March 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

London rushes medical supplies to occupied Malvinas Islands in anticipation of coronavirus outbreak Press TV 31 Mar 2020 -- The UK is rushing military medics and specialist kit to the occupied Malvinas Islands (which the British call Falkland Islands) in a desperate bid to contain a potentially nasty outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Germany confirms first INSTEX transaction IRNA 31 Mar 2020 -- The Federal Foreign Office of Germany in a tweet confirmed the first transaction with Iran through the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) on Tuesday.
European States Send Medical Goods to Iran in First INSTEX Transaction Sputnik 31 Mar 2020 -- The INSTEX trading mechanism was previously created by European countries to bypass unilateral restrictions, imposed against the Islamic Republic by Washington, as the US threatened to hit those trading with Tehran via secondary sanctions. Iran, however, has repeatedly criticised INSTEX for not functioning properly.
Iran Gets Medical Aid Through US Sanctions Workaround VOA 31 Mar 2020 -- Germany, Britain and France have facilitated exports of medical goods to Iran in the first use of a mechanism designed to get around U.S. sanctions, Germany said Tuesday.
Europe sends medical supplies to Iran in first INSTEX transaction: Germany Press TV 31 Mar 2020 -- Germany says the three European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal have registered the first transaction under a trade system set up last year to protect companies doing business with Iran from US sanctions, delivering medical supplies to the Islamic Republic amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Foreign Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 March 2020 UK FCO 30 Mar 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 30 March 2020 daily press briefing on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raab announces rescue plan for stranded Britons Press TV 30 Mar 2020 -- After weeks of dithering and confusion the British government has belatedly announced a rescue plan to repatriate potentially hundreds of thousands of stranded Britons from around the world.
UK Announces 180 Deaths of COVID-19 SPA 30 Mar 2020 -- The health authorities in UK announced today 180 deaths of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
UK's Northern Ireland to Release Some Inmates Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - Justice Minister Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- The authorities of the United Kingdom's Northern Ireland are planning to temporarily release some prisoners earlier than their sentence is completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the region's justice minister, Naomi Long, said on Monday.
UK Cabinet Minister Gove Blames China for Failing to Give 'Clear' Info About Spread of COVID-19 Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- On Sunday, spokesperson for Chinese National Health Commission Mi Feng said that with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country currently standing at less than 3,000, "the spread of the epidemic in China is generally stopped".
Ken McCallum Named New Chief of UK's MI5 Security Service Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- McCallum replaces Andrew Parker, who is set to retire in April, at the post. He has occupied the position since 2013.
New MI5 director general appointed at a time of high crisis Press TV 30 Mar 2020 -- The British Security Service (MI5) is set for a new director general as the country struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
Britain's Spymaster: What Do We Know About MI5's New Director General Ken McCallum Sputnik 30 Mar 2020 -- Sir Andrew Parker, 58, is stepping down as head of MI5 - Britain's internal intelligence service. Sir Andrew will be replaced by Ken McCallum, who led the Sergei Skripal inquiry.
UK Death Toll Rises to 1228 SPA 29 Mar 2020 -- The UK authorities reported today 209 new deaths and 2433 cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United Kingdom during the past 24 hours.
Britain on Emergency Footing for First Time Since WWII VOA 29 Mar 2020 -- Britain is on an emergency footing for the first time since World War II.
UK to Stay in Partial Lockdown for 6 Months - Health Official Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- It could take the United Kingdom about six months to see whether it can relax the partial coronavirus lockdown, deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said Sunday.
Britain creaking under emergency coronavirus laws and lockdown Press TV 29 Mar 2020 -- Despite imposing draconian measures to try to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the British authorities are failing to get a sufficient grip on the situation.
Britain could be subject to lockdown measures for 'six months' Press TV 29 Mar 2020 -- The UK may have to endure lockdowns of varying severity for the next six months as the country's social fabric and economy reels under the pressure of the coronavirus crisis.
UK Coronavirus Death Toll Surges to 1,228, Number of Cases Rises to 19,522 Sputnik 29 Mar 2020 -- The UK has implemented several stringent social distancing measures in recent weeks to combat the spread of the virus. The government has issued warnings against all non-essential travel, tightened its borders, and restricted public gatherings.
