Climate change activists took protesting to the next level by blocking two printing presses, which affected distribution of numerous national newspapers.

Video: Climate activists disrupt newspaper distribution through protests in UK

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday.

Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'.

It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death'&nbsp;against Modi.

Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments.

Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December.

The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking'&nbsp;(LoUs).

The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions.

Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice.

Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard.

At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay.

"We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said.

From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, who has been lodged at a prison in London since his arrest in March last year, is set to appear via videolink for the second leg of his extradition trial at a UK court on Monday. The 49-year-old jeweller is fighting extradition charges related to the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case brought by the Indian government, being represented at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In line with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, District Judge Samuel Goozee has directed Modi's appearance from a room in Wandsworth Prison in south-west London with social distancing norms in place for the part-remote setting for the five-day hearing scheduled to conclude on Friday. Justice Goozee had presided over the first leg of the extradition in May, during which the CPS sought to establish a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Modi. The upcoming hearings are ear-marked to complete those arguments after the Indian government had submitted additional 'corroboratory evidence'. It will then go on to deal with the additional extradition request, made by the Indian authorities and certified by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier this year, which add on the charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or 'criminal intimidation to cause death' against Modi. Goozee has already said that the different extradition requests are inextricably linked, and he would therefore be handing down his judgment at the end of hearing all the arguments. Additional hearings scheduled for November 3, for the judge to rule on the admissibility of the evidence that will be presented before him, and December 1, when both sides will make their final submissions, mean his ruling on whether Modi has a case to answer before the Indian courts is expected only after the final hearing in December. The charges against the diamond merchant centre around his firms Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds making fraudulent use of a credit facility offered by PNB, known as 'letters of undertaking' (LoUs). The CPS, appearing on behalf of India, had told the court that a number of PNB staff conspired with Modi to ensure LoUs were issued to his companies without ensuring they were subject to the required credit check, without recording the issuance of the LoUs and without charging the required commission upon the transactions. Modi's team has sought to counter allegations of fraud by deposing witnesses to establish the volatility of the gems trade and that the LoUs were standard practice. Modi has made repeated attempts at bail over the past year, each of which were turned down as he is deemed a flight risk. The jeweller was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard. At a case management hearing ahead of the trial last week, Modi's barrister Clare Montgomery had told the judge that she may be seeking a partial reporting ban on the proceedings following allegations of 'party political bias' against one of their 'expert witnesses from India' retired Indian High Court judge Abhay Thipsay. "We may have to put in an application for reporting restrictions around the reporting of his [Thipsay] evidence to avoid further public commentary on it," she said. From the legal documents submitted, prison conditions in India will once again play a major part in this extradition case, as in the past with other Indian extradition cases, with Modi's severe mental health condition being a factor to be raised behind closed doors.

Nirav Modi extradition trial to resume in UK court on September 7

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day.

"We are ready to interact with the German side 24 hours a day. I would like to remind you that when Russian ambassador [Sergey Nechaev] was at the German Foreign Ministry, he asked if there was any specific data that the Russian side can get familiar with to advance the investigation [into Navalny case], but nothing was transferred to him. The situation remains the same today," Zakharova told the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

"What do we see? There is still no response. Moreover, it turned out that the request was forwarded to the Berlin Justice Department, responsible for considering legal issues, only on Friday … If efficiency is important for Berlin, then, first of all, the German side should show efficiency," Zakharova said.

According to the spokeswoman, Moscow has repeatedly urged Berlin to promptly respond to all Russia’s requests regarding the situation with the Russian opposition politician.

The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

Meanwhile, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent.

“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News.

Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow is open for a dialogue with Berlin regarding the situation around Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny 24 hours a day. "We are ready to interact with the German side 24 hours a day. I would like to remind you that when Russian ambassador [Sergey Nechaev] was at the German Foreign Ministry, he asked if there was any specific data that the Russian side can get familiar with to advance the investigation [into Navalny case], but nothing was transferred to him. The situation remains the same today," Zakharova told the Rossiya 24 TV channel. "What do we see? There is still no response. Moreover, it turned out that the request was forwarded to the Berlin Justice Department, responsible for considering legal issues, only on Friday … If efficiency is important for Berlin, then, first of all, the German side should show efficiency," Zakharova said. According to the spokeswoman, Moscow has repeatedly urged Berlin to promptly respond to all Russia’s requests regarding the situation with the Russian opposition politician. The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. Meanwhile, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent. “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News. Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to cooperate with Germany on Navalny’s case 24 hours per day: Russia

Amid row over Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent.

