United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China.

Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cluster-in-chinas-xinjiang-could-spread-in-uighur-concentration-camps-314114">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps</a>

"It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview.

However, Beijing's ambassador Britain&nbsp;Liu Xiaoming rubbished&nbsp;the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China.

He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights. Also read: Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps "It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview. However, Beijing's ambassador Britain Liu Xiaoming rubbished the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China. He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence.

In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Also read:&nbsp;Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless".

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart.

"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read:&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic".

In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain".

Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018.

The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement.

Completely unacceptable 
Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday.

But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-depends-on-india-to-mass-produce-covid-19-vaccine-314209">Also watch:&nbsp;World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine</a>

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware.

APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added.

Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable".

"While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added.

Election meddling 
Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party.

The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump.

Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim.&nbsp;

Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory".

Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement.

But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online.

Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump.

It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee.

This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research. The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence. In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States. Also read: Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote. Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless". The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart. "Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic". In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain". Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018. The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement. Completely unacceptable Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday. But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property". Also watch: World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware. APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added. Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable". "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added. Election meddling Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States. An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party. The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump. Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim. Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory". Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement. But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online. Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump. It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee. This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to pour 3 billion pounds ($3.8 billion) into England's National Health Service (NHS) to try to ward off any resurgence of the coronavirus, as he sets out the next stage of his recovery plan for Britain.

UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS

The United Kingdom has now accused Russia of trying to steal its vaccine research. The world superpowers are racing for a viable vaccine for profits and pride. Watch report.

UK claims 'Russian's hacking our research' of COVID-19 vaccine |

Shamima Begum a 20-year-old woman who left London to join the Islamic State group in Syria in 2015 now has a chance to fight for her UK citizenship. Watch report.

Will ISIS bride return to UK? Shamima Begum wins right to return to UK

The United Kingdom has officially made the usage of face masks compulsory across shops and supermarkets in England.

Starting next week, face coverings will be mandatory in all shops, citing risks of a second-wave.

Face masks were made mandatory on public transport on June 15. On Tuesday, this will be formally extended to shops and supermarkets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/worst-case-uk-winter-could-see-120000-covid-deaths-in-second-wave-313135" hreflang="en">'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave</a>

"The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24," PM Boris Johnson said in a statement.

“There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus," the statement added.

If shopkeepers or shoppers are seen without a mask, they could face a fine of over $123 (100 British Pounds). The police will oversee the enforcement of this rule.

Second-wave fears?

If a second-wave were to infect people across the country, over 120,000 could die over nine months. A health expert called this the worst-case scenario.

Britain faces a harsh winter, with people usually staying inside and spending more time in closed spaces, which could set the ground for the virus to resurface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/cyber-911-uk-ministers-warn-of-china-launching-online-attack-against-britain-312998" hreflang="en">'Cyber-9/11': UK ministers warn of China launching online attack against Britain</a>

Stephen Holgate, the author of a report by Britain’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), claimed that the second-wave “could be more serious than the one we’ve just been through”.

"This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility," Holgate said in an online briefing.

"Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately”, Holgate added.

The country has seen 45,000 deaths so far.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The United Kingdom has officially made the usage of face masks compulsory across shops and supermarkets in England. Starting next week, face coverings will be mandatory in all shops, citing risks of a second-wave.

The United Kingdom has officially made the usage of face masks compulsory across shops and supermarkets in England. Starting next week, face coverings will be mandatory in all shops, citing risks of a second-wave. Face masks were made mandatory on public transport on June 15. On Tuesday, this will be formally extended to shops and supermarkets. Also read: 'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave "The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24," PM Boris Johnson said in a statement. “There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus," the statement added. If shopkeepers or shoppers are seen without a mask, they could face a fine of over $123 (100 British Pounds). The police will oversee the enforcement of this rule. Second-wave fears? If a second-wave were to infect people across the country, over 120,000 could die over nine months. A health expert called this the worst-case scenario. Britain faces a harsh winter, with people usually staying inside and spending more time in closed spaces, which could set the ground for the virus to resurface. Also read: 'Cyber-9/11': UK ministers warn of China launching online attack against Britain Stephen Holgate, the author of a report by Britain’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), claimed that the second-wave “could be more serious than the one we’ve just been through”. "This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility," Holgate said in an online briefing. "Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately”, Holgate added. The country has seen 45,000 deaths so far. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Face coverings made mandatory in shops across England as risks of a second-wave intensify

