Residents of Marston Moretaine, the home village of Captain Sir Tom Moore, laid flowers outside the British fundraising veteran after he died in hospital on Tuesday (February 2).

Mourners lay flowers outside Captain Tom's home

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly.

Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance&nbsp;said that the country requires immediate reforms.

"I believe the choice is now between a reformed state and a failed state," Brown wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-under-fire-as-uk-again-faces-onslaught-of-covid-19-355906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is indeed Scotland where dissatisfaction is so deep that it threatens the end of the United Kingdom", he added.

"'Whoever in London thought of that?' is a common refrain, reflecting the frustration of people in outlying communities who feel they are the forgotten men and women, virtually invisible to Whitehall," Brown wrote.

Brown served as the Prime Minister from 2007 - 2010.

The UK is currently facing a lot of crises at once, from Brexit to coronavirus. Brown believes that the bonds which hold England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland together as a $3 trillion economy are now weakening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-coronavirus-strain-can-be-more-deadly-boris-johnson-358682" hreflang="en">UK coronavirus strain can be more deadly: Boris Johnson</a>

Brown added that Boris Johnson should also reform how the United Kingdom is governed.

"Battered by Covid-19, threatened by nationalism, and uncertain what the promise of a post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ adds up to, the United Kingdom must urgently rediscover what holds it together and sort out what is driving us apart," he claimed.

Meanwhile, Scotland could be gearing for another referendum to leave the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Scottish National Party published a "Roadmap to Referendum", laying the groundwork for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/scotland-could-be-heading-towards-another-referendum-358951" hreflang="en">Scotland could be heading towards another referendum</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to agree to a new referendum and had earlier claimed that there is no need for a new referendum after Scottish voters had rejected independence in 2014.

The SNP said that if it is able to win a majority in the parliament in elections set to take place on May 6, the party will pass a bill of its own to make way for a referendum after the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly. Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance said that the country requires immediate reforms.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown recently claimed the country could become a failed state if reforms are not rolled out quickly. Brown, while alluding to people's lack of faith in the country's governance said that the country requires immediate reforms. "I believe the choice is now between a reformed state and a failed state," Brown wrote in the Daily Telegraph. "It is indeed Scotland where dissatisfaction is so deep that it threatens the end of the United Kingdom", he added. "'Whoever in London thought of that?' is a common refrain, reflecting the frustration of people in outlying communities who feel they are the forgotten men and women, virtually invisible to Whitehall," Brown wrote. Brown served as the Prime Minister from 2007 - 2010. The UK is currently facing a lot of crises at once, from Brexit to coronavirus. Brown believes that the bonds which hold England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland together as a $3 trillion economy are now weakening. Also read: UK coronavirus strain can be more deadly: Boris Johnson Brown added that Boris Johnson should also reform how the United Kingdom is governed. "Battered by Covid-19, threatened by nationalism, and uncertain what the promise of a post-Brexit ‘Global Britain’ adds up to, the United Kingdom must urgently rediscover what holds it together and sort out what is driving us apart," he claimed. Meanwhile, Scotland could be gearing for another referendum to leave the United Kingdom. On Saturday, the Scottish National Party published a "Roadmap to Referendum", laying the groundwork for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom. Also read: Scotland could be heading towards another referendum Prime Minister Boris Johnson will have to agree to a new referendum and had earlier claimed that there is no need for a new referendum after Scottish voters had rejected independence in 2014. The SNP said that if it is able to win a majority in the parliament in elections set to take place on May 6, the party will pass a bill of its own to make way for a referendum after the coronavirus pandemic.

UK could become a 'failed state' without immediate reforms, says former PM Brown

US President Joe Biden's decision to remove the bust of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has not generated angry reactions from the Downing Street who said it's up to the president's "wishes" of how he decorates the Oval Office.&nbsp;

Biden, who was sworn in as the President of the US on January 20, removed Churchill's bust and replaced it with civil rights movement's heroes Rosa Park, Martin Luther King Jr., among others.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;The redesigning of the Oval Office also saw the busts of Eleanor Roosevelt and Latino civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-welcomes-us-president-joe-bidens-proposal-to-extend-nuclear-treaty-358567">Russia welcomes US President Joe Biden's proposal to extend nuclear treaty</a>

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said the removal of Churchill's bust is up to the "wishes" of Biden, adding that the UK doesn't doubt the "importance" Biden places on the relationship between the US and the UK.&nbsp;

"The Oval Office is the president's private office, and it's up to the president to decorate it as he wishes," the spokesman said.&nbsp;

"We're in no doubt about the importance President Biden places on the UK-US relationship, and the prime minister looks forward to having that close relationship with him."

Johnson's tepid response is in sharp contrast with how he reacted when a similar thing was done by former President Barack Obama.&nbsp;

The UK PM in 2016 said Obama's move is a "snub" and called it "the part-Kenyan president's ancestral dislike of the British empire".

US President Joe Biden's decision to remove the bust of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has not generated angry reactions from the Downing Street who said it's up to the president's "wishes" of how he decorates the Oval Office.

US President Joe Biden's decision to remove the bust of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has not generated angry reactions from the Downing Street who said it's up to the president's "wishes" of how he decorates the Oval Office. Biden, who was sworn in as the President of the US on January 20, removed Churchill's bust and replaced it with civil rights movement's heroes Rosa Park, Martin Luther King Jr., among others. Watch | The redesigning of the Oval Office also saw the busts of Eleanor Roosevelt and Latino civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Also read | Russia welcomes US President Joe Biden's proposal to extend nuclear treaty UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said the removal of Churchill's bust is up to the "wishes" of Biden, adding that the UK doesn't doubt the "importance" Biden places on the relationship between the US and the UK. "The Oval Office is the president's private office, and it's up to the president to decorate it as he wishes," the spokesman said. "We're in no doubt about the importance President Biden places on the UK-US relationship, and the prime minister looks forward to having that close relationship with him." Johnson's tepid response is in sharp contrast with how he reacted when a similar thing was done by former President Barack Obama. The UK PM in 2016 said Obama's move is a "snub" and called it "the part-Kenyan president's ancestral dislike of the British empire".

Joe Biden removes Winston Churchill's bust from Oval Office; Johnson unconcerned

More than 100 British musicians, from pop and rock idols including Ed Sheeran, Sting and Pink Floyd`s Roger Waters to classical stars such as conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of Europe by British artists are in danger because of Brexit. 
 
