In a bold move to reignite the UK's sluggish economy, Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt has announced sweeping changes. Social security contributions are set to plummet, with major cuts to national insurance rates for both employees and the self-employed.

British Finance Minister unveils bold economic stimulus plan | World Business Watch

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt surprised everyone with big tax cuts on Wednesday (Nov 22). The populist move may help the ruling Conservative Party win some favour among British voters, but it may create problems for the next government, irrespective of which party wins the upcoming elections.

Conservatives cheered Hunt in the parliament when he announced lowering social security contributions for employees by two percentage points. This was bigger than expected. A smaller cut has been awarded to self-employed workers.

The latest measure along with another taken earlier this year is going to be worth about 20 billion pounds ($25 billion) a year by the 2028-29 tax year. Earlier this year, Hunt made incentives for business investment permanent.

That represented Britain's biggest giveaway package since 1988, apart from the huge tax cut plans last year of former Prime Minister Liz Truss which hammered the bond market and were quickly dropped, the Resolution Foundation think tank said as reported by Reuters.

The big tax increases announced by Hunt and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year dwarf Wednesday's tax cuts.

Currently, the Labour Party has about a 20-point lead over the Conservatives in opinion polls. An election is likely next year.

However, if it indeed forms the next government, it will likely have a hard time adhering to public spending that may result from Hunt's Autumn Statement plan.

"The giveaways announced today are funded by handing whoever wins the next election implausibly large spending cuts," Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said as quoted by Reuters.

Since the financial crisis of 2007-08, many of public services in Britain have had to withstand deep funding cuts when inflation is considered.

It is likely that Hunt will come under pressure from his own party for more tax cuts in a budget expected in March. It is likely to be a pre-election budget.

Paul Johnson, head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, told Reuters that the cost of tax cuts along with that of servicing Britain's 2.6 trillion-pound debt may possibly undermine Hunt's aim of boosting growth.

"There's a material risk that those plans prove undeliverable and today's tax cuts will not prove to be sustainable," Johnson said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt surprised everyone with big tax cuts on Wednesday (Nov 22). The populist move may help the ruling Conservative Party win some favour among British voters, but it may create problems for the next government, irrespective of which party wins the upcoming elections.

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt surprised everyone with big tax cuts on Wednesday (Nov 22). The populist move may help the ruling Conservative Party win some favour among British voters, but it may create problems for the next government, irrespective of which party wins the upcoming elections. Conservatives cheered Hunt in the parliament when he announced lowering social security contributions for employees by two percentage points. This was bigger than expected. A smaller cut has been awarded to self-employed workers. The latest measure along with another taken earlier this year is going to be worth about 20 billion pounds ($25 billion) a year by the 2028-29 tax year. Earlier this year, Hunt made incentives for business investment permanent. That represented Britain's biggest giveaway package since 1988, apart from the huge tax cut plans last year of former Prime Minister Liz Truss which hammered the bond market and were quickly dropped, the Resolution Foundation think tank said as reported by Reuters. The big tax increases announced by Hunt and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year dwarf Wednesday's tax cuts. Currently, the Labour Party has about a 20-point lead over the Conservatives in opinion polls. An election is likely next year. However, if it indeed forms the next government, it will likely have a hard time adhering to public spending that may result from Hunt's Autumn Statement plan. "The giveaways announced today are funded by handing whoever wins the next election implausibly large spending cuts," Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said as quoted by Reuters. Since the financial crisis of 2007-08, many of public services in Britain have had to withstand deep funding cuts when inflation is considered. It is likely that Hunt will come under pressure from his own party for more tax cuts in a budget expected in March. It is likely to be a pre-election budget. Paul Johnson, head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, told Reuters that the cost of tax cuts along with that of servicing Britain's 2.6 trillion-pound debt may possibly undermine Hunt's aim of boosting growth. "There's a material risk that those plans prove undeliverable and today's tax cuts will not prove to be sustainable," Johnson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Conservative government annouces surprise tax cuts

Here's something which generates a lot of curiosity, how many days do you work in a week? The usual five days? Well, in most parts of the world, the work week is from Monday to Friday. But, a study now reveals that a four-day work week is more productive.