HUAWEI will be completely removed from the UK’s 5G networks by the end of 2027, the government has announced on Tuesday

'Huawei to be removed from UK 5G networks by 2027', says UK Govt

Huawei's UK chairman John Browne resigned today as Britain approved the removal of Chinese telecom giant Huawei from its 5G network.

United Kingdom lays out plan to remove Huawei | UK Cultural Minister

Britain is home to at least 100,000 modern slaves according to a new study, 10 times more than the official estimate, as activists warned 90% of victims may be going undetected.

Anti-slavery charity Justice and Care and think tank The Centre for Social Justice said the real number could be even higher, and warned that the coronavirus pandemic was likely to push more people into forced labour at car washes and brothels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clothing-factory-in-uk-faces-modern-slavery-probe-310872#:~:text=A%20clothing%20factory%20named%20Jaswal,many%20of%20them%20from%20India.">Clothing factory in UK faces modern slavery probe</a>

The study comes in the wake of media and campaigner reports that online fashion firm Boohoo's suppliers underpaid garment workers in Leicester, central England, and failed to protect them from COVID-19. Boohoo last week said it was investigating.

Justice and Care said political leadership to tackle modern slavery had waned in recent years, and that a landmark 2015 anti-slavery law may have created a "false sense of security".

"Whilst Britain has made progress fighting modern slavery, not least in the passing of the Modern Slavery Act five years ago, so much more work is needed to combat the issue," the charity's chief executive, Christian Guy, said in a statement.

The world-first law has been subjected to reviews following criticism that it is not being used fully to jail traffickers, drive companies to tackle forced labour, or help enough victims.

"Ninety per cent of victims may be going undetected and thousands of traffickers are running riot," Guy added.

A record 10,627 suspected victims were identified last year in Britain - up 52% from 2018. Most were victims of labour abuse and many came from nations such as Albania, Nigeria and Vietnam.

Government 'just getting started'

Britain's home secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said her department would look closely at the report's findings.

"While the Modern Slavery Act was ground-breaking in tackling this heinous crime, we are just getting started in the fight to rid this evil from the United Kingdom," Patel said.

Government research in 2018 said the crime sets Britain back by up to 4.3 billion pounds ($5.6 billion) annually, based on an earlier estimate of 10,000 - 13,000 slaves living in the nation.

The charity and the think tank said the government needed to update its estimate, and the cost of the crime to the taxpayer.

The study arrived at its 100,000 estimate by taking police statistics from one area of Britain - the West Midlands - that predicted the number of victims locally using a new artificial intelligence model, and extrapolating that data nationwide.

Academics at Nottingham University's Rights Lab, the world's first large-scale research platform on slavery, said the study offered a "very exciting and new way" to measure the problem.

"It is very difficult to estimate the size of a hidden population and this report potentially provides a new part of the anti-slavery measurement toolkit," Zoe Trodd, director of the Rights Lab, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by email.

The 2018 Global Slavery Index by the Walk Free Foundation put the number of slaves in Britain at 136,000, and 40.3 million globally. But the methodology has been widely questioned and criticised by several activists and academics in the field.

Britain is home to at least 100,000 modern slaves according to a new study, 10 times more than the official estimate, as activists warned 90% of victims may be going undetected.

