The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment.

The refurbishment work cost almost $83,220 (£60,000) so far. The commission reportedly urged the party to ascertain whether the expenses fall within the ambit of election body’s regulation.

Tensions between the commission and the Conservative party have been brewing for some time. Last year, Amanda Milling, co-chair of the party called for the abolition of the election watchdog, and said that it is not fit for “purpose”.

The Labour Party also hit at the PM asking him to reveal if any “special favours” are owed to donors who funded the renovation of his apartment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uks-boris-johnson-to-get-astrazeneca-vaccine-as-he-dismisses-safety-fears-371185" hreflang="en">UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears</a>

Daily Mail on Saturday reported that a secret payment worth the same amount as renovation was initiated by the Conservative party in 2020.&nbsp;Mail claims that this amount was reimbursed by Lord Brownlow, but the declaration wasn’t made to either the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons.

Downing Street has been attempting to set up a charity&nbsp;to pay for the interior redesigning of the apartment. The PM receives £30,000 annual allowance for accommodation, while the renovation plans could cost over £200,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/sarah-everard-case-britain-needs-cultural-change-says-prime-minister-boris-johnson-371164" hreflang="en">Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>

Johnson’s press secretary Allegra Stratton earlier this month claimed that every facet of the renovation is being recorded, and that party funds are not being used to pay for renovation of the estate.

The Electoral Commission claims that it is intact with the party to ascertain whether any of these funding measures could be under the organisation’s regulatory powers.

The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment.

The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment. The refurbishment work cost almost $83,220 (£60,000) so far. The commission reportedly urged the party to ascertain whether the expenses fall within the ambit of election body’s regulation. Tensions between the commission and the Conservative party have been brewing for some time. Last year, Amanda Milling, co-chair of the party called for the abolition of the election watchdog, and said that it is not fit for “purpose”. The Labour Party also hit at the PM asking him to reveal if any “special favours” are owed to donors who funded the renovation of his apartment. Also read: UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears Daily Mail on Saturday reported that a secret payment worth the same amount as renovation was initiated by the Conservative party in 2020. Mail claims that this amount was reimbursed by Lord Brownlow, but the declaration wasn’t made to either the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons. Downing Street has been attempting to set up a charity to pay for the interior redesigning of the apartment. The PM receives £30,000 annual allowance for accommodation, while the renovation plans could cost over £200,000. Also read: Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson Johnson’s press secretary Allegra Stratton earlier this month claimed that every facet of the renovation is being recorded, and that party funds are not being used to pay for renovation of the estate. The Electoral Commission claims that it is intact with the party to ascertain whether any of these funding measures could be under the organisation’s regulatory powers.

UK's election watchdog asks Conservatives how Johnson paid for apartment's renovation

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats.&nbsp;

Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control.&nbsp;

Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal.&nbsp;

"You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website.&nbsp;

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact.&nbsp;

Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'. In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats. Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region. The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control. Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal. "You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact. Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'. They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy  

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning. There were no face masks, social distancing rules were flouted.

Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations.

Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching COVID-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest.

More than 60 British lawmakers have written to Priti Patel, the interior minister, and have called for the protests to be allowed in England during the lockdown. This came after police used heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break a vigil for Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder.

Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations.

(With Reuters inputs)

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning.

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning. There were no face masks, social distancing rules were flouted. Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations. Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching COVID-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest. More than 60 British lawmakers have written to Priti Patel, the interior minister, and have called for the protests to be allowed in England during the lockdown. This came after police used heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break a vigil for Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder. Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations. (With Reuters inputs)

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffle with police in London

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.&nbsp;The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar.

European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid".

The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain.

"The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said.

"More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said.&nbsp;

"That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision."

The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction.

(With AFP inputs)

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax. The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar. European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid". The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain. "The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said. "More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said. "That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision." The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction. (With AFP inputs)

EU takes legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax

It was once said that the governor of the Bank of England had the power to guide the behavior of Britain’s banks with the mere raise of an eyebrow. For the Federal Reserve in 2021, the equivalent may be Jerome Powell’s chuckle.

Powell, the Fed chair, was asked at a news conference Wednesday whether — in light of its forecast that the economy would recover quickly in the months ahead — it was time to “start talking about talking about” slowing the central bank’s buying of $80 billion in bonds each month.

He let out a half-laugh before answering, “Not yet.”

