January 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Britain Promises to Target Assets of 'Putin's Oligarchs' VOA 31 Jan 2022 -- President Joe Biden and other Western leaders have repeatedly warned they will impose swift and punitive economic sanctions against Moscow in the event Vladimir Putin orders an invasion of Ukraine. British ministers announced Sunday they plan new legislation to make it easier to impose sanctions on "Putin's oligarchs" and Russian officials who have investments and assets in Britain.
US and UK say they're preparing sanctions on Russians with links to Putin government Press TV 31 Jan 2022 -- The United States and the United Kingdom say they are preparing sanctions on Russians with links to the government of President Vladimir Putin to stop what they call Moscow's plan to invade Ukraine. Moscow has rejected the allegation.
Moscow slams UK sanctions plan against Russian companies, vows retaliation if necessary Press TV 31 Jan 2022 -- Moscow has denounced a plan by the United Kingdom to target Russian companies with sanctions in order to deter what London claims to be a potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia, vowing that the Kremlin will retaliate if necessary.
UK threatens sanctions on Kremlin-linked companies, people over Ukraine Press TV 31 Jan 2022 -- Britain is set to sanction Kremlin-linked businesses and individuals if Russia moves ahead with any military action against Ukraine, according to a senior British government official.
Russian Assets in UK May Be Frozen in Accordance With New Sanctions Bill, Foreign Secretary Says Sputnik 31 Jan 2022 -- Assets of Russian companies in the United Kingdom may be frozen in accordance with a new bill on anti-Moscow sanctions, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Monday.
Foreign Secretary ramps up UK sanctions regime to leave Kremlin nowhere to hide UK FCDO 31 Jan 2022 -- The UK has announced a broadening of its sanctions regime in light of tensions on the Ukraine border.
Joint Statement on the Situation in Myanmar US Dept. of State 31 Jan 2022 -- A joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, on the one year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar.
UK announces new sanctions against Myanmar ahead of 1-year anniversary of coup UK FCDO 31 Jan 2022 -- UK joins US and Canada in coordinated action against Myanmar military regime, targeting individuals responsible for undermining democracy and rule of law.
'Window of opportunity' for unity opens in Myanmar
NATO, UK say no plan for sending troops to Ukraine if Russia invades country Press TV 30 Jan 2022 -- NATO and Britain say they have no plans for sending troops to Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion, an allegation repeatedly dismissed by Moscow as propaganda.

U.S., U.K. Officials Say 'Well-Aligned' Russia Sanctions Will Be Felt 'Acutely' If It Invades Ukraine RFE/RL 30 Jan 2022 -- U.S. and U.K. officials on January 30 increased urgent warnings to Moscow if it escalates militarily against Ukraine, vowing to closely coordinate "devastating" sanctions that would be felt by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian public.

Johnson: UK plans 'major' troop deployment in Europe as 'clear message to Kremlin' Press TV 30 Jan 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused Russia of "destabilizing" the situation around Ukraine, saying London is planning to offer NATO a "major" deployment of troops and military hardware in Eastern Europe.

UK Foreign Secretary Truss Promises New Round of Sanctions Against Russia in Coming Days Sputnik 30 Jan 2022 -- The UK government previously claimed that Moscow is planning "an invasion" of Ukraine and even seeks to install a pro-Russian puppet government in Kiev.

"We must face down the clear and present threat posed by Russia" UK FCDO 30 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has penned an opinion piece in the Telegraph on how the UK is joining forces with our allies to show that there can never be rewards for aggression.

Britain Records 72,727 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 29 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded, in the past 24 hours, 72,727 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 296 deaths.

Britain Considering 'Major' Military Deployment To Eastern Europe Amid Russia Tensions RFE/RL 29 Jan 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain is considering a "major" deployment of troops, warships, and fighter jets in Eastern Europe to counter Russian "hostility" toward Ukraine.

Britain Records 89,176 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 28 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded, in the past 24 hours, 89,176 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 277 deaths.

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 28 Jan 2022

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with UK National Security Advisor Lovegrove US Dept. of State 28 Jan 2022

EU, UK Reportedly Preparing Sanctions Against New Russian Gas Projects Sputnik 28 Jan 2022 -- The European Union and the United Kingdom are preparing sanctions against new Russian gas projects that will be imposed in case of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, media reported.

UK, others in NATO considering US request to send more troops to Eastern Europe Press TV 27 Jan 2022 -- The United Kingdom and other member states of NATO are considering a request from the United States to send hundreds of more troops to Eastern Europe before what they call a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Defence Secretary visits Netherlands, Germany and NATO Headquarters UK MOD 27 Jan 2022 -- The Defence Secretary this week held meetings in The Hague, Brussels and Berlin, continuing a period of diplomacy over the situation in Ukraine.

