June 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Britain Faces Travel Bans Amid Soaring Delta Variant Infections VOA 30 Jun 2021 -- Several countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from Britain amid rising cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus which was first detected in India.
Putin: HMS Defender Incident in Black Sea is a Complex Provocation Plotted by UK and US Sputnik 30 Jun 2021 -- During the 23 June incident, a Russian warship and a Su-24M jet fired warning shots near HMS Defender, which proceeded to ignore orders to leave Russian territorial waters immediately.
Britain, Russia Still At Odds Over Warship Incident In Black Sea RFE/RL 30 Jun 2021 -- Britain and Russia have once again clashed over an incident last week in the Black Sea as a British warship passed by Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.
Foreign Secretary signs landmark Joint Declaration with Germany UK FCDO 30 Jun 2021 -- The UK has signed a Joint Declaration with Germany pledging closer future cooperation on foreign and security policy.
UK Minister visits Syria border to push for continued humanitarian access UK FCDO 29 Jun 2021 -- Minister for the European Neighbourhood, Wendy Morton, visited the Bab al-Hawa border crossing between Turkey and northern Syria and reiterated the UK's call for the essential aid corridor to remain open.
We must keep up the pressure on Daesh, wherever its poisonous influence spreads UK FCDO 28 Jun 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's speech at the Global Coalition against Daesh ministerial meeting in Rome on 28 June 2021.
Joint Statement on the Ministerial Meeting on Syria US Dept. of State 28 Jun 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States, Italy, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and representatives of the League of Arab States and European Union, which met today to discuss the crisis in Syria.
Foreign Secretary warns of growing threat of terrorism in Africa UK FCDO 27 Jun 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will announce new UK funding to fight the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa.
Classified Documents On U.K. Destroyer Involved In Disputed Black Sea Incident Found At Bus Stop RFE/RL 27 Jun 2021 -- Classified defense documents containing details about the U.K. military vessel HMS Defender and the British military have been found at bus stop in the country, the BBC reported on June 27.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 25 Jun 2021 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
RAF Puma helicopter detachment returns from Afghanistan UK MOD 25 Jun 2021 -- The RAF Puma detachment serving in Afghanistan in support of the NATO Resolute Support Mission since March 2015 has now returned to RAF Benson.
'We remain firm in our belief that the way to secure rights for all Syrians is by bringing about a negotiated end to this appalling conflict' UK FCDO 25 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe, UK Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria
British PM Defends Freedom Of Navigation After Black Sea Incident With Russia RFE/RL 24 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted the U.K. Navy was "entirely right" to defend freedom of navigation following an incident with Russia in the Black Sea, while Moscow warned it was prepared to fire on warships entering territorial waters it claims around Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
'Ending the cross-border mandate would cut off the last lifeline into the country for millions of vulnerable Syrians in the northwest' UK FCDO 23 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria
UK reports highest daily rise of COVID cases since mid-February People's Daily 23 Jun 2021 -- Britain has reported another 11,625 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, the highest since mid-February, according to official figures released Tuesday.
Babcock signs tripartite agreement to support enhancement of Ukrainian naval capabilities Babcock 23 Jun 2021 -- Babcock International Group (Babcock) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) in Odesa with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the UK Government. Building on the agreement signed in October 2020, the two nations will now push forward a major programme of Ukrainian naval projects, with Babcock as their designated prime industrial partner.
UK signs agreement to support enhancement of Ukrainian naval capabilities UK MOD 23 Jun 2021 -- In a trilateral agreement signed onboard HMS Defender, which was in Odesa as part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment, the UK, Ukraine and industry will collaborate to boost Ukraine's naval capabilities.
Britain Denies Russia Fired Warning Shots At Warship In Black Sea RFE/RL 23 Jun 2021 -- The United Kingdom has denied reports that a Russian vessel fired warning shots at a British Navy ship in the Black Sea, attributing the incident to a preannounced military exercise.
