In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv

Britain's government on Thursday imposed sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, handing a huge blow to his plans of selling Chelsea football club. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Abramovich had put Chelsea up for sale after the British government started tightening the noose on Russian billionaires operating in the country.

On Thursday, the British government announced sanctions on seven Russians, including Abramovich. The assets of the seven Russian billionaires will be frozen by the government. However, the British government confirmed that it will allow Chelsea football club to continue playing their matches across competitions despite the sanctions on its owner.

The sanctions mean Abramovich's ability to see Chelsea has also been frozen by the government. The Russian cannot sell the club for now as the asset freeze and sanctions bar the process of a sale under the terms of the license that was granted to the club.

However, the British government has issued a special license to Chelsea which will allow the club to continue playing their matches without any disruption. The license also ensures that the club will pay their staff and players in time, and the ticket holders will be allowed to attend the club's matches.

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However, barring the season ticket holders, no other fans will be able to attend Chelsea matches.&nbsp;"I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended," said&nbsp;Nadine Dorries, Britain's minister for sport.

"Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We`re committed to protecting them," she added.

Reigning Club World Cup and European champions Chelsea are currently placed third on the Premier League points table with 53 points from 26 matches so far this season and are fighting to finish inside top four.

Britain's government on Thursday imposed sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, handing a huge blow to his plans of selling Chelsea football club. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Abramovich had put Chelsea up for sale after the British government started tightening the noose on Russian billionaires operating in the country.

Britain's government on Thursday imposed sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, handing a huge blow to his plans of selling Chelsea football club. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, Abramovich had put Chelsea up for sale after the British government started tightening the noose on Russian billionaires operating in the country. On Thursday, the British government announced sanctions on seven Russians, including Abramovich. The assets of the seven Russian billionaires will be frozen by the government. However, the British government confirmed that it will allow Chelsea football club to continue playing their matches across competitions despite the sanctions on its owner. The sanctions mean Abramovich's ability to see Chelsea has also been frozen by the government. The Russian cannot sell the club for now as the asset freeze and sanctions bar the process of a sale under the terms of the license that was granted to the club. However, the British government has issued a special license to Chelsea which will allow the club to continue playing their matches without any disruption. The license also ensures that the club will pay their staff and players in time, and the ticket holders will be allowed to attend the club's matches. Also Read: Deja vu for Lionel Messi-starrer PSG as they crumble again on big occasion with Real Madrid loss However, barring the season ticket holders, no other fans will be able to attend Chelsea matches. "I know this brings some uncertainty, but the government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended," said Nadine Dorries, Britain's minister for sport. "Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We`re committed to protecting them," she added. Reigning Club World Cup and European champions Chelsea are currently placed third on the Premier League points table with 53 points from 26 matches so far this season and are fighting to finish inside top four.

Chelsea football club's sale halted as UK government imposes sanctions on Roman Abramovich

A US&nbsp;judge on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing Britain's Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was underage, as Britain's finance ministry confirmed that no public funds were used in their settlement.

The dismissal by US&nbsp;District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan federal court had been requested by Giuffre and&nbsp;Andrew, and was expected following the settlement announced on Feb. 15 between Giuffre and Queen Elizabeth's second son.

That accord included an undisclosed payment, with&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;making a "substantial donation" to Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights.

Andrew, the Duke of York, did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the civil lawsuit. He has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

The finance ministry issued its comment after The Sun, a British tabloid, said&nbsp;Andrew's older brother Prince Charles was bankrolling most of the settlement, with the queen chipping in.

Giuffre's case had focused on&nbsp;Andrew's friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and sex offender who the 38-year-old Giuffre said also sexually abused her.

Andrew, 62, denied Giuffre's accusations that he forced her to have sex when she was 17 at the London home of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's mansion in Manhattan, and Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The allegations and&nbsp;Andrew's relationship with Epstein severely damaged the&nbsp;prince's reputation, forcing him to give up his royal patronages and no longer be known as "His Royal Highness."

In a statement announcing the settlement,&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;said he regretted his association with Epstein, and accepted that Giuffre had suffered as an abuse victim.

Epstein killed himself at age 66 in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is seeking a new trial after being convicted in December of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

A US judge on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing Britain's Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was underage, as Britain's finance ministry confirmed that no public funds were used in their settlement.

A US judge on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit accusing Britain's Prince Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was underage, as Britain's finance ministry confirmed that no public funds were used in their settlement. The dismissal by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan federal court had been requested by Giuffre and Andrew, and was expected following the settlement announced on Feb. 15 between Giuffre and Queen Elizabeth's second son. That accord included an undisclosed payment, with Andrew making a "substantial donation" to Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights. Andrew, the Duke of York, did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the civil lawsuit. He has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. The finance ministry issued its comment after The Sun, a British tabloid, said Andrew's older brother Prince Charles was bankrolling most of the settlement, with the queen chipping in. Giuffre's case had focused on Andrew's friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and sex offender who the 38-year-old Giuffre said also sexually abused her. Andrew, 62, denied Giuffre's accusations that he forced her to have sex when she was 17 at the London home of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's mansion in Manhattan, and Epstein's private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The allegations and Andrew's relationship with Epstein severely damaged the prince's reputation, forcing him to give up his royal patronages and no longer be known as "His Royal Highness." In a statement announcing the settlement, Andrew said he regretted his association with Epstein, and accepted that Giuffre had suffered as an abuse victim. Epstein killed himself at age 66 in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is seeking a new trial after being convicted in December of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

Lawsuit against Prince Andrew is dismissed, Britain says no public funds in settlement

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said.

"The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said.&nbsp;

Royal officials announced on Sunday that the 95-year-old head of state had tested positive and had "mild" Covid symptoms, but would continue with "light duties".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-cancels-engagements-over-covid-symptoms-455373">Queen Elizabeth II cancels engagements over Covid symptoms</a>

Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, tested positive for the second time since early 2020 on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle.

The Queen, who is in her record-breaking 70th year on the throne, cancelled similar virtual engagements planned for Tuesday but spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson Wednesday.

The monarch and the prime minister hold regular weekly meetings in private. They were conducted by telephone rather than in person due to coronavirus restrictions.

Palace officials said there were no further engagements planned for this week. The latest cancellation will inevitably stoke further fears for her health, given her advanced age.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/well-as-you-can-see-i-cant-move-is-queen-elizabeths-health-failing-453977">'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing?</a>

As a precaution, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor, west of London, in March 2020 as the global pandemic hit Britain.

The couple, who were married for 73 years, self-isolated with a reduced number of household staff. Philip, 99, died in April 2021, and his funeral was held under virus curbs.

Elizabeth returned to official duties after his death and as restrictions were lifted. But she was forced to slow down on medical advice in October last year.

Watch |&nbsp;Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for COVID-19

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The palace was forced to confirm that she had an overnight stay in hospital after going in for unspecified tests. Since then her appearances have become rarer.

She held a public engagement at her Sandringham residence in eastern England on February 5 on the eve of the anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said. "The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said.

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said. "The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said. Royal officials announced on Sunday that the 95-year-old head of state had tested positive and had "mild" Covid symptoms, but would continue with "light duties". Also read | Queen Elizabeth II cancels engagements over Covid symptoms Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, tested positive for the second time since early 2020 on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle. The Queen, who is in her record-breaking 70th year on the throne, cancelled similar virtual engagements planned for Tuesday but spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson Wednesday. The monarch and the prime minister hold regular weekly meetings in private. They were conducted by telephone rather than in person due to coronavirus restrictions. Palace officials said there were no further engagements planned for this week. The latest cancellation will inevitably stoke further fears for her health, given her advanced age. Also read | 'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing? As a precaution, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor, west of London, in March 2020 as the global pandemic hit Britain. The couple, who were married for 73 years, self-isolated with a reduced number of household staff. Philip, 99, died in April 2021, and his funeral was held under virus curbs. Elizabeth returned to official duties after his death and as restrictions were lifted. But she was forced to slow down on medical advice in October last year. Watch | Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for COVID-19 The palace was forced to confirm that she had an overnight stay in hospital after going in for unspecified tests. Since then her appearances have become rarer. She held a public engagement at her Sandringham residence in eastern England on February 5 on the eve of the anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1952.

Covid: Queen Elizabeth postpones more planned virtual audiences - Buckingham Palace

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a speedy recovery to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday (February 20). Queen has received three jabs of the Covid vaccine.&nbsp;

"I wish Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth a speedy recovery and pray for her good health," wrote PM Modi while retweeting UK PM Boris Johnson's tweet.&nbsp;

Buckingham Palace on Sunday informed that Queen Elizabeth II has been tested Covid positive and she is receiving medical attention. The 95-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms but expects to continue light duties this week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-tests-covid-positive-list-of-british-royals-who-previously-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-454873">List of British Royals who previously tested positive for coronavirus</a>

The Palace said, "The queen has today tested positive for COVID. Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week."&nbsp;

After a statement was released by the Palace, Johnson wrote, "I'm sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health."&nbsp;

Queen's health remained a matter of concern of late. Especially after the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch spent a night in the hospital last October for an unspecified ailment.&nbsp;

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A few days ago, Elizabeth said that she could not move much as she carried out her first in-person engagement since Charles tested positive.&nbsp;

Apart from the Queen, her eldest son Prince Charles and daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall recently contracted COVID-19.&nbsp;

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a speedy recovery to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday (February 20).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished a speedy recovery to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday (February 20). Queen has received three jabs of the Covid vaccine. "I wish Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth a speedy recovery and pray for her good health," wrote PM Modi while retweeting UK PM Boris Johnson's tweet. Buckingham Palace on Sunday informed that Queen Elizabeth II has been tested Covid positive and she is receiving medical attention. The 95-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms but expects to continue light duties this week. ALSO READ | List of British Royals who previously tested positive for coronavirus The Palace said, "The queen has today tested positive for COVID. Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week." After a statement was released by the Palace, Johnson wrote, "I'm sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health." Queen's health remained a matter of concern of late. Especially after the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch spent a night in the hospital last October for an unspecified ailment. ALSO READ | Chinese New Year parade returns to San Francisco after COVID-19 hiatus A few days ago, Elizabeth said that she could not move much as she carried out her first in-person engagement since Charles tested positive. Apart from the Queen, her eldest son Prince Charles and daughter-in-law Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall recently contracted COVID-19. ×

Indian PM Narendra Modi wishes Queen Elizabeth II speedy recovery and prays for her good health