His dismissiveness at the idea that the Fed would even consider slowing its efforts to strengthen the economy was one of many chances he took in Wednesday’s session to convey one simple message: The central bank will not waver in its aggressive efforts to encourage growth until the economy is truly and unquestionably back to health.

It almost surely won’t be the last time he faces questions that second-guess that resolve.

If the economy evolves as Powell and most private forecasters think it will, a veritable boom will be underway later this year. As a result, he and his colleagues at the Fed would face a continuing test of their willingness to follow through on the approach they unanimously agreed to last summer. That new policy framework ended an era in which the Fed preemptively raised interest rates because falling unemployment risked future inflation.

Powell’s job Wednesday was to convince financial markets and everyone who makes economic decisions that the Fed was serious about this plan. That it won’t be swayed by all the things that, based on its history, might cause an increase in interest rates and choke off the expansion prematurely.

If prices for certain goods and services were to surge as the economy came back, it would, in this view, be a one-time bulge rather than a continuing rise in inflation to which the Fed might need to respond. The central bank’s officials now project 2.4% inflation this year, overshooting their 2% target, with a projected return to the target in 2022.

An old metaphor holds that the Fed’s job is to take away the punch bowl just as the party gets going. The official view of the central bank’s leaders now is that it has been an overly stingy host, taking away the punch bowl so quickly that parties were dreary, disappointing affairs.

The job now is to convince the world that it really will leave the punch bowl out long enough, and spiked adequately — that it will be a party worth attending. They insist punch bowl removal will be based on actual realized inebriation of the guests, not on forecasts of potential future problematic levels of drunkenness.

Powell’s dismissive chuckle was just one piece of the messaging. It was the prevailing idea that he returned to in multiple ways (emphasis added in these quotations):

“We will continue to provide the economy the support that it needs &lt;em&gt;for as long as it takes.”

“We’re not going to act preemptively based on forecasts for the most part, and we’re going to wait to see actual data. And I think it will take people time to adjust to that, and the only way we can really build the credibility of that is by doing it.”

“People start businesses, they reopen restaurants, the airlines will be flying again — all of those things will happen, and it will turn out to be a one-time bulge in prices, but it won’t change inflation going forward.”

He also played down the release of the Fed’s “dot-plot” of when to expect it to be time to raise rates. Four of 18 Fed officials thought that rate increases would be warranted by the end of 2022, and seven by the end of 2023. Powell emphasized that a comfortable majority envisioned no rate increases in the next three years.

The questions he faced from the press Wednesday were just the beginning of what figures to be a perennial topic whenever he or other leaders of the central bank face lawmakers, business leaders or the news media. The tone and details may vary but will all mean: “Are you sure&nbsp;you’re not going to start tightening the money supply?”

The questions might tie into inflationary pressures. For example, many conservatives have started to complain about rising gasoline prices. Based on the experience of past Fed leaders, Powell can expect plenty of questions about that in his next visit to Capitol Hill.

Or the questions could focus more on booming financial markets and whether the Fed needs to raise rates to rein in speculation.

Moreover, even if Powell sticks to the plan, the diffuse nature of power within the Federal Reserve System will make it easy for mixed messages to emerge. There are 12 presidents of regional Fed banks and seven governors in Washington (with one slot vacant). This means only a handful need to develop cold feet about the strategy — and start talking about it publicly — to cause markets and businesses to doubt the Fed’s commitment.

In many ways, it is the inverse of the situation that Paul Volcker faced as Fed leader in the early 1980s, as he engineered aggressive rate increases to curtail the high inflation of that era. To prevail, he had to resist pressure from fellow Fed appointees who had not fully bought into the strategy, even threatening to resign rather than lose a close vote.

The situation is certainly not that dramatic — yet — in 2021, given the unanimous vote on the new policy framework and the apparent strong majority on the committee who believe rates need to stay low.

But if history is a guide, and inflation trends and financial markets are as unpredictable in the months ahead as they have been in the recent past, it may take more than a laugh for Powell to dismiss questions from the tight-money crowd.

It was once said that the governor of the Bank of England had the power to guide the behavior of Britain’s banks with the mere raise of an eyebrow. For the Federal Reserve in 2021, the equivalent may be Jerome Powell’s chuckle.

