As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small,&nbsp;are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

Appreciating the businesses for their cooperation, understanding and efforts during and after the lockdown, Queen Elizabeth thanked&nbsp;Britain's Queen Elizabeth thanked the businesses on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-think-uk-may-suspend-wage-pension-link-to-uplift-economy-government-denies-307081">Also read|&nbsp;Lawmakers think UK may suspend wage-pension link to uplift economy; government denies</a>

"As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world," the Queen said in a message to the British Chambers of Commerce.

"At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities."

The businesses across the globe have been suffering loss due to the lockdown. However, as the retail industry reopened in the UK, the sales did observe a significant jump which has given a hope to the economists and the business owners.

"I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead," she said.

As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small, are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small, are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. Appreciating the businesses for their cooperation, understanding and efforts during and after the lockdown, Queen Elizabeth thanked Britain's Queen Elizabeth thanked the businesses on Friday. Also read| Lawmakers think UK may suspend wage-pension link to uplift economy; government denies "As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world," the Queen said in a message to the British Chambers of Commerce. "At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities." The businesses across the globe have been suffering loss due to the lockdown. However, as the retail industry reopened in the UK, the sales did observe a significant jump which has given a hope to the economists and the business owners. "I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead," she said.

Queen Elizabeth thanks businesses worldwide for being considerate during COVID

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The NAO, Britain's spending watchdog, said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the UK with no legal right to remain and since then independent estimates indicate that figure could have nearly doubled, but there is no validated assessment available.

"The Home Office does not have an up-to-date estimate of how many people have no right to remain in the UK," notes the NAO report on 'Immigration Enforcement' released on Wednesday.

"Its last estimate was around 430,000 people in 2005. More recent estimates from other organizations suggest the population might have doubled, although the NAO has not validated these estimates," it said.

The highest estimate of the illegal population in the UK is 1.2 million, given by the Pew Research Centre last year, although the NAO stressed it had not attempted to verify that figure.

"Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [the department] developed, such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally," the NAO said.

The NAO's report into the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity, which was set between 240,000 and 320,000 cases a year.

But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling.

"Due to data quality issues, Immigration Enforcement cannot say whether the number of people 'genuinely putting a demand' on its activities is increasing or decreasing," it said.

It suggested the Home Office should look at how other parts of government come up with estimates of "hidden activity", such as serious and organized crime, which it said could help to "improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK".

The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives, the Home Office often cannot demonstrate whether its measures are working.

'The Home Office's vision for Immigration Enforcement is to 'reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes'.

It supports this vision through its operational missions of preventing illegal migration through greater compliance with laws, tackling threats associated with immigration offending and maximizing returns of the illegal population and foreign national offenders to their country of origin, the report notes.

"Despite introducing significant changes to its enforcement activity, the Home Office cannot fully demonstrate that the actions of its Immigration Enforcement directorate are helping it to achieve its objectives," it said.

In the past year to October 2019, detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900.

However, the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being made or if there was better detection.

A Home Office spokesperson said that the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) meant that it had taken back full control of the immigration system.

"As this report acknowledges, the nature of immigration crime and offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organized gangs behind it," the spokesperson said.

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found. The NAO, Britain's spending watchdog, said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the UK with no legal right to remain and since then independent estimates indicate that figure could have nearly doubled, but there is no validated assessment available. "The Home Office does not have an up-to-date estimate of how many people have no right to remain in the UK," notes the NAO report on 'Immigration Enforcement' released on Wednesday. "Its last estimate was around 430,000 people in 2005. More recent estimates from other organizations suggest the population might have doubled, although the NAO has not validated these estimates," it said. The highest estimate of the illegal population in the UK is 1.2 million, given by the Pew Research Centre last year, although the NAO stressed it had not attempted to verify that figure. "Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [the department] developed, such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally," the NAO said. The NAO's report into the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity, which was set between 240,000 and 320,000 cases a year. But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling. "Due to data quality issues, Immigration Enforcement cannot say whether the number of people 'genuinely putting a demand' on its activities is increasing or decreasing," it said. It suggested the Home Office should look at how other parts of government come up with estimates of "hidden activity", such as serious and organized crime, which it said could help to "improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK". The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives, the Home Office often cannot demonstrate whether its measures are working. 'The Home Office's vision for Immigration Enforcement is to 'reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes'. It supports this vision through its operational missions of preventing illegal migration through greater compliance with laws, tackling threats associated with immigration offending and maximizing returns of the illegal population and foreign national offenders to their country of origin, the report notes. "Despite introducing significant changes to its enforcement activity, the Home Office cannot fully demonstrate that the actions of its Immigration Enforcement directorate are helping it to achieve its objectives," it said. In the past year to October 2019, detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900. However, the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being made or if there was better detection. A Home Office spokesperson said that the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) meant that it had taken back full control of the immigration system. "As this report acknowledges, the nature of immigration crime and offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organized gangs behind it," the spokesperson said.

UK unaware of level of illegal migrants in country, audit report finds

Due to the worldwide lockdown initiated to control the spread of novel coronavirus, many Indian students who were pursuing higher education from the UK returned back home.

As they came back to their home country, the students were worried about the status of their current visa, and the post-study work visa.

Putting their concerns to end, the UK Home Office has assured the students that the Graduate Visa route, commonly referred to as a post-study work visa, will apply to the 2020-21 intake.

However, the students will have to be physically present in the UK by&nbsp;April 2021 to complete the final semester.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-changes-stand-to-now-use-google-apple-model-for-coronavirus-tracing-app-306865">Also read:&nbsp;UK changes stand, to now use Google-Apple model for coronavirus tracing app</a>

"Students will normally be expected to undertake their studies in the UK to be eligible for the Graduate route. However, if students are required to either continue their current studies or commence a new course by distance or blended learning due to COVID-19, they will still be eligible to switch into the Graduate route on a concessionary basis if they spent some time studying outside the UK,"&nbsp;notes the Home Office guidance issued this week.

The students will only be avail these benefits&nbsp;if they enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of their studies in the UK,"&nbsp;the guidance read.

The Graduate visa allows students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation to work, or look for work. The visa was earlier allotted for three months, post completing of the course. However, starting from this year, the time period was increased to two years. Some organisations are lobbying the UK government to further extend the time period to three to four years to match their competitive countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Due to the worldwide lockdown initiated to control the spread of novel coronavirus, many Indian students who were pursuing higher education from the UK returned back home.