The United Kingdom's Chester Zoo has announced the birth of an aardvark for the first time&nbsp;in its 90 year history. The zoo informed that the new aardvark calf is a baby girl.&nbsp;

The zoo said that the baby snuggled up with mum Oni (8) and dad Koos (6) after it had been born overnight on January 4.&nbsp;

The calf has been named Dobby, which is a character from the famous 'Harry Potter' series of fantasy novels and movies.&nbsp;

The zoo on its website wrote that baby aardvark was born with large droopy ears, hairless wrinkled skin and giant claws.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-93-million-year-old-crocodile-fossil-discovered-with-a-baby-dinosaur-in-its-stomach-454378">A 93-million-year-old crocodile fossil discovered with a baby dinosaur in its stomach</a>

The calf is being hand-reared every evening by the experts and the zookeepers are providing dedicated care.&nbsp;

They are feeding the baby every few hours through the night for around five weeks, to help it gain strength.&nbsp;

Chester Zoo stated that staff have nicknamed the youngster Dobby due to its resemblance to the much-loved Harry Potter character.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humpback-whales-swim-more-than-3000-miles-to-find-a-lover-says-study-454027">Humpback whales swim more than 3000 miles to find a lover, says study</a>

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…IT’S A GIRL 😍♥️ 
 
We’re over the moon to reveal that our new aardvark calf Dobby is a baby girl 🥰🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chesterzoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chesterzoo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildlife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildlife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/conservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#conservation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aardvark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aardvark</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxIFfmbcPi">pic.twitter.com/DxIFfmbcPi</a>
— Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/chesterzoo/status/1494657334668316675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per the zoo, aardvarks are found in sub-Saharan Africa where they are threatened by habitat loss as a result of agricultural development.&nbsp;

The situation also brings them into conflict with local farmers and there are reports that they are hunted for their meat.&nbsp;

"This is the very first aardvark to be born at the zoo and so it's a momentous landmark for us and a real cause for celebration. We're overjoyed," said Dave White, Team Manager – Twilight.&nbsp;

"As soon as we spotted the new baby next to mum we noticed its uncanny resemblance to the Harry Potter character, Dobby, and so that’s the calf’s nickname for the time being!" White added.&nbsp;

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With only&nbsp;66&nbsp;aardvarks found in zoos across Europe&nbsp;and a mere&nbsp;109&nbsp;in zoos worldwide.&nbsp;
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As per the website, the word aardvark translates to "earth pig" in the language of Afrikaans. The nocturnal animals use their long noses and keen sense of smell to sniff out ants and termites, which they lap up with a long tongue measuring up to 25cm, covered in sticky saliva.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom's Chester Zoo has announced the birth of an aardvark for the first time in its 90 year history. The zoo informed that the new aardvark calf is a baby girl.

The United Kingdom's Chester Zoo has announced the birth of an aardvark for the first time in its 90 year history. The zoo informed that the new aardvark calf is a baby girl. The zoo said that the baby snuggled up with mum Oni (8) and dad Koos (6) after it had been born overnight on January 4. The calf has been named Dobby, which is a character from the famous 'Harry Potter' series of fantasy novels and movies. The zoo on its website wrote that baby aardvark was born with large droopy ears, hairless wrinkled skin and giant claws. ALSO READ | A 93-million-year-old crocodile fossil discovered with a baby dinosaur in its stomach The calf is being hand-reared every evening by the experts and the zookeepers are providing dedicated care. They are feeding the baby every few hours through the night for around five weeks, to help it gain strength. Chester Zoo stated that staff have nicknamed the youngster Dobby due to its resemblance to the much-loved Harry Potter character. ALSO READ | Humpback whales swim more than 3000 miles to find a lover, says study …IT’S A GIRL 😍♥️ We’re over the moon to reveal that our new aardvark calf Dobby is a baby girl 🥰🙌#chesterzoo #wildlife #conservation #aardvark pic.twitter.com/DxIFfmbcPi — Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) February 18, 2022 × As per the zoo, aardvarks are found in sub-Saharan Africa where they are threatened by habitat loss as a result of agricultural development. The situation also brings them into conflict with local farmers and there are reports that they are hunted for their meat. "This is the very first aardvark to be born at the zoo and so it's a momentous landmark for us and a real cause for celebration. We're overjoyed," said Dave White, Team Manager – Twilight. "As soon as we spotted the new baby next to mum we noticed its uncanny resemblance to the Harry Potter character, Dobby, and so that’s the calf’s nickname for the time being!" White added. With only 66 aardvarks found in zoos across Europe and a mere 109 in zoos worldwide. As per the website, the word aardvark translates to "earth pig" in the language of Afrikaans. The nocturnal animals use their long noses and keen sense of smell to sniff out ants and termites, which they lap up with a long tongue measuring up to 25cm, covered in sticky saliva.

It's a girl! UK zoo announces birth of aardvark; gives it name inspired by 'Harry Potter'

As she attended her first in-person engagement since her son Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth quipped with members of the royal household that she could not move much.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, 73, pulled out of last week's event after contracting coronavirus for the second time.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-queen-elizabeth-ii-abdicate-reports-suggest-sensitive-planning-underway-for-prince-charles-coronation-451215">Will Queen Elizabeth II abdicate? Reports suggest 'sensitive' planning underway for Prince Charles' coronation</a>

While the 95-year-old monarch wasn't showing any symptoms at the moment, palace sources stated that the situation was being monitored.

On Tuesday, the queen, via video link, received new ambassadors from Estonia and Spain, and on Wednesday, the palace confirmed the outgoing and incoming defence secretaries had been received at Windsor Castle.

"Oh, I am here," the queen, supporting herself with a stick, chuckled as the two secretaries entered her room, according to a video of the meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-along-with-queen-elizabeth-these-are-the-worlds-longest-reigning-monarchs-450363">In Pics: Along with Queen Elizabeth, these are the world's longest reigning monarchs</a>

When asked how she was, the queen responded: "Well, as you can see, I can't move." She gestured at her feet before shuffling forward slightly and greeting the pair with a handshake.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

According to a palace source, the Queen was feeling slightly stiff rather than not being well or injured.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Queen Elizabeth II the longest-ruling monarch?

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Queen Elizabeth II, is the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, and her health has been in the spotlight since she spent a night in hospital for an unspecified illness last October and was advised to rest.

The palace said last week that Elizabeth, who celebrated her 70th anniversary as monarch this month, would be returning to her normal duties.

(With inputs from agencies)

As she attended her first in-person engagement since her son Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth quipped with members of the royal household that she could not move much.

As she attended her first in-person engagement since her son Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth quipped with members of the royal household that she could not move much. Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, 73, pulled out of last week's event after contracting coronavirus for the second time. Also read | Will Queen Elizabeth II abdicate? Reports suggest 'sensitive' planning underway for Prince Charles' coronation While the 95-year-old monarch wasn't showing any symptoms at the moment, palace sources stated that the situation was being monitored. On Tuesday, the queen, via video link, received new ambassadors from Estonia and Spain, and on Wednesday, the palace confirmed the outgoing and incoming defence secretaries had been received at Windsor Castle. "Oh, I am here," the queen, supporting herself with a stick, chuckled as the two secretaries entered her room, according to a video of the meeting. Also read | In Pics: Along with Queen Elizabeth, these are the world's longest reigning monarchs When asked how she was, the queen responded: "Well, as you can see, I can't move." She gestured at her feet before shuffling forward slightly and greeting the pair with a handshake. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. According to a palace source, the Queen was feeling slightly stiff rather than not being well or injured. Watch | Is Queen Elizabeth II the longest-ruling monarch? Queen Elizabeth II, is the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, and her health has been in the spotlight since she spent a night in hospital for an unspecified illness last October and was advised to rest. The palace said last week that Elizabeth, who celebrated her 70th anniversary as monarch this month, would be returning to her normal duties. (With inputs from agencies)

'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing?

During a press conference in Moscow, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday discussed rising tensions over Russia-Ukraine borders. Truss said that the Russia-Ukraine situation is threatening and that the former needs to move its troops, equipment stationed on the Ukrainian border elsewhere.

Ukraine Crisis: UK, Russia's foreign ministers hold PC amid rising tensions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday said that people in the UK with COVID-19 will no longer be required to self-isolate to contain the spread of the virus. PM Johnson added that he wishes to go further and bring a shift towards learning to live with COVID.

PM Johnson announces plans to scrap COVID self-isolation rule

The UK police have confirmed that they will contact more than 50 staffers over parties held in PM Boris Johnson's Downing Street office during the pandemic. The police have retrieved photos that show PM Johnson participating in a Christmas event.

UK police to probe Downing Street parties as PM Johnson's involvement surfaces

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday reshuffled few ministers in his cabinet in an attempt to appease his lawmakers angered by a series of scandals. The changes do not include any of the senior cabinet positions.

PM Boris Johnson reshuffles cabinet to appease lawmakers

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hired former Brexit minister Steve Barclay as the new chief of staff in an attempt to rebuild his scandal-hit team.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hired former Brexit minister Steve Barclay as the new chief of staff in an attempt to rebuild his scandal-hit team. After a series of controversies at Downing Street and some resignations by key staff members, Johnson is looking forward to making more changes at No 10 to save his premiership. "The changes I'm announcing to my senior team today will improve how No 10 operates, strengthen the role of my Cabinet and backbench colleagues, and accelerate our defining mission to level up the country," the UK Prime Minister said in a statement as quoted by Reuters. ALSO READ | UK PM Johnson’s photo holding beer can at lockdown-breaching party handed over to police: Reports Barclay, who is currently the Cabinet Office minister, will oversee the running of Downing Street as he is set to combine his ministerial duties with his new job. In other changes, local media reported that former news presenter Guto Harri, 55, will be the new communications chief. Recently, Munira Mirza, the head of policy who had worked with him for 14 years, resigned on Thursday over Johnson's claim that Labour leader Keir Starmer failed to prosecute paedophile Jimmy Savile during his time as director of public prosecutions (DPP). ALSO READ | Four of Johnson's closest aides desert him, as he seeks a fresh start Johnson has repeatedly refused to resign over reports that he and some of his staff attended Downing Street parties during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns. Johnson has admitted that problems needed to be fixed at the heart of Downing Street. Meanwhile, a police investigation is underway over lockdown-breaching gatherings when they were banned across the country. × (With inputs from agencies)

Amid scandals and controversies, UK PM Boris Johnson hires new chief of staff and communications head

Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country.&nbsp;

As per a report by ITV, Johnson's then-fiancée Carrie Symonds (now wife) had organised a surprise party for his 56th birthday, which was on June 19, 2020.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that up to 30 people were present at the party held at Downing Street.&nbsp;

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As per the report, interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was apparently working on Johnson's flat was included in the party, which was believed to be held in the Cabinet Room of Downing Street.&nbsp;

The staff sang happy birthday during the party, which reportedly lasted for around half an hour. Carrie and Lulu allegedly presented Johnson with a cake.&nbsp;

In response, Downing Street denied the ITV report, stating that staff gathered briefly after a meeting and Johnson attended for less than 10 minutes.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a>

No 10 denied the report as "totally untrue" a second allegation that the prime minister held a separate party that evening with family friends, saying he met a small number of family members outside.

