France and Britain have agreed to deploy more police and invest in detection technology on the French coast to try to stop boats carrying illegal migrants from reaching British shores.

France & United Kingdom's bid to crackdown on illegal migrants

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;bill&nbsp;is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283">Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a>

A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros.

The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement.

But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro&nbsp;bill&nbsp;for 2021 had been paid on time and in full.

"The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-touts-great-win-in-britains-first-post-brexit-trade-deal-391605">Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal</a>

He said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years."

Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds.

The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes.&nbsp;

"It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters.

Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatever-it-takes-uk-pm-johnson-warns-eu-over-post-brexit-trade-391152">'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade</a>

But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials.

The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June.

"Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said

British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed.

The European Commission warned on Friday that its calculation of the cost of the Brexit divorce bill is final after London and Brussels gave different estimates of what is owed. Accounts published last month by the European Union give a figure of 47.5 billion euros (40.8 billion pounds, $56.5 billion) that Brussels says it is owed by the UK government, to be paid over several years. Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK A UK government spokesperson, however, said its estimate of the bill still stands at between 35 and 39 billion pounds, or between 41 and 45 billion euros. The discrepancy could become the latest bone of contention between the two sides already at loggerheads over several parts of the UK-EU withdrawal agreement. But European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said the first instalment of Britain's 6.8 billion euro bill for 2021 had been paid on time and in full. "The report is final," Ujvari said, referring to the 200-page EU annual accounts published on June 30. "And the calculations were made in line with the withdrawal agreement. Also read | Australia touts 'great win' in Britain's first post-Brexit trade deal He said the bill amounts to "47.5 billion euros, which the United Kingdom is going to have to pay into the European Union budget over the course of the next years." Separately, a British spokesperson said: "The UK Government's estimate of the value of the net financial settlement remains in the central range of 35 to 39 billion pounds. The British official said the government does not recognise the higher Brussels figure and dubbed it "an estimate produced by the EU for its own internal accounting purposes. "It doesn't, for instance, reflect money owed back to the UK, which reduces the amount we pay," the spokesperson told reporters. Britain left the European Union at the start of the year after long and tortuous negotiations for a follow on trade and cooperation agreement with the 27-nation bloc. Also read | 'Whatever it takes', UK PM Johnson warns EU over post-Brexit trade But it agreed to ongoing payments, largely to reflect its obligation to support pension funds and sickness insurance for EU officials. The EU spokesman said Britain would receive two bills this year totalling 6.8 billion euros and that a first instalment covering part of this sum had been paid in June. "Everything that had to be done was done. Therefore, we have no indication whatsoever that the overall figure would be contested," Ujvari said British leader Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government is to report full details of its estimate to the UK parliament "shortly".

Brussels warns UK its Brexit bill is final

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel.

The stricter prison sentences for both migrants and people smugglers come as part of Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to overhaul asylum rules in a bid to prevent what her department has characterised as "asylum shopping".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-france-for-tougher-action-on-channel-migrants-317521">UK urges France for 'tougher action' on Channel migrants</a>

The legislation announced Saturday makes it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission, with a maximum sentence for those entering the country unlawfully increasing from six months to four years.

Under the law set for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday, people smugglers will face life sentences, up from the current maximum of 14 years.

Patel said the plans were "fair but firm", adding that the UK would "welcome people through safe and legal routes whilst preventing abuse of the system, cracking down on illegal entry and the criminality associated with it".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-generation-immigrant-priti-patel-introduces-uks-anti-immigration-visa-guidelines-281562">Second generation immigrant Priti Patel introduces UK's anti-immigration visa guidelines</a>

The bill's unveiling comes as Britain's asylum system strains under the pressure of a record number of arrivals over the Channel.

A total of nearly 6,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing in the first six months of 2021.

The total number of 8,417 arrivals for the whole of 2020 is likely to be overtaken in the next two months if trends continue, according to figures from the domestic Press Association news agency.

The Home Office said it was "very likely that those travelling to the UK via small boat will have come from a safe European Union country in which they could have claimed asylum".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134">Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings</a>

"Where this is the case, they are not seeking refuge at the earliest opportunity or showing good reason for seeking to enter the UK illegally but are instead 'asylum shopping' by picking the UK as a preferred destination over others and using an illegal route to get here," it added.

The government launched plans earlier this year for what it called the biggest changes to asylum rules in decades, saying the current system was overwhelmed.

The plan drew fire from refugee groups, who accused the ruling Conservatives of political cynicism.

"Instead of peddling deliberately misleading myths and untruths about asylum and migration, the Home Office should be establishing safe routes for those few people escaping persecution who wish to seek asylum here," Amnesty International UK's refugee and migrant rights director said.

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel.

Britain has announced it will seek harsher sentences for migrants caught entering the country without permission amid a record-breaking surge in arrivals over the English Channel. The stricter prison sentences for both migrants and people smugglers come as part of Home Secretary Priti Patel's plans to overhaul asylum rules in a bid to prevent what her department has characterised as "asylum shopping". Also read | UK urges France for 'tougher action' on Channel migrants The legislation announced Saturday makes it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission, with a maximum sentence for those entering the country unlawfully increasing from six months to four years. Under the law set for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday, people smugglers will face life sentences, up from the current maximum of 14 years. Patel said the plans were "fair but firm", adding that the UK would "welcome people through safe and legal routes whilst preventing abuse of the system, cracking down on illegal entry and the criminality associated with it". Also read | Second generation immigrant Priti Patel introduces UK's anti-immigration visa guidelines The bill's unveiling comes as Britain's asylum system strains under the pressure of a record number of arrivals over the Channel. A total of nearly 6,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing in the first six months of 2021. The total number of 8,417 arrivals for the whole of 2020 is likely to be overtaken in the next two months if trends continue, according to figures from the domestic Press Association news agency. The Home Office said it was "very likely that those travelling to the UK via small boat will have come from a safe European Union country in which they could have claimed asylum". Also read | Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings "Where this is the case, they are not seeking refuge at the earliest opportunity or showing good reason for seeking to enter the UK illegally but are instead 'asylum shopping' by picking the UK as a preferred destination over others and using an illegal route to get here," it added. The government launched plans earlier this year for what it called the biggest changes to asylum rules in decades, saying the current system was overwhelmed. The plan drew fire from refugee groups, who accused the ruling Conservatives of political cynicism. "Instead of peddling deliberately misleading myths and untruths about asylum and migration, the Home Office should be establishing safe routes for those few people escaping persecution who wish to seek asylum here," Amnesty International UK's refugee and migrant rights director said.

UK announces harsher sentences for Channel migrants

In UK, fraud and error from a loan scheme to help businesses cope with the COVID-19 pandemic launched during COVID-19 pandemic it could cost British taxpayers up to 37 billion on top of some 60 billion dollars annually which is lost to criminals and mistakes a report has said.

World Business Watch: COVID loan fraud and error will cost UK taxpayers of billions pounds

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years.

