UK.USA

  BERLIN: Germany and the United Kingdom vowed to send more weapons to Ukraine and to work together to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, downplaying differences over tougher sanctions against Moscow.  Following talks in Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the United Kingdom would send an additional 100 million pounds ($130 million) in military equipment, including precision munitions that can linger in the sky until they hit their target.  Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany would continue deliveries to Kyiv without specifying the types or quantities.  "Unity is essential," Scholz said. "Unity within the EU, unity within the G-7, and unity within NATO." Putin was taken aback by everything that happened. He was certain that we would be split. And he needed to see that we were united and will remain united.  Despite years of tension over Brexit, the two leaders put on a show of unity, announcing plans for regular governme

Boris Johnson agreed with one of his ministers that some Covid regulations appeared "inhumane" in retrospect, while arguing that another lockdown was impossible to rule out in the future. Johnson also claimed that "a lot of nonsense" had been said about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street in an interview with GB News conducted by two backbench Tory MPs, Philip Davies and Esther McVey. Davies and McVey, both lockdown sceptics, questioned the prime minister about comments made on Monday by Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, who said some lockdown rules were "unkind and inhumane." When asked if he agreed, Johnson replied, "I do." Yes, I do. And I believe that some of them – I understand why people feel that way, and I believe that people felt that way in particular because of the loss of the ability to visit their loved ones in care homes or meet properly for funerals. It was truly appalling, to say nothing of the loss of religio

During the penultimate panel of the Jerusalem Post London Conference, experts discussed the future of technological innovation as it relates to the economy, philanthropy, health, and daily life. The panel began with Daniel Kessler, Chairman of UK-Israel Business, explaining the joint business model developed by Israel and the UK in anticipation of the expected bilateral trade agreement later this year. "Israel, as everyone knows, is the start-up nation with all the research and development capabilities it has; and often you see the UK as that testbed, particularly for technology, and often as a springboard to the US and other English-speaking markets," he said. "What we've seen is research and development in Israel, followed by commercialization here [in the UK]." Daniel Korski, CEO and founder of Public and former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, added, "On the one hand, we've got real support from the government and ecosystems on both sides

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sabina Nessa, a British primary school teacher. After being found guilty of murdering the 28-year-old teacher as she walked to meet a friend in London, Koci Selamaj was sentenced to at least 36 years in prison. Selamaj, a 36-year-old Albanian garage worker from the southern town of Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to carrying out the attack. On September 18, Nessa's body was discovered in a park in Kidbrooke, southeast London, just minutes from her home. CCTV footage captured the moment Selamaj attacked Nessa from behind and hit her 34 times over the head with a metal traffic triangle. udge Nigel Sweeney, the prosecutor, stated that the defendant had clearly shown "no remorse" in his defence of the random attack. Prosecutors claimed the murder was motivated by sexual desire. Nessa's death sparked new concerns about gender-based violence and the safety of women on UK streets. Her death came just six months after a

Police said a French woman and a British man who went missing while diving off the coast of Malaysia were found safe on Saturday, drifting at sea two and a half days after they went missing. Four people went missing on a training dive near Tokong Sanggol, a small island off the southeastern town of Mersing, around noon on Wednesday. Kristine Grodem, 35, of Norway, the group's instructor, was rescued on Thursday. Fishermen spotted Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, of France, and Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, of the United Kingdom, around 1 a.m. (1700 GMT on Friday) in waters off Pengerang, a considerable distance south of where they vanished, Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward Nuing reported "Both individuals... are reported to be in stable condition," he said, adding that they had been taken to the hospital by marine police. He declined to go into further detail about the rescue. According to Nuing, rescuers were looking for Chesters' 14-year-old son, Dutch citizen Na