As quoted by BBC, a No 10 spokesperson said: "This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the prime minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening."

In 2020, the UK had placed coronavirus (COVID-19) rules and restrictions as social gatherings were only permitted between 6 people outside.&nbsp;

The latest claim is made amid an ongoing investigation over lockdown parties at Downing Street attended by Boris Johnson and his staff members.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson faces new allegations of racism in his party

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Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country.

Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country. As per a report by ITV, Johnson's then-fiancée Carrie Symonds (now wife) had organised a surprise party for his 56th birthday, which was on June 19, 2020. The report mentioned that up to 30 people were present at the party held at Downing Street. ALSO READ | UK anti-fraud minister resigns over govt’s ‘lamentable’ record in tackling COVID-19 fraud As per the report, interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was apparently working on Johnson's flat was included in the party, which was believed to be held in the Cabinet Room of Downing Street. The staff sang happy birthday during the party, which reportedly lasted for around half an hour. Carrie and Lulu allegedly presented Johnson with a cake. In response, Downing Street denied the ITV report, stating that staff gathered briefly after a meeting and Johnson attended for less than 10 minutes. IN PICS | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers No 10 denied the report as "totally untrue" a second allegation that the prime minister held a separate party that evening with family friends, saying he met a small number of family members outside. As quoted by BBC, a No 10 spokesperson said: "This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the prime minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening." In 2020, the UK had placed coronavirus (COVID-19) rules and restrictions as social gatherings were only permitted between 6 people outside. The latest claim is made amid an ongoing investigation over lockdown parties at Downing Street attended by Boris Johnson and his staff members. WATCH | UK PM Boris Johnson faces new allegations of racism in his party ×

Downing Street reacts to claims that UK PM Boris Johnson had lockdown birthday party

Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus.

As Britain’s political establishment waits for the results of an internal investigation of the parties, a key question is whether it will trigger a plot against Johnson, and if so, who would make the first move against him?

There is no shortage of candidates, from the ambitious chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to the crowd-pleasing foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But the tactics and timing of a leadership challenge are fiendishly tricky, and few forget the old British maxim, “He who wields the knife never wears the crown.”

That may explain the uneasy lull that has settled over Westminster since last week, when Johnson was forced to apologize for social gatherings in Downing Street that breached lockdown restrictions. His allies and rivals alike are waiting to see how damaging the investigation will be, how badly the Conservative Party has slipped in the polls and whether a political king slayer emerges.

“It’s easy to judge these things looking back but very hard looking forward,” said Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. The dilemma, he said, was particularly acute for Sunak, who leads the polls of Conservative Party members and is Johnson’s most plausible replacement.

“There is a possibility that Sunak is riding the crest of a wave right now” and could miss his chance, Ford said. But perhaps the bigger danger is to strike now, only to open the way for a right-wing rival more favored by the Tory Party rank and file.

“There’s a risk he gets outflanked by Truss or somebody else,” he said, adding that a challenge to Johnson might be more likely after local elections in May that will test his party’s popularity.

The fragility of Johnson’s situation was evident in the cautious response of the senior members of his Cabinet. While Sunak said Tuesday that he believed Johnson, he urged the public to wait for the findings of the investigation. He also said that Britain’s ministerial code was clear about the consequences of lying to Parliament: The prime minister would have to resign.

Truss, whom Johnson elevated to foreign secretary in September, was more forthcoming. She said last week that she “100% supported him continuing to get on with the job.” But she added, “I completely understand people’s anger and dismay about what has happened.”

Johnson’s cause was not helped when his disaffected former adviser, Dominic Cummings, claimed Monday that he and another official warned the prime minister that the party in May 2020 would break lockdown rules and should be canceled. That contradicted Johnson’s claim in Parliament that he was not warned about the gathering and viewed it “implicitly” as a work event.

On a visit to a hospital Tuesday, Johnson again denied misleading Parliament. But in an interview with Sky News, he deflected a question about whether Cummings was lying, and he apologized yet again for “misjudgments” in how social gatherings were handled by Downing Street.

“Boris Johnson is not going to resign voluntarily,” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “He’s only going to go if he is shown the door by his own party.”

That is not as hard it used to be: Under Conservative Party rules, lawmakers can hold a binding vote of no confidence in Johnson if 54 of them write to formally request one. The request letters are confidential. So far only six Conservatives in Parliament have publicly called on Johnson to quit.

In a no-confidence vote, held by secret ballot, Johnson would keep his job by winning a simple majority of Conservative lawmakers. He would then be safe from another such challenge for a year unless the rules were changed.

But setting this process in motion could still depend on a first mover. Some of the jockeying will have to end when the internal investigation, led by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, is completed, probably within the next week. His potential Cabinet rivals will then have to either endorse him or quit, analysts said.

Sunak and Truss are the two rivals most frequently mentioned. As chancellor, the 41-year-old Sunak won plaudits for assembling gargantuan fiscal rescue packages early in the pandemic. More recently, however, he has become identified with looming tax increases that he says are necessary to fund the health care system and close the yawning public deficit.

Truss’ plain-spoken style and free-market ideology have made her popular with the base of the Conservative Party, no mean feat for a politician who came out against Brexit before the 2016 referendum.

Her profile has risen since Johnson put her in charge of negotiating the trade status of Northern Ireland with the European Union after the resignation of David Frost, a key ally who had hammered out the Brexit trade deal with Brussels.

If Truss can avoid a clash over Northern Ireland, said Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to France, “she could indeed be a force to be reckoned with when the Conservative Party starts looking for a new leader.”

Sunak could also try behind closed doors to put together a kind of unity ticket, in which he would line up the support of Truss and other potential candidates — like Jeremy Hunt, a former foreign secretary — by offering them plum jobs in a new government.

“They don’t have to wait until they have a consensus on a successor to get rid of Johnson,” Powell said.

There is a truism in Tory circles that challengers wreck their prospects through open disloyalty. That is what happened when Margaret Thatcher was toppled in 1990, and her longtime foe, Michael Heseltine, failed to win her job.

Yet that rule was disproved by the demise of Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, when his fingerprints were all over the murder weapon: In 2018, Johnson resigned as foreign secretary claiming that, under May’s Brexit plan, Britain was headed for the status of a colony of the European Union.

There is also the risk of failing to exploit a damaged leader’s moment of weakness. Even Johnson missed out on his first chance to become prime minister when he was ill-prepared for a leadership contest to succeed David Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the Brexit referendum.

During his brief premiership, Gordon Brown’s popularity plummeted, and there were rumors of a plot to challenge him by David Miliband, his popular foreign secretary. Miliband never struck, however. Labour lost the 2010 general election, and he even failed in a contest with his younger brother, Ed Miliband, to lead his party.

“Labour is influenced by the trade union ethic that one should not do someone out of his job,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at Kings College London. “The Tories are more ruthless because they have a governing vocation as the Democrats did in the U.S. under FDR and Truman, and the Republicans under Nixon, Reagan and Bush.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus. As Britain’s political establishment waits for the results of an internal investigation of the parties, a key question is whether it will trigger a plot against Johnson, and if so, who would make the first move against him? There is no shortage of candidates, from the ambitious chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to the crowd-pleasing foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But the tactics and timing of a leadership challenge are fiendishly tricky, and few forget the old British maxim, “He who wields the knife never wears the crown.” That may explain the uneasy lull that has settled over Westminster since last week, when Johnson was forced to apologize for social gatherings in Downing Street that breached lockdown restrictions. His allies and rivals alike are waiting to see how damaging the investigation will be, how badly the Conservative Party has slipped in the polls and whether a political king slayer emerges. “It’s easy to judge these things looking back but very hard looking forward,” said Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. The dilemma, he said, was particularly acute for Sunak, who leads the polls of Conservative Party members and is Johnson’s most plausible replacement. “There is a possibility that Sunak is riding the crest of a wave right now” and could miss his chance, Ford said. But perhaps the bigger danger is to strike now, only to open the way for a right-wing rival more favored by the Tory Party rank and file. “There’s a risk he gets outflanked by Truss or somebody else,” he said, adding that a challenge to Johnson might be more likely after local elections in May that will test his party’s popularity. The fragility of Johnson’s situation was evident in the cautious response of the senior members of his Cabinet. While Sunak said Tuesday that he believed Johnson, he urged the public to wait for the findings of the investigation. He also said that Britain’s ministerial code was clear about the consequences of lying to Parliament: The prime minister would have to resign. Truss, whom Johnson elevated to foreign secretary in September, was more forthcoming. She said last week that she “100% supported him continuing to get on with the job.” But she added, “I completely understand people’s anger and dismay about what has happened.” Johnson’s cause was not helped when his disaffected former adviser, Dominic Cummings, claimed Monday that he and another official warned the prime minister that the party in May 2020 would break lockdown rules and should be canceled. That contradicted Johnson’s claim in Parliament that he was not warned about the gathering and viewed it “implicitly” as a work event. On a visit to a hospital Tuesday, Johnson again denied misleading Parliament. But in an interview with Sky News, he deflected a question about whether Cummings was lying, and he apologized yet again for “misjudgments” in how social gatherings were handled by Downing Street. “Boris Johnson is not going to resign voluntarily,” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “He’s only going to go if he is shown the door by his own party.” That is not as hard it used to be: Under Conservative Party rules, lawmakers can hold a binding vote of no confidence in Johnson if 54 of them write to formally request one. The request letters are confidential. So far only six Conservatives in Parliament have publicly called on Johnson to quit. In a no-confidence vote, held by secret ballot, Johnson would keep his job by winning a simple majority of Conservative lawmakers. He would then be safe from another such challenge for a year unless the rules were changed. But setting this process in motion could still depend on a first mover. Some of the jockeying will have to end when the internal investigation, led by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, is completed, probably within the next week. His potential Cabinet rivals will then have to either endorse him or quit, analysts said. Sunak and Truss are the two rivals most frequently mentioned. As chancellor, the 41-year-old Sunak won plaudits for assembling gargantuan fiscal rescue packages early in the pandemic. More recently, however, he has become identified with looming tax increases that he says are necessary to fund the health care system and close the yawning public deficit. Truss’ plain-spoken style and free-market ideology have made her popular with the base of the Conservative Party, no mean feat for a politician who came out against Brexit before the 2016 referendum. Her profile has risen since Johnson put her in charge of negotiating the trade status of Northern Ireland with the European Union after the resignation of David Frost, a key ally who had hammered out the Brexit trade deal with Brussels. If Truss can avoid a clash over Northern Ireland, said Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to France, “she could indeed be a force to be reckoned with when the Conservative Party starts looking for a new leader.” Sunak could also try behind closed doors to put together a kind of unity ticket, in which he would line up the support of Truss and other potential candidates — like Jeremy Hunt, a former foreign secretary — by offering them plum jobs in a new government. “They don’t have to wait until they have a consensus on a successor to get rid of Johnson,” Powell said. There is a truism in Tory circles that challengers wreck their prospects through open disloyalty. That is what happened when Margaret Thatcher was toppled in 1990, and her longtime foe, Michael Heseltine, failed to win her job. Yet that rule was disproved by the demise of Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, when his fingerprints were all over the murder weapon: In 2018, Johnson resigned as foreign secretary claiming that, under May’s Brexit plan, Britain was headed for the status of a colony of the European Union. There is also the risk of failing to exploit a damaged leader’s moment of weakness. Even Johnson missed out on his first chance to become prime minister when he was ill-prepared for a leadership contest to succeed David Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the Brexit referendum. During his brief premiership, Gordon Brown’s popularity plummeted, and there were rumors of a plot to challenge him by David Miliband, his popular foreign secretary. Miliband never struck, however. Labour lost the 2010 general election, and he even failed in a contest with his younger brother, Ed Miliband, to lead his party. “Labour is influenced by the trade union ethic that one should not do someone out of his job,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at Kings College London. “The Tories are more ruthless because they have a governing vocation as the Democrats did in the U.S. under FDR and Truman, and the Republicans under Nixon, Reagan and Bush.”

