December 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

UK COVID-19 cases hit record high, health staff absence double before Christmas Press TV 31 Dec 2021 -- COVID-19 infections across the UK hit record high levels in all parts of the country just before Christmas, with an estimated 2.3 million cases, new figures show.
Britain Records 189,846 New Cases of Covid-19 SPA 31 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 189,846 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 203 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Johnson Says UK in Better Position Than Last Year as COVID-19 Infections Soar Sputnik 31 Dec 2021 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said that the United Kingdom is in "an incomparably" better position than this time last year in terms of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the country currently seeing a record number of infections caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
France suspends transit ban for UK nationals Press TV 31 Dec 2021 -- The French government has suspended a road travel prohibition for UK nationals, allowing Britons to drive through France to reach their residential homes in EU member states.
Secretary Blinken's Call with French, German, and UK Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 29 Dec 2021 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
UK coronavirus cases top 12 million People's Daily 28 Dec 2021 -- Britain has reported another 98,515 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 12,209,991, according to official figures released Monday.
Wales, Scotland, NI Close Nightclubs, Limit Indoor Gatherings as Part of New COVID-19 Restrictions Sputnik 26 Dec 2021 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has held off on introducing stricter coronavirus restrictions in England that his current "Plan B', saying before Christmas that data was being closely being monitored and that his government would not hesitate to act after the holidays if further moves were justified.
Report: UK sends navy ship to North Sea to monitor Russian subs Press TV 26 Dec 2021 -- A British Royal Navy ship has reportedly been deployed in the North Sea to monitor Russian submarines and vessels in the area amid rising tensions between the West and Moscow over Ukraine.
British Navy Frigate On Hand to Track Russian Ships in North Sea - Reports Sputnik 26 Dec 2021 -- The HMS Westminster frigate of the UK Royal Navy is currently in the North Sea, ready to watch for Russian submarines, The Telegraph reports.
Britain Records 122,186 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 25 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 122,186 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 137 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Joint Statement on Libyan Election Process US Dept. of State 24 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom:
Iran Accuses UK of Meddling After Statement on Ballistic Missile Test Sputnik 24 Dec 2021 -- The latest ballistic missile test by Iran did not violate the UN Security Council on the 2015 nuclear deal, and the United Kingdom's claims to the contrary represent an attempt to meddle in the Islamic republic's internal affairs, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Iranian Foreign Ministry slams UK Foreign Office's 'meddlesome statement' on Iran's defensive capabilities Press TV 24 Dec 2021 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has lambasted the United Kingdom for a "meddlesome statement" issued by the Foreign Office on Iran's defensive capabilities, stressing that Tehran acts within international laws and regulations and in accordance with the Islamic Republic's defense needs.
Britain Records 119,789 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 23 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 119,789 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 147 deaths in the past 24 hours.
UK and international partners condemn Wagner Group's plan to deploy mercenaries in Mali UK FCDO 23 Dec 2021 -- The UK and international partners have issued a statement condemning the decision to deploy mercenary troops from the Wagner Group in Mali.
Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss US Dept. of State 23 Dec 2021
Britain Records 106,122 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 22 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 106,122 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 140 deaths in the past 24 hours.
UK Cuts COVID-19 Self-Isolation Period to 7 Days Sputnik 22 Dec 2021 -- UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced on Wednesday that people infected with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can now shorten the mandatory self-isolation period from 10 to seven days as long as they are able to produce negative lateral flow test on two consecutive days.
UK and Japan to develop future fighter jet engine demonstrator UK MOD 22 Dec 2021 -- The UK and Japan announce plans to develop a future fighter aircraft engine demonstrator and agree to explore further combat air technologies.
Boris Johnson: No COVID Lockdown in UK Before Christmas, Maybe After Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Earlier, reports emerged in the UK media suggesting that the Conservative Party warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson of a no-confidence vote in the event of a government decision to introduce additional measures to curb the spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.
UK reserves "possibility of taking further action" amid surging Omicron cases: PM People's Daily 21 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that the government reserves the "possibility of taking further action" to protect public health because of the spread of the Omicron variant.
