July 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Says Plan to Reopen Depends on Transmission Rate Sputnik 31 Jul 2020 -- The Prime Minister addressed the British public in a press conference following sharp criticisms over new restrictions set to enter force in North England as fresh waves of coronavirus infections were reported by government authorities.
Boris Johnson claims "massive success" in coronavirus despite highest excess death rate in Europe Press TV 30 Jul 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been derided as "delusional" having claimed "massive success" in reducing the number of fatalities from coronavirus, despite figures showing England has had the highest excess death rate in Europe.
UK Troops reach training milestone ahead of UN Peacekeeping deployment to Mali UK MOD 29 Jul 2020 -- UK troops deploying to the United Nations Peacekeeping operation in Mali have reached a significant training milestone in preparation for their mission, which starts in December 2020.
Incoming MI6 Chief has strong diplomatic and intellignece background Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- In the latest churn at the top of the British security establishment, Richard Moore has been named as the next chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), better known as MI6.
Appointment of the new Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) UK FCO 29 Jul 2020 -- Foreign Secretary approves the appointment of Richard Moore CMG to succeed Sir Alex Younger
PM says government doing everything necessary to avoid covid-19 second wave Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Boris Johnson has warned of signs pointing to a "second wave" of coronavirus infections in Europe as he tries to deflect criticism about the sudden change of travel advice to Spain.
There Are Signs of Second COVID-19 Wave in Europe, UK PM Johnson Warns Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- European countries fear a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic as people begin to relax and stop following the restrictions though the virus is still present.
Top civil servant to head cyber security center Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- In an expected move the UK has appointed a new national cyber security chief.
First Ares Armoured Vehicles Delivered to the Army UK Army 27 Jul 2020 -- Named for the ancient Greek god of war, Ares delivers a step-change in the British Army's battlefield capability. Last week, the first six vehicles were delivered to the Household Cavalry Regiment at Bulford, Wiltshire.
MI6 admits to interfering in judicial matters Press TV 27 Jul 2020 -- The Secret Intelligence Service (better known as MI6) has been forced to apologize after it was established the agency had tried to interfere in judicial matters.
Handover of Mobile Testing Units UK MOD 26 Jul 2020 -- Military support to the National Testing Programme will be handed over in coming weeks as the Department for Health and Social Care establishes a long-term plan to deliver Coronavirus tests.
Anger over the government's 'shambolic'decision on Spain quarantine rule change Press TV 26 Jul 2020 -- The Department for Transport's sudden decision to impose quarantine measures on people travelling from Spain has caused confusion and outrage in equal measure.
Spain Disputes Britain's Claim It Is Unsafe for Tourists VOA 26 Jul 2020 -- Spain is safe for tourists, it said Sunday, rebuking Britain for imposing a two-week quarantine on all travelers entering the country from Spain because of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 Totals Continue Upward Spiral VOA 25 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a BBC television interview Friday that "in the first few weeks and months" of the coronavirus outbreak his government did not understand the intricacies of the virus.
PM makes comments while promoting extension of free winter flu jabs Press TV 24 Jul 2020 -- Boris Johnson, while promoting an expanded programme of flu jabs that ministers hope will ease pressure on the NHS if there is a second wave of coronavirus this winter, has said that people opposed to vaccinations are "nuts.
Britain PM Calls Anti-Vaccination Activists 'Nuts' VOA 24 Jul 2020 -- As he visited a London medical center to promote a flu immunization program Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson referred to opponents of vaccinations as "nuts."
EU-UK post-Brexit trade deal "unlikely": Barnier Global Times 24 Jul 2020 -- The European Union's (EU) chief negotiator for relations with the United Kingdom (UK), Michel Barnier, said Thursday that the UK's approach was making a post-Brexit trade deal "unlikely" as the sixth round of talks ended with little progress.
Gibraltar squadron to receive two cutting-edge Fast Patrol Craft UK MOD 24 Jul 2020 -- A £9.9 million contract has been signed with Merseyside-based Marine Specialised Technology (MST) for two new boats to replace the Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Craft.
British PM Visits Scotland; Says COVID-19 Crisis Shows Strength of Union VOA 23 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Scotland Thursday, saying crises like the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the "strength of the union" as new polls show rising support for a new independence referendum in the semi-autonomous nation.
