March 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

UK records another 4,040 coronavirus cases, 56 deaths People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- Another 4,040 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,341,736, according to official figures released Tuesday.
UK Carrier Strike Group to sail with Netherlands Frigate on 2021 deployment UK MOD 31 Mar 2021 -- The Netherlands will be fully integrated into the UK sovereign Carrier Strike Group's maiden operational deployment later this year, Defence ministers have confirmed today.
UK records another 4,654 coronavirus cases, 23 deaths People's Daily 30 Mar 2021 -- Another 4,654 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,337,696, according to official figures released Monday.
Defence outlines greener future UK MOD 30 Mar 2021 -- The Ministry of Defence has published its roadmap to becoming more resilient and sustainable in the face of the immense challenge of global climate change.
UK records another 3,862 coronavirus cases, 19 deaths People's Daily 29 Mar 2021 -- Another 3,862 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,333,042, according to official figures released Sunday.
UK PM urged to start sharing coronavirus vaccines with poorer nations People's Daily 29 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing calls on Sunday to immediately begin donating vaccines to poorer nations or risk hoarding supplies while frontline workers are exposed to coronavirus, the Evening Standard newspaper reported.
A treaty between the UK and EU in respect of Gibraltar: joint ministerial statement UK FCDO 29 Mar 2021 -- The UK Foreign Secretary and the Gibraltar Chief Minister gave a statement at the UK-Gibraltar Joint Ministerial Council which took place on 29 March 2021.
Ireland denies UK vaccines jab offer Press TV 28 Mar 2021 -- Ireland has firmly denied the UK has offered to supply the country with excess Covid-19 vaccine jabs following a report to that effect in a major British newspaper.
Joint Statement of Chiefs of Defense Condemning Military-Sponsored Violence in Myanmar DoD 27 Mar 2021 -- The following is a joint statement of the Chiefs of Defense of Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
International Chiefs of Defense Condemn Use of Lethal Force in Burma DoD News 27 Mar 2021 -- Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined fellow chiefs of defense condemning the use of lethal force against the people of Burma.
UK statement on Somalia elections UK FCDO 27 Mar 2021 -- UK Minister for Africa urges Somali leaders to reach a consensus on the electoral process.
Future Maritime Support Programme contracts awarded UK MOD 26 Mar 2021 -- Following a robust competition, five contracts have been awarded as part of the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP).
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom The White House 26 Mar 2021
China Announces Retaliatory Sanctions Against Britain In Dispute Over Treatment Of Uyghurs RFE/RL 26 Mar 2021 -- China has announced sanctions against organizations and individuals in the United Kingdom over what Beijing called "maliciously spread lies and disinformation" over China's treatment of its Muslim Uyghur minority.
China hits back to sanction UK individuals and entities behind smears of Xinjiang Global Times 26 Mar 2021 -- China hit back after the UK's unilateral move of sanctioning Chinese individuals and entities over Xinjiang affairs, with countermeasures of sanctioning nine UK individuals and four entities including chairman of the foreign affairs committee Tom Tugendhat and other MPs and scholars who have spread lies and rumors about China's Xinjiang region, and some major think tanks that have played infamous roles in the matter.
China imposes sanctions on UK entities, individuals for 'spreading lies' Press TV 26 Mar 2021 -- China has imposed sanctions on several organizations and individuals in the United Kingdom for spreading "lies and disinformation" about Xinjiang.
Minister Adams summons Chinese Charge d'Affaires following China's sanctions UK FCDO 26 Mar 2021 -- Charge d'Affaires Yang Xiaoguang was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office following China's sanctioning of 9 British individuals and 4 entities.
UK Slams China Sanctions Over Alleged Uyghur Disinformation VOA 26 Mar 2021 -- The British government announced Friday its full support for parliamentarians and other citizens of Britain sanctioned by China for raising their voices in defense of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the Asian country.