UK records biggest daily jump of Omicron cases People's Daily 20 Dec 2021 -- Another 12,133 Omicron cases have been recorded in Britain, the biggest daily increase since the COVID-19 variant was detected in the country, taking the total Omicron cases found in the country to 37,101, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Sunday.
Nothing can replace the scale or scope of the UN mandated Syrian cross-border mechanism UK FCDO 20 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Syria
London Mayor Khan Says More COVID-19 Restrictions 'Inevitable' Sputnik 19 Dec 2021 -- Earlier this week, Khan declared a "major incident" to help the city's overwhelmed hospitals amid a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.
London 'Highly Unlikely' to Deploy Troops in Ukraine, UK Defence Secretary Says Sputnik 19 Dec 2021 -- The United Kingdom is "highly unlikely" to send troops to Ukraine in the event of Russia starting implementing its alleged plans for escalation of the situation around Ukraine, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
UK Brexit minister David Frost resigns, dealing major blow to embattled PM Press TV 19 Dec 2021 -- British Brexit minister David Frost has resigned from the government, dealing a major blow to embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Brexit Minister Resigns, Deepening Crisis Engulfing British Prime Minister VOA 19 Dec 2021 -- The political crisis engulfing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has deepened with the resignation of a close ally, Brexit minister David Frost, who cited pandemic restrictions and the government's "direction of travel."
Britain Records 93,045 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 18 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 93,045 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 111 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Omicron Variant Cases Doubling in UK Every One and a Half Days, UK Health Security Agency Says Sputnik 18 Dec 2021 -- To date, the total number of COVID-19 infections in the UK is over 11 million, while the death toll stands at 147,509 since the pandemic began, according to Baltimore, Maryland's Johns Hopkins University, which tracks and compiles data from national and local authorities, the media and other sources.
E3 back down in face of Iran demands IRNA 18 Dec 2021 -- At the end of the seventh round of Vienna talks for revival of the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting of anti-Iran sanctions, three European states (Britain, France and Germany) retreated from their stances and were convinced to accept Iranians' proposals as a basis for the next round of negotiations in the Austrian capital.
Russia bars entry to British citizens in tit-for-tat move Press TV 18 Dec 2021 -- Moscow has barred entry into Russia of seven British citizens involved in anti-Russian activities in retaliation for a similar move by London against the same number of Russians back in August.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Russia's reciprocal list of British citizens denied entry to the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Dec 2021
Arrival of first US F-35 aircraft marks major milestone for DIO upgrades at RAF Lakenheath UK MOD 17 Dec 2021 -- The first four of the US Air Force's new F-35 aircraft to be based in Europe arrived at RAF Lakenheath earlier today, having been flown across the Atlantic from manufacturer Lockheed Martin's factory in the USA.
Stunning By-Election Defeat Punctures Britain's Boris Johnson VOA 17 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson took "personal responsibility" Friday for the rout of his Conservatives in a by-election for a seat his ruling party had held for 189 years.
Russia Issues Travel Ban To Seven Britons In Response To U.K. Sanctions RFE/RL 17 Dec 2021 -- Russia has imposed a travel ban on seven unnamed British citizens in a tit-for-tat response to London's sanctions connected to the August 2020 poisoning of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
Readout of AUKUS Joint Steering Group Meetings The White House 17 Dec 2021
UK COVID cases hit record high as hospitals struggle with staff shortages Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- The UK hits the record for the number of COVID-19 cases, with 88,376 new cases, of which, more than 10,000 have been confirmed as Omicron variant.
Ukraine, Canada, U.K., Sweden Set Deadline For Settlement With Iran Over Downing Of Airliner RFE/RL 16 Dec 2021 -- Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and Britain have told Iran that it has three weeks to reverse its refusal to address demands for reparations after the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner last year.
Continued efforts to support and promote peace, stability and security in Central Africa UK FCDO 15 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe at the Security Council briefing on the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa
National Cyber Strategy: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 15 Dec 2021 -- The Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has released a statement on the launch of the UK's National Cyber Strategy.