Warning Shots Fired at British Destroyer in Black Sea, Russia Says VOA 23 Jun 2021 -- Russian forces said they fired warning shots Wednesday at a British Royal Navy destroyer taking part in a U.S.-led naval exercise in the Black Sea near Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
UK Post-Brexit Difficulties 'Killed Off' Other Countries' Willingness to Leave EU, Expert Says Sputnik 23 Jun 2021 -- The challenging relationship between the UK and the European Union since Brexit have "killed off" the desire of many countries to leave the European Union, Vicky Pryce, chief economic adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research think tank, said on Wednesday.
Addressing the fragile security and political situation in the Central African Republic UK FCDO 23 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe, UK Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on MINUSCA
Closure of Apple Daily in Hong Kong: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 23 Jun 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab comments on the closure of the Apple Daily newspaper in Hong Kong.
Intensifying international support for the peace process in Afghanistan UK FCDO 22 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth, the United Nations and South Asia at the Security Council briefing on UNAMA
Stealth jets fight Daesh in first combat missions from HMS Queen Elizabeth UK MOD 22 Jun 2021 -- The UK's Carrier Strike Group has joined the fight against Daesh with F-35 jets carrying out their very first combat missions from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
British Embassy Denies Reported Agreement With Belgrade Against Russian Influence RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- The British Embassy in Belgrade has denied a report saying it had signed an agreement with the Serbian Defense Ministry on preventing Russia's influence in the Balkan country.
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Virtual Meeting With U.K. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence David Williams DoD 21 Jun 2021
Foreign Secretary announces further sanctions on companies linked to Myanmar's military regime UK FCDO 21 Jun 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced new sanctions against the Myanmar Timber Enterprise, Myanmar Pearl Enterprise and the State Administration Council.
Joint Statement on Belarus US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European External Action Service.
Western Allies Slap Fresh Sanctions On Belarus RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- The United States, the European Union, Britain, and Canada have slapped a fresh round of coordinated sanctions on Belarus in response to the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka's mounting repression against the political opposition and the free media.
EU Announces More Sanctions on Belarus VOA 21 Jun 2021 -- European Union foreign ministers announced Monday a fresh raft of sanctions against the Belarusian government, this time targeting 86 officials and state-owned entities. The United States followed with sanctions of its own, with Britain expected to announce new measures in the next few days.
EU Agrees On Fresh Sanctions For Dozens Of Belarus Officials Including Lukashenka Family Members RFE/RL 21 Jun 2021 -- European Union foreign ministers have approved a fresh set of sanctions against scores of officials and entities in Belarus including family members of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
UK imposes sanctions on Belarus following forced landing of Ryanair flight UK FCDO 21 Jun 2021 -- The UK, in parallel with the US, Canada and EU, has imposed sanctions against 11 individuals and 2 entities from the Belarusian regime.
UK reports over 10,000 COVID cases for third consecutive day on Saturday People's Daily 20 Jun 2021 -- Britain reported more than 10,000 coronavirus cases for a third consecutive day on Saturday as there has been a 79 percent rise in the highly contagious Delta variant in the country in the past week.
Third wave of coronavirus "definitely under way" in UK: scientist People's Daily 20 Jun 2021 -- A new wave of coronavirus infections is "definitely under way" in England due to the Delta variant first identified in India, a British government advisory scientist said Saturday.
Andy Burnham and Nicola Sturgeon clash over Covid travel ban Press TV 20 Jun 2021 -- An angry row has erupted between Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, over the latter's decision to impose a travel ban on parts of north-western England.
Inquiry Details 9 Missed Opportunities to Thwart British Concert Bombing VOA 18 Jun 2021 -- Families of the 22 people who died in the 2017 terrorist bombing of a concert at Britain's Manchester Arena are urging authorities to mount corporate manslaughter prosecutions against the firm responsible for security on the night of the attack and the company that runs the arena.