It was once said that the governor of the Bank of England had the power to guide the behavior of Britain’s banks with the mere raise of an eyebrow. For the Federal Reserve in 2021, the equivalent may be Jerome Powell’s chuckle. Powell, the Fed chair, was asked at a news conference Wednesday whether — in light of its forecast that the economy would recover quickly in the months ahead — it was time to “start talking about talking about” slowing the central bank’s buying of $80 billion in bonds each month. He let out a half-laugh before answering, “Not yet.” His dismissiveness at the idea that the Fed would even consider slowing its efforts to strengthen the economy was one of many chances he took in Wednesday’s session to convey one simple message: The central bank will not waver in its aggressive efforts to encourage growth until the economy is truly and unquestionably back to health. It almost surely won’t be the last time he faces questions that second-guess that resolve. If the economy evolves as Powell and most private forecasters think it will, a veritable boom will be underway later this year. As a result, he and his colleagues at the Fed would face a continuing test of their willingness to follow through on the approach they unanimously agreed to last summer. That new policy framework ended an era in which the Fed preemptively raised interest rates because falling unemployment risked future inflation. Powell’s job Wednesday was to convince financial markets and everyone who makes economic decisions that the Fed was serious about this plan. That it won’t be swayed by all the things that, based on its history, might cause an increase in interest rates and choke off the expansion prematurely. If prices for certain goods and services were to surge as the economy came back, it would, in this view, be a one-time bulge rather than a continuing rise in inflation to which the Fed might need to respond. The central bank’s officials now project 2.4% inflation this year, overshooting their 2% target, with a projected return to the target in 2022. An old metaphor holds that the Fed’s job is to take away the punch bowl just as the party gets going. The official view of the central bank’s leaders now is that it has been an overly stingy host, taking away the punch bowl so quickly that parties were dreary, disappointing affairs. The job now is to convince the world that it really will leave the punch bowl out long enough, and spiked adequately — that it will be a party worth attending. They insist punch bowl removal will be based on actual realized inebriation of the guests, not on forecasts of potential future problematic levels of drunkenness. Powell’s dismissive chuckle was just one piece of the messaging. It was the prevailing idea that he returned to in multiple ways (emphasis added in these quotations): “We will continue to provide the economy the support that it needs for as long as it takes.” “We’re not going to act preemptively based on forecasts for the most part, and we’re going to wait to see actual data. And I think it will take people time to adjust to that, and the only way we can really build the credibility of that is by doing it.” “People start businesses, they reopen restaurants, the airlines will be flying again — all of those things will happen, and it will turn out to be a one-time bulge in prices, but it won’t change inflation going forward.” He also played down the release of the Fed’s “dot-plot” of when to expect it to be time to raise rates. Four of 18 Fed officials thought that rate increases would be warranted by the end of 2022, and seven by the end of 2023. Powell emphasized that a comfortable majority envisioned no rate increases in the next three years. The questions he faced from the press Wednesday were just the beginning of what figures to be a perennial topic whenever he or other leaders of the central bank face lawmakers, business leaders or the news media. The tone and details may vary but will all mean: “Are you sure you’re not going to start tightening the money supply?” The questions might tie into inflationary pressures. For example, many conservatives have started to complain about rising gasoline prices. Based on the experience of past Fed leaders, Powell can expect plenty of questions about that in his next visit to Capitol Hill. Or the questions could focus more on booming financial markets and whether the Fed needs to raise rates to rein in speculation. Moreover, even if Powell sticks to the plan, the diffuse nature of power within the Federal Reserve System will make it easy for mixed messages to emerge. There are 12 presidents of regional Fed banks and seven governors in Washington (with one slot vacant). This means only a handful need to develop cold feet about the strategy — and start talking about it publicly — to cause markets and businesses to doubt the Fed’s commitment. In many ways, it is the inverse of the situation that Paul Volcker faced as Fed leader in the early 1980s, as he engineered aggressive rate increases to curtail the high inflation of that era. To prevail, he had to resist pressure from fellow Fed appointees who had not fully bought into the strategy, even threatening to resign rather than lose a close vote. The situation is certainly not that dramatic — yet — in 2021, given the unanimous vote on the new policy framework and the apparent strong majority on the committee who believe rates need to stay low. But if history is a guide, and inflation trends and financial markets are as unpredictable in the months ahead as they have been in the recent past, it may take more than a laugh for Powell to dismiss questions from the tight-money crowd.

Jerome Powell promises not to take away the punch bowl

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. &nbsp;

It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. &nbsp;

This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion?&nbsp;

It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests.&nbsp;

The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year.&nbsp;

Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states.&nbsp;

Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed?&nbsp;

Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown.&nbsp;

From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen. &nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion? It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests. The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year. Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states. Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed? Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown. From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen.

