UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced that the 2024 Spring Budget will be held on March 6, leaving the door ajar for a possible early general election in May.

UK government's tax cut plans ahead of budget

UK Spring Budget: Jeremy Hunt to introduce potential tax cuts

The age rating for the classic film Mary Poppins has been raised in the UK. The British Board of film Certification has Lifted the age rating of Mary Poppins from U to PG. This move comes 60 years after the movie's first release. The film's original rating signified that the content of the film was not likely to offend or harm anyone however its current rating advises Parental Guidance. Watch to know more!

Disney's 'Mary Poppins' age rating raised to 'PG' in UK

<p>New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group.</p>

<p>The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the satellite images were captured by Planet Labs PBC on Tuesday (Feb 20). The crew onboard the ship was immediately evacuated.</p>

<p>The US military said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, which if fell into the Red Sea, could lead&nbsp;to an environmental disaster.</p>

<p>“The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Red Sea tensions: US warns attack by Houthis on cargo ships can cause environmental disaster</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/red-sea-tensions-us-warns-attack-by-houthis-on-cargo-ships-can-cause-environmental-disaster-693440/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Houthis vow to prevent rescue of leaking ship</strong></h2>

<p>Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking Rubymar before humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.</p>

<p>Houthi leader, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, said that they would only allow the rescue, and retrieval of the ship if people in the war-torn Gaza Strip had access to food, water, and medicine.</p>

<p>“The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Houthi attack on freighter Rubymar caused significant damage to ship, says US</strong></h2>

<p>CENTCOM on Friday (Feb 23) said that the Houthi attack caused significant damage to the ship causing&nbsp;an 18-mile (29km) oil slick.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-launch-fresh-wave-of-strikes-against-18-houthi-targets-in-yemen-693591">US, UK launch fresh wave of strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen</a></p>

<p>"The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water," Central Command said in a statement regarding the Belize-flagged UK-owned cargo ship.</p>

<p>The day after the attack, Yemen's rebel group spokesperson Yahya Sarea released a statement saying that the Rubymar was now at risk of sinking.</p>

<p>Earlier, there were reports that the ship could be towed to nearby Djibouti.</p>

<p>"Djibouti is the only immediate option where some repairs or recovery would be feasible," Reuters news agency quoted shipping and insurance sources as saying. "It is too risky for a ship in that condition to be towed too far or in more open waters."</p>

<p>The Djibouti Ports &amp; Free Zones Authority on Feb 19, a day after the attack, had released a statement on its official X account saying that its Port Authority completed the safe repatriation of the Rubymar’s 24 crew members - 11 Syrians, six Egyptians, three Indian nationals, and four Filipinos – who were brought to the Djibouti area by the rescue vessel.</p>

<p>"The vessel has onboard 21,999 MT (metric tonnes) of fertiliser IMDG class 5.1, very dangerous," the authority said, adding the ship’s AIS transponder was switched off and it did not know the coordinates of the vessel.</p>

<p>The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent&nbsp;of global maritime traffic.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group.

New satellite images have emerged that show the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel abandoned in the Red Sea after it was targetted in an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebel group. The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the satellite images were captured by Planet Labs PBC on Tuesday (Feb 20). The crew onboard the ship was immediately evacuated. The US military said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, which if fell into the Red Sea, could lead to an environmental disaster. “The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.” WATCH | Red Sea tensions: US warns attack by Houthis on cargo ships can cause environmental disaster × Houthis vow to prevent rescue of leaking ship Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking Rubymar before humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Houthi leader, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, said that they would only allow the rescue, and retrieval of the ship if people in the war-torn Gaza Strip had access to food, water, and medicine. “The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. Houthi attack on freighter Rubymar caused significant damage to ship, says US CENTCOM on Friday (Feb 23) said that the Houthi attack caused significant damage to the ship causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick. Also read: US, UK launch fresh wave of strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen "The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water," Central Command said in a statement regarding the Belize-flagged UK-owned cargo ship. The day after the attack, Yemen's rebel group spokesperson Yahya Sarea released a statement saying that the Rubymar was now at risk of sinking. Earlier, there were reports that the ship could be towed to nearby Djibouti. "Djibouti is the only immediate option where some repairs or recovery would be feasible," Reuters news agency quoted shipping and insurance sources as saying. "It is too risky for a ship in that condition to be towed too far or in more open waters." The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority on Feb 19, a day after the attack, had released a statement on its official X account saying that its Port Authority completed the safe repatriation of the Rubymar’s 24 crew members - 11 Syrians, six Egyptians, three Indian nationals, and four Filipinos – who were brought to the Djibouti area by the rescue vessel. "The vessel has onboard 21,999 MT (metric tonnes) of fertiliser IMDG class 5.1, very dangerous," the authority said, adding the ship’s AIS transponder was switched off and it did not know the coordinates of the vessel. The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent of global maritime traffic. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack

As if the recent defeat for Tories in the by-election wasn't enough, Rishi Sunak is now facing a fresh rebellion within his party ahead of elections. Several reports reveal the secret conspiracy being hatched by Conservative party leaders to replace or oust Sunak in case he fails in the upcoming elections. Find out more here.

Gravitas | Rishi Sunak's troubles mount | Tories privately plot to dethrone UK PM ahead of elections

U.S. and British forces carried out a new round of strikes in Yemen, targeting a Houthi underground storage site as well as missile and surveillance capabilities used by the Iran-aligned group against Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said.

US, UK retaliate to surge in Red Sea attacks by Yemen's Houthis, strikes target their Air Defence

Former US President Donald Trump accused Prince Harry of betraying the Queen Elizabeth and vowed not to protect him and let him be deported if he becomes President again. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump threatens to deport Prince Harry, says, 'he would be on his own'

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been urged to break his silence over a mounting row about Islamophobia as senior Conservatives criticised the "dangerous" rhetoric of the party's former deputy chair.

UK: Tory peer urges Rishi Sunak to speak out of Islamophobia row

Lee Anderson has been suspended from the Conservative Party after drawing widespread criticism for claiming that "Islamists" have "got control" of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

UK: Tory MP Lee Anderson stripped of party whip post

Red Sea Crisis: US and British forces strike Houthis in Yemen again

The UK was one of the worst hit major economies during the cost of living crisis post pandemic. Since then, the economy has shown signs of recovery, but a report from Goldman Sachs suggests that there's more to the numbers than just the bottom line. Take a look at this next report to find out more.

UK's business climate outlook decoded | Why UK's small businesses are struggling?

Red Sea crisis: US and British forces carry out more strikes against Houthis in Yemen

Heads of the Group of Seven major democracies on Saturday pledged to stand by war-weary Ukraine, and Western leaders traveled to Kyiv to show solidarity on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion, with no end in the sight to the fighting.

Russia-Ukraine war: Western leaders in Kyiv, G7 pledge support for Ukraine on war anniversary

U.S. and British forces carried out a new round of strikes on Monday in Yemen, targeting a Houthi underground storage site as well as missile and surveillance capabilities used by the Iran-aligned group against Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said.

Consumer confidence in the UK declined in February, indicating that people are not prepared to make large purchases despite increasing indications that the economy is emerging from its brief slump.

Is UK still the best spot to set up your shop?

Is former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to make a political comeback? The British prime minister Rishi Sunak social media post on Kyiv's 2-year anniversary has sparked renewed questions about Boris Johnson's role in the tories's forthcoming general election campaign. Watch to know more!

UK: Will Boris Johnson make a comeback ahead of General elections?

The British military is currently experiencing its lowest number of active-duty personnel. According to a report, the size of the UK army is to be reduced to 72,000 soldiers by 2026. This decision forms a key part of the “future soldier” strategy, targeting a comprehensive force of over 100,000, which will include 30,100 army reserve personnel. Watch to know more!