Due to the worldwide lockdown initiated to control the spread of novel coronavirus, many Indian students who were pursuing higher education from the UK returned back home. As they came back to their home country, the students were worried about the status of their current visa, and the post-study work visa. Putting their concerns to end, the UK Home Office has assured the students that the Graduate Visa route, commonly referred to as a post-study work visa, will apply to the 2020-21 intake. However, the students will have to be physically present in the UK by April 2021 to complete the final semester. Also read: UK changes stand, to now use Google-Apple model for coronavirus tracing app "Students will normally be expected to undertake their studies in the UK to be eligible for the Graduate route. However, if students are required to either continue their current studies or commence a new course by distance or blended learning due to COVID-19, they will still be eligible to switch into the Graduate route on a concessionary basis if they spent some time studying outside the UK," notes the Home Office guidance issued this week. The students will only be avail these benefits if they enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of their studies in the UK," the guidance read. The Graduate visa allows students to remain in the UK for two years after graduation to work, or look for work. The visa was earlier allotted for three months, post completing of the course. However, starting from this year, the time period was increased to two years. Some organisations are lobbying the UK government to further extend the time period to three to four years to match their competitive countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Post-study work visa eligible for Indian students in UK amid COVID-19 crisis

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones.

Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones.

He also feels that the action is&nbsp;a symbol of subjugation and subordination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/black-lives-matter-english-premier-league-players-take-knee-in-solidarity-306656">Also read|&nbsp;Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity</a>

In Game of Thrones, the phrase "bending the knee" is used when someone pledges their support to a monarch or lord.

The statement came a day after Premier League players, in&nbsp;England, took a knee before kickoff in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement on Wednesday.

On a radio interview, when he was asked if he would take a knee to show support, he said he understood the restlessness and frustration behind the movement, and&nbsp;then added "I've got to say on this 'taking the knee' thing, which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history but it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones. It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation. But I understand people feel differently about it so it`s a matter of personal choice."

He further added, "I take the knee for two people, the queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me."

(With inputs from Reuters)

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones. Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones.

British foreign minister thinks "taking the knee" comes from Game of Thrones. Ask a lot of sports personalities all over the world have started "taking the knee" to show their support with the African-American community in the ongoing movement of 'Black Lives Matter', Dominic Raab seems to think the act of taking the knee comes from the novel-turned-TV series Game of Thrones. He also feels that the action is a symbol of subjugation and subordination. Also read| Black Lives Matter: English Premier League players take knee in solidarity In Game of Thrones, the phrase "bending the knee" is used when someone pledges their support to a monarch or lord. The statement came a day after Premier League players, in England, took a knee before kickoff in support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement on Wednesday. On a radio interview, when he was asked if he would take a knee to show support, he said he understood the restlessness and frustration behind the movement, and then added "I've got to say on this 'taking the knee' thing, which I don't know, maybe it's got a broader history but it seems to be taken from the Game of Thrones. It feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination rather than one of liberation and emancipation. But I understand people feel differently about it so it`s a matter of personal choice." He further added, "I take the knee for two people, the queen and the missus when I asked her to marry me." (With inputs from Reuters)

UK foreign minister thinks 'taking the knee' resembles Game of Thrones action

A military plane used by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government VIPs -- Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager aircraft -- is set to undergo a so-called Brexit makeover with the red, white and blue colours of the UK's Union Jack flag.

The aircraft is slated to have its current grey look refurbished, indicating the UK Prime Minister's intention to use the plane for global Britain trade missions as the UK's transition period before a complete exit from the European Union (EU) concludes at the end of this year.

The plane is being repainted at a specialist secure hangar run by Marshall Aerospace near Cambridge.

The aircraft, often likened to the US President's Air Force One, was commissioned at a cost of GBP 10-million by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and was intended to have a dual civilian and military use.

When Johnson was Foreign Secretary in the Theresa May led government in 2018, he had expressed his wish for a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world and strike new trade agreements.

The twin-engine A330 Voyager jet is earmarked for use by the UK prime minister, Foreign Secretary and senior members of the Royal Family. It was acquired by the RAF as a troop carrier and air tanker before undergoing the Cameron-led makeover in 2016, lending it an initial reference of 'Cam Force One'.

A military plane used by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government VIPs -- Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager aircraft -- is set to undergo a so-called Brexit makeover with the red, white and blue colours of the UK's Union Jack flag.

A military plane used by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other senior government VIPs -- Royal Air Force (RAF) Voyager aircraft -- is set to undergo a so-called Brexit makeover with the red, white and blue colours of the UK's Union Jack flag. The aircraft is slated to have its current grey look refurbished, indicating the UK Prime Minister's intention to use the plane for global Britain trade missions as the UK's transition period before a complete exit from the European Union (EU) concludes at the end of this year. The plane is being repainted at a specialist secure hangar run by Marshall Aerospace near Cambridge. The aircraft, often likened to the US President's Air Force One, was commissioned at a cost of GBP 10-million by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and was intended to have a dual civilian and military use. When Johnson was Foreign Secretary in the Theresa May led government in 2018, he had expressed his wish for a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world and strike new trade agreements. The twin-engine A330 Voyager jet is earmarked for use by the UK prime minister, Foreign Secretary and senior members of the Royal Family. It was acquired by the RAF as a troop carrier and air tanker before undergoing the Cameron-led makeover in 2016, lending it an initial reference of 'Cam Force One'.

UK PM Boris Johnson's jet to get 'Union Jack' makeover

Neither of the government’s methods of calculating unemployment provides a really accurate picture of what is happening.

Record unemployment looms in UK, more than 600,000 lose work

Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with "a bit of oomph".

With a status-quo transition deal set to run out at the end of the year, the two are seeking a free trade agreement. But businesses on both sides are being told to prepare for a no-deal outcome that some fear would complicate trade and hurt jobs.

"I don't think we're actually that far apart but what we need now is to see a bit of oomph in the negotiations," Johnson said, adding that he had told the EU's top representatives that there was a need to "put a tiger in the tank" of the talks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/13-dairy-firms-causing-more-greenhouse-emissions-than-worlds-sixth-largest-economy-306083" hreflang="en">13 dairy firms causing more greenhouse emissions than world's sixth-largest economy</a>

"The faster we can do this the better, and we see no reason why you shouldn't get this done in July."

Earlier, after a video conference between Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of the European Council and European Parliament, the two sides said they "agreed ... that new momentum was required".

Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 and its relationship with the bloc is now governed by a transition arrangement that keeps previous rules in place while the two sides negotiate new terms.

Negotiators have made very little progress towards a trade pact, however, and the talks have all but stalled over issues such as fair-competition guarantees and fishing rights.

London confirmed last week that it had no intention of extending the transition period beyond 2020.

Some fear that, with the two sides so far apart and little time left to negotiate, London's decision not to extend may lead to a cliff edge that could compound the economic damage caused by the coronavirus crisis.

One EU diplomat said that, despite plans to speed up talks, major progress was unlikely until after the summer, when London would "scramble to get something done" at the 11th hour, as it did last year to reach a withdrawal agreement.

Jill Rutter, an expert at the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, told a Brexit panel discussion on Monday that a "very thin and unambitious deal" was likely, but a no-deal scenario couldn't be ruled out.