Long lines and delays are expected to continue this weekend as people try to get away for the Easter holiday. Due to staff shortages, airlines have cancelled more than 100 flights per day, and ferry operators are struggling to meet demand after P&O suspended services. The Transport Secretary has urged operators to "redouble" their efforts to get people out of the way as quickly as possible. Labour, on the other hand, has accused the government of being "missing in action." Because of the relaxation of pandemic rules, many families will be able to travel freely this school holiday. However, the increase in passenger numbers comes at a time when travel operators are dealing with staff shortages and Covid-related absences, which are causing long delays. Manchester Airport reported that the long security lines it has seen this week could continue, with some passengers facing queues of up to 90 minutes in the coming weeks. Delays and cancellations have also been repo

Akshata Murthy, the wife of British finance minister Rishi Sunak, announced that she would no longer avoid paying British tax on her foreign income, bowing to pressure that her husband had previously dismissed as a political smear. The public's outrage over Murthy's tax status has been heightened by her husband's decision to raise payroll taxes at a time when Britain is experiencing the highest cost-of-living squeeze since records began in 1956. Murthy, an Indian citizen, is eligible for "non-domiciled" status in the United Kingdom, which is available to foreign nationals who do not consider Britain to be their permanent home. As a result, she could choose to pay UK tax only on income earned in or transferred to the UK. Murthy is the daughter of one of the founders of Indian IT behemoth Infosys, and she owns about 0.9% of the company, entitles her to a dividend payment of £11.6 million ($20 million) last year. Murthy said in a statement late Friday, London time, t

The ex-wife of a millionaire businessman whose family founded the Screwfix chain lost a High Court battle over company shares, but was awarded more than £1 million ($1.3 million) to cover the cost of raising their children. James Goddard-Watts and his ex-wife Julia, who divorced in 2010, have been embroiled in a long-running financial feud. The latest round of that fight has now been adjudicated by a judge. Earlier this year, Sir Jonathan Cohen heard arguments in the Family Division of the High Court in London. Judges were told that Mr and Ms Goddard-Watts, both in their 50s, had reached an agreement to end their 13-year marriage in 2010. Mr Goddard-Watts had agreed to give his ex-wife a house worth £3.25 million and a lump sum of £4 million. She later complained that he had not disclosed the full extent of his wealth. A judge then ruled that Mr Goddard-Watts had "made a false presentation" when signing the 2010 agreement, and he was ordered to pay his ex-wife more than £6 mi

According to Liz Truss, the UK and Nato allies will supply "new and heavier" military equipment to Ukraine as it prepares for a renewed Russian assault in the Donbas. Britain is expected to provide armoured vehicles and long-range missiles to Ukraine's armed forces, while government sources have refused to rule out sending tanks and anti-ship weapons. Following a meeting in Brussels yesterday, the Foreign Secretary praised the alliance's "positive momentum." As part of the agreement, Nato will assist Ukraine in modernising its defensive capabilities, transitioning from Soviet-era military equipment to "Nato standard" weaponry in order to strengthen the country's defences against Russia. Ms Truss said in a statement following the conclusion of the talks on Thursday that Vladimir Putin had "changed his tactics but not his intent." "We agreed to increase our support for Ukraine, and we also recognised that the conflict has entered a

More than 100 journalists, politicians, and campaigners have signed an open letter warning that a lack of resources and government departments obstructing lawful requests are undermining the UK's freedom of information (FoI) laws. The Guardian's Katharine Viner and the Observer's Paul Webster are among the signatories, as are the shadow solicitor general, Andy Slaughter, former Brexit secretary David Davis, and former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas. The letter, coordinated by the online news organisation openDemocracy, is addressed to John Edwards, the new information commissioner in charge of enforcing FoI law, which gives members of the public the legal right to request official information from public bodies. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), Edwards' organisation, reviews complaints against public bodies that have refused FOI requests and can order them to release material if they have failed to comply with the law. However, journalists and researc

  According to a new study, insomnia may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study of over 336,999 UK adults discovered that those who had difficulty falling or staying asleep had higher blood sugar levels than those who rarely had sleep issues. According to the findings, a lack of sleep can lead to higher blood sugar levels and may play a direct role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy balanced diet, being physically active, and getting enough sleep are all important components of good health for everyone – including those at risk of or living with type 2 diabetes. As a result, it is thought that measures or treatments that improve insomnia could aid in the prevention or treatment of the condition. According to scientists, if their sleeping condition was addressed, more than 27,000 adults in the UK with insomnia could be free of diabetes. "We estimated that an effective insomnia treatment could result in more glucose lowering than an equivalent intervent