UK army's troop numbers to drop below 70,000 by 2026: Report

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The United States and the UK struck 18 Houthi Targets in Yemen in an answer to the recent attacks by the militia group on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden this includes a missile strike this past week that set fire to a cargo vessel. Former US President and Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has won South Carolina's Republican primary beating his last major Republican rival and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in her home town. This Victory comes at a time when Donald Trump has already swept Iowa caucus. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: US & UK strike 18 Houthi targets in Yemen | Trump wins South Carolina Primary

G7 leaders commit to provide Ukraine with sufficient financial assistance in 2024

<p>The UK’s Conservative Party has taken action against one of its members of parliament, Lee Anderson, following controversial comments he made regarding London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, accusing him of being under the control of "Islamists."</p>

<p>Anderson on Friday (Feb 23) reportedly told a media outlet, “I don’t actually believe that these Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London. Again, this stems with Khan, he’s actually given our capital city away to his mates."</p>

<p>His comments drew swift condemnation from various quarters, including Labour Party figures and prominent members of his own party, labeling them as "unambiguously racist and Islamophobic."</p>

<p>Khan is the first Muslim mayor of London. He is also a member of the opposition Labour Party.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-cabinet-to-approve-netanyahu-and-idf-plans-for-rafah-ground-operation-next-week-693579">Israeli cabinet to approve IDF's plans for Rafah ground offensive next week: Netanyahu</a></p>

<p>He has often faced criticism from Conservative quarters, particularly regarding his management of policing and his alleged involvement in pro-Palestinian events in the capital.</p>

<p>The situation escalated on Wednesday (Feb 21) as pro-Palestinian demonstrators congregated outside parliament during a tumultuous vote on Gaza&nbsp;ceasefire. This prompted a departure from standard parliamentary procedures due to concerns over&nbsp;safety of the&nbsp;lawmakers.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wins-south-carolina-primary-defeating-haley-in-her-home-state-693578">Trump wins South Carolina primary, defeating Haley in her home state</a></p>

<p>Following mounting criticism, the Conservative Party announced Anderson's suspension from the parliamentary party and was stripped off Tory whip.</p>

<p>A spokesperson stated, "Following his refusal to apologize for comments made yesterday, the Chief Whip has suspended the Conservative whip from Lee Anderson MP."</p>

<p>Anderson, a former vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, will now serve as an independent lawmaker in parliament, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cpac-2024-in-his-conservative-conference-speech-trump-calls-himself-a-proud-political-dissident-693647">In his conservative conference speech, Trump calls himself a 'proud political dissident'</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cpac-2024-in-his-conservative-conference-speech-trump-calls-himself-a-proud-political-dissident-693647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The incident reignited discussions about Islamophobia within the Conservative Party, with recent surveys indicating growing public concern over the issue.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, concerns over rising Islamophobic incidents across the UK have been underscored by a monitoring group's report revealing a significant increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes following the Israel-Gaza war.</p>

<p>Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Tell MAMA, an organisation dedicated to monitoring anti-Muslim hate incidents, has reported a staggering increase in cases. In a four-month period, they recorded 2,010 incidents.&nbsp;This figure represented a significant surge compared to the 600 incidents reported during the same period in the previous year, marking a concerning rise of 335 percent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The UK’s Conservative Party has taken action against one of its members of parliament, Lee Anderson, following controversial comments he made regarding London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, accusing him of being under the control of "Islamists.