Britain is home to at least 100,000 modern slaves according to a new study, 10 times more than the official estimate, as activists warned 90% of victims may be going undetected. Anti-slavery charity Justice and Care and think tank The Centre for Social Justice said the real number could be even higher, and warned that the coronavirus pandemic was likely to push more people into forced labour at car washes and brothels. Also read | Clothing factory in UK faces modern slavery probe The study comes in the wake of media and campaigner reports that online fashion firm Boohoo's suppliers underpaid garment workers in Leicester, central England, and failed to protect them from COVID-19. Boohoo last week said it was investigating. Justice and Care said political leadership to tackle modern slavery had waned in recent years, and that a landmark 2015 anti-slavery law may have created a "false sense of security". "Whilst Britain has made progress fighting modern slavery, not least in the passing of the Modern Slavery Act five years ago, so much more work is needed to combat the issue," the charity's chief executive, Christian Guy, said in a statement. The world-first law has been subjected to reviews following criticism that it is not being used fully to jail traffickers, drive companies to tackle forced labour, or help enough victims. "Ninety per cent of victims may be going undetected and thousands of traffickers are running riot," Guy added. A record 10,627 suspected victims were identified last year in Britain - up 52% from 2018. Most were victims of labour abuse and many came from nations such as Albania, Nigeria and Vietnam. Government 'just getting started' Britain's home secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said her department would look closely at the report's findings. "While the Modern Slavery Act was ground-breaking in tackling this heinous crime, we are just getting started in the fight to rid this evil from the United Kingdom," Patel said. Government research in 2018 said the crime sets Britain back by up to 4.3 billion pounds ($5.6 billion) annually, based on an earlier estimate of 10,000 - 13,000 slaves living in the nation. The charity and the think tank said the government needed to update its estimate, and the cost of the crime to the taxpayer. The study arrived at its 100,000 estimate by taking police statistics from one area of Britain - the West Midlands - that predicted the number of victims locally using a new artificial intelligence model, and extrapolating that data nationwide. Academics at Nottingham University's Rights Lab, the world's first large-scale research platform on slavery, said the study offered a "very exciting and new way" to measure the problem. "It is very difficult to estimate the size of a hidden population and this report potentially provides a new part of the anti-slavery measurement toolkit," Zoe Trodd, director of the Rights Lab, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by email. The 2018 Global Slavery Index by the Walk Free Foundation put the number of slaves in Britain at 136,000, and 40.3 million globally. But the methodology has been widely questioned and criticised by several activists and academics in the field.

UK has 100,000 modern slaves but most go undetected, study says

Britain is urging businesses and individuals to prepare for the Dec. 31 end of the Brexit transition period with an information campaign titled: "The UK's new start: let's get going."

Britain left the European Union on Jan&nbsp;31, three and a half years after a referendum, but a transition period has delayed any major change in the relationship.

The two sides have been working to agree a trade deal ahead of that period expiring at the end of the year.

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said on Sunday progress was being made in talks but there were still divisions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/huawei-to-request-uk-to-delay-5g-network-removal-312661" hreflang="en">Huawei to request UK to delay 5G network removal</a>

"At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and Customs Union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU," he said. "This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare."

The information campaign will launch on Monday, the government said, with ads appearing on TV, radio, billboards and online.&nbsp;

A survey from lobby group the Institute of Directors (IoD) said only a quarter of companies were fully ready for the end of the transition period.

Nearly half of 978 company directors polled in late June said they were not able to prepare right now, with one in seven distracted by the coronavirus and almost a third saying they needed details of changes to be clear, the IoD said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/freeports-tax-cuts-uks-road-to-becoming-fully-independent-from-eu-312647" hreflang="en">'Freeports,' tax cuts: UK's road to becoming fully independent from EU</a>

"With so much going on, many directors feel that preparing for Brexit proper is like trying to hit a moving target," said IoD Director General Jonathan Geldart. "Jumping immediately into whatever comes next would be a nightmare for many businesses."

The campaign targets Britons intending to travel to the EU from Jan. 1, importers and exporters, UK nationals abroad, and EU, European Economic Area and Swiss nationals living in Britain.

Britain is urging businesses and individuals to prepare for the Dec. 31 end of the Brexit transition period with an information campaign titled: "The UK's new start: let's get going.