AI to make 28% UK workforce switch to 32-hour work week: Study | World DNA | WION

Britain celebrates the 60th anniversary of science-fiction series Doctor Who&nbsp;Saturday as fans hail a programme that has enthralled generations since it was first broadcast. &nbsp;

Six million people watched the first episode when it was aired at teatime on November 23, 1963, following the adventures of The Doctor, a fugitive Time Lord with two hearts from the planet Gallifrey. &nbsp;

The enduring series -- the longest-running of its genre in the world -- is expected to release a new season next year

In the beginning, not everyone was immediately won over, particularly by the TARDIS, his hybrid spacecraft/time machine mostly in the form of an old-fashioned British police call box that is bigger on the inside.&nbsp;

"A police box with flashing beacon travelling through interstellar space -- what claptrap!" said one viewer surveyed by the BBC.

A more prophetic view came from parents who said it promised to be "very entertaining" and accurately predicted their children "would love it".

Life-long fan Tony Jordan, 64, has a full-sized TARDIS replica in his garden.

He said some of his first memories were of being petrified by foes of the doctor as he watched with his mother as a young boy.

"It was the monsters -- the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Ice Warriors -- that just really got my imagination," said Jordan, from Heath Hayes, central England.

Jordan said financial constraints were a big part of Doctor Who's success.

"When people are under budget pressure it does force them to be more creative than maybe they might have been," he said

"Especially in the early days, they couldn't just CGI everything because that technology simply didn't exist so it forced them to come up with something that captures people's imaginations."

The anniversary will be marked with three television specials with the first -- Star Beast&nbsp;-- due to go out on the BBC and Disney+ on Saturday.

- Daleks return -

The three specials feature&nbsp;Scottish actor David Tennant, who played The Doctor between 2005 and 2010.

One of Doctor Who's most popular and enduring enemies -- &nbsp;the Daleks -- are also returning in the form of a one-off 75-minute film.

The new film colourises and weaves together the seven original episodes from 1963/4 that introduced the extraterrestrial race of xenophobic mutants with their chant of "Exterminate! Exterminate!"

The programme quickly established itself as a cultural landmark in the UK.

Its longevity was assured by a decision to "regenerate" the lead character when first Doctor, played by actor William Hartnell, left the show in 1966.

The humanoid Time Lords can cheat death by changing their entire appearance -- a cornerstone of the show which has now featured more than a dozen actors in the title role.

"It was born out of production demands but they took the idea and ran with it to reboot the show every few years when they need," said Jordan.

He recalls being "a little bit confused" at seeing one of the early switches.

"I didn't know why The Doctor was now a man in a leather jacket rather than a 1960s gentleman character,&nbsp;but I got over that quite quickly," he said.

<h2>- Global appeal -</h2>

Doctor Who's journey to world-wide popularity began when the US sci-fi community embraced it after the series was bought by PBS.

Fans -- of all ages, and from all over the world -- now regularly meet at huge arena-sized events to meet their idols and fellow enthusiasts.

The 50th anniversary special episode a decade ago was shown in 94 countries.

Although the BBC shelved Doctor Who in 1989, it was revived in 2005 under the stewardship of screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies.

The show is now a BBC co-production with Disney and the three specials are due to be broadcast on successive Saturdays from this week.

After that, 15th doctor Ncuti Gatwa -- the first actor of colour to play the part -- will take over from Jodie Whittaker, the first woman in the role.

"It seems like it's going to be bigger than ever," said Jordan.

But while the new series will undoubtedly be slicker, he said it would remain true to the vision of the early programme makers.

"It's that cliche of children hiding behind the sofa while their parents watch it, it's an opportunity for people to get together and be swept away by a magical sci-fi adventure," he said.&nbsp;

"That will always be the core of Doctor Who."