In a letter published in Wednesday`s edition of The Times newspaper, the musicians said the government had broken a promise to negotiate visa-free travel for musicians in the European Union. 
 
"The deal done with the EU has a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be: everyone on a European music tour will now need costly work permits and a mountain of paperwork for their equipment," they wrote. 
 
"The extra costs will make many tours unviable, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to keep their heads above water owing to the COVID ban on live music." 
 
Britain completed its journey out of the European Union on Dec. 31. One of the consequences of Brexit is that British and European citizens no longer enjoy free movement in each other`s territories. 
 
The musicians urged the government to negotiate a reciprocal deal allowing paperwork-free travel for touring artists. 
 
The stellar list of signatories ranged across almost all styles of music, from The Sex Pistols and Iron Maiden to acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 
 
Radiohead, Elton John, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Liam Gallagher and Queen`s Brian May and Roger Taylor also signed. 
 
Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who and an outspoken Brexiteer who had previously dismissed concerns about tours after Brexit, was also on the list. 
 
Culture minister Caroline Dinenage has blamed the EU, saying it rejected British proposals on behalf of creative artists. The government has said it was prepared to further discuss the issue with the bloc.

 
&nbsp;

More than 100 British musicians, from pop and rock idols including Ed Sheeran, Sting and Pink Floyd`s Roger Waters to classical stars such as conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of Europe by British artists are in danger because of Brexit.

More than 100 British musicians, from pop and rock idols including Ed Sheeran, Sting and Pink Floyd`s Roger Waters to classical stars such as conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of Europe by British artists are in danger because of Brexit. In a letter published in Wednesday`s edition of The Times newspaper, the musicians said the government had broken a promise to negotiate visa-free travel for musicians in the European Union. "The deal done with the EU has a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be: everyone on a European music tour will now need costly work permits and a mountain of paperwork for their equipment," they wrote. "The extra costs will make many tours unviable, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to keep their heads above water owing to the COVID ban on live music." Britain completed its journey out of the European Union on Dec. 31. One of the consequences of Brexit is that British and European citizens no longer enjoy free movement in each other`s territories. The musicians urged the government to negotiate a reciprocal deal allowing paperwork-free travel for touring artists. The stellar list of signatories ranged across almost all styles of music, from The Sex Pistols and Iron Maiden to acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Radiohead, Elton John, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Liam Gallagher and Queen`s Brian May and Roger Taylor also signed. Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who and an outspoken Brexiteer who had previously dismissed concerns about tours after Brexit, was also on the list. Culture minister Caroline Dinenage has blamed the EU, saying it rejected British proposals on behalf of creative artists. The government has said it was prepared to further discuss the issue with the bloc.

UK stars from Ed Sheeran to Elton John raise alarm over post-Brexit music tours

More than 100 British musicians, from pop and rock idols including Ed Sheeran, Sting and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters to classical stars such as conductor Simon Rattle, have said tours of Europe by British artists are in danger because of Brexit.

The British government has trained armies of 15 countries that have poor human rights record and an anti-arms trade organisation has called for a probe to determine UK military's role to understand whether this was done deliberately to perpetrate human rights violations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The Ministry of Defence in a freedom of information reply to the Guardian said that in 2018/19 and 2019/20, the military trained on UK's soil 250 countries, around two-thirds of the world's nations, including those with dismal human rights records.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-erdogan-positions-powerful-turkish-military-as-backbone-of-regional-strategy-354438">Opinion: Erdogan positions powerful Turkish military as backbone of regional strategy</a>

Some of these countries that score low on human rights include Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe.&nbsp;

However, the defence ministry declined to provide information about the training provided by the UK military to other nations overseas.&nbsp;

Each year, the British government comes out with an annual list of nations that it has human rights concerns about. And out of the 30 countries listed in the first half of 2020, military training to 15 have been provided, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Iraq.&nbsp;

The UK also has a list of 20 countries that are under an arms embargo and eight countries from this group had been trained by them, including Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan.

The British government has trained armies of 15 countries that have poor human rights record and an anti-arms trade organisation has called for a probe to determine UK military's role to understand whether this was done deliberately to perpetrate human rights violations.

The British government has trained armies of 15 countries that have poor human rights record and an anti-arms trade organisation has called for a probe to determine UK military's role to understand whether this was done deliberately to perpetrate human rights violations. Watch | The Ministry of Defence in a freedom of information reply to the Guardian said that in 2018/19 and 2019/20, the military trained on UK's soil 250 countries, around two-thirds of the world's nations, including those with dismal human rights records. Also read | Opinion: Erdogan positions powerful Turkish military as backbone of regional strategy Some of these countries that score low on human rights include Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe. However, the defence ministry declined to provide information about the training provided by the UK military to other nations overseas. Each year, the British government comes out with an annual list of nations that it has human rights concerns about. And out of the 30 countries listed in the first half of 2020, military training to 15 have been provided, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Iraq. The UK also has a list of 20 countries that are under an arms embargo and eight countries from this group had been trained by them, including Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan.

UK military trained 15 countries with poor human rights records

A top UK scientist has confirmed that one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus </a>variants found in Brazil is already in Britain.&nbsp;

Prof Wendy Barclay, who is heading up the G2P-UK National Virology Consortium, a newly launched project to study the effects of emerging Covid-19 mutations, said one of the two Brazilian variants had been found in the UK.

Watch |&nbsp;

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"There are two different types of Brazilian variants and one of them has been detected and one of them has not," Barclay was quoted as saying by the BBC.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-strain-now-in-50-countries-south-african-variant-in-20-who-356517">UK Covid strain now in 50 countries, South African variant in 20: WHO&nbsp;</a>

She also said that the strain will be "traced very carefully".

The revelations come after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said this morning that he was "not aware" of the presence of the Brazilian variant in the kingdom.&nbsp;

"Not as far as we are aware, I think, at this stage," Shapps told BBC Radio 4's Today 4.&nbsp;

The variant found in Brazil is different from the ones detected in the UK and South Africa but has some key mutations.&nbsp;

The UK on Friday banned travellers from South America for entering as a precautionary measure to curb the transmission of the variant.&nbsp;

In recent times, deadlier Covid-19 variants have been found in countries like the UK, Brazil and Brazil and have raised concerns worldwide.

