July 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

China's military warns UK of 'counter-measures' as British vessels sail in South China Sea Press TV 30 Jul 2021 -- China's military has warned that it would take stern reaction against the UK if it does not "remain restrained and obey the rules" as a Royal Navy aircraft carrier sails through the South China Sea.
Russia calls on Britain, France to join wider nuclear talks with US Press TV 30 Jul 2021 -- Russia has called on Britain and France to join wider nuclear arms control talks with the United States even as Washington wants China to be included in the negotiations.
British Transportation Minister Defends Quarantining French Visitors VOA 30 Jul 2021 -- Britain's transportation minister Friday defended the country's decision to continue quarantine requirements on fully vaccinated French visitors, saying they do not want to take chances on thwarting their COVID-19 vaccination program.
UK Space Command officially launched UK MOD 30 Jul 2021 -- Space Command will protect UK interests and capabilities in Space
France Calls British Travel Rules 'Discriminatory,' Not Science-Based VOA 29 Jul 2021 -- France's European Affairs Minister on Thursday called Britain's decision to lift quarantine requirements for all fully vaccinated travelers arriving from Europe except France "discriminatory and incomprehensible" and said he hopes it is reviewed as soon as possible.
'Discriminatory, excessive': France irked by UK's decision to maintain quarantine against French travelers Press TV 29 Jul 2021 -- The French government has expressed anger at the UK's decision to end quarantine for arrivals from most of Europe, except for France.
£250 million contract for next phase for Future Combat Air System UK MOD 29 Jul 2021 -- The new contract will drive forward the concept and assessment phase of the Future Combat Air System.
Combating the risk of arms proliferation and ensuring a pathway to peace in Central African Republic UK FCDO 29 Jul 2021 -- Explanation of vote by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, following the Security Council adoption on CAR sanctions renewal
Russia Wants Britain, France To Join Wider Nuclear Talks With U.S. RFE/RL 29 Jul 2021 -- Russia says it wants Britain and France to become part of wider nuclear arms control talks with the United States as Washington continues to seek China's inclusion in the negotiations.
UK begins donating millions of COVID-19 vaccines overseas UK FCDO 28 Jul 2021 -- Foreign Secretary announces the UK will begin to deliver 9 million COVID-19 vaccines around the world to help tackle the pandemic.
UK to send Kenya 817,000 COVID vaccines as Prime Minister Johnson meets President Kenyatta UK FCDO 28 Jul 2021 -- The two leaders will toast the strengthened Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership and welcome the new five-year Defence Cooperation Agreement agreed during this visit.
U.S., U.K., and Australia Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory CISA 28 Jul 2021 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint cybersecurity advisory today, highlighting the top Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) routinely exploited by cyber actors in 2020 and those vulnerabilities being widely exploited thus far in 2021.
Kenya and UK sign Defence Cooperation Agreement to tackle shared threats across East Africa UK FCDO 28 Jul 2021 -- The two nations have a long and proud history of military cooperation, working together on land, sea and air to find shared solutions to their shared challenges.
UK and Kenya sign new Defence Cooperation Agreement to tackle shared threat from Al-Shabaab UK MOD 28 Jul 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Dr Monica Juma signed the deal after agreeing to step up UK support for the key security partner
As Britain Reopens, Scientists Warn of Fertile Ground for Coronavirus Variants VOA 27 Jul 2021 -- As Britons celebrate the lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions earlier this month, some scientists warn that the country risks becoming a breeding ground for new variants of the virus that could be more resistant to vaccines.
FCDO statement on the situation in Tunisia UK FCDO 27 Jul 2021 -- All parties called on to uphold Tunisia's reputation as a tolerant and open society.
Defence Secretary praises UK-France co-operation as RAF helicopters help Mali recovery mission UK MOD 27 Jul 2021 -- RAF Chinooks supporting the French-led counter-terror operation in Mali assisted recovery operations after a French Mirage 2000 jet crew ejected from the aircraft
Joint statement by the French and British Ministries for Foreign Affairs and for Defence following 2+2 meeting in Paris UK FCDO 26 Jul 2021 -- High-level Franco-British bilateral consultations were held today in a "2+2" format of Foreign and Defence Ministers, within the unique framework set by the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty and based on our shared security and defence interests.