Britain is urging businesses and individuals to prepare for the Dec. 31 end of the Brexit transition period with an information campaign titled: "The UK's new start: let's get going." Britain left the European Union on Jan 31, three and a half years after a referendum, but a transition period has delayed any major change in the relationship. The two sides have been working to agree a trade deal ahead of that period expiring at the end of the year. Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said on Sunday progress was being made in talks but there were still divisions. Also read: Huawei to request UK to delay 5G network removal "At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and Customs Union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU," he said. "This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare." The information campaign will launch on Monday, the government said, with ads appearing on TV, radio, billboards and online. A survey from lobby group the Institute of Directors (IoD) said only a quarter of companies were fully ready for the end of the transition period. Nearly half of 978 company directors polled in late June said they were not able to prepare right now, with one in seven distracted by the coronavirus and almost a third saying they needed details of changes to be clear, the IoD said. Also read: 'Freeports,' tax cuts: UK's road to becoming fully independent from EU "With so much going on, many directors feel that preparing for Brexit proper is like trying to hit a moving target," said IoD Director General Jonathan Geldart. "Jumping immediately into whatever comes next would be a nightmare for many businesses." The campaign targets Britons intending to travel to the EU from Jan. 1, importers and exporters, UK nationals abroad, and EU, European Economic Area and Swiss nationals living in Britain.

'Let's get going': UK tells businesses to prepare for Brexit crunch

People who have recovered from Covid-19 may lose their immunity to the disease within months

How long can a person stay immune from COVID-19?

The Government has outlined the measures that will allow outdoor pools to reopen from 11 July and indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities to reopen from 25 July

Swimming Pools, gyms and theatres reopen in UK

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December.

The Sunday Telegraph said the changes will be introduced within a year.

Sunak will open the bidding for towns, cities and regions to become freeports, which would place them outside UK customs territory, in his autumn budget later this year.

The reforms include research and development tax credits, generous capital allowances, cuts to stamp duty house-purchase tax and business rates, and local relaxations of planning laws.

The successful bidders designated as freeports will ultimately be legally outside UK customs territory, with goods imported, manufactured or re-exported without incurring national tariffs or import VAT until they enter the rest of the economy.

The paper said the government believes the policy can transform ports into international hubs for manufacturing and innovation, with the economic and regulatory incentives designed to encourage firms to establish new factories and processing sites in the areas.

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December.

Britain's finance minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to introduce sweeping tax cuts and an overhaul of planning laws in up to 10 new “freeports” on the road of the UK becoming fully independent from the European Union in December. The Sunday Telegraph said the changes will be introduced within a year. Sunak will open the bidding for towns, cities and regions to become freeports, which would place them outside UK customs territory, in his autumn budget later this year. The reforms include research and development tax credits, generous capital allowances, cuts to stamp duty house-purchase tax and business rates, and local relaxations of planning laws. The successful bidders designated as freeports will ultimately be legally outside UK customs territory, with goods imported, manufactured or re-exported without incurring national tariffs or import VAT until they enter the rest of the economy. The paper said the government believes the policy can transform ports into international hubs for manufacturing and innovation, with the economic and regulatory incentives designed to encourage firms to establish new factories and processing sites in the areas.

'Freeports,' tax cuts: UK's road to becoming fully independent from EU

China`s Huawei Technologies has requested a meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to work out a deal to delay its potential removal from the country`s 5G phone network, the Sunday Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

The Chinese telecoms equipment maker is seeking to delay its removal from the from the country`s 5G telecoms networks until after elections in June 2025, in the expectation that the new government may reverse the decision, the newspaper reported.

Huawei will in return pledge to maintain its equipment in the UK, which is also used in the 2G, 3G and 4G networks, the report added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/huawei-believes-it-can-supply-5g-kit-to-uk-despite-us-sanctions-312531">Also read:&nbsp;Huawei believes it can supply 5G kit to UK despite US sanctions</a>

Britain granted Huawei a limited role in its future 5G networks in January, but ministers have since said the introduction of U.S. sanctions on the company means it may no longer be a reliable supplier.

Johnson has faced intense pressure from the United States and some British lawmakers to ban the telecommunications equipment maker on security grounds.