New Blueprint to protect UK from Cyber Threats UK MOD 15 Dec 2021 -- A new National Cyber Strategy has been announced, setting out how we will protect and promote UK interests in rapidly evolving online world
Defence Ministerial oral statement on the AJAX programme UK MOD 15 Dec 2021 -- Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin updates the House of Commons on the AJAX programme and announces the publication of the AJAX Health and Safety report.
European Powers Warn Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing 'End Of The Road' RFE/RL 15 Dec 2021 -- Three European powers said on December 14 that talks with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are "rapidly reaching the end of the road," while Tehran accused Western powers of playing a "blame game."
First Omicron death confirmed in UK: PM People's Daily 14 Dec 2021 -- At least one person has died with the Omicron variant in Britain, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday.
UK to Lift COVID Travel Ban on 11 African Countries VOA 14 Dec 2021 -- Britain will end a ban on visitors from 11 African countries aimed at combatting COVID-19, the government said Tuesday, despite an alarming spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
E3 playing blame game against Iran in Vienna talks IRNA 14 Dec 2021 -- Three European powers (Britain, France, and Germany) have neglected the United States' destructive role in the current situation of the 2015 nuclear deal, trying to portray Iran as an obstacle in the way of reviving the accord.
Iran's current path of nuclear escalation risks provoking a serious crisis UK FCDO 14 Dec 2021 -- Statement of Ambassador Barbara Woodward Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231
The diplomatic door is firmly open for Iran to do a deal now UK FCDO 14 Dec 2021 -- Joint statement by United Kingdom, Germany and France ahead of Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231
As the military picture worsens, the humanitarian imperatives in Yemen increase UK FCDO 14 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Yemen
UK raises COVID-19 alert level amid rising Omicron cases People's Daily 13 Dec 2021 -- Britain's COVID-19 alert level has been raised from Level 3 to Level 4 "in light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases," British chief medical officers said in a joint statement Sunday.
Britain Announces First Death from Omicron Variant of Coronavirus VOA 13 Dec 2021 -- Britain has recorded its first death from the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
British PM Warns Kremlin Invading Ukraine Would Be 'Strategic Mistake' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that any "destabilizing action" by Moscow against Ukraine would be a "strategic mistake" with "significant consequences," a spokesman said.
Johnson Urges Brits to Get COVID Booster Jabs Ahead of Omicron 'Tidal Wave' Sputnik 13 Dec 2021 -- As of Sunday, at least 3,137 cases of the omicron COVID-19 variant have been identified in the UK, amounting to over 1,000 additional cases since last Saturday. The variant's rapid spread has resulted in British health officials raising the UK COVID Alert Level from 'Level 3' to 'Level 4'.
'Last Chance': UK Foreign Secretary Warns Time is Running Out for Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Talks Sputnik 13 Dec 2021 -- The United Kingdom, United States, and Germany have expressed fear that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will fail to garner a serious resolution from Iran. The three western allies believe time is running out to come to an agreement, even as the rhetoric on both sides gets turned up.
Another 633 Omicron cases identified in UK in biggest daily jump People's Daily 12 Dec 2021 -- Another 633 Omicron cases have been confirmed in Britain, the biggest daily increase since the COVID-19 variant was detected in the country, taking the total cases found in the country to 1,898, British health authorities said Saturday.
Britain Increases Aid Commitment To Afghanistan By $100 Million RFE/RL Gandhara 12 Dec 2021 -- Britain has pledged a further 75 million pounds ($100 million) in aid to Afghanistan to help the country address its humanitarian crisis.
Foreign Secretary pledges to support 1.8 million Afghans with life-saving aid: 12 December 2021 UK FCDO 12 Dec 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss pledges £75m of UK emergency aid to support 1.8 million Afghans.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Russia and Ukraine US Dept. of State 12 Dec 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.
G-7 Warns Russia on Military Buildup Along Ukraine Border VOA 12 Dec 2021 -- The Group of Seven democratic economic powers on Sunday warned Russia to de-escalate its large-scale military buildup along the Ukrainian border or face what it characterized as "massive" economic consequences.