UK and France sign new security treaty to protect passengers on Channel ferries UK FCDO 26 Jul 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Priti Patel agree a new maritime security treaty between the UK and France.
UK establishes permanent military training team in Western Balkans UK MOD 26 Jul 2021 -- UK Ambassador Rachel Galloway signed an agreement to set up the Western Balkans Land Regional Coordination Cell in North Macedonia to coordinate UK training in the region
U.S.-Europe Communiqué on Afghanistan and Peace Efforts The White House 23 Jul 2021 -- The following is the text of a communiqué issued by the United States of America, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, NATO, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Defence Secretary reaffirms UK commitment to Indo-Pacific UK MOD 23 Jul 2021 -- Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace MP, has visited Japan, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam on a trip to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific.
Over 600,000 Notified to Quarantine in British 'Pingdemic' VOA 22 Jul 2021 -- Over 600,000 users of the United Kingdom's National Health Service's (NHS) COVID-19 test and trace app were "pinged" alerts recommending self-isolation earlier this month.
£195m contract signed for 13 additional RAF Protectors UK MOD 22 Jul 2021 -- A £195 million contract for a further 13 cutting-edge Protector aircraft has been signed. Defence Minister Jeremy Quin announced the new contract during a visit to GKN Aerospace (GKNA), who are manufacturing key parts of aircraft on the Isle of Wight.
Northern Ireland protocol clash risks 'inevitable' UK-EU trade war: Officials warn Press TV 22 Jul 2021 -- Officials are warning of a trade war between the United Kingdom and the European Union if the UK refuses to back down on its new demands for post-Brexit rules on Northern Ireland.
EU President Refuses to Negotiate With UK in Northern Ireland Brexit Row Sputnik 22 Jul 2021 -- The ostensible aim of the contentious Northern Ireland Protocol is to preserve portions of the 1999 Good Friday Agreement that guarantee free movement across the island of Ireland, while preventing goods from the UK goods being sneaked into the bloc unregulated across the land border
Joint Statement by Secretary Janet L. Yellen and Secretary Antony J. Blinken Commending the United Kingdom's Anti-Corruption Sanctions US Treasury 22 Jul 2021 -- The United States welcomes the United Kingdom's announcement today to impose further sanctions under its Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions (GACS) regime, which is designed to fight corruption and illicit finance.
New UK sanctions against individuals involved in corruption around the world UK FCDO 22 Jul 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has announced further sanctions on individuals under the UK's Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.
INDIAN NAVY EXERCISES WITH ROYAL NAVY CARRIER STRIKE GROUP India PIB 22 Jul 2021 -- Indian Navy participated in a two-day bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG)-21 led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in the Bay of Bengal from 21 to 22 Jul 21. The bilateral Maritime Exercise was designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain.
International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance members' statement on the crisis in Myanmar UK FCDO 22 Jul 2021 -- Fourteen countries stand in solidarity with victims of attacks by the Myanmar security forces and condemn attacks on places of worship.
Venezuelan Gold Case at UK Supreme Court Remitted for Decision Sputnik 21 Jul 2021 -- The litigation over the Venezuelan gold reserves held at the Bank of England was remitted for decision on Wednesday after UK Supreme Court judges listened to allegations from both sides requesting access to the bullion worth almost $2 billion.
Britain to permanently deploy two warships in South China Sea Press TV 21 Jul 2021 -- Britain has announced the permanent deployment of two warships in the South China Sea amid growing tensions between the United States and China.
UK warships' S.China Sea tour 'threatens China politically more than militarily' Global Times 21 Jul 2021 -- Despite a COVID-19 outbreak on the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, the UK on Tuesday reaffirmed that it will sail the carrier task force through the South China Sea in August in a direct challenge to China and announced it will permanently deploy warships to the region. But leading Chinese military experts said on Wednesday that the move threatens China politically more than militarily, and China is capable of dissolving the threat.