The variant found in the UK has led to a huge surge in transmission, prompting several countries to initially halt the travel from Britain.&nbsp;

The strains in South Africa, Brazil and Japan have triggered alarms over their potential impact on immunity.&nbsp;

A top UK scientist has confirmed that one of the novel coronavirus variants found in Brazil is already in Britain. Prof Wendy Barclay, who is heading up the G2P-UK National Virology Consortium, a newly launched project to study the effects of emerging Covid-19 mutations, said one of the two Brazilian variants had been found in the UK.

A top UK scientist has confirmed that one of the novel coronavirus variants found in Brazil is already in Britain. Prof Wendy Barclay, who is heading up the G2P-UK National Virology Consortium, a newly launched project to study the effects of emerging Covid-19 mutations, said one of the two Brazilian variants had been found in the UK. Watch | "There are two different types of Brazilian variants and one of them has been detected and one of them has not," Barclay was quoted as saying by the BBC. Also read | UK Covid strain now in 50 countries, South African variant in 20: WHO She also said that the strain will be "traced very carefully". The revelations come after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said this morning that he was "not aware" of the presence of the Brazilian variant in the kingdom. "Not as far as we are aware, I think, at this stage," Shapps told BBC Radio 4's Today 4. The variant found in Brazil is different from the ones detected in the UK and South Africa but has some key mutations. The UK on Friday banned travellers from South America for entering as a precautionary measure to curb the transmission of the variant. In recent times, deadlier Covid-19 variants have been found in countries like the UK, Brazil and Brazil and have raised concerns worldwide. The variant found in the UK has led to a huge surge in transmission, prompting several countries to initially halt the travel from Britain. The strains in South Africa, Brazil and Japan have triggered alarms over their potential impact on immunity.

Brazil variant already in UK, confirms top scientist

Britain will introduce new rules for companies to try to prevent goods linked to China`s Xinjiang region entering the supply chain, foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Tuesday, toughening London`s response to allegations of forced labour. 
 
Addressing parliament, Raab said there was harrowing evidence of forced labour among Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang after the United Nations estimated at least 1 million of the minority among others were held in an internment camp. 
 
Beijing denies the charges. 
 
Raab said Britain wanted to make sure it was free from any products that had links with Xinjiang, where he cited widespread reports of internment camps housing more than 1 million Uighurs, forced labour and the forced sterilisation of Uighur women. 
 
"We must do more and we will," he said. 
 
"Xinjiang`s position in the international supply chain network means that there is a real risk of businesses and public bodies around the world, whether it`s inadvertently or otherwise, sourcing from suppliers which are complicit in the use of forced labour." 
 
It is not clear how many products connected to Xinjiang enter the supply chain in Britain. 
 
Britain`s stance marks a further deteriorataion in its relationship with China just five years after London hailed the start a "golden era" in ties and President Xi Jinping was feted in a state visit to the capital which included a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth. 
 
Since then, Britain has criticised China over Hong Kong and ordered the removal of Huawei equipment from its 5G network. 
 
Raab said Britain would check sourcing more thoroughly and toughen the Modern Slavery Act to include fines. It would also bar from government contracts any companies which do not comply to procurement rules, and launch a Xinjiang-specific review of export controls. 
 
"This package put together will help make sure that no British organisations, government or private sector, deliberately or inadvertently are profiting from, or contributing to, human rights violations against the Uighurs or other minorities in Xinjiang," he said. 
 
After Britain finally left the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge an independent role for Britain in foreign affairs, and the move was touted as London leading the way. 
 
But the government has so far resisted the calls of some in the ruling Conservative Party to introduce Magnitsky-style sanctions, with Raab saying he was keeping the possibility in reserve. 
 
Magnitsky-style sanctions target individuals accused of committing human rights violations and are named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was arrested in 2008 after alleging that Russian officials were involved in large-scale fraud. He died in a Moscow prison in 2009. 
 
Some opposition lawmakers criticised the government for not going far enough and questioned what kind of impact the new measures would have. 
 
Raab said Britain still wanted a positive and constructive relationship with China "but we won`t sacrifice our values or our security".

Britain will introduce new rules for companies to try to prevent goods linked to China`s Xinjiang region entering the supply chain, foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Tuesday, toughening London`s response to allegations of forced labour.

Britain will introduce new rules for companies to try to prevent goods linked to China`s Xinjiang region entering the supply chain, foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Tuesday, toughening London`s response to allegations of forced labour. Addressing parliament, Raab said there was harrowing evidence of forced labour among Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang after the United Nations estimated at least 1 million of the minority among others were held in an internment camp. Beijing denies the charges. Raab said Britain wanted to make sure it was free from any products that had links with Xinjiang, where he cited widespread reports of internment camps housing more than 1 million Uighurs, forced labour and the forced sterilisation of Uighur women. "We must do more and we will," he said. "Xinjiang`s position in the international supply chain network means that there is a real risk of businesses and public bodies around the world, whether it`s inadvertently or otherwise, sourcing from suppliers which are complicit in the use of forced labour." It is not clear how many products connected to Xinjiang enter the supply chain in Britain. Britain`s stance marks a further deteriorataion in its relationship with China just five years after London hailed the start a "golden era" in ties and President Xi Jinping was feted in a state visit to the capital which included a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth. Since then, Britain has criticised China over Hong Kong and ordered the removal of Huawei equipment from its 5G network. Raab said Britain would check sourcing more thoroughly and toughen the Modern Slavery Act to include fines. It would also bar from government contracts any companies which do not comply to procurement rules, and launch a Xinjiang-specific review of export controls. "This package put together will help make sure that no British organisations, government or private sector, deliberately or inadvertently are profiting from, or contributing to, human rights violations against the Uighurs or other minorities in Xinjiang," he said. After Britain finally left the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge an independent role for Britain in foreign affairs, and the move was touted as London leading the way. But the government has so far resisted the calls of some in the ruling Conservative Party to introduce Magnitsky-style sanctions, with Raab saying he was keeping the possibility in reserve. Magnitsky-style sanctions target individuals accused of committing human rights violations and are named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was arrested in 2008 after alleging that Russian officials were involved in large-scale fraud. He died in a Moscow prison in 2009. Some opposition lawmakers criticised the government for not going far enough and questioned what kind of impact the new measures would have. Raab said Britain still wanted a positive and constructive relationship with China "but we won`t sacrifice our values or our security".