Face masks compulsory in shops in England from Friday Press TV 23 Jul 2020 -- Face masks will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets across England as of Friday, individuals will have to cover their mouths and noses when entering sandwich shops or takeaways according to the government's guidance.
Scottish home for Poseidon fleet reaches major milestone UK MOD 23 Jul 2020 -- Facilities to house the Poseidon MRA Mk1 fleet have been handed over to Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), marking a major milestone in the Poseidon programme.
Scottish Nationalists Urged to Boycott Russian State Media VOA 23 Jul 2020 -- Scotland's nationalists are coming under mounting political pressure to stop appearing on Russian state-backed broadcaster RT following an explosive report earlier this week by Britain's parliamentary intelligence watchdog, which said Moscow has been actively seeking to boost the campaign for Scottish independence.
Coronavirus response: The United Kingdom delivers field hospital to West Africa following UN global call for support NATO 22 Jul 2020 -- Following a global request by the United Nations for airlift support in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the United Kingdom Royal Air Force transported a field hospital from Europe to Accra, Ghana, in coordination with NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). The United Nations used this mechanism to call for NATO Allies' help in transporting urgently needed medical items. With commercial flights disrupted and the cost of cargo flights having escalated, this support came at a crucial time.
UK reiterates concern over global cyber attacks UK FCO 22 Jul 2020 -- Alongside allies, UK condemns targeting of those working to respond to the coronavirus pandemic
Royal Navy Spots, Shadows Russian Kalibr-Carrying Sub in English Channel Sputnik 22 Jul 2020 -- Russian submarines and other warships regularly pass through the waters adjacent to the UK and France on their way to the Mediterranean and Black seas, with the subs doing so in a surfaced position and often accompanied by support vessels.
UK considers adopting new 'espionage' law to counter Russian influence Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- Following the publication of the Russia report there is growing clamor in the British political establishment for a new espionage law that takes stock of both actual and potential national security threats.
UK minister: No evidence of Russian meddling in Brexit vote Press TV 22 Jul 2020 -- A British minister rejects the notion that Russia meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum following the disclosure of a report that showed the UK was "clearly a target" for disinformation campaigns around its elections.
Russia Report: Kremlin Denies Election Meddling as Dossier Compiled by UK Spy Agencies Published Sputnik 21 Jul 2020 -- A report on alleged Russian interference in British politics which was completed last year has finally been published. Publication of the report was deliberately delayed until after the General Election, reportedly to spare the blushes of the ruling Conservative Party.
British PM Holds First In-Person Cabinet Meeting Since March VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met face to face with members of his Cabinet Tuesday for the first time since March.
Memorandum on Reinforcing Operations Security DoD 21 Jul 2020 -- Today the Secretary for Defense released a memorandum for all Department of Defense personnel reinforcing Operations Security (OPSEC) and the importance of preventing unauthorized disclosures.
U.K. Report Calls For Further Study Of Russian Interference, Claims Meddling In Scottish Vote RFE/RL 21 Jul 2020 -- A British parliamentary committee has criticized the government for failing to investigate Russian interference during the 2016 Brexit referendum despite "credible" commentary that Moscow had tried to meddle in the Scottish independence referendum two years earlier.
Russian Influence in Britain is 'New Normal,' Intelligence Committee Warns VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- A long-awaited House of Commons report laying bare Kremlin-sponsored bids to influence the outcomes of British elections and other votes, and to meddle in the workings of British democracy generally, was released Tuesday, with lawmakers on the intelligence and security committee saying Russia sought to break up the United Kingdom by attempting to "influence" the 2014 Scottish independence vote.
Nicola Sturgeon takes London to task over Russia report Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- As the British political establishment digests the contents of the Russia report, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has seized the initiative by calling out the government for its complacency.
Long-awaited Russia Report triggers political storm in Britain Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- The long-awaited report into alleged Russian "interference" in British national life was finally released today after the government caved into public pressure.
US, Britain Increasingly See Eye-to-Eye on China VOA 21 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Tuesday as tensions escalated between the United States and China over trade, the status of the South China Sea, the origins of the novel coronavirus and the Chinese response to the virus when it first emerged in the city of Wuhan.