Britain celebrates the 60th anniversary of science-fiction series Doctor Who Saturday as fans hail a programme that has enthralled generations since it was first broadcast.

Britain celebrates the 60th anniversary of science-fiction series Doctor Who Saturday as fans hail a programme that has enthralled generations since it was first broadcast. Six million people watched the first episode when it was aired at teatime on November 23, 1963, following the adventures of The Doctor, a fugitive Time Lord with two hearts from the planet Gallifrey. The enduring series -- the longest-running of its genre in the world -- is expected to release a new season next year In the beginning, not everyone was immediately won over, particularly by the TARDIS, his hybrid spacecraft/time machine mostly in the form of an old-fashioned British police call box that is bigger on the inside. "A police box with flashing beacon travelling through interstellar space -- what claptrap!" said one viewer surveyed by the BBC. A more prophetic view came from parents who said it promised to be "very entertaining" and accurately predicted their children "would love it". Life-long fan Tony Jordan, 64, has a full-sized TARDIS replica in his garden. He said some of his first memories were of being petrified by foes of the doctor as he watched with his mother as a young boy. "It was the monsters -- the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Ice Warriors -- that just really got my imagination," said Jordan, from Heath Hayes, central England. Jordan said financial constraints were a big part of Doctor Who's success. "When people are under budget pressure it does force them to be more creative than maybe they might have been," he said "Especially in the early days, they couldn't just CGI everything because that technology simply didn't exist so it forced them to come up with something that captures people's imaginations." The anniversary will be marked with three television specials with the first -- Star Beast -- due to go out on the BBC and Disney+ on Saturday. - Daleks return - The three specials feature Scottish actor David Tennant, who played The Doctor between 2005 and 2010. One of Doctor Who's most popular and enduring enemies -- the Daleks -- are also returning in the form of a one-off 75-minute film. The new film colourises and weaves together the seven original episodes from 1963/4 that introduced the extraterrestrial race of xenophobic mutants with their chant of "Exterminate! Exterminate!" The programme quickly established itself as a cultural landmark in the UK. Its longevity was assured by a decision to "regenerate" the lead character when first Doctor, played by actor William Hartnell, left the show in 1966. The humanoid Time Lords can cheat death by changing their entire appearance -- a cornerstone of the show which has now featured more than a dozen actors in the title role. "It was born out of production demands but they took the idea and ran with it to reboot the show every few years when they need," said Jordan. He recalls being "a little bit confused" at seeing one of the early switches. "I didn't know why The Doctor was now a man in a leather jacket rather than a 1960s gentleman character, but I got over that quite quickly," he said. - Global appeal - Doctor Who's journey to world-wide popularity began when the US sci-fi community embraced it after the series was bought by PBS. Fans -- of all ages, and from all over the world -- now regularly meet at huge arena-sized events to meet their idols and fellow enthusiasts. The 50th anniversary special episode a decade ago was shown in 94 countries. Although the BBC shelved Doctor Who in 1989, it was revived in 2005 under the stewardship of screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies. The show is now a BBC co-production with Disney and the three specials are due to be broadcast on successive Saturdays from this week. After that, 15th doctor Ncuti Gatwa -- the first actor of colour to play the part -- will take over from Jodie Whittaker, the first woman in the role. "It seems like it's going to be bigger than ever," said Jordan. But while the new series will undoubtedly be slicker, he said it would remain true to the vision of the early programme makers. "It's that cliche of children hiding behind the sofa while their parents watch it, it's an opportunity for people to get together and be swept away by a magical sci-fi adventure," he said. "That will always be the core of Doctor Who."

UK sci-fi hit Doctor Who celebrates 60th anniversary

Abu Dhabi bed investment fund RedBird Capital says it is all set to take control of the Telegraph and Spectator newspapers. However conservative members of parliament have voiced concerns over the danger of foreign influence they are asking the government to use the National Security laws to investigate potential risks around the bid.

UK MPs warn against UAE takeover of Telegraph

Jeremy Hunt, the finance minister of the United Kingdom, announced on Wednesday that 27 million workers would have their National Insurance paid at a lower rate of 10% instead of 12% in his Autumn Statement budget announcements.