As Johnson reels from scandals, is someone plotting to take his place?

The United States condemned the drone attack on Abu Dhabi on Monday (January 17) that left at least three people dead, including two Indians.&nbsp;

After the drone attack which triggered a fuel tank blast, Yemen's Houthi&nbsp;rebels claimed responsibility and warned civilians and foreign firms in the UAE to avoid "vital installations".&nbsp;

Abdul Ilah Hajar, adviser to the president of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council in Sanaa, said the military operation in Abu Dhabi was a warning shot.

"We sent them a clear warning message by hitting places that are not of great strategic importance," he told AFP.

He added, "But it is a warning if the UAE continues its hostility to Yemen, it will not be able in the future to withstand the coming strikes."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-indians-among-3-killed-in-uae-drone-attack-claimed-by-yemens-houthis-445407">Two Indians among 3 killed in UAE drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis</a>

The West&nbsp;condemn attack

In the aftermath, the US vowed to hold the Houthis&nbsp;"accountable", while Britain, France and Gulf powers all likewise strongly condemned the attacks in the UAE.&nbsp;

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a White House statement: "The Huthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, and we will work with the UAE and international partners to hold them accountable."&nbsp;

"Our commitment to the security of the UAE is unwavering and we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory," he added.

Britain strongly condemned the attack. "I condemn in the strongest terms the Houthi-claimed terrorist attacks on the United Arab Emirates," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted.

France also condemned&nbsp;the attack "in the strongest terms".&nbsp;

"These attacks threaten the security of the United Arab Emirates and regional stability," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.&nbsp;"France expresses its support for the UAE in the face of these attacks," he added.&nbsp;

Three people dead

Two Indians and a Pakistani working for oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) died as three petrol tanks exploded near a storage facility.&nbsp;

Local police said "small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones" were found at both sites.&nbsp;

"We condemn the Huthi terrorist militia's targeting of civilian areas and facilities on UAE soil today... this sinful targeting will not go unpunished," UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said in a statement.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

The United States condemned the drone attack on Abu Dhabi on Monday (January 17) that left at least three people dead, including two Indians. After the drone attack which triggered a fuel tank blast, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility and warned civilians and foreign firms in the UAE to avoid "vital installations".

The United States condemned the drone attack on Abu Dhabi on Monday (January 17) that left at least three people dead, including two Indians. After the drone attack which triggered a fuel tank blast, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility and warned civilians and foreign firms in the UAE to avoid "vital installations". Abdul Ilah Hajar, adviser to the president of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council in Sanaa, said the military operation in Abu Dhabi was a warning shot. "We sent them a clear warning message by hitting places that are not of great strategic importance," he told AFP. He added, "But it is a warning if the UAE continues its hostility to Yemen, it will not be able in the future to withstand the coming strikes." ALSO READ | Two Indians among 3 killed in UAE drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis The West condemn attack In the aftermath, the US vowed to hold the Houthis "accountable", while Britain, France and Gulf powers all likewise strongly condemned the attacks in the UAE. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a White House statement: "The Huthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, and we will work with the UAE and international partners to hold them accountable." "Our commitment to the security of the UAE is unwavering and we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory," he added. Britain strongly condemned the attack. "I condemn in the strongest terms the Houthi-claimed terrorist attacks on the United Arab Emirates," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted. France also condemned the attack "in the strongest terms". "These attacks threaten the security of the United Arab Emirates and regional stability," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said. "France expresses its support for the UAE in the face of these attacks," he added. Three people dead Two Indians and a Pakistani working for oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) died as three petrol tanks exploded near a storage facility. Local police said "small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones" were found at both sites. "We condemn the Huthi terrorist militia's targeting of civilian areas and facilities on UAE soil today... this sinful targeting will not go unpunished," UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said in a statement. × (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians

Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide to Boris Johnson has accused the British Prime Minister of lying to parliament. He on Monday said that Johnson knew a party was being held at his residence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in the country.&nbsp;

Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown. But added that he had thought it was a work event.

Now, Cummings tweeted that the prime minister had agreed that the drinks party should go ahead. "Not only me but other eyewitnesses who discussed this at the time would swear under oath this is what happened," he said on his blog.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-boris-johnson-his-wife-pictured-breaking-covid-19-rules-hugging-friend-see-pic-445207">After Boris Johnson, his wife pictured breaking COVID-19 rules, hugging friend - see pic</a>

Last week ITV News published an email invitation from Johnson's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to a May 20, 2020 event, asking attendees to "bring your own booze".&nbsp;

Commenting on that, Cummings said that after Reynolds was told to cancel the invite by at least two people Reynolds checked with Johnson if it should go ahead. "The PM agreed it should," Cummings said in his blog.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-rishi-sunak-tipped-to-replace-johnson-as-pm-report-445193">Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report</a>

In response to the claims, Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, on Tuesday said the accusations that Johnson lied to parliament were not true. "The prime minister and Number 10 have been very clear that that account is not true," Raab said during an interview.

As per the reports by British media, at least 11 gatherings took place at Downing Street between May 2020 and April 2021.&nbsp;

It was the time when COVID-19 rules limited how many people could meet socially.&nbsp;

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Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide to Boris Johnson has accused the British Prime Minister of lying to parliament. He on Monday said that Johnson knew a party was being held at his residence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in the country.

Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide to Boris Johnson has accused the British Prime Minister of lying to parliament. He on Monday said that Johnson knew a party was being held at his residence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in the country. Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown. But added that he had thought it was a work event. Now, Cummings tweeted that the prime minister had agreed that the drinks party should go ahead. "Not only me but other eyewitnesses who discussed this at the time would swear under oath this is what happened," he said on his blog. ALSO READ | After Boris Johnson, his wife pictured breaking COVID-19 rules, hugging friend - see pic Last week ITV News published an email invitation from Johnson's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to a May 20, 2020 event, asking attendees to "bring your own booze". Commenting on that, Cummings said that after Reynolds was told to cancel the invite by at least two people Reynolds checked with Johnson if it should go ahead. "The PM agreed it should," Cummings said in his blog. ALSO READ | Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report In response to the claims, Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, on Tuesday said the accusations that Johnson lied to parliament were not true. "The prime minister and Number 10 have been very clear that that account is not true," Raab said during an interview. As per the reports by British media, at least 11 gatherings took place at Downing Street between May 2020 and April 2021. It was the time when COVID-19 rules limited how many people could meet socially. ×

Dominic Raab reacts after UK PM's former aide says Boris Johnson knew about lockdown party

A man in the United Kingdom is earning a lot of money just by standing in lines. Yes, you read it right. Termed as a 'professional queuer' on social media,&nbsp;a man named Freddie Beckitt is making good money just by standing in lines for rich people who are time-poor or don't want to.&nbsp;

As per a report by UK-based tabloid The Sun, Beckitt charges £20 an hour to stand in line for other people. Also, he said that the standing-in-queue job comes naturally to him because he is a Londoner and has queueing "down to a fine art".&nbsp;

The media report mentioned that the 31-year-old man can earn up to £160 on a good day but he also said that he must have enough patience.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-couple-to-host-wedding-reception-in-metaverse-445432">In a first, Indian couple to host wedding reception in Metaverse</a>

Beckitt, who reportedly hails from Fulham, said that ask of the job is to stand in lines for movies, events, etc. He also said that his job&nbsp;includes queueing for tickets to popular events,&nbsp;which he apparently likes.&nbsp;

Of course, he needs to have that kind of patience if&nbsp;he is willing to earn money by standing in barely moving queues for hours and hours straight.&nbsp;

"I worked eight hours for a job queuing for the V&amp;A's Christian Dior exhibition for some very well-to-do people around their mid-sixties," Freddie said while speaking to The Sun.&nbsp;

"The actual queuing was just three hours but they asked me to collect their tickets too and wait for them to arrive, so I just had hours perusing the V&amp;A museum being paid £20 an hour, it was great!" he added.&nbsp;

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A man in the United Kingdom is earning a lot of money just by standing in lines. Yes, you read it right. Termed as a 'professional queuer' on social media, a man named Freddie Beckitt is making good money just by standing in lines for rich people who are time-poor or don't want to.