British Prime Minister unveils integrated defence, security review 

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune.&nbsp;

This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK.&nbsp;

It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. &nbsp;

Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft.

Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters.&nbsp;

It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off.

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune. This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK. It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft. Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific? As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters. It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear. Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.

UK looks to become a key stakeholder in Indo-Pacific 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a new vision. He wants to focus on Indo-Pacific and marginalise China from the 5G race. Johnson needs India's support for both. But for that- the UK first needs to change its approach towards India. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Britain standing up to the China threat

UK PM Boris Johnson has unveiled a blueprint for Britain's future. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the 4 areas of importance: 1: Countering Chinese aggression 2: Indo-pacific tilt in foreign policy 3: Nuclear stockpile upgrade 4: New law against protests

Gravitas: Boris Johnson's blueprint for Britain

British PM Boris Johnson will visit India on 26th April. This is Johnson's first international trip after Brexit. Why did he choose India? The UK wants to put its engagements with India & the Indo-Pacific first after Brexit. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Boris Johnson is travelling to India

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols.

Image and video evidences from 19 fur farms from China's northern and north-eastern regions have revealed that animals&nbsp;such as foxes and raccoon dogs are packed into the small compartments, making it impossible for animals to live peacefully.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-should-crack-down-on-firms-using-forced-labour-in-chinas-xinjiang-mps-say-371037">&nbsp;UK should crack down on firms using forced labour in China's Xinjiang, MPs say</a>

The animals are also being electrocuted in ways that cause&nbsp;them extreme pain before death. These animals are also made to suffer in front of other animals, who are subjected to the same torture a few minutes later.

Investigations were conducted by Humane Society International (HSI) between the time period of November 2020 to December 2020 at nearly 19 fur farms.

The investigations also revealed that several of these farms were selling carcasses to restaurants, which directly violates China's rule that forbids consumption of meat from wildlife. The rule was imposed last year, fearing coronavirus emerged from wildlife in Wuhan. Considering this, trade of carcasses also makes disregard of coronavirus restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-labour-schemes-are-aimed-at-cutting-uighur-population-density-report-says-367729">Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says</a>

HSI believes the fur farms are being treated in a manner which can lead them to contracting the deadly coronavirus.

"Our investigators witnessed an almost total lack of disease control and health protection measures on fur farms, which is extremely worrying considering that mink, raccoon dogs and foxes are all capable of contracting coronaviruses," HSI executive director Claire Bass said.

To prove the inhumane behavior, HSI also provided video evidence in which the care-takers can be seen repeatedly stabbing animals with double-pronged lance which paralyses the animals. This technique is being used to torture animals overnight, rather than killing them quickly by using electrocution devices to deliver shock to their brains.

"The animals in this video are being subjected to violent and chaotic electrocution in the body and not the brain, which means they are highly likely to have experienced several minutes of extreme physical pain and suffering, like heart attack symptoms," HSI veterinary adviser Prof Alastair MacMillan explained.

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols.

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols. Image and video evidences from 19 fur farms from China's northern and north-eastern regions have revealed that animals such as foxes and raccoon dogs are packed into the small compartments, making it impossible for animals to live peacefully. Also read | UK should crack down on firms using forced labour in China's Xinjiang, MPs say The animals are also being electrocuted in ways that cause them extreme pain before death. These animals are also made to suffer in front of other animals, who are subjected to the same torture a few minutes later. Investigations were conducted by Humane Society International (HSI) between the time period of November 2020 to December 2020 at nearly 19 fur farms. The investigations also revealed that several of these farms were selling carcasses to restaurants, which directly violates China's rule that forbids consumption of meat from wildlife. The rule was imposed last year, fearing coronavirus emerged from wildlife in Wuhan. Considering this, trade of carcasses also makes disregard of coronavirus restrictions. Also read | Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says HSI believes the fur farms are being treated in a manner which can lead them to contracting the deadly coronavirus. "Our investigators witnessed an almost total lack of disease control and health protection measures on fur farms, which is extremely worrying considering that mink, raccoon dogs and foxes are all capable of contracting coronaviruses," HSI executive director Claire Bass said. To prove the inhumane behavior, HSI also provided video evidence in which the care-takers can be seen repeatedly stabbing animals with double-pronged lance which paralyses the animals. This technique is being used to torture animals overnight, rather than killing them quickly by using electrocution devices to deliver shock to their brains. "The animals in this video are being subjected to violent and chaotic electrocution in the body and not the brain, which means they are highly likely to have experienced several minutes of extreme physical pain and suffering, like heart attack symptoms," HSI veterinary adviser Prof Alastair MacMillan explained.