The UK’s Conservative Party has taken action against one of its members of parliament, Lee Anderson, following controversial comments he made regarding London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, accusing him of being under the control of "Islamists." Anderson on Friday (Feb 23) reportedly told a media outlet, “I don’t actually believe that these Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London. Again, this stems with Khan, he’s actually given our capital city away to his mates." His comments drew swift condemnation from various quarters, including Labour Party figures and prominent members of his own party, labeling them as "unambiguously racist and Islamophobic." Khan is the first Muslim mayor of London. He is also a member of the opposition Labour Party. Also Read | Israeli cabinet to approve IDF's plans for Rafah ground offensive next week: Netanyahu He has often faced criticism from Conservative quarters, particularly regarding his management of policing and his alleged involvement in pro-Palestinian events in the capital. The situation escalated on Wednesday (Feb 21) as pro-Palestinian demonstrators congregated outside parliament during a tumultuous vote on Gaza ceasefire. This prompted a departure from standard parliamentary procedures due to concerns over safety of the lawmakers. Also Read | Trump wins South Carolina primary, defeating Haley in her home state Following mounting criticism, the Conservative Party announced Anderson's suspension from the parliamentary party and was stripped off Tory whip. A spokesperson stated, "Following his refusal to apologize for comments made yesterday, the Chief Whip has suspended the Conservative whip from Lee Anderson MP." Anderson, a former vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, will now serve as an independent lawmaker in parliament, media reports said. Watch | In his conservative conference speech, Trump calls himself a 'proud political dissident' × The incident reignited discussions about Islamophobia within the Conservative Party, with recent surveys indicating growing public concern over the issue. Meanwhile, concerns over rising Islamophobic incidents across the UK have been underscored by a monitoring group's report revealing a significant increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes following the Israel-Gaza war. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Tell MAMA, an organisation dedicated to monitoring anti-Muslim hate incidents, has reported a staggering increase in cases. In a four-month period, they recorded 2,010 incidents. This figure represented a significant surge compared to the 600 incidents reported during the same period in the previous year, marking a concerning rise of 335 percent. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Conservative Party suspends Tory MP Lee Anderson over 'Islamophobic' remarks

The UK has failed to test-fire a Trident ballistic missile for the second time in a row. During the test on January 30, the dummy nuclear missile fell into the water next to the submarine it had blasted off from. In 2016 too, the missile veered off course and went towards the U.S. instead of Africa. The Trident missiles are the mainstay of the UK's nuclear deterrence. Do these failed launches point at the UK's (and the NATO's) vulnerability?

UK Trident Missile Test: Has the UK's nuclear deterrent program failed?

Visiting a nightclub in the middle of a day is New Concept in Britain for those who still have an urge to dance but no longer want to endure a sleepless night. Actress Vicky MccLure and husband Jonny Owen have created a unique nightclub which is open in the day but shuts early. Day fever which takes place every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. offers a unique daytime partying experience, the event features popular DJs live music and themed parties. Watch to know more!

UK: The rise of afternoon clubbing in London

A massive oil slick has been left behind by a cargo ship that was abandoned in the Gulf of Aden following an attack by Yemeni rebels. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) warned on Friday, February 24, that the environmental calamity might worsen.

Red Sea tensions: US warns attack by Houthis on cargo ships can cause environmental disaster

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is investigating whether Paul Maynard violated laws by claiming back money spent for political campaigns.

More trouble mounts for PM Sunak: Tory MP accused of misusing public funds

UK: Paul Maynard under probe over alleged misuse of public funds

A Houthi official made a statement on the social media platform X not long after the leader of the group declared that the group was intensifying attacks on ships in the Red Sea and other waters, utilizing new "submarine weapons" among other things, in an attempt to replicate Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip.

Red Sea Crisis: Yemen's Houthi target UK ship in Gulf of Aden

Red Sea Crisis: Houthis leaders order ‘ban’ on Israel, US and UK-linked ships in the Red Sea

In a major embarrassment to the UK Royal Navy, a Trident nuclear missile misfired and crashed into the ocean near the submarine that launched it, last month. The test firing was conducted off the coast of Florida and it was the second consecutive time a Trident nuclear missile had failed.

UK Trident missile fail: Is the Royal Navy in crisis?

UK Trident missile fail: New embarrassment for the Royal Navy

UK Tinder has asked its users to show identity proof, such as a passport, or driver's license while signing up. Will it lead to a drop in frauds and catfishing on the dating app?

Gravitas | Tinder's solution to catch catfish: Users to show passport

Uk, News on Uk, stories on Uk, articles on Uk, Uk stories at Wion, Uk news, Uk latest news