A man in the United Kingdom is earning a lot of money just by standing in lines. Yes, you read it right. Termed as a 'professional queuer' on social media, a man named Freddie Beckitt is making good money just by standing in lines for rich people who are time-poor or don't want to. As per a report by UK-based tabloid The Sun, Beckitt charges £20 an hour to stand in line for other people. Also, he said that the standing-in-queue job comes naturally to him because he is a Londoner and has queueing "down to a fine art". The media report mentioned that the 31-year-old man can earn up to £160 on a good day but he also said that he must have enough patience. ALSO READ | In a first, Indian couple to host wedding reception in Metaverse Beckitt, who reportedly hails from Fulham, said that ask of the job is to stand in lines for movies, events, etc. He also said that his job includes queueing for tickets to popular events, which he apparently likes. Of course, he needs to have that kind of patience if he is willing to earn money by standing in barely moving queues for hours and hours straight. "I worked eight hours for a job queuing for the V&A's Christian Dior exhibition for some very well-to-do people around their mid-sixties," Freddie said while speaking to The Sun. "The actual queuing was just three hours but they asked me to collect their tickets too and wait for them to arrive, so I just had hours perusing the V&A museum being paid £20 an hour, it was great!" he added. ×

'Professional queuer': This man in UK making good money just by standing in lines

There is some&nbsp;positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

After the emergence of the Omicron variant in the country, Covid cases were at a record high, with authorities have struggled to contain the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the number of deaths within 28 days of a test remains high with 1,843 over the past seven days. The data means a 45 per cent rise from the previous week.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-first-local-omicron-case-weeks-ahead-of-olympic-games-445071">Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games</a>

Is Covid coming to an end in the UK? An expert has said as quoted by BCC that "we're almost there, it is now the beginning of the end, at least in the UK."

The comments were made by Prof Julian Hiscox, who is a chairman in infection and global health at the University of Liverpool said, "I think life in 2022 will be almost back to before the pandemic."

UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC Radio 4's Today program&nbsp;as reported on Saturday (January 15): "We are seeing a slowdown in the number of admissions to hospital, but they are slowing down rather than reversing at the moment, so there are still more than 2,000 admissions to hospital across the UK, and nearly 2,500 yesterday."

"There is still a high rate of infection around the country, about one in 15 in England, and about one in 20 in other parts of the UK," she said.&nbsp;

"We see that infections are plateauing in the community, which is good, in London and the South East and the East of England. There are still risings, but much slower in the northern parts of the country," she added.&nbsp;

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Self-isolation guidance has been updated for people who test positive for COVID-19 in England. 
 
From Monday, people can leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they test negative on days 5 and 6. 
 
For more detail ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5">https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5</a>
— NHS (@NHSuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHSuk/status/1481652758553923595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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UK's <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/2022/01/hundreds-of-thousands-of-teens-to-get-boosted-on-nhs-2/">National Health Service</a> has confirmed that booster slots will open for ages 16 to 17 in England. The mentioned age group will be able to book their slots.&nbsp;

Around 40,000 teens will be eligible for their top-up dose when the national booking service opens to them on Monday, with more able to get boosted in the coming weeks as they reach three months since their second jab.

NHS said that previously, booster shots were only recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for clinically vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who are most at risk from COVID-19.&nbsp;

Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency showed that two doses of the vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a booster significantly increases protection against the variant.&nbsp;

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There is some positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday.

There is some positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday. After the emergence of the Omicron variant in the country, Covid cases were at a record high, with authorities have struggled to contain the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, the number of deaths within 28 days of a test remains high with 1,843 over the past seven days. The data means a 45 per cent rise from the previous week. ALSO READ | Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games Is Covid coming to an end in the UK? An expert has said as quoted by BCC that "we're almost there, it is now the beginning of the end, at least in the UK." The comments were made by Prof Julian Hiscox, who is a chairman in infection and global health at the University of Liverpool said, "I think life in 2022 will be almost back to before the pandemic." UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC Radio 4's Today program as reported on Saturday (January 15): "We are seeing a slowdown in the number of admissions to hospital, but they are slowing down rather than reversing at the moment, so there are still more than 2,000 admissions to hospital across the UK, and nearly 2,500 yesterday." "There is still a high rate of infection around the country, about one in 15 in England, and about one in 20 in other parts of the UK," she said. "We see that infections are plateauing in the community, which is good, in London and the South East and the East of England. There are still risings, but much slower in the northern parts of the country," she added. Self-isolation guidance has been updated for people who test positive for COVID-19 in England. From Monday, people can leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they test negative on days 5 and 6. For more detail ➡️ https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5 — NHS (@NHSuk) January 13, 2022 × UK's National Health Service has confirmed that booster slots will open for ages 16 to 17 in England. The mentioned age group will be able to book their slots. Around 40,000 teens will be eligible for their top-up dose when the national booking service opens to them on Monday, with more able to get boosted in the coming weeks as they reach three months since their second jab. NHS said that previously, booster shots were only recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for clinically vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who are most at risk from COVID-19. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency showed that two doses of the vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a booster significantly increases protection against the variant. ×

Covid in UK: Teens to get boosted, reported cases at lowest in a month

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;

The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-rishi-sunak-tipped-to-replace-johnson-as-pm-report-445193">Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report</a>

The image, which was&nbsp;first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club.

As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement&nbsp;on September 17 in&nbsp;2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden,&nbsp;London.&nbsp;

The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa.&nbsp;Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. Check it out here:

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Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTTO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTTO</a> <a href="https://t.co/a3AkDCGfIE">pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE</a>
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Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign.

Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week.&nbsp;

In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger.

"I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020. The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with. ALSO READ | Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report The image, which was first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club. As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement on September 17 in 2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden, London. The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa. Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. Check it out here: Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules#GTTO pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE — UK is with EU (@ukiswitheu) January 15, 2022 × Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign. Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week. In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger. "I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament. ×

After Boris Johnson, his wife pictured breaking COVID-19 rules, hugging friend - see pic

He was a dashing helicopter pilot and war hero who captivated millions of Britons during the Falkland Islands War. Royal watchers liked to say he was a favorite of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

These days, however, Prince Andrew, 61, is drawing global infamy and revulsion over accusations that he raped a teenager in 2001.

The prince has repeatedly denied the accusations. But this week, his once-glittering royal life was shattered irreparably after a federal judge in Manhattan ruled that a civil case related to the sexual abuse accusations could proceed.

The reaction from Buckingham Palace was swift and punishing. Just a day later, the prince’s 95-year-old mother stripped him of his military titles and royal patronages. Going forward, the prince will no longer use the title “His Royal Highness,” a symbol of his status as a senior member of the royal family. The Sun, a popular British tabloid, summed it up: Andrew had been “effectively banished.”

Looming over the case is the prince’s friendship with former financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who the accuser, Virginia Giuffre, claimed had trafficked her to the prince. Epstein committed suicide in prison in 2019.

The case has deeply shaken the royal family, already buffeted by scandal and the rancorous departure of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan. The timing could hardly be worse: Elizabeth is poised to celebrate her 70th anniversary on the throne this year, and the monarchy — the symbol and unifier of an often restive nation — has been seeking to burnish and renew its brand for future generations.

Raising questions about class, entitlement and toxic masculinity, the accusations against Andrew have also laid bare the changing face of Britain during the #MeToo era.

And while the monarchy has outlived previous crises — war, abdications, revolutions, murderous kings — the latest one has also underscored how a resilient and venerable institution can still be battered by the bad behavior and poor judgment of its royal members.

Who is Andrew?

Born on Feb. 19, 1960, Andrew attended Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland, his father’s alma mater. He appears to have inherited his father’s adventurous bent and went on to a distinguished military career.

A spare, rather than the heir, to the throne, his busy bachelorhood — linked to actresses and models, among others — was tabloid fodder, earning him the nickname “Randy Andy” and a reputation as a playboy prince.

When he married Sarah Ferguson in 1986, he became the Duke of York. The marriage ended in divorce a decade later amid accusations of infidelity. But the couple, who had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remained close. They continue to share a home at Royal Lodge, a residence near Windsor Castle.

While as a young man Andrew was known as something of a rake, he earned respect after training as a naval officer and serving as a helicopter pilot during the Falkland Islands War. His appetite for risk was evident in 2012 when, to raise money for charity, he abseiled down the side of the Shard, an iconic London skyscraper, from the 87th floor.

Before becoming ensnared by scandal, Andrew’s royal duties included serving as a trade representative for Britain, a role that brought him into the orbit of the superrich. He was a patron of dozens of charities and had eight British military titles.

Royal watchers had seen him as the queen’s favorite, possibly because of a jokey personality and a substantive military background that have echoes of his father.

Why is Andrew in trouble?

Andrew’s woes are largely the result of his association with Epstein, who was being held on federal sex-trafficking charges when he died, and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was recently found guilty of conspiring with Epstein to recruit, groom and abuse underage girls. The accusations against Andrew surfaced in 2015 during a federal lawsuit against Epstein in Florida. One accuser, Giuffre, claimed that the prince had raped her when she was 17.

After a disastrous BBC interview, broadcast in November 2019, in which he tried to explain his friendship with Epstein — and spurred a backlash after characterizing the behavior of the convicted sex offender as “unbecoming” — the prince announced he was indefinitely stepping away from public life. During the interview, the prince said he had “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre.

But he could not explain a widely published photograph taken in London that showed him with his arm around the girl’s waist. He told the BBC that he had no memory of the photograph “ever being taken.” He also made several bizarre claims to deflect his accuser’s charges, among them that he was medically incapable of sweating. Giuffre has asserted that the prince was sweating profusely during one of their meetings.

In August 2021, Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew in federal court in Manhattan, New York, repeating her accusations. His lawyers have tried to get the case dismissed, but on Jan. 12, a judge allowed the suit to proceed.

How has the queen reacted?

After the ruling this week in the sexual abuse lawsuit, Buckingham Palace announced that the prince would be relinquishing his military titles and royal charities. In a stinging rebuke, the palace also said the prince would no longer use the title “His Royal Highness.” The palace’s terse statement said that Andrew would “continue not to undertake any public duties” and that he “is defending this case as a private citizen.”

The language of the palace’s announcement appeared carefully calibrated to stave off any efforts by the prince to rehabilitate himself.

The decision to deprive Andrew of his military titles and the honorific “His Royal Highness” puts him on the same footing as his nephew, Harry, who was forced to give up both after he and his wife withdrew from royal duties and moved to Southern California in 2020.