Responding to emerging challenges in North East Syria UK FCDO 27 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on North East Syria

The humanitarian cost of 12 years of conflict in Syria UK FCDO 27 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at Security Council meetings on the humanitarian situation in Syria

Ongoing efforts to facilitate a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Syria UK FCDO 27 Jan 2022 -- StatementStatement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on the political situation in Syria

Iran reacts to UK foreign secretary's claim IRNA 27 Jan 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh strongly reacted to the British foreign secretary's comment that Iran will be responsible for a possible impasse in the Vienna talks and in that event, all options will be on the table.

Constitutional Referendum in Belarus: UK statement UK FCDO 27 Jan 2022 -- Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown expresses UK concerns about the situation in Belarus and urges Belarusian authorities to fully implement its OSCE commitments.

The work and leadership of the UN remain crucial in Afghanistan UK FCDO 27 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Afghanistan

Protecting civilians from the increasing urbanisation of conflict UK FCDO 26 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Urban Settings

UK says not ruling out sanctions on Russia's Putin Press TV 26 Jan 2022 -- The UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says his country is not ruling out sanctions targeted at Russian President Vladimir Putin in person if Russia invades Ukraine.

Iran dismisses UK's Truss remarks, advises other parties to drop repetitive blame game, dull discourse Press TV 26 Jan 2022 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry blasts Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for trying to portray Iran as the party that has been responsible for allegedly sabotaging negotiations in Vienna.

UK Minister for Africa statement on Burkina Faso UK FCDO 25 Jan 2022 -- UK Minister for Africa Vicky Ford has issued a statement on the coup d'etat by military forces in Burkina Faso.

UK Warship interdicts illicit drugs shipment in Gulf of Oman CENTCOM 25 Jan 2022 -- A United Kingdom Royal Navy frigate seized 1,041 kilograms of illegal drugs while transiting international waters during a counter-narcotics patrol in the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 15.

Ukrainian Troops Trained by UK to Use New Anti-Tank Weapons, Defense Ministry Says Sputnik 25 Jan 2022 -- British military advisers are training the Ukrainian army to use the recently-delivered advanced anti-tank missile systems NLAW, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's information agency Armiya Inform said on Tuesday.

Johnson: UK to Look Into Contributing to NATO Deployments in Event of Ukraine Escalation Sputnik 25 Jan 2022 -- The United Kingdom will look into contributing to new NATO deployments in eastern Europe in the event of escalation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Truss US Dept. of State 25 Jan 2022

UK Has Begun Staff Withdrawal From Its Embassy in Ukraine Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- The tensions around Ukraine have flared up over the past several days, with the US Department of State ordering the evacuation of American diplomats' families from the country.

U.S., U.K. Reducing Embassy Staff In Kyiv As NATO Sends More Forces To Eastern Flank RFE/RL 24 Jan 2022 -- Britain and the United States have announced the departure of some embassy staff and dependents from Ukraine in a move that Kyiv has called "premature" following several rounds of inconclusive diplomatic talks between Washington and Moscow prompted by Russia's build up of tens of thousands of troops near the border with its western neighbor.

UK's Johnson Warns Moscow Ukraine May Become 'New Chechnya' If Invaded Sputnik 24 Jan 2022 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that a purported Russian invasion of Ukraine would be "disastrous" and a "painful, violent and bloody business" that may become "a new Chechnya" for Moscow.

Northern Ireland Protocol and UK-EU relations: UK and EU joint statement, 24 January UK FCDO 24 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič held talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol and UK-EU relations.

Building a more peaceful, stable future for the Libyan people UK FCDO 24 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Libya

UK court allows WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to appeal decision to extradite him to US Press TV 24 Jan 2022 -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has won the right to challenge a UK court ruling allowing him to be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges.

Russia rejects UK's 'comical' disinformation over Ukraine, urges London to 'stop spreading nonsense' Press TV 23 Jan 2022 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has dismissed "disinformation" from Britain after London accused Moscow of trying to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine, saying NATO members are escalating tensions with Russia.

UK threatens Russia with sanctions; US senator warns against 'sacrificing' troops Press TV 23 Jan 2022 -- The United Kingdom has warned Russia that it will face severe economic sanctions if it installs what Britain calls a puppet regime in Ukraine.

Russia Warns UK Against 'Dumb and Dangerous Provocations' Regarding 'Coup' in Ukraine Sputnik 23 Jan 2022 -- London previously claimed that Russia is planning to install a puppet government in Kiev, which Moscow blasted as absurd, calling it part of a disinformation campaign.