Autumn Statement: UK's Jeremy Hunt announces tax cuts | WION

According to statements made in the public interest, the UK government plans to examine the proposed sale of the Telegraph Media Group to an investment fund backed by Abu Dhabi. The fund, RedBird IMI, declared on Monday that it was going to seize ownership of The Spectator magazine, The Daily Telegraph, and The Sunday Telegraph, which are sister newspapers.

UK government to review the proposed sale of the Telegraph Media Group

On the basis of public interest, the UK government announced on Wednesday that it was "minded" to examine the planned sale of the Telegraph Media Group to an investment fund backed by Abu Dhabi.

UK MPs warn against UAE takeover of Telegraph, to review proposed sale of Telegraph Media Group

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee arrived in the United Kingdom for a three-day visit on Tuesday (Nov 21). The South Korean president will also be the first state visitor that King Charles III will be hosting since his coronation.&nbsp;

During the visit, Yoon is also expected to launch negotiations for a new free trade deal with the UK, said Downing Street&nbsp;ahead of his arrival and will also hold bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

<h2>What is expected from this visit?</h2>

The two leaders are expected to agree on deepening cooperation and launch negotiations on an upgraded free-trade deal.&nbsp;

“Trade and investment is expected to be a key focus of the visit, with...trade secretaries from both countries preparing to sign an agreement to launch the negotiations for an upgraded modern, world-leading Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Wednesday,” said Downing Street, in a statement.&nbsp;

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This comes as the British government has sought to strike new deals with countries around the world, including India, following its departure from the European Union after Brexit.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yoon, as quoted by local media, told his cabinet last week that “the upcoming visit will serve as a springboard for further deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.”&nbsp;

He also said that the cooperation between South Korea and the UK will centre on science and technology as Seoul has sought to expand business opportunities and high-tech industry supply chains, he added.&nbsp;

Yoon will also be accompanied by significant business figures including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai chief Chung Eui-sun.

The UK and South Korea have traded a total of goods and services worth $20.1 billion in the year to the end of the second quarter this year.&nbsp;

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<h2>‘Downing Street Accord’&nbsp;</h2>

London is also hopeful that a new “Downing Street Accord” will be signed later this week which will help secure “robust supply chains” and increase technology sharing and defence cooperation.&nbsp;

“As two nations focused on innovation, harnessing new technologies and defending the international rules-based order, the UK and Republic of Korea are natural partners,” said Sunak, ahead of Yoon’s visit.&nbsp;

“Through our new Downing Street Accord, we will drive investment, boost trade and build a friendship that not only supports global stability, but protects our interests and lasts the test of time,” he added.&nbsp;

Both countries have also pledged to step up joint training and operations “to create the most comprehensive exercise regime between the UK and any partner other than the US,” said Downing Street.

<h2>King Charles to host South Korean president</h2>

Yoon’s visit, where he is expected to receive the full red carpet treatment, will also include a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and a lunch with the king and his wife, Queen Camilla.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/goldman-and-jpmorgan-lower-uks-growth-forecast-for-2023-635842">Goldman and JPMorgan lower UK’s growth forecast for 2023</a>

Prince William, Charles’ eldest son, will meet the visitors on Tuesday and join them for an official welcoming ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in central London.&nbsp;