Animal activists urge UK to ban fur import from China over animal abuse allegations

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament.

"I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said.

It is expected that Johnson will visit Pune as well. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in Pune. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. It has been exported to many countries.

The visit has been in the making for a long time, with Boris Johnson was expected to visit India in January for Indian Republic Day but could not due to outbreak of new strain of COVID in UK.

Johnson's visit comes as UK releases its key foreign policy document that sees India as key to London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The just-released "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy" mentioned India over 15 times, calling India an "international actor of growing importance."

The document said, "The UK-India relationship is already strong, but over the next ten years we seek transformation in our cooperation across the full range of our shared interests. India – as the largest democracy in the world".

UK as the chair of G7 grouping, has invited India for the meeting of the grouping in June. Indian PM Modi will be travelling to the country for the summit, which could see its first in-person Quad meeting as well. Both sides are also working on a trade deal.

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament.

In his first foreign visit since the Brexit, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be visiting India on April 26. He announced the visit in the British Parliament. "I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said. It is expected that Johnson will visit Pune as well. No details are yet known about his schedule in Pune. World's largest vaccine manufacture Serum Institute of India (SII) is based in Pune. SII has been manufacturing Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine Covishield. It has been exported to many countries. The visit has been in the making for a long time, with Boris Johnson was expected to visit India in January for Indian Republic Day but could not due to outbreak of new strain of COVID in UK. Johnson's visit comes as UK releases its key foreign policy document that sees India as key to London's "Indo-Pacific tilt". The just-released "Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy" mentioned India over 15 times, calling India an "international actor of growing importance." The document said, "The UK-India relationship is already strong, but over the next ten years we seek transformation in our cooperation across the full range of our shared interests. India – as the largest democracy in the world". UK as the chair of G7 grouping, has invited India for the meeting of the grouping in June. Indian PM Modi will be travelling to the country for the summit, which could see its first in-person Quad meeting as well. Both sides are also working on a trade deal.

UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes his statement on the Integrated Review of foreign policy in the House of Commons.

UK: PM Boris Johnson outlines Britain's Post-Brexit foreign policy

India will raise the issue of racism with the UK. This comes after Indian student Rashmi Samant was cyberbullied into resigning as President of the Oxford University Student Union. WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: India to raise racism with the UK

In the US, Governor Andrew Cuomo refuses to resign. In the UK, cops arrested women at a vigil held for Sarah Everard. In Australia, there were marches in 40 cities. Is the West's image as a safe place for women under threat? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: The West's image on women safety is under threat

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons.

"The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy. The review said that emerging threats no longer made it possible to stick to commitment to reduce warheads.&nbsp;

It is being viewed that UK is taking the step with Russia and China in mind.

In recent years, the UK has had its share of disagreements with both Russia and China on an array of issues ranging from cyber-attacks to human rights to espionage. Many people within the UK have called for the country’s “Trident nuclear programme” to be scrapped, as the global calls for denuclearisation increase.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Beatrice Fihn accused the UK of being “irresponsible and dangerous”, while adding how this move violates international law.

Meanwhile, the review of&nbsp;country's post-Brexit 'Global Britain' vision concluded that the UK must shift its foreign policy focus to Indo-Pacific region. The review suggests that countries such as India, Australia and Japan should be at the heart of the move.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will formally release the review in the House of Commons later on Tuesday, is to activate the so-called Indo-Pacific tilt with a visit to India at the end of next month, an application for partner status of the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN) economic union and the Royal Navy warship Queen Elizabeth Carrier deployment to the region.

(With agency inputs)

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. "The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy.