"I think it would be totally wrong to think that the UK will be so desperate that it will move heaven and earth to avoid no deal," she said.

Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with "a bit of oomph".

Leaders from Britain and the European Union agreed on Monday that talks on their future relationship should be stepped up to clinch a deal, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggesting an agreement could be reached in July with "a bit of oomph". With a status-quo transition deal set to run out at the end of the year, the two are seeking a free trade agreement. But businesses on both sides are being told to prepare for a no-deal outcome that some fear would complicate trade and hurt jobs. "I don't think we're actually that far apart but what we need now is to see a bit of oomph in the negotiations," Johnson said, adding that he had told the EU's top representatives that there was a need to "put a tiger in the tank" of the talks. Also read: 13 dairy firms causing more greenhouse emissions than world's sixth-largest economy "The faster we can do this the better, and we see no reason why you shouldn't get this done in July." Earlier, after a video conference between Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of the European Council and European Parliament, the two sides said they "agreed ... that new momentum was required". Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 and its relationship with the bloc is now governed by a transition arrangement that keeps previous rules in place while the two sides negotiate new terms. Negotiators have made very little progress towards a trade pact, however, and the talks have all but stalled over issues such as fair-competition guarantees and fishing rights. London confirmed last week that it had no intention of extending the transition period beyond 2020. Some fear that, with the two sides so far apart and little time left to negotiate, London's decision not to extend may lead to a cliff edge that could compound the economic damage caused by the coronavirus crisis. One EU diplomat said that, despite plans to speed up talks, major progress was unlikely until after the summer, when London would "scramble to get something done" at the 11th hour, as it did last year to reach a withdrawal agreement. Jill Rutter, an expert at the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, told a Brexit panel discussion on Monday that a "very thin and unambitious deal" was likely, but a no-deal scenario couldn't be ruled out. "I think it would be totally wrong to think that the UK will be so desperate that it will move heaven and earth to avoid no deal," she said.

With a bit of oomph, Brexit deal feasible in July, says UK's Johnson

Gorillas were treated to a mini celebration at London Zoo on Sunday (June 14) as the tourist attraction prepares to reopen on Monday. Staff at the zoo in the centre of the capital hid special treats for the gorillas and decorated their enclosure with colourful bunting ahead of the reopening.

Gorillas grab the limelight as London Zoo gets set for reopening

All shops in England are allowed to open, although retailers have had to introduce strict safety measures.

Non essential shops reopen in UK after 3 months

Leisure sites such as drive-in cinemas, safari parks and the outdoor parts of zoos will now be able to reopen, while places of worship are also set to swing open their doors again for individual prayer.

All sites will need to comply with social distancing rules requiring people to keep at least two metres (six feet) apart and advising them to wear face coverings such as masks or scarves when indoors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-to-not-take-action-against-pm-johnsons-advisor-cummings-301610">UK police to not take action against PM Johnson's advisor Cummings</a>

Meanwhile, the coverings will be compulsory on public transport across England from Monday, with operators allowed to bar travel to those not wearing them.&nbsp;

"I know people are anxious," finance minister Rishi Sunak said Sunday as he encouraged shopping to help kickstart an economy seeing unprecedented declines.

"It's a slightly different experience... but it is a safe environment and we should all be able to go out knowing that we should be able to shop in confidence," he told Sky News.

'Adapt'&nbsp;

Non-essential shops in Northern Ireland reopened Friday, but Scotland and Wales have not yet decided when to follow suit, as Britain's devolved governments lift restrictions at different speeds.

The non-essential retail sector employs 1.3 million people and contributes £46.6 billion ($58.4 billion, 52 billion euros) to the British economy annually, according to the finance ministry, and its restart is viewed as economically vital.

Streets have been cleaned, footpaths widened and hand-sanitising stations installed in London's West End commercial district ahead of Monday.

But Jace Tyrrell, CEO of New West End Company, a partnership of 600 British and international operators in the area, predicted it will be "quite some time until we get back to normal".

"Retailers are going to have to adapt," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Britain has been among the worst-hit countries by the pandemic, with the number of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 deaths passing 50,000 last week, according to official statistics.

The government's less comprehensive rolling daily death count of those who have tested positive for the virus stands at nearly 42,000.

Despite the grim tolls, the transmission rate has dropped dramatically since the pandemic's peak in Britain in early April.

But the lockdown that helped turn that tide shrank the economy by one-fifth that month, official data showed Friday, stoking fears of a painful recession.

The OECD last week predicted the British economy was on course to shrink by more than 11 per cent in 2020 because of COVID-19.

'Margin for manoeuvre'&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has faced heavy criticism over his handling of the crisis, has set out a phased lifting of restrictions.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms reopened at the start of the month, when some younger children also returned to schools.

But his government drew ridicule last week after conceding it could not deliver on a plan to have all primary school children back for a month before the summer holidays.

Johnson has delayed reopening pubs and restaurants, the next stage in easing, until July 4 at the earliest.

Relaxing social distancing from the current two-metre requirement is seen as the only way for most of those businesses to operate viably, with proponents of easing the rule noting that other countries are adopting smaller distances.

Johnson confirmed Sunday he will review the measure as he faces growing pressure to ease it.

"You start to build some more margin for manoeuvre and we'll be looking at that and we'll be keeping it under constant review as we go forward to the next step in our plan," he said during a visit to a shopping centre in east London.

But he added: "What I don't want to do is sacrifice the huge efforts of the British people in beating this disease." 
&nbsp;

Leisure sites such as drive-in cinemas, safari parks and the outdoor parts of zoos will now be able to reopen, while places of worship are also set to swing open their doors again for individual prayer.