This is the first time that the new king will host a state visit since he was officially crowned in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee arrived in the United Kingdom for a three-day visit on Tuesday (Nov 21). The South Korean president will also be the first state visitor that King Charles III will be hosting since his coronation.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee arrived in the United Kingdom for a three-day visit on Tuesday (Nov 21). The South Korean president will also be the first state visitor that King Charles III will be hosting since his coronation. During the visit, Yoon is also expected to launch negotiations for a new free trade deal with the UK, said Downing Street ahead of his arrival and will also hold bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. What is expected from this visit? The two leaders are expected to agree on deepening cooperation and launch negotiations on an upgraded free-trade deal. “Trade and investment is expected to be a key focus of the visit, with...trade secretaries from both countries preparing to sign an agreement to launch the negotiations for an upgraded modern, world-leading Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Wednesday,” said Downing Street, in a statement. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: UK Committee suggests including Japan & South Korea in the QUAD This comes as the British government has sought to strike new deals with countries around the world, including India, following its departure from the European Union after Brexit. Meanwhile, Yoon, as quoted by local media, told his cabinet last week that “the upcoming visit will serve as a springboard for further deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.” He also said that the cooperation between South Korea and the UK will centre on science and technology as Seoul has sought to expand business opportunities and high-tech industry supply chains, he added. Yoon will also be accompanied by significant business figures including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai chief Chung Eui-sun. The UK and South Korea have traded a total of goods and services worth $20.1 billion in the year to the end of the second quarter this year. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi, UK counterpart Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA ‘Downing Street Accord’ London is also hopeful that a new “Downing Street Accord” will be signed later this week which will help secure “robust supply chains” and increase technology sharing and defence cooperation. “As two nations focused on innovation, harnessing new technologies and defending the international rules-based order, the UK and Republic of Korea are natural partners,” said Sunak, ahead of Yoon’s visit. “Through our new Downing Street Accord, we will drive investment, boost trade and build a friendship that not only supports global stability, but protects our interests and lasts the test of time,” he added. Both countries have also pledged to step up joint training and operations “to create the most comprehensive exercise regime between the UK and any partner other than the US,” said Downing Street. King Charles to host South Korean president Yoon’s visit, where he is expected to receive the full red carpet treatment, will also include a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and a lunch with the king and his wife, Queen Camilla. ALSO READ | Goldman and JPMorgan lower UK’s growth forecast for 2023 Prince William, Charles’ eldest son, will meet the visitors on Tuesday and join them for an official welcoming ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in central London. This is the first time that the new king will host a state visit since he was officially crowned in May. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean president kicks off historic UK visit as two countries work to strengthen ties

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose&nbsp;a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed.

As per a diary entry made by former chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, Cummings made this statement during a meeting on whether to impose a national lockdown or not.

Vallance quoted Cummings in his diary as saying, "Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay. This all feels like a complete lack of leadership."

A spokesman for Sunak said that the prime minister would set out his stance when he presents evidence to the probe "rather than respond to each one in piecemeal".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joseph-boakai-declared-winner-of-liberia-presidential-election-660910">Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election</a>

<h2>Boris Johnson 'bamboozled' by Covid data</h2>

The then Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "bamboozled" by the COVID-19 data, a public inquiry, which is being held to review the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic that killed more than 220,000 people in Britain, heard on Monday (Nov 20).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-launch-satellite-rocket-between-nov-22-and-dec-1-says-japan-660914">North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan</a>

Vallance stated that Johnson at times found it difficult to retain scientific information.

The note made in the diary from May 4, 2020, recalled the meeting with Johnson about schools, where Vallance wrote, "My God, this is complicated. Models will not provide the answer. PM is clearly bamboozled."

Another, written in the same month, said: "PM asking whether we've overdone it on the lethality of this disease. He swings between optimism pessimism, and then this."

Vallance wrote in June that watching Johnson get his head-round stats was hard work. "He finds relative and absolute risk almost impossible to understand," he said.

Vallance said Johnson, who has been criticised at the inquiry by a string of former senior advisers, described the scene as "mad and spooky, we have got to end it".

"Starts challenging numbers and questioning whether they really translate into deaths. Says it is not exponential etc etc," he added, referring to Johnson.

The inquiry is being carried out to review the government's response to the global crisis which claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people in Britain.