G7 Warns Russia Of 'Massive Consequences' If It Attacks Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Dec 2021 -- Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) have warned Russia that it faces "massive consequences" and "severe" costs if it launches a military attack on Ukraine.
G7 Leaders Pledge 'Severe Cost' in Event of Russian 'Military Aggression' in Ukraine Sputnik 12 Dec 2021 -- Concerns about Russia's "military build-up" in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border continue to arise, with Moscow repeatedly underscoring that it has no plans to attack anyone. Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart Joe Biden that Russian troops are located within the country's territory and pose no threat.
At G7 Meeting, U.K. Implores Iran To Seize 'Last Chance' For Serious Approach To Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 12 Dec 2021 -- The United Kingdom publicly challenged Iran on December 12 to seize on a "last chance" to bring serious proposals to negotiations on a lasting solution to revive a six-year-old nuclear deal.
UK Foreign Secretary Warns Russia of 'Severe Consequences' in Event of Ukraine Invasion Sputnik 11 Dec 2021 -- The Kremlin, the Russian Foreign Ministry and the country's military have reiterated repeatedly that Moscow has no intention of 'invading' anyone amid weeks of increasingly shrill claims by Western media and officials that Russia may be preparing to launch aggression against Ukraine.
US, UK threaten Russia with 'massive consequences' over Ukraine Press TV 11 Dec 2021 -- The United States and the United Kingdom have threatened Russia with "massive consequences" if it launches a military action in neighboring Ukraine, despite the fact that Moscow has rejected Washington's allegations of preparing to invade the country.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Truss US Dept. of State 11 Dec 2021
Foreign Secretary's meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian: 11 December 2021 UK FCDO 11 Dec 2021 -- A readout of the Foreign Secretary's meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Foreign Secretary's meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock: 10 December 2021 UK FCDO 11 Dec 2021 -- A readout from Foreign Secretary Lis Truss' meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Foreign Secretary's meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken: 11 December 2021 UK FCDO 11 Dec 2021 -- A readout from Foreign Secretary Lis Truss' meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks's Virtual Meeting With U.K. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence David Williams DoD 10 Dec 2021
New UK sanctions target human rights violations and abuses in Myanmar and Pakistan UK FCDO 10 Dec 2021 -- The UK announced new sanctions against the Myanmar military for their continued suppression of the civilian population and for serious human rights violations.
Defence Secretary affirms UK's commitment to High North on visit to Denmark and Sweden UK MOD 10 Dec 2021 -- Ben Wallace met Danish and Swedish counterparts, underlining strength of UK's bilateral relationships.
UK's top court rules Assange can be extradited to US Press TV 10 Dec 2021 -- The British High Court has overturned a ruling that blocked the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Juian Assange to the United Sates, deciding that he can be sent to America, where he faces a possible life in prison sentence.
New Omicron cases in UK nearly double in one day People's Daily 10 Dec 2021 -- A further 249 cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been reported in Britain, taking the total to 817, British health authorities said Thursday.
UK Could Hit 1Mln Omicron Cases by Month's End, Health Minister Says Sputnik 09 Dec 2021 -- UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Thursday said that the United Kingdom could see 1 million cases of the Omicron variant by the end of the month, given its rapid spread.
Businesses, unions call for state help as UK launches Plan B virus curbs Press TV 09 Dec 2021 -- The British government has come under harsh criticism for launching Plan B coronavirus restrictions, with some critics accusing Prime Minister Boris Johnson of trying to "save his own skin" by announcing the curbs as a diversion from the week's political scandals.
Towards accountability and the verifiable destruction of Syria's chemical weapons programme UK FCDO 09 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Syria's use of chemical weapons
China warns US, allies will 'pay price' for Olympics boycott; France rebuffs US campaign Press TV 09 Dec 2021 -- The Chinese foreign ministry has warned that the United States and its allies will "pay the price" for their diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Canada, UK announce political boycott of China Winter Olympics, imitating US Press TV 09 Dec 2021 -- Canada and Britain have announced a political boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, following similar decisions by the United States and Australia over alleged human rights violations in China.
