New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports.&nbsp;

In the UK, the Highway Code is essential reading for those who are suing the road in one way or another, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.&nbsp;

A summary of the proposed changes, which are coming into force on January 29, was published on December 1. The report mentioned that the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.&nbsp;

New code introduces a "hierarchy of road users" which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.&nbsp;

The code further states that clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road.&nbsp;

Also, establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders. The code is also meant to ensure that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.&nbsp;

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders."

It is important to note that the new rules are subject to getting parliamentary approval and in case if MPs don't vote to oppose, it will come into place automatically.&nbsp;

Apart from increasing cars' responsibility around cyclists and pedestrians, the Code also mentions some mention-worthy changes. Also, as per the changed rule, there's a ban on flashing your lights.

The riders will be told to give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, cars indicating a left or right turn will have to give way to cyclists coming from behind or moving straight on.&nbsp;

"The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system," part of the report read.&nbsp;

British media quoted AA president Edmund King, who highlighted how the changes can be problematic. He said: "With such fundamental changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time."

"Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are adopted," he added.&nbsp;

New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports.

New Highway Code in the United Kingdom gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over motorists at junctions, which has been deemed "confusion" in several local media reports. In the UK, the Highway Code is essential reading for those who are suing the road in one way or another, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists. A summary of the proposed changes, which are coming into force on January 29, was published on December 1. The report mentioned that the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. New code introduces a "hierarchy of road users" which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others. The code further states that clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road. Also, establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders. The code is also meant to ensure that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders." It is important to note that the new rules are subject to getting parliamentary approval and in case if MPs don't vote to oppose, it will come into place automatically. Apart from increasing cars' responsibility around cyclists and pedestrians, the Code also mentions some mention-worthy changes. Also, as per the changed rule, there's a ban on flashing your lights. The riders will be told to give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, cars indicating a left or right turn will have to give way to cyclists coming from behind or moving straight on. "The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system," part of the report read. British media quoted AA president Edmund King, who highlighted how the changes can be problematic. He said: "With such fundamental changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time." "Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are adopted," he added.

UK's new Highway Code rule change gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians over drivers

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-bangladesh-celebrates-50-years-of-victory-437277">India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan</a>&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces.&nbsp;

<img alt="India and Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91472ace-2f68-4a24-ae4f-39a4d32c649b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%20and%20Bangladesh.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/purported-brain-control-weaponry-us-blacklists-chinese-biotech-firms-over-uyghur-surveillance-437470">'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance</a>

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry."

<img alt="US-China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50f41952-73ea-4b25-97fc-b514cc2567b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US-China.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-more-than-78000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395">UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded.

<img alt="Covid cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62ecf37a-712c-420b-8f4d-658f0f7963c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Covid%20cases.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-tightens-travel-curbs-for-uk-travellers-amid-omicron-surge-437463">France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge</a>

France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement.

<img alt="France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="994f5527-f168-47ce-906d-4161a6bf1966" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/France_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-likely-to-be-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-who-437383">Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO</a>

Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported.

<img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4085b6e8-d9d0-4d9e-998f-ce7d639ecc47" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-strong-winds-to-raging-floodwaters-typhoon-rai-hits-philippines-437420#category-5-storm-437408">From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines</a>&nbsp;

Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations.

<img alt="Philippines" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88fdeff6-519f-4c79-90a8-aff08bbe0c1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Philippines_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-tragedy-five-children-die-after-jumping-castle-blown-into-air-at-australian-school-437373">'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school</a>&nbsp;

At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania.

<img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edc18ac9-e974-44e4-b607-c8c5ef673df9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian%20school.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-ask-people-to-avoid-international-travel-amid-concerns-of-omicron-437353">Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron</a>

To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

<img alt="Covid cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6c81367-0ed5-4099-9a19-f68463e342ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Covid%20cases%20%282%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/photos-lost-in-kentucky-tornado-found-in-town-225-kms-away-437446">Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away</a>

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity.

The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light.

<img alt="Kentucky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1de4979-ca6d-4eec-a209-1b681813e72e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kentucky%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-highest-court-rejects-campaigner-christie-elan-canes-appeal-of-gender-neutral-passports-437449">UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports</a>&nbsp;

The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

<img alt="United Kingdom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35810704-f07f-4e03-8f17-31cb2daa5579" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/United%20Kingdom.jpg" />

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world.

From Victory Day (Vijay Divas) celebrations in Bangladesh to the United States blacklisting Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority and top Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates from across the world. Here's a compilation of top 10 world news: India and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of victory against Pakistan India and Bangladesh are celebrating Victory Day (Vijay Divas) today. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country following a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation against the Pakistani forces. 'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry." UK reports more than 78,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began The UK has reported 78,610 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, the highest daily since the pandemic began. The previous highest daily spike was on January 8 this year, when 68,053 cases were recorded. France tightens travel curbs for UK travellers amid Omicron surge France has banned non-essential travel to and from UK, which has been reporting a spike in Covid cases ever since it reported the first case of the Omicron variant. Only those with “compelling reasons” will be allowed to travel between the two countries, the French government said in a statement. Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO Based on a preliminary study, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant— which has a higher chance of reinfection. The WHO said further research is required to get a clearer sense of how the omicron variant may penetrate immunity gained from the vaccines, which have generally proved effective against the coronavirus, Reuters reported. From strong winds to raging floodwaters: Typhoon Rai hits Philippines Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding were seen across parts of central and southern Philippines as Typhoon Rai rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, forcing mass evacuations and flight cancellations. 'Horrific tragedy': Five children die after jumping castle blown into air at Australian school At least five school children were killed and some were badly injured in an accident in Australia as their jumping castle was thrown into the air after a gust of wind picked it up. The heartbreaking incident happened on Thursday (December 16) during an end-of-year party when they were celebrating the last week of class before Christmas break in a primary school in Devonport, northern Tasmania. Canada to ask people to avoid international travel amid concerns of Omicron To battle the growing Covid cases, Canada will be advising its population to avoid international travel as much as possible. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is expected to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel, claims a report by Reuters. As of now, Canada has travel bans on 10 African countries due to the Omicron variant. Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity. The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light. UK's highest court rejects campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of gender-neutral passports The Supreme of the United Kingdom has rejected British campaigner Christie Elan-Cane's appeal of granting approval to ''genderless'' passports. Elan-Cane, who identifies as "non-gendered," has accused Britain's passport application process of being "inherently discriminatory".