(With inputs from the agencies)

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed. As per a diary entry made by former chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, Cummings made this statement during a meeting on whether to impose a national lockdown or not. Vallance quoted Cummings in his diary as saying, "Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay. This all feels like a complete lack of leadership." A spokesman for Sunak said that the prime minister would set out his stance when he presents evidence to the probe "rather than respond to each one in piecemeal". Also read: Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election Boris Johnson 'bamboozled' by Covid data The then Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "bamboozled" by the COVID-19 data, a public inquiry, which is being held to review the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic that killed more than 220,000 people in Britain, heard on Monday (Nov 20). Also read: North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan Vallance stated that Johnson at times found it difficult to retain scientific information. The note made in the diary from May 4, 2020, recalled the meeting with Johnson about schools, where Vallance wrote, "My God, this is complicated. Models will not provide the answer. PM is clearly bamboozled." Another, written in the same month, said: "PM asking whether we've overdone it on the lethality of this disease. He swings between optimism pessimism, and then this." Vallance wrote in June that watching Johnson get his head-round stats was hard work. "He finds relative and absolute risk almost impossible to understand," he said. Vallance said Johnson, who has been criticised at the inquiry by a string of former senior advisers, described the scene as "mad and spooky, we have got to end it". "Starts challenging numbers and questioning whether they really translate into deaths. Says it is not exponential etc etc," he added, referring to Johnson. The inquiry is being carried out to review the government's response to the global crisis which claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people in Britain. (With inputs from the agencies)

UK PM Rishi Sunak reportedly said government should 'let people die', COVID inquiry hears

During Monday's hearings into how Britain handled the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was quoted as saying that instead of imposing a second national lockdown, the government should "just let people die."

UK PM Rishi Sunak said, "just let people die" suggest Vallance's diary of Covid-19 | Latest News

Is Rishi Sunak's new foreign minister David Cameron a Chinese stooge? Cameron helped a Chinese firm land $3 billion dollars in investment for a BRI project in Colombo. Is he merely Xi Jinping's pawn?

Gravitas: UK's new foreign secretary a Chinese pawn?

Retail sales have experienced an unexpected dip, marking the lowest level since the 2021 Covid-19 lockdowns. This downturn echoes a broader narrative, suggesting a shared challenge faced by economies worldwide.

UK retail sales plunge 0.3% amid economic challenges | World Business Watch

Retail sales in the UK have been falling. In October 2023, sales fell by 0.3%, which is the lowest level since February 2021. This was due to rising living costs, poor weather, high borrowing costs, and rising prices.

Retail sale take a plunge in UK

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is banking on an emergency legislation to resurrect his high-profile plan for illegal immigrants. After the UK Supreme Court rejected his government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as unlawful.

UK: Rishi Sunak faces heat over Rwanda policy

The UK is turning to Artificial Intelligence, as per reports, the British government is planning to use AI for administrative tasks and free public workers from simple daily chores such as data input.

Will AI replace jobs? 28% working adults think AI can make their job easier: Study | WION

The UK government is increasingly monitoring the online activities of its potential critics and is blocking them out of government-funded events, a new Observer report has claimed.

According to the report, several government departments, including the departments of health, culture, media and sport, and environment, food and rural affairs, have been instructed to monitor the social media accounts of certain experts who speak out against the government’s policies.&nbsp;

In some cases, Google searches are run targeting special individuals, and based on their views, steps are taken to ensure they don’t use governmental events to criticise the administration.

<h2>‘Secret files’ being maintained</h2>

According to the Observer, the UK government is compiling ‘secret files’ to censor its opponents, which is unlawful as per the country’s constitution.

In September, three early-childhood education experts claimed the Department of Education tried to cancel their invitation to speak at a government-funded event just because they spoke against the education policy.

But later, human rights experts at law firm Leigh Day revealed that the practice was not limited to the Department of Education and in fact, is quite widespread.

Watch:&nbsp;Can Rishi Sunak keep Tory voters happy?

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Now the firm is pursuing legal action against the government.

Tessa Gregory, partner at Leigh Day, was quoted by the Guardian as saying that these “hidden checks are unlawful, running contrary to data protection laws and potentially breaching equality and human rights legislation.”