Experts: Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Games Needs More Nations for Impact VOA 09 Dec 2021 -- Experts say that for the U.S. diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics to be effective, more countries will need to participate. But that could be challenging given some countries' economic ties to China or recognized prowess in winter sports.
5 Western Nations Join Together in Diplomatic Boycott of China's Winter Olympics VOA 09 Dec 2021 -- A small but influential group of Western nations has announced diplomatic boycotts of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, citing its record of human rights abuses.
U.K. To Send Army Engineers To Poland Amid 'Migration Pressure' From Belarus RFE/RL 09 Dec 2021 -- Britain says it will send 140 military engineers to NATO ally Poland this month to provide support at its border with Belarus, where the West says Minsk is orchestrating on ongoing migration crisis.
UK Defence Ministry Says Will Send 140 Military Engineers to Poland Over Migration Crisis Sputnik 09 Dec 2021 -- The UK will send 140 military engineers to Poland to help the country suffering from "irregular migration at the border with Belarus," the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday,
UK to provide engineering support to Poland amid border pressures UK MOD 09 Dec 2021 -- 140 military engineers are deploying to Poland to provide specialist support in response to the pressures from irregular migration at the Belarus border.
HMS Queen Elizabeth returns home as historic global deployment comes to an end UK MOD 09 Dec 2021 -- Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth today after her global seven month maiden operational deployment leading Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21). Sailors, aviators, ships and aircraft have returned to their home bases in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States of America.
British and Danish defence ministers issue joint declaration UK MOD 08 Dec 2021 -- The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and his Danish counterpart signed a joint declaration today in Copenhagen.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss held talks with Ukrainian counterpart in the face of Russian aggression UK FCDO 08 Dec 2021 -- The Foreign Secretary has held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue.
UK-Ukraine strategic dialogue: joint communique UK FCDO 08 Dec 2021 -- The UK's partnership with Ukraine has developed over thirty years, built on a shared commitment to democratic principles, human rights and equality; to international peace and security; to promoting the benefits of trade liberalisation and investment under the global rules-based trading system; and to the principle that nations must be free to choose their own path to develop and prosper.
World-class mine-hunting technology delivered to Royal Navy UK MOD 08 Dec 2021 -- A cutting-edge autonomous system able to detect modern sea mine threats and reduce risk to life has been delivered to the Royal Navy.
Britain's Sandhurst Superseded by Chinese Military Academies, Warns Report VOA 08 Dec 2021 -- Since the 1950s, the British army's prestigious Sandhurst has often been the first choice for developing countries to send their best military officers for further training, and in the past 70 years around 5,000 international students from 120 countries have completed courses at the academy southwest of London.
'Nobody cares,' Chinese FM blasts Canberra's decision to join US in boycotting Beijing 2022 Global Times 08 Dec 2021 -- Canberra staged a new political show by joining the US in a "boycott" of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, which fully exposes that it blindly follows the US, does not know right from wrong and has no bottom line, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry, noting China has not invited any Australian government officials to the Games and no one cares whether they come or not.
UK, Canada join US, Australia in Beijing Winter Olympics boycott Radio Free Asia 08 Dec 2021 -- Australia and Canada on Wednesday said they would join a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing in February, citing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s human rights record, in a move that followed a similar announcement from Washington earlier in the week.
Britain, Canada Latest Nations to Announce Diplomatic Boycott of China Olympics VOA 08 Dec 2021 -- Following Britain's announcement that it will join the United States, Australia and others in a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games in February, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that Canada will join the boycott.
Australia Announces Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics VOA 08 Dec 2021 -- Australia will stage a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, mirroring a similar move by the United States.
Australia joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics Press TV 08 Dec 2021 -- Australia says it is planning to join the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, a move that risks further deteriorating the already strained relationship between Canberra and Beijing.
UK Deputy PM Says COVID 'Plan B' is 'Not Required' in Face of Omicron Variant Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The British government's initial response to the new Omicron variant has been low-key, making mask-wearing compulsory in shops and on public transport as well as banning all but essential travel from 10 African countries. But its spread across the UK has raised fears of another Christmas lockdown.