The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

“What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News.

Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid row over Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent.

Amid row over Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny's poisoning, British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday said that Russia must explain how Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with what Germany says was the Novichok nerve agent. The Russian government has been widely condemned after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that Mr Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. “What is clear right now is that the Russian government has a very serious set of questions to answer,” he told Sky News. Whether the incident involved a state actor or not, Russia had obligations to make sure that chemical weapons cannot be used on its soil, Raab said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has very serious questions to answer on Navalny: UK

Britain's top Brexit negotiator warned the European Union that the island country will not blink first in trade negotiations with the EU and is not scared of a no-deal exit.

Britain's top Brexit negotiator warned the European Union that the island country will not blink first in trade negotiations with the EU and is not scared of a no-deal exit. Britain left the European Union on January 31. However, talks have so far made little headway on agreeing on a new trade deal with the bloc by the time a status-quo transition arrangement ends in December. Also read: 'Major incident' in Birmingham after several stabbed: British police "We came in after a government and negotiating team that had blinked and had its bluff called at critical moments and the EU had learned not to take our word seriously," negotiator David Frost told the Mail on Sunday. "So a lot of what we are trying to do this year is to get them to realise that we mean what we say and they should take our position seriously," he was quoted as saying. According to Britain, the EU is dragging its feet in talks and has failed to fully accept that it is now an independent country. "We are not going to be a client state. We are not going to compromise on the fundamentals of having control over our own laws," Frost told the Mail. "We are not going to accept level playing field provisions that lock us in to the way the EU do things," he added. "That's what being an independent country is about, that's what the British people voted for and that's what will happen at the end of the year, come what may," Frost said. As per Frost, a lot of preparation had been done for a possible exit without a trade deal. "I don't think that we are scared of this at all," Frost said. "If we can reach an agreement that regulates trade like Canada's, great. If we can't, it will be an Australian-like trading agreement and we are fully ready for that." (Inputs from Reuters)

'We won't blink first': UK warns the EU on Brexit trade negotiations

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later.

"Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working to tackle the blaze," Kent Fire and Rescue Service said of the incident at an industrial estate in Hoo, near Rochester in Kent.

Local resident Joe Discipline was quoted as saying by the domestic Press Association news agency that the blast "shook the house and windows" at around 3:30 GMT.

"I jumped out of bed to see, the sky was orange," he said. "There was then a second explosion just as big."

Videos posted online showed flames and a plume of black smoke rising high into the night sky, with the fire still raging as dawn broke.

The fire service said no casualties had been reported. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later.

A large industrial explosion rocked households in southeast England early Friday, with fire services saying they were battling to contain the resulting blaze hours later. "Ten fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews are working to tackle the blaze," Kent Fire and Rescue Service said of the incident at an industrial estate in Hoo, near Rochester in Kent. Local resident Joe Discipline was quoted as saying by the domestic Press Association news agency that the blast "shook the house and windows" at around 3:30 GMT. "I jumped out of bed to see, the sky was orange," he said. "There was then a second explosion just as big." Videos posted online showed flames and a plume of black smoke rising high into the night sky, with the fire still raging as dawn broke. The fire service said no casualties had been reported. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

Large industrial blast rocks houses in UK

One of the most popular programmes on British television, 'Strictly Come Dancing', is to feature the first same-sex pairing in its 16-year-history, the BBC said Wednesday. 
 
Double Olympic British boxing champion Nicola Adams will dance in the upcoming series starting next month, which she said would be "nice for the LGBT community". 
 
"I think it's really important," she told the broadcaster. "It's definitely time for change. 
 
"It's definitely time to move on and be more diverse, and this is a brilliant step in the right direction." 
 
It has not yet been revealed who will be her dance partner. 
 
'Strictly', as it is widely known, is one of the BBC's most popular franchises, and has been exported to more than 40 countries including the United States, Pakistan and Japan. 
 
The top-rated show, which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, airs on Saturday and Sundays and attracted more than 11 million viewers for last year's final. 
 
It has previously featured two men dancing together but only in a one-off routine. The two professionals were coupled for a segment which attracted almost 200 complaints, said the BBC. 
 
