June 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Britain's PM Discusses Post-COVID-19 Economy VOA 30 Jun 2020 -- Saying it is not too soon to begin planning for the post-COVID-19 economy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tuesday pledged to invest more than $17 billion in the country's education system and $6.13 billion for infrastructure investment.
Fears of disorder ahead of imminent pub reopenings in England Press TV 30 Jun 2020 -- Police forces across England are on alert as the country prepares to reopen pubs after 104 days of closing them down as part of the coronavirus lockdown.
Nicola Sturgeon vows tough action to prevent coronavirus resurgence Press TV 30 Jun 2020 -- Against the backdrop of growing fears about a resurgence of coronavirus infections on the British Isles, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has indicated she is prepared to take preemptive action.
UK COVID-19 death toll nears 55,000 cases SPA 30 Jun 2020 -- The United Kingdom's suspected COVID-19 death toll has hit 54,852, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources that underline the country's status as one of the worst hit in the world.
Leicester poses serious challenge to Johnson's lockdown exit model Press TV 29 Jun 2020 -- Boris Johnson's plan to celebrate an England-wide lockdown exit early next month has been thrown into disarray following reports that the city of Leicester may have to stay in lockdown for an additional two weeks.
Boris Johnson: UK Economy Saw a 'Big Fall' Due to Coronavirus Pandemic Sputnik 29 Jun 2020 -- According to government data, the British economy shrank by an unprecedented 10.4 percent in the three months up to the end of April; that number included the nation's biggest-ever monthly fall in GDP in April, weeks before the gradual reopening of the economy.
UK COVID-19 deaths hit 43,514 as another 100 patients die Global Times 28 Jun 2020 -- Another 100 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Friday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 43,414, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Saturday.
Coronavirus response: The United Kingdom flies medical equipment to West Africa following UN call for support NATO 27 Jun 2020 -- A UK Royal Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft departed for Accra, Ghana on Saturday (27 June 2020), carrying materials for the construction of a field hospital. This facility will be used for frontline aid workers in the region, to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
UK Reportedly Ready to Pump $600 Million into US Satellite Operator as Alternative to EU's Galileo Sputnik 27 Jun 2020 -- In 2018, then-UK Prime Minister Theresa May pulled out of the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system project as Brussels excluded London from its development in preparation for Brexit.
UK Prime Minister Johnson Says Britain Ready for 'Australia Terms' of Brexit if No Deal Reached Sputnik 27 Jun 2020 -- The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, and is currently going through a transition period lasting until December 31, 2020. Until then, London and Brussels will be trying to negotiate further arrangements,
Carrier Strike - Preparing for deployment UK National Audit Office (NAO) 26 Jun 2020 -- Today the National Audit Office (NAO) reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) needs to focus on developing crucial supporting elements to make full use of Carrier Strike, as well as develop a better understanding of how much it will cost in the future.
UK Defence Ministry Failed to Account for Final Cost of Aircraft Carriers, Public Watchdog Says Sputnik 26 Jun 2020 -- The UK's Ministry of Defence has not counted all future costs of operating its two aircraft carriers in the upcoming budgets, a report by a public spending watchdog has concluded.
MOD negotiates 10 billion PPE items UK MOD 26 Jun 2020 -- Over the last 12 weeks a dedicated team fronted by MOD experts have negotiated contracts for more than 10 billion items of PPE for NHS workers in the battle against Covid-19.
Johnson Answers Questions About Lockdowns, Test & Track App VOA 24 Jun 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparred with opposition Labor leader Keir Starmer in Parliament Wednesday about Johnson's strategies for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in Britain.
UK must prepare for second coronavirus wave: Health leaders warn Press TV 24 Jun 2020 -- Medical experts have sternly warned that there should be an urgent review to determine whether the United Kingdom is prepared for a second wave of the coronavirus.
Sturgeon announces significant easing of lockdown measures beginning mid-July Press TV 24 Jun 2020 -- The Scottish government has announced a substantial reduction in lockdown measures beginning on July 15.
WHO: UK coronavirus testing system is "capable" SPA 24 Jun 2020 -- Britain's coronavirus testing programme could help to give a picture of how the virus spread of the virus in the country, Reuters quoted Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) emergencies programme, as saying today.
Boris Johnson Grilled as Germany Beats UK to a Coronavirus Contact Tracing App Sputnik 24 Jun 2020 -- "We spent 12 million on this. Other countries are ahead of us. When are we going to have a working app?" opposition party Leader Keir Starmer said during a Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
Britain Further Relaxes COVID-19 Restrictions VOA 23 Jun 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tuesday announced plans to further relax COVID-19 restrictions, including the opening of pubs, restaurants and hair salons beginning July 4.