US, UK Hit Two Big Myanmar Military Conglomerates With Sanctions Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2021 -- The United States and Britain on Thursday levelled economic sanctions on two Myanmar military holding companies that serve as a critical economic lifeline for the junta that seized power last month, in what the top U.S. diplomat called "most significant action to date to impose costs on the military regime."
US, UK Hit Two Big Myanmar Military Conglomerates With Sanctions Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2021 -- The United States and Britain on Thursday levelled economic sanctions on two Myanmar military holding companies that serve as a critical economic lifeline for the junta that seized power last month, in what the top U.S. diplomat called "most significant action to date to impose costs on the military regime."
UK Records 63 Deaths From COVID-19, 6,397 New Cases SPA 25 Mar 2021 -- The United Kingdom recorded a further 63 deaths of people who had tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 28 days, and 6,397 new cases, Reuters cited official data as showing.
Supporting the Libyan-led political process in Libya UK FCDO 24 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Libya
Reaching a sustainable political settlement in Afghanistan UK FCDO 24 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on UNAMA
Defence to invest £2bn in next stage of UK combat air system UK MOD 24 Mar 2021 -- Defence Minister Jeremy Quin has warned that the 'freedom of the air cannot be taken for granted' as threat picture changes in RUSI speech
New Royal Navy Surveillance Ship to protect the UK's critical underwater infrastructure UK MOD 24 Mar 2021 -- The Royal Navy are developing a new Multi Role Ocean Surveillance ship (MROSS) to protect our nation against hostile actors and grow our understanding of maritime threats.
Minister for Defence Procurement's speech at the RUSI Combat Air Power Conference UK MOD 24 Mar 2021 -- The Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, gave the keynote speech at the RUSI Combat Air Power conference outlining £2bn investment in the UK's Combat Air System.
UK maintains ambiguity and evasiveness over frozen Libyan funds Press TV 24 Mar 2021 -- The City of London is where £12 billion in frozen Libyan funds resides
Joint Statement by 19 States in Support of the Establishment of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus US Dept. of State 24 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
UK announces €500k funding to help gather evidence of human rights violations in Belarus UK FCDO 24 Mar 2021 -- The UK contributes 500,000 euros to the International Accountability Platform to collect and store evidence of human rights violations and torture in Belarus.
Armed Forces to be more active around the world to combat threats of the future UK MOD 23 Mar 2021 -- The UK will continue to adopt a forward presence around the world, ensuring the men and women of our Armed Forces are globally engaged, constantly campaigning and in lockstep with our Allies
Warfighting Experimentation Force unveiled UK MOD 23 Mar 2021 -- The British Army is introducing a pioneering warfighting experimentation Battlegroup.
Army announces Special Ops Army Ranger Regiment UK MOD 23 Mar 2021 -- The British Army is establishing a special operations Brigade, the core of which will be four battalions of the new Ranger Regiment.
Defence 'Builds Back Better' with bold new Defence and Security Industrial Strategy UK MOD 23 Mar 2021 -- Defence will accelerate the innovation and development of next-generation technology with an ambitious Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) – published today - coupled with a £6.6 billion investment in research and development.
China Faces New Multi-Country Sanctions Over Xinjiang Policies VOA 23 Mar 2021 -- Several western countries announced new sanctions this week against Chinese officials involved in the mass detentions of ethnic Uyghur Muslims, marking a new united front to pressure Beijing over its human rights abuses.
Who are those on China's sanctions list against EU, and why these sanctions are justified? Global Times 23 Mar 2021 -- Editor's Note: China on Monday imposed tit-for-tat sanctions on 10 EU individuals and four entities that it accused of seriously offending the China's sovereignty via Xinjiang abuses.
China summons ambassadors of EU, UK over sanctions Press TV 23 Mar 2021 -- China has summoned the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom to protest recent sanctions imposed on Beijing over allegations of human rights violations in the western state of Xinjiang.
Defence outlines 2030 vision for the armed forces UK MOD 22 Mar 2021 -- The Defence Secretary has set out the future vision for the UK Armed Forces ensuring the military is prepared for new and emerging threats and challenges.