Other countries, such as Austria and Denmark, have already featured same-sex couples on their versions of the show. 
Former celebrity contestants backed the move but the decision to pair Adams with a woman could pitch the British broadcaster into another controversy. 
 
Under attack over its funding arrangements, the BBC has been in the firing line of Conservative MPs in recent months. 
On Wednesday the BBC reversed a decision to make changes to the classical music festival the Last Night of the Proms, which had seen it accused of being too "politically correct". 
 
Earlier this week, media reports suggested the incoming BBC director-general, Tim Davie, was planning to axe some of its comedy shows because they were "left-leaning" and biased against issues such as Brexit.

One of the most popular programmes on British television, 'Strictly Come Dancing', is to feature the first same-sex pairing in its 16-year-history, the BBC said Wednesday.

One of the most popular programmes on British television, 'Strictly Come Dancing', is to feature the first same-sex pairing in its 16-year-history, the BBC said Wednesday. Double Olympic British boxing champion Nicola Adams will dance in the upcoming series starting next month, which she said would be "nice for the LGBT community". "I think it's really important," she told the broadcaster. "It's definitely time for change. "It's definitely time to move on and be more diverse, and this is a brilliant step in the right direction." It has not yet been revealed who will be her dance partner. 'Strictly', as it is widely known, is one of the BBC's most popular franchises, and has been exported to more than 40 countries including the United States, Pakistan and Japan. The top-rated show, which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, airs on Saturday and Sundays and attracted more than 11 million viewers for last year's final. It has previously featured two men dancing together but only in a one-off routine. The two professionals were coupled for a segment which attracted almost 200 complaints, said the BBC. Other countries, such as Austria and Denmark, have already featured same-sex couples on their versions of the show. Former celebrity contestants backed the move but the decision to pair Adams with a woman could pitch the British broadcaster into another controversy. Under attack over its funding arrangements, the BBC has been in the firing line of Conservative MPs in recent months. On Wednesday the BBC reversed a decision to make changes to the classical music festival the Last Night of the Proms, which had seen it accused of being too "politically correct". Earlier this week, media reports suggested the incoming BBC director-general, Tim Davie, was planning to axe some of its comedy shows because they were "left-leaning" and biased against issues such as Brexit.

UK's 'Strictly Come Dancing' to feature first same-sex dance partners

American e-commerce giant Amazon on Thursday said that they will create 7,000 permanent jobs in the United Kingdom by the end of the year as a boost for the virus-hit economy.

American e-commerce giant Amazon on Thursday said that they will create 7,000 permanent jobs in the United Kingdom by the end of the year as a boost for the virus-hit economy. "The company will add a further 7,000 new permanent roles by the end of 2020 across more than 50 sites, including corporate offices and two new fulfilment centres," Amazon said in a statement, adding that its total permanent UK workforce will number more than 40,000. Several British retailers have axed thousands of jobs following the country's lockdown, others are creating vast amounts of new positions to cope with a surge in online shopping. Amazon has already created 3,000 new permanent jobs in the island country this year. The company offer more than 20,000 seasonal positions across the country ahead of the festive period. UK's Business Secretary Alok Sharma praised Amazon for the announcement as country's unemployment is set to surge after the government next month ends its Covid-19 furlough scheme that is paying wages for millions of private-sector workers. "While this has been a challenging time for many businesses, it is hugely encouraging to see Amazon creating 10,000 jobs in the UK this year. "This is not only great news for those looking for a new job, but also a clear vote of confidence in the UK economy as we build back better from the pandemic," Sharma added. (Inputs from AFP)

E-commerce giant Amazon will create 7,000 jobs in the United Kingdom

Britain on Thursday said it was expanding trials of a new rapid test to detect coronavirus cases, and flagged potential travel restrictions on the popular holiday destination of Portugal.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the government's testing approach for Covid-19, after the BBC reported that some people were being directed to centres more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) from their homes.

"Of course there are operational challenges from time to time but it (the system) works well," he told Sky News television.&nbsp;

"Being able to expand mass testing with these new technologies is a huge positive step forward in our battle against the virus," he added, announcing new funding of £500 million ($665 million, 560 million euros).

The package will go to enlarging existing trials of a 20-minute saliva test around the southern port of Southampton, and new trials in Salford, near Manchester in northern England.

The government, anxious about the mounting economic toll of the outbreak and nearly three months of lockdown, has been urging Britons to return to work and school this week.&nbsp;

But its testing approach, and a programme to track and trace new Covid-19 cases via mobile app, have hit repeated snags.

