyed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson "understands & supports" PM Modi's decision and "will make all efforts to ensure his participation at the summit seamless" as if "he were actually in the room". It was on 11th May that New Delhi announced PM Modi won't be participating in the meet in person. PM Modi will be speaking at 3 sessions on Saturday and Sunday (12th and 13th June) which are themed--Building Back Stronger, Building Back Together, and Building Back Greener. UK as the chair of the G7 this year had invited India, along with Australia, South Korea and South Africa. This is the 7th time UK is leading the G7 and the theme is ‘Build Back Better". London has outlined 4 priority areas during the meet, which include global recovery from Covid, trade, climate change, and "Championing shared values and open societies". India took part in G7 meetings that took place earlier this year. Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan took part in the G7 health minister meet on June 4. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar took part in G7 ministerial meet on May 21. IT minister took part in such a meeting on April 29. Moreover, India's Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal represenrted India at G7 Economic Resilience Panel as an observer. India has been in the past invited to G7 outreach summits. India was first to be invited for the G7 outreach summit in 2003 when the then Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Invited by France. From 2005 to 2009, India has been invited annually to the G7 outreach summit with PM Manmohan Singh representing India. India has been receiving invite for G7 since 2019 consecutively. In 2019, PM Modi had participated in G7 Biarritz Summit chaired by France In 2020, President Donald Trump had invited PM Modi for the G7 outreach summit at Camp David. The summit was to take place in June 2020 but it could not take place due to the Covid pandemic.

PM Modi's participation at G7 will be seamless, UK tells India

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security.

"It’s a big breath of fresh air," Johnson said of the talks with Biden. "It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects."

Biden is keen to try to use the trip to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency, which left many U.S. allies in Europe and Asia bewildered and some alienated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-agree-to-provide-1-billion-covid-vaccine-doses-to-world-uk-390730">Also Read |&nbsp;G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses 'to world': UK</a>

Johnson played down differences with Washington over the impact of Brexit on the peace in Northern Ireland, saying that the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union had "complete harmony" on finding solutions to uphold the 1998 peace deal.

"There’s complete harmony on the need to keep going, find solutions, and make sure we uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement," Johnson said. "And I think what’s interesting is Northern Ireland is a fantastic place and it’s got amazing potential. It is a great, great part of the UK."

Asked if Biden had made his alarm about the situation in Northern Ireland very clear, Johnson said: "No he didn't. 
"America, the United States, Washington, the UK, plus the European Union have one thing we absolutely all want to do,"

Johnson said. "And that is to uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and make sure we keep the balance of the peace process going. That is absolutely common ground," Johnson said.

"You know, I’m optimistic."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security. "It’s a big breath of fresh air," Johnson said of the talks with Biden. "It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects." Biden is keen to try to use the trip to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency, which left many U.S. allies in Europe and Asia bewildered and some alienated. Also Read | G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses 'to world': UK Johnson played down differences with Washington over the impact of Brexit on the peace in Northern Ireland, saying that the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union had "complete harmony" on finding solutions to uphold the 1998 peace deal. "There’s complete harmony on the need to keep going, find solutions, and make sure we uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement," Johnson said. "And I think what’s interesting is Northern Ireland is a fantastic place and it’s got amazing potential. It is a great, great part of the UK." Asked if Biden had made his alarm about the situation in Northern Ireland very clear, Johnson said: "No he didn't. "America, the United States, Washington, the UK, plus the European Union have one thing we absolutely all want to do," Johnson said. "And that is to uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and make sure we keep the balance of the peace process going. That is absolutely common ground," Johnson said. "You know, I’m optimistic."

UK's Johnson hails Biden as 'a big breath of fresh air'

British government said on Friday that the Delta variant of coronavirus is 60 per cent more transmissible than the variant that forced the lockdown in January.

The Delta variant has caused a rise in cases in Britain, prompting questions about whether social distancing restrictions will be lifted as planned from June 21.