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. "The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy. The review said that emerging threats no longer made it possible to stick to commitment to reduce warheads. It is being viewed that UK is taking the step with Russia and China in mind. In recent years, the UK has had its share of disagreements with both Russia and China on an array of issues ranging from cyber-attacks to human rights to espionage. Many people within the UK have called for the country’s “Trident nuclear programme” to be scrapped, as the global calls for denuclearisation increase. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Beatrice Fihn accused the UK of being “irresponsible and dangerous”, while adding how this move violates international law. Meanwhile, the review of country's post-Brexit 'Global Britain' vision concluded that the UK must shift its foreign policy focus to Indo-Pacific region. The review suggests that countries such as India, Australia and Japan should be at the heart of the move. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will formally release the review in the House of Commons later on Tuesday, is to activate the so-called Indo-Pacific tilt with a visit to India at the end of next month, an application for partner status of the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN) economic union and the Royal Navy warship Queen Elizabeth Carrier deployment to the region. (With agency inputs)

UK planning to increase nuclear weapons stockpile: govt review

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment.

The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in&nbsp;a BMW car.

Confirming the discharge from the hospital Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle in west of London.

Royal aides said he had been treated for an unspecified infection and had "a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition".

"His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes," a statement from the palace read.

The prince is understood to be in good spirits.

Prince Philip's month-long stay at King Edward VII's Hospital and the state-run St Bartholomew's, also in London, is his longest stint in hospital.

He was transferred to St Bartholomew's for a heart procedure before returning to private hospital. He was first admitted to hospital on February 16 after advice from his doctor.

Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a "few days" but stressed his illness was not related to Covid-19.

Later, the palace said he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further.

IN 2011, Prince Philip was treated for blocked coronary artery and had a stent fitted.

Concerns for Philip's health had been high because of his age -- he turns 100 in June -- and came amid the build-up to an explosive interview given by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, in which she accused the royal family of racism.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment. The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in a BMW car.

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment. The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in a BMW car. Confirming the discharge from the hospital Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle in west of London. Royal aides said he had been treated for an unspecified infection and had "a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition". "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes," a statement from the palace read. The prince is understood to be in good spirits. Prince Philip's month-long stay at King Edward VII's Hospital and the state-run St Bartholomew's, also in London, is his longest stint in hospital. He was transferred to St Bartholomew's for a heart procedure before returning to private hospital. He was first admitted to hospital on February 16 after advice from his doctor. Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a "few days" but stressed his illness was not related to Covid-19. Later, the palace said he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further. IN 2011, Prince Philip was treated for blocked coronary artery and had a stent fitted. Concerns for Philip's health had been high because of his age -- he turns 100 in June -- and came amid the build-up to an explosive interview given by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, in which she accused the royal family of racism. (With AFP inputs)

Prince Philip leaves hospital after four weeks of treatment

Thousands of protesters return to London's Parliament on Monday to rally against Police's action to break up a vigil for Sarah Everard.

London Police clash with mourners at Sarah Everard's vigil

The United States is witnessing an outpouring of grief with Sarah Everard's murder. The murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard has reignited a national debate in Britain on women's safety and sexual assault.

WION Dispatch: Murder of UK woman sparks concerns on women safety

After months of continuous protests and alarmingly increasing reports of diminishing human rights due to the military coup, the UK has urged its citizens to flee Myanmar.

Myanmar's military took over the country in a coup and detained the popular civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and several other senior leaders on February 01.&nbsp;

Since then, the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the diminishing democracy and human rights in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-protesters-killed-in-myanmar-capital-in-overnight-protests-370154" hreflang="en">Several protesters killed in Myanmar capital in overnight protests</a>

Following the decline of peace in Myanmar, the British foreign ministry has urged its citizens to get out of Myanmar as soon as possible warning that the "political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising".

The UK has urged its citizens to leave the country only by commercial means. "The Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office advises British nationals to leave the country by commercial means unless there is an urgent need to stay," the warning read.

This warning has come after days of violent protests and clashes between the locals and military personnel — who have also been accused of creating havoc on the streets by entering and breaking personal properties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-citizens-in-us-offered-temporary-refuge-from-coup-crackdown-370096" hreflang="en">Myanmar citizens in US offered temporary refuge from coup crackdown</a>

Meanwhile, the junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the detained chief minister of Yangon admitted giving Suu Kyi $600,000 in cash, along with more than 11 kilograms ($680,000 worth) of gold.

These allegations have been declined by Suu Kyi's lawyer Khin Maung Zaw. "This allegation against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the state counsellor, is groundless, especially regarding the dollars and gold bars — it is the most hilarious joke of all," he told the news agency AFP. "I've never seen such an illegal mudslinging."

Since the coup, Suu Kyi has not been seen in the public eye but has been reported to be in good health. However, Suu Kyi and her lawyer have complained that she has not been able to have a private meeting with her lawyers since her detainment.