China`s ambassador to London, Liu Xiaoming, warned last week that getting rid of Huawei would send a "very bad message" to Chinese business.

A government update on the Chinese company is expected to be published before July 22, according to a government minister and official.

China`s Huawei Technologies has requested a meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to work out a deal to delay its potential removal from the country`s 5G phone network, the Sunday Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

China`s Huawei Technologies has requested a meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to work out a deal to delay its potential removal from the country`s 5G phone network, the Sunday Times newspaper reported on Sunday. The Chinese telecoms equipment maker is seeking to delay its removal from the from the country`s 5G telecoms networks until after elections in June 2025, in the expectation that the new government may reverse the decision, the newspaper reported. Huawei will in return pledge to maintain its equipment in the UK, which is also used in the 2G, 3G and 4G networks, the report added. Also read: Huawei believes it can supply 5G kit to UK despite US sanctions Britain granted Huawei a limited role in its future 5G networks in January, but ministers have since said the introduction of U.S. sanctions on the company means it may no longer be a reliable supplier. Johnson has faced intense pressure from the United States and some British lawmakers to ban the telecommunications equipment maker on security grounds. China`s ambassador to London, Liu Xiaoming, warned last week that getting rid of Huawei would send a "very bad message" to Chinese business. A government update on the Chinese company is expected to be published before July 22, according to a government minister and official.

Huawei to request UK to delay 5G network removal

The much heralded first unilateral human rights sanctions by Britain focused on Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and North Korea but where is China? Watch this report.

London has imposed sanctions on 49 individuals, organisations but no mention of China?

After months&nbsp;of&nbsp;lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy.

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is urging people to 'eat out to help out'. He feels this will help the economy by generating revenue and more jobs.

To encourage people to dine out, the British government has announced a new dining discount plan that will give people a 50 per cent discount at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs between Monday and Wednesday up to a maximum £10 per person in the month of August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-lodges-more-cases-of-child-sexual-abuse-during-lockdown-311679">Also read:&nbsp;United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown</a>

In addition to this, Sunak has assured people that he will do everything he can to bring the economy out of the downward spiral by October.&nbsp;

The UK has not seen a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, when compared to other countries. The main reason behind this has been the British government's 'Job Retention Scheme', whereby the government has been paying the majority of the salaries of workers who were not fired.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-car-sales-post-smaller-slump-in-june-311280">Also watch:&nbsp;UK car sales post smaller slump in June</a>

As per the reports, nearly 1.1 million employers have taken advantage of the program, which has costed the government nearly £27.4 billion ($35 billion).

Now the British government will be&nbsp;introducing a new program under which the government will pay the companies&nbsp;£1,000 bonus for hiring back each employee who was furloughed. This can cost the government an additional&nbsp;£9.4 billion.

The government is hoping to protect as well as generate as many jobs as possible&nbsp;during the recession. "People need to know that although hardship lies ahead, no-one will be left without hope," he told the lawmakers.

"Leaving the furlough scheme open forever gives people false hope that it will always be possible to return to the jobs they had before," he said. "The longer people are on furlough, the more likely it is their skills could fade, and they will find it harder to get new opportunities."&nbsp;

Sunak is hoping these programs and discounts will help the UK economy out of recession, after it shrank 25 per cent. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, to levels last seen in the 1980s.

(With inputs from agencies)

After months of lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy.