Dominic Raab’s number is believed to have been online for at least 11 years, before Raab became an MP in 2010, till date. The number remained online even when he became the foreign secretary, first secretary of state – de facto deputy prime minister, in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-faces-new-questions-after-phone-number-found-online-381755">UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online</a>

Raab who has previously warned of rogue states and the cybersecurity threats they pose had a lot&nbsp;of his personal information displayed on the page continuing his number. Now, the number along with the foreign minister’s personal details have been removed.

In April, a controversy took the UK by storm when it emerged that Boris Johnson’s personal mobile had been available online for 15 years and that anybody can access it off the bottom of a press release. This raised questions over the confidentiality of senior politicians’ contact details and why it was not thoroughly investigated.

Former security advisor Peter Ricketts says this second breach involving Raab’s number showed more attention must be paid to online security.

“The wide availability of Mr Raab’s personal phone number must increase the risk that other states, or even criminal gangs, have been able to eavesdrop on his calls,”

“It also means that anyone who happens to have had his phone number … is able to lobby the foreign secretary, bypassing the official channels which everyone else has to use. Anyone taking on a role as sensitive as this should in their own interests pay as much attention to online as to physical security,”&nbsp;he added.

Calling for an investigation, shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, said, “This is a staggering lapse in security from a foreign secretary who, only last month, was lecturing NATO&nbsp;allies about the cybersecurity threat posed by authoritarian regimes.

“It is typical of the government’s approach that when it comes to national security and defending democracy they say one thing but do another. This should be the subject of an investigation. Both the prime minister and foreign secretary have failed to protect their own phones. How can we be assured they aren’t as careless with sensitive intelligence and diplomatic cables too?”

In a statement, the government said that it has also requested the removal of the web page containing Raab’s details.

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years.

Amid the security services controversy over the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s number being available online, now a user of publication The Guardian has discovered that the country’s foreign minister’s number has also been available online for the last 11 years. Dominic Raab’s number is believed to have been online for at least 11 years, before Raab became an MP in 2010, till date. The number remained online even when he became the foreign secretary, first secretary of state – de facto deputy prime minister, in 2019. Also read | UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online Raab who has previously warned of rogue states and the cybersecurity threats they pose had a lot of his personal information displayed on the page continuing his number. Now, the number along with the foreign minister’s personal details have been removed. In April, a controversy took the UK by storm when it emerged that Boris Johnson’s personal mobile had been available online for 15 years and that anybody can access it off the bottom of a press release. This raised questions over the confidentiality of senior politicians’ contact details and why it was not thoroughly investigated. Former security advisor Peter Ricketts says this second breach involving Raab’s number showed more attention must be paid to online security. “The wide availability of Mr Raab’s personal phone number must increase the risk that other states, or even criminal gangs, have been able to eavesdrop on his calls,” “It also means that anyone who happens to have had his phone number … is able to lobby the foreign secretary, bypassing the official channels which everyone else has to use. Anyone taking on a role as sensitive as this should in their own interests pay as much attention to online as to physical security,” he added. Calling for an investigation, shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy, said, “This is a staggering lapse in security from a foreign secretary who, only last month, was lecturing NATO allies about the cybersecurity threat posed by authoritarian regimes. “It is typical of the government’s approach that when it comes to national security and defending democracy they say one thing but do another. This should be the subject of an investigation. Both the prime minister and foreign secretary have failed to protect their own phones. How can we be assured they aren’t as careless with sensitive intelligence and diplomatic cables too?” In a statement, the government said that it has also requested the removal of the web page containing Raab’s details.

After Johnson, foreign secretary Raab's number also found online

United Kingdom Health minister Matt Hancock has resigned after breaking social distancing rules. Watch this report to know more.

News Alert: Matt Hancock resigns as UK Health Secretary

United Kingdom will begin negotiations to join a trans-Pacific trade deal that it sees as crucial to its post-Brexit pivot away from Europe and towards geographically more distant but faster-growing economies.

United Kingdom begins negotiations to join trans-Pacific trade deal

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would lead a new drive to capitalise on scientific and technological breakthroughs made in Britain with a programme to direct research into areas that will benefit the public good. 
 
Johnson will chair a group set up to "provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology as the tools to tackle great societal challenges, level up across the country and boost prosperity around the world", his office said. 
 
Seeking strategic gains for post-Brexit Britain, the plan looks to build on the success of the country`s coronavirus vaccine programme and identify other areas where the research and development sector can benefit from government funding. 
 
“From discovery to delivery, our vaccination programme has proven what the UK can achieve at scale and at speed," Johnson said in a statement. 
 
“With the right direction, pace and backing, we can breathe life into many more scientific and technological breakthroughs that transform the lives of people across the UK and the world." 
 
The government`s Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, will head a new public body whose role will be to implement the strategy. 
 
Beyond COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, Britain wants to use its research capability to secure some of the economic benefits of a shift toward greener technology, although competition from other nations is intense. 
 
The majority of research and development spending in Britain is funded by the private sector, and overall investment in 2018 was 1.731% of GDP according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development data - below the 2.419% OECD average. 
 
Since leaving the European Union, the government has announced plans to increase its spending on R&amp;D. 
 
It plans to invest 14.9 billion pounds ($20.58 billion) in 2021/22, rising to 22 billion by 2024/25, and has committed to raise total R&amp;D investment to 2.4% of economic output by 2027.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would lead a new drive to capitalise on scientific and technological breakthroughs made in Britain with a programme to direct research into areas that will benefit the public good.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would lead a new drive to capitalise on scientific and technological breakthroughs made in Britain with a programme to direct research into areas that will benefit the public good. Johnson will chair a group set up to "provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology as the tools to tackle great societal challenges, level up across the country and boost prosperity around the world", his office said. Seeking strategic gains for post-Brexit Britain, the plan looks to build on the success of the country`s coronavirus vaccine programme and identify other areas where the research and development sector can benefit from government funding. “From discovery to delivery, our vaccination programme has proven what the UK can achieve at scale and at speed," Johnson said in a statement. “With the right direction, pace and backing, we can breathe life into many more scientific and technological breakthroughs that transform the lives of people across the UK and the world." The government`s Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, will head a new public body whose role will be to implement the strategy. Beyond COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, Britain wants to use its research capability to secure some of the economic benefits of a shift toward greener technology, although competition from other nations is intense. The majority of research and development spending in Britain is funded by the private sector, and overall investment in 2018 was 1.731% of GDP according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development data - below the 2.419% OECD average. Since leaving the European Union, the government has announced plans to increase its spending on R&D. It plans to invest 14.9 billion pounds ($20.58 billion) in 2021/22, rising to 22 billion by 2024/25, and has committed to raise total R&D investment to 2.4% of economic output by 2027.

With $21 billion spending on R&D, UK launches plan to capitalise on science and technology breakthroughs

Thousands of heavy metal fans are camping, singing, and even moshing, in the rain at Britain's first full music festival since the start of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

The three-day Download Festival, taking place at Donington Park in central England, is one of a series of test events to see whether mass gatherings can resume without triggering outbreaks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19</a>.