After months of continuous protests and alarmingly increasing reports of diminishing human rights due to the military coup, the UK has urged its citizens to flee Myanmar.

After months of continuous protests and alarmingly increasing reports of diminishing human rights due to the military coup, the UK has urged its citizens to flee Myanmar. Myanmar's military took over the country in a coup and detained the popular civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and several other senior leaders on February 01. Since then, the locals have been taking to the streets to raise their voices against the diminishing democracy and human rights in the country. Also read | Several protesters killed in Myanmar capital in overnight protests Following the decline of peace in Myanmar, the British foreign ministry has urged its citizens to get out of Myanmar as soon as possible warning that the "political tension and unrest are widespread since the military takeover and levels of violence are rising". The UK has urged its citizens to leave the country only by commercial means. "The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises British nationals to leave the country by commercial means unless there is an urgent need to stay," the warning read. This warning has come after days of violent protests and clashes between the locals and military personnel — who have also been accused of creating havoc on the streets by entering and breaking personal properties. Also read | Myanmar citizens in US offered temporary refuge from coup crackdown Meanwhile, the junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the detained chief minister of Yangon admitted giving Suu Kyi $600,000 in cash, along with more than 11 kilograms ($680,000 worth) of gold. These allegations have been declined by Suu Kyi's lawyer Khin Maung Zaw. "This allegation against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the state counsellor, is groundless, especially regarding the dollars and gold bars — it is the most hilarious joke of all," he told the news agency AFP. "I've never seen such an illegal mudslinging." Since the coup, Suu Kyi has not been seen in the public eye but has been reported to be in good health. However, Suu Kyi and her lawyer have complained that she has not been able to have a private meeting with her lawyers since her detainment.

UK urges citizens to flee Myanmar immediately for safety

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said.&nbsp;

"The hearing took place in a very calm and good atmosphere, in the presence of my client," Hojjat Kermani said,&nbsp;adding that the judgement would be handed down at a later and unspecified date.

The 42-year-old dual national was prosecuted for "propaganda against the system for having participated in a rally in front of the Iranian embassy in London" in 2009.

She had been under house arrest since the pandemic and her electronic ankle tag was removed last weekend but the summons means she cannot return home and has raised fears she could face a new sentence.&nbsp;

She was ordered to appear on a separate security charge. Her husband Richard said the British embassy in Tehran had declined to accompany his wife to Sunday's trial.

It is also being reported that Zaghari-Ratcliff needs urgent treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, a rights group said Friday, as she faces the fresh Tehran court appearance.

A remote medical evaluation by International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims found Zaghari-Ratcliffe suffers from "serious and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder", according to rights group Redress.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It says the former detainee's mental health problems are "due to her treatment in prison and under house arrest", as well as the ongoing legal uncertainty and separation from her family.

She spent long periods in solitary confinement, has physical problems including pain in her neck, shoulder and arm, tooth pain and lumps in her breast that have not been properly checked, Redress said.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the media organisation.

Her husband and supporters have said she and other dual nationals were being held as political hostages because of a long-standing dispute between London and Tehran over a failed arms deal.

Britain has repeatedly urged Iran to allow her to return home, where her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and their six-year-old daughter live.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab welcomed the removal of the ankle tag but said Iran continued to put Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family through a "cruel and an intolerable ordeal".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a call with Iranian Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe must be allowed to return home to her family.

Iranian media reported that during the call, Rouhani raised the issue of a 400-million-pound historical debt which Tehran says Britain owes the Islamic Republic in capital and interest for a 1970s arms deal with the then-Shah of Iran.

(with inputs from agencies)

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said.