Leisure sites such as drive-in cinemas, safari parks and the outdoor parts of zoos will now be able to reopen, while places of worship are also set to swing open their doors again for individual prayer. All sites will need to comply with social distancing rules requiring people to keep at least two metres (six feet) apart and advising them to wear face coverings such as masks or scarves when indoors. Also read | UK police to not take action against PM Johnson's advisor Cummings Meanwhile, the coverings will be compulsory on public transport across England from Monday, with operators allowed to bar travel to those not wearing them. "I know people are anxious," finance minister Rishi Sunak said Sunday as he encouraged shopping to help kickstart an economy seeing unprecedented declines. "It's a slightly different experience... but it is a safe environment and we should all be able to go out knowing that we should be able to shop in confidence," he told Sky News. 'Adapt' Non-essential shops in Northern Ireland reopened Friday, but Scotland and Wales have not yet decided when to follow suit, as Britain's devolved governments lift restrictions at different speeds. The non-essential retail sector employs 1.3 million people and contributes £46.6 billion ($58.4 billion, 52 billion euros) to the British economy annually, according to the finance ministry, and its restart is viewed as economically vital. Streets have been cleaned, footpaths widened and hand-sanitising stations installed in London's West End commercial district ahead of Monday. But Jace Tyrrell, CEO of New West End Company, a partnership of 600 British and international operators in the area, predicted it will be "quite some time until we get back to normal". "Retailers are going to have to adapt," she told AFP. Britain has been among the worst-hit countries by the pandemic, with the number of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 deaths passing 50,000 last week, according to official statistics. The government's less comprehensive rolling daily death count of those who have tested positive for the virus stands at nearly 42,000. Despite the grim tolls, the transmission rate has dropped dramatically since the pandemic's peak in Britain in early April. But the lockdown that helped turn that tide shrank the economy by one-fifth that month, official data showed Friday, stoking fears of a painful recession. The OECD last week predicted the British economy was on course to shrink by more than 11 per cent in 2020 because of COVID-19. 'Margin for manoeuvre' Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has faced heavy criticism over his handling of the crisis, has set out a phased lifting of restrictions. Outdoor markets and car showrooms reopened at the start of the month, when some younger children also returned to schools. But his government drew ridicule last week after conceding it could not deliver on a plan to have all primary school children back for a month before the summer holidays. Johnson has delayed reopening pubs and restaurants, the next stage in easing, until July 4 at the earliest. Relaxing social distancing from the current two-metre requirement is seen as the only way for most of those businesses to operate viably, with proponents of easing the rule noting that other countries are adopting smaller distances. Johnson confirmed Sunday he will review the measure as he faces growing pressure to ease it. "You start to build some more margin for manoeuvre and we'll be looking at that and we'll be keeping it under constant review as we go forward to the next step in our plan," he said during a visit to a shopping centre in east London. But he added: "What I don't want to do is sacrifice the huge efforts of the British people in beating this disease."

English shops, attractions to reopen as virus lockdown eased

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-of-yet-another-black-man-in-atlanta-reignites-protests-across-us-305927" hreflang="en">Death of yet another black man in Atlanta reignites protests across US</a>

According to the picture, the white man was seen on Hutchinson's shoulders clutching his head while flanked by police in riot gear.

<img alt="c" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ab24e27-2e25-4dd6-a679-3f2511ab8311" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_108.jpg" />

The man had been set upon on the steps leading to the Royal Festival Hall in central London and badly beaten before other protesters stepped in to protect him, Reuters journalists at the scene said.

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Patrick Hutchinson, the black man who carried a suspected far-right protester to safety in a viral photo captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> during protests in London, says he and his friends ‘did what we had to do’ <a href="https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4">https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4</a> <a href="https://t.co/0eStlC1pUF">pic.twitter.com/0eStlC1pUF</a>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-women-get-loud-to-demand-equal-treatment-305869" hreflang="en">Swiss women get loud to demand equal treatment</a>

During an interview with Channel 4, Hutchinson said that the man’s life was "under threat"&nbsp;as the crowds of people became "almost like a stampede"&nbsp;on Saturday.

He continued: "People were trying to protect him, but unsuccessfully. And then the guys went in there, they sort of put a little cordon around him to stop him receiving any more physical harm. He was under physical harm. His life was under threat."&nbsp;

"And whilst they did that I thought, 'well if he stays here he’s not going to make it'. So I just went under, scooped him up and put him on my shoulders and sort of started marching towards the police with him whilst all the guys were sort of surrounding me and protecting me and the guy I had on my shoulder."

"I could actually feel strikes and hits as I was carrying him, so these guys were probably taking some of that themselves on their person."

Protests broke out after George Floyd's death providing&nbsp;momentum to the "Black Lives Matter" movement.&nbsp;

Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes by a policeman.&nbsp;

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday.

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday. Also read: Death of yet another black man in Atlanta reignites protests across US According to the picture, the white man was seen on Hutchinson's shoulders clutching his head while flanked by police in riot gear. The man had been set upon on the steps leading to the Royal Festival Hall in central London and badly beaten before other protesters stepped in to protect him, Reuters journalists at the scene said. Patrick Hutchinson, the black man who carried a suspected far-right protester to safety in a viral photo captured by @Reuters during protests in London, says he and his friends ‘did what we had to do’ https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4 pic.twitter.com/0eStlC1pUF — Reuters (@Reuters) June 15, 2020 × Also read: Swiss women get loud to demand equal treatment During an interview with Channel 4, Hutchinson said that the man’s life was "under threat" as the crowds of people became "almost like a stampede" on Saturday. He continued: "People were trying to protect him, but unsuccessfully. And then the guys went in there, they sort of put a little cordon around him to stop him receiving any more physical harm. He was under physical harm. His life was under threat." "And whilst they did that I thought, 'well if he stays here he’s not going to make it'. So I just went under, scooped him up and put him on my shoulders and sort of started marching towards the police with him whilst all the guys were sort of surrounding me and protecting me and the guy I had on my shoulder." "I could actually feel strikes and hits as I was carrying him, so these guys were probably taking some of that themselves on their person." Protests broke out after George Floyd's death providing momentum to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes by a policeman.

Black protester rescues injured white man during anti-racist protest in UK

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its&nbsp;two-metre social distancing rule.

Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel. The review is being planned after many employers voiced their concerns and said it was hard for them to get their businesses back on track due to the present rules.

"The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. That review will involve the scientists, economists and others," he said, adding that safety would not be put at risk by any changes.

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Talking about the economic slowdown of the country, he said, "We have always known that was going to happen, but now the numbers are starting to show that."

As per the latest reports, UK's economy shrank by a quarter over March and April. However, Sunak believes that the slowdown will prove out to be temporary, and the reopening of retail sector this week will help revive the economy.

If the distance is reduced from two metre, it will allow&nbsp;three quarters of pubs to reopen, rather than about one third.

The country has seen a decline in the number of cases, following which the government has reopened the economy in phases.

He also said the&nbsp; government is looking for options against the two-week quarantine rule for all visitors, and may come up with an alternate to the rule that was met with criticism from the aviation industry.

"We all want to see travel open again, of course we do, and like everything else we want to make sure we have the right measures at the right time informed by the science and everything else that we have to consider," Sunak said in an interview with a news channel.

"We are looking at all options to ensure that that is possible and people have got suggestions about how we might be able to open up some travel corridors over time and so the transport secretary is actively looking at all of those options," he continued.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its two-metre social distancing rule. Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel.