Top 10 World News: US blacklists Chinese biotech firms, rise in Covid cases in UK and more

British MPs have voted for imposing stricter measures to battle the covid-19 pandemic, despite a sizeable rebellion against the measures from within prime minister Boris Johnson's Conservative party.

United Kingdom: British MPs vote for imposing curbs to battle the covid-19 pandemic

The United States authorities on Friday (December 10) have won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the United Kingdom to the US to face criminal charges.&nbsp;

The decision overturned the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system.&nbsp;

Assange is facing charges in the US system under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. The US authorities claimed that the release of confidential records had put lives in danger.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-way-to-honour-saudi-journalist-us-to-change-name-of-street-in-front-of-embassy-435722">'Jamal Khashoggi Way': To honour Saudi journalist, US to change name of street in front of embassy</a>

Giving the judgement, Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett said: "That risk is in our judgment excluded by the assurances which are offered.

"It follows that we are satisfied that, if the assurances had been before the judge, she would have answered the relevant question differently."

Two appeal judges in London Hight Court accepted the assurances given by the United States that Assange would not face the strictest measures before any trial or after conviction.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-jussie-smollett-found-guilty-of-staging-fake-hate-crime-to-raise-his-celebrity-profile-435692">Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty of staging fake hate crime to raise his celebrity profile</a>

"That conclusion is sufficient to determine this appeal in the USA's favour," they said.

As per the BBC report, Lord Justice Holroyde has indicated that Assange founder was seeking to bring another appeal, however, there's no clarity that whether extradition judgement can be further challenged.

Russia reacts to the ruling

Russia called the ruling "shameful" as foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called it "a political case against a journalist and public figure - another manifestation of the cannibalistic worldview of the Anglo-Saxon alliance".

On the other hand, Amnesty International raised questions over the assurances given by the US and added how Assange would be treated if extradited to face trial, calling them "inherently unreliable".

It is being understood that he could be jailed for up to 175 years in the US, although the exact sentence is difficult to estimate at the moment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States authorities on Friday (December 10) have won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the United Kingdom to the US to face criminal charges.

The United States authorities on Friday (December 10) have won a bid in London's High Court to have Wikileaks founder Julian Assange extradited from the United Kingdom to the US to face criminal charges. The decision overturned the UK court's January ruling that stated that the 50-year-old could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and the Australian would be a suicide risk in the US justice system. Assange is facing charges in the US system under the Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified military and diplomatic cables in 2010 and 2011. The US authorities claimed that the release of confidential records had put lives in danger. ALSO READ | 'Jamal Khashoggi Way': To honour Saudi journalist, US to change name of street in front of embassy Giving the judgement, Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett said: "That risk is in our judgment excluded by the assurances which are offered. "It follows that we are satisfied that, if the assurances had been before the judge, she would have answered the relevant question differently." Two appeal judges in London Hight Court accepted the assurances given by the United States that Assange would not face the strictest measures before any trial or after conviction. ALSO READ | Actor Jussie Smollett found guilty of staging fake hate crime to raise his celebrity profile "That conclusion is sufficient to determine this appeal in the USA's favour," they said. As per the BBC report, Lord Justice Holroyde has indicated that Assange founder was seeking to bring another appeal, however, there's no clarity that whether extradition judgement can be further challenged. Russia reacts to the ruling Russia called the ruling "shameful" as foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called it "a political case against a journalist and public figure - another manifestation of the cannibalistic worldview of the Anglo-Saxon alliance". On the other hand, Amnesty International raised questions over the assurances given by the US and added how Assange would be treated if extradited to face trial, calling them "inherently unreliable". It is being understood that he could be jailed for up to 175 years in the US, although the exact sentence is difficult to estimate at the moment. (With inputs from agencies)

United States wins appeal over extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

After the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games. This comes after the IOC said it can't provide "any certainties" regarding the well-being of Peng Shuai. Palki Sharma asks: Why is India backing the tainted event?

Gravitas: #GencoideOlympics: Why India should boycott the Winter Games

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has warned that the UK could face an alcohol shortage in the run-up to Christmas.

The association's CEO Miles Beale said ''There is mounting concern amongst our membership that unless urgent action is taken, we will fall deeper into delivery chaos.''

49 businesses have added their names to a letter to transport minister Grant Shapps calling on him to take urgent action over HGV driver shortages and freight disruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-agree-to-step-up-efforts-to-limit-channel-crossings-431979">Also read |&nbsp;France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings</a>

''The government acted quickly to tackle the challenges to our supply chains, which were brought on by global pressures including the pandemic and the international shortage of HGV drivers,'' said a Downing Street spokesperson.

“We are already seeing major delays on wine and spirit delivery times which is pushing up costs and limiting the range of products available to UK consumers. Government needs to be doing all it can to ensure British business is not operating with one hand tied behind its back over the festive season and beyond,” Beale said in the statement.

The prospect of limited alcohol lines follows panic buying at Britain's fuel pumps, soaring heating prices, and shortages of items ranging from consumer electronics to crisps and vegan sausage rolls.

<a href="wionews.com/world/britain-faces-permanent-food-shortages-and-it-will-get-worse-412187">Also read |&nbsp;Britain faces 'permanent' food shortages and it will 'get worse'</a>

The WSTA said its members had reported that importing products was taking up to five times longer than it did a year ago, with businesses that had previously been able to fulfill orders in two to three days experiencing shipments taking 15 days to process.

It also noted that freight costs had increased by 7 per cent, as delivery firms have had to increase HGV drivers' wages to retain them.

The WSTA wants Shapps to extend a temporary visa scheme for HGV drivers from Feb. 28, 2022, to a minimum of one year, to ease the burden on industry and allow for a sufficient increase in domestic drivers.

It also wants his department to facilitate better routing of freight from ports and smaller UK-based driver networks for short-haul journeys.