UK Minister Frost Calls for Change to Brexit Deal Over Northern Ireland Protocol Sputnik 21 Jul 2021 -- Britain's chief Brexit negotiator David Frost stood before the House of Lords on Wednesday to address issues the UK has been having with the Northern Ireland Protocol.
London 'Disappointed' Over EU Plans to Send Spanish Police to Gibraltar 'to Perform Border Controls' Sputnik 21 Jul 2021 -- The issue of the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, attached to the Spanish mainland, was left out of the last-minute Brexit deal reached between London and Brussels on 24 December. A separate agreement on Gibraltar's status has yet to be concluded.
England lifts all COVID-19 restrictions amid rapidly rising cases People's Daily 20 Jul 2021 -- England has lifted almost all its remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Monday, according to its roadmap out of lockdown.
Draft mandate for negotiations in respect of Gibraltar: Foreign Secretary statement UK FCDO 20 Jul 2021 -- Foreign Secretary statement on draft mandate for the negotiations between the UK and the European Union (EU) in respect of Gibraltar.
Britain Lifts COVID Restrictions VOA 19 Jul 2021 -- Residents in Britain are celebrating the end of coronavirus lockdown restrictions Monday, a day being called Freedom Day.
UK PM, chancellor to self-isolate after health secretary tests positive for COVID-19 People's Daily 19 Jul 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will enter quarantine as normal after contact with Health Secretary Sajid Javid who tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, Downing Street said Sunday.
UK accuses China of 'hacking' Microsoft Exchange servers Press TV 19 Jul 2021 -- In yet another rhetorical escalation against China, the UK has accused the rising world power of "systematic cyber sabotage".
UK and allies hold Chinese state responsible for a pervasive pattern of hacking UK FCDO 19 Jul 2021 -- UK joins likeminded partners to confirm Chinese state-backed actors were responsible for gaining access to computer networks via Microsoft Exchange servers.
UK refuses to return Venezuelan gold at start of Supreme Court hearing Press TV 19 Jul 2021 -- The battle for control of Venezuela's gold reserves in the Bank of England (BOE) has reached the final stage where the Supreme Court will get to decide if the British government's recognition of Venezuela's self-styled opposition leader, Juan Guaidó, justifies freezing the reserves indefinitely.
NATO ships exercise in the Black Sea NATO 19 Jul 2021 -- Over 2,000 forces and 30 ships are taking part in exercise Breeze 2021 in the Black Sea. The Bulgarian-led maritime exercise, which began on 12 July and wraps up today (19 July), involves forces from 14 NATO Allies and partners – Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States.
UK Carrier Strike Group to exercise with Indo-Pacific partners UK MOD 19 Jul 2021 -- The Strike Group will undertake a series of exercises with forces from the US, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand and Korea in the Philippine Sea in August.
Northern Ireland Protocol "Is Not Sustainable" – Britain's Brexit Minister Sputnik 19 Jul 2021 -- UK Brexit Minister and key negotiator David Frost said on Monday that the Northern Ireland Protocol "can only be made sustainable if the barriers on trade GB-NI can be reduced."
Britain's PM, Finance Minister Exposed to COVID-19 VOA 18 Jul 2021 -- Britain's National Health Service has contacted Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his finance minister, Rishi Sunak, to let them know that they have been close to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Iran says ready to proceed with prisoner swap deal with US, UK Press TV 18 Jul 2021 -- Iran has rejected the United States' denial of an agreement on a humanitarian prisoner exchange, expressing Tehran's preparedness to immediately proceed with the deal already agreed with Washington and London.
UK Special Forces to Take on New Covert Mission Against Russia, China, Military Official Says Sputnik 17 Jul 2021 -- The UK special forces will focus on a new covert mission to counter alleged threats from so-called "big state adversaries", including Russia and China, Royal Marines Brigadier Mark Totten has said.