After months of lockdown, the UK economy has reopened and the locals are hoping that the British government will be able to bring the country out of the stagnancy and the downward spiral of the economy. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is urging people to 'eat out to help out'. He feels this will help the economy by generating revenue and more jobs. To encourage people to dine out, the British government has announced a new dining discount plan that will give people a 50 per cent discount at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs between Monday and Wednesday up to a maximum £10 per person in the month of August. Also read: United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown In addition to this, Sunak has assured people that he will do everything he can to bring the economy out of the downward spiral by October. The UK has not seen a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, when compared to other countries. The main reason behind this has been the British government's 'Job Retention Scheme', whereby the government has been paying the majority of the salaries of workers who were not fired. Also watch: UK car sales post smaller slump in June As per the reports, nearly 1.1 million employers have taken advantage of the program, which has costed the government nearly £27.4 billion ($35 billion). Now the British government will be introducing a new program under which the government will pay the companies £1,000 bonus for hiring back each employee who was furloughed. This can cost the government an additional £9.4 billion. The government is hoping to protect as well as generate as many jobs as possible during the recession. "People need to know that although hardship lies ahead, no-one will be left without hope," he told the lawmakers. "Leaving the furlough scheme open forever gives people false hope that it will always be possible to return to the jobs they had before," he said. "The longer people are on furlough, the more likely it is their skills could fade, and they will find it harder to get new opportunities." Sunak is hoping these programs and discounts will help the UK economy out of recession, after it shrank 25 per cent. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, to levels last seen in the 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Take-away and 'job retention scheme' to save the UK economy

The United Kingdom will resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia, despite fears that the weapons could be used against civilians in Yemen. This comes on the heels of London selectively slapping sanctions on individuals from Saudi Arabia. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: United Kingdom's sanction hypocrisy

Universities in United Kingdom are testing a new link to teach students in China to give them a chance to complete their distance education despite the country's internet restictions.

However, students only have access to content under&nbsp;an "allowed" list while using this link.

Four Russell Group universities including King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, York and Southampton are a part of this pilot project&nbsp;run by JISC, formerly the Joint Information Systems Committee, which provides digital services for UK universities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/students-sue-top-us-universities-over-switch-to-online-courses-297080">Students sue top US universities over switch to online courses</a>

The project would allow students in China to have better access to UK courses "while complying with local regulations", according to a spokeswoman who denied this move as an acceptance to ''censorshiop''.

It comes as British universities&nbsp;were&nbsp;urged to adopt a risk management strategy for any dealings with China amid concerns that academics are self-censoring because of fears about the consequences of offending the Chinese authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-universities-cancelling-entrance-exams-for-foreign-students-298452">Chinese universities cancelling entrance exams for foreign students</a>

Some websites are blocked or filtered under China's internet censorship and there have been concerns that students in China were unable to&nbsp;study online, such as clicking on an embedded link in a scholarly article.

The technical solution creates a virtual connection between the student in China and the online network of the UK university, where the course is being taught. It has been provided free by the Chinese internet firm Alibaba Cloud.

Chinese students have become an important source of revenue for UK universities, representing almost a quarter of all overseas students.

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Universities in United Kingdom are testing a new link to teach students in China to give them a chance to complete their distance education despite the country's internet restictions.

Universities in United Kingdom are testing a new link to teach students in China to give them a chance to complete their distance education despite the country's internet restictions. However, students only have access to content under an "allowed" list while using this link. Four Russell Group universities including King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, York and Southampton are a part of this pilot project run by JISC, formerly the Joint Information Systems Committee, which provides digital services for UK universities. Also read: Students sue top US universities over switch to online courses The project would allow students in China to have better access to UK courses "while complying with local regulations", according to a spokeswoman who denied this move as an acceptance to ''censorshiop''. It comes as British universities were urged to adopt a risk management strategy for any dealings with China amid concerns that academics are self-censoring because of fears about the consequences of offending the Chinese authorities. Also read: Chinese universities cancelling entrance exams for foreign students Some websites are blocked or filtered under China's internet censorship and there have been concerns that students in China were unable to study online, such as clicking on an embedded link in a scholarly article. The technical solution creates a virtual connection between the student in China and the online network of the UK university, where the course is being taught. It has been provided free by the Chinese internet firm Alibaba Cloud. Chinese students have become an important source of revenue for UK universities, representing almost a quarter of all overseas students.

British universities complying with Chinese internet restrictions

In the aftermath of Brexit, United Kingdom is asserting its independence from the European Union by slapping sanctions.

On its hit list are 49 individuals and organisations that are accused of human rights abuses. These include 25 Russian nationals involved in the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsy. Additionally, there are 20 Saudis involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi along with two high-ranking generals implicated in the crimes against the Rohingyas in Myanmar. To top it all off are two North Korean organisations accused of forced labour.