UK government daily coronavirus briefings to end Press TV 23 Jun 2020 -- The British government has announced it will stop its daily coronavirus briefings. A statement from 10 Downing Street proclaimed that this evening's new conference will be the last to be held on a daily basis.
Joint Statement: Five Eyes Defense Ministers' Meeting DoD 22 Jun 2020 -- The defense ministers/secretaries from the Five Eyes nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) met via videoconference on 22 / 23 June.
UK Interior Minister Says Reading Attacker Acted Alone Sputnik 22 Jun 2020 -- Earlier, police said that they were treating the stabbing attack in Reading, which claimed the lives of three people, as a terrorist attack.
UK Gov't Urged to Ensure Capacity to Deal with Second Surge of COVID-19 to Avoid 'Swamping' NHS Sputnik 22 Jun 2020 -- As new infections and fatalities have fallen in many countries that have passed the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have been unwinding some of the rigid lockdown restrictions introduced to stop the spread of the virus, with some health experts voicing concerns regarding a possible second wave of infections in the fall or winter.
UK Navy Says Shadowed Russian Warship During Passage Via English Channel Sputnik 21 Jun 2020 -- UK navy said in a press release on Sunday it had sent a warship and a patrol ship to shadow a Russian destroyer as it passed through the English channel.
UK 'On Plan' to Ease COVID-19 Lockdown Again From July 4 - Health Secretary Sputnik 21 Jun 2020 -- With Brits becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to get a haircut, the Health Secretary's latest announcement will provide the sound of relief for some. However, as he also made clear, nothing is certain yet.
3 People Killed in Britain Stabbing Attack VOA 21 Jun 2020 -- Three people were killed, and three others were seriously injured in a stabbing incident in the British town of Reading on Saturday.
RAF Fighter Jets, Surveillance and Refuelling aircraft have been in action across Europe this week in support of NATO allies UK MOD 20 Jun 2020 -- Missions included escorting US strategic bombers and scrambling twice to monitor Russian planes operating around the Baltic Nations airspace.
Russia Reports Just Under 8,000 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 20 Jun 2020 -- Russia on Saturday reported 7,889 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide case tally to 576,952 since the crisis began, Reuters reported.
E3 foreign ministers' statement on the JCPoA: 19 June UK FCO 19 Jun 2020 -- France, Germany and the UK reiterate commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to bring Iran back to full compliance with the JCPoA.
UK-Qatari Typhoons take off as joint squadron UK MOD 19 Jun 2020 -- The Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) Typhoon Squadron have commenced flying as a Joint Squadron.
Royal Navy Speedboats Repulse Spanish Warship Sailing in British Gibraltar Waters Sputnik 19 Jun 2020 -- The incident was said to have taken place as two British Royal Navy minehunters along with three Gibraltar-based squadron ships were participating in a routine naval exercise near Europa Point, Gibraltar's southern-most point on Thursday.
UK calls for drastic action in Yemen as coronavirus infections reach one million UK FCO 18 Jun 2020 -- UK Minister for the Middle East expresses deep concern at rapidly rising number of coronavirus infections in Yemen amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Hong Kong US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union.
�26.7 million engine support contract for Oxfordshire company UK MOD 17 Jun 2020 -- A £26.7 million contract has been awarded to supply and maintain outboard and inboard motors fitted to the MOD's small boats fleet.
U.S.-UK Technology Safeguards Agreement US Dept. of State 17 Jun 2020 -- On June 16, 2020, the United States and the United Kingdom concluded the Agreement on Technology Safeguards Associated with U.S. Participation in Space Launches from the United Kingdom, or the U.S.-UK Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA).
UK COVID-19 deaths rise to 41,736 as another 38 patients die People's Daily 16 Jun 2020 -- Another 38 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Sunday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 41,736, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Monday.
Foreign Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 15 June 2020 UK FCO 15 Jun 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 15 June 2020 daily press briefing on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
UK reports lowest daily deaths, France "turns page of first act of crisis" People's Daily 15 Jun 2020 -- Britain reports lowest daily COVID-19 deaths since lockdown starts;
Boris Johnson Reportedly 'Scrapped' Health Security Threats Committee Shortly Before Pandemic Sputnik 13 Jun 2020 -- According to a new report, in late 2018, Theresa May wound down a sub-committee of the National Security Council tasked with protecting the UK from influenza pandemics, in order to devote more resources to Brexit. The committee was later abolished by her successor.
RAF completes COVID support task at Kinloss UK MOD 12 Jun 2020 -- 3 RAF Puma helicopters deployed to Kinloss Barracks to support the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) in the coronavirus fight head back to their Oxfordshire base.