Royal Navy strikes £15 million blow to Gulf drugs trade UK MOD 23 Jan 2022 -- HMS Montrose seizes over one tonne of illicit drugs in the Gulf of Oman

China slams UK for following Cold War playbook Global Times 23 Jan 2022 -- China warned the UK on Sunday not to follow the Cold War playbook, as it will lead it nowhere, after Britain's top foreign and defense officials talked with their Australian counterparts, aiming to advance AUKUS and convene an ideological clique to counter China and Russia.

Britain classifies new form of Omicron as "variant under investigation" People's Daily 22 Jan 2022 -- A new form of Omicron named BA.2 has been designated a "variant under investigation," with 426 cases of the Omicron variant sub-lineage confirmed in the United Kingdom (UK), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Friday.

Kremlin plan to install pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine exposed UK FCDO 22 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary statement on Kremlin plan to install pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine exposed

U.K. Says Moscow Seeks To Install Pro-Russian Leader In Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Jan 2022 -- Britain says it has information that Moscow is developing plans to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin considers whether to order an invasion of troops into the country.

Russian Foreign Ministry Blasts 'Nonsense' UK Claims That Moscow Sought Puppet Gov in Ukraine Sputnik 22 Jan 2022 -- Moments earlier, the UK accused Russia of intending to install a puppet government in Ukraine, going so far as naming five Ukrainian politicians with purported ties to the effort.

UK Dispatches 30 Elite Troops to Ukraine Amid Escalation Fears, Reports Suggest Sputnik 21 Jan 2022 -- The United Kingdom has sent a group of around 30 elite troops to Ukraine to train the country's armed forces on anti-tank weapons transferred to Kiev by London amid concerns about the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, Sky News reported.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss' speech to the Lowy Institute UK FCDO 21 Jan 2022 -- Liz Truss spoke about how threats to freedom, democracy and the rule of law are global, and why nations like the UK and Australia have to respond together.

British Army flying new elite attack helicopters UK MOD 21 Jan 2022 -- More than a dozen new AH-64E Apaches - one of the most advanced attack helicopters anywhere in the world - are undergoing test flights with the British Army.

Australian Defence Secretary Wallace Says Deployment of UK Nuclear Submarines Not Yet Discussed Sputnik 21 Jan 2022 -- Australia and the United Kingdom have not discussed the possibility of stationing British nuclear submarines on the Australian continent, while a greater frequency of military exercises can be expected, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday.

UK and Australia conclude first AUKMIN since pandemic UK FCDO 21 Jan 2022 -- UK and Australian minsters concluded vital defence and security talks following the first AUKMIN meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

UK to support Tonga tsunami response with aid and Royal Navy ship UK MOD 21 Jan 2022 -- The UK is sending vital humanitarian assistance and redeploying a Royal Navy ship to support Tonga respond to the catastrophic tsunami that hit the islands.

Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership with Australia: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has agreed a new Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

The Northern Ireland Protocol must be changed to protect the hard-won peace here: article by Liz Truss UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- The Foreign Secretary writes in the Belfast Telegraph about her priorities at the start of technical talks with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"The conflict is causing untold suffering and must end" - Minister for Africa's statement following visit to Ethiopia UK FCDO 20 Jan 2022 -- Minister Vicky Ford visited Ethiopia for talks on the ongoing conflict in the north of the country, as well as economic development and regional cooperation.

UK defence procurement spend worth almost £2 billion a year to Scotland UK MOD 20 Jan 2022 -- New figures today (January 20, 2022) show Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with industry and commerce in Scotland in 2020/21 was £1.989 billion.

Britain Records 10,069 New Infections of Coronavirus SPA 19 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded, in the past 24 hours, 10,069 new infections of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), and 359 deaths.

Britain to Drop COVID-19 Restrictions VOA 19 Jan 2022 -- Britain is ending COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates, working from home and vaccine passports, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Wednesday.

Unilateral actions risk undermining engagement between Israeli Government and Palestinian leadership UK FCDO 19 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on the Middle East Peace Process

Accountability is vital to ending the cycle of violence in Darfur UK FCDO 19 Jan 2022 -- Statement by Chanaka Wickremasinghe, UK Minister-Counsellor and Legal Adviser at the UN, at the Security Council briefing on the International Criminal Court Sudan

UK Supplies Ukraine With Thousands of Light Anti-Tank Missiles Sputnik 19 Jan 2022 -- The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with several thousands of light anti-tank missiles, UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey told the LBC radio broadcaster on Wednesday.