Rishi Sunak, finance minister of the United Kingdom, has said that the country will urgently look into its two-metre social distancing rule. Sunak has announced this in an interview with a news channel. The review is being planned after many employers voiced their concerns and said it was hard for them to get their businesses back on track due to the present rules. "The prime minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. That review will involve the scientists, economists and others," he said, adding that safety would not be put at risk by any changes. Have a look: A scaled-down ceremony at Windsor marks Queen Elizabeth II's 94th birthday Talking about the economic slowdown of the country, he said, "We have always known that was going to happen, but now the numbers are starting to show that." As per the latest reports, UK's economy shrank by a quarter over March and April. However, Sunak believes that the slowdown will prove out to be temporary, and the reopening of retail sector this week will help revive the economy. If the distance is reduced from two metre, it will allow three quarters of pubs to reopen, rather than about one third. The country has seen a decline in the number of cases, following which the government has reopened the economy in phases. He also said the government is looking for options against the two-week quarantine rule for all visitors, and may come up with an alternate to the rule that was met with criticism from the aviation industry. "We all want to see travel open again, of course we do, and like everything else we want to make sure we have the right measures at the right time informed by the science and everything else that we have to consider," Sunak said in an interview with a news channel. "We are looking at all options to ensure that that is possible and people have got suggestions about how we might be able to open up some travel corridors over time and so the transport secretary is actively looking at all of those options," he continued. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK Finance Minister hints towards review of distancing rule

India has requested the UK government&nbsp;to not consider fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's request.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "We have requested the UK side to not consider his asylum if requested by him" because there appears to be "no ground for his persecution&nbsp;in India."

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New Delhi has been in touch with the UK&nbsp;for his "early" extradition.&nbsp;

Vijay Mallya's leave to appeal against extradition in the UK Supreme Court was rejected few weeks ago leaving no further legal remedy in the country. It is now up to the UK home secretary Priti Patel to give a final go-ahead by signing on the extradition papers.

Mallya had committed a fraud of Rs 9,000 crore on a consortium of Indian banks.

He was denied permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against an extradition order to India.

Vijay Mallya denies the charges against him and is currently on bail.

India has requested the UK government to not consider fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's request. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "We have requested the UK side to not consider his asylum if requested by him" because there appears to be "no ground for his persecution in India.

India has requested the UK government to not consider fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's request. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "We have requested the UK side to not consider his asylum if requested by him" because there appears to be "no ground for his persecution in India." Also read: Twitterati share hilarious memes following reports of Vijay Mallya being extradited soon New Delhi has been in touch with the UK for his "early" extradition. Vijay Mallya's leave to appeal against extradition in the UK Supreme Court was rejected few weeks ago leaving no further legal remedy in the country. It is now up to the UK home secretary Priti Patel to give a final go-ahead by signing on the extradition papers. Mallya had committed a fraud of Rs 9,000 crore on a consortium of Indian banks. He was denied permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against an extradition order to India. Vijay Mallya denies the charges against him and is currently on bail.

India asks UK to not give Vijay Mallya asylum

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism.

Earlier today, the city council said the statue of Edward Colston was retrieved early on Thursday morning and "is being taken to a secure location before later forming part of our museum collection".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-christopher-columbus-in-us-toppled-thrown-in-lake-by-anti-racism-protestors-304863">Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors</a>

The statue of Colston, a slave trader in the late 17th century, was taken down on Sunday by the protesters who later dumped it into the water, as part of protests triggered by the killing of a black man in police custody in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-demand-removal-of-cecil-rhodes-statue-from-oxford-university-304956">Protesters demand removal of Cecil Rhodes statue from Oxford University</a>

Authorities in the seaside town of Bournemouth will later today remove the statue of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement who also backed the Nazis.

Monuments, landmarks to be reviewed 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool has said it would rename a building named after former PM William Gladstone because of his connections with the slave trade.

Mayor Marvin Rees, who earlier backed the pull-down of Colston's statue, has announced a new commission to research Bristol's history.&nbsp;

"The only way we can work together on our future is by learning the truth of our beginnings, embracing the facts, and sharing those stories with others," he said.

Also, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a review of landmarks and monuments, to see whether they correctly represent the city's diversity.&nbsp;

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism.

The statue of a slave trader, which was earlier toppled, has now been fished out of the harbour as many monuments in the United Kingdom are set to be reviewed amid the nationwide anger against symbols of racism. Earlier today, the city council said the statue of Edward Colston was retrieved early on Thursday morning and "is being taken to a secure location before later forming part of our museum collection". Also read | Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors The statue of Colston, a slave trader in the late 17th century, was taken down on Sunday by the protesters who later dumped it into the water, as part of protests triggered by the killing of a black man in police custody in the United States. Also read | Protesters demand removal of Cecil Rhodes statue from Oxford University Authorities in the seaside town of Bournemouth will later today remove the statue of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement who also backed the Nazis. Monuments, landmarks to be reviewed Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool has said it would rename a building named after former PM William Gladstone because of his connections with the slave trade. Mayor Marvin Rees, who earlier backed the pull-down of Colston's statue, has announced a new commission to research Bristol's history. "The only way we can work together on our future is by learning the truth of our beginnings, embracing the facts, and sharing those stories with others," he said. Also, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a review of landmarks and monuments, to see whether they correctly represent the city's diversity.

UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed

The United Kingdom's death toll rose to 41,128 after 245 new deaths were recorded in the country.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration have been criticised for delaying the lockdown which led to the spread of the virus in the country.&nbsp;

Initiatives by the British government taken later on have resulted in a decline in the daily death toll. The UK death toll for confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 55 to 40,597 on Monday, the lowest rise since a lockdown was imposed in March.

Coronavirus has infected over 7.2 &nbsp;million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,240,085 people have been infected with the virus, while 411,279 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago, after wreaking havoc in China.

The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,979,850), Brazil (739,503), Russia (484,630), United Kingdom (290,581), followed by India (276,146).

In the US alone, 112,006 deaths have been recorded.

The World Health Organization warned against coronavirus worsening. “Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening,” it said while adding that “asymptomatic patients” may not be a real cause of concern, then later backtracking on it.

The United Kingdom's death toll rose to 41,128 after 245 new deaths were recorded in the country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration have been criticised for delaying the lockdown which led to the spread of the virus in the country.

The United Kingdom's death toll rose to 41,128 after 245 new deaths were recorded in the country. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration have been criticised for delaying the lockdown which led to the spread of the virus in the country. Initiatives by the British government taken later on have resulted in a decline in the daily death toll. The UK death toll for confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 55 to 40,597 on Monday, the lowest rise since a lockdown was imposed in March. Coronavirus has infected over 7.2 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,240,085 people have been infected with the virus, while 411,279 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago, after wreaking havoc in China. The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,979,850), Brazil (739,503), Russia (484,630), United Kingdom (290,581), followed by India (276,146). In the US alone, 112,006 deaths have been recorded. The World Health Organization warned against coronavirus worsening. “Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening,” it said while adding that “asymptomatic patients” may not be a real cause of concern, then later backtracking on it.