<h2>Individuals being blacklisted</h2>

The Observer reported that the individuals who make anti-government posts on social media are permanently blacklisted from public events.&nbsp;

It cited Dan Kaszeta, a chemical weapons expert, to reveal how his invitation to speak at a UK defence conference was cancelled after officials found his ‘controversial’ posts.

He told the Observer this weekend that he knows of 12 others who have uncovered evidence of similar government blacklisting, most of whom are frightened of speaking out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-patience-has-run-thin-rishi-sunak-vows-to-send-back-asylum-seekers-after-court-blocks-rwanda-plan-659011">Also read:&nbsp;‘My patience has run thin’: Rishi Sunak vows to send back asylum seekers after court blocks Rwanda plan</a>

“The full extent of this is shocking and probably not fully known. I was lucky enough to be given clearcut, obvious evidence. It’s truly awful,” he was quoted as saying.

“I don’t have a duty of impartiality. Nor should I,” Kaszeta said further, adding, “Trying to extend the civil service code to me because I was merely going to talk to an audience with a handful of civil servants is utterly wrong. I’m not a revolutionary Trotskyite.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK government is increasingly monitoring the online activities of its potential critics and is blocking them out of government-funded events, a new Observer report has claimed.

The UK government is increasingly monitoring the online activities of its potential critics and is blocking them out of government-funded events, a new Observer report has claimed. According to the report, several government departments, including the departments of health, culture, media and sport, and environment, food and rural affairs, have been instructed to monitor the social media accounts of certain experts who speak out against the government’s policies. In some cases, Google searches are run targeting special individuals, and based on their views, steps are taken to ensure they don’t use governmental events to criticise the administration. ‘Secret files’ being maintained According to the Observer, the UK government is compiling ‘secret files’ to censor its opponents, which is unlawful as per the country’s constitution. In September, three early-childhood education experts claimed the Department of Education tried to cancel their invitation to speak at a government-funded event just because they spoke against the education policy. But later, human rights experts at law firm Leigh Day revealed that the practice was not limited to the Department of Education and in fact, is quite widespread. Watch: Can Rishi Sunak keep Tory voters happy? × Now the firm is pursuing legal action against the government. Tessa Gregory, partner at Leigh Day, was quoted by the Guardian as saying that these “hidden checks are unlawful, running contrary to data protection laws and potentially breaching equality and human rights legislation.” Individuals being blacklisted The Observer reported that the individuals who make anti-government posts on social media are permanently blacklisted from public events. It cited Dan Kaszeta, a chemical weapons expert, to reveal how his invitation to speak at a UK defence conference was cancelled after officials found his ‘controversial’ posts. He told the Observer this weekend that he knows of 12 others who have uncovered evidence of similar government blacklisting, most of whom are frightened of speaking out. Also read: ‘My patience has run thin’: Rishi Sunak vows to send back asylum seekers after court blocks Rwanda plan “The full extent of this is shocking and probably not fully known. I was lucky enough to be given clearcut, obvious evidence. It’s truly awful,” he was quoted as saying. “I don’t have a duty of impartiality. Nor should I,” Kaszeta said further, adding, “Trying to extend the civil service code to me because I was merely going to talk to an audience with a handful of civil servants is utterly wrong. I’m not a revolutionary Trotskyite.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK accused of blacklisting critics from govt-funded events, monitoring their social media

Ozempic is a medicine designed for type 2 diabetes which is considered a life-threatening condition, an effective drug that also helps in losing weight. But now it is running short in the UK and the United States of America.

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UK PM Rishi Sunak is facing multiple challenges. On Wednesday, Britain's Supreme Court deemed his govt's flagship immigration policy as 'unlawful.' The Rwanda scheme was the central plank of Sunak's immigration policy ahead of an election next year. The court ruling takes even greater significance after Sunak sacked Interior Minister Suella Braverman, whose scope included dealing with immigration. After exiting her office, Braverman penned a scathing letter to Sunak, accusing him of being weak. She alleged that Sunak had failed the British people.