Defence Secretary oral statement on the Defence Command Paper UK MOD 22 Mar 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace describes Defence's contribution to the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.
UK Army to Ditch 'Industrial Age' Capabilities, Slash '10,000 Troops' to Forge 'Agile Military' Sputnik 22 Mar 2021 -- The UK government unveiled its long-awaited Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy 2021on 17 March, re-examining priorities and objectives and defining the country's place post-Brexit.
UK sanctions perpetrators of gross human rights violations in Xinjiang, alongside EU, Canada and US UK FCDO 22 Mar 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announces sanctions against Chinese government officials for gross human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang: Foreign Secretary's statement, 22 March 2021 UK FCDO 22 Mar 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a statement to the House of Commons on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, China.
EU, US, Canada, UK Sanction Chinese Officials, Entities Over Rights Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2021 -- The European Union, U.S., Canada, and the U.K. on Monday leveled sanctions against Chinese officials and security entities as part of a multilateral approach to hold to account those responsible for human rights abuses in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
UK's New Surveillance Ship to Protect Undersea Cables From Russian 'Interest', Wallace Says Sputnik 21 Mar 2021 -- The United Kingdom's multi-role surveillance ship under construction will protect "critical" undersea cables from Russia's activities, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC.
US, EU, Britain, Canada Impose Sanctions on Chinese Officials Over Uyghurs VOA 22 Mar 2021 -- The United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada have imposed sanctions on several Chinese officials for human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority in China's Xinjiang province, prompting retaliation from China.
In Coordinated Effort, West Sanctions China For Rights Violations In Xinjiang RFE/RL 22 Mar 2021 -- The United States, Britain, and Canada have joined the European Union in announced sanctions against Chinese officials and companies over human rights violations against the mainly Muslim ethnic-Uyghur community in China's Xinjiang Province.
Defense Secretary Wallace implicitly admits to Moscow destruction in event of war Press TV 21 Mar 2021 -- The Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace, has tried to defend the government's decision to increase the country's nuclear arsenal from 180 warheads to 260 on the grounds that Russian defenses have gotten stronger in recent years.
UK to set up new 'vanguard' Special Forces Regiment to conduct global missions Press TV 20 Mar 2021 -- Barely four days after the release of the Integrated Review of Security, Defense and Foreign Policy, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled its plan for the establishment of a new Special Forces regiment.
UK Sets Up New Military Unit to Take On 'High Threat' Missions Overseas Sputnik 20 Mar 2021 -- The battalions of 250 highly-skilled soldiers will be modelled on US"Green Berets" special forces and embed within foreign militaries and rebel troops around the world.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Ukraine US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
British Army to Launch New Unit to Assist SAS, SBS in 'Cyber, Electronic Warfare', Report Says Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- According to media reports, part of the plan for the army's renewal is to lose 10,000 soldiers as the nation's Ministry of Defence invests in cutting-edge advanced weapons such as lasers and high-speed missiles.
Britain, EU Trade Barbs as Vaccine Rancor Adds to Post-Brexit Ill-Feeling VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Like some divorced couples, Britain and the European Union are struggling to adjust to their rancorous separation. But the former partners appear to be picking fights with each other, which isn't helping them forge an amicable post-breakup relationship, say analysts.
UK set to increase size of Royal Navy escort fleet by 2030 Press TV 17 Mar 2021 -- During his parlimanetary defence of the Integrated Review of Security, Defense, Development and Foreign policy, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, was at pains to highlight the expansion of the Royal Navy as envisaged by the review.
Britain to increase nuclear stockpile in foreign policy reverse People's Daily 17 Mar 2021 -- Britain is set to reverse its previous policy to reduce its stockpile of nuclear weapons and instead plans to increase the number of nuclear warheads to 260, the British government announced Tuesday.
Kremlin blasts Britain's plan to increase nuclear weapons stockpile Press TV 17 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has regretted a recent decision by the United Kingdom to increase its nuclear warhead stockpile by more than 40 percent.