Coronavirus: UK reports 245 deaths in last 24 hours taking the toll to 41,128

Priti Patel has urged people not to join protests planned across the UK in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel says 'Violent protesters must be held accountable'

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world.&nbsp;

Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion.&nbsp;

However, to the outside world, he was hardly better than Hitler, and the West regarded him as a fierce imperialist. &nbsp;

Churchill's racism is well-documented and he once even wrote, "I hate Indians".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-britain-cannot-run-away-from-flames-of-racism-it-once-sowed-304356">Why Britain cannot run away from flames of racism it once sowed?</a>

"They are a beastly people with a beastly religion," he had said.&nbsp;

Not just his words, his actions too are a testimony of his racial mindset.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-protestors-vandalize-churchills-statue-demonstrations-outside-us-embassy-george-floyd-death-304337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 1943, Churchill engineered the Bengal famine, where wheat was exported from India for allied troops as Indians went to bed hungry.&nbsp;

He stopped all food supplies to India and was a major reason why four million people starved to death in Bengal in the same year.&nbsp;

"It's (Indians) their own fault...for breeding like rabbits," Churchill had said.&nbsp;

He was also a supporter of gas bombs and during the Arab Uprising in 1920, he lamented the 'squeamishness' of his colleagues who were not in favour of using poisoned gas against the so-called "uncivilised tribes".&nbsp;

In the same year, Churchill sent&nbsp;the blacks and tans into Ireland who were&nbsp;tasked with terrorising the Irish rebellion. &nbsp;

In 1949, Churchill also ordered the British Army to fire on the anti-Nazi protesters in Greece and also facilitated Zionism in Palestine.&nbsp;

"Palestinians were 'barbaric hordes' who are little but rabbit dung," he wrote.&nbsp;

"A stronger race, a high-grade race, a more worldly-wise race has come in and taken their place."

Churchill also planted the seed in South Africa to strip black communities from their voting rights.&nbsp;

Despite all of this, Britain is blinded by its excessive admiration of Churchill, who is also a hero of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Former PM David Cameron believes that Churchill saved "humanity as a whole".&nbsp;

The truth is Winston Churchill was a racist and his prejudice has caused millions of deaths.&nbsp;

Churchill thought that the British were "winners in a social Darwinian hierarchy". This thought is out-of-date, just like imperialism and like racism, which is another legacy of the British, needs to die. &nbsp;

As does the lionisation of Churchill.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world. Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion.

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world. Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion. However, to the outside world, he was hardly better than Hitler, and the West regarded him as a fierce imperialist. Churchill's racism is well-documented and he once even wrote, "I hate Indians". Also read | Why Britain cannot run away from flames of racism it once sowed? "They are a beastly people with a beastly religion," he had said. Not just his words, his actions too are a testimony of his racial mindset. In 1943, Churchill engineered the Bengal famine, where wheat was exported from India for allied troops as Indians went to bed hungry. He stopped all food supplies to India and was a major reason why four million people starved to death in Bengal in the same year. "It's (Indians) their own fault...for breeding like rabbits," Churchill had said. He was also a supporter of gas bombs and during the Arab Uprising in 1920, he lamented the 'squeamishness' of his colleagues who were not in favour of using poisoned gas against the so-called "uncivilised tribes". In the same year, Churchill sent the blacks and tans into Ireland who were tasked with terrorising the Irish rebellion. In 1949, Churchill also ordered the British Army to fire on the anti-Nazi protesters in Greece and also facilitated Zionism in Palestine. "Palestinians were 'barbaric hordes' who are little but rabbit dung," he wrote. "A stronger race, a high-grade race, a more worldly-wise race has come in and taken their place." Churchill also planted the seed in South Africa to strip black communities from their voting rights. Despite all of this, Britain is blinded by its excessive admiration of Churchill, who is also a hero of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Former PM David Cameron believes that Churchill saved "humanity as a whole". The truth is Winston Churchill was a racist and his prejudice has caused millions of deaths. Churchill thought that the British were "winners in a social Darwinian hierarchy". This thought is out-of-date, just like imperialism and like racism, which is another legacy of the British, needs to die. As does the lionisation of Churchill.

Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist?

Death toll in the United Kingdom nears 52,000 on Wednesday, as per Reuters tally of official data sources.&nbsp;

According to the new data released, the death toll in England and Wales stands at 51,766. This is the highest in Europe and the second highest globally just behind the United States. More than 400,000 people have been killed worldwide due to the virus.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration have been criticised for delaying the lockdown which led to the spread of the virus in the country.&nbsp;

The tally comprises of fatalities where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificates in the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) up to May 29 and Scotland up to May 31.&nbsp;

The tally compiled by Reuters gives more accurate figures as the government's daily death toll numbers don't include suspected cases.&nbsp;

Initiatives by the British government have resulted in a decline in the daily death toll. The UK death toll for confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 55 to 40,597 on Monday, the lowest rise since a lockdown was imposed in March.

Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University.

(Inputs by Reuters)

Death toll in the United Kingdom nears 52,000 on Wednesday, as per Reuters tally of official data sources. According to the new data released, the death toll in England and Wales stands at 51,766.

Death toll in the United Kingdom nears 52,000 on Wednesday, as per Reuters tally of official data sources. According to the new data released, the death toll in England and Wales stands at 51,766. This is the highest in Europe and the second highest globally just behind the United States. More than 400,000 people have been killed worldwide due to the virus. Also read: Amid increasing demand for puppies in the UK, breeders fear many will end up in rescue homes Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his administration have been criticised for delaying the lockdown which led to the spread of the virus in the country. The tally comprises of fatalities where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificates in the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) up to May 29 and Scotland up to May 31. The tally compiled by Reuters gives more accurate figures as the government's daily death toll numbers don't include suspected cases. Initiatives by the British government have resulted in a decline in the daily death toll. The UK death toll for confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 55 to 40,597 on Monday, the lowest rise since a lockdown was imposed in March. Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. (Inputs by Reuters)

UK nears 52,000 deaths due to coronavirus pandemic: Tally

Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives.&nbsp;

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Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus. According to them, the government delayed in imposing crucial restrictions that led to an outbreak in the country.&nbsp;

The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of the coronavirus pandemic with more than 50,000 deaths, as per the Reuters tally.

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During an interview with John Edmund, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: "We should have gone into lockdown earlier."

"The data we were dealing with in the early part of March and our situational awareness was really quite poor so I think it would have been very hard to pull the trigger at that point but I wish we had ... I think that has cost a lot of lives."

British health minister Matt Hancock disagreed with Edmund's statements on the BBC, he said: &nbsp;"No. I think we took the right decisions at the right time and there is a broad range on SAGE of scientific opinion and we were guided by the science."

According to Edmund, the coronavirus pandemic "is not all over, there is an awful long way to go."

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives. Also read: Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus.