US planning to build 'space' spy base in UK to counter Russia and China Press TV 17 Jul 2021 -- The US is reportedly considering building a spy base on British soil with a view to probing "deep space" and safeguarding US and UK space assets from potential attacks by adversaries.
US to Build Spy Base in UK to Identify Threats to Satellites, Official Says Sputnik 17 Jul 2021 -- Talks are underway between the United States and the United Kingdom on the possibility of building a radar spy base in the UK which will focus on keeping satellites orbiting the Earth safe from threats, including attacks from China and Russia, US Space Force Lieut. Col. Jack Walker told the BBC.
Director General Ken McCallum gives annual threat update 2021 MI5 14 Jul 2021-- MI5 Director General Ken McCallum gave his annual threat update today, 14 July 2021, which was filmed at our headquarters in Thames House, London.
UK gov't confirms lifting of most COVID restrictions next week despite surging cases People's Daily 13 Jul 2021 -- The British government confirmed Monday that most COVID-19 restrictions in England will end next week despite surging cases caused by the Delta variant first identified in India.
UK and US extend carrier cooperation agreement UK MOD 13 Jul 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin extended an enhanced cooperation agreement on carrier operations as they met in Washington
Defence Secretary's speech at the American Enterprise Institute UK MOD 13 Jul 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at the American Enterprise Institute on the importance of alliances and shared values in tackling new threats.
UK, Dutch and U.S. Naval Forces Conduct Joint Interoperability Exercise in Gulf of Aden US Navy 12 Jul 2021 -- The Queen Elizabeth (UK) and Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups (CSG), alongside the Iwo Jima amphibious ready group (ARG), conducted a large scale joint interoperability exercise in the Gulf of Aden, July 12.
2D Marine Division supports Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 US Navy 10 Jul 2021 -- U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (1/6), 2D Marine Division along with land forces from Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Moldova, United Kingdom and Ukraine conducted a series of joint training events, live fire ranges and culminated with a final integrated exercise which simulated an amphibious raid in the Black Sea region as part of Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 (SB21), June 28 – July 10.
Ships from Eight Countries Sail Together in the Black Sea for Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 US Navy 10 Jul 2021 -- U.S. Navy Sailors assigned the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS ROSS (DDG-71) along with ships from the United States, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Italy, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, sailed together in the Black Sea conducting maritime training as part of Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 (SB21), June 28 – July 10.
'The minimum necessary to meet the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people' UK FCDO 09 Jul 2021 -- Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward following the Security Council adoption of resolution on Syria
Foreign Secretary statement on Bab Al-Hawa crossing UK FCDO 09 Jul 2021 -- UK Foreign Secretary welcomes UN Security Council Resolution on Syria aid access.
Continued crackdown on civil society in Russia: UK statement UK FCDO 09 Jul 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush expresses UK concerns about the shrinking space for independent civil society in Russia.
Britain to Ease Restrictions on Fully-vaccinated Travelers VOA 08 Jul 2021 -- Britain's transportation secretary said Thursday that, beginning July 19, British residents, who are fully vaccinated, will no longer have to self-quarantine when returning from so-called "green" or "amber" or medium-risk nations, including the United States and the European Union.
Operation TORAL draws to an end as UK transitions to new phase of support to Afghanistan UK MOD 08 Jul 2021 -- As Operation TORAL draws to a close, a small number of UK military personnel will temporarily remain to support the transition to a new phase of UK Government support to Afghanistan.
Britain Confirms Most UK Troops Have Left Afghanistan VOA 08 Jul 2021 -- The UK says most of its troops have left Afghanistan.
Troika Statement South Sudan's 10 Year Independence Anniversary US Dept. of State 08 Jul 2021 -- The Troika (United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) congratulates the people of South Sudan on 10 years of independence. On July 9, 2011, South Sudanese joined together in unity to celebrate the country's birth. It was a joyous occasion, filled with hope and possibility.
UK Brexit Minister: No Deadline Set to Solve Northern Ireland Protocol Issues With EU Sputnik 08 Jul 2021 -- UK Brexit Minister David Frost said on Thursday that the United Kingdom will not deliver an ultimatum to the European Union to solve the issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol, but insisted that the bloc should consider more pragmatic solutions.