New research from Public Health England "suggests that the Delta variant is associated with an approximately 60 percent increased risk of household transmission" compared to the Alpha variant first identified in southeast England.

In UK, there have been 42,323 cases of the Delta variant so far.

The Alpha variant caused a surge of Covid cases in January before a mass vaccine campaign, leading to a three-month lockdown as hospitals were stretched to near-capacity.

The government has ramped up its vaccine drive. Nearly 41 million first doses and nearly 29 million second doses have been administered.

This means 43 percent of the total population are fully vaccinated and 18 percent are half vaccinated.

However, the cases are rising again with new daily infections hitting 7,393 on Thursday, a level not seen since February.&nbsp;

More than 90 percent of new cases were of the Delta variant, the government said.

However, the number of patients in hospital remains low, at just over 1,000 on Thursday, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said most in-patients are people who are unvaccinated.

The government said this suggested the vaccination programme is mitigating the impact of the Delta variant, urging the public to get both jabs.

(With inputs from agencies)

British government said on Friday that the Delta variant of coronavirus is 60 per cent more transmissible than the variant that forced the lockdown in January. The Delta variant has caused a rise in cases in Britain, prompting questions about whether social distancing restrictions will be lifted as planned from June 21.

British government said on Friday that the Delta variant of coronavirus is 60 per cent more transmissible than the variant that forced the lockdown in January. The Delta variant has caused a rise in cases in Britain, prompting questions about whether social distancing restrictions will be lifted as planned from June 21. New research from Public Health England "suggests that the Delta variant is associated with an approximately 60 percent increased risk of household transmission" compared to the Alpha variant first identified in southeast England. In UK, there have been 42,323 cases of the Delta variant so far. The Alpha variant caused a surge of Covid cases in January before a mass vaccine campaign, leading to a three-month lockdown as hospitals were stretched to near-capacity. The government has ramped up its vaccine drive. Nearly 41 million first doses and nearly 29 million second doses have been administered. This means 43 percent of the total population are fully vaccinated and 18 percent are half vaccinated. However, the cases are rising again with new daily infections hitting 7,393 on Thursday, a level not seen since February. More than 90 percent of new cases were of the Delta variant, the government said. However, the number of patients in hospital remains low, at just over 1,000 on Thursday, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said most in-patients are people who are unvaccinated. The government said this suggested the vaccination programme is mitigating the impact of the Delta variant, urging the public to get both jabs. (With inputs from agencies)

Delta coronavirus variant 60 per cent more transmissible, says UK

The region is a popular holiday destination in the southwestern tip of England known for its long, picturesque coastline and a savory pastry filled with onion, potato, turnip and beef called the Cornish pasty.

A taste of Cornwall: Circular pasty filled with onion, potato and turnip

G7 leaders will agree to expand global Covid vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday.