Beijing vows to strike back forcefully in response to London's wrong deeds: Chinese FM Global Times 21 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held talks with British officials and some Hong Kong secessionists fleeing to the UK on Tuesday during his visit to London amid growing US-China tensions. Abandoning an independent foreign policy and yielding to the pressure of Washington, the Boris government has taken a harsh stance on Hong Kong, Huawei and other China-related matters. The policies will eventually backfire and London's policies won't be followed by the rest of Europe, observers said.
Little effect on China as UK ends extradition treaty with HKSAR to please US: experts Global Times 21 Jul 2020 -- The day US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in London, kicking off his short visit to the UK amid deteriorating China-UK ties, the British government announced that it would suspend its extradition treaty with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a move which further enflames the row with China.
China strongly condemns UK's suspension of extradition treaty with HKSAR People's Daily 21 Jul 2020 -- According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in London, "any attempt to pressurize China and obstruct the implementation of this Law (the national security law for the HKSAR) will meet the strong opposition of 1.4 billion Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, and such attempt is doomed to failure."
China vows 'forceful counterattack' to UK's withdrawal from Hong Kong treaty Press TV 21 Jul 2020 -- China has called on Britain to "correct its mistakes" and promised a "forceful counterattack" to London's unilateral withdrawal from an extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and China: Foreign Secretary's statement in Parliament, 20 July 2020 UK FCO 20 Jul 2020 -- Dominic Raab said the UK will extend the arms embargo that applies to China to Hong Kong, and suspend our extradition treaty with Hong Kong indefinitely.
UK signs deals for another 90m doses of COVID-19 vaccine Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- The British government has penned deals for more than 90m additional doses of potential Covid-19 vaccines.
Welsh health minister contradicts Boris Johnson on second lockdown Press TV 20 Jul 2020 -- In the latest sign of a growing divergence between London and the UK's devolved governments, the Welsh health minister has claimed he would "not be afraid" of a new coronavirus lockdown in the event of a rise in COVID-19 infections.
New industry leaders partner with Team Tempest to deliver next generation combat aircraft UK MOD 20 Jul 2020 -- Seven new companies will collaborate with Team Tempest, the pioneering alliance delivering cutting edge technology for a new generation of combat air power.
UK defence teams up with world leading UK space company to secure next generation of military communications UK MOD 19 Jul 2020 -- A new military communications satellite is set to keep troops safe across the globe for decades to come, thanks to a £500 million contract confirmed today by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
UK PM Johnson Compares Possible Second COVID-19 Lockdown to 'Nuclear Deterrent' Sputnik 19 Jul 2020 -- British media reported earlier this week, citing UK scientists, that a new wave of COVID-19 expected this upcoming winter would be more serious than the first and could result in about 120,000 new fatal cases if authorities fail to take urgent action to avoid the outbreak.
Why Second Wave of COVID Pandemic Will be Even More Difficult for the UK Sputnik 19 Jul 2020 -- Though the UK government initiative to step up NHS funding amid the COVID pandemic is crucial, there are concerns as to whether the promised financial aid will fill all the gaps, as the upcoming winter season threatens to become even more disastrous for the nation, British healthcare experts say.
Russia's U.K. Envoy Says Allegations Of Vaccine Hacking Make 'No Sense' RFE/RL 19 Jul 2020 -- Russia's ambassador to Great Britain has denied Western allegations that Moscow helped hackers target laboratories conducting research on vaccines to fight the coronavirus.
Russia's UK envoy: COVID-19 vaccine hacking claims nonsensical Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- Moscow's ambassador to London has rejected allegations made by the UK and its allies that Russian intelligence services attempted to steal data on coronavirus vaccine research projects from laboratories around the world.
UK on edge after Huawei ban angers China Global Times 20 Jul 2020 -- Even though China has not taken any countermeasures, at least publicly, against the UK over its ban on Chinese telecom giant Huawei from its 5G development, many in the UK - from business leaders to scholars - are wary of potential devastating consequences from the move on bilateral ties and on the UK economy, which is already facing what has been described as the worst period in decades.
Russian UK envoy: Moscow to penalize those imposing sanctions on Russians Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- The Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom says Moscow will find ways to punish those imposing sanctions against its nationals as part of "the Magnitsky case."
China will 'respond resolutely' if UK sanctions officials, says Chinese envoy Press TV 19 Jul 2020 -- China has warned that it will respond resolutely to any attempt by Britain to slap sanctions on Chinese officials following the enactment of a security law in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong.