UK extends commitment to fight violent extremism in the Sahel UK MOD 12 Jun 2020 -- Three RAF Chinooks and 100 personnel will remain in Mali as UK extends its commitment to supporting French counter-terrorism operation
U.S., U.K., France Strengthen Partnership during Virtual Trilateral Maritime Talks NNS 12 Jun 2020 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday, First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin, and Chief of Naval Staff, Adm. Christophe Prazuck, French Navy, conducted a trilateral maritime discussion, June 12.
Britain Faces Grim Coronavirus Forecast VOA 11 Jun 2020 -- The British government is facing strong criticism for its response to the coronavirus pandemic, as the latest forecasts suggest the economy could be the worst-hit globally. Britain has the world's second-highest death toll from the virus and is emerging from its lockdown later than most of Europe.
Defence Secretary praises UK defence industry partnership UK MOD 11 Jun 2020 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has praised the MOD's partnership with Britain's defence industry, which is rising to meet the challenges of maintaining critical output during the coronavirus pandemic.
Big Air Hubs Were Major Factor in Spread of Coronavirus, UK Is Prime Example, Claims New Study Sputnik 10 Jun 2020 -- The news will likely add pressure on the government of Boris Johnson, which has been harshly criticized by public health experts for its slow response to the outbreak, in particular for the decision not to restrict air travel during the pandemic.
Barnier accuses UK of 'cherry picking' at talks Press TV 10 Jun 2020 -- In the latest blow to post-Brexit trade talks, the European Union's chief negotiator has accused the UK of making excessive demands on the bloc.
Deputy Minister of Defense Receives Phone call from UK Secretary of State for Defense SPA 10 Jun 2020 -- Prince Khaled bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, received today a phone call from Ben Wallace Secretary of State for Defense of United Kingdom.
UK should abandon double standards on Hong Kong: FM spokesperson Global Times 10 Jun 2020 -- What kind of freedom did the UK give to Hong Kong during its 156 years of colonialism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying asked Tuesday at a press conference in response to the UK's expression of concern over the freedom of Hong Kong residents following the approval of the introduction of the new national security law.
On China's Attempted Coercion of the United Kingdom US Dept. of State 09 Jun 2020 -- "The United States stands with our allies and partners against the Chinese Communist Party's coercive bullying tactics. In the latest example, Beijing has reportedly threatened to punish British bank HSBC and to break commitments to build nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom unless London allows Huawei to build its 5G network. Shenzhen-based Huawei is an extension of the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance state."
UK's operational F-35 jets mark first landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth UK Royal Navy 09 Jun 2020 -- The decks of HMS Queen Elizabeth are roaring with the sound of F-35 Lightning jets as the famous Dambusters squadron landed on the aircraft carrier for the first time today.
Chinese FM Calls on UK to Respect Country's Right to Protect State Security in Hong Kong Sputnik 09 Jun 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a phone call with his UK counterpart has expressed hope that London will not meddle in Hong Kong's affairs amid a national security legislation debate, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Britain should respect China's legitimate right to safeguard national security in HK: Chinese FM Global Times 09 Jun 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hope that Britain will respect China's legitimate right to safeguard national security in Hong Kong during a phone conversation on Monday with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
Europe: Heading for a Fight VOA 08 Jun 2020 -- Eurocrats admit they are breathing a sigh of relief that Britain is out of the European Union. If it had still been a member, they would face an even trickier prospect of persuading the fractious bloc to agree a politically ambitious pandemic economic recovery plan to lift flagging economic fortunes.
Royal Navy joins NATO allies on major maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea region UK MOD 08 Jun 2020 -- Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Kent has joined 19 nations on the US-led Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise.
UK Police To Gain New Powers to Question Individuals Suspected of Espionage Sputnik 08 Jun 2020 -- Law enforcement officers at the United Kingdom's ports will be given greater powers to detain and question individuals suspected of espionage, according to a government statement on Monday.
Leading scientist delivers blow to government by openly regreting late lockdown decision Press TV 07 Jun 2020 -- In a fresh blow to the government's coronavirus crisis management strategy, a leading scientist has claimed the UK's late lockdown has "cost a lot of lives".
Latest Brexit trade talks end without 'significant' progress Press TV 06 Jun 2020 -- The latest round of post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and the European Union (EU) has hit a deadlock with no prospect of an immediate breakthrough.
UK COVID-19 deaths top 40,000 as another 357 patients die Global Times 06 Jun 2020 -- Another 357 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Thursday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 40
UK, EU need to conclude negotiation "in good time": UK chief Brexit negotiator People's Daily 06 Jun 2020 -- Britain's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost said Friday that Britain remains "committed to a successful outcome" in talks with Brussels after little progress was made in the fourth round of crucial talks.
Facing More Pressure from Washington, Britain Pushes Back on Huawei Dependence VOA 05 Jun 2020 -- The Trump administration's campaign to keep Chinese tech giant Huawei out of its allies' 5G networks appears to be gaining ground in Britain.