One of the British government's scientific advisors has said on Sunday that the country's delay in imposing a nationwide-lockdown has cost many lives. Also read: Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests Many medical professionals, scientists and lawmakers have criticised the government for its slow response to coronavirus. According to them, the government delayed in imposing crucial restrictions that led to an outbreak in the country. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of the coronavirus pandemic with more than 50,000 deaths, as per the Reuters tally. Also read: Mexico: 3,593 new coronavirus cases registered; actual figures much higher During an interview with John Edmund, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: "We should have gone into lockdown earlier." "The data we were dealing with in the early part of March and our situational awareness was really quite poor so I think it would have been very hard to pull the trigger at that point but I wish we had ... I think that has cost a lot of lives." British health minister Matt Hancock disagreed with Edmund's statements on the BBC, he said: "No. I think we took the right decisions at the right time and there is a broad range on SAGE of scientific opinion and we were guided by the science." According to Edmund, the coronavirus pandemic "is not all over, there is an awful long way to go."

UK's situational awareness was quite poor, it cost many lives: Government scientific advisor

Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has revealed that he has been secretly volunteering for a mental health charity during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 37-year-old second in line to the British throne is among 2,000 volunteers who completed a training session and has been responding to text messages from those seeking advice and support through the Shout 85258 phone service.

He told fellow volunteers in a video call: "I'm going to share a little secret with you guys, but I'm actually on the platform volunteering."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-offers-to-accept-eu-tariffs-on-some-goods-to-win-trade-deal-303756">Also read:&nbsp;British PM offers to accept EU tariffs on some goods to win trade deal</a>

Kensington Palace announced the royal's involvement to mark the ongoing Volunteers Week, which ends on Sunday. Those using the service would not know if the response is from Prince William, who would be using a pseudonym.

William and wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, had helped to launch Shout 85258 last year&nbsp;investing 3 million pounds in the service through their Royal Foundation.

William's younger brother, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were a part of the effort at the time but have since quit from frontline royalty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-hydroxychloroquine-trial-for-covid-19-patients-terms-it-useless-303804">Also read:&nbsp;Britain halts hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19 patients, terms it 'useless'</a>

The Shout service said that more than 300,000 text conversations have taken place since its launch in May 2019.

Around 65 per cent of those texting are aged under 25, the charity said, with many messengers seeking mental health support.

This week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges also made video calls to Conscious Youth, which has set up a virtual youth club to support members in West Yorkshire region of England, and Machynlleth Community Corona Response, in Powys, Wales.

"One of the things that would be amazing, I think, is if everyone in their communities is to carry on and still celebrate volunteering in the way that everyone has been during the pandemic. Everyone's got something to give back," Middleton said.

She has also been calling people who are self-isolating or vulnerable, as part of the Royal Voluntary Service's National Health Service (NHS) Volunteer Responders scheme.

The royal couple are reportedly considering how best to return to resuming royal engagements in person as the coronavirus lockdown begins to be gradually ease, while not encouraging crowds, breaking social distancing, or putting pressure on police resources.

Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has revealed that he has been secretly volunteering for a mental health charity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has revealed that he has been secretly volunteering for a mental health charity during the coronavirus pandemic. The 37-year-old second in line to the British throne is among 2,000 volunteers who completed a training session and has been responding to text messages from those seeking advice and support through the Shout 85258 phone service. He told fellow volunteers in a video call: "I'm going to share a little secret with you guys, but I'm actually on the platform volunteering." Also read: British PM offers to accept EU tariffs on some goods to win trade deal Kensington Palace announced the royal's involvement to mark the ongoing Volunteers Week, which ends on Sunday. Those using the service would not know if the response is from Prince William, who would be using a pseudonym. William and wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, had helped to launch Shout 85258 last year investing 3 million pounds in the service through their Royal Foundation. William's younger brother, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were a part of the effort at the time but have since quit from frontline royalty. Also read: Britain halts hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19 patients, terms it 'useless' The Shout service said that more than 300,000 text conversations have taken place since its launch in May 2019. Around 65 per cent of those texting are aged under 25, the charity said, with many messengers seeking mental health support. This week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges also made video calls to Conscious Youth, which has set up a virtual youth club to support members in West Yorkshire region of England, and Machynlleth Community Corona Response, in Powys, Wales. "One of the things that would be amazing, I think, is if everyone in their communities is to carry on and still celebrate volunteering in the way that everyone has been during the pandemic. Everyone's got something to give back," Middleton said. She has also been calling people who are self-isolating or vulnerable, as part of the Royal Voluntary Service's National Health Service (NHS) Volunteer Responders scheme. The royal couple are reportedly considering how best to return to resuming royal engagements in person as the coronavirus lockdown begins to be gradually ease, while not encouraging crowds, breaking social distancing, or putting pressure on police resources.

Prince William reveals secret volunteering for mental health charity

A zoo in northwest England is in a battle for survival as the COVID-19 crisis threatens to wipeout its summer season. Chester Zoo has been closed to visitors since Britain went into lockdown in March - meaning zero income from admissions or retail.

Tough times ahead for UK zoo forced to stay shut due to COVID-19

The Tiananmen Square massacre&nbsp;is something China wants the world to forget. On June 4, 1989,&nbsp;the Chinese military entered Beijing's Tiananmen Square and crushed a pro-democracy movement. The images shook the world and led to China's isolation.

31 years on, China is at the same crossroads. Isolated and cracking down on pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;31 years later, China is still a one-party state. It is still deeply authoritarian. It is still stifling dissent and still muzzling the voices of its citizens.

The entire world is commemorating this day. But not China. The Tiananmen anniversary is being marked by a crackdown in Hong Kong.

For the first time in all these years. Beijing has cancelled an annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong.&nbsp;Barricades surround Victoria Park, the traditional venue of the vigil. This event was the only one of its size on Chinese soil. It was a tradition to keep the memories of those killed-- alive.

It has now been called off citing a ban on large gatherings. Hong Kong is fighting back nonetheless with&nbsp;smaller gatherings held across the city.

The citizens are paying tributes from wherever they are. They are also fighting back in the Hong Kong legislature. Beijing has managed to get a controversial bill passed. The national anthem bill criminalises disrespect of China's national anthem. It makes the singing of the national anthem compulsory in Hong Kong.

Pro-democracy lawmakers say it will tighten Beijing's grip on their city and that they will never let this bill become a law. 700 kilometres away from Hong Kong. Taiwan too is fighting back.

Tsai Ing-Wen, the Taiwanese president has urged Beijing to acknowledge the Tiananmen crackdown. She said: "Around the world, there are 365 days in a year yet in China one of those days is purposely forgotten each year in Taiwan, there were once days missing from our calendar but we've worked to bring them to light, I hope, one day China can say the same." 
&nbsp; 
Taiwan wants China to confront the legacy of this massacre. So does the world. The US state secretary Mike Pompeo said: "For the first time in 30 years, Hong Kong authorities denied permission to hold the Tiananmen vigil. If there is any doubt about Beijing's intent, it is to deny Hong Konger a voice and a choice, making them the same as mainlanders. So much for two systems."