Government threatens to over-rule local authorities by imposing lockdowns Press TV 18 Jul 2020 -- There is growing confusion and concern over the government's threat to over-rule local authorities by imposing local lockdowns in England the event of sharp rises in coronavirus infections.
Chinese Ambassador Urges UK to Avoid Sending Aircraft Carrier to Asia-Pacific Region Sputnik 18 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Ambassador to London Liu Xiaoming, in an interview with The Times, urged the UK authorities to cancel plans to send the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to the Asia-Pacific region and said that the placement of the ship would be "a very dangerous move."
UK PM Johnson: National Covid Lockdown Was Right Thing to Do, Now Targeted Local Action Better Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- The latest announcement from Downing Street has outlined strategic plans to tackle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, including a second wave set to hit in the winter, with sweeping new measures being launched to transfer power to local authorities and boost contact tracing protocols, among others.
Local authorities given new powers to close premises and cancel events Press TV 17 Jul 2020 -- Mr Johnson, speaking at a Downing Street press conference, revealed that from Saturday local authorities would have new powers to close specific premises, shut outdoor spaces and cancel events.
Argentina Condemns UK Military Exercises Near Falkland Islands Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- Argentina and the United Kingdom have long-held disputed claims over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands or as they are called in Spanish - 'Islas Malvinas' - Buenos Aires has long stressed a return to negotiations to solve the clashing ownership.
British Lawmakers Seen Pushing for Earlier Huawei Ouster VOA 17 Jul 2020 -- The British government's decision to ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G telecom network beginning in 2027 is only the "opening salvo" of what is to come, according to a leading expert on U.S.-British relations.
Book, Report Spark Concern Over China's UK Elite Influence Operations Radio Free Asia 17 Jul 2020 -- Concerns are growing over Chinese influence in the U.K. after a prominent member of a Chinese Communist Party-backed "friendship" organization was able to meet with five prime ministers and several members of the royal family, according to a recent report in the Daily Mail newspaper.
Russia Categorically Denies Meddling in UK Elections, Warns of Negative Consequences for Relations Sputnik 17 Jul 2020 -- On Thursday, London hurled a string of accusations at Moscow, accusing it of trying to interfere in the UK's 2019 general election, and of using hackers to try to steal British coronavirus vaccine research. The same day, a parliamentary intelligence committee promised to release a report on alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
UK condemns Russian Intelligence Services over vaccine cyber attacks UK FCO 16 Jul 2020 -- The Foreign Secretary has called out Russia's unacceptable cyber attacks against COVID-19 vaccine developers.
Russia Accused of Stealing Western Coronavirus Research VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- U.S., British and Canadian officials accused the Kremlin Thursday of being behind a massive and ongoing cyber hack aimed at stealing from Western pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions doing research into coronavirus vaccines and treatment therapies.
Moscow Refutes UK Claims That Russia-Linked Hackers Tried to Steal Data on COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- Last month, the head of the UK spy agency GCHQ said that Britain's intelligence agents had detected multiple cyberattacks on the country's health infrastructure this past spring, linking the attacks to attempts to steal sensitive data about a possible COVID-19 vaccine.
Britain, U.S., Canada Accuse Russia Of Trying To Steal COVID-19 Vaccine Research RFE/RL 16 Jul 2020 -- Britain, Canada, and the United States have accused Russia of trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world.
UK to have independent inquiry into its handling of COVID-19 pandemic: PM People's Daily 16 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) that there will be an independent inquiry into Britain's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scottish and UK Governments Clash Over Post-Brexit Powers Sputnik 16 Jul 2020 -- The UK government has published plans for an internal national market to ensure goods move freely between all four UK nations following the Brexit transition period. To ensure a level playing field in the market, however, each UK nation must agree to accept goods from every part of the country, even if they have different local standards.
Britain: 'Almost Certain' Russia Tried to Meddle in 2019 Elections VOA 16 Jul 2020 -- Britain's foreign ministry said Thursday Russia sought to interfere in Britain's 2019 general election by illicitly acquiring sensitive documents relating to a planned free trade agreement with the United States and leaking them online.
Intelligence and Security Committee: Russia report to be published within days Press TV 16 Jul 2020 -- The report into Russian influence in UK politics, which has been suppressed for over nine months by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is to be published before July 22, when parliament breaks up for the summer.
Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey MP: The Ministry of Defence Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic UK MOD 15 Jul 2020 -- The Minister for the Armed Forces discusses the role of the Ministry of Defence in mitigating the Covid-19 crisis and how the pandemic will shape the Armed Forces of the future.
Scotland begins lockdown exit Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Scotland has begun to exit the lockdown in earnest nearly two weeks after England took similar steps.
Nicola Sturgeon Admits She is 'More Nervous' Than Ever as Pubs and Restaurants Reopen in Scotland Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- As the coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom begins to slow down, authorities are looking to end lockdown measures first introduced to combat the virus' spread. Scotland has adopted a more cautious approach, unlocking more than a week after businesses were allowed to reopen in England.
British Home Secretary Admits She is Unaware How Many UK Arrivals Have Coronavirus as Flights Resume Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- The United Kingdom has quickly begun to lift many of the travel restrictions introduced to prevent new cases of coronavirus arriving in the country. Arrivals from a number of countries will no longer have to self-isolate for 2-weeks.
Boris Johnson Commits to Inquiry Into Coronavirus That Left UK With 'Europe's Worst Death Rate' Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Westminster needs to "keep up the pressure" to ensure Boris Johnson stands by his promise to hold a judge-led inquiry into the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, said the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats on Twitter.
British PM Defends COVID-19 Response to Opposition VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Wednesday defended his government's COVID-19 response and preparations for a potential second wave of the pandemic as he fielded pointed questions from opposition lawmakers in parliament.
MOD signs £65 million contract for Protector aircraft UK MOD 15 Jul 2020 -- A £65 million contract to build the UK's first three Protector aircraft, the first UK operated system capable of strike missions anywhere in the world, has been signed.
General Praises U.K.'s Partnership With U.S. in Space Operations DoD News 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States doesn't go to war alone on land, on the sea, in the air, in cyberspace and most certainly in the space domain, the Space Force's top officer said, citing the United Kingdom as a key ally in effective space defense over the last 50 years.
Huawei readies for 'war'; shift in overseas strategy expected: insider Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China on Wednesday harshly criticized the UK's decision to ban Huawei from the UK's 5G development, painting London as an accomplice in the US' politically driven crackdown on the Chinese telecom giant based on fabricated "national security risks," and vowed to take "all necessary" measures to protect the legitimate interests and rights of Chinese businesses.
China to 'comprehensively assess' UK's decision to remove Huawei 5G gear by 2027 Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China is seriously concerned about UK government's latest decision to remove Huawei gear from its 5G network rollout by 2027, and will "comprehensively assess" the decision by London, and take "necessary measures" to protect legitimate interests of Chinese companies, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
'America's dupe:' China slams UK over ban on Huawei Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- China says the remark by US President Donald Trump that he personally convinced the UK government to ban Chinese technology giant Huawei's 5G network equipment shows that the ban is politically motivated and has nothing to do with security.
Huawei blasts UK ban decision 'disappointing, politicized' Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Chinese technology giant Huawei has censured as "disappointing and politicized" a decision by the UK to ban the company's 5G network equipment.
China Says UK's Ban on Huawei is About 'Politicisation of Commercial Issues' Not 'National Security' Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has been pressuring its NATO partners for some time to abstain from buying 5G tech from Huawei amid concerns that the company could engage in espionage, something the company denies. The UK announced at the start of the year that it will allow Huawei to participate in its 5G rollout, but soon backtracked on its earlier decision.
UK to deploy new aircraft carrier to the Far East to 'counter' China Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- In the latest sign the UK is determined to adopt a belligerent approach against China, it is being reported that military chiefs have drawn up plans to deploy one of Britain's new aircraft carriers to the Far East.
UK Reportedly Plans to Send Aircraft Carrier to Asia Pacific as Tensions With China Rising Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK military intends to send new aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth to the Asia Pacific as tensions with Beijing continue to rise, The Times newspaper reported, citing sources.
Britain's Huawei Ban Resets Relations With China VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British officials are bracing for fierce Chinese government reaction and possible retaliation to Britain's decision Tuesday to block Chinese tech giant Huawei from playing any role in the development of Britain's next generation 5G phone network.
UK Bans Huawei From 5G Rollout, Risking China's Wrath Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- Britain on Tuesday announced it has banned Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G telecom network, a sharp policy shift that angered Beijing and was seen as a win for the Trump administration, which has argued that the company threatens national security.