UK worried about spread of coronavirus to colonies and occupied territories Press TV 28 Mar 2020 -- As the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in the UK rises to 1,019, the British government is also increasingly worried about the spread of the COVID-19 disease to British colonies and overseas territories.
Scotland Reports 1,059 Coronavirus Cases, 33 Deaths VOA 27 Mar 2020 -- Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reports that as of Friday, there were 1,059 cases of COVID-19 in Scotland – an increase of 165 from Thursday.
British Health Minister Tests Positive for COVID-19 VOA 27 Mar 2020 -- Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced Friday he has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at home with mild symptoms.
British Prime Minister Has Coronavirus VOA 27 Mar 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Downing Street statement. In a video announcement Friday on his Twitter account, Johnson said he has "a temperature and a persistent cough" that he described as "mild symptoms" of the virus.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases exceed 8,000 on first day of UK lockdown People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain reached 8,077 as of Tuesday morning, according to the lastest figure from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Britain Builds 4,000-Bed Hospital to Combat COVID-19 SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The British authorities decided to build a new hospital in the "Excel" Exhibition Center in London, with a capacity of 4,000 beds in order to receive and treat the dangerous cases of COVID-19 infection patients.
UK introduces stricter measures to fight COVID-19 People's Daily 24 Mar 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday evening a series of measures that aim to restrict social contact in the country in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Coronavirus crisis in UK is more about social and security challenges than public health Press TV 24 Mar 2020 -- As the UK sinks deeper into crisis over the coronavirus pandemic, there are growing fears of a breakdown in law and order and broader acute security challenges.
UK Announces the Highest Death toll of Coronavirus in One Day SPA 24 Mar 2020 -- The health authorities in the United Kingdom announced today the highest death toll of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in one day with 87 deaths, bringing to 422 the number of deaths among those who tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.
British army intervenes to forestall collapse of NHS Press TV 23 Mar 2020 -- After days of speculation the British army has finally been deployed to help combat the deadly COVID-19 disease, albeit in a limited capacity, at least for the time being.
PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 23 March 2020 Gov.UK 23 Mar 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on coronavirus.
PM Johnson Tells Britons to 'Stay at Home', Announces Strict COVID-19 Measures Sputnik 23 Mar 2020 -- There are 6,724 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with 335 fatalities and 140 people recovered. All public places including gyms, restaurants, retail stores, pubs, libraries, parks and playgrounds are closed and all social events halted. People at high risk are receiving an NHS text urging them to stay home for at least 12 weeks.
UK considering tougher action to enforce 'social distancing' Press TV 22 Mar 2020 -- The British government continues to demonstrate indecisive leadership over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as demonstrated by its inability to enforce a strict lockdown.
PM statement on coronavirus: 22 March 2020 Gov.UK 22 Mar 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement on coronavirus.
PM statement on coronavirus: 20 March 2020 Gov.UK 20 Mar 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement on coronavirus.
UK deaths rise to 137, PM says 12 weeks needed to beat coronavirus Press TV 19 Mar 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that the country can "turn the tide" in fight against the coronavirus in 12 weeks as another 33 more people have died across the UK.
London prepares for 'lockdown' amid coronavirus pandemic Press TV 19 Mar 2020 -- London is preparing for a virtual lockdown as the city faces the prospect of greater restrictions over concerns that residents are not heeding advice about the coronavirus pandemic, media reports say.
UK Prime Minister Johnson's Spokesman Rules Out Total Lockdown in London Due to COVID-19 Sputnik 19 Mar 2020 -- The UK government is not planning to enforce a total ban on travel to and from London and the capital's transport system will continue to operate despite a reduction in service, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.
Military stands up COVID Support Force UK MOD 19 Mar 2020 -- The Defence Secretary announces new measures to put service personnel and Reservists on standby to support public services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
UK personnel to drawdown from Iraq UK MOD 19 Mar 2020 -- Following a pause in the coalition training mission in Iraq, some service personnel will be redeploying back to the UK.