&nbsp;Also backing Hong Kong's independence is the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his government's biggest message of intent. He says China must not infringe on the political and civic freedoms in Hong Kong. 
&nbsp; 
The European Union too has extended support to Hong Kong. It said: "We trust that the people of Hong Kong and Macau will be free to mark the anniversary appropriately. Freedom is now more important than ever in light of the recent development.''

In Beijing, several Tiananmen mothers paid tributes to the victims at the Wanán cemetery. They have also written an open letter addressed to China's leaders. They want the Chinese regime to explain the events that led to the death of their loved ones.

They say that for 31 years the government has stayed silent without demonstrating the slightest trace of remorse. The letter carries 124 signatures and seeks compensation and accountability for the losses.

31 years have passed and China continues to crush dissent. Then it was Tiananmen Square in Beijing and now it is Hong Kong. The script is the same massive protests, brutal crackdowns, and fears of another state-sponsored slaughter.

The Tiananmen Square massacre is something China wants the world to forget. On June 4, 1989, the Chinese military entered Beijing's Tiananmen Square and crushed a pro-democracy movement.

The Tiananmen Square massacre is something China wants the world to forget. On June 4, 1989, the Chinese military entered Beijing's Tiananmen Square and crushed a pro-democracy movement. The images shook the world and led to China's isolation. 31 years on, China is at the same crossroads. Isolated and cracking down on pro-democracy protesters. 31 years later, China is still a one-party state. It is still deeply authoritarian. It is still stifling dissent and still muzzling the voices of its citizens. The entire world is commemorating this day. But not China. The Tiananmen anniversary is being marked by a crackdown in Hong Kong. For the first time in all these years. Beijing has cancelled an annual candlelight vigil in Hong Kong. Barricades surround Victoria Park, the traditional venue of the vigil. This event was the only one of its size on Chinese soil. It was a tradition to keep the memories of those killed-- alive. It has now been called off citing a ban on large gatherings. Hong Kong is fighting back nonetheless with smaller gatherings held across the city. The citizens are paying tributes from wherever they are. They are also fighting back in the Hong Kong legislature. Beijing has managed to get a controversial bill passed. The national anthem bill criminalises disrespect of China's national anthem. It makes the singing of the national anthem compulsory in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy lawmakers say it will tighten Beijing's grip on their city and that they will never let this bill become a law. 700 kilometres away from Hong Kong. Taiwan too is fighting back. Tsai Ing-Wen, the Taiwanese president has urged Beijing to acknowledge the Tiananmen crackdown. She said: "Around the world, there are 365 days in a year yet in China one of those days is purposely forgotten each year in Taiwan, there were once days missing from our calendar but we've worked to bring them to light, I hope, one day China can say the same." Taiwan wants China to confront the legacy of this massacre. So does the world. The US state secretary Mike Pompeo said: "For the first time in 30 years, Hong Kong authorities denied permission to hold the Tiananmen vigil. If there is any doubt about Beijing's intent, it is to deny Hong Konger a voice and a choice, making them the same as mainlanders. So much for two systems." Also backing Hong Kong's independence is the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his government's biggest message of intent. He says China must not infringe on the political and civic freedoms in Hong Kong. The European Union too has extended support to Hong Kong. It said: "We trust that the people of Hong Kong and Macau will be free to mark the anniversary appropriately. Freedom is now more important than ever in light of the recent development.'' In Beijing, several Tiananmen mothers paid tributes to the victims at the Wanán cemetery. They have also written an open letter addressed to China's leaders. They want the Chinese regime to explain the events that led to the death of their loved ones. They say that for 31 years the government has stayed silent without demonstrating the slightest trace of remorse. The letter carries 124 signatures and seeks compensation and accountability for the losses. 31 years have passed and China continues to crush dissent. Then it was Tiananmen Square in Beijing and now it is Hong Kong. The script is the same massive protests, brutal crackdowns, and fears of another state-sponsored slaughter.

31 years after Tiananmen Square massacre, China stifles Hong Kong

The head of the UK's GCHQ spy agency has denied any threat to intelligence-sharing ties between Britain and its allies after disagreements over China's Huawei Technologies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-asks-uk-for-more-realistic-approach-in-brexit-talks-303324" hreflang="en">Germany asks UK for 'more realistic' approach in Brexit talks</a>

The British government had decided to limit Huawei's 5G network in January, defying calls to ban the company over security concerns and America called for a ban to cut off valuable intelligence feeds with countries that use the Chinese firm's equipment.

According to officials, Johnson has been pressurised from the Washington and lawmakers in his party and now is eyeing to phase out the network by 2023.&nbsp;

During an interview recorded on May 18, GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming said that he does not see Huawei as a threat to the "Five Eyes" security alliance which consists of UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;

"Five Eyes isn't an organisation, it's a partnership, it's an alliance. It is, of course, the case that whilst we share basic principles ...there are areas where, from time to time, our approaches differ," he said.

"Those are not fundamentally undermining the alliance. Indeed, I think it's the power of the alliance that, where we do differ, we can both understand why we're making those decisions, but also make sure that we continue to cooperate across the broader piece."

China and the United Kingdom's relations have been strained after their stand on Hong Kong and the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"We see China as an intelligence adversary, we see them as an economic partner, we work with them in some areas, we compete with them in others," said Fleming.

"And in still others, we call out their behaviours when we don't think they align with what we expect to see or with our values," he added.

(Inputs from Reuters)

The head of the UK's GCHQ spy agency has denied any threat to intelligence-sharing ties between Britain and its allies after disagreements over China's Huawei Technologies.

The head of the UK's GCHQ spy agency has denied any threat to intelligence-sharing ties between Britain and its allies after disagreements over China's Huawei Technologies. Also read: Germany asks UK for 'more realistic' approach in Brexit talks The British government had decided to limit Huawei's 5G network in January, defying calls to ban the company over security concerns and America called for a ban to cut off valuable intelligence feeds with countries that use the Chinese firm's equipment. According to officials, Johnson has been pressurised from the Washington and lawmakers in his party and now is eyeing to phase out the network by 2023. During an interview recorded on May 18, GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming said that he does not see Huawei as a threat to the "Five Eyes" security alliance which consists of UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. "Five Eyes isn't an organisation, it's a partnership, it's an alliance. It is, of course, the case that whilst we share basic principles ...there are areas where, from time to time, our approaches differ," he said. "Those are not fundamentally undermining the alliance. Indeed, I think it's the power of the alliance that, where we do differ, we can both understand why we're making those decisions, but also make sure that we continue to cooperate across the broader piece." China and the United Kingdom's relations have been strained after their stand on Hong Kong and the coronavirus pandemic. "We see China as an intelligence adversary, we see them as an economic partner, we work with them in some areas, we compete with them in others," said Fleming. "And in still others, we call out their behaviours when we don't think they align with what we expect to see or with our values," he added. (Inputs from Reuters)

UK's GCHQ spy chief says no threat to Five Eyes alliance over Huawei's 5G network

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