£230m boost for RAF submarine-hunter fleet UK MOD 08 Jul 2021 -- A contract worth over £230 million for the RAF's Poseidon Maritime Aircraft fleet has been signed with Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) creating more than 150 UK jobs.
Britain's Gamble: 'Freedom Day' Announced Amid Rising COVID Cases VOA 06 Jul 2021 -- Britain is about to try something that no other nation has yet dared: lifting coronavirus restrictions amid a new wave of infections.
Most COVID restrictions set to end in England on July 19, says PM People's Daily 06 Jul 2021 -- Most coronavirus restrictions are set to end on July 19 as part of the final step of England's roadmap out of the lockdown, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday.
Raab: UK Ships to Continue to Sail Waters Near Crimea After HMS Defender Incident Sputnik 06 Jul 2021 -- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Tuesday that the country's vessels would keep the route through Crimean waters despite a recent incident involving the UK's HMS Defender destroyer.
Russia Calls on UK to Stop Provocations in Black Sea Sputnik 06 Jul 2021 -- Russia calls on the United Kingdom to stop provocations after the incident with the warship HMS Defender, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, adding that the Black Sea is not a place for "such games".
£500m firepower upgrade for Type 45 destroyers UK MOD 06 Jul 2021 -- The Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers will receive a £500 million upgrade to enhance their firepower capability.
Britain's Businesses Complain of Labor Shortage Due to Brexit and Pandemic VOA 06 Jul 2021 -- Since Britain voted five years ago to break with the European Union, there has been an exodus from the country of EU workers, which has gathered pace since the pandemic struck, according to British government figures.
IAEA report on Iran producing enriched uranium metal: E3 statement UK FCDO 06 Jul 2021 -- The Foreign Ministers of the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom respond to the latest IAEA report on Iranian production of enriched uranium.
UK PM Johnson Pledges to Restore Freedoms Lost to COVID-19 Lockdown Sputnik 05 Jul 2021 -- Boris Johnson announced a raft of specific moves to lift pandemic restrictions and "reopen our society", stressing the effectiveness of the country's COVID-19 vaccination programme and the inadvertent harms of the lockdown.
British PM Outlines End to COVID Restrictions VOA 05 Jul 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britons will no longer be required by law to wear face masks indoors once the government lifts coronavirus restrictions later this month.
UK reports another 24,248 coronavirus cases People's Daily 05 Jul 2021 -- Britain has reported another 24,248 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,903,434, according to official figures released Sunday.
UK Special Forces Will Reportedly Stay in Afghanistan 'as Advisers' Sputnik 05 Jul 2021 -- Violent clashes and terror attacks continue to ravage Afghanistan despite ongoing peace talks between the government and representatives of the Taliban in the Qatari capital of Doha.
Artificial Intelligence used on Army operation for the first time UK MOD 05 Jul 2021 -- The British Army has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the first time during Exercise Spring Storm, as part of Operation Cabrit in Estonia.
UK reports another 24,885 coronavirus cases People's Daily 04 Jul 2021 -- Britain has reported another 24,885 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,879,616, according to official figures released Saturday.
'It is time to put the interests of Ethiopian people first' UK FCDO 02 Jul 2021 -- Statement by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the situation in Ethiopia
JEF defence ministers set direction for cooperation on northern European security UK MOD 01 Jul 2021 -- Defence Minister James Heappey and fellow Ministers from the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) member nations have signed a new Policy Direction for the multinational force.
£3.5-million investment for smarter missile systems UK MOD 01 Jul 2021 -- The Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been awarded £3.5 million to develop innovative new missile systems.
UN Human Rights Council 47: UK statement at the side event on Assessing the National Security Law in Hong Kong UK FCDO 01 Jul 2021 -- The UK's Ambassador to the UN and WTO in Geneva, Simon Manley, delivered this statement during the side event on Assessing the National Security Law in Hong Kong: The First 365 Days.

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July 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News