Former Foreign Secretary Challenges Whistle-Blower's Claims U.K. Abandoned Afghan Allies RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Dec 2021 -- A former British foreign secretary has defended his oversight of the evacuation of troops and civilians from Afghanistan following a damning whistle-blower's report alleging that the operation was "dysfunctional" and "chaotic" and left U.K. allies abandoned.
UK's handling of Afghanistan evacuations was 'dysfunctional', 'chaotic': Whistleblower Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- The UK government's handling of evacuations from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in August was "dysfunctional" and "chaotic", according to a devastating account by a whistleblower.
Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Macron of France, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy, Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom The White House 07 Dec 2021
Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK Minister for Europe and the Americas Morton US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2021
Chief of the Defence Staff Speech to the Royal United Services Institute UK MOD 07 Dec 2021 -- Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC, Chief of the Defence Staff Speech to the Royal United Services Institute
Joint Statement on Detentions in Ethiopia US Dept. of State 06 Dec 2021 -- The following is the text of a joint statement signed by the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Progressing the transition towards a more peaceful and stable DRC UK FCDO 06 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Roscoe at the Security Council briefing on MONUSCO
Advanced 'detect and destroy' air defence system launched UK MOD 06 Dec 2021 -- Sky Sabre, a state-of-the-art air defence system, replaces Rapier, propelling the British Army to the forefront of ground-based air defence missile technology.
Britain Records 27 New Cases of "Omicron" Variant SPA 05 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 27 new cases of "Omicron" variant of the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) in the past 24 hours, including 26 cases in England, while Scotland recorded one infection.
Joint Statement on Reports of Summary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
Р5 Conference Paris, 2-3 December, 2021 FINAL Joint communique Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Dec 2021
Britain Records 50,584 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 03 Dec 2021 -- Britain recorded 50,584 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 143 deaths in the past 24 hours.
UK Records 50,584 New COVID-19 Cases, 143 Deaths SPA 03 Dec 2021 -- Britain on Friday reported 50,584 further cases of COVID-19 and 143 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to official data, Reuters reported.
France rebuffs UK’s proposals for resolving migrant crisis as violation of sovereignty Press TV 03 Dec 2021 -- France has firmly rejected Britain’s proposals for fighting illegal migration through joint patrols across the English Channel, saying the United Kingdom’s ideas encroach upon the country’s sovereignty amid rising tensions between the two sides over the migrant crisis.
UK calls for early intervention to address growing humanitarian crises caused by climate change UK FCDO 02 Dec 2021 -- The UK, this year's Global Humanitarian Overview launch co-host, is investing in earlier interventions to prevent humanitarian suffering and reduce growing needs.
Britain Appoints Balkan Envoy, Citing Threats To Stability, Security RFE/RL 02 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed a special envoy to the Western Balkans at a time when the region is experiencing "the biggest threat" to its stability and security in more than two decades.
Irish minister: EU, UK unlikely to resolve border dispute for now Press TV 02 Dec 2021 -- Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney says an agreement between the UK and the European Union regarding the Irish border dispute is unlikely before the end of this year.
OSCE Ministerial Council 2021: Foreign Secretary's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov UK FCDO 02 Dec 2021 -- UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss met the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Stockholm and discussed Ukraine, Belarus, Iran and Afghanistan.
Continued momentum to address the heinous crimes committed by Da'esh in Iraq UK FCDO 02 Dec 2021 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on UNITAD
A Message to the Congress on the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America, the Government of Australia, and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The White House 01 Dec 2021
UK to offer booster vaccines to all adults by end of January People's Daily 01 Dec 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday that everyone over the age of 18 will be offered a booster vaccine by the end of January and another lockdown "extremely unlikely".
The United Kingdom's position on the status of Jerusalem is clear and long-standing UK FCDO 01 Dec 2021 -- Explanation of vote delivered by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the General Assembly vote on resolution A/76/L.16

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December 2021 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News