A Ukrainian MP has expressed concern that "half-hearted compromises" will force her nine-year-old son to fight another war with Russia when he grows up. Inna Sovsun, the Holos Party's deputy leader, has largely remained in Kyiv during the conflict, while her son Martyn was evacuated from the city as soon as fighting erupted. Martyn, according to Ms Sovsun, has grown tired of hearing air raid sirens while his classmates debate which type of bomb shelter they should hide in. "I have a strong feeling I don't want my son to inherit this war," Ms Sovsun told the PA news agency. "That's why I'm not making any half-hearted compromises, like 'we'll have neutrality while the Russians keep their forces in Donbas,' or something along those lines." "Because that means that when my son grows up, he will have to fight another war with Russia." "So I think that's how (my) perspective is changing, because you're thinking

Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" shirt, which he wore when he scored two unforgettable goals to knock England out of the 1986 World Cup, is expected to fetch more than £4 million at auction. The shirt will be on display at Christie's New Bond Street gallery in London. The famous jersey is described by Sotheby's as being in "good overall condition consistent with heavy use, perspiration, and athletic activity," with "slight de-threading on hemming on front bottom of shirt, and minor spots throughout." The game took on greater significance for both countries because it took place four years after the UK defeated Argentina in the Falkland War. "The 'Hand of God' is truly a singular moment, not only in the history of sports, but in the history of the twentieth century," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectibles. "The moment, which occurred shortly after the Falkland Islands conflict,

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a slew of measures to deal with migrants arriving at the southern border on Wednesday, including busing them across the country to Washington, DC. "To assist local officials whose communities are being overwhelmed by hordes of illegal immigrants dropped off by the Biden administration, Texas is providing charter buses to send these illegal immigrants dropped off by the Biden administration to Washington D.C.," Abbott said during a press conference. "We are sending them to the United States Capitol, where the Biden administration will be able to address the needs of the people they are allowing to cross our border more quickly," he added. According to a statement from the governor's office, the plan would include providing buses and flights for migrants who have been processed and released by the Department of Homeland Security. The migrants would have to volunteer to go and provide DHS documentation. VIDEO YOU MAY WANT T

The United Kingdom sanctioned Russian billionaire Moshe Kantor, who heads the European Jewish Congress and other prominent Jewish organisations, on Wednesday. "Our latest wave of measures will end UK imports of Russian energy and sanction even more individuals and businesses, decimating [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war machine," said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in a statement. "We are showing the Russian elite, together with our allies, that they cannot wash their hands of the atrocities committed on Putin's orders." We will not rest until Ukraine is victorious." Kantor is also the president of the World Holocaust Forum, the chairman of the European Jewish Fund, and the chairman of the World Jewish Congress Policy Council, according to Forbes. He was sanctioned because he is the largest shareholder of Acron, a fertiliser company with strategic ties to the Russian government. The European Jewish Congress was "deeply shocked and appalled&q

LONDON, April 6 (Reuters) - According to London police, a British man who worked at the British embassy in Berlin has been charged with violating the Official Secrets Act by passing on information useful to Russia. David Ballantyne Smith, 57, was arrested by German police in August 2021 while working as a security guard at the embassy in Potsdam, Germany. He was extradited to Britain from Germany on Wednesday. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), he is accused of gathering information from the embassy with the intent of passing it on to a foreign state. Smith was charged with nine offences, according to Nick Price, the CPS's head of counter-terrorism. "He is charged with seven counts of gathering information with the intent of sending it to Russian authorities, one count of attempting communication, and one count of providing information to a person he believed was a member of the Russian authorities," he said. Smith is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magi