G7 leaders will agree to expand global Covid vaccine manufacturing to provide at least one billion doses to the world through sharing and financing schemes, Britain said Thursday. The announcement came after the United States said it would donate 500 million jabs to 92 poor and lower-middle-income nations. The UK, which is hosting the big powers' gathering in southwest England, added it would donate at least 100 million surplus doses within the next year, including five million beginning in the coming weeks. The commitments follow growing calls for richer countries to step up their efforts to share Covid-19 shots with less-developed nations, with charities warning the current situation is leading to "vaccine apartheid". Britain, which has orders for more than 400 million doses, has faced criticism for failing to begin making donations to poorer countries. But on the eve of welcoming world leaders from the group of seven wealthy nations to their first summit in almost two years, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed that would soon change. "As a result of the success of the UK's vaccine program we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them," he said. "At the G7 Summit, I hope my fellow leaders will make similar pledges". Also Read | Ahead of G7 summit, US President Biden meets UK PM Johnson A Downing Street statement said: "At the Summit world leaders are expected to announce they will provide at least one billion coronavirus vaccine doses to the world.. and set out a plan to expand vaccine manufacturing in order to achieve that goal." 'Humanitarian obligation' Meanwhile, EU members have agreed to donate at least 100 million doses by the end of 2021 -- with France and Germany each committing to providing 30 million. French President Emmanuel Macron issued his own call for pharma groups producing vaccines to donate 10 percent of their production to poor nations. US President Joe Biden on Thursday saluted a "historic" moment in the fight against the pandemic after Washington announced its donation. "This is about our responsibility, our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can," Biden told reporters at the start of his first overseas trip as president. Biden said the move was also in the US interest because of the risk of variants while the White House said the decision would "supercharge the global fight against the pandemic". The enduring challenge to defeat the virus was earlier laid bare by the World Health Organization which warned Europeans not to drop their guard because vaccination levels remain too low to stop another wave of infections. Although pockets of the rich world have scored successes against the disease, the gains are fragile and billions of mostly poor people remain unprotected. Over 100 million people in the 27-nation European Union, or 22.6 percent of its population, have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to an AFP count. The contrast with developing nations was further evidenced Thursday when South Africa's National Institute For Communicable Diseases announced his country had technically entered the third wave with more than 9,000 cases over the past 24 hours. On Thursday, India reported a global record of more than 6,000 Covid-19 deaths in a day after one state dramatically revised its data upwards, fuelling concerns that the official tally of almost 360,000 deaths, the world's third-highest toll, is woefully understated. WHO warns against complacency The United States has also faced criticism for sitting on huge stocks of unused vaccines. But with more than 60 percent of Americans have received at least one shot, Washington has moved to reclaim global leadership with its huge donation which will be channeled through the Covax program which aims to ensure equitable global vaccine distribution. The White House said the doses will start shipping in August. Also Read | UK report says Hong Kong security law used to 'drastically curtail freedoms' Dismissing suggestions that it is in a so-called vaccine diplomacy contest with Russia and China, Washington has described its initiatives as a return to multilateral action after the nationalist isolationism under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump. In Europe, some lockdown restrictions have been eased of late notably ahead of the Euro football competition starting Friday. But Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director, said he feared complacency. "Vaccination coverage is far from sufficient to protect the region from a resurgence," Kluge told reporters, warning against repeating the "mistake" of last summer by easing protective measures prematurely. Iran's government meanwhile warned that recent success in containing the Middle East's deadliest coronavirus outbreak risks being reversed should the public cease being diligent in their precautions amid a shortage of vaccines. The country saw total infections pass the three million mark on Thursday, adding to the global total of almost 174,350,990. The pandemic has claimed more than 3.7 million lives worldwide.

G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses to world: UK

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held their first in-person talks ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall in southwest England. During their meeting, they agreed on a deal called the Atlantic Charter, which commits the two countries to work together on global challenges.

Biden-Johnson agreed on Atlantic Charter deal during first in-person talks

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held their first in-person talks ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall in southwest England. After the meeting between the two leaders, Johnson said that the talks with Biden were a "big breath of fresh air".

Johnson plays down differences with Biden over Northern Ireland, ahead of G7 summit

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Biden, who arrived in England on Wednesday for his first overseas trip as president, will meet with Johnson in Cornwall on Thursday ahead of a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies that begins Friday, the statement said. 
Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration was forming expert working groups with Britain, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union to determine how best to safely restart travel after 15 months of pandemic restrictions.

US and UK airline officials said they do not expect Washington to lift restrictions until around July 4 at the earliest.

Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift the restrictions on most non-US citizens who have been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-us-to-end-trade-tariffs-call-for-new-study-into-covid-19-origins-says-summit-draft-390485">Also Read |&nbsp;EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft</a>

The two leaders are expected to agree on an ambitious new "Atlantic Charter" modeled on the one signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 that set out their goals for the post-war world.

The new charter maps out plans for close cooperation in eight areas, including "defending democracy, building a fair and sustainable trading system, dealing with cyberattacks, combating climate change, and ending the coronavirus pandemic.

One key goal will be resuming safe travel, the UK statement said. Before the pandemic, more than 5 million Britons visited the United States and more than 4.5 million Americans visited Britain every year - more than any other country.