Toughening stance on China's Xinjiang, Britain introduces new company rules

Tesco, Asda and Waitrose will not let shoppers into their stores if they are not wearing a face covering, the British supermarket groups said on Tuesday, joining rivals Sainsbury`s and Morrisons which made the policy change a day earlier. 
 
With COVID-19 infection numbers rising sharply, the UK government has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in supermarkets, with some people breaching rules by not wearing masks while shopping. 
 
Non-essential retail, restaurants and bars are shut across Britain, leading to a high level of demand for supermarkets and other food stores. 
 
"To protect our customers and colleagues, we won’t let anyone into our stores who is not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt in line with government guidance," market leader Tesco said in a statement. 
 
"Our colleagues are working hard in difficult circumstances to make sure everyone can get what they need, and we’d ask everyone to please be kind, patient and respectful as we all work to keep each other safe." 
 
Tesco said it was also asking customers to shop alone, unless they are a carer or with children. 
 
It has also put in additional security in stores to manage the change in stance. 
 
Asda issued a similar statement. It said if customers had forgotten a face covering, it would continue to offer them one free of charge. 
 
"But should a customer refuse to wear a covering without a valid medical reason and be in any way challenging to our colleagues about doing so - our security colleagues will refuse their entry," it said. 
 
The John Lewis Partnership also said face coverings would be mandatory at its Waitrose supermarkets. 
 
The British Retail Consortium, which represents more than 170 major retailers including the big supermarket groups, said on Monday it was the police`s responsibility to enforce face coverings and called for their support.

Tesco, Asda and Waitrose will not let shoppers into their stores if they are not wearing a face covering, the British supermarket groups said on Tuesday, joining rivals Sainsbury`s and Morrisons which made the policy change a day earlier.

Tesco, Asda and Waitrose will not let shoppers into their stores if they are not wearing a face covering, the British supermarket groups said on Tuesday, joining rivals Sainsbury`s and Morrisons which made the policy change a day earlier. With COVID-19 infection numbers rising sharply, the UK government has expressed concern about the spread of the virus in supermarkets, with some people breaching rules by not wearing masks while shopping. Non-essential retail, restaurants and bars are shut across Britain, leading to a high level of demand for supermarkets and other food stores. "To protect our customers and colleagues, we won’t let anyone into our stores who is not wearing a face covering, unless they are exempt in line with government guidance," market leader Tesco said in a statement. "Our colleagues are working hard in difficult circumstances to make sure everyone can get what they need, and we’d ask everyone to please be kind, patient and respectful as we all work to keep each other safe." Tesco said it was also asking customers to shop alone, unless they are a carer or with children. It has also put in additional security in stores to manage the change in stance. Asda issued a similar statement. It said if customers had forgotten a face covering, it would continue to offer them one free of charge. "But should a customer refuse to wear a covering without a valid medical reason and be in any way challenging to our colleagues about doing so - our security colleagues will refuse their entry," it said. The John Lewis Partnership also said face coverings would be mandatory at its Waitrose supermarkets. The British Retail Consortium, which represents more than 170 major retailers including the big supermarket groups, said on Monday it was the police`s responsibility to enforce face coverings and called for their support.

No mask, no shop - UK supermarkets insist on face coverings

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the country is in a race against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines as COVID-19 related deaths continue to rise and hospitals run out of oxygen.

COVID-19: Hospitals in UK are running out of oxygen | Watch this report

Boris Johnson: Race against time to roll out Coronavirus vaccine

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We the representatives of the national umbrella bodies for Hindus in the UK would like to seek urgent action to demand that the Prime Minister of Pakistan does everything possible to stop the rampant persecution of Hindus in Pakistan" the letter issued on Saturday to 10 Downing Street said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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It also noted that "in the recent past the situation for minorities like Hindus in Pakistan is getting extremely perilous".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-meets-families-of-slain-hazara-miners-355665">Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets families of slain Hazara miners</a>

The letter demanded from the British PM to set up a governmental inquiry and asked other "good democracies" to do the same.&nbsp;

"We ask you Prime Minister to set up a Governmental Inquiry into this issue and to ask all good democracies around the world, via the United Nations, to replicate a similar type of inquiry. The mass murder, genocide and persecution of minorities in Pakistan must be stopped," the letter was quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The destruction of Hindu temple by fanatics on December 30 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan also finds a mention in the letter.&nbsp;

The mob demolished the decades-old temple after the provincial government gave permission for its restoration. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"The vast majority of UK and international news organisations failed to cover this religiously motivated hate crime," the letter added.&nbsp;

It also pointed out anti-Hindu sentiments displayed in Pakistan by high-profile people, including the opposition to the construction of a Hindu temple in the capital city of Islamabad.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan.

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan. "We the representatives of the national umbrella bodies for Hindus in the UK would like to seek urgent action to demand that the Prime Minister of Pakistan does everything possible to stop the rampant persecution of Hindus in Pakistan" the letter issued on Saturday to 10 Downing Street said. Watch | It also noted that "in the recent past the situation for minorities like Hindus in Pakistan is getting extremely perilous". Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets families of slain Hazara miners The letter demanded from the British PM to set up a governmental inquiry and asked other "good democracies" to do the same. "We ask you Prime Minister to set up a Governmental Inquiry into this issue and to ask all good democracies around the world, via the United Nations, to replicate a similar type of inquiry. The mass murder, genocide and persecution of minorities in Pakistan must be stopped," the letter was quoted by news agency PTI. The destruction of Hindu temple by fanatics on December 30 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan also finds a mention in the letter. The mob demolished the decades-old temple after the provincial government gave permission for its restoration. "The vast majority of UK and international news organisations failed to cover this religiously motivated hate crime," the letter added. It also pointed out anti-Hindu sentiments displayed in Pakistan by high-profile people, including the opposition to the construction of a Hindu temple in the capital city of Islamabad.

British Hindus write to Boris Johnson over 'rampant persecution' of minority group in Pakistan

The United Kingdom is vaccinating 200,000 people against coronavirus every day, with plans to immunise two million people every week.

UK's Health Minister Matt Hancock said that with two million inoculations a week, the country would be able to cover the most vulnerable by the middle of February.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"At the moment we're running over 200,000 people being vaccinated every day," he told Sky News.