British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared in a Tehran court Sunday to face new charges of "propaganda against the system", a week after she finished serving a five-year sentence, her lawyer said. "The hearing took place in a very calm and good atmosphere, in the presence of my client," Hojjat Kermani said, adding that the judgement would be handed down at a later and unspecified date. The 42-year-old dual national was prosecuted for "propaganda against the system for having participated in a rally in front of the Iranian embassy in London" in 2009. She had been under house arrest since the pandemic and her electronic ankle tag was removed last weekend but the summons means she cannot return home and has raised fears she could face a new sentence. She was ordered to appear on a separate security charge. Her husband Richard said the British embassy in Tehran had declined to accompany his wife to Sunday's trial. It is also being reported that Zaghari-Ratcliff needs urgent treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, a rights group said Friday, as she faces the fresh Tehran court appearance. A remote medical evaluation by International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims found Zaghari-Ratcliffe suffers from "serious and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder", according to rights group Redress. It says the former detainee's mental health problems are "due to her treatment in prison and under house arrest", as well as the ongoing legal uncertainty and separation from her family. She spent long periods in solitary confinement, has physical problems including pain in her neck, shoulder and arm, tooth pain and lumps in her breast that have not been properly checked, Redress said. Zaghari-Ratcliffe works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the media organisation. Her husband and supporters have said she and other dual nationals were being held as political hostages because of a long-standing dispute between London and Tehran over a failed arms deal. Britain has repeatedly urged Iran to allow her to return home, where her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and their six-year-old daughter live. British foreign minister Dominic Raab welcomed the removal of the ankle tag but said Iran continued to put Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family through a "cruel and an intolerable ordeal". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a call with Iranian Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday, said Zaghari-Ratcliffe must be allowed to return home to her family. Iranian media reported that during the call, Rouhani raised the issue of a 400-million-pound historical debt which Tehran says Britain owes the Islamic Republic in capital and interest for a 1970s arms deal with the then-Shah of Iran. (with inputs from agencies)

Trial of British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on new charge held in Iran

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration.

"The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

This announcement came after China made sweeping changes to the region's electoral system, the UK has claimed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-slams-china-over-hong-kongs-alarming-political-deterioration-370098" hreflang="en">EU slams China over Hong Kong's 'alarming political deterioration'</a>

The treaty in question was signed in 1997 before Britain handed back Hong Kong to China and was initiated to make sure Hong Kong does not suffer under the control of China.

As per the treaty, Hong Kong is guaranteed the status of a financial hub and should have freedom of speech and autonomy to manage its own affairs, without foreign interference and impositions.

However, the UK feels that China's recent decision to "impose radical changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong's electoral system" is a clear breach of the agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-fourth-aircraft-carrier-likely-to-be-nuclear-powered-370180" hreflang="en">China's fourth aircraft carrier 'likely to be nuclear powered'</a>

"This is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China's policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months," UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. "I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration."

While the UK has been a constant critic of China's crackdown on pro-democratic voices, the recent moves have been a "demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing's promises and its actions," Raab said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-not-a-super-world-government-ioc-on-chinas-human-rights-issue-370124" hreflang="en">'We are not a super world government': IOC on China's human rights issue</a>

Guaranteeing that the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, Raab warned Beijing that "China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong."

The UK is not the only first-world country to raise concern, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new election rules to be "a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration."

Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has also warned China against the new rules. "The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China adopted today a decision that will have a significant impact on democratic accountability and political pluralism in Hong Kong," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU.

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration. "The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

In a striking statement, Britain has announced that China is no longer compliant with Hong Kong's joint declaration. "The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration," the foreign ministry said in a statement. This announcement came after China made sweeping changes to the region's electoral system, the UK has claimed. Also read | EU slams China over Hong Kong's 'alarming political deterioration' The treaty in question was signed in 1997 before Britain handed back Hong Kong to China and was initiated to make sure Hong Kong does not suffer under the control of China. As per the treaty, Hong Kong is guaranteed the status of a financial hub and should have freedom of speech and autonomy to manage its own affairs, without foreign interference and impositions. However, the UK feels that China's recent decision to "impose radical changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong's electoral system" is a clear breach of the agreement. Also read | China's fourth aircraft carrier 'likely to be nuclear powered' "This is part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China's policies and is the third breach of the Joint Declaration in less than nine months," UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. "I must now report that the UK considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Joint Declaration." While the UK has been a constant critic of China's crackdown on pro-democratic voices, the recent moves have been a "demonstration of the growing gulf between Beijing's promises and its actions," Raab said. Also read | 'We are not a super world government': IOC on China's human rights issue Guaranteeing that the UK will continue to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, Raab warned Beijing that "China must act in accordance with its legal obligations and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong." The UK is not the only first-world country to raise concern, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the new election rules to be "a direct attack on autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong under the Sino-British Joint Declaration." Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has also warned China against the new rules. "The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China adopted today a decision that will have a significant impact on democratic accountability and political pluralism in Hong Kong," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU.

China no longer 'compliant' with Hong Kong joint declaration, UK's Raab says

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Gravitas: Does Wales want to leave the UK?

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