UK's £2bn drop in EU exports 'a disaster' Press TV 18 Jun 2021 -- The UK has experienced a £2 billion loss of exports to the EU at the first three months of this year, a number described as a "disaster" by the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
Ben Wallace is first ever UK Defence Secretary to visit Serbia UK MOD 18 Jun 2021 -- Mr Wallace's visit marks a development in the UK-Serbia defence relationship as the two countries agreed to expand defence engagement.
A holistic approach is needed to build sustainable peace in Haiti UK FCDO 17 Jun 2021 -- Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on BINUH
Dominic Cummings leaks Boris Johnson's bombshell text messages Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- Dominic Cummings, former Downing Street Chief of Staff, has revealed Boris Johnson's private WhatsApp messages in his weblog, sensationally escalating his feud with the British prime minister to new heights.
DUP, Sinn Fein agreement on Irish language averts Stormont crisis Press TV 17 Jun 2021 -- The Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) politician, Paul Givan, and Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill have taken office as the first and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, after the two parties reached an agreement on Irish language legislation late last night.
DUP Reluctantly Returns to Power-Sharing With Sinn Fein After Irish Language Deal Brokered Sputnik 17 Jun 2021 -- Arlene Foster resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in April after months of criticism within the party. She has stepped down as Northern Ireland's First Minister and is set to be replaced by Paul Givan.
Boris Johnson intervenes in Northern Ireland political crisis as standoff deepens Press TV 16 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has directly intervened in Northern Ireland's intensifying political crisis by emphasizing the importance of upholding the January 2020 deal that restored power-sharing at Stormont.
£36 million contract for new MOD Police Patrol Craft UK MOD 16 Jun 2021 -- A £36 million contract has been awarded to Marine Specialised Technology to deliver 18 new police patrol craft for the MOD and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Forces.
UK underlines commitment to Western Balkans with extension of troops in Kosovo UK MOD 15 Jun 2021 -- UK troops will continue to contribute to the NATO Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) until at least 2023.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Euro Quad: France, Germany, and the U.K. DoD 15 Jun 2021
Britain Delays Plans to Lift COVID-19 Lockdowns VOA 14 Jun 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has delayed plans to lift coronavirus restrictions by a month because of the highly contagious Delta variant, first identified in India.
UK, Zimbabwe Announce New COVID Lockdowns VOA 14 Jun 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce Monday that the lifting of U.K. restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic will be pushed back for another two to four weeks.
Foreign Secretary's meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, 14 June 2021 UK FCDO 14 Jun 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison today, following the G7 summit in Cornwall.
£1.6 billion investment to upgrade UK Defence estate UK MOD 14 Jun 2021 -- Four contracts will deliver repairs and maintenance services across the UK defence estate, supporting thousands of UK jobs over the next seven years.
Britain Expected to Delay Lifting COVID-related Restrictions VOA 13 Jun 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce the delay of the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions due to the growing presence in the U.K. of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, first identified in India.
UK and France in acrimonious clash over Northern Ireland constitutional status Press TV 13 Jun 2021 -- A bitter row has erupted between the UK and European Union (EU) leaders after the French President, Emmanuel Macron, said at the G7 summit that Northern Ireland is "not part of the UK".
UK PM threatens EU with emergency clause over N.Ireland trade dispute Press TV 13 Jun 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has threatened the European Union with emergency measures if no solution was found in a trade dispute with the bloc.
Readout: Trilateral Meeting of Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, President Joe Biden, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia The White House 12 Jun 2021
Royal Navy delivers 75 tonnes of aid to Caribbean island UK MOD 12 Jun 2021 -- RFA Wave Knight carried 139 pallets of food, water, toiletries and other essential supplies to St Vincent to help residents who fled the volcanic eruption.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 11 Jun 2021
British Doctors Union Urges Government Not to Reopen VOA 11 Jun 2021 -- The main doctors union in Britain is calling on the government to delay its plans to ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions as new data shows a spike in cases of the highly transmissible delta variant.