A force for good: Global Britain in a competitive age UK FCDO 17 Mar 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a speech at the Aspen Security Conference, setting out out how Global Britain will act as a force for good in today's world.
UK Aims to Counter China 'Threat' in Major Defense Review VOA 17 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to counter what he called the "systemic challenge" posed by China as he set out the government's 10-year defense strategy Tuesday.
Defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine UK FCDO 17 Mar 2021 -- Joint Statement Following Russia's Arria-formula Meeting on the Situation in Crimea
The immediate need for an end to conflict in Yemen UK FCDO 16 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom The White House 16 Mar 2021
Integrated Review outlines future for defence Gov.UK 16 Mar 2021 -- The Prime Minister has set out the conclusions of the Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy.
Ministry of Defence Integrated Review Command Paper UK MOD 16 Mar 2021 -- The Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy will define the government's vision for the UK's role in the world over the next decade.
Stoltenberg Believes UK Will Keep Providing Key Capabilities to NATO After Policy Review Sputnik 16 Mar 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declined to comment on the UK integrated policy review, which is expected to be unveiled later on Tuesday, but expressed confidence that the United Kingdom would continue to provide key capabilities to NATO.
Ambitious Integrated Review identifies China as biggest threat to UK Press TV 16 Mar 2021 -- After a long delay the government's Integrated Review of Security, Defense, Development and Foreign Policy has finally been published and much of its content is consistent with recent leaks.
In Wake of Brexit, UK's Johnson Seeks to Strengthen Ties With Asia VOA 16 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament Tuesday that his government will seek to strengthen ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of the nation's departure from the European Union.
EU launches legal action against UK over 'breach' of NI protocol Press TV 16 Mar 2021 -- The European Union (EU) launched legal action against the UK on Monday (15 March) over breaches of the Brexit arrangements on the Northern Ireland (NI) Protocol.
New UK Defense Strategy A Troubling Step Back on Nuclear Policy Arms Control Association 15 Mar 2021 -- The United Kingdom announced today that it will move to increase its total nuclear warhead stockpile ceiling by over 40 percent and reduce transparency about its nuclear arsenal. This is a needless and alarming reversal of the longstanding British policy to reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK FCDO 15 Mar 2021 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
Joint Statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and Italy US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2021 -- The following statement was released by United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising:
Marking the tenth anniversary of the Syrian conflict UK FCDO 15 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Syria
New UK sanctions targeting Assad regime for repressing the Syrian people UK FCDO 15 Mar 2021 -- The UK has announced a fresh round of targeted sanctions on the Assad regime, including close allies of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
UK sanctions Syrian leaders on 10th anniversary of failed proxy war Press TV 15 Mar 2021 -- The British government has chosen the 10th anniversary of the failed campaign to oust the Syrian government by means of foreign-sponsored armed uprisings and Takfiri terrorism, to impose sanctions on six leading Syrians.
UK Targets Bashar Al-Assad's Close Allies With Sanctions on 10th Anniversary of Syrian Conflict Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- The new restrictive measures against top Syrian officials come as a decade has passed since Syria descended into a bloody civil war that grew to involve multiple regional and foreign actors.
Commons Defense Committee warns about 'outgunned' and 'outmatched' Army Press TV 14 Mar 2021 -- As anticipation grows about the government's long-delayed defense, security and foreign policy review, the House of Commons Defense Select Committee (DSC) has thrown a spanner in the works by highlighting the insidious depletion of the Army's capacity to fight a major war.
Second Trial For British-Iranian Aid Worker Zaghari-Ratcliffe Held In Tehran RFE/RL 14 Mar 2021 -- A lawyer for British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said that her trial on charges of "propaganda against the system" was held in Tehran.
UK's Raab Slams Iran's 'Wholly Arbitrary' Trial of Dual Citizen on 2nd Set of Charges Sputnik 14 Mar 2021 -- The continuation of persecution of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Iran is "unacceptable and unjustifiable," UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday, urging for the UK-Iranian dual national's immediate release.