Local flare-ups required new lockdowns this week in parts of northern England and in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Travel sites meanwhile reported a rush on flights back to Britain from Portugal following a surge in infection rates in the southern European country.

Hancock appeared to indicate that Portugal would soon be added to a list of Covid-19 hotspots such as France and Spain, from where all travellers returning to England must self-isolate for 14 days.

An announcement will come on Friday, he said, after Portugal's weekly rate of infection climbed over a British government threshold.

"Everybody has seen that we are prepared to take decisions to put individual countries back on the quarantine list if that's what is necessary," Hancock said.

"So people should look at the data but also should only travel if they are prepared to quarantine, if the virus goes up when they are in that country."&nbsp;

The devolved government in Scotland meanwhile said travellers from Greece would have to quarantine from Thursday but the country remained on England's separate safe list for now.

Britain on Thursday said it was expanding trials of a new rapid test to detect coronavirus cases, and flagged potential travel restrictions on the popular holiday destination of Portugal.

Britain on Thursday said it was expanding trials of a new rapid test to detect coronavirus cases, and flagged potential travel restrictions on the popular holiday destination of Portugal. Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the government's testing approach for Covid-19, after the BBC reported that some people were being directed to centres more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) from their homes. "Of course there are operational challenges from time to time but it (the system) works well," he told Sky News television. "Being able to expand mass testing with these new technologies is a huge positive step forward in our battle against the virus," he added, announcing new funding of £500 million ($665 million, 560 million euros). The package will go to enlarging existing trials of a 20-minute saliva test around the southern port of Southampton, and new trials in Salford, near Manchester in northern England. The government, anxious about the mounting economic toll of the outbreak and nearly three months of lockdown, has been urging Britons to return to work and school this week. But its testing approach, and a programme to track and trace new Covid-19 cases via mobile app, have hit repeated snags. Local flare-ups required new lockdowns this week in parts of northern England and in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Travel sites meanwhile reported a rush on flights back to Britain from Portugal following a surge in infection rates in the southern European country. Hancock appeared to indicate that Portugal would soon be added to a list of Covid-19 hotspots such as France and Spain, from where all travellers returning to England must self-isolate for 14 days. An announcement will come on Friday, he said, after Portugal's weekly rate of infection climbed over a British government threshold. "Everybody has seen that we are prepared to take decisions to put individual countries back on the quarantine list if that's what is necessary," Hancock said. "So people should look at the data but also should only travel if they are prepared to quarantine, if the virus goes up when they are in that country." The devolved government in Scotland meanwhile said travellers from Greece would have to quarantine from Thursday but the country remained on England's separate safe list for now.

UK ramps up virus tests, mulls Portugal arrivals quarantine

Now the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the schools and universities are functioning across the world. Most of the courses offered online, exams are being waved off within the exception of few schools are brought back to their old ways of teaching, but is it safe schools to reopen completely?

World Pandemic: New study on schools in the UK

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to go back to work if they can. UK government said that it is now safe to return to work. Govt. asked people to help the economy recovery.

UK: Johnson urges people to return to work to help the economy recover

The ex-husband and son of a 54-year-old Indian-origin woman, who was found dead at her home in Warwickshire in the West Midlands region of England, have been charged with her murder.

Jasbinder Gahir, 57, and Rohan Gahir, 23, were charged with the murder of Balvinder Gahir on Thursday and remanded in custody until their next appearance at Leamington Crown Court on September 1.

Warwickshire Police said emergency services were called to a home at Lillington in the town of Leamington Spa on Monday where the woman was found with serious head injuries and died at the scene.

A tribute statement, released by police on behalf of Balvinder's family along with a request for further privacy at this "difficult time", describes her as an "angel" who will never be forgotten.

The statement read: "She was the light of our life, with a golden kind heart, filled with so much love and happiness, her smile would light up the room with a thousand words, a beauty beyond beauty.

"Words cannot express how much we love you and will miss you. You lived life like there was no tomorrow, you saw many sorrows, yet always stayed positive and smiled and lived for today. You gave us hope and love.

"Our sweetest darling daughter, sister and mum, we hope you can rest in peace now. You will always be in our hearts our darling angel and never forgotten. Until we meet again."

The ex-husband and son of a 54-year-old Indian-origin woman, who was found dead at her home in Warwickshire in the West Midlands region of England, have been charged with her murder.