Britain's two biggest supermarket groups, Tesco and Sainsbury's are currently running big wine promotions, indicating no immediate threat to wine supplies.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has warned that the UK could face an alcohol shortage in the run-up to Christmas. The association's CEO Miles Beale said ''There is mounting concern amongst our membership that unless urgent action is taken, we will fall deeper into delivery chaos.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has warned that the UK could face an alcohol shortage in the run-up to Christmas. The association's CEO Miles Beale said ''There is mounting concern amongst our membership that unless urgent action is taken, we will fall deeper into delivery chaos.'' 49 businesses have added their names to a letter to transport minister Grant Shapps calling on him to take urgent action over HGV driver shortages and freight disruption. Also read | France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings ''The government acted quickly to tackle the challenges to our supply chains, which were brought on by global pressures including the pandemic and the international shortage of HGV drivers,'' said a Downing Street spokesperson. “We are already seeing major delays on wine and spirit delivery times which is pushing up costs and limiting the range of products available to UK consumers. Government needs to be doing all it can to ensure British business is not operating with one hand tied behind its back over the festive season and beyond,” Beale said in the statement. The prospect of limited alcohol lines follows panic buying at Britain's fuel pumps, soaring heating prices, and shortages of items ranging from consumer electronics to crisps and vegan sausage rolls. Also read | Britain faces 'permanent' food shortages and it will 'get worse' The WSTA said its members had reported that importing products was taking up to five times longer than it did a year ago, with businesses that had previously been able to fulfill orders in two to three days experiencing shipments taking 15 days to process. It also noted that freight costs had increased by 7 per cent, as delivery firms have had to increase HGV drivers' wages to retain them. The WSTA wants Shapps to extend a temporary visa scheme for HGV drivers from Feb. 28, 2022, to a minimum of one year, to ease the burden on industry and allow for a sufficient increase in domestic drivers. It also wants his department to facilitate better routing of freight from ports and smaller UK-based driver networks for short-haul journeys. Britain's two biggest supermarket groups, Tesco and Sainsbury's are currently running big wine promotions, indicating no immediate threat to wine supplies. (With inputs from agencies)

Trade group warns United Kingdom can face alcohol shortage as Christmas nears

London's Tate Modern is hosting the largest solo exhibition by a British black post-modern artiste. The artiste was the 1st black woman to bag the Turner Prize in 2017.

United Kingdom: Largest black post-modern artist's show in Tate London

Amazon's visa credit card row is becoming bigger now. The online retail giant says it will stop accepting visa credit cards issued in the United Kingdom from 19 January next year amid high credit card transaction fees.

Amazon's visa credit card row becomes bigger

During a 'health check' of London's Thames River, experts found sharks, eels, seals, and seahorses in the river which was once declared 'biologically dead'. The river had been declared 'biologically dead' in 1957, meaning it was believed that the water body could not sustain any wildlife and life forms.

United Kingdom: Once biologically dead, Thames now nurses sharks

UK is not corrupt, PM Johnson says as parliament engulfed in sleaze row. Boris Johnson has told the world’s media that Britain is not a corrupt country despite the controversy over Conservative MPs’ paid lobbying and other second jobs.

Is United Kingdom, a corrupt nation?

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica!&nbsp;

Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman&nbsp;Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge. Filed away into ring binders to keep them organised - as some says it gave off "serial killer vibes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-taiwanese-teacher-uses-porn-site-to-teach-calculus-earns-250000-per-year-424108" hreflang="en">This Taiwanese teacher uses porn site to teach calculus, earns $250,000 per year</a>

In her video on the video sharing app TikTok, McLaughlin showed rows of labeled folders stacked neatly in her fridge. The folders can be seen to be carrying labels like sandwiches, meat, drinks etc.&nbsp;

McLaughlin then opens the binder labelled 'Sandwiches' to reveal that it contained cheeses, meats, pickles, salad, and slices of bread, all in separate plastic folders.

The video received an impressive 10 million views. Nicole, a designer from New York, says that her projects are mostly concerned with finding fun ways to repurpose items in different ways.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/facial-hair-aficionados-face-off-at-german-moustache-and-beard-championships-424042" hreflang="en">Facial hair aficionados face-off at German Moustache and Beard Championships</a>

She came up with this idea one night as she was going to sleep. She tells of having the thought, 'what if a refrigerator was just like a library and so organised?'

Her idea was inspired by the fact that people organize their refrigerators with labels and containers already.&nbsp; 
She decided to take it a step further and super organise according to type of food, using binders she had laying around. The sandwich folder, for instance, separated all the individual ingredients into compartments, from meat to cheese.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/japans-princess-mako-marries-commoner-other-royals-who-gave-up-their-titles-for-love-424142" hreflang="en">Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner: Other royals who gave up their titles for love</a>

Lauren says that it's always so funny to see how people would react. She had assumed that most people would take it as a joke, because in which crazy scenario would anyone organize their fridge that way.&nbsp;

However viewers were outraged by the system, after which Nicole pointed out that it was only a project and did not in any way represent her own fridge.

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica! Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge.

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica! Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge. Filed away into ring binders to keep them organised - as some says it gave off "serial killer vibes". Also read | This Taiwanese teacher uses porn site to teach calculus, earns $250,000 per year In her video on the video sharing app TikTok, McLaughlin showed rows of labeled folders stacked neatly in her fridge. The folders can be seen to be carrying labels like sandwiches, meat, drinks etc. McLaughlin then opens the binder labelled 'Sandwiches' to reveal that it contained cheeses, meats, pickles, salad, and slices of bread, all in separate plastic folders. The video received an impressive 10 million views. Nicole, a designer from New York, says that her projects are mostly concerned with finding fun ways to repurpose items in different ways. Also read | Facial hair aficionados face-off at German Moustache and Beard Championships She came up with this idea one night as she was going to sleep. She tells of having the thought, 'what if a refrigerator was just like a library and so organised?' Her idea was inspired by the fact that people organize their refrigerators with labels and containers already. She decided to take it a step further and super organise according to type of food, using binders she had laying around. The sandwich folder, for instance, separated all the individual ingredients into compartments, from meat to cheese. Also read | Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner: Other royals who gave up their titles for love Lauren says that it's always so funny to see how people would react. She had assumed that most people would take it as a joke, because in which crazy scenario would anyone organize their fridge that way. However viewers were outraged by the system, after which Nicole pointed out that it was only a project and did not in any way represent her own fridge.