British Iranian Aid Worker Appears in Iranian Court VOA 14 Mar 2021 -- British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared before Iran's Revolutionary Court Sunday, facing charges of "propaganda against the system."
UK's Vaccine Campaign Fails, for Now, to Fire Up EU 'Exit' Movements VOA 13 Mar 2021 -- If there is one benefit to the coronavirus pandemic, the head of France's fledgling Generation Frexit movement - which wants France to follow Britain's example in leaving the European Union - believes it has been Europe's fumbled response.
Foreign Secretary statement on radical changes to Hong Kong's electoral system. UK FCDO 13 Mar 2021 -- The UK now considers Beijing to be in a state of ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration
UK planning to increase nuclear warheads in significant military provocation Press TV 13 Mar 2021 -- In a significant development in both the defense and foreign policy arenas, the government is reported to be planning to increase the UK's stockpile of nuclear warheads.
UK probing new COVID-19 variant People's Daily 12 Mar 2021 -- Public Health England (PHE) said on Thursday that it has designated a new COVID-19 variant identified in Britain as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).
UK patients' waiting times hit record high in January amid COVID pandemic peak People's Daily 12 Mar 2021 -- The number of people waiting for medical treatment in England reached a record high in January during the country's second COVID peak, official figures showed Thursday.
G7 Statement on Hong Kong Electoral Changes US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
China's Hong Kong Move an Assault on Democracy, Autonomy: Foreign Ministers Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2021 -- The international community has condemned recent changes by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Hong Kong's political system, saying the insistence that political candidates be pre-approved by Beijing is an "assault" on the limited democracy the city once enjoyed.
UK COVID-19 Death Toll Passes 125,000 SPA 11 Mar 2021 -- Britain's official death toll from COVID-19 has passed 125,000, official data showed today, on Thursday, another grim milestone for the country which has recorded the highest number of deaths from the disease in Europe, Reuters reported.
Joint Statement of the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on Houthi Attacks US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2021 -- The following statement was released by the governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The Royal Navy leads an international task group of warships on a security patrol of the Baltic UK MOD 11 Mar 2021 -- Royal Navy frigates led vessels from all three Baltic states in the first operation of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Survey shows 74% of UK firms hit by delays with EU markets Press TV 11 Mar 2021 -- Three-quarters of British manufacturers are experiencing Brexit-related delays in moving goods in and out of the European Union, according to a new survey by industry group Make UK.
UK Manufacturers Facing Delays, Revenue Losses in Post-Brexit Trade With EU, Survey Shows Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- UK manufacturers are losing revenues and facing difficulties to move goods in and out of the European Union due to post-Brexit red tape and border delays, Make UK, which represents the UK industry, said on Thursday.
UK Postpones Implementation of Post-Brexit Checks on EU Imports Until 2022 Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- The UK government announced on Thursday that the new post-Brexit border checks on goods imported from the European Union will not be implemented until next year, to give businesses time to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joint Statement by France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States on an Interim Government of National Unity in Libya US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2021 -- France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America welcome the vote of confidence by the overwhelming majority of the members of the House of Representatives meeting in Sirte 8-10 March to endorse the cabinet chosen by Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dabaiba for an interim Government of National Unity.
Hong Kong Electoral Reforms: Foreign Secretary Statement UK FCDO 11 Mar 2021 -- The Foreign Secretary comments following the decision by the National People's Congress in Beijing to bring in changes to the Hong Kong electoral system.
Tensions Soar as UK FM Raab Slams Beijing's Electoral Law After Chinese Legislators Back Reforms Sputnik 11 Mar 2021 -- The statement comes as a major diplomatic row has worsened between London and Beijing, initiated by China introducing a National Security Law for Hong Kong, which came into force on 30 June 2020, and exacerbated by electoral reforms in late February aimed at strengthening Beijing's control in the special administrative region.
Fleeing Hong Kong: British Visas Offer 'Lifeboat' for Pro-Democracy Activists VOA 11 Mar 2021 -- Britain is preparing for tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens to apply for special visas to settle in Britain after the government launched a new plan offering fast-track citizenship to some residents of the former British colony, in response to China's crackdown on basic freedoms.