Here on, all of them are&nbsp; barred from entering the UK,&nbsp; channeling money through the country's banks and doing business in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We don't want people responsible for these appalling crimes, with blood on their hands, coming to this country, doing their Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge or the King's road or trying to invest in British banks or British property”, UK’s foreign minister, Dominic Raab said.

Hypocrisy exposed

This all, while the country continues to ignore the mass persecution of Uighurs in China. Chinese Communist Party officials have been overlooked because of the business they bring.&nbsp;In 2018, China was the UK’s sixth largest export market, and the fourth largest source of imports. Additionally, there is a trade deficit of 22.1 billion Pounds in favour of London.

It's not just trade partners, Britain's allies like Israel and Bahrain also do not feature on the list. On the other hand, Saud al-Qahtani, the former advisor of the Saudi crown prince has been sanctioned.&nbsp;However, He is bidding to buy the British football team - New Castle United.&nbsp;Ironically, the UK is resuming arms sales to Saudi Arabia, to be used against civilians in Yemen.

Most of these sanctioned individuals are already blacklisted by the US. This means that they are already effectively banned from British banks through secondary sanction.

Can the UK handle counter-sanctions?&nbsp;Its economy has plummeted 2.2 per cent in 2020, the sharpest decline in 41 years.

In the aftermath of Brexit, United Kingdom is asserting its independence from the European Union by slapping sanctions. On its hit list are 49 individuals and organisations that are accused of human rights abuses.

In the aftermath of Brexit, United Kingdom is asserting its independence from the European Union by slapping sanctions. On its hit list are 49 individuals and organisations that are accused of human rights abuses. These include 25 Russian nationals involved in the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsy. Additionally, there are 20 Saudis involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi along with two high-ranking generals implicated in the crimes against the Rohingyas in Myanmar. To top it all off are two North Korean organisations accused of forced labour. Here on, all of them are barred from entering the UK, channeling money through the country's banks and doing business in the country. “We don't want people responsible for these appalling crimes, with blood on their hands, coming to this country, doing their Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge or the King's road or trying to invest in British banks or British property”, UK’s foreign minister, Dominic Raab said. Hypocrisy exposed This all, while the country continues to ignore the mass persecution of Uighurs in China. Chinese Communist Party officials have been overlooked because of the business they bring. In 2018, China was the UK’s sixth largest export market, and the fourth largest source of imports. Additionally, there is a trade deficit of 22.1 billion Pounds in favour of London. It's not just trade partners, Britain's allies like Israel and Bahrain also do not feature on the list. On the other hand, Saud al-Qahtani, the former advisor of the Saudi crown prince has been sanctioned. However, He is bidding to buy the British football team - New Castle United. Ironically, the UK is resuming arms sales to Saudi Arabia, to be used against civilians in Yemen. Most of these sanctioned individuals are already blacklisted by the US. This means that they are already effectively banned from British banks through secondary sanction. Can the UK handle counter-sanctions? Its economy has plummeted 2.2 per cent in 2020, the sharpest decline in 41 years.

New British sanctions on grounds of human rights abuses expose the country's hypocrisy

Owing to the changes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, not only in our lifestyle but in the restricted movement that has accompanied this change, cases of sexual abuse against may have risen in the United Kingdom.

Children are currently out of school, forced to stay at home, and for many in care homes. As a result, most of their time is spent online. However, they may be poached by predators on social media and even gaming platforms, which may have led to a spike in the unreported instances of abuse.