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Hancock also claimed that the country has vaccinated a third of people aged 80 and above, calling it a "significant progress".

"We've now vaccinated around a third of the over-80s in this country, so we are making significant progress, but there's still further expansion to go. This week we are opening mass vaccination centres", he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-tops-3-million-covid-cases-pope-queen-elizabeth-join-vaccine-drive-355718" hreflang="en">UK tops 3 million Covid cases, Pope, Queen Elizabeth join vaccine drive</a>

Britain's Queen Elizabeth recently received the coronavirus vaccine, coinciding with the country passing three million cases, roughly a year after the pandemic began.

Over 1.9 million people across the world have died of the coronavirus. As new variants from Britain and South Africa pop up, cases continue to rise. Owing to this, restrictions have been reintroduced in countries around the world.

Many countries including the UK and US have begun mass inoculations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-sees-record-daily-covid-deaths-london-hospitals-on-brink-355550" hreflang="en">UK sees record daily COVID deaths, London hospitals on brink</a> 
 
On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth II along with her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccinations, as stated by the Buckingham Palace.

At least 1.5 million people in the UK have received the shots so far, as reported by AFP. This marks the biggest inoculation programme in the country's history, which has prioritised the elderly, their caregivers, as well as healthcare workers. 
 
Britain has so far administered two coronavirus vaccines - one by Pfizer-BioNTech, and the other by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. With the new variants, which are way more infectious, in the picture, the country is racing against time to immunise as many people as possible to bring down the infection rate.

The United Kingdom is vaccinating 200,000 people against coronavirus every day, with plans to immunise two million people every week. UK's Health Minister Matt Hancock said that with two million inoculations a week, the country would be able to cover the most vulnerable by the middle of February.

The United Kingdom is vaccinating 200,000 people against coronavirus every day, with plans to immunise two million people every week. UK's Health Minister Matt Hancock said that with two million inoculations a week, the country would be able to cover the most vulnerable by the middle of February. "At the moment we're running over 200,000 people being vaccinated every day," he told Sky News. Hancock also claimed that the country has vaccinated a third of people aged 80 and above, calling it a "significant progress". "We've now vaccinated around a third of the over-80s in this country, so we are making significant progress, but there's still further expansion to go. This week we are opening mass vaccination centres", he said. Also read: UK tops 3 million Covid cases, Pope, Queen Elizabeth join vaccine drive Britain's Queen Elizabeth recently received the coronavirus vaccine, coinciding with the country passing three million cases, roughly a year after the pandemic began. Over 1.9 million people across the world have died of the coronavirus. As new variants from Britain and South Africa pop up, cases continue to rise. Owing to this, restrictions have been reintroduced in countries around the world. Many countries including the UK and US have begun mass inoculations. Also read: UK sees record daily COVID deaths, London hospitals on brink On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth II along with her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccinations, as stated by the Buckingham Palace. At least 1.5 million people in the UK have received the shots so far, as reported by AFP. This marks the biggest inoculation programme in the country's history, which has prioritised the elderly, their caregivers, as well as healthcare workers. Britain has so far administered two coronavirus vaccines - one by Pfizer-BioNTech, and the other by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. With the new variants, which are way more infectious, in the picture, the country is racing against time to immunise as many people as possible to bring down the infection rate.

UK vaccinating 200,000 people against COVID-19 everyday, claims health minister

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country.

"Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either," Khamenei wrote in a tweet on Friday.&nbsp;

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Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVaccine</a>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1347489585983610880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a televised speech, he also said that Washington and Britain are two worst-hit nations and therefore he has no confidence in the vaccines manufactured by these nations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"If the Americans had managed to manufacture a vaccine, this coronavirus fiasco wouldn't have happened in their own country,” Rouhani was quoted as saying in the speech by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-increases-covid-vaccine-deal-with-pfizer-biontech-to-600-million-doses-355382">EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses</a>

Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020.&nbsp;

Earlier, Iran accused its arch-rival US of blocking its access to vaccines by enforcing tough sanctions regime.

Even though food and medicine are exempt from these sanctions, international banks tend to decline transactions that involve Iran.

Iranian President has said Washington had asked Tehran to pay for the drugs via US banks and said he feared the United States would seize the money.&nbsp;

Late in December, Iran announced the first phase of a clinical trial of an indigenous vaccine.&nbsp;

Tehran is also working to get 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a global effort to provide vaccines by the World Health Organization.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described coronavirus vaccines produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described coronavirus vaccines produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country. "Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either," Khamenei wrote in a tweet on Friday. Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either. #CoronaVaccine — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 8, 2021 × In a televised speech, he also said that Washington and Britain are two worst-hit nations and therefore he has no confidence in the vaccines manufactured by these nations. Watch | "If the Americans had managed to manufacture a vaccine, this coronavirus fiasco wouldn't have happened in their own country,” Rouhani was quoted as saying in the speech by Al Jazeera. Also read | EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020. Earlier, Iran accused its arch-rival US of blocking its access to vaccines by enforcing tough sanctions regime. Even though food and medicine are exempt from these sanctions, international banks tend to decline transactions that involve Iran. Iranian President has said Washington had asked Tehran to pay for the drugs via US banks and said he feared the United States would seize the money. Late in December, Iran announced the first phase of a clinical trial of an indigenous vaccine. Tehran is also working to get 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a global effort to provide vaccines by the World Health Organization.

Iranian Supreme Leader announces ban on Covid-19 vaccines from US, UK

Indonesia will inoculate its working population first, and not the elderly. While the United Kingdom has opened the door to 'Mix and Match' vaccinations.

Gravitas: United Kingdom allows 'mix and match' vaccinations

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-imposes-lockdown-similar-to-march-last-year-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-354457">Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases</a> 
 
The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday.

Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world.

But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant.

Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year.

Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours.

"With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said.

"In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown."

The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year.

They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing.

A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson.

Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five.

That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken.

Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet".

But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks.