China calls on UK to 'abandon colonial nostalgia' after report accuses Beijing of stifling dissent Press TV 11 Jun 2021 -- Chinese officials have called on the UK government to "abandon colonial nostalgia" and cease meddling in Hong Kong's internal affairs following London's allegations over Beijing's alleged use of national security law to stifle dissent and suppress alternative political viewpoints in the city.
UK to donate 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses UK FCDO 11 Jun 2021 -- The UK will donate 100 million surplus coronavirus vaccine doses to the world within the next year, the Prime Minister has announced today.
Britain's Vaccine Minister Urges Caution Regarding Reopening VOA 11 Jun 2021 -- Britain's COVID-19 vaccines minister urged caution Friday regarding the planned full reopening of the nation later this month, speaking the same day the number of new cases spiked in the nation — 90 percent of which were the highly transmissible delta variant.
British PM Urges G-7 Leaders to Donate COVID Vaccines VOA 11 Jun 2021 -- The G-7 nations announced Friday that they will donate a billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to low- and medium-income nations. The U.S., as previously announced, will donate 500 million shots, while Britain will donate 100 million.
UK and Montenegro underline shared commitment to NATO on Carrier Strike Group visit UK MOD 11 Jun 2021 -- Coinciding with the visit of HMS Richmond, sailing from the UK Carrier Strike Group, Lady Goldie held high-level meetings to discuss NATO and regional security.
Defence Secretary meets with NATO Allies on board HMS Queen Elizabeth as Carrier Strike Group visits Italy UK MOD 11 Jun 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has met with counterparts from Italy and Turkey on board HMS Queen Elizabeth during his first visit to the Carrier Strike Group since its departure from Portsmouth in May.
U.S., Britain Commit To Strengthening Partnership Ahead Of G7 Summit RFE/RL 10 Jun 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. President Joe Biden committed to deepening and strengthening the long-standing partnership between their countries after their first face-to-face talks on June 10 ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.
Joint Statement on the Visit to the United Kingdom of the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America at the Invitation of the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, M.P., the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The White House 10 Jun 2021
Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials Previewing the President's Bilateral Meeting with the Right Honorable Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The White House 10 Jun 2021
Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 10 Jun 2021
UK and US Strengthen Security Cooperation over Emerging Threats UK MOD 10 Jun 2021 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden agreed a number of steps to enhance the world's strongest bilateral defence and security partnership.
Britain Grappling with Decision to Ease COVID Restrictions VOA 09 Jun 2021 -- When to unlock? Britain's Boris Johnson is coming under mounting pressure from Conservative lawmakers and their allies in the media to keep to a previously outlined timetable that would see virtually all pandemic restrictions relaxed on June 21 in England.
First F-35B Lightning landing on HMS Prince of Wales UK MOD 09 Jun 2021 -- An F-35B Lightning aircraft has landed onboard the Royal Navy's latest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, for the first time.
Submarine training facility takes shape at HMNB Clyde UK MOD 09 Jun 2021 -- Work is well underway on a new training facility which will secure HMNB Clyde as the central base for submariners in the UK.
UK-EU impasse over Northern Ireland Protocol nearing breaking point Press TV 09 Jun 2021 -- As the political and diplomatic crisis centered on Northern Ireland takes on increasingly international dimensions, the European Union (EU) says its patience with the UK is "wearing very thin".
Biden implores UK and EU not to 'imperil' Northern Ireland peace Press TV 09 Jun 2021 -- US President Joe Biden reportedly has "deep" concerns that an intensifying dispute between the UK and the European Union (EU) over the Northern Ireland Protocol could endanger "peace" in the British-controlled territory.
Final Brexit Hurdle: UK and EU Remain Deadlocked Over Northern Ireland Protocol Sputnik 09 Jun 2021 -- Following a four-hour meeting in London on Wednesday between UK-EU minister Lord David Frost and the European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, no breakthrough has been achieved.