British Prime Minister Demands 'Immediate Release' Of Aid Worker In Iran RFE/RL 11 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has demanded the "immediate release" of aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals detained in Iran.
Foreign Secretary visits 'like-minded' Baltic and Nordic states ahead of UK Integrated Review UK FCDO 10 Mar 2021 -- Dominic Raab visits Estonia and Norway for talks on the regional security threat posed by Russia, and climate change ahead of the COP26 climate conference.
Britain's Prime Minister Denies EU Claim of Blocked COVID-19 Vaccine Exports VOA 10 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday refuted claims by European Union Council President Charles Michel that Britain had imposed a ban on COVID-19 vaccine exports.
UK rejects 'false' vaccine export ban claim by EU in latest post-Brexit row Press TV 10 Mar 2021 -- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has unequivocally rejected the European Union's (EU) claims that the UK had "imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines produced on their territory".
Nicola Sturgeon re-asserts leadership over Covid-19 crisis by announcing 'elimination' strategy Press TV 10 Mar 2021 -- Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has attempted to re-assert control over the management of the coronavirus pandemic by adopting an "elimination" strategy against the virus.
UK Commons Committee Casts Doubt on Effectiveness of Costly COVID-19 Tracing Initiative Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- It is not clear if the United Kingdom's coronavirus test and trace programme has been worth its funding, the Public Accounts Committee of the UK House of Commons said on Wednesday.
UK Coronavirus Variant Could Be More Lethal, Study Reveals Sputnik 10 Mar 2021 -- A variant of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that was first identified in southeast England in September is not only highly contagious but also seems to be more lethal than other COVID-19 strains circulating in the UK, new research published on Wednesday has found.

Press TV

Chinese FM summons British ambassador for her biased article about China's press environment Global Times 10 Mar 2021 -- The Department of European Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry (FM) on Tuesday summoned Caroline Wilson, the British Ambassador to China, about her publication criticizing the "worsening of news environment in China". It said Wilson's article was biased and filled with arrogance, and such action doesn't fit her image as diplomat.
Chinese FM says 'not interfering in internal affairs of host country is bottom line for diplomats' after UK ambassador summoned Global Times 10 Mar 2021 -- Former Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming never initiated a dispute or attacked the British system in his articles published in foreign platforms, while the British ambassador to China Caroline Wilson preached the so-called Western experience in an arrogant tone and made irresponsible remarks about the Chinese system and media to interfere in China's internal affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Joint statement by Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom UK FCDO 10 Mar 2021 -- A joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab following talks in Tallinn.
Progress towards peace, prosperity and democracy in Sudan UK FCDO 09 Mar 2021 -- Remarks by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on UNITAMS
UK PM says higher risk of virus transmission "inevitable" as schools reopen in England People's Daily 09 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that the increased risk of coronavirus transmission is "inevitable" as schools reopened and millions of children returned to classrooms across England.
UK to send millions of pounds recovered from corrupt officials back to Nigeria UK FCDO 09 Mar 2021 -- Today, the UK and Nigeria agreed the return of £4.2 million to Nigeria – funds recovered from associates of the former Delta State Governor, James Ibori.
Britain's Johnson Calls School Reopenings 'First Step' in 'Roadmap to Freedom' VOA 08 Mar 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday called the reopening of schools in the nation "a crucial first step" in a "roadmap to freedom" from the coronavirus pandemic but added a warning against complacency.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Participates in Oman-led Exercise Khunjar Hadd 26 US Navy 07 Mar 2021 -- The Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, United Kingdom Royal Navy, France Marine Nationale and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in exercise Khunjar Hadd 26, Feb 21-25.
COVID-19 lockdown has worked but UK "not out of the woods," says ONS chief Global Times 07 Mar 2021 -- Britain's COVID-19 lockdown has been a "success" but the country is "still not out of the woods," the chief of the British Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Saturday.