"With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Nearly 56 million people in England will return to a full coronavirus lockdown, possibly until mid-February, to try to cut spiralling infection rates, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Also read | Scotland imposes lockdown 'similar to March last year' amid surge in coronavirus cases The measures, which include the closure of primary and secondary schools, will come into effect Wednesday, he said in a televised address, after Scotland announced similar measures would come into force from midnight (0000 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 44 million people or three-quarters of the population of England are already living under the toughest restrictions, as Britain grapples with one of the worst mortality rates from coronavirus in the world. But they have failed to halt an upward trend in positive cases, which have been blamed on a more infectious new variant. Johnson said that as of Monday, almost 27,000 people with Covid were in hospital -- 40 percent more than at the peak of first wave of the outbreak on April last year. Last Tuesday, more than 80,000 people tested positive in just 24 hours. "With most of the country already under extreme measures, it's clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out," he said. "In England, we must therefore go into a national lockdown." The new measures are similar to those during the first, three-month lockdown from late March to June last year. They include the closure of schools, working from home wherever possible, limits on leaving home, except for exercise, essential shopping and for medical supplies, and no household mixing. A decision on whether to hold annual national exams for 16- and 18-year-olds will be made after consultations between the education secretary and qualifications bodies, said Johnson. Shortly before Johnson's announcement, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said the country had moved to the highest coronavirus level five. That means the state-run National Health Service is at risk of being overwhelmed within 21 days if no action is taken. Johnson said he hoped the restrictions could start to be lifted after the next school holidays in mid-February, and acknowledged the weeks ahead "will be the hardest yet". But he said he was encouraged by the roll-out of two Covid vaccines, including one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which could see the four most vulnerable groups inoculated in the next six weeks. "With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people," he added.

England goes into lockdown again as new coronavirus strain cases surge

British judge Vanessa Baraitser has refused the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States amidst fears that Assange 'may commit suicide'.

U.S. disappointed with ruling of British court in Julian Assange extradition case

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>campaign that has begun in several countries.

While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this.

In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-administers-first-shot-of-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-354357">UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine</a>

The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac.&nbsp;

The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly.&nbsp;

The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen.&nbsp;

"After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo.&nbsp;

Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts.&nbsp;

The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person.&nbsp;

If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble.&nbsp;

Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet.&nbsp;

Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible.&nbsp;

As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible.&nbsp;

Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens.&nbsp;

"We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. &nbsp;

Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries.&nbsp;

Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries.

The last year was full of stories of the novel coronavirus, however, in a breakthrough in 2021, most of the news is focussed on the vaccination campaign that has begun in several countries. While most countries are immunising frontline workers and the most vulnerable population, some countries are following a different approach. Here's a report that decodes this. In Indonesia, inoculation drive is centred around young and healthy and the reason is Chinese vaccines. Also read | UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine The country has a deal as per which they will get around 125 million shots of China-based Sinovac. The first batch of three million doses has arrived, but the country does not know whether the shot would work on the elderly. The shot has been tested on people in the age group of 18 to 59 years in Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo will get the first shot and he has promised that there will be free shots for every citizen. "After recalculating our state financial status, I'd like to announce that Covid-19 vaccinations for the people are free of charge," said Widodo. Other than Indonesia, the UK is also taking a different route despite concerns raised by some experts. The UK will allow mix and match vaccinations, allowing doctors to administer two different vaccines to a person. If there is a shortage of doses, this could be a gamble. Regulators in the US have specifically asked doctors not to mix the shots, saying their safety has not been tested yet. Also, Britain has changed its earlier approach of giving two doses to giving the first shot to as many people as possible. As the cases rise in Britain, the focus is to administer as many shots as possible. Over concerns of a shortage of vaccines in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has clarified that there are enough shots to cover all citizens. "We do have the capacity, the issue is to do with the supply of the vaccine and there you've got to, it's not so much a manufacturing issue, though that is is part of it, it's also that each batch needs to be properly approved and quality controlled," said Johnson. Another major problem by both these countries is anti-vaxxers who are opposing in large numbers in these countries. Amid the challenges on various fronts, the two leaders of these countries are hoping a quick roll-out to silence misinformation.

As vaccination drive begins, Indonesia, UK following different approaches to tackle pandemic

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange going to British court today, Julian Assange is charged with espionage in the United States.

WikiLeaks founder facing UK Court today for extradition trial

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.&nbsp;

About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain.&nbsp;

Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-gibraltar-the-day-when-pakistan-infiltrated-deep-within-india-through-haji-pir-pass-323788">Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass</a>

Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-uk-discusses-border-policing-on-gibraltar-353337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended.&nbsp;

"It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations.&nbsp;

However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal.&nbsp;

"We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker.&nbsp;

However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal.&nbsp;

"Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley.

A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs.&nbsp;

Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar.

"Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.&nbsp;

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone.

Gibraltarians breathed a sigh of relief and caution after London and Madrid reached a consensus on Friday to let the territory become part of Europe's passport-free zone. About 15,000 people, largely Spanish, pour into Gibraltar, a tiny British territory, for work every day, and around half of these people come from Spain. Several tourists from Spain also visit Gibraltar on a daily basis because of its duty-free shopping. Also read | Operation Gibraltar: The day when Pakistan infiltrated deep within India through Haji Pir pass Because of its small size, all food in Gibraltar is imported. About 50,000 trucks cross the Gibraltar border each year via the only road that connects the territory to Spain. Watch | If the deal between Spain and the UK has not been reached, it would have led to a "hard border" between Gibraltar and the European Union once the Brexit transition period ended. "It's good news, it seems like the best way to keep everything moving," Oliver Gomez, a 34-year-old actuary, who walked along with his dog in Gibraltar was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The deal that was finalised at the eleventh hour meant that the small territory would be included in the Schengen passport-free zone that covers 26 European nations. However, some people expressed concern about whether Spain will be able to manage the deal. "We haven't always had the best track record with the Spanish. Let's see how it goes," said Jeff Saez, a 43-year-old hotel worker. However, Mark Leavesley, a 34-year-old Gibraltar real estate agent, was hopeful that the territory would adapt well even if there was not a border deal. "Gibraltar has proven to be resilient," said Leavesley. A wave of relief was also felt in La Linea, a poor Spanish city just across the border from Gibraltar as it was dependant on the territory for years for business and jobs. Nuria Hernanez, the owner of a hardware store in La Linea, says about 40 per cent of the customers arrive from Gibraltar. "Without them there would be nothing here," said Hernanez.

Big relief and some caution for Gibraltarians after UK-Spain deal

The historic post Brexit trade deal has reached the British Parliament for the vote and approval process after the officials from the UK & EU signed the trade deal in Brussels.