The ex-husband and son of a 54-year-old Indian-origin woman, who was found dead at her home in Warwickshire in the West Midlands region of England, have been charged with her murder. Jasbinder Gahir, 57, and Rohan Gahir, 23, were charged with the murder of Balvinder Gahir on Thursday and remanded in custody until their next appearance at Leamington Crown Court on September 1. Warwickshire Police said emergency services were called to a home at Lillington in the town of Leamington Spa on Monday where the woman was found with serious head injuries and died at the scene. A tribute statement, released by police on behalf of Balvinder's family along with a request for further privacy at this "difficult time", describes her as an "angel" who will never be forgotten. The statement read: "She was the light of our life, with a golden kind heart, filled with so much love and happiness, her smile would light up the room with a thousand words, a beauty beyond beauty. "Words cannot express how much we love you and will miss you. You lived life like there was no tomorrow, you saw many sorrows, yet always stayed positive and smiled and lived for today. You gave us hope and love. "Our sweetest darling daughter, sister and mum, we hope you can rest in peace now. You will always be in our hearts our darling angel and never forgotten. Until we meet again."

Ex-husband, son charged with murder of Indian-origin woman in UK

Finance minister Rishi Sunak has rejected calls to extend his huge Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme beyond Oct. 31.

UK services firms report heavy job cuts

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent.

US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism."

Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups."

UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs &amp; other ethnic minorities."

"Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting.

Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations."

Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent. US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism." Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups." UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs & other ethnic minorities." "Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting. Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations." Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

Uighur situation: US, UK and Germany corner China at UNSC

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India.

"In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-block-new-facebook-group-critical-of-thai-monarchy-gains-500000-members-323118">Also read:&nbsp;After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members</a>

"We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models."

Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown.

"Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said.

News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers.

"Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network. A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India. "In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post. Also read: After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members "We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models." Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown. "Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said. News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers. "Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook News feature to expand in India, Brazil, UK and other countries

Researchers in the UK have set a new world record in data transmission rates passing 178 terabits per second (Tbps) setting the fastest Internet speed ever!

Imagine downloading Netflix library in less than one second | Fastest internet speed recorded in UK

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google

UK denies plans to drop 'Facebook tax'

They are some of hundreds of people who have attempted the crossing in recent days

Thousands of migrants risking their lives to reach UK

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US&nbsp;companies.

The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances.

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That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. 
France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes.

No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry.

The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak plans to drop a tax on technology companies such as Facebook and Google because it does not raise much money and could hurt a push for a US trade deal, the Mail on Sunday newspaper said. Britain introduced the digital services tax in April after slow progress in global negotiations over how to tax tech giants, many of which are US companies. The tax is expected to raise about 500 million pounds ($654 million) a year for Britain's public finances. × That represents only a fraction of the 200 billion pounds in extra debt the country has racked up since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax is also a potential impediment to a post-Brexit bilateral trade deal between Britain and the United States. France and other countries have adopted or are considering similar taxes. No one was immediately available for comment at Britain's finance ministry. The Mail on Sunday quoted a finance ministry representative as saying: "We've been clear it's a temporary tax that will be removed once an appropriate global solution is in place, and we continue to work with our international partners to reach that goal."

UK plans to drop 'Facebook tax': local media

A pair of gold-plated glasses worn by Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi has sold in Britain for £260,000 (about 288,000 euros, $340,000), the auction house said.

"We found them just four weeks ago in our letterbox, left there by a gentleman whose uncle had been given them by Gandhi himself," East Bristol Auctions wrote on Instagram after the sale late Friday.

"An incredible result for an incredible item! Thanks to all those who bid."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahatma-gandhis-glasses-left-in-bristol-auctioneers-letterbox-to-be-e-auctioned-at-record-price-319425">Also read:&nbsp;Mahatma Gandhi's glasses left in Bristol auctioneer's letterbox, to be e-auctioned at record price</a>

Gandhi was known for giving out old or unwanted pairs to those in need or those who had helped him.&nbsp;

The non-violent protestor gave the glasses to the vendor's uncle while he was working for British Petroleum in South Africa during the 1920s or 30s, said the auction house.

The sale price smashed the original estimate of around £15,000.

Auctioneer Andrew Stowe told Sky News earlier this month that the vendor had told him: "If they're no good, just throw them away."