Real-life Monica: UK woman shocks internet with a 'super organised' fridge, food filed in binders

The UK Health Security Agency, a public health protection body, said AY.4.2, which was last week seen in six percent of cases, had been "designated as a variant under investigation" but not yet a "variant of concern".

United Kingdom: Health experts probe Delta subvariant after rise in Covid cases

Difficulties are coming of all sorts for the United Kingdom, first came Brexit then the pandemic. The chicken farmers in the UK are also being heavily affected. There's been a major cutting output and substantial increase in wages. The increase in food prices will surely follow.

United Kingdom: Businesses urge govt to temporarily ease visa rules

UK lawmakers barred a visit of the newly appointed Chinese ambassador after Beijing imposed sanctions on some key British MPs who highlighted alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang province.

United Kingdom Parliament bars China's envoy over sanctions

Even after mounting pressure from the World Health Organization, the United Kingdom continues to push for booster jabs. Watch the report to know more.

United Kingdom to launch booster programme

The United Kingdom is set to see a sharp slowdown in economic growth as the mounting supply chain crisis and staff shortages threaten to derail Britain’s recovery, according to a major business group.

World Business Watch: UK supply chain crisis threatens to derail recovery

British employers are going through essentially the most extreme shortage of job candidates on record as a result of overall to put up lockdown search within the financial system and Brexit.

World Business Watch: UK employers face worst shortage of job candidates on record

The colony of seals in Britain's Thames Estuary has dipped slightly, though the thriving population of the predators is testament to just how far the river has recovered since it was declared dead in the 1950s.

Thriving seal population dips in Britain's River Thames

Britain on Monday said it would do its utmost to rescue more than 300 Afghans who helped its armed forces but are now languishing under the new Taliban regime.

Addressing parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to answer a question on how many British-Afghans remained after a hurried Western airlift was ended.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fight-for-panjshir-valley-what-we-know-so-far-411144" hreflang="en">Fight for Panjshir Valley: What we know so far</a>

Thousands made it out from Kabul on packed Royal Air Force planes, but he said 311 people were left behind who are eligible for the&nbsp;UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, such as interpreters.

"We will do everything we can to ensure that those people get the safe passage that they deserve," Johnson said.

The airlift was "one of the most spectacular operations in our country's post-war history", he said, vowing an "equal effort" to house and educate Afghans newly arrived in Britain.

Johnson demanded the Taliban honour commitments to allow out those wishing to leave, and to respect women's rights if the militia wants to gain access to billions of dollars in Afghan funds frozen overseas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/female-and-male-students-separated-by-curtains-as-classes-resume-in-afghanistan-universities-411200" hreflang="en">Female and male students separated by curtains as classes resume in Afghanistan universities</a>

Speaking ahead of Saturday's 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by al-Qaeda, the prime minister pressed the Taliban, in particular, to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for extremists to launch attacks abroad.

Johnson defended the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;and Western intervention in 2001. Critics, including some in his Conservative party, say the Taliban's triumphant return to power shows the effort was in vain.

He said that later this month, he would press at the UN General Assembly in New York for consensus to hold the Islamists to account.

"We will judge the Taliban by their actions, not their words -- and use every economic, political and diplomatic lever to protect our own countries from harm and to help the Afghan people," the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;leader said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-addresses-lawmakers-on-afghanistan-pullout-411191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government faced fresh criticism for underestimating the Taliban, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab facing demands to quit after he failed initially to cancel a holiday to Greece as Afghanistan imploded last month.

Johnson failed to express backing for Raab, who is tipped to be moved from his job in a cabinet reshuffle reportedly coming this week.

Speaking in parliament later, the foreign secretary denied being complacent and said Britain had extricated more than 17,000 people from Afghanistan since April.

Britain on Monday said it would do its utmost to rescue more than 300 Afghans who helped its armed forces but are now languishing under the new Taliban regime. Addressing parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to answer a question on how many British-Afghans remained after a hurried Western airlift was ended.

Britain on Monday said it would do its utmost to rescue more than 300 Afghans who helped its armed forces but are now languishing under the new Taliban regime. Addressing parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to answer a question on how many British-Afghans remained after a hurried Western airlift was ended. Also read | Fight for Panjshir Valley: What we know so far Thousands made it out from Kabul on packed Royal Air Force planes, but he said 311 people were left behind who are eligible for the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, such as interpreters. "We will do everything we can to ensure that those people get the safe passage that they deserve," Johnson said. The airlift was "one of the most spectacular operations in our country's post-war history", he said, vowing an "equal effort" to house and educate Afghans newly arrived in Britain. Johnson demanded the Taliban honour commitments to allow out those wishing to leave, and to respect women's rights if the militia wants to gain access to billions of dollars in Afghan funds frozen overseas. Also read | Female and male students separated by curtains as classes resume in Afghanistan universities Speaking ahead of Saturday's 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by al-Qaeda, the prime minister pressed the Taliban, in particular, to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for extremists to launch attacks abroad. Johnson defended the UK and Western intervention in 2001. Critics, including some in his Conservative party, say the Taliban's triumphant return to power shows the effort was in vain. He said that later this month, he would press at the UN General Assembly in New York for consensus to hold the Islamists to account. "We will judge the Taliban by their actions, not their words -- and use every economic, political and diplomatic lever to protect our own countries from harm and to help the Afghan people," the UK leader said. The government faced fresh criticism for underestimating the Taliban, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab facing demands to quit after he failed initially to cancel a holiday to Greece as Afghanistan imploded last month. Johnson failed to express backing for Raab, who is tipped to be moved from his job in a cabinet reshuffle reportedly coming this week. Speaking in parliament later, the foreign secretary denied being complacent and said Britain had extricated more than 17,000 people from Afghanistan since April.

Johnson defends UK intervention in Afghanistan, vows to get 311 people left behind

Tortoise callipers and camel scales are put to good use at ZSL London Zoo, which is holding its annual animal weigh-in. While keepers put on a show for the cameras, it is important that the zoo keeps up-to-date size and weight information on its animals to compare them with animals in the wild and in other zoos, as well as to have an indication of which animals are pregnant.