What does this mean for the royal family?

Elizabeth will mark 70 years on the throne in February, which was supposed to offer an opportunity to reframe the royal narrative after three years of unrelenting turmoil. But now the lurid tableau of a sexual abuse lawsuit unfolding in a Manhattan courtroom could cast a pall over her celebrations. There are also deeper, more long-lasting risks for the monarchy as it seeks to remain relevant in the age of TikTok.

The queen remains beloved by the British public for her work ethic and long service; she has been served by 14 prime ministers<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/57596969" rel="nofollow">,</a>&nbsp;beginning with Winston Churchill, and has edged out Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. But members of the younger generation have come of age during a period when the monarchy has been rocked by scandal, and the accusations against Andrew are helping to solidify that perception.

As it is, in multicultural Britain and beyond, some have already felt alienated from the monarchy after Meghan and Harry’s departure. The sense of it being an anachronistic family out of touch with contemporary mores was reinforced during an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in which Meghan, a biracial former actress, raised the issue of racism within the royal family.

The relegation of Andrew to the royal wilderness will also reinforce the royal model of Prince Charles, who will succeed his mother after her death and who has been advocating a streamlined House of Windsor.

What are the next steps in the case against Andrew?

If both sides agree to a settlement, which would bring the lawsuit to an end, Andrew would likely not have to admit any liability or wrongdoing, but he could face sizable financial costs. Under an agreed-upon scheduling order in the lawsuit, lawyers for Giuffre and Andrew must complete legal discovery — the exchange of documents and the taking of depositions of experts — by July 14. If the case goes to trial before a jury, it could lead to the public airing of tawdry and damaging details about the prince that could further undermine the monarchy.

He was a dashing helicopter pilot and war hero who captivated millions of Britons during the Falkland Islands War. Royal watchers liked to say he was a favorite of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

He was a dashing helicopter pilot and war hero who captivated millions of Britons during the Falkland Islands War. Royal watchers liked to say he was a favorite of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. These days, however, Prince Andrew, 61, is drawing global infamy and revulsion over accusations that he raped a teenager in 2001. The prince has repeatedly denied the accusations. But this week, his once-glittering royal life was shattered irreparably after a federal judge in Manhattan ruled that a civil case related to the sexual abuse accusations could proceed. The reaction from Buckingham Palace was swift and punishing. Just a day later, the prince’s 95-year-old mother stripped him of his military titles and royal patronages. Going forward, the prince will no longer use the title “His Royal Highness,” a symbol of his status as a senior member of the royal family. The Sun, a popular British tabloid, summed it up: Andrew had been “effectively banished.” Looming over the case is the prince’s friendship with former financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who the accuser, Virginia Giuffre, claimed had trafficked her to the prince. Epstein committed suicide in prison in 2019. The case has deeply shaken the royal family, already buffeted by scandal and the rancorous departure of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan. The timing could hardly be worse: Elizabeth is poised to celebrate her 70th anniversary on the throne this year, and the monarchy — the symbol and unifier of an often restive nation — has been seeking to burnish and renew its brand for future generations. Raising questions about class, entitlement and toxic masculinity, the accusations against Andrew have also laid bare the changing face of Britain during the #MeToo era. And while the monarchy has outlived previous crises — war, abdications, revolutions, murderous kings — the latest one has also underscored how a resilient and venerable institution can still be battered by the bad behavior and poor judgment of its royal members. Who is Andrew? Born on Feb. 19, 1960, Andrew attended Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland, his father’s alma mater. He appears to have inherited his father’s adventurous bent and went on to a distinguished military career. A spare, rather than the heir, to the throne, his busy bachelorhood — linked to actresses and models, among others — was tabloid fodder, earning him the nickname “Randy Andy” and a reputation as a playboy prince. When he married Sarah Ferguson in 1986, he became the Duke of York. The marriage ended in divorce a decade later amid accusations of infidelity. But the couple, who had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, remained close. They continue to share a home at Royal Lodge, a residence near Windsor Castle. While as a young man Andrew was known as something of a rake, he earned respect after training as a naval officer and serving as a helicopter pilot during the Falkland Islands War. His appetite for risk was evident in 2012 when, to raise money for charity, he abseiled down the side of the Shard, an iconic London skyscraper, from the 87th floor. Before becoming ensnared by scandal, Andrew’s royal duties included serving as a trade representative for Britain, a role that brought him into the orbit of the superrich. He was a patron of dozens of charities and had eight British military titles. Royal watchers had seen him as the queen’s favorite, possibly because of a jokey personality and a substantive military background that have echoes of his father. Why is Andrew in trouble? Andrew’s woes are largely the result of his association with Epstein, who was being held on federal sex-trafficking charges when he died, and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was recently found guilty of conspiring with Epstein to recruit, groom and abuse underage girls. The accusations against Andrew surfaced in 2015 during a federal lawsuit against Epstein in Florida. One accuser, Giuffre, claimed that the prince had raped her when she was 17. After a disastrous BBC interview, broadcast in November 2019, in which he tried to explain his friendship with Epstein — and spurred a backlash after characterizing the behavior of the convicted sex offender as “unbecoming” — the prince announced he was indefinitely stepping away from public life. During the interview, the prince said he had “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre. But he could not explain a widely published photograph taken in London that showed him with his arm around the girl’s waist. He told the BBC that he had no memory of the photograph “ever being taken.” He also made several bizarre claims to deflect his accuser’s charges, among them that he was medically incapable of sweating. Giuffre has asserted that the prince was sweating profusely during one of their meetings. In August 2021, Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew in federal court in Manhattan, New York, repeating her accusations. His lawyers have tried to get the case dismissed, but on Jan. 12, a judge allowed the suit to proceed. How has the queen reacted? After the ruling this week in the sexual abuse lawsuit, Buckingham Palace announced that the prince would be relinquishing his military titles and royal charities. In a stinging rebuke, the palace also said the prince would no longer use the title “His Royal Highness.” The palace’s terse statement said that Andrew would “continue not to undertake any public duties” and that he “is defending this case as a private citizen.” The language of the palace’s announcement appeared carefully calibrated to stave off any efforts by the prince to rehabilitate himself. The decision to deprive Andrew of his military titles and the honorific “His Royal Highness” puts him on the same footing as his nephew, Harry, who was forced to give up both after he and his wife withdrew from royal duties and moved to Southern California in 2020. What does this mean for the royal family? Elizabeth will mark 70 years on the throne in February, which was supposed to offer an opportunity to reframe the royal narrative after three years of unrelenting turmoil. But now the lurid tableau of a sexual abuse lawsuit unfolding in a Manhattan courtroom could cast a pall over her celebrations. There are also deeper, more long-lasting risks for the monarchy as it seeks to remain relevant in the age of TikTok. The queen remains beloved by the British public for her work ethic and long service; she has been served by 14 prime ministers, beginning with Winston Churchill, and has edged out Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. But members of the younger generation have come of age during a period when the monarchy has been rocked by scandal, and the accusations against Andrew are helping to solidify that perception. As it is, in multicultural Britain and beyond, some have already felt alienated from the monarchy after Meghan and Harry’s departure. The sense of it being an anachronistic family out of touch with contemporary mores was reinforced during an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in which Meghan, a biracial former actress, raised the issue of racism within the royal family. The relegation of Andrew to the royal wilderness will also reinforce the royal model of Prince Charles, who will succeed his mother after her death and who has been advocating a streamlined House of Windsor. What are the next steps in the case against Andrew? If both sides agree to a settlement, which would bring the lawsuit to an end, Andrew would likely not have to admit any liability or wrongdoing, but he could face sizable financial costs. Under an agreed-upon scheduling order in the lawsuit, lawyers for Giuffre and Andrew must complete legal discovery — the exchange of documents and the taking of depositions of experts — by July 14. If the case goes to trial before a jury, it could lead to the public airing of tawdry and damaging details about the prince that could further undermine the monarchy.

The downfall of Prince Andrew: Here's what you need to know

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;

As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson to resign?

In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't."&nbsp;

Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a>

A possible police action?

Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims.&nbsp;

The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules.&nbsp;

London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says.&nbsp;

It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount.

The story so far...

Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;

Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;

Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral.&nbsp;

The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020. As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities. Boris Johnson to resign? In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't." Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers A possible police action? Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims. The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules. London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says. It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount. The story so far... Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral. The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold. × (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson 'partygate': Resignation or police action? What could happen next?

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.”

Stoic, dignified and comforting, the queen’s words helped anchor the country during the fretful days that followed — not the first time the monarchy has acted as a stabilizing force for the government during tumultuous events.

This week, however, both of these grand British institutions pitched simultaneously into crisis. On Wednesday, Johnson admitted attending a garden party not long after he had recovered from the virus, which violated lockdown rules and set off a chorus of calls for him to resign. Hours later, a federal judge in Manhattan rejected a bid by the queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, to throw out a sex abuse lawsuit against him.

On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced that it would force Andrew to relinquish all his military titles and the honorific, “His Royal Highness.” He “is defending this case as a private citizen,” the palace said in a terse statement that underscored the finality of the prince’s exile from royal life.

While these cases are about starkly different issues, they both feature privileged middle-aged men under fire for their behavior, raising age-old questions of class, entitlement and double standards.

“Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew,” Alastair Campbell, a former communications director for Prime Minister Tony Blair, said in a Twitter post. “What an image the world is getting of Global Britain.”

Campbell was involved in a now-celebrated episode in which a more stable government helped a monarchy in crisis: In 1997, he and Blair, a popular Labour leader coming off a landslide election victory, persuaded the queen to strike a more empathetic tone in reacting to the death of Princess Diana in a car crash. That defused a growing tide of resentment against the monarch.

“Normally,” Campbell said, “they avoid crises at the same time.”

Commentators said, half in jest, that the legal ruling against Andrew, 61, helped Johnson, 57, because it deflected attention from his grilling in the House of Commons, where opposition lawmakers accused him of lying and demanded that he resign. But both men are at the mercy of forces largely out of their control.

Johnson has asked lawmakers to defer judgment on him, pending the results of an internal investigation into Downing Street’s parties by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray. If she determines that Johnson misled Parliament in his previous statements, it will almost certainly cost him his job.

Andrew, by failing to win the dismissal of a suit brought by Virginia Giuffre, faces the prospect of damning disclosures in depositions of him and Giuffre, who claimed he raped her when she was a teenager. She says she was trafficked to Andrew by his friend, convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew flatly denies the charge and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre.