Some 140,000 in London suffer long COVID-19 symptoms: media Global Times 08 Mar 2021 -- About 140,000 Londoners have got long COVID-19 symptoms after contracted the disease amid warning of healthcare "gaps" that could leave them struggling to get support, the Evening Standard newspaper has reported.
Queen Elizabeth's Planes Will be Sold as Part of Cuts Made by Defence Ministry, Report Says Sputnik 07 Mar 2021 -- The ministry also revealed plans to reduce the number of military personnel by 10,000, which was met with criticism as well as proposals to withdraw several ships and frontline aircraft from service.
EU Threatens Retaliations, Tariffs in Northern Ireland Dispute with Britain VOA 05 Mar 2021 -- Relations between Britain and the European Union were thrown into a fresh crisis Friday, just weeks after the two concluded a trade deal to end the long-running saga of Brexit, the British departure from the bloc after four decades of membership.
US, UK spy agencies snooping on Middle East via Red Sea cables: Report Press TV 05 Mar 2021 -- The mushrooming of fiber optic cable networks in the Middle East has provided a tool to Western intelligence agencies to make inroads into the region's sensitive data and communications traffic.
UK study to test COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in people with low immunity Global Times 04 Mar 2021 -- A new study will be launched in Britain to research the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines in people with low immunity due to health conditions, including cancer, local media reported Wednesday.
Approval For Vaccines Against COVID-19 Variants to Be Fast-Tracked, UK Regulator Says Sputnik 04 Mar 2021 -- COVID-19 vaccines that are modified to combat new coronavirus variants will not need to go through more time-consuming clinical studies to get approval, as long as manufacturers provide evidence that they produce an immune response, the UK regulatory agency announced on Thursday.
Foreign Secretary Oral statement: Update on Counter Daesh UK FCDO 04 Mar 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab updates the House of Commons on the ongoing campaign to counter Daesh.
Seven years of illegal occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation: UK statement UK FCDO 04 Mar 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush speaks about Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 at the OSCE Permanent Council.
Foreign Secretary agrees UK-Singapore joint statement UK FCDO 04 Mar 2021 -- The UK and Singapore agreed a statement reaffirming both countries' commitment to free trade, climate action, and sustainability as we rebuild after COVID-19.
Belfast firm secures £98-million air defence missile contract UK MOD 04 Mar 2021 -- A £98.4 million contract, supporting 119 jobs, has been extended to maintain Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) for the British Army and Royal Marines.
Pursuing the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme UK FCDO 04 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Sonia Farrey, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria Chemical Weapons
UK coronavirus deaths falling fastest among over 80s thanks to vaccine: ONS Global Times 03 Mar 2021 -- Coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales are falling fastest among those aged 80 and over thanks to the vaccine rollout in Britain, statistics from the British Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed Tuesday.
Renewing progress towards peace in South Sudan UK FCDO 03 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen at the Security Council briefing on South Sudan
Shining a light on human rights violations in Syria UK FCDO 03 Mar 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the General Assembly dialogue on Syria
Surge testing underway in parts of England after coronavirus variant of concern found in UK: health secretary People's Daily 02 Mar 2021 -- British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Monday that surge testing has been put in place in parts of England after six cases of the coronavirus variant first found in Brazil have been identified in Britain.
With UK aid support, people in Côte d'Ivoire to be first vaccinated through COVAX: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 01 Mar 2021 -- People in the Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) will receive the first COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX on 1 March 2021.
Families of school-aged children in England to get two rapid COVID-19 tests a week Global Times 01 Mar 2021 -- Those who are living with school-aged children in England will be eligible for two rapid coronavirus tests a week when pupils return to the classroom, British health authorities said Sunday.
British Government Begins Focusing on How to Pay for Pandemic VOA 01 Mar 2021 -- The British government this week will become the first European government to explain to voters the high fiscal costs of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hong Kong politicians and activists on charges for conspiracy to commit subversion: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 01 Mar 2021 -- Dominic Raab gave a statement after 47 Hong Kong politicians and activists were charged for conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News