When he suggested they might be worth £15,000, "I think he nearly fell off his chair."

A pair of gold-plated glasses worn by Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi has sold in Britain for £260,000 (about 288,000 euros, $340,000), the auction house said.

A pair of gold-plated glasses worn by Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi has sold in Britain for £260,000 (about 288,000 euros, $340,000), the auction house said. "We found them just four weeks ago in our letterbox, left there by a gentleman whose uncle had been given them by Gandhi himself," East Bristol Auctions wrote on Instagram after the sale late Friday. "An incredible result for an incredible item! Thanks to all those who bid." Also read: Mahatma Gandhi's glasses left in Bristol auctioneer's letterbox, to be e-auctioned at record price Gandhi was known for giving out old or unwanted pairs to those in need or those who had helped him. The non-violent protestor gave the glasses to the vendor's uncle while he was working for British Petroleum in South Africa during the 1920s or 30s, said the auction house. The sale price smashed the original estimate of around £15,000. Auctioneer Andrew Stowe told Sky News earlier this month that the vendor had told him: "If they're no good, just throw them away." When he suggested they might be worth £15,000, "I think he nearly fell off his chair."

Gandhi's iconic glasses sell for $340,000 in UK

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United Kingdom's economy is in deep recession. United Kingdom's debt has risen to over 100% of GDP.

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The brother of a suicide bomber who killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in 2017 on Wednesday refused to attend his sentencing hearing for murder.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-causes-motorway-accidents-in-berlin-in-islamist-act-prosecutors-321651" hreflang="en">Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors</a>

A jury found Hashem Abedi, now 23, guilty of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder and conspiring to cause explosions at the gig in northwest England after a trial that ended in March.

The attack, carried out by Salman Abedi, 22, inspired by the Islamic State group, was one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out in Britain, and left more than 200 people injured.

The defendant had sacked his legal team and refused to leave prison to attend the trial at the Central Criminal Court in London.

Judge Jeremy Baker said although he had been brought to court as required for the two-day sentencing hearing, he had refused to come to the courtroom and still had no legal representation.

"He has had every opportunity and has been encouraged to have legal representation. But he has made it clear and I am satisfied that he does not wish to be present at this hearing," he said.

Family members of some of the victims and survivors were in court for the sentencing, which will determine how long Manchester-born Abedi spends in prison.

Others were following proceedings via videolink in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow.

Judge Baker said he cannot be given a whole-life term -- ensuring he would never be released -- because he was aged under 21 at the time of the offences.

Hashem Abedi was in Libya when the attack took place at the Manchester Arena on the evening of May 22, 2017, but his trial heard he had helped his brother plan it for several months.

He obtained chemicals for the homemade bomb, found an address to make and store it, and bought a car to transport the materials.

Detectives who investigated the blast said both brothers were equally responsible and called them "proper jihadis".

The brother of a suicide bomber who killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in 2017 on Wednesday refused to attend his sentencing hearing for murder.

The brother of a suicide bomber who killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in 2017 on Wednesday refused to attend his sentencing hearing for murder. Also read: Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors A jury found Hashem Abedi, now 23, guilty of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder and conspiring to cause explosions at the gig in northwest England after a trial that ended in March. The attack, carried out by Salman Abedi, 22, inspired by the Islamic State group, was one of the deadliest terror attacks ever carried out in Britain, and left more than 200 people injured. The defendant had sacked his legal team and refused to leave prison to attend the trial at the Central Criminal Court in London. Judge Jeremy Baker said although he had been brought to court as required for the two-day sentencing hearing, he had refused to come to the courtroom and still had no legal representation. "He has had every opportunity and has been encouraged to have legal representation. But he has made it clear and I am satisfied that he does not wish to be present at this hearing," he said. Family members of some of the victims and survivors were in court for the sentencing, which will determine how long Manchester-born Abedi spends in prison. Others were following proceedings via videolink in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow. Judge Baker said he cannot be given a whole-life term -- ensuring he would never be released -- because he was aged under 21 at the time of the offences. Hashem Abedi was in Libya when the attack took place at the Manchester Arena on the evening of May 22, 2017, but his trial heard he had helped his brother plan it for several months. He obtained chemicals for the homemade bomb, found an address to make and store it, and bought a car to transport the materials. Detectives who investigated the blast said both brothers were equally responsible and called them "proper jihadis".

Manchester bomber's brother snubs sentencing hearing

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