What the two cases have in common, critics said, is a lack of accountability on the part of the main actors.

Johnson, in apologizing for the party, acknowledged the anger that the public would feel “when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.” But he insisted that he viewed the gathering as a “work event” — one that he attended for only 25 minutes — an alibi that placed the blame on his subordinates who organized the gathering.

Andrew has not commented on his legal setback. But he and his lawyers have maneuvered to avoid confronting Giuffre’s accusations at a trial. He scrambled to avoid being served with legal papers in Britain. His lawyers tried to get the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds and, most recently, on the basis of a settlement agreement between Giuffre and Epstein.

With so much at stake, especially in a year in which the queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne, royal watchers speculate that Andrew will seek his own settlement with Giuffre. Who would pay that settlement and with what money are already questions being asked by British newspapers.

Buckingham Palace’s announcement that it would remove Andrew’s military titles and deny him “His Royal Highness” suggests he has no path to rehabilitate himself. It is the kind of ruthless action that Conservative Party lawmakers have yet to take against Johnson, despite their frustration with him.

As a constitutional monarch, the queen will steer clear of any questions about Johnson’s political future — or of politics in general. But that does not mean she is without influence. Legal experts say the monarchy, because of its longevity and constancy, can have a moderating effect on the most extreme forces in politics.

“The monarchy acts as a ‘balance wheel,’ in the sense of being an institution that, when political actors have tipped the ship of state too far in one direction, can tip it back in the other,” said Harold Hongju Koh, an American legal scholar who is a visiting professor at the University of Oxford this year.

It is a delicate balance. In late 2019, Johnson came under criticism for asking the queen to approve his government’s suspension of Parliament, a move that Britain’s Supreme Court later ruled unlawful because it was designed to squelch debate over his plans to pull the country out of the European Union.

Unlike in April 2020, when the queen sent an ailing Johnson her best wishes, she is almost certain to remain silent about his current plight. If anything, her disciplined adherence to social distancing rules — captured most poignantly when she grieved alone in a choir stall at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, last year — is a vivid contrast to the prime minister’s after-work socializing.

For Johnson, the illicit parties are so damaging because they register with the public in a way that other scandals, like the costly redecoration of his apartment on Downing Street or his defense of an ethically challenged lawmaker, do not. The sense of a double standard, once implanted, is hard to shake.

“Most people are not interested in politics, and so many issues which excite the political commentators have no resonance with them. But this is different,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at King’s College London. “There are so many people who could not see elderly, ailing or dying relatives during this period,” he said. “They will tell their family and friends.”

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.” Stoic, dignified and comforting, the queen’s words helped anchor the country during the fretful days that followed — not the first time the monarchy has acted as a stabilizing force for the government during tumultuous events. This week, however, both of these grand British institutions pitched simultaneously into crisis. On Wednesday, Johnson admitted attending a garden party not long after he had recovered from the virus, which violated lockdown rules and set off a chorus of calls for him to resign. Hours later, a federal judge in Manhattan rejected a bid by the queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, to throw out a sex abuse lawsuit against him. On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced that it would force Andrew to relinquish all his military titles and the honorific, “His Royal Highness.” He “is defending this case as a private citizen,” the palace said in a terse statement that underscored the finality of the prince’s exile from royal life. While these cases are about starkly different issues, they both feature privileged middle-aged men under fire for their behavior, raising age-old questions of class, entitlement and double standards. “Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew,” Alastair Campbell, a former communications director for Prime Minister Tony Blair, said in a Twitter post. “What an image the world is getting of Global Britain.” Campbell was involved in a now-celebrated episode in which a more stable government helped a monarchy in crisis: In 1997, he and Blair, a popular Labour leader coming off a landslide election victory, persuaded the queen to strike a more empathetic tone in reacting to the death of Princess Diana in a car crash. That defused a growing tide of resentment against the monarch. “Normally,” Campbell said, “they avoid crises at the same time.” Commentators said, half in jest, that the legal ruling against Andrew, 61, helped Johnson, 57, because it deflected attention from his grilling in the House of Commons, where opposition lawmakers accused him of lying and demanded that he resign. But both men are at the mercy of forces largely out of their control. Johnson has asked lawmakers to defer judgment on him, pending the results of an internal investigation into Downing Street’s parties by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray. If she determines that Johnson misled Parliament in his previous statements, it will almost certainly cost him his job. Andrew, by failing to win the dismissal of a suit brought by Virginia Giuffre, faces the prospect of damning disclosures in depositions of him and Giuffre, who claimed he raped her when she was a teenager. She says she was trafficked to Andrew by his friend, convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew flatly denies the charge and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre. What the two cases have in common, critics said, is a lack of accountability on the part of the main actors. Johnson, in apologizing for the party, acknowledged the anger that the public would feel “when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.” But he insisted that he viewed the gathering as a “work event” — one that he attended for only 25 minutes — an alibi that placed the blame on his subordinates who organized the gathering. Andrew has not commented on his legal setback. But he and his lawyers have maneuvered to avoid confronting Giuffre’s accusations at a trial. He scrambled to avoid being served with legal papers in Britain. His lawyers tried to get the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds and, most recently, on the basis of a settlement agreement between Giuffre and Epstein. With so much at stake, especially in a year in which the queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne, royal watchers speculate that Andrew will seek his own settlement with Giuffre. Who would pay that settlement and with what money are already questions being asked by British newspapers. Buckingham Palace’s announcement that it would remove Andrew’s military titles and deny him “His Royal Highness” suggests he has no path to rehabilitate himself. It is the kind of ruthless action that Conservative Party lawmakers have yet to take against Johnson, despite their frustration with him. As a constitutional monarch, the queen will steer clear of any questions about Johnson’s political future — or of politics in general. But that does not mean she is without influence. Legal experts say the monarchy, because of its longevity and constancy, can have a moderating effect on the most extreme forces in politics. “The monarchy acts as a ‘balance wheel,’ in the sense of being an institution that, when political actors have tipped the ship of state too far in one direction, can tip it back in the other,” said Harold Hongju Koh, an American legal scholar who is a visiting professor at the University of Oxford this year. It is a delicate balance. In late 2019, Johnson came under criticism for asking the queen to approve his government’s suspension of Parliament, a move that Britain’s Supreme Court later ruled unlawful because it was designed to squelch debate over his plans to pull the country out of the European Union. Unlike in April 2020, when the queen sent an ailing Johnson her best wishes, she is almost certain to remain silent about his current plight. If anything, her disciplined adherence to social distancing rules — captured most poignantly when she grieved alone in a choir stall at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, last year — is a vivid contrast to the prime minister’s after-work socializing. For Johnson, the illicit parties are so damaging because they register with the public in a way that other scandals, like the costly redecoration of his apartment on Downing Street or his defense of an ethically challenged lawmaker, do not. The sense of a double standard, once implanted, is hard to shake. “Most people are not interested in politics, and so many issues which excite the political commentators have no resonance with them. But this is different,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at King’s College London. “There are so many people who could not see elderly, ailing or dying relatives during this period,” he said. “They will tell their family and friends.”

Twin crises for monarchy and government

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's 'bring your own booze' party from May 2020 has triggered unprecedented backlash. He partied when UK was under lockdown. Furious Brits now want him to resign. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Shame on You', Furious Brits want Boris Johnson to resign

Home cooks know how frustrating it is to cut onions. There is no stopping the tears. Now, people in the UK will have respite from the tears as the Waitrose supermarket store chain is set to sell a sweet onion in the UK that won't reduce cooks to tears in the kitchen.&nbsp;

Brand named Sunions®, this onion is the first tearless and sweet onion variety to grow in the US. These are said to be ideal for those with sensitive eyes or for those who cook with children.&nbsp;

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According to Waitrose, owing to their mild flavour, in addition to cooking with them, you can also use them raw in a salad.

FEMAIL reported that Waitrose's Onion Buyer, Paul Bidwell, spoke about Sunions launching in selected stores and via Waitrose.com on 18th January. He said that they understand how "a-peeling" tearless onions are to their customers.

The new onions were not created through genetic modification, but rather by cross-breeding less pungent onion varieties.

So, why do onions make you cry? One 2017 study examined the crystal structure of an onion to discover how the particular enzyme makes the tear-inducing compound work.&nbsp;

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Our eyes water when we cut onions because sulfenic acid forms in our eyes, causing them to be irritated.

In technical terms, onions produce something called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a chemical irritant, which causes the lachrymal glands in the eyes to release tears.

Even though that sounds serious, the chemical only irritates your eyes and doesn't cause any permanent harm.&nbsp;

In contrast, Sunions don't release as much lachrymatory-factor synthase, thus the tearless quality.

According to the product website "It took over three decades of investment, development, careful farming and hard work to grow this game changing onion"

(With inputs from agencies)

Home cooks know how frustrating it is to cut onions. There is no stopping the tears. Now, people in the UK will have respite from the tears as the Waitrose supermarket store chain is set to sell a sweet onion in the UK that won't reduce cooks to tears in the kitchen.

Home cooks know how frustrating it is to cut onions. There is no stopping the tears. Now, people in the UK will have respite from the tears as the Waitrose supermarket store chain is set to sell a sweet onion in the UK that won't reduce cooks to tears in the kitchen. Brand named Sunions®, this onion is the first tearless and sweet onion variety to grow in the US. These are said to be ideal for those with sensitive eyes or for those who cook with children. Also read | US Mint rolls out quarters featuring a black author, activist Maya Angelou; 1st coin to feature a black woman According to Waitrose, owing to their mild flavour, in addition to cooking with them, you can also use them raw in a salad. FEMAIL reported that Waitrose's Onion Buyer, Paul Bidwell, spoke about Sunions launching in selected stores and via Waitrose.com on 18th January. He said that they understand how "a-peeling" tearless onions are to their customers. The new onions were not created through genetic modification, but rather by cross-breeding less pungent onion varieties. So, why do onions make you cry? One 2017 study examined the crystal structure of an onion to discover how the particular enzyme makes the tear-inducing compound work. Also read | First ever on-site detection of water on Moon points to many future possibilities Our eyes water when we cut onions because sulfenic acid forms in our eyes, causing them to be irritated. In technical terms, onions produce something called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a chemical irritant, which causes the lachrymal glands in the eyes to release tears. Even though that sounds serious, the chemical only irritates your eyes and doesn't cause any permanent harm. In contrast, Sunions don't release as much lachrymatory-factor synthase, thus the tearless quality. According to the product website "It took over three decades of investment, development, careful farming and hard work to grow this game changing onion" (With inputs from agencies)

No more tears: People in UK to get tearless onions

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues.