Prince Harry is said to be seriously considering returning to the United Kingdom to try to reconcile with his family. Celebrity astrologer Emili Adame stated that the 37-year-old "wants to reconnect" and that he and Meghan Markle have discussed it. The Duke of Sussex wishes to reconcile with the royals after realising the pain he caused them, first by abandoning their royal duties and then by appearing on Oprah. But the Duchess of Sussex does not feel at home with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As a result, it is a delicate conversation for them to have, and it is "part of their issue that they're having personally together." "He appears to be actively attempting right now. Whether or not it will be well received, whether or not it will amount to anything in the future... I'm not sure "Adame commented on Prince Harry's efforts to reconnect with his family. FEATURED VIDEO ---- LOTS OF PEOPLE WILL HAVE WATCHED THIS

Contributions will increase by 1.25 percent beginning Wednesday, despite a cost-of-living crisis and a tax burden at a 70-year high. The Prime Minister has defended the decision to raise national insurance for millions of workers, claiming that the "necessary, fair, and responsible" increase is "necessary, fair, and responsible." National insurance contributions will rise by 1.25 percentage points on Wednesday. From April 2023 onwards, the NI rate will be reduced to the level of 2021-22, with a new 1.25 percent health and social care levy legally imposed. The UK Government estimates that the tax increase will raise £39 billion over the next three years, which will be used to help reduce the Covid-caused NHS backlog and later reform adult social care in the long run. Boris Johnson stated, " "We must support our NHS in the same way that it supports us. "Because Covid resulted in the longest waiting lists we've ever seen, we'll deliver millions m

According to police, a second person has been arrested in connection with Sunday's mass shootings in Sacramento, California, which left six people dead and a dozen injured. Officers in California's capital city arrested Smiley Martin, 27, at a local hospital where he was being treated for wounds, for illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun. Smiley Martin is the brother of Dandre Martin, 26, who was arrested as a "related suspect" in the case on Sunday, local time, according to police. Dandre Martin was arrested and charged with assault and illegal possession of a firearm. Smiley Martin allegedly posted a live Facebook video of himself brandishing a handgun hours before gunfire erupted on the weekend, according to a law enforcement official. Authorities are attempting to determine whether the weapon seen in the video was used in the shooting, according to an official briefed on the investigation but unable to discuss details publicly and speakin

  According to the Associated Press, the Biden Administration intends to extend the student loan payment pause for the fifth time. The current repayment moratorium was set to expire on May 1. Instead, payments on qualifying federal student loans appear to be on hold until August 31. Notably, this would restart payments well before the November midterm elections, and it appears likely to spark a new fight over further extensions as a result. Progressive Democratic politicians have repeatedly warned that if the Biden administration reinstates payments before the midterm elections, motivating younger voters to vote will be difficult. They have advocated for significant loan cancellation for student borrowers, with the most common suggestion being $50,000 in forgiveness. Other powerful Democrats, including Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Bobby Scott, chairs of the congressional committees with oversight of higher education, have urged the White House to extend the pause. FEATURED VIDEO ----

  The leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – known as AUKUS – have agreed to collaborate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. The development comes after the three countries formed the AUKUS defence alliance in September last year, prompting Australia to cancel a contract for a conventional French submarine in favour of a nuclear submarine programme supported by the US and UK, causing a rift with French President Emmanuel Macron. The AUKUS leaders – UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison – said in a joint statement on Tuesday that they were pleased with the progress of the programme for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, and that the allies would cooperate in other areas as well. "We... committed today to begin new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, as well as electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand i

According to reports, the Government's historic international LGBT+ conference, scheduled for June, has been cancelled. The cancellation comes after Iain Anderson, the UK's LGBT+ business champion, resigned earlier on Tuesday in protest of the Government's "profoundly shocking" stance on conversion therapy, which could exclude trans people from an eventual ban. Mr Anderson is the latest in a long line of high-profile individuals and organisations to criticise the government, with at least 100 organisations boycotting the Safe To Be Me conference. It was scheduled to begin on June 29 in London. More than 80 LGBT+ organisations and over 20 HIV organisations have pledged to boycott the global conference unless Boris Johnson keeps his promise of a trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy. FEATURED VIDEO ---- Who's really in charge