Britain Bans China's Huawei from New 5G Network VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The British government has banned China's Huawei telecommunications equipment company from playing a limited role in Britain's new high-speed mobile phone network.
Welcoming the United Kingdom Decision To Prohibit Huawei From 5G Networks US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2020 -- "We welcome news that the United Kingdom plans to ban Huawei from future 5G networks and phase out untrusted Huawei equipment from existing networks."
UK orders all mobile providers to cut ties with Huawei by 2027 Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- As widely expected, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to end the Chinese technology giant Huawei's role in the development of the UK's 5G network.
British Lawmakers Demand Sanctions on Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British lawmakers are asking that so-called "Magnitsky-style" sanctions be used against Chinese officials, including Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's chief executive, in response to Beijing's recent imposition of a security law on Hong Kong.
London's Huawei decision 'turning point' for China-UK ties: analyst Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK's move to ban Huawei may further sour strained China-UK political ties, largely reduce personnel exchanges, and most likely prompt Beijing to take reciprocal measures against London's discriminatory policy, Chinese observers said.
UK Government 'Hasn't Yet Got a Clue' How to Succeed in Handling Leicester Lockdown, Mayor Says Sputnik 13 Jul 2020 -- On Sunday, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that councils' authorities across Britain were fighting more than 100 localised COVID-19 outbreaks each week.
British PM Johnson Urges People to Wear Face Masks Indoors VOA 13 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday it was important to wear face coverings in confined spaces such as shops and added that the government would be making an announcement in the coming days on possible steps to make them mandatory.
Rollout of Spearfish Torpedo Fails As Royal Navy Has No Submarines to Test Them Sputnik 12 Jul 2020 -- Head of Britain's Armed Forces, General Nick Carter, has been criticised over the MoD's "shambolic" procurement policies, after admitting decisions to sell off vehicles had been made before the country decided on its strategic interests in an impending integrated review.
UK selling spyware to 17 repressive regimes, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Press TV 13 Jul 2020 -- Britain is providing more than a dozen repressive regimes around the world with wiretaps, spyware and other telecommunications interception equipment likely to be used to spy on dissidents, according to public records.
Nicola Sturgeon hints at more border restrictions Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has suggested that further coronavirus-related restrictions could be placed on the Scotland-England border, but that these would be guided on risk as opposed to politics.
North Korea says UK will 'pay the price' for new sanctions Press TV 12 Jul 2020 -- North Korea says the United Kingdom will "pay the price" for the imposition of new sanctions on Pyongyang.
UK shuns EU's COVID-19 vaccine program People's Daily 11 Jul 2020 -- The UK will not join the European Union (EU)'s COVID-19 vaccine program because it will have no say on negotiations with vaccine suppliers or on prices, UK's ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow said Friday.
Taiwanese travelers exempted from isolation upon arrival in U.K. CNA 10 Jul 2020 -- Taiwanese travelers to all four constituent countries of the United Kingdom will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival beginning Friday, a spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.
UK Will Use Drones to Deliver Coronavirus Tests to Remote Scottish Islands Sputnik 10 Jul 2020 -- According to John Hopkins University, Britain has at least 289,000 infected and the death toll from COVID-19 is the third-highest in the world, at 44,687. Scotland, however, remains less affected than England, accounting only for 18,315 cases, and 2,490 fatalities.
Scotland to lift mandatory quarantine for travelers from Taiwan CNA 09 Jul 2020 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday that it welcomed a decision by the Scottish government to list Taiwan as one of the lower-risk destinations for COVID-19, which means that travelers arriving from Taiwan will be conditionally exempted from a 14-day quarantine requirement.
Britain to Reopen Outdoor Music, Theater Venues Saturday VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- The British government on Thursday announced plans to reopen outdoor theaters and music venues Saturday and fitness facilities July 25.
UK Government Allocates £15 Billion for Personal Protective Equipment for NHS Staff Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in his summer update that the government would be spending almost £50 billion on public spending, with over £30 billion of that amount allocated to the NHS. This comes the same day as he unveiled a further £30 billion recovery package to help kick start the UK's economy.
UK loans Estonia four Jackal vehicles to support counter-terror mission in Mali UK MOD 09 Jul 2020 -- Estonian Special Forces deploying to Mali will be loaned four Jackal armoured vehicles by the UK Ministry of Defence, it is today announced.