Top Secret No Longer: MI5 Confirms Existence of Previously Unheard of CounterIntelligence Unit Sputnik 19 Mar 2020 -- The unit is said to be based at Thames House in London, home to the UK's domestic counterintelligence and security agency, MI5.
New government structures to coordinate response to coronavirus Gov.UK 17 Mar 2020 -- The Prime Minister has set up new ministerial structures to coordinate, prioritise and respond to the coronavirus pandemic across government.
British government changes course on COVID-19 containment strategy Press TV 17 Mar 2020 -- Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been abruptly forced to abandon his so-called "herd immunity" strategy against the coronavirus outbreak after a new report concluded it would lead to deaths on a massive scale.
MI5 discloses existence of new national security centre Press TV 17 Mar 2020 -- The British Security Service, MI5, has been leading a new national security centre, focused on countering hostile activities by foreign powers, since June 2017, but information about its existence has only come to light today.
Britain's "herd immunity" plan against COVID-19 arouses debates People's Daily 16 Mar 2020 -- As Britain has switched from the "containment" to "delay" phase in response to the spread of COVID-19, the Downing Street hopes to create "herd immunity" to the disease instead of taking proactive and drastic countermeasures.
UK coronavirus death toll hits 21 as confirmed cases top 1,100 People's Daily 16 Mar 2020 -- The novel coronavirus death toll has reached 21 as of Saturday in Britain as the number of confirmed cases totalled 1,140, according to the latest figures released by the British Department of Health and Social Care.
UK scientists urge "more restrictive measures" as confirmed COVID-19 cases reach 1,372 People's Daily 16 Mar 2020 -- British scientists have urged the government to take "more restrictive measures" to tackle the novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Britain reached 1,372 as of Sunday morning, an increase of 232 over the last 24 hours.
Nicola Sturgeon asserts leadership over Coronavirus crisis Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- As the British government's ill-defined plans to tackle the coronavirus outbreak descend into shambles, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has stepped forward to fill the leadership vacuum.
UK coronavirus crisis 'to last until spring 2021 and could see 7.9m hospitalised': PHE document Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- A Public Health England (PHE) briefing for senior NHS officials, leaked to the press, asserts that the UK coronavirus epidemic will, in all likelihood, last until next spring 2021 and may necessitate 7.9 million people being hospitalized.
UK preparing to deploy army to fight Coronavirus outbreak Press TV 16 Mar 2020 -- Even as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, held his first daily briefing on the coronavirus outbreak, there are credible reports the British military is preparing to intervene in the battle against the deadly COVID-19 disease.
Boris Johnson Steps Up Plans To Tackle Coronavirus As Criticism Mounts VOA 15 Mar 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will step up government action this week in a bid to slow the spread across Britain of the potentially deadly coronavirus by accelerating plans to make the elderly stay at home — possibly for months — and for whole families to self-quarantine when any family member displays COVID-19 symptoms.
Division emerges between Edinburgh and London over elderly quarantine Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- As the British government's laissez-faire approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak comes under further criticism, the Scottish government in Edinburgh has distanced itself from key aspects of Downing Street's strategy.
Release of Canadian report on foreign meddling puts pressure on UK government to follow suit Press TV 15 Mar 2020 -- The imminent publication of a Canadian parliamentary report into foreign interference in Canadian public life has placed renewed pressure on the British government to release a similar report on Russian interference in British politics.
Joint Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in UK jumps to 798 People's Daily 14 Mar 2020 -- The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain has reached 798 Friday, an increase of 208 over 24 hours, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
US, British troops in Aden, more to arrive in Yemen strategic areas: Reports Press TV 12 Mar 2020 -- The Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen say hundreds of US and British forces have arrived in the port city of Aden as the first batch of a large military force that Washington and London seek to deploy to the Arab country's resource-rich areas under the guise of fighting terrorism.
UK set to move to second phase in fighting coronavirus People's Daily 12 Mar 2020 -- The British government is set to move to "delay" phase, the second in Britain's four-step move, in responding to the coronavirus by closing schools, cancelling major sporting events and making people work from home, British media reported Wednesday night.