EU Chief signs Post Brexit Trade Deal in Brussels

Britain wanted to 'civilise' the world. Today, Britons are behaving in the most uncivilised manner. They are flouting rules, fleeing quarantine & putting others at risk- in middle of the scare over the new UK strain. Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Does U.K. have the worst pandemic response?

The United Kingdom has approved Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine, this is the second vaccine that has been approved by the UK government after the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine. United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tweeted about the vaccine's approval and he said that this is truly fantastic news and ensures that the vaccine will reach the citizens as soon as possible.

United Kingdom approves Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine

The United Kingdom and the european union sealed a crucial trade deal it covers most aspects of post-brexit for United Kingdom. Though there is one sticking point still remains, that it's a small slice of land located on the tip of Iberian Peninsula Called Gibraltar, Watch this report to know more.

Spain & U.K. Discusses Border Policing on Gibraltar

Criminal gangs in the United Kingdom are capitalising on the demand for puppies which rose exponentially after the pandemic-induced lockdowns in the country. After demand rose, criminal gangs stole pedigree dogs which were then used for breeding as prices of pups quadrupled during the pandemic.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dogs-provide-love-at-nursing-home-during-pandemic-351657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Detective Superintendent Neil Austin from the National Police Chiefs' Council in conversation with Sky News said that the work from home model has triggered more people to buy puppies. Due to this, demand has increased, and so has the average price. The average cost of a puppy has gone up from £500 to £2,000.

Austin further claimed that the pet market had become lucrative for criminals, who then exploit it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/dogs-and-their-owners-share-same-diabetes-risk-study-says-348996" hreflang="en">Dogs and their owners share same diabetes risk, study says</a>

One of the victims - Melissa Cole - whose two female springer spaniels - Jess and Tig were stolen, referred to the theft as "organised crime'' in conversation with Sky News. The dogs were stolen from a kennel in Bedforshire in September. Cole added that the thieves were able to trespass metal bars, alarms, and other security paraphernalia in place.

Cole added that she had received videos with ransom demands, and with messages from children who were reportedly being instructed what to say. Calling it "terrifying'', Cole added how giving in to ransom demands would simply encourage more thefts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/dogs-are-mans-oldest-best-friends-dna-study-reveals-339010" hreflang="en">Dogs are man's oldest best friends, DNA study reveals</a>

Cole was able to retrieve Jess after a police raid. The dog was unfortunately in a bad condition, with Tig still missing.

It is possible that Tig was forwarded to breeders to create more offspring, in a bid to make more profit from the increasing demand. Many dog ownders like Cole fear that the dogs are being bred without being offered veterinary care.&nbsp;

Many animal activists are backing a change in law to classify stolen pets as property, and to increase the length of sentences to reflect the emotional toll it takes on victims.&nbsp;

Criminal gangs in the United Kingdom are capitalising on the demand for puppies which rose exponentially after the pandemic-induced lockdowns in the country. After demand rose, criminal gangs stole pedigree dogs which were then used for breeding as prices of pups quadrupled during the pandemic.

Criminal gangs in the United Kingdom are capitalising on the demand for puppies which rose exponentially after the pandemic-induced lockdowns in the country. After demand rose, criminal gangs stole pedigree dogs which were then used for breeding as prices of pups quadrupled during the pandemic. Detective Superintendent Neil Austin from the National Police Chiefs' Council in conversation with Sky News said that the work from home model has triggered more people to buy puppies. Due to this, demand has increased, and so has the average price. The average cost of a puppy has gone up from £500 to £2,000. Austin further claimed that the pet market had become lucrative for criminals, who then exploit it. Also read: Dogs and their owners share same diabetes risk, study says One of the victims - Melissa Cole - whose two female springer spaniels - Jess and Tig were stolen, referred to the theft as "organised crime'' in conversation with Sky News. The dogs were stolen from a kennel in Bedforshire in September. Cole added that the thieves were able to trespass metal bars, alarms, and other security paraphernalia in place. Cole added that she had received videos with ransom demands, and with messages from children who were reportedly being instructed what to say. Calling it "terrifying'', Cole added how giving in to ransom demands would simply encourage more thefts. Also read: Dogs are man's oldest best friends, DNA study reveals Cole was able to retrieve Jess after a police raid. The dog was unfortunately in a bad condition, with Tig still missing. It is possible that Tig was forwarded to breeders to create more offspring, in a bid to make more profit from the increasing demand. Many dog ownders like Cole fear that the dogs are being bred without being offered veterinary care. Many animal activists are backing a change in law to classify stolen pets as property, and to increase the length of sentences to reflect the emotional toll it takes on victims.

How are criminal gangs in UK capitalising on increasing demand for puppies?

While taking Pakistan to task for money laundering is important, it is equally important to question the complicity of the country the money is being funnelled into — the UK and Northern Ireland.

The UK is a grand hub for dirty money — a&nbsp;playground for financial fraudsters. However, Britain's denial about this fact is like Russia's denial that it poisons spies.

No one believes a word of it because the world's most notorious tax fugitives are hiding in Britain such as Indian billionaires, absconding Pakistani politicians, corrupt Arab sheikhs, African despots,&nbsp;Russian oligarchs and many more.&nbsp;All kind of runaway rich men and women have found refuge in the UK.

The second reason is the inaction of the British financial regulator — the Financial Control Authority (FCA). According to corruption watch, this body has brought zero prosecutions over money laundering since 2017. This year, this body took its inaction one step further by discontinuing seven out of 14 of its criminal investigations into possible breaches of the UK's money laundering act in 2020, which means it shut half of its cases.

The third reason is the presence of offshore tax havens like the British Virgin Islands,&nbsp;Cayman Islands,&nbsp;Gibraltar, Jersey and&nbsp;Guernsey. These are places where the looted money is routed to; they allow fraudsters to avoid paying billions in tax on their profits.

In fact, Britain is the world's greatest enabler of corporate tax avoidance.&nbsp;According to the corporate tax haven index, Britain's offshore havens account for over a third of the world's corporate tax avoidance at $395 billion which is&nbsp;four times more than any country in the world.

The fourth reason is the UK's property market. It is a prime target for money laundering. London's most expensive homes have become a prime location to hide dirty cash.

Thousands of homes are sitting empty. The most recent government figures show that more than 278,000 homes are sitting empty across England, Scotland and Wales. At least 22,000 of these homes are in London and they have been left empty for years.