Strengthening Partnerships: Saudi, UK and U.S. Navies Conduct Mine Hunting and Countermeasures Training CENTCOM 09 Jul 2020 -- Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf June 06-21.
Saudi, UK, U.S. Navies Conduct Mine-Hunting Countermeasures Training NNS 09 Jul 2020 -- Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf June 6-21.
Russian Foreign Ministry Sees UK's 'Magnitsky' Sanctions as Another Unfriendly Step Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The UK's new sanctions against Russian nationals under the Magnitsky Act are another unfriendly step, as well as an attempt to put pressure on justice and interfere in Russia's domestic affairs, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
Britain in Huawei Dilemma as China Relations Sour VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- There is growing speculation that Britain may be about to reverse course and ban Chinese firm Huawei from Britain's rollout of 5G mobile telecoms technology.
British Prime Minister Takes Responsibility for COVID-19 Response VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday he takes full responsibility for the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, two days after appearing to blame workers in health care facilities for the deaths of residents there.
UK Gov't Slammed by Spending Watchdog for Lack of Strategy to Restock PPE Ahead of 2nd COVID-19 Wave Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- A national outcry was sparked during the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK over the government's failure to buy crucial protective equipment such as gowns, visors, or swabs to cope with pandemics, as the country was left playing catch-up with other nations to secure supplies.
Deputy Minister of Defense Receives Telephone Call From UK Secretary of State for Defense SPA 08 Jul 2020 -- Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, received yesterday a phone call from Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defense of United Kingdom.
China suspends meat imports from more foreign plants due to COVID-19 spread Global Times 07 Jul 2020 -- China customs has issued a revised import suspension list, adding a number of contaminated meat suppliers from Germany, Brazil and the UK, where the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
UK announces first sanctions under new global human rights regime UK FCO 07 Jul 2020 -- The new 'Magnitsky'-style sanctions regime will target those who have been involved in some of the gravest human rights violations and abuses around the world.
UK to resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia despite Yemen concerns Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- As the war in Yemen rages on, with mounting evidence of Saudi war crimes, the UK government has seen fit to resume arms sales to the Kingdom.
UK to Resume Arms Exports to Saudi Arabia Despite 'Isolated' Breaches of International Law in Yemen Sputnik 07 Jul 2020 -- In June 2019, London's court of appeal forced the UK government to suspend new licences for the export of arms to Saudi Arabia and to review existing ones over possible breaches of international law by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. UK officials now say that there is no risk of breaches and arms exports can restart.
Kremlin Vows Reciprocal Measures Over U.K. Sanctions Against Russians RFE/RL 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia has threatened to respond with reciprocal measures to British sanctions against more than two dozen Russian citizens in connection with the mistreatment and death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.
Russia to slap counter-sanctions on UK: Kremlin Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia says it will introduce sanctions against the United Kingdom in retaliation for British bans targeting more than two dozen Russian officials.
Russia 'reserves right to retaliate' UK sanctions Press TV 07 Jul 2020 -- Russia says it reserves the right to retaliate against the United Kingdom for imposing sanctions on 25 Russian officials over alleged human rights violations.
On the United Kingdom's Establishment of a Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime US Dept. of State 06 Jul 2020
U.K. Sanctions Russian Officials Over Alleged Involvement In Magnitsky Death RFE/RL 06 Jul 2020 -- Britain has imposed sanctions on more than two dozen Russian individuals in connection with the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky as relations between the two nations remain frayed over what London calls Moscow's destabilizing acts.
Beijing slams UK for 'gross interference' in China's internal affairs Press TV 06 Jul 2020 -- China says Britain is 'grossly meddling' in its domestic affairs through planning to grant residency to the citizens of Hong Kong as well as irresponsible comments over a new security law in the semi-autonomous city.
Huawei says it remains "open to discussions" with UK government People's Daily 06 Jul 2020 -- Chinese technology firm Huawei said Sunday that it remains "open to discussions" with the British government and is working closely with its customers to find ways of managing the proposed U.S. restrictions so Britain can maintain its current lead in 5G.
UK bluffs over Hong Kong Global Times 06 Jul 2020 -- The UK, a country with massive untold interests in Hong Kong and wants to retain its colonial influence in the city as much as possible, is now acting tough against China's national security law for its Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Chinese analysts said on Monday that the actions of the UK are more of a bluff since they can't harm China, but will only damage itself.