Russia: UK condemns ruling of Navalny foundation as extremist organisation UK FCDO 09 Jun 2021 -- The UK has condemned the judgment by a Russian court today that Alexey Navalny's anti-corruption foundation is an extremist organisation.
Witnessing the Juba Peace Agreement: Troika statement UK FCDO 08 Jun 2021 -- Statement from the UK, Norway and USA on witnessing the Juba Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and Sudanese Opposition Groups.
Paul Givan appointed as Northern Ireland First Minister amid deepening political crisis Press TV 08 Jun 2021 -- As expected Paul Givan has been appointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister by Edwin Poots, the newly-elected leader of the Ulster Democratic Party (DUP).
Delta COVID Variant More Transmissible, UK Official Says VOA 06 Jun 2021 -- The delta variant of the coronavirus, first identified in India, may be up to 40% more transmissible than the alpha variant, Britain's health minister said Sunday.
Johnson to Call on G-7 to 'Vaccinate World by 2022' VOA 05 Jun 2021 -- When the leaders of the world's industrialized nations meet next week in Cornwall, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will ask them to commit to "vaccinate the entire world against coronavirus by the end of 2022," according to a statement Saturday.
Frustration Greets EU Decision to Keep Travel Restrictions on US, UK VOA 04 Jun 2021 -- Have European Union restrictions on travelers from the U.S., Britain and some other major nations become politicized? The chief executive of Wizz Air, the Budapest-based low-cost airline, thinks so.
British Regulator Approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for 12-Year-Olds VOA 04 Jun 2021 -- Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on Friday approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds.
UK statement on detention and disqualification of Cristiana Chamorro by Nicaraguan authorities UK FCDO 04 Jun 2021 -- The UK condemns steps taken to prevent Cristiana Chamorro from taking part in Nicaragua's presidential election and calls for free and fair polls in November.
Eyes on China as British Aircraft Carrier Group Heads to South Sea for Military Drill VOA 04 Jun 2021 -- A British-led aircraft carrier group voyage that will take the HMS Queen Elizabeth to the disputed South China Sea would push Beijing further into an angry defensive position, analysts believe.
U.S., U.K., French Navies Reaffirm Commitment to Increased Cooperation US Navy Press Release 03 Jun 2021 -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday joined First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin and Chief of the French Navy Adm. Pierre Vandier in Toulon, France, for a trilateral maritime discussion, June 3.
Calling on Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and end its occupation of Crimea UK FCDO 02 Jun 2021 -- Joint Statement Following Russia's Informal Arria-formula Meeting on Ukraine
UK politicians call for sharing more COVID-19 vaccines with lower-income countries People's Daily 02 Jun 2021 -- More than 100 cross-party MPs (Members of Parliament) and peers have urged British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give more COVID-19 vaccines to lower-income countries, Sky News reported on Tuesday.
G7 Ministers' Statement on the UN General Assembly Special Session Against Corruption US Dept. of State 02 Jun 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
Secretary General lauds UK's role in NATO, discusses Summit plans with Prime Minister Johnson NATO 02 Jun 2021 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hailed the UK as a key Ally in talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (2 June 2021), focused on preparations for the NATO Summit on 14 June.
NATO's Stoltenberg, Britain's Johnson Support Action Against Belarus VOA 02 Jun 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson each expressed support Wednesday for a strong response against Belarus for its actions in arresting an opposition journalist.
France, England Expand Availability of COVID-19 Vaccines VOA 01 Jun 2021 -- To fight a rise in cases caused by the coronavirus variants, France and England moved Monday to increase vaccinations.
UK Ministers lead NATO charge on innovation UK MOD 01 Jun 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab have backed NATO's vision of a technologically advanced, globally focused Alliance equipped to confront threats of the future.

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June 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News