About 10,000 fans, a tenth of the festival's pre-pandemic attendance, have tickets to watch more than 40 bands including Frank Carter &amp; The Rattlesnakes and Bullet for My Valentine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-study-indicates-covid-resulting-in-long-term-loss-of-grey-matter-392567">UK study indicates Covid resulting in long-term loss of grey matter</a>

Attendees all took COVID-19 tests before the event, and don't have to wear masks or follow social distancing rules during the festival.

Promoter Andy Copping said there was a real sense of euphoria,&nbsp;at the event, which runs through Sunday, despite the wet weather. He said, "it wouldn't be Download unless there was a bit of rain."

Britain has recorded almost 128,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe. The government has delayed the planned lifting of remaining social and economic restrictions until July 19 amid a rise in cases driven by the highly contagious delta variant.&nbsp;

Thousands of heavy metal fans are camping, singing, and even moshing, in the rain at Britain's first full music festival since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of heavy metal fans are camping, singing, and even moshing, in the rain at Britain's first full music festival since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The three-day Download Festival, taking place at Donington Park in central England, is one of a series of test events to see whether mass gatherings can resume without triggering outbreaks of COVID-19. About 10,000 fans, a tenth of the festival's pre-pandemic attendance, have tickets to watch more than 40 bands including Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Bullet for My Valentine. Also read | UK study indicates Covid resulting in long-term loss of grey matter Attendees all took COVID-19 tests before the event, and don't have to wear masks or follow social distancing rules during the festival. Promoter Andy Copping said there was a real sense of euphoria, at the event, which runs through Sunday, despite the wet weather. He said, "it wouldn't be Download unless there was a bit of rain." Britain has recorded almost 128,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe. The government has delayed the planned lifting of remaining social and economic restrictions until July 19 amid a rise in cases driven by the highly contagious delta variant.

UK holds 1st festival since pandemic start

There is a risk of a 'sausage war' breaking out between UK and EU. Cold cuts have become a bone of contention between the two sides. UK is threatening to delay Brexit deal implementation. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Why are UK and EU fighting over sausages?

All eyes on Cornwall as some of the most powerful leaders in the world gather for the G7 summit in the UK. What's on the agenda? Watch WION's special coverage of the G7 Summit 2021.

G7 Summit 2021: What's on the agenda? Watch WION's special coverage

British retailers reported a big boost in sales in May, after lockdown measures ended last month and a relaxation of COVID restrictions on hospitality drew more shoppers into town centres. The British Retail Consortium said total sales among its members, who include supermarkets and high-street chains, were 10.0% higher last month than in May two years ago.

UK retailers report strong May sales after lockdown ends

The spread of the Delta variant in Britain has put the June 21 United Kingdom reopening line in doubt. The British Minister has earlier said that the Delta variant has had a very significant impact in the United Kingdom over the last month or so. Watch this report to know more.

UK Environment Secy asks Britons to 'Holiday At Home'

Boris Johnson said that he would be cautious of lifting the COVID-19 restrictions as it is still unclear how protected the British population is against the new surge of COVID-19 cases.

United Kingdom PM Boris Johnson cautious about lifting lockdown

A former London police station has seen its old cells turned into viewing galleries as it re-opens its doors as a museum. Bow Street Police Museum, located where the Bow Street police station and magistrates' court once were, is the latest addition to the British capital's cultural attractions.

Historic London police station opens cells to visitors

Islamophobia within Britain's ruling Conservative Party is a problem both at an individual level and beyond but falls short of "institutional racism", an independent investigation concluded on Tuesday. 
 
The centre-right party has been dogged for years by accusations of anti-Muslim sentiment that have been levelled against members, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp; 
 
The former journalist's comments comparing Muslim women in veils to letterboxes and bank robbers, in a newspaper column in 2018, contributed to a "widespread" perception that the Tories have a "Muslim problem", the report said. 
 
"Anti-Muslim sentiment remains a problem within the party. This is damaging to the party, and alienates a significant section of society," the investigation led by Swaran Singh, a former commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, found. 
 
Singh said he believed the report was "going to be very uncomfortable for the party", and hoped it would "spur them into action". 
 
The investigation said since 2015 the "bulk" of discrimination complaints had been made over anti-Muslim allegations. 
 
Of 1,418 complaints relating to 727 incidents of alleged discrimination, more than two-thirds of the incidents&nbsp;496 cases&nbsp;related to Islam. 
 
But while the report found "there were examples of anti-Muslim discrimination by individuals and groups at local association level", it said those problems fell short of claims of "institutional racism". 
 
The report said there was no evidence that complaints related to Islam are treated differently from those related to other forms of discrimination. 
 
Johnson told Singh's probe he was "sorry for any offence taken" over his 2018 column and added he would not use "some of the offending language from my past writings" now that he was prime minister.

'Unable or unwilling' 
The report also considered accusations made by the campaign of 2016 Conservative mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith claiming his Muslim Labour rival Sadiq Khan associated with extremists. 
 
Goldsmith told the investigation the accusations showed "poor judgement in the way his campaign was conducted" and he denied "harbouring anti-Muslim sentiments or using such sentiments for political advantage". 
 
MP and former Conservative finance minister Sajid Javid, the son of Muslim Pakistani immigrants, highlighted "distressing examples of anti-Muslim sentiment" listed in the report. 
 
"Stamping out discrimination, whether against Muslims or any other minority group, is an issue where our country's political parties have a responsibility," he said. 
 
Former Conservative chairwoman Sayeeda Warsi, a member of the House of Lords and a longtime critic of her party's handling of Islamophobia, tweeted the report revealed a party that was "at best unable and at worst unwilling to deal with the issue of racism". 
 
In response to the investigation, the Conservative Party said it accepted the report's recommendations and would work harder to counter discrimination in all its forms. 
 
"On behalf of the Conservative Party I would like to apologise to anyone who has been hurt by discriminatory behaviour of others or failed by our system," party co-chairwoman Amanda Milling said. 
 
She added the party would "continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination" and "take immediate action to improve our handling of complaints". 
 
The opposition Labour party has meanwhile been dogged for years by incidents of anti-Semitism, blamed particularly on far-left followers of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. 
 
In October, the Equality and Human Rights Commission said Corbyn's office had broken the law in its handling of complaints by Jewish members. His successor Keir Starmer has apologised profusely and suspended Corbyn from the party.

Islamophobia within Britain's ruling Conservative Party is a problem both at an individual level and beyond but falls short of "institutional racism", an independent investigation concluded on Tuesday.