Britain nears $625 mln COVID-19 vaccine deal SPA 05 Jul 2020 -- Britain is close to a 500 million pound ($624 million) supply deal with Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline for 60 million doses of a potential COVID-19 vaccine, Reuters quoted the Sunday Times report.
Britain Poised to Ban Huawei VOA 05 Jul 2020 -- The British government is set to end the participation of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in the building of Britain's 5G phone network – a policy about-turn that will further deteriorate London's strained relations with Beijing, but will please Washington, according to British media reports.
U.K. includes Taiwan among its safe travel corridors CNA 04 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan has been included by the United Kingdom in its safe travel corridors from which travelers to England will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival beginning July 10, according to a notice posted on the U.K.'s government portal.
Scotland to safeguard border with England over coronavirus fears Press TV 04 Jul 2020 -- Following the effective end of the lockdown in England, the Scottish government is taking extra precautions to safeguard the border against coronavirus penetration.
UK Confirmed COVID Death Toll Rises to 44,198, up 67 SPA 04 Jul 2020 -- The United Kingdom's death toll from confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus has risen by 67 to 44,198 in the last day, Reuters quoted the government as saying today.
UK Armed Forces to Re-Focus Attention on Chinese Threat Post Pandemic, Reports Say Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- The heads of the UK army, navy and air force have held consultations with ministers earlier this week to determine the country's security priorities and concluded that the focus in the post-pandemic world is going to be threats coming from China, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Saturday, quoting officials.
Moscow Surprised by UK's Response to Russia's Exit From UN Syria Deconfliction Mechanism Sputnik 04 Jul 2020 -- Moscow is surprised by the UK Foreign Office's comment that Russia's withdrawal from the UN deconfliction mechanism in northwest Syria was "unacceptable," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, adding that the participation in the mechanism was voluntary.
UK court denies Venezuela access to $1 billion of gold, sides with Guaido Press TV 03 Jul 2020 -- A British court has refused to return $1 billion of Venezuela's gold reserves held in London, siding with opposition figure Juan Guaido who asked for the release to be denied.
Defence pledges to evolve faster in the years ahead UK MOD 03 Jul 2020 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has met with the MOD's senior leadership, challenging Defence to evolve faster in response to the emerging threats and opportunities brought by the rapidly changing post-Covid world.
MOD delivers 10,000 items of critical medical equipment to NHS UK MOD 02 Jul 2020 -- The DE&S Logistics Delivery Operating Centre at MOD Donnington have coordinated the delivery of over 10,000 pieces of critical medical equipment.
National Care Association: wrong face mask advice given at height of pandemic Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The government stands accused of dereliction of duty and putting lives at risk through issuing false reassurance to care homes about out-of-date PPE at the height of the pandemic.
China 'reserves right to retaliate' UK residency plan for Hong Kong citizens Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- China says it may take countermeasures against a plan by the United Kingdom to grant residency to the citizens of Hong Kong, which London has designed as a response to Beijing's application of uniform national security law to the semi-autonomous city.
National security legislation in Hong Kong: Foreign Secretary's statement in Parliament UK FCO 01 Jul 2020 -- Dominic Raab gave a statement to the House of Commons on the situation in Hong Kong following the imposition of national security legislation by China.
Strategic UK air base base hit by coronavirus Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- The issue of coronavirus infections inside the British military has come to the fore again following reports of two cases at the one of the UK's most strategic air bases in Scotland.
Johnson warns Israel UK will not recognize any changes to 1967 line Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned Israel against proceeding with plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, calling them illegal.
Israeli annexation plan goes wrong amid internal rifts, intl. backlash Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- Today is the first of July and Israel's much-publicized scheme to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley has not gone exactly as planned amid widening differences within the Israeli ruling coalition and against the backdrop of massive international opposition to the land grab attempt.
UK tries to make good on its threat on Hong Kong Press TV 01 Jul 2020 -- Following China's decisive move to assert its sovereignty on Hong Kong, the British government has apparently made good on its threat to offer citizenship to millions of Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong: Boris Johnson Promises BNO Passport Holders a Route to Citizenship Sputnik 01 Jul 2020 -- On 30 June, the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) approved the National Security Law that provides from three years to life imprisonment for conspiring with foreign states or foreign organisations to undermine national security.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

July 2020 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News