London Zoo holds its annual weigh-in

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-agrees-to-let-afghans-leave-after-august-31-german-envoy-markus-potzel-408353" hreflang="en">Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel</a>

He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail.

&nbsp;
<gwofw>
"If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio.

"You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said.

During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month.

He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours.

"I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/briton-to-evacuate-200-dogs-and-cats-from-his-animal-shelter-in-kabul-408364">Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul</a>

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing.

"If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace.

The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage"&nbsp;for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-chokes-taliban-funds-freezes-95-billion-of-afghan-central-bank-406641">US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank</a>

"If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson.

"Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for&nbsp;years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage,"&nbsp;he said.

The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.&nbsp;
</gwofw>

&nbsp;

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open.

Britain on Wednesday warned the Taliban against attempts to coercively seal off Afghanistan from the rest of the world and urged the militant group to keep its borders open. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said attempts by the Taliban to shut down the country could trigger a "refugee crisis" once Western forces withdrew from Kabul airport on August 31, as migrants make their way to neighbouring countries. Also read | Taliban agrees to let Afghans leave after August 31: German envoy Markus Potzel He noted that the Afghan border was "rugged and wide-ranging" and that efforts to isolate the country from the rest of the world would fail. "If the Taliban leadership, as they were saying overnight, want to avoid the brain drain, they're not going to be able to do that by coercively blocking the border," he told Times Radio. "You'll just see a larger flow of refugees going out and they'll have to be processed. They're not going to be able to avoid the refugee crisis by just a few roadblocks, they're not going to be able to hermetically seal the Afghan border, which is rugged and wide-ranging," he said. During a series of interviews on Wednesday, Raab also sought to dismiss media reports of him "lounging on the beach" on holiday at the height of the Afghan crisis earlier this month. He stressed that he had been constantly in virtual contact with the COBRA [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meeting and officials to ensure the airlift of British nationals and supporters from the country. He said that the UK has evacuated more than 9,000 people from Afghanistan since August 15, including 2,000 people in the last 24 hours. "I think it's going right the way up to the end of the calendar month," Raab said, in reference to efforts to airlift a further 4,000 people ahead of the Taliban's August 31 exit deadline. This also includes a Royal Marine veteran Paul "Pen" Farthing, who has been seeking evacuation with all the animals from his rescue shelter in the region. Also read | Briton to evacuate 200 dogs and cats from his animal shelter in Kabul Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had earlier said he could not prioritise animals over humans in the rescue mission but in a latest tweet he held out some hope for Farthing. "If he arrives (at Kabul Airport) with his animals we will seek a slot for his plane. If he does not have his animals with him he and his staff can board an RAF (Royal Air Force) flight," said Wallace. The UK and other allies, including through an emergency G7 meeting on Tuesday, had urged the US to stay beyond August 31 to allow more time for evacuation flights. But the Taliban remains staunchly opposed to any such extension and US President Joe Biden has also said the airlift had to come to an end by then because of the growing risk of an attack by the Islamic State group in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the G7 virtual meet, told reporters following the talks that the West's number one condition for releasing the frozen assets was "safe passage" for people fleeing the country. Last week, the US froze USD 9.5 billion in assets belonging to the central bank of Afghanistan. Also read | US chokes Taliban funds, freezes $9.5 billion of Afghan central bank "If those huge funds are going to be unfrozen eventually for use by the government and people of Afghanistan, then what we're saying is Afghanistan can't lurch back into becoming a breeding ground of terror, Afghanistan can't become a narco state, girls have got to be educated up to the age of 18," said Johnson. "Those are important things that we value. Those are things we fought for years in Afghanistan, for which people in this country gave their lives. We remain committed to those values and we remain committed to Afghanistan. The No 1 condition we're insisting on is safe passage," he said. The G7 joint statement also revolves around the central concern of the safe exit of foreigners and Afghans eligible for evacuation for having supported the US-led NATO operation in the country.

UK warns Taliban against sealing Afghanistan off from the world

After the number of people seeking treatment for cancer skyrocketed following the lockdown, the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) has warned that thousands of people with cancer may still be going undiagnosed.&nbsp;

Over 27,000 people have begun cancer treatment in England this year, an increase of 42 per cent from last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/novel-coronavirus-jumped-from-bats-to-humans-with-very-little-change-scientists-370446">Novel coronavirus jumped from bats to humans with 'very little change': Scientists</a>&nbsp;

There are still concerns among health professionals regarding patients who have not yet reported cancer-like symptoms due to coronavirus fears.

NHS data state that approximately 250,000 were tested for the disease during June.

A recent study showed that 60 per cent of people are worried about burdening the NHS even more during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, and 49 per cent said they will be delaying seeking health care.

Nearly two thirds or 63 per cent of people surveyed did&nbsp;not know the common warning signs of abdominal and urological cancers, even though these account for nearly 44 per cent of all cancer diagnoses nationwide.

The NHS also noted that long-term coughing is now being confused with coronavirus. The survey found that two out of five people did not know that a persistent cough that lasted more than three weeks was a sign of lung cancer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-need-to-restrict-breastfeeding-before-or-after-covid-19-vaccination-experts-404318">No need to restrict breastfeeding before or after COVID-19 vaccination: Experts</a>

Amanda Prichard, the new chief executive of the NHS, says cancer patients will find hospitals "open and ready" for treatment.

On Monday, she will launch a new television&nbsp;advertisement campaign "Help Us, Help You" to raise awareness of abdominal, urological, and lung cancer symptoms.

Pritchard emphasised that people should recognise common symptoms that may indicate a cancer diagnosis, adding that it's important that they take action by making an appointment with their GP, an action that could ultimately save their lives.

Chief executive of Cancer Research UK Michelle Mitchell advised that anyone experiencing any change in their health, shouldn't put it down to getting older or to a pre-existing condition, rather they should visit a doctor.

After the number of people seeking treatment for cancer skyrocketed following the lockdown, the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) has warned that thousands of people with cancer may still be going undiagnosed.