A new travel task force would make recommendations on safely reopening travel and ensuring that Britain and the United States work closely on international travel policy going forward.

"Links between the UK and US are not only crucial for our people, they create and sustain jobs across and throughout our two countries," the statement said.

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday. Biden, who arrived in England on Wednesday for his first overseas trip as president, will meet with Johnson in Cornwall on Thursday ahead of a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies that begins Friday, the statement said. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration was forming expert working groups with Britain, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union to determine how best to safely restart travel after 15 months of pandemic restrictions. US and UK airline officials said they do not expect Washington to lift restrictions until around July 4 at the earliest. Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift the restrictions on most non-US citizens who have been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil. Also Read | EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft The two leaders are expected to agree on an ambitious new "Atlantic Charter" modeled on the one signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 that set out their goals for the post-war world. The new charter maps out plans for close cooperation in eight areas, including "defending democracy, building a fair and sustainable trading system, dealing with cyberattacks, combating climate change, and ending the coronavirus pandemic. One key goal will be resuming safe travel, the UK statement said. Before the pandemic, more than 5 million Britons visited the United States and more than 4.5 million Americans visited Britain every year - more than any other country. A new travel task force would make recommendations on safely reopening travel and ensuring that Britain and the United States work closely on international travel policy going forward. "Links between the UK and US are not only crucial for our people, they create and sustain jobs across and throughout our two countries," the statement said.

US, UK leaders expected to work to reopen travel

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense',&nbsp;instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit.

David Frost made the comments after his EU counterpart said the bloc was ready to act 'firmly and resolutely' if the UK fails to honor its commitments under the divorce agreement.

The two men are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in London amid rising tensions over implementation of the deal in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the bloc.

Central to the talks are provisions of the deal that effectively created a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, angering many pro-British residents of the island.

While Britain has called for compromise, the EU says the new rules are needed to protect the bloc's single market. Both sides fear the tensions could fuel a return to violence in Northern Ireland.

"Further threats of legal action and trade retaliation from the EU won't make life any easier for the shopper in Strabane, who can't buy their favorite product," Frost said, referring to a town in Northern Ireland.

"What is needed is pragmatism and common sense solutions to resolve the issues as they are before us. This work is important, and it is ever more urgent."

The divorce deal, which took effect on January&nbsp;1, included a number of grace periods that gave Britain time to put in place new systems to check a variety of goods coming into Northern Ireland to ensure they comply with EU rules. Those grace periods are now ending, causing headaches for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland.

The UK angered Brussels earlier this year when it unilaterally extended the grace period covering many supermarket items, delaying the required inspections for six months. The EU has threatened legal action over that decision.

The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the UK may also extend the grace period covering chilled meats such as sausages and ground beef, which is scheduled to end at the end of this month.

Maros Sefcovic, the EU's chief negotiator, cautioned against such action, saying the two sides should strive to achieve 'mutually agreed compliance paths'.

"If this does not happen, and if the UK takes further unilateral action over the coming weeks, the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly, firmly and resolutely to ensure that the UK abides by its international law obligations," Sefcovic wrote on Tuesday in the Telegraph.

While Sefcovic didn't specify what those actions might be, the Times of London quoted an unidentified EU official as saying the bloc was ready to impose trade sanctions and retaliatory tariffs.

Sefcovic described the so-called Northern Ireland protocol as an opportunity that will give the region access to more than 500 million customers in both the UK and European Union. But Frost said compromise is needed to make this a reality.

The UK has sent 10 papers to the EU offering solutions to many of the issues that divide the two sides, but has received no written responses from the bloc, he said.

"When I meet Maros Sefcovic later today my message will be clear: time is short and practical solutions are needed now to make the Protocol work," Frost said.

Britain accused the EU of taking an unnecessarily 'purist approach' to the new rules. "There's no case whatsoever for preventing chilled meats from being sold in Northern Ireland," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman, Max Blain.