Islamophobia within Britain's ruling Conservative Party is a problem both at an individual level and beyond but falls short of "institutional racism", an independent investigation concluded on Tuesday. The centre-right party has been dogged for years by accusations of anti-Muslim sentiment that have been levelled against members, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The former journalist's comments comparing Muslim women in veils to letterboxes and bank robbers, in a newspaper column in 2018, contributed to a "widespread" perception that the Tories have a "Muslim problem", the report said. "Anti-Muslim sentiment remains a problem within the party. This is damaging to the party, and alienates a significant section of society," the investigation led by Swaran Singh, a former commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, found. Singh said he believed the report was "going to be very uncomfortable for the party", and hoped it would "spur them into action". The investigation said since 2015 the "bulk" of discrimination complaints had been made over anti-Muslim allegations. Of 1,418 complaints relating to 727 incidents of alleged discrimination, more than two-thirds of the incidents 496 cases related to Islam. But while the report found "there were examples of anti-Muslim discrimination by individuals and groups at local association level", it said those problems fell short of claims of "institutional racism". The report said there was no evidence that complaints related to Islam are treated differently from those related to other forms of discrimination. Johnson told Singh's probe he was "sorry for any offence taken" over his 2018 column and added he would not use "some of the offending language from my past writings" now that he was prime minister. 'Unable or unwilling' The report also considered accusations made by the campaign of 2016 Conservative mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith claiming his Muslim Labour rival Sadiq Khan associated with extremists. Goldsmith told the investigation the accusations showed "poor judgement in the way his campaign was conducted" and he denied "harbouring anti-Muslim sentiments or using such sentiments for political advantage". MP and former Conservative finance minister Sajid Javid, the son of Muslim Pakistani immigrants, highlighted "distressing examples of anti-Muslim sentiment" listed in the report. "Stamping out discrimination, whether against Muslims or any other minority group, is an issue where our country's political parties have a responsibility," he said. Former Conservative chairwoman Sayeeda Warsi, a member of the House of Lords and a longtime critic of her party's handling of Islamophobia, tweeted the report revealed a party that was "at best unable and at worst unwilling to deal with the issue of racism". In response to the investigation, the Conservative Party said it accepted the report's recommendations and would work harder to counter discrimination in all its forms. "On behalf of the Conservative Party I would like to apologise to anyone who has been hurt by discriminatory behaviour of others or failed by our system," party co-chairwoman Amanda Milling said. She added the party would "continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination" and "take immediate action to improve our handling of complaints". The opposition Labour party has meanwhile been dogged for years by incidents of anti-Semitism, blamed particularly on far-left followers of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. In October, the Equality and Human Rights Commission said Corbyn's office had broken the law in its handling of complaints by Jewish members. His successor Keir Starmer has apologised profusely and suspended Corbyn from the party.

Islamophobia a 'problem' in UK's ruling party, probe finds

Germany's public health institute on Friday declared Britain and Northern Ireland a virus variant region, requiring anyone entering the country from the United Kingdom to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

Cases of a coronavirus variant of concern first found in India continued to climb in Britain.

"We want to play it safe," a German government source said. "In this important phase of the vaccination campaign, the entry of problematic mutations must be avoided as far as possible."

The classification, which takes effect from midnight on Sunday (2200 GMT Saturday), means the quarantine rules also apply to people with full vaccination protection and those who have recovered from COVID-19.

Health Minister Jens Spahn said earlier this month that a third wave coronavirus infections in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;"appears to be broken", but government officials are being careful.

"If we want to keep pushing down infection rates, we need to prevent contagious viral variants from jeopardising this positive trend," a spokesman for the Health Ministry said.

"This step is hard for the UK, but it is necessary to prevent the rapid spread of the&nbsp;variant in&nbsp;Germany," he said, adding that only when more people have been vaccinated is&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;armed against such a danger.

Germany's public health institute on Friday declared Britain and Northern Ireland a virus variant region, requiring anyone entering the country from the United Kingdom to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

Germany's public health institute on Friday declared Britain and Northern Ireland a virus variant region, requiring anyone entering the country from the United Kingdom to quarantine for two weeks on arrival. Cases of a coronavirus variant of concern first found in India continued to climb in Britain. "We want to play it safe," a German government source said. "In this important phase of the vaccination campaign, the entry of problematic mutations must be avoided as far as possible." The classification, which takes effect from midnight on Sunday (2200 GMT Saturday), means the quarantine rules also apply to people with full vaccination protection and those who have recovered from COVID-19. Health Minister Jens Spahn said earlier this month that a third wave coronavirus infections in Germany "appears to be broken", but government officials are being careful. "If we want to keep pushing down infection rates, we need to prevent contagious viral variants from jeopardising this positive trend," a spokesman for the Health Ministry said. "This step is hard for the UK, but it is necessary to prevent the rapid spread of the variant in Germany," he said, adding that only when more people have been vaccinated is Germany armed against such a danger.

Germany declares United Kingdom a virus variant region

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship.&nbsp;

She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian.

However, Miller said that the duo had a sexual encounter for one night.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/technology/britains-secret-intelligence-service-mi6-looking-for-new-q-spy-tech-master-381555">Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master</a>

The woman said that the relationship began when she was "fragile and vulnerable" after the end of her abusive marriage.

She said the relationship was rape and added that Miller broke her trust.&nbsp;

A retired judge, Sir John Mitting, is leading the inquiry that is probing the conduct of about 139 undercover officers who spied over 1,000 political organisations since 1968.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/germany-ropes-in-spy-agency-to-monitor-anti-vaxxers-covid-deniers-381096">Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers</a>

Miller, who spied Socialist Workers Party from 1976 to 1979, earlier told the inquiry that he had "one night stands" with four women when he went undercover.&nbsp;

The woman on Monday said that Miller's account of the nature of their relationship was "untrue and there is no possible justification for it ever having taken place."

She also said that she had been devastated if she had known the true details then.&nbsp;

"I trusted him … it would have been an absolute betrayal … I know that I would have regarded, as I do regard it now, as rape," the woman said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship. She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian.

A woman in the UK has accused a police spy of raping her by tricking her into a sexual relationship. She said that spy Vince Miller tricked her into a sexual relationship that lasted for two months, reports The Guardian. However, Miller said that the duo had a sexual encounter for one night. Also read | Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master The woman said that the relationship began when she was "fragile and vulnerable" after the end of her abusive marriage. She said the relationship was rape and added that Miller broke her trust. A retired judge, Sir John Mitting, is leading the inquiry that is probing the conduct of about 139 undercover officers who spied over 1,000 political organisations since 1968. Also read | Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers Miller, who spied Socialist Workers Party from 1976 to 1979, earlier told the inquiry that he had "one night stands" with four women when he went undercover. The woman on Monday said that Miller's account of the nature of their relationship was "untrue and there is no possible justification for it ever having taken place." She also said that she had been devastated if she had known the true details then. "I trusted him … it would have been an absolute betrayal … I know that I would have regarded, as I do regard it now, as rape," the woman said.

UK: Woman accuses spy of rape by tricking her into relationship

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country. 
 
"The crisis has in no way diminished the government`s ambition or appetite for change," he said in the written introduction to his legislative agenda for the next year. 
 
"We have been given an historic opportunity to change things for the better, level up opportunities across the whole of the United Kingdom and address the problems that have constrained us far too often before."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country. "The crisis has in no way diminished the government`s ambition or appetite for change," he said in the written introduction to his legislative agenda for the next year. "We have been given an historic opportunity to change things for the better, level up opportunities across the whole of the United Kingdom and address the problems that have constrained us far too often before."

Time for change, says PM Johnson setting out his agenda for Britain

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct.