Dodgy data

After the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has not updated its data on sexual abuse against children. As per 2020 numbers of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), over 300,000 people in the country are susceptible to committing child abuse, taking into account both the physical and digital world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/entertainment/sexual-abuse-victims-of-harvey-weinstein-win-19-million-settlement-309840" hreflang="en">Sexual abuse victims of Harvey Weinstein win $19 million settlement</a>

This is way more than 140,000 reported in the last year same time. The Guardian also received figures from the NCA which claimed that during 13 weeks of lockdown in the country, over 350 cases of online abuse against children. This marks a 10 per cent increase in the number of cases compared to last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/the-vatican-must-probe-cover-up-of-child-sexual-abuse-275752" hreflang="en">Sex scandal shocks Mexico: The Vatican must probe cover-up of child sexual abuse</a>

Additionally, data from the Internet Watch Foundation claims that during the lockdown in the UK, three prominent internet companies reported 8.8 millions pings of imagery related to sexual abuse of children in the UK alone! The IWF is a charity that tracks and removes online child abuse.

Homes not safe

England and Wales have 2,360 children homes, where the vulnerability is more. Many homes have reported how kids were coaxed into leaving the premises by predators online and then abducted. Most of them were reached out by social media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/95-increase-in-online-traffic-of-child-sexual-abuse-content-in-india-ncpcr-issues-notice-294837" hreflang="en">95% increase in online traffic of child sexual abuse content in India; NCPCR issues notice</a>

Perhaps nowhere are vulnerable children more likely to be found in greater numbers than in England and Wales’s 2,360 children homes.

Sajid Javid, a British politician has launched an inquiry into child sex abuse and exploitation with the UK’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). The findings are set to be published later in the year.

Many analysts also argue that increased online presence due to lockdown restrictions has caused a surge of silent cases that are not reported.

Owing to the changes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, not only in our lifestyle but in the restricted movement that has accompanied this change, cases of sexual abuse against may have risen in the United Kingdom.

Owing to the changes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, not only in our lifestyle but in the restricted movement that has accompanied this change, cases of sexual abuse against may have risen in the United Kingdom. Children are currently out of school, forced to stay at home, and for many in care homes. As a result, most of their time is spent online. However, they may be poached by predators on social media and even gaming platforms, which may have led to a spike in the unreported instances of abuse. Dodgy data After the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has not updated its data on sexual abuse against children. As per 2020 numbers of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), over 300,000 people in the country are susceptible to committing child abuse, taking into account both the physical and digital world. Also read: Sexual abuse victims of Harvey Weinstein win $19 million settlement This is way more than 140,000 reported in the last year same time. The Guardian also received figures from the NCA which claimed that during 13 weeks of lockdown in the country, over 350 cases of online abuse against children. This marks a 10 per cent increase in the number of cases compared to last year. Also read: Sex scandal shocks Mexico: The Vatican must probe cover-up of child sexual abuse Additionally, data from the Internet Watch Foundation claims that during the lockdown in the UK, three prominent internet companies reported 8.8 millions pings of imagery related to sexual abuse of children in the UK alone! The IWF is a charity that tracks and removes online child abuse. Homes not safe England and Wales have 2,360 children homes, where the vulnerability is more. Many homes have reported how kids were coaxed into leaving the premises by predators online and then abducted. Most of them were reached out by social media. Also read: 95% increase in online traffic of child sexual abuse content in India; NCPCR issues notice Perhaps nowhere are vulnerable children more likely to be found in greater numbers than in England and Wales’s 2,360 children homes. Sajid Javid, a British politician has launched an inquiry into child sex abuse and exploitation with the UK’s Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). The findings are set to be published later in the year. Many analysts also argue that increased online presence due to lockdown restrictions has caused a surge of silent cases that are not reported.

United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown

Russia has threatened to retaliate with reciprocal measures and said the sanctions were pointless.

UK imposes sanctions against human rights abusers

The nationwide clap follows the success of the weekly Clap for Carers during the coronavirus outbreak and it is hoped that the applause

PM Boris Johnson joins nationwide clap on NHS 72nd anniversary

Boris Johnson is this month expected to draw up plans to phase out Huawei from Britain’s 5G phone networks.

Huawei likely to be cut out of UK's 5G network

Britain will invest nearly $2 billion in the arts and hopes to allow outdoor and socially distanced performances at cultural venues as it tries to help a high-profile sector hit hard by the coronavirus.

UK pledges boost for the arts, eyes socially distant performances

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