Over-70s and at-risk Brits advised against travelling on cruise ships UK FCO 12 Mar 2020 -- British nationals aged 70 and over, and those with underlying health conditions like chronic diseases and diabetes, are advised not to travel on cruise ships.
British Minister Contracts Coronavirus, Germany Warns of 58 Million Infections VOA 11 Mar 2020 -- The coronavirus crisis deepened in Europe on Wednesday with a warning from Germany's leader that 70% of the country's population – 58 million people – could eventually be infected.
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons US Dept. of State 10 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the NPT.
Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons US Dept. of State 10 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the NPT.
Joint Statement on the Signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement US Dept. of State 09 Mar 2020 -- The text of the following statement was agreed by Special Envoys and Special Representatives of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United Nations and the United States of America on the occasion of the signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement on February 29 in Qatar.
Doctors warn UK hospitals running out of protective equipment for staff Press TV 09 Mar 2020 -- Hospitals in the United Kingdom are close to running out of equipment vital to protecting doctors and nurses from catching Covid-19 from infected patients.
British Typhoon Fighters Escort Russian Tu-142 ASW Aircraft Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- Earlier, the Northern Fleet press service reported that two Russian Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft had flown over the neutral waters of the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea and North Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, in anticipation of the start of NATO exercises in Norway.
UK Registers Third Death From Coronavirus-Related Complications Sputnik 08 Mar 2020 -- The number of people, who died of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United Kingdom, has risen from two to three, Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty said on Sunday.
MOD leads cross-government review into the UK's defence and security industrial strategy UK MOD 05 Mar 2020 -- A review that will revitalise the UK's defence and security industrial sectors and improve productivity has been launched.
U.S., U.K. Leaders Discuss China, Russia, Afghan Peace in Pentagon Meeting DoD News 05 Mar 2020 -- United States and United Kingdom defense leaders discussed a range of issues including China, Russia, Afghanistan and more during a Pentagon meeting today.
Britain's Coronavirus Strategy Sows Confusion VOA 05 Mar 2020 -- Britain's chief medical officer briefed lawmakers Thursday amid an expected surge in confirmed cases of coronavirus, saying the country is moving from a "containment" phase to one focused on "delaying" the spread, in a bid to avoid high peaks of infections that could overwhelm healthcare services.
�2.5m investment in XL autonomous submarine development UK MOD 05 Mar 2020 -- The first extra-large autonomous test submarine will be developed for the Royal Navy following a new contract by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace gives a speech to the Atlantic Council UK MOD 05 Mar 2020 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace outlines the importance of helping to stabilise fragile states
Confusion and controversy bedevils UK's planned Mali deployment Press TV 04 Mar 2020 -- There is growing controversy about Britain's planned deployment of 250 troops to Mali later this year, which has been widely described as the most dangerous since the UK's military intervention in Afghanistan.
UK PM Johnson on Coronavirus: In Worst Case Scenario Army is Ready to Step In Sputnik 03 Mar 2020 -- Toilet rolls and bottled water have virtually disappeared from shops in Australia after an outbreak of panic buying sparked by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Some UK consumers are set to hit the panic button amid fears of a mass national lockdown.
Britain Warns of Wider Coronavirus Threat VOA 03 Mar 2020 -- British officials are trying to ready the country for a "more widespread transmission" of coronavirus and have warned that in the event of a major spread cities could be locked down and public transport suspended.
UK to intensify military activity in the Sahel region Press TV 03 Mar 2020 -- The UK is set to step up military activities in West Africa, ostensibly to combat a jihadist insurgency in the region.
Foreign Secretary's joint press conference Turkish Foreign Minister, March 2020 UK FCO 03 Mar 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a press statement following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara.
Boris Johnson warns coronavirus 'will get worse before it gets better' Press TV 02 Mar 2020 -- Boris Johnson announced on Sunday the government was establishing a "war room" in the Cabinet Office, bringing together experts to respond to the growing crisis of the coronavirus.
UK updates guidance as 3 more COVID-19 cases confirmed People's Daily 02 Mar 2020 -- Another three COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the UK this morning, including the first one in Wales, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 19.

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March 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News