"We are working very hard to try and resolve these issues consensually. Time is starting to run out and solutions are urgently needed," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense', instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit.

The UK's chief negotiator called on the European Union to show 'pragmatism and common sense', instead of threatening to retaliate, as the two sides meet to resolve differences over the deal that was supposed to keep trade flowing after Brexit. David Frost made the comments after his EU counterpart said the bloc was ready to act 'firmly and resolutely' if the UK fails to honor its commitments under the divorce agreement. The two men are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in London amid rising tensions over implementation of the deal in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK that shares a land border with the bloc. Central to the talks are provisions of the deal that effectively created a customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, angering many pro-British residents of the island. While Britain has called for compromise, the EU says the new rules are needed to protect the bloc's single market. Both sides fear the tensions could fuel a return to violence in Northern Ireland. "Further threats of legal action and trade retaliation from the EU won't make life any easier for the shopper in Strabane, who can't buy their favorite product," Frost said, referring to a town in Northern Ireland. "What is needed is pragmatism and common sense solutions to resolve the issues as they are before us. This work is important, and it is ever more urgent." The divorce deal, which took effect on January 1, included a number of grace periods that gave Britain time to put in place new systems to check a variety of goods coming into Northern Ireland to ensure they comply with EU rules. Those grace periods are now ending, causing headaches for businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland. The UK angered Brussels earlier this year when it unilaterally extended the grace period covering many supermarket items, delaying the required inspections for six months. The EU has threatened legal action over that decision. The Daily Telegraph, a British newspaper, reported on Tuesday that the UK may also extend the grace period covering chilled meats such as sausages and ground beef, which is scheduled to end at the end of this month. Maros Sefcovic, the EU's chief negotiator, cautioned against such action, saying the two sides should strive to achieve 'mutually agreed compliance paths'. "If this does not happen, and if the UK takes further unilateral action over the coming weeks, the EU will not be shy in reacting swiftly, firmly and resolutely to ensure that the UK abides by its international law obligations," Sefcovic wrote on Tuesday in the Telegraph. While Sefcovic didn't specify what those actions might be, the Times of London quoted an unidentified EU official as saying the bloc was ready to impose trade sanctions and retaliatory tariffs. Sefcovic described the so-called Northern Ireland protocol as an opportunity that will give the region access to more than 500 million customers in both the UK and European Union. But Frost said compromise is needed to make this a reality. The UK has sent 10 papers to the EU offering solutions to many of the issues that divide the two sides, but has received no written responses from the bloc, he said. "When I meet Maros Sefcovic later today my message will be clear: time is short and practical solutions are needed now to make the Protocol work," Frost said. Britain accused the EU of taking an unnecessarily 'purist approach' to the new rules. "There's no case whatsoever for preventing chilled meats from being sold in Northern Ireland," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman, Max Blain. "We are working very hard to try and resolve these issues consensually. Time is starting to run out and solutions are urgently needed," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit talks

British retailers reported a big boost in sales in May, after lockdown measures ended last month and a relaxation of COVID restrictions on hospitality drew more shoppers into town centres. The British Retail Consortium said total sales among its members, who include supermarkets and high-street chains, were 10.0% higher last month than in May two years ago.

UK retailers report strong May sales after lockdown ends

British health minister Matt Hancock has said that it is too early to say whether the government would stick to its plan to fully lift COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England on June 21.

Britain’s health minister says too early to finalise lockdown easing

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week. 
 
Johnson will host the first in-person summit in almost two years of G7 leaders, which follows a meeting of the group's finance ministers which wrapped up earlier in the day and said he would seek a pledge to hit the global vaccination goal. 
 
"Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history," Johnson said in a statement. "I’m calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end this terrible pandemic and pledge we will never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again." 
 
The leaders of Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada will join Johnson for the three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England, which begins on Friday. It will be the first overseas trip for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden since he took office in January. 
 
While the richest nations have been vaccinating large numbers of their populations, many poorer countries have not had the same access to vaccines. And health experts have warned that unless more COVID-19 shots were donated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate. 
 