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Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said Tuesday (Nov 14) that the fast-food giant faces "one to two" sexual harassment allegations from workers every week. The issue was recently exposed by the BBC and Macrow has promised to tackle the alarming situation.&nbsp;

While speaking to a watchdog parliamentary committee, he said that his employees' accounts of alleged harassment and racism were "truly horrific and hard to listen to". Macrow was quizzed by MPs after a probe revealed a "toxic culture" at its restaurants.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sacked-uk-interior-minister-braverman-launches-scathing-attack-on-sunak-someone-needs-to-be-honest-658627">Sacked UK interior minister Braverman launches scathing attack on Sunak: 'Someone needs to be honest'</a>&nbsp;

The BBC investigation, which was done in July, revealed several allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and bullying by staff at McDonald's outlets in Britain.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, the company said that it had dismissed 18 employees and taken 75 disciplinary measures. It noted that it has examined 157 reported cases&nbsp;since the scandal emerged, and some 249 cases remain to be investigated.&nbsp;

After the BBC reported the charges, including employees' claims of being "groped and harassed almost routinely," law firm Leigh Day recently initiated a group legal action against McDonald's.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-businesses-are-pulling-money-out-at-a-fast-rate-from-china-658658">Explained: Why businesses are pulling money out at a fast rate from China?</a>&nbsp;

The British broadcaster said McDonald's UK established a specialised section to investigate the allegations, which arose from the stories of approximately 100 employees.&nbsp;

Macrow reiterated that he was "absolutely determined to root out any of these behaviours" as he appeared before lawmakers in parliament.&nbsp;

He pledged to identify individuals who are responsible for them and "make sure they are eradicated from our business".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;A future where women drive Japan's economic growth&nbsp;

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<h2>Has the situation improved?&nbsp;</h2>

Union leaders claimed earlier in the hearing that the situation had not improved within McDonald's since it launched its internal probes - a statement which contradicts what Macrow claimed.&nbsp;

The unions also claim that the firm has a history of using out-of-court settlements in response to such allegations, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).&nbsp;

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union alleged four years ago that more than 1,000 female employees of the fast-food giant were victims of sexual harassment and abuse.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said Tuesday (Nov 14) that the fast-food giant faces "one to two" sexual harassment allegations from workers every week.

Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said Tuesday (Nov 14) that the fast-food giant faces "one to two" sexual harassment allegations from workers every week. The issue was recently exposed by the BBC and Macrow has promised to tackle the alarming situation. While speaking to a watchdog parliamentary committee, he said that his employees' accounts of alleged harassment and racism were "truly horrific and hard to listen to". Macrow was quizzed by MPs after a probe revealed a "toxic culture" at its restaurants. Also read: Sacked UK interior minister Braverman launches scathing attack on Sunak: 'Someone needs to be honest' The BBC investigation, which was done in July, revealed several allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and bullying by staff at McDonald's outlets in Britain. In the aftermath, the company said that it had dismissed 18 employees and taken 75 disciplinary measures. It noted that it has examined 157 reported cases since the scandal emerged, and some 249 cases remain to be investigated. After the BBC reported the charges, including employees' claims of being "groped and harassed almost routinely," law firm Leigh Day recently initiated a group legal action against McDonald's. Also read: Explained: Why businesses are pulling money out at a fast rate from China? The British broadcaster said McDonald's UK established a specialised section to investigate the allegations, which arose from the stories of approximately 100 employees. Macrow reiterated that he was "absolutely determined to root out any of these behaviours" as he appeared before lawmakers in parliament. He pledged to identify individuals who are responsible for them and "make sure they are eradicated from our business". Watch: A future where women drive Japan's economic growth × Has the situation improved? Union leaders claimed earlier in the hearing that the situation had not improved within McDonald's since it launched its internal probes - a statement which contradicts what Macrow claimed. The unions also claim that the firm has a history of using out-of-court settlements in response to such allegations, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union alleged four years ago that more than 1,000 female employees of the fast-food giant were victims of sexual harassment and abuse. (With inputs from agencies)

McDonald's faces 'one to two' sexual harassment allegations from workers every week, says its UK boss

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