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues. Handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reported Downing Street garden parties during the lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment and the chaotic troops withdrawal from Afghanistan are some of the hot topics that have marred Johnson's tenure so far. His popularity has seen a dip in the country and now a latest poll shows that nearly half of all Conservative members believe UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would make a better Prime Minister than Johnson and they also think he could win more seats at the next election. ALSO READ | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 An exclusive poll for Sky News named YouGov assessed data after a survey of 1,005 Tories, which took place between December 30 and January 6. As per the survey, 46 per cent think that Sunak would win more seats in the next election and almost four in 10 say they think Boris is doing a bad job as the country's Prime Minister. However, some breather for PM Johnson as amid the growing concerns, a majority still supports him with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down. But is 59 a good percent for the Conservatives ahead of the next election?. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be A leadership contest? The poll reflects the mood of Johnson's lawmakers amid the ongoing controversies. But will there be any leadership challenge in the country? Yes, it can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs. Who could replace Johnson? Possible replacements of Boris Johnson are Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members. × (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll

Dominic Cummings, former aide&nbsp;of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party.&nbsp;

In his latest blog post, Cummings has alleged that The Guardian photo that showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country was not a 'party' or 'rule breaking'. The photo was apparently taken on May 15, 2020. &nbsp;

He then said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020, adding that Johnson has told "multiple lies about parties in December 2020" and forced or encouraged others to tell the media untrue things.&nbsp;

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In his post, he noted, "I was ill and went home to bed early that afternoon but am told this event definitely happened."

Part of his post read: "The PM's failure to remove people who could not do their jobs properly made his own terrible decision-making even worse and meant more people died unnecessarily. This problem has got worse throughout 2020."

"In my opinion it would not be fair for most officials who went to the garden for drinks on 20 May to be punished because, given the nature of the invitation, a junior official would be justified in thinking 'this must somehow be within the rules or X would not have invited me'," it added.&nbsp;

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The photo of the garden party didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Dominic Cummings, former aide of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party.

Dominic Cummings, former aide of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party. In his latest blog post, Cummings has alleged that The Guardian photo that showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country was not a 'party' or 'rule breaking'. The photo was apparently taken on May 15, 2020. He then said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020, adding that Johnson has told "multiple lies about parties in December 2020" and forced or encouraged others to tell the media untrue things. ALSO READ | Israel's defence force to create guidelines for soldiers on social media In his post, he noted, "I was ill and went home to bed early that afternoon but am told this event definitely happened." Part of his post read: "The PM's failure to remove people who could not do their jobs properly made his own terrible decision-making even worse and meant more people died unnecessarily. This problem has got worse throughout 2020." "In my opinion it would not be fair for most officials who went to the garden for drinks on 20 May to be punished because, given the nature of the invitation, a junior official would be justified in thinking 'this must somehow be within the rules or X would not have invited me'," it added. ALSO READ | UAE residents work on a Friday for the first time; Saturday-Sunday to be weekends The photo of the garden party didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.

UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020

The Covid-19 situation in the United Kingdom and the United States is becoming worrying with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus fuelling infections and becoming the primary reason for the spike in daily cases.

Coronavirus situation in United Kingdom becomes worrying as Omicron variant cases spike

UK's National Health Service (NHS) has secured a deal for a new oral treatment that could help hundreds of children in England with peanut allergies. The Independent reported that up to 600 children are expected to be treated this year and 2,000 a year after that will be treated.

England will be the first in Europe to provide the treatment Palforzia, which is an oral immunotherapy, indicated for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts.

This can will give a sigh of relief to the mothers who remain worried that their kids might consume peanuts while they are in school, birthday parties or and eating out and carry adrenaline injections to treat anaphylaxis.&nbsp;

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Although, it is advised that self-injectable adrenaline (epinephrine) must be available to the patient at all times. Anaphylaxis is termed a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Palforzia is indicated for the treatment of patients aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy and may be continued in patients 18 years of age and older.

It is important to note that the medicine should be administered under the supervision of a health care professional qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.

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Sophie Pratt, the mother of nine-year-old Emily, who took part in the trial, told PA Media that it had "changed our whole family's lives".&nbsp;

"The treatment we received has meant that Emily is free from limits and the fear that the tiniest mistake could put her life at risk, and it has removed all the tension and worry that the simple act of eating loomed over us every day," she said.&nbsp;

NHS medical director Stephen Powis as quoted by The Independent&nbsp;said: "It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case." 
&nbsp;

UK's National Health Service (NHS) has secured a deal for a new oral treatment that could help hundreds of children in England with peanut allergies. The Independent reported that up to 600 children are expected to be treated this year and 2,000 a year after that will be treated.

UK's National Health Service (NHS) has secured a deal for a new oral treatment that could help hundreds of children in England with peanut allergies. The Independent reported that up to 600 children are expected to be treated this year and 2,000 a year after that will be treated. England will be the first in Europe to provide the treatment Palforzia, which is an oral immunotherapy, indicated for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts. This can will give a sigh of relief to the mothers who remain worried that their kids might consume peanuts while they are in school, birthday parties or and eating out and carry adrenaline injections to treat anaphylaxis. ALSO READ | Scientists discover new muscle layer in human jaw that helps it in stabilisation Although, it is advised that self-injectable adrenaline (epinephrine) must be available to the patient at all times. Anaphylaxis is termed a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Palforzia is indicated for the treatment of patients aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy and may be continued in patients 18 years of age and older. It is important to note that the medicine should be administered under the supervision of a health care professional qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. ALSO READ | Covid: Australian researchers examine if blood thinner nasal spray offers protection Sophie Pratt, the mother of nine-year-old Emily, who took part in the trial, told PA Media that it had "changed our whole family's lives". "The treatment we received has meant that Emily is free from limits and the fear that the tiniest mistake could put her life at risk, and it has removed all the tension and worry that the simple act of eating loomed over us every day," she said. NHS medical director Stephen Powis as quoted by The Independent said: "It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case."

Now, children in United Kingdom will get 'life-changing' peanut allergy treatment

As the United Kingdom continues to report a record number of covid-19 cases, PM Boris Johnson stressed the need to exercise caution and booster doses, if the country doesn't want to be in lockdown during Christmas.

UK PM Boris Johnson under pressure not to impose any restrictions during Christmas

UK has confirmed two new cases of Omicron. It has also introduced ne Coronavirus measures.

UK confirms two Omicron cases

United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country.&nbsp;

While writing a column in Sunday Telegraph he&nbsp;said, "We have to be clear-eyed about the challenge Omicron presents. Our strategy since it emerged has been and remains to buy time for our scientists to assess the threat and build up our defences."

"Once that trend leads to a clear outcome, it may be too late to react to it," he said.&nbsp;

He further wrote, "Standing in Parliament this week and arguing for Plan B brought me no joy – promoting individual freedom and opportunity is one of the reasons I got into politics."&nbsp;

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The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant as the country registered another 90,418 daily Covid cases on Saturday. It has been confirmed that more than 10,000 new Omicron cases have been detected, which is fueling the Covid surge in the country.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the health secretary appeared on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, where he suggested that the government needs to learn from things that have gone wrong and resulted in a continuous rise in virus cases of late.&nbsp;

"We need to learn lessons from those things that have gone wrong, and keep focusing on those things that everyone wants to see, that have gone very well," Javid said on the show.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-more-infected-with-omicron-variant-than-reported-say-uk-scientists-438070">Many more infected with Omicron variant than reported, say UK scientists</a>

During the show, he also said that new restrictions in England are "inevitable". While speaking about the rise in cases, he said, "If we don't bring in restrictions sooner rather than later you are going to see even more positive cases and potentially public services like the NHS (National Health Service) on the verge of collapsing if not collapsing."

As reported by The Guardian, some scientists have warned that the daily number of Covid cases could reach between 600,000 and 2 million by the end of the month if new restrictions are not brought in immediately.&nbsp;

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'Major incident' in London

London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital due to the spread of the Omicron variant on Saturday as 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours, a rapid surge.&nbsp;A major incident is defined as an event with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented.

"The surge in cases of the Omicron variant across our capital is hugely concerning, so we are once again declaring a major incident because of the threat of COVID-19 to our city," said Khan.

United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country.

United Kingdom's Health Minister Sajid Javid said that there is much "we still don't know" about the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and also warned that "it may be too late to react" as virus cases are rising in the country. While writing a column in Sunday Telegraph he said, "We have to be clear-eyed about the challenge Omicron presents. Our strategy since it emerged has been and remains to buy time for our scientists to assess the threat and build up our defences." "Once that trend leads to a clear outcome, it may be too late to react to it," he said. He further wrote, "Standing in Parliament this week and arguing for Plan B brought me no joy – promoting individual freedom and opportunity is one of the reasons I got into politics." ALSO READ | Omicron cases surge in UK hinting towards a new wave The UK has been hardest hit by the threats of the Omicron variant as the country registered another 90,418 daily Covid cases on Saturday. It has been confirmed that more than 10,000 new Omicron cases have been detected, which is fueling the Covid surge in the country. On Sunday, the health secretary appeared on BBC's The Andrew Marr Show, where he suggested that the government needs to learn from things that have gone wrong and resulted in a continuous rise in virus cases of late. "We need to learn lessons from those things that have gone wrong, and keep focusing on those things that everyone wants to see, that have gone very well," Javid said on the show. ALSO READ | Many more infected with Omicron variant than reported, say UK scientists During the show, he also said that new restrictions in England are "inevitable". While speaking about the rise in cases, he said, "If we don't bring in restrictions sooner rather than later you are going to see even more positive cases and potentially public services like the NHS (National Health Service) on the verge of collapsing if not collapsing." As reported by The Guardian, some scientists have warned that the daily number of Covid cases could reach between 600,000 and 2 million by the end of the month if new restrictions are not brought in immediately. × 'Major incident' in London London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital due to the spread of the Omicron variant on Saturday as 26,418 cases reported in the last 24 hours, a rapid surge. A major incident is defined as an event with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented. "The surge in cases of the Omicron variant across our capital is hugely concerning, so we are once again declaring a major incident because of the threat of COVID-19 to our city," said Khan.

UK health minister says it may be 'too late to react' to Omicron as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

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