Face coverings must be worn on public transport from 15 June, government has announced Press TV 05 Jun 2020 -- More than 10 weeks after the pandemic took hold in the UK, Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday that face coverings must be worn in England on buses, trams, trains, coaches, aircraft and ferries from 15 June.
Michel Barnier Slams UK for 'Backtracking' on Political Promises During Brexit Negotiations Sputnik 05 Jun 2020 -- Negotiations over the United Kingdom's future relationship with the European Union are ongoing but have come to a deadlock as the two sides fail to agree on key issues. Until the end of this year, the UK remains subject to EU laws despite having formally left the bloc in January.
Foreign States or Criminals Trying to Steal UK's COVID Vaccine Secrets, Spy Chief Claims Sputnik 05 Jun 2020 -- The GCHQ director would not disclose who is believed to be behind the attacks, although he described China as the UK's "intelligence adversary" elsewhere in the interview.
Health secretary blasted for 'misleading' presentation of testing numbers Press TV 04 Jun 2020 -- The government was savaged by the UK's statistics watchdog chair, Sir David Norgrove, in a blistering letter to health secretary Matt Hancok earlier this week, accusing him of "misleading" the public by including tests mailed to home addresses and NHS locations - which might never be used - in the tally announced at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
Armed Forces announce launch of first Cyber Regiment in major modernisation UK MOD 04 Jun 2020 -- A new Cyber Regiment has been launched to protect frontline operations from digital attack as Defence continues its modernisation to combat the threats of tomorrow, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace today announces.
Ministry of Defence seeks to maximise Reserves contribution through new review UK MOD 03 Jun 2020 -- The specialist contribution military reservists have made across society during Britain's battle against coronavirus will help inform a review examining how defence can maximise the skills of its Reserve Forces.
PM statement at the coronavirus press conference: 3 June 2020 Gov.UK 03 Jun 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference on 3 June 2020.
Scientists Warn of Dangers as Britain Eases COVID-19 Lockdown VOA 03 Jun 2020 -- Britain this week eased its lockdown rules, with some students returning to school and many families allowed to meet for the first time since March, when the measures were brought in to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
RAF jets in Lithuania intercept Russian aircraft UK MOD 03 Jun 2020 -- Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets deployed to Lithuania have conducted their first intercept of Russian aircraft as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
PM Boris Johnson article on Hong Kong: 3 June 2020 Gov.UK 03 Jun 2020 -- There is something wonderful about the fact that a small island in the Pearl River Delta rose to become a great trading city and commercial powerhouse of East Asia. Wonderful, but not accidental or fortuitous.
Britain Offers Hong Kongers Path to Citizenship VOA 03 Jun 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday said he would offer millions of Hong Kong residents a path to British citizenship if China imposes a national security law that opponents fear will erode political freedom in the territory.
Boris Johnson escalates interventionist policy in Hong Kong Press TV 03 Jun 2020 -- After weeks of posturing by the British government, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has come out to publicly endorse the plan to grant British citizenship to potentially millions of HongKongers.
Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks on the Joint Letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson from Seven Former Foreign Secretaries of the UK Global Times 03 Jun 2020
China strongly protests to UK over foreign secretary's Hong Kong remarks Press TV 03 Jun 2020 -- China has filed stern representations with the United Kingdom over remarks by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accusing Beijing of violating the autonomy of Hong Kong with the passage of a national security law in the global financial hub.
West's offers to lure HKers help city drain 'bad blood' Global Times 03 Jun 2020 -- To further meddle in Hong Kong's affairs, US and UK politicians, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have jumped out to try to lure Hong Kong residents with relaxed immigration policies, a move which Chinese observers predicted will do nothing to affect the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong but actually helps the Chinese city drain out national traitors, who are "bad blood" poisoning Hong Kong.
China's proposed national security law for Hong Kong: Foreign Secretary's statement to Parliament UK FCO 02 Jun 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a statement in the House of Commons on the situation in Hong Kong and the UK's response to it.
UK deaths top 39,000, Italy records lowest new cases since Feb. 27 People's Daily 02 Jun 2020 -- UK COVID-19 deaths top 39,000 as another 111 patients die;
Department of Health concedes coronavirus disproportionately affects ethnic minorities Press TV 02 Jun 2020 -- After months of anecdotal evidence and media-led speculation, the British government has finally officially admitted that the coronavirus has a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities.
Scotland Could Enforce New COVID-19 Restrictions VOA 01 Jun 2020 -- Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned citizens Monday her government may be forced to enforce new restrictions after a weekend of good weather prompted many people to violate social distancing rules.
UK COVID-19 deaths rise to 38,489 as another 113 patients die People's Daily 01 Jun 2020 -- Another 113 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Saturday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 38,489, British Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick said Sunday.

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June 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News