The value of these houses is estimated to be £12.2 billion, which is&nbsp;close to $16 billion. Scores of these empty houses have been purchased by financial fraudsters.

A report by the British government categorically mentions that criminals from Pakistan&nbsp;"continue to purchase high value assets such as real estate to launder illicit funds".

There are over 500 properties that have been identified as being bought with suspicious wealth and a combined value of £5 billion pounds, which is nearly $6&nbsp;billion dollars, and&nbsp;this is just a fraction of the real value of dirty money hidden in the UK's property market.

While taking Pakistan to task for money laundering is important, it is equally important to question the complicity of the country the money is being funnelled into — the UK and Northern Ireland.

While taking Pakistan to task for money laundering is important, it is equally important to question the complicity of the country the money is being funnelled into — the UK and Northern Ireland. The UK is a grand hub for dirty money — a playground for financial fraudsters. However, Britain's denial about this fact is like Russia's denial that it poisons spies. No one believes a word of it because the world's most notorious tax fugitives are hiding in Britain such as Indian billionaires, absconding Pakistani politicians, corrupt Arab sheikhs, African despots, Russian oligarchs and many more. All kind of runaway rich men and women have found refuge in the UK. The second reason is the inaction of the British financial regulator — the Financial Control Authority (FCA). According to corruption watch, this body has brought zero prosecutions over money laundering since 2017. This year, this body took its inaction one step further by discontinuing seven out of 14 of its criminal investigations into possible breaches of the UK's money laundering act in 2020, which means it shut half of its cases. The third reason is the presence of offshore tax havens like the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Jersey and Guernsey. These are places where the looted money is routed to; they allow fraudsters to avoid paying billions in tax on their profits. In fact, Britain is the world's greatest enabler of corporate tax avoidance. According to the corporate tax haven index, Britain's offshore havens account for over a third of the world's corporate tax avoidance at $395 billion which is four times more than any country in the world. The fourth reason is the UK's property market. It is a prime target for money laundering. London's most expensive homes have become a prime location to hide dirty cash. Thousands of homes are sitting empty. The most recent government figures show that more than 278,000 homes are sitting empty across England, Scotland and Wales. At least 22,000 of these homes are in London and they have been left empty for years. The value of these houses is estimated to be £12.2 billion, which is close to $16 billion. Scores of these empty houses have been purchased by financial fraudsters. A report by the British government categorically mentions that criminals from Pakistan "continue to purchase high value assets such as real estate to launder illicit funds". There are over 500 properties that have been identified as being bought with suspicious wealth and a combined value of £5 billion pounds, which is nearly $6 billion dollars, and this is just a fraction of the real value of dirty money hidden in the UK's property market.

Pak's dirty money trail: How UK has become a refuge for defaulters

United Kingdom's new mutant coronavirus strain continues to spread across the world, Germany has become the latest nation to detect this variant that was first reported in the United Kingdom.

Germany reports first Case of U.K. Covid Variant

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that another strain of Coronavirus has detected in the U.K. which has been originated from South Africa.

Today Tonight: New COVID-19 strain from South Africa detected in U.K.

A woman infected with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19</a>, who allegedly ran away from a quarantine facility in Delhi after her arrival from the UK, has been traced and admitted to a hospital along with her son in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The woman and her son's swap samples were being sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune to determine whether they have contracted the new strain of coronavirus that is spreading wildly in Britain, a health department official said, reports news agency PTI.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-flights-from-uk-stand-suspended-from-23rd-dec-till-further-orders-here-are-the-guidelines-351702/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

After allegedly fleeing away from a quarantine facility in the national capital, the woman reached her hometown Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-strain-of-coronavirus-not-seen-in-india-so-far-government-351602">New strain of coronavirus not seen in India so far: Government</a>

She was then held by Railway police and health officials and hospitalised post-Wednesday midnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the officials said that woman told them that she was recommended home quarantine and decided to leave New Delhi as she was asymptomatic.&nbsp;

Her son, who went to New Delhi to pick her up, was also admitted and both have been given isolated rooms.&nbsp;

The woman, who works as a teacher in the UK, arrived in New Delhi on December 21 and tested positive for coronavirus following which she was kept in a quarantine facility.

However, she, along with her son, escaped from the facility and boarded a train to her hometown.&nbsp;

The Delhi Police then alerted the railway authorities, who discovered that the woman was travelling in a first-class in AP Express and sent the details to authorities in Rajamahendravaram.

 
&nbsp;

A woman infected with Covid-19, who allegedly ran away from a quarantine facility in Delhi after her arrival from the UK, has been traced and admitted to a hospital along with her son in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

A woman infected with Covid-19, who allegedly ran away from a quarantine facility in Delhi after her arrival from the UK, has been traced and admitted to a hospital along with her son in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The woman and her son's swap samples were being sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune to determine whether they have contracted the new strain of coronavirus that is spreading wildly in Britain, a health department official said, reports news agency PTI. Watch | After allegedly fleeing away from a quarantine facility in the national capital, the woman reached her hometown Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh. Also read | New strain of coronavirus not seen in India so far: Government She was then held by Railway police and health officials and hospitalised post-Wednesday midnight. However, the officials said that woman told them that she was recommended home quarantine and decided to leave New Delhi as she was asymptomatic. Her son, who went to New Delhi to pick her up, was also admitted and both have been given isolated rooms. The woman, who works as a teacher in the UK, arrived in New Delhi on December 21 and tested positive for coronavirus following which she was kept in a quarantine facility. However, she, along with her son, escaped from the facility and boarded a train to her hometown. The Delhi Police then alerted the railway authorities, who discovered that the woman was travelling in a first-class in AP Express and sent the details to authorities in Rajamahendravaram.

Woman with Covid-19 returns from UK, flees quarantine centre to reach hometown in Andhra Pradesh

Watch in this video, Matt Hancock, Health Secretary of the United Kingdom speaks on the new Coronavirus strain, and on travel bans.

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaks on new virus strain

The fast spreading strain from the virus from United Kingdom is leaping across the english channel and spreading across the world. This has caused panic and legitimate question for the drug makers to answer, Can the new vaccines take on this mutation?

WION Fineprint: Can new vaccines take on COVID-19 mutation?

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Pak's dirty money trail: How UK has become a refuge for defaulters