After the number of people seeking treatment for cancer skyrocketed following the lockdown, the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) has warned that thousands of people with cancer may still be going undiagnosed. Over 27,000 people have begun cancer treatment in England this year, an increase of 42 per cent from last year. Also read | Novel coronavirus jumped from bats to humans with 'very little change': Scientists There are still concerns among health professionals regarding patients who have not yet reported cancer-like symptoms due to coronavirus fears. NHS data state that approximately 250,000 were tested for the disease during June. A recent study showed that 60 per cent of people are worried about burdening the NHS even more during COVID-19 pandemic, and 49 per cent said they will be delaying seeking health care. Nearly two thirds or 63 per cent of people surveyed did not know the common warning signs of abdominal and urological cancers, even though these account for nearly 44 per cent of all cancer diagnoses nationwide. The NHS also noted that long-term coughing is now being confused with coronavirus. The survey found that two out of five people did not know that a persistent cough that lasted more than three weeks was a sign of lung cancer. Also read | No need to restrict breastfeeding before or after COVID-19 vaccination: Experts Amanda Prichard, the new chief executive of the NHS, says cancer patients will find hospitals "open and ready" for treatment. On Monday, she will launch a new television advertisement campaign "Help Us, Help You" to raise awareness of abdominal, urological, and lung cancer symptoms. Pritchard emphasised that people should recognise common symptoms that may indicate a cancer diagnosis, adding that it's important that they take action by making an appointment with their GP, an action that could ultimately save their lives. Chief executive of Cancer Research UK Michelle Mitchell advised that anyone experiencing any change in their health, shouldn't put it down to getting older or to a pre-existing condition, rather they should visit a doctor.

'Help Us, Help You': NHS concerned as people delay cancer treatment due to Covid pandemic

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on&nbsp;Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next.

Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of&nbsp;Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in.

"We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio.

"Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ban-covid-19-vaccine-in-eastern-afghanistans-paktia-province-report-405235" hreflang="en">Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report</a>

"We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned.

Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support.

He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez".

'Deeply shocking'&nbsp;

Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on&nbsp;Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught.

However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in&nbsp;Afghanistan".

With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily&nbsp;suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan".

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour.

"The government has been silent while&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK.

"We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;being a base for extremists."

Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;left last month, according to Johnson.

As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros).

In 2014, the British mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next. Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in. "We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio. "Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally. Also read | Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report "We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned. Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support. He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez". 'Deeply shocking' Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught. However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in Afghanistan". With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave Afghanistan". Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in Afghanistan is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour. "The government has been silent while Afghanistan collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK. "We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of Afghanistan being a base for extremists." Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in Afghanistan left last month, according to Johnson. As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros). In 2014, the British mission in Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

UK PM holds Afghanistan crisis talks, recalls parliament

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> by the year-end, research suggests,&nbsp;as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021.

Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-rich-countries-share-vaccines-or-patents-380945">Will rich countries share vaccines or patents?</a>&nbsp;

Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100&nbsp;per cent.

As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine.

According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

Talking to&nbsp;the Guardian&nbsp;Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps".

The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said.

In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-western-countries-hoard-vaccines-9-out-of-10-in-low-income-countries-to-miss-out-348585">As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out</a>

Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access.

The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.&nbsp;

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps". Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021. Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn. Also read | Will rich countries share vaccines or patents? Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100 per cent. As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the COVID-19 vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine. According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world. Also read | SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines Talking to the Guardian Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps". The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said. In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy. Also read | As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021. In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access. The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.

Vaccine apartheid: Research suggests UK will hoard up to 210 million vaccines

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government announced Wednesday it will offer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccinations to all 16 and 17-year-olds, but not to younger healthy teenagers as in many other Western countries.&nbsp;

The move follows updated guidance from British health regulators that the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> drive should be extended to those aged 16 and 17 without underlying health issues after a review of the latest data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-more-than-220000-children-inoculated-with-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine-402885">UK: More than 220,000 children inoculated with first dose of Covid vaccine</a>

However, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) made no change to its current advice to the government that only 12 to 15-year-olds deemed vulnerable should be jabbed.

This contrasts with the United States, which announced in May that younger teens would be vaccinated, and the European Union's medicines regulator which has approved two shots for all over-12s.

Britain's health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed he had accepted the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;experts' latest recommendations and asked the state-run National Health Service (NHS) "to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible".

"JCVI will continue to review data and provide updates on at risk groups aged 12-15 and whether any additional groups will be added," he said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-term-covid-symptoms-very-rare-in-children-study-confirms-402937">Long term Covid symptoms very rare in children, study confirms</a>

The older teenagers eligible will receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for use in Britain for people aged 12 and over.

Regulators have not yet decided when they should get their second doses, with a further recommendation likely in the coming weeks.

England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said at a televised briefing to announce the change that he wanted the NHS to begin jabbing 16 and 17-year-olds "as fast as practically possible".

"It has been preparing for multiple permutations and options for very many weeks now, and I would expect this programme will start in a very short number of weeks," he added.

Health experts welcomed the move, with Russell Viner, Professor of Child and Adolescent Health at University College London, calling it a "sensible step".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" target="_blank">Universal&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery</a>

"There are important social and educational benefits for protecting young people and reducing transmission in the upper years of secondary school," he said.

Britain's fast-paced vaccination programme has seen nearly 89 per cent of adults given at least one dose, while close to two-thirds are now fully jabbed.

Since easing all virus curbs in England on July 19, the number of new daily cases has declined, prompting hopes the vaccines are succeeding in defeating the pandemic in Britain.

The UK government announced Wednesday it will offer coronavirus vaccinations to all 16 and 17-year-olds, but not to younger healthy teenagers as in many other Western countries.