US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in London for the finance ministers meeting, said it was urgent for the richest nations to promote vaccinations in poorer countries that could not afford to buy them. 
 
She also repeated the US&nbsp;position that patent rights should be removed for the vaccines, and said they were doing everything they could to address supply chain problems that were preventing a build-up of shots in other parts of the world. 
 
Britain has ordered more than 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for its population of 67 million and says it will donate any shots it does not need. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week. Johnson will host the first in-person summit in almost two years of G7 leaders, which follows a meeting of the group's finance ministers which wrapped up earlier in the day and said he would seek a pledge to hit the global vaccination goal. "Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history," Johnson said in a statement. "I’m calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end this terrible pandemic and pledge we will never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again." The leaders of Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada will join Johnson for the three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England, which begins on Friday. It will be the first overseas trip for US President Joe Biden since he took office in January. While the richest nations have been vaccinating large numbers of their populations, many poorer countries have not had the same access to vaccines. And health experts have warned that unless more COVID-19 shots were donated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in London for the finance ministers meeting, said it was urgent for the richest nations to promote vaccinations in poorer countries that could not afford to buy them. She also repeated the US position that patent rights should be removed for the vaccines, and said they were doing everything they could to address supply chain problems that were preventing a build-up of shots in other parts of the world. Britain has ordered more than 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for its population of 67 million and says it will donate any shots it does not need. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022

The organisation, which has no state backing, plans to use the London hearings to issue a verdict on whether Beijing has perpetrated genocide or crimes against humanity against Uyghurs.

China: Uyghur's people tribunal begins in UK

Portugal will soon be removed from England's so-called 'green list' that allowed quarantine-free travel between the two countries, th UK government announced on Thursday. The move has been slammed by Lisbon and Britain's tourism sector

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announced the same rule would also apply to their travellers.

Portugal was the only European nation placed on the green list and UK's latest move is likely to prove disruptive to thousands of British holidaymakers.

The Portuguese foreign ministry reacted angrily, tweeting: "We take note of the British decision to remove Portugal from the travel 'green list', the logic of which we cannot understand".

A popular summer destination for Britons, from Tuesday at 4 am (0300 GMT) Portugal will be on the amber list, which requires travellers to quarantine at home for 10 days on their return and take several Covid-19 tests.

It joins other European Union countries on the list, with no nations added to the green section.&nbsp;

British government advises against travel to amber-listed countries.

Meanwhile, seven countries -- Afghanistan, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Trinidad &amp; Tobago -- will move from England's amber list to its red list from Tuesday, requiring 10 days costly quarantine in a hotel on return. Only travellers who have British or Irish citizenship or residency rights can enter from these countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Portugal will soon be removed from England's so-called 'green list' that allowed quarantine-free travel between the two countries, th UK government announced on Thursday.

Portugal will soon be removed from England's so-called 'green list' that allowed quarantine-free travel between the two countries, th UK government announced on Thursday. The move has been slammed by Lisbon and Britain's tourism sector Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announced the same rule would also apply to their travellers. Portugal was the only European nation placed on the green list and UK's latest move is likely to prove disruptive to thousands of British holidaymakers. The Portuguese foreign ministry reacted angrily, tweeting: "We take note of the British decision to remove Portugal from the travel 'green list', the logic of which we cannot understand". A popular summer destination for Britons, from Tuesday at 4 am (0300 GMT) Portugal will be on the amber list, which requires travellers to quarantine at home for 10 days on their return and take several Covid-19 tests. It joins other European Union countries on the list, with no nations added to the green section. British government advises against travel to amber-listed countries. Meanwhile, seven countries -- Afghanistan, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Trinidad & Tobago -- will move from England's amber list to its red list from Tuesday, requiring 10 days costly quarantine in a hotel on return. Only travellers who have British or Irish citizenship or residency rights can enter from these countries. (With inputs from agencies)

UK removes Portugal from 'green list', mandates quarantine

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