Kathryn Stone, the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, is looking into the controversial trip to the privately owned island of Mustique over Christmas 2019 by the UK leader and his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/watchdog-launches-formal-investigation-into-boris-johnsons-flat-refurbishment-381129/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson, who was buoyed by successful local election results in England last week, has long been dogged by questions about the holiday.

In the register of MPs' interests, he claimed the £15,000 ($21,200, 17,400 euros) trip was provided by David Ross, a businessman and donor to his ruling Conservative party.

However there was confusion after Ross initially denied handing over any money, and later clarified that it was a "benefit in kind".

Johnson's spokesman reiterated Monday that the British premier had followed the rules throughout.

"The prime minister transparently declared this benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests," he said.&nbsp;

"Clearly the rules are set out and it's important that everyone abides by them."

Meanwhile a spokesman for Ross said in a statement he had "facilitated accommodation" for Johnson on Mustique which was valued at £15,000.

"Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson's declaration to the House of Commons is correct."

<h2>'Lavish lifestyle'&nbsp;</h2>

The luxury trip is one of a host of controversies swirling around the British leader that have sparked multiple investigations by watchdogs and scrutiny agencies.

They include a probe by the Electoral Commission, which regulates the accounts of political parties, into who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 (230,000 euros) refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat.

The parliamentary commissioner -- an independent figure -- investigates allegations that MPs have breached parliamentary code of conduct rules, which include correctly declaring financial interests and gifts.

Stone, who confirmed the Johnson probe is one of nine current investigations into lawmakers for possible breaches, can refer serious offences to parliament's Committee on Standards for sanctioning.

The main opposition Labour Party -- which is still reeling from a disappointing performance in last Thursday's local elections -- seized on the latest probe as further evidence of "sleaze" within Johnson's government.

"We need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity," said Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner.&nbsp;

"Boris Johnson needs to stop using the office of Prime Minister as an opportunity to fund his lavish lifestyle and enrich his mates." 
&nbsp;

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct.

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct. Kathryn Stone, the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, is looking into the controversial trip to the privately owned island of Mustique over Christmas 2019 by the UK leader and his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Watch | Johnson, who was buoyed by successful local election results in England last week, has long been dogged by questions about the holiday. In the register of MPs' interests, he claimed the £15,000 ($21,200, 17,400 euros) trip was provided by David Ross, a businessman and donor to his ruling Conservative party. However there was confusion after Ross initially denied handing over any money, and later clarified that it was a "benefit in kind". Johnson's spokesman reiterated Monday that the British premier had followed the rules throughout. "The prime minister transparently declared this benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests," he said. "Clearly the rules are set out and it's important that everyone abides by them." Meanwhile a spokesman for Ross said in a statement he had "facilitated accommodation" for Johnson on Mustique which was valued at £15,000. "Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson's declaration to the House of Commons is correct." 'Lavish lifestyle' The luxury trip is one of a host of controversies swirling around the British leader that have sparked multiple investigations by watchdogs and scrutiny agencies. They include a probe by the Electoral Commission, which regulates the accounts of political parties, into who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 (230,000 euros) refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat. The parliamentary commissioner -- an independent figure -- investigates allegations that MPs have breached parliamentary code of conduct rules, which include correctly declaring financial interests and gifts. Stone, who confirmed the Johnson probe is one of nine current investigations into lawmakers for possible breaches, can refer serious offences to parliament's Committee on Standards for sanctioning. The main opposition Labour Party -- which is still reeling from a disappointing performance in last Thursday's local elections -- seized on the latest probe as further evidence of "sleaze" within Johnson's government. "We need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity," said Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner. "Boris Johnson needs to stop using the office of Prime Minister as an opportunity to fund his lavish lifestyle and enrich his mates."

UK's Johnson faces watchdog probe over luxury Caribbean holiday in 2020

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine">UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors.

People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging".

"It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease ">UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease&nbsp;</a>

Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon."

That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules.

Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating.

According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures. Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave. Also read | UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and Johnson is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors. People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging". "It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when." Also read | UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon." That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules. Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating. According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown

India has recorded more than 400,000 fresh COVID-19 cases for a second consecutive day and more than 3900 COVID deaths has been reported in a single day. The United Kingdom is sending an additional thousand ventilators and three oxygen producing units to India.

COVID-19 Updates: United Kingdom sends 3 oxygen producing units to India

A version of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>variant that has been detected in India is spreading more rapidly in the UK than in other nations, according to a report.&nbsp;

Public health experts have also suggested in the UK that this variant known as B.1.617.2 should be listed as a "variant of concern", the BBC reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-us-households-and-businesses-facing-unequal-recovery-383401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So far, the variants first detected in Kent, Brazil and South Africa have been deemed as "variants of concern" in Britain.&nbsp;

The original variant from India, known as B.1.617 was first detected in Britain in October.&nbsp;

The report said over 500 cases of B.1.617.2 are believed to be found in England with the highest levels detected in London and the northwest of England.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sets-yet-another-record-with-over-414000-new-covid-19-cases-death-toll-stands-at-234083-383383">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the B.1.617 variant has been found in more than a dozen countries, but refused to confirm whether it is deadlier or transmissible.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India has said the B.1.617 strain may be responsible for a deadly second wave that has severely affected the country in recent weeks.&nbsp;

India on Friday reported a record 414,188 new cases, taking the total tally to 21,491,598.

With 3,915 new fatalities, India's death toll stands at 234,083.

A version of the coronavirus variant that has been detected in India is spreading more rapidly in the UK than in other nations, according to a report. Public health experts have also suggested in the UK that this variant known as B.

A version of the coronavirus variant that has been detected in India is spreading more rapidly in the UK than in other nations, according to a report. Public health experts have also suggested in the UK that this variant known as B.1.617.2 should be listed as a "variant of concern", the BBC reported. Watch | So far, the variants first detected in Kent, Brazil and South Africa have been deemed as "variants of concern" in Britain. The original variant from India, known as B.1.617 was first detected in Britain in October. The report said over 500 cases of B.1.617.2 are believed to be found in England with the highest levels detected in London and the northwest of England. Also read | India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the B.1.617 variant has been found in more than a dozen countries, but refused to confirm whether it is deadlier or transmissible. Meanwhile, India has said the B.1.617 strain may be responsible for a deadly second wave that has severely affected the country in recent weeks. India on Friday reported a record 414,188 new cases, taking the total tally to 21,491,598. With 3,915 new fatalities, India's death toll stands at 234,083.

Version of Covid variant first detected in India spreading rapidly in UK: Report

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country.

The votes will also test backing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party after he led Britain out of the EU and through the pandemic, suffering Europe's highest death toll but also its fastest vaccine rollout.

Johnson has recently shrugged off a scandal over costly renovations to his Downing Street flat.

Voting on what has been dubbed "Super Thursday" is being held for local councils in England, regional mayors, including in London, and for the devolved parliaments in Wales and Scotland.

Most attention is being paid to the vote for the Scottish Parliament, as the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) wants a new independence referendum when the pandemic subsides.

SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is seeking a parliamentary majority after boosting her popularity with strong public engagement during the pandemic.&nbsp;

"Getting through this crisis is my priority," she said in a televised debate on Tuesday.

The SNP has capitalised on widespread disillusion with the UK parliament in London to become the dominant political force in Scotland but currently forms a minority government.

In Glasgow, Lorna McClure, a 60-year-old cleaner, said she was "all for Nicola Sturgeon".&nbsp;

"I think she is really good for Scotland and I want independence," she told AFP.

But Raghav Jay, a 35-year-old MBA student said: "I think I would rather Scotland stayed within the UK. So I'd prefer a party which is going to support that."&nbsp;

Latest opinion polls suggest the SNP will gain a slim majority for the first time since 2011, keeping it in power, although other surveys have indicated a coalition was likely.

Securing the powers from London to hold a new referendum on independence and a "yes" vote is less certain, however, while recent surveys point to a fall-off in support for going it alone.

<h2>'Reckless, irresponsible'&nbsp;</h2>

Most Scots rejected Brexit, which has boosted independence sentiment, although fears of fresh economic upheaval after the pandemic are bolstering support for staying in the UK.

The SNP pledges that an independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union but the practicalities of that are sparking concern.

"We need strength in unity and to start having new borders... would be madness," said Alec Telfer, 64, president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association.

Scots cast two votes: one for a constituency MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) and one electing regional MSPs in a proportional representation system.&nbsp;

Johnson has said the 2014 referendum where 55 percent of Scots voted "no" closed the debate for a generation.

"This is not the time to have a reckless and I think, irresponsible, referendum," he said Wednesday.

The SNP insists it will only hold a referendum that is legally valid, although Sturgeon's predecessor Alex Salmond and his newly formed Alba party want an immediate vote.

<h2>'Red Wall'&nbsp;</h2>

Polling stations close at 10:00 pm, with most results expected from Friday and into early next week as social distancing rules for those counting slows the process.

The outcome will be watched closely to see whether Johnson's party manages to hold on to gains in the 2019 general election and previous local votes after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

The main opposition Labour party, led by Keir Starmer since last year, is hoping for gains in its so-called "Red Wall" seats in northern England that it lost to the Conservatives in 2019.

It also wants to hang on to the northeastern port town of Hartlepool, which has had Labour MPs since the 1970s, in a UK parliamentary by-election being held at the same time.

Victory there would boost Johnson, and heap pressure on Starmer, as he tries to reposition Labour after the hard-left leadership of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.

In London, Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan -- Britain's most prominent Muslim politician -- is predicted to win a second four-year term in the high-profile mayoral race.

No candidate has the profile of Jihyun Park, who is standing as a councillor for the Conservatives in Bury, near Manchester in northwest England.

She arrived in Britain 13 years ago after fleeing a North Korean prison camp.

"The UK people welcomed me to this land and I finally found my freedom. I want to pay back," she told AFP in February.

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country.

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country. The votes will also test backing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party after he led Britain out of the EU and through the pandemic, suffering Europe's highest death toll but also its fastest vaccine rollout. Johnson has recently shrugged off a scandal over costly renovations to his Downing Street flat. Voting on what has been dubbed "Super Thursday" is being held for local councils in England, regional mayors, including in London, and for the devolved parliaments in Wales and Scotland. Most attention is being paid to the vote for the Scottish Parliament, as the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) wants a new independence referendum when the pandemic subsides. SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is seeking a parliamentary majority after boosting her popularity with strong public engagement during the pandemic. "Getting through this crisis is my priority," she said in a televised debate on Tuesday. The SNP has capitalised on widespread disillusion with the UK parliament in London to become the dominant political force in Scotland but currently forms a minority government. In Glasgow, Lorna McClure, a 60-year-old cleaner, said she was "all for Nicola Sturgeon". "I think she is really good for Scotland and I want independence," she told AFP. But Raghav Jay, a 35-year-old MBA student said: "I think I would rather Scotland stayed within the UK. So I'd prefer a party which is going to support that." Latest opinion polls suggest the SNP will gain a slim majority for the first time since 2011, keeping it in power, although other surveys have indicated a coalition was likely. Securing the powers from London to hold a new referendum on independence and a "yes" vote is less certain, however, while recent surveys point to a fall-off in support for going it alone. 'Reckless, irresponsible' Most Scots rejected Brexit, which has boosted independence sentiment, although fears of fresh economic upheaval after the pandemic are bolstering support for staying in the UK. The SNP pledges that an independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union but the practicalities of that are sparking concern. "We need strength in unity and to start having new borders... would be madness," said Alec Telfer, 64, president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association. Scots cast two votes: one for a constituency MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) and one electing regional MSPs in a proportional representation system. Johnson has said the 2014 referendum where 55 percent of Scots voted "no" closed the debate for a generation. "This is not the time to have a reckless and I think, irresponsible, referendum," he said Wednesday. The SNP insists it will only hold a referendum that is legally valid, although Sturgeon's predecessor Alex Salmond and his newly formed Alba party want an immediate vote. 'Red Wall' Polling stations close at 10:00 pm, with most results expected from Friday and into early next week as social distancing rules for those counting slows the process. The outcome will be watched closely to see whether Johnson's party manages to hold on to gains in the 2019 general election and previous local votes after the 2016 Brexit referendum. The main opposition Labour party, led by Keir Starmer since last year, is hoping for gains in its so-called "Red Wall" seats in northern England that it lost to the Conservatives in 2019. It also wants to hang on to the northeastern port town of Hartlepool, which has had Labour MPs since the 1970s, in a UK parliamentary by-election being held at the same time. Victory there would boost Johnson, and heap pressure on Starmer, as he tries to reposition Labour after the hard-left leadership of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. In London, Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan -- Britain's most prominent Muslim politician -- is predicted to win a second four-year term in the high-profile mayoral race. No candidate has the profile of Jihyun Park, who is standing as a councillor for the Conservatives in Bury, near Manchester in northwest England. She arrived in Britain 13 years ago after fleeing a North Korean prison camp. "The UK people welcomed me to this land and I finally found my freedom. I want to pay back," she told AFP in February.

Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls

<article>
For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain is not an ordinary politician.

As voters in the country go to the polls Thursday for regional and local elections that have been swollen by races postponed from last year because of the pandemic, Johnson’s Conservative Party stands to make gains against a Labour Party that has struggled to make the ethical accusations against him stick.

Far from humbling a wayward prime minister, the elections could extend a realignment in British politics that began in 2019 when the Conservative Party won a landslide general election victory. That would put the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, on the back foot and ratify Johnson’s status as a kind of political unicorn.

“No politician in the democratic West can escape the consequences of political gravity forever, but Boris Johnson has shown a greater capacity to do it than most,” said Tony Travers, a professor of politics at the London School of Economics. “People see his behavior as evidence of his authenticity.”

Yet there is peril as well as promise for Johnson in the elections, which will decide thousands of seats, including that of London’s mayor, and which the British press has perhaps inevitably nicknamed “Super Thursday.”