The UK government announced Wednesday it will offer coronavirus vaccinations to all 16 and 17-year-olds, but not to younger healthy teenagers as in many other Western countries. The move follows updated guidance from British health regulators that the country's vaccine drive should be extended to those aged 16 and 17 without underlying health issues after a review of the latest data. UK: More than 220,000 children inoculated with first dose of Covid vaccine However, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) made no change to its current advice to the government that only 12 to 15-year-olds deemed vulnerable should be jabbed. This contrasts with the United States, which announced in May that younger teens would be vaccinated, and the European Union's medicines regulator which has approved two shots for all over-12s. Britain's health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed he had accepted the UK experts' latest recommendations and asked the state-run National Health Service (NHS) "to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible". "JCVI will continue to review data and provide updates on at risk groups aged 12-15 and whether any additional groups will be added," he said in a statement. Also read | Long term Covid symptoms very rare in children, study confirms The older teenagers eligible will receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for use in Britain for people aged 12 and over. Regulators have not yet decided when they should get their second doses, with a further recommendation likely in the coming weeks. England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said at a televised briefing to announce the change that he wanted the NHS to begin jabbing 16 and 17-year-olds "as fast as practically possible". "It has been preparing for multiple permutations and options for very many weeks now, and I would expect this programme will start in a very short number of weeks," he added. Health experts welcomed the move, with Russell Viner, Professor of Child and Adolescent Health at University College London, calling it a "sensible step". Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery "There are important social and educational benefits for protecting young people and reducing transmission in the upper years of secondary school," he said. Britain's fast-paced vaccination programme has seen nearly 89 per cent of adults given at least one dose, while close to two-thirds are now fully jabbed. Since easing all virus curbs in England on July 19, the number of new daily cases has declined, prompting hopes the vaccines are succeeding in defeating the pandemic in Britain.

UK to offer Covid vaccine to healthy 16 and 17 year-olds

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;translators&nbsp;and their&nbsp;families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the&nbsp;families&nbsp;of&nbsp;500&nbsp;staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some&nbsp;2,500&nbsp;individuals in total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-attacks-bear-the-hallmark-of-taliban-us-402696">Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US</a>

The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff.

"There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff," Wallace and Patel wrote.

"This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added.

In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan,&nbsp; the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;accelerated its relocation scheme for&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;local staff in May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-afghan-defence-minister-in-kabul-claimed-by-taliban-402788">Attack on Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister in&nbsp;Kabul claimed by&nbsp;Taliban</a>&nbsp;

Since the expansion was announced, 1,400&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014.

Six former heads of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns.

Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service.

The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence".&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claim-responisibilty-for-major-attack-in-kabul-402906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals.

Regular reprisals against&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;and interpreters and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement.

As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;staff and their&nbsp;families&nbsp;to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough.

The UK government said on Wednesday it aimed to resettle hundreds of more Afghan translators and their families, after criticism from former military top brass it was not doing enough. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were committed to relocating the families of 500 staff who supported British troops in Afghanistan "as soon as possible", some 2,500 individuals in total. Also read | Kabul attacks bear the 'hallmark' of Taliban: US The pledge came after published criticism from senior defence figures, urging a review of the relocation scheme in the face of escalating violence in Afghanistan and threats to former local staff. "There has been considerable misreporting of the scheme in the media, feeding the impression the Government is not supporting our former and current Afghan staff," Wallace and Patel wrote. "This could not be further from the truth and since the US announced its withdrawal we have been at the forefront of nations relocating people," they added. In response to pressure following the announcement of a US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the UK accelerated its relocation scheme for Afghan local staff in May. Also read | Attack on Afghan defence minister in Kabul claimed by Taliban Since the expansion was announced, 1,400 Afghan staff and their families had been relocated, equalling the total number resettled in Britain since 2014. Six former heads of the UK armed forces and other senior military figures voiced concern in a letter to The Times last week that Afghan staff had been rejected for a relocation because of security concerns. Often these individuals were deemed ineligible because they were dismissed from service. The ministers asserted they needed to ensure a "balance between generosity and security" and would now offer relocation to 264 members of Afghan staff who were dismissed for a "relatively minor administrative offence". Of these, they said, 121 individuals in that category have already been offered relocation. The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for Tuesday's deadly bomb and gun attack on the capital, Kabul, amid a wider assault by the Islamist group on a string of provincial capitals. Regular reprisals against Afghan and interpreters and their families have escalated as the Taliban have seized vast swathes of the countryside in the weeks following the withdrawal announcement. As humanitarian displacement from the conflict increases, the UK also said it would make further changes to its rules to allow former Afghan staff and their families to make applications for relocation outside Afghanistan.

UK govt aims to relocate 2,500 Afghan translators and families

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Daley, an Olympic gold medalist and an LGBTQ icon in Britain was clicked knitting as he watched women's 3m springboard finals.&nbsp;

A sports star casually knitting a pink pouch is a rare sight and hence social media was flooded with images of 27-year-old Daley on Sunday as he, wearing his country's jersey, sat wielding needles at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Daley watched the third round of the dives when China's Shi Tingmo took the lead. No British divers were competing at that moment. 
&nbsp; 
Daley's concentration with needles drew attention on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Oh this? Just Olympic champ <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDaley1994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomDaley1994</a> knitting in the stands while watching the diving. 🧶 <a href="https://t.co/o17i6vsG2j">pic.twitter.com/o17i6vsG2j</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1421746461583323138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The perfect de-stress activity! So great to see <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDaley1994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomDaley1994</a> bringing his knitting with him to the Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl">https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl</a>
— Knit for Peace (@knitforpeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/knitforpeace/status/1422142917880201217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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not tom daley knitting at the olympics i- <a href="https://t.co/E70zamUhvk">pic.twitter.com/E70zamUhvk</a>
— sarah (@livrodcloset) <a href="https://twitter.com/livrodcloset/status/1421713331564462080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tom Daley knitting during the women’s final is absolutely sending me <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diving?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diving</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/JjrUB6DCAq">pic.twitter.com/JjrUB6DCAq</a>
— ✿ 𝐸𝑠𝑚𝑎 ✿ (@EsmahSultan) <a href="https://twitter.com/EsmahSultan/status/1421713513593008129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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i am so warmed by tom daley knitting himself a little pouch for his olympic medal <a href="https://t.co/OojA330YHk">pic.twitter.com/OojA330YHk</a>
— lucy ford 🍊 (@lucyj_ford) <a href="https://twitter.com/lucyj_ford/status/1420307801499385858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tom Daley is knitting at the 3m women final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/cyR5rGRRxE">pic.twitter.com/cyR5rGRRxE</a>
— Dal Bologknees 🍝 (@DalBologknees) <a href="https://twitter.com/DalBologknees/status/1421719023482544130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The British diver won his first Olympic medal alongside Matty Lee in the synchronised 10m event that took place on Monday.&nbsp;

It seems Daley is fond of knitting and is also good at it. Earlier last week, the gold medalist had showed off "a little cosy" which he had knitted for his gold medal "to stop it getting scratched".&nbsp;

The woolen pouch has Great Britain's flag on one side and the Japanese flag on the other side.&nbsp;

"The one thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching," he told followers on his Instagram knitting page which has over 100, 000 followers. Daley uses the platform to showcase his various woolly creations.&nbsp;

This is Daley's fourth Olympic Games. His win last week is his third Olympic medal. He has previously won two Bronze medals.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indian-women-hockeys-coach-sjoerd-marijne-responds-to-ex-coach-shah-rukh-khan-as-team-enters-semi-finals-at-the-olympics-402382" hreflang="en">Indian women hockey's coach Sjoerd Marijne responds to 'ex coach' Shah Rukh Khan as team enters semi finals at the Olympics </a>

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning.