In Scotland, the Scottish National Party could win a clear majority in Scotland’s Parliament that the nationalists would brandish as a powerful mandate to demand another referendum on independence from the United Kingdom after an earlier one was defeated in 2014.

In the English elections, the big prize is Hartlepool, a struggling northern port city and Labour bastion where a new poll suggests that the Conservatives could win a bellwether seat in a parliamentary by-election. The Tories could make further inroads in other Labour cities and towns in the industrial Midlands and North, where they picked off dozens of seats in 2019, running on Johnson’s promise to “Get Brexit Done.”

The prime minister did get Brexit done, as of January. Yet while the split with the European Union brought predicted chaos in shipments of British seafood and higher customs fees on European goods, its effects have been eclipsed by the pandemic — a twist that ended up working to the government’s benefit.

Although the pandemic began as a negative story for Johnson, with a dilatory response to the first wave of infections that left Britain with the highest death toll in Europe, it turned around with the nation’s rapid rollout of vaccines.

As new cases, hospitalisations and deaths have plunged, voters have rediscovered their affection for Johnson. His poll numbers rebounded from their lows last fall and show little damage from the charges and countercharges about his conduct, even though those have riveted London’s political circles.

More important, Johnson’s message of “leveling up” the economically blighted Midlands and North with the more prosperous south still seems to resonate with people, including many who traditionally voted for Labour. And the government’s free-spending response to the pandemic has pulled the Conservative Party even further from its roots as the party of fiscal austerity.

“The party of Margaret Thatcher is becoming the party of a big state and higher taxes, which can quite easily become the party of economic nationalism and ‘Buy British,’” said Travers, the London School of Economics professor.

For Starmer, the Labour leader, this shape shifting has been confounding. A disciplined former prosecutor who lacks Johnson’s raffish manner, he has found it difficult to attack the government on its pandemic response, particularly the vaccine rollout, which is the largest peacetime mobilisation in British history.

Instead, Starmer has grilled Johnson in Parliament weekly about who picked up the initial bill for the upgrade of his apartment and why he was texting the billionaire James Dyson about the tax status of his employees, when the two were discussing a plan for Dyson’s company to manufacture ventilators.

But there is little evidence that voters are particularly surprised or concerned that Johnson does not play by the rules. As political commentators have taken to saying this week, the prime minister’s behaviour is “priced in.”

The same is not true of Scottish independence. Analysts say Johnson’s government is not prepared for the wall of pressure it will face if the Scottish National Party wins a majority. The last time the party achieved that, in 2011, Britain’s then-prime minister, David Cameron, yielded to demands for a referendum. In 2014, Scots voted against leaving Britain by 55% to 44%.

Polls now put the split at roughly 50-50, after a stretch in which the pro-independence vote was solidly above 50%. Analysts attribute the slight softening of support to both the vaccine rollout, which showed the merits of staying in the union, as well as an ugly political dispute within Scottish nationalist ranks.

Johnson holds a trump card of sorts. To be legally binding, an independence referendum would almost certainly have to gain the assent of the British government, so the prime minister can simply say no and hope the problem goes away. But that strategy can work for only so long before becoming untenable.

“I don’t see any way in the world that Boris Johnson turns around the day after the election and says, ‘OK, you can have a referendum,’” said Nicola McEwen, a professor of politics at the University of Edinburgh.

And yet the calls could only grow. “If they manage to peel off a single-party majority,” she said, “it does put pressure on the UK&nbsp;to answer the question, ‘If a democratic vote isn’t a mandate for independence, then what is?’”
</article>

For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping.

For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain is not an ordinary politician. As voters in the country go to the polls Thursday for regional and local elections that have been swollen by races postponed from last year because of the pandemic, Johnson’s Conservative Party stands to make gains against a Labour Party that has struggled to make the ethical accusations against him stick. Far from humbling a wayward prime minister, the elections could extend a realignment in British politics that began in 2019 when the Conservative Party won a landslide general election victory. That would put the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, on the back foot and ratify Johnson’s status as a kind of political unicorn. “No politician in the democratic West can escape the consequences of political gravity forever, but Boris Johnson has shown a greater capacity to do it than most,” said Tony Travers, a professor of politics at the London School of Economics. “People see his behavior as evidence of his authenticity.” Yet there is peril as well as promise for Johnson in the elections, which will decide thousands of seats, including that of London’s mayor, and which the British press has perhaps inevitably nicknamed “Super Thursday.” In Scotland, the Scottish National Party could win a clear majority in Scotland’s Parliament that the nationalists would brandish as a powerful mandate to demand another referendum on independence from the United Kingdom after an earlier one was defeated in 2014. In the English elections, the big prize is Hartlepool, a struggling northern port city and Labour bastion where a new poll suggests that the Conservatives could win a bellwether seat in a parliamentary by-election. The Tories could make further inroads in other Labour cities and towns in the industrial Midlands and North, where they picked off dozens of seats in 2019, running on Johnson’s promise to “Get Brexit Done.” The prime minister did get Brexit done, as of January. Yet while the split with the European Union brought predicted chaos in shipments of British seafood and higher customs fees on European goods, its effects have been eclipsed by the pandemic — a twist that ended up working to the government’s benefit. Although the pandemic began as a negative story for Johnson, with a dilatory response to the first wave of infections that left Britain with the highest death toll in Europe, it turned around with the nation’s rapid rollout of vaccines. As new cases, hospitalisations and deaths have plunged, voters have rediscovered their affection for Johnson. His poll numbers rebounded from their lows last fall and show little damage from the charges and countercharges about his conduct, even though those have riveted London’s political circles. More important, Johnson’s message of “leveling up” the economically blighted Midlands and North with the more prosperous south still seems to resonate with people, including many who traditionally voted for Labour. And the government’s free-spending response to the pandemic has pulled the Conservative Party even further from its roots as the party of fiscal austerity. “The party of Margaret Thatcher is becoming the party of a big state and higher taxes, which can quite easily become the party of economic nationalism and ‘Buy British,’” said Travers, the London School of Economics professor. For Starmer, the Labour leader, this shape shifting has been confounding. A disciplined former prosecutor who lacks Johnson’s raffish manner, he has found it difficult to attack the government on its pandemic response, particularly the vaccine rollout, which is the largest peacetime mobilisation in British history. Instead, Starmer has grilled Johnson in Parliament weekly about who picked up the initial bill for the upgrade of his apartment and why he was texting the billionaire James Dyson about the tax status of his employees, when the two were discussing a plan for Dyson’s company to manufacture ventilators. But there is little evidence that voters are particularly surprised or concerned that Johnson does not play by the rules. As political commentators have taken to saying this week, the prime minister’s behaviour is “priced in.” The same is not true of Scottish independence. Analysts say Johnson’s government is not prepared for the wall of pressure it will face if the Scottish National Party wins a majority. The last time the party achieved that, in 2011, Britain’s then-prime minister, David Cameron, yielded to demands for a referendum. In 2014, Scots voted against leaving Britain by 55% to 44%. Polls now put the split at roughly 50-50, after a stretch in which the pro-independence vote was solidly above 50%. Analysts attribute the slight softening of support to both the vaccine rollout, which showed the merits of staying in the union, as well as an ugly political dispute within Scottish nationalist ranks. Johnson holds a trump card of sorts. To be legally binding, an independence referendum would almost certainly have to gain the assent of the British government, so the prime minister can simply say no and hope the problem goes away. But that strategy can work for only so long before becoming untenable. “I don’t see any way in the world that Boris Johnson turns around the day after the election and says, ‘OK, you can have a referendum,’” said Nicola McEwen, a professor of politics at the University of Edinburgh. And yet the calls could only grow. “If they manage to peel off a single-party majority,” she said, “it does put pressure on the UK to answer the question, ‘If a democratic vote isn’t a mandate for independence, then what is?’”

UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said.&nbsp;

The Home Office said the scheme for people in the age group of 18- 30 would allow "the brightest and best" to come to Britain based on "skills and talent", BBC reported.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-investment-to-create-over-6500-jobs-in-uk-382780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It added that the two countries would also encourage a "crackdown" on illegal migration.&nbsp;

The Young Professionals Scheme will allow a maximum of 3,000 people each from India and the UK every year to the other country.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-brexit-roadmap-key-takeaways-from-uk-india-trade-deal-382811">Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal</a>

Both countries can decide to increase or reduce the limit agreed upon.&nbsp;

"This landmark agreement with our close partners in the government of India will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures," Home Secretary Priti Patel said.&nbsp;

The agreement comes as British PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson">Boris Johnson </a>and his Indian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>held a virtual meeting on Tuesday in which both leaders agreed on a "2030 Roadmap" as a framework for strengthening relations across fields including health, climate, trade, education, and science and technology.&nbsp;

Britain and India will also start formal free trade deal talks later this year, the UK government confirmed on Tuesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said.

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said. The Home Office said the scheme for people in the age group of 18- 30 would allow "the brightest and best" to come to Britain based on "skills and talent", BBC reported. Watch | It added that the two countries would also encourage a "crackdown" on illegal migration. The Young Professionals Scheme will allow a maximum of 3,000 people each from India and the UK every year to the other country. Also read | Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal Both countries can decide to increase or reduce the limit agreed upon. "This landmark agreement with our close partners in the government of India will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. The agreement comes as British PM Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting on Tuesday in which both leaders agreed on a "2030 Roadmap" as a framework for strengthening relations across fields including health, climate, trade, education, and science and technology. Britain and India will also start formal free trade deal talks later this year, the UK government confirmed on Tuesday.

India, UK agree deal to allow young people work and live in each other's countries

Healthcare workers in Wales are planting more than one thousand trees to counteract the environmental impact of treating COVID-19 patients.

Healthcare workers in Wales plant trees to offset COVID's carbon impact

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> outbreaks.

The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue.&nbsp;

Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others.

"Today is going to be monumental,"&nbsp;said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event.

"Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know,"&nbsp;he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief'&nbsp;as well as excitement.

"We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard,&nbsp;It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-reopen-bars-nightclubs-from-april-29-for-vaccinated-customers-380804">Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers</a>

A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final.

Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months.&nbsp;

Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21.&nbsp;

Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks.

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks. The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue. Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others. "Today is going to be monumental," said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event. "Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know," he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief' as well as excitement. "We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard, It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best. Also read | Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final. Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months. Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21. Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.

UK allows dancing without distancing at nightclub test event

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes.&nbsp;

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/technology/britains-secret-intelligence-service-mi6-looking-for-new-q-spy-tech-master-381555">Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master</a>

"We're looking for people who can see something that's out of place in a bigger picture, who have good visual awareness and can spot anomalies," Jo Cavan, the director of strategy, policy and engagement at GCHQ, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"If they're sifting through large amounts of data from a large number of sources to prevent a terrorist attack or a serious organised criminal, skills such as pattern recognition are key. A lot of dyslexic colleagues have those strengths."

In its existence of 100 years, the agency has given importance to neurodiversity and the best-known example is codebreaker Alan Turing, Cavan said.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/turing-challenge-do-you-want-to-solve-most-difficult-puzzle-373121">'Turing challenge': Do you want to solve 'most difficult' puzzle?</a>

Turing was a famous codebreaker who is known for his works in the Second World War.

Charlotte, a data analyst at GCHQ, said her dyslexic thinking had assisted her professionally, though she had also been benefited by working in a supportive environment that recognises her challenges.&nbsp;

"I'm often looking through a lot of data and I find that my dyslexia helps me to see the bigger picture and spot patterns that aren't always obvious to everyone else around me. I also find that my approach to finding solutions is very different. I often think quite fast and outside of the box," Charlotte said. 
&nbsp;

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes. Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency.

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes. Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency. Also read | Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master "We're looking for people who can see something that's out of place in a bigger picture, who have good visual awareness and can spot anomalies," Jo Cavan, the director of strategy, policy and engagement at GCHQ, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "If they're sifting through large amounts of data from a large number of sources to prevent a terrorist attack or a serious organised criminal, skills such as pattern recognition are key. A lot of dyslexic colleagues have those strengths." In its existence of 100 years, the agency has given importance to neurodiversity and the best-known example is codebreaker Alan Turing, Cavan said. Also read | 'Turing challenge': Do you want to solve 'most difficult' puzzle? Turing was a famous codebreaker who is known for his works in the Second World War. Charlotte, a data analyst at GCHQ, said her dyslexic thinking had assisted her professionally, though she had also been benefited by working in a supportive environment that recognises her challenges. "I'm often looking through a lot of data and I find that my dyslexia helps me to see the bigger picture and spot patterns that aren't always obvious to everyone else around me. I also find that my approach to finding solutions is very different. I often think quite fast and outside of the box," Charlotte said.

British intelligence agency says dyslexics possess skills that it requires

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile&nbsp;number&nbsp;has been circulating&nbsp;online&nbsp;for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.

The&nbsp;phone&nbsp;number&nbsp;appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week.

When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the&nbsp;phone&nbsp;was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said.

British ministers are issued a government&nbsp;phone&nbsp;for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications.

Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal&nbsp;number&nbsp;with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports.

Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday.

It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details.

It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their&nbsp;number, he said.

Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's&nbsp;number&nbsp;being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week.&nbsp;

That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said&nbsp;on Twitter.

But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security".

Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue.

'Farrago of nonsense'&nbsp;

The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a&nbsp;new&nbsp;YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic.

"Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll.

"Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said.

Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.

Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains".

The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes.

Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs.

Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until&nbsp;after&nbsp;next week's elections.

Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct. The phone number appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week. When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the phone was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said. British ministers are issued a government phone for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications. Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal number with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports. Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday. It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details. It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their number, he said. Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's number being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week. That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said on Twitter. But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security". Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue. 'Farrago of nonsense' The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a new YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic. "Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll. "Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said. Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains". The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes. Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs. Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until after next week's elections. Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online

The Royal Mint UK, unveils a 10Kg gold coin as part of The Queen's Beasts series

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