Great Britain's diver Tom Daley has caused quite a stir at the Olympics just by sitting at the stands and watching women's 3m springboard final on Sunday morning. Daley, an Olympic gold medalist and an LGBTQ icon in Britain was clicked knitting as he watched women's 3m springboard finals. A sports star casually knitting a pink pouch is a rare sight and hence social media was flooded with images of 27-year-old Daley on Sunday as he, wearing his country's jersey, sat wielding needles at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Daley watched the third round of the dives when China's Shi Tingmo took the lead. No British divers were competing at that moment. Daley's concentration with needles drew attention on Twitter. Oh this? Just Olympic champ @TomDaley1994 knitting in the stands while watching the diving. 🧶 pic.twitter.com/o17i6vsG2j — Olympics (@Olympics) August 1, 2021 × The perfect de-stress activity! So great to see @TomDaley1994 bringing his knitting with him to the Olympics. https://t.co/U20WDGU4zl — Knit for Peace (@knitforpeace) August 2, 2021 × not tom daley knitting at the olympics i- pic.twitter.com/E70zamUhvk — sarah (@livrodcloset) August 1, 2021 × Tom Daley knitting during the women’s final is absolutely sending me #Diving #Olympics pic.twitter.com/JjrUB6DCAq — ✿ 𝐸𝑠𝑚𝑎 ✿ (@EsmahSultan) August 1, 2021 × i am so warmed by tom daley knitting himself a little pouch for his olympic medal pic.twitter.com/OojA330YHk — lucy ford 🍊 (@lucyj_ford) July 28, 2021 × Tom Daley is knitting at the 3m women final #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/cyR5rGRRxE — Dal Bologknees 🍝 (@DalBologknees) August 1, 2021 × The British diver won his first Olympic medal alongside Matty Lee in the synchronised 10m event that took place on Monday. It seems Daley is fond of knitting and is also good at it. Earlier last week, the gold medalist had showed off "a little cosy" which he had knitted for his gold medal "to stop it getting scratched". The woolen pouch has Great Britain's flag on one side and the Japanese flag on the other side. "The one thing that has kept me sane throughout this whole process is my love for knitting and crochet and all things stitching," he told followers on his Instagram knitting page which has over 100, 000 followers. Daley uses the platform to showcase his various woolly creations. This is Daley's fourth Olympic Games. His win last week is his third Olympic medal. He has previously won two Bronze medals. Also read: Indian women hockey's coach Sjoerd Marijne responds to 'ex coach' Shah Rukh Khan as team enters semi finals at the Olympics

Britain's gold medalist Tom Daley is clicked knitting on the stands, earns fans on the Internet

A bar in London is serving up drinks to a new breed of booze hounds, offering "puptails" such as a Bloodhound Mary or Barkarita to dogs brought along by their owners for a drink. "After Bark", which opened in June, is the latest venture from the "Barkney Wick" dog and human community centre situated in the capital's Hackney Wick area, long a haven for artists and alternative culture.

London bar offers cocktails for pet lovers and their dogs

British families could be handed rewards for switching to healthier food and exercising as per new proposals by the UK government. A new app is being launched to measure the progress. The scheme will monitor family supermarket spending and reward those who reduce their calorie consumption and buy more fruit and vegetables. This programme is being launched in order to deal with UK's obesity crisis.

British Families to be handed rewards for switching to healthier food

After staff shortages in the food sector&nbsp;which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> case.&nbsp;

A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home.

Also read |&nbsp;All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain

Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves.&nbsp;

According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It&nbsp;includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories&nbsp;and bread manufacturing sites.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers.

In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves.

Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests.

The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week.

Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-launch-daily-covid-19-tests-in-food-sector-to-tackle-pingdemic-399920">UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic'</a>

A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January.

At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required.

(With inputs from agencies)

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case.

After staff shortages in the food sector which resulted in bare shelves at supermarkets, an official said Friday that thousands of British food workers will be exempt from self-isolation if they encounter a COVID-19 case. A number of important industries have been affected by the rules requiring workers who come into contact with an infected person to stay at home. Also read | All you need to know about 'pingdemic' gripping Britain Several sectors are complaining of a "pingdemic" as coronavirus cases rage once again in the UK as users receive notifications when they come into contact with an infected person and are advised to isolate themselves. According to Environment Secretary George Eustice, more than 10,000 workers are now exempt from rules requiring self-isolation. It includes those working at supermarket depots, dairy factories and bread manufacturing sites. Keeping our food supplies intact is vital, Eustice said, adding that after high absence rates this week the government has decided to exempt food sector workers. In the wake of fears of food supply chain delays, British newspapers were awash with photographs of empty supermarket shelves. Employees will be allowed to continue working at 500 key sites automatically even if the app pings them. However, at their workplace, they will be required to take daily tests. The government announced late Thursday that the measures would be implemented starting this week. Recent weeks have seen a spike in cases in the UK largely caused by a highly contagious variant called Delta. However, most virus restrictions were lifted in England on Monday. Also read | UK to launch daily COVID-19 tests in food sector to tackle 'pingdemic' A total of 54,000 cases were reported on Saturday, the highest since January. At least until August 16, self-isolation for 10 days following notification of contact with a virus case will be required. (With inputs from agencies)

UK food sector workers exempt from self-isolation rules

There's been a fresh surge in Coronavirus cases in the UK. There's another virus spreading in their country it's called the Norovirus and this virus can be contracted several times.

United Kingdom: 154 cases of Norovirus reported in the UK

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