Foreign and Defence Secretaries visit Australia for AUKMIN UK FCDO 19 Jan 2022 -- The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary are in Australia for meetings with Foreign Minister Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

Britain reports highest COVID deaths since last February as virus surges across Europe Press TV 18 Jan 2022 -- Britain has recorded 438 new deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily toll since last February, as the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreads fast across Europe.

Britain Detects 94,432 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 18 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 94,432 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 438 deaths in the past 24 hours.

UK supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons, US to provide 'lethal arms' Press TV 18 Jan 2022 -- The UK has started supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons under the disguise of helping the East European country to defend itself from a potential Russian invasion, a top British official has said.

UK's Johnson Fights to Salvage His Premiership From 'Partygate' VOA 17 Jan 2022 -- Britain's rebellious Prime Minister Boris Johnson has seldom come across a rule he hasn't wanted to break — and in many ways his political ascendancy has been because of his flouting of ordinances with voters thrilling to his audacity and readiness to defy conventions and norms.

Defence Secretary meets with Nordic partners amid Russian military build-up UK MOD 15 Jan 2022 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace meets Nordic partners amid backdrop of aggressive Russian behaviour on the border of Ukraine.

Britain Records 99,652 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 14 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded, in the past 24 hours, 99,652 new infections of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), along with 270 deaths.

Northern Ireland Protocol talks with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 13 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss welcomes Vice President Maroš Šefčovič to Chevening House for the latest round of negotiations on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

France eases Covid travel restrictions for British tourists Press TV 13 Jan 2022 -- The French government is easing travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers arriving from the UK, dropping the requirement for proof of a compelling reason to enter the country and for obligatory self-isolation upon arrival.

First UK Annual Sanctions Report shows how UK independent sanctions underpin Global Britain's role on the world stage UK FCDO 13 Jan 2022 -- The UK's Annual Sanctions Report for 2021 details, for the first time, the full extent of its new autonomous sanctions since exiting the European Union.

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with French, German, Italian, and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 12 Jan 2022 -- The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

NATO-Russia Council, 12 January 2022: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 12 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave a statement on the NATO-Russia Council talks.

Vital upgrades to rearming jetty for Royal Navy completed UK MOD 12 Jan 2022 -- The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed a significant series of upgrades to the Northern Ammunition Jetty at Glen Mallan near Helensburgh.

China, UK hold 8th defense strategy consultation PLA Daily 12 Jan 2022 -- The militaries of China and the United Kingdom held the eighth China-UK Defense Strategy Consultation via video link on January 12. The consultation was co-chaired by Lieutenant General Shao Yuanming, vice chief of the Joint Staff Department under China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and Dominic Wilson, director general of security policy of the UK Ministry of Defense. The two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on issues including international and regional security situation, as well as relations between the two countries and the two militaries.

UK records another 141,472 new coronavirus cases People's Daily 10 Jan 2022 -- Britain reported another 141,472 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 14,475,192, according to official figures released Sunday.

Overwhelmed by COVID-19, UK gov't turns to private companies for help Press TV 10 Jan 2022 -- The National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, is seeking help from private health companies to deliver critical treatments such as cancer surgery, as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 keeps surging amid healthcare staff shortage.

Britain Records 141,472 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 10 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 141,472 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 97 deaths in the past 24 hours.

UK statement on Nicaragua: Presidential inauguration UK FCDO 10 Jan 2022 -- FCDO Minister Ford has made a statement on Nicaragua in light of the Presidential inauguration on 10 January 2022.

US-Russia talks, 10 January 2022: FCDO statement UK FCDO 10 Jan 2022 -- A spokesperson gave a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office statement on the US-Russia talks held in Geneva on 10 January 2022.

UK's coronavirus-related deaths top 150,000 People's Daily 09 Jan 2022 -- Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday.

PM Johnson sorrows over 'terrible toll' as UK tops 150,000 COVID deaths Press TV 09 Jan 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed sorrow over the "terrible toll" of more than 150,000 deaths from the coronavirus, making the United Kingdom one of the worst-hit countries by the pandemic in Europe.

Sudan: Quad statement, January 2022 UK FCDO 08 Jan 2022 -- The UK, US, UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have issued a Quad statement to welcome discussions to resolve Sudan's political crisis.

UK NHS staff absences hit record high, data shows Press TV 07 Jan 2022 -- The British government faced the highest level of hospital staff absence in early January since the vaccine rollout, data from National Health Service (NHS) shows.

Britain Records 178,250 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 07 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 178,250 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 229 deaths in the past 24 hours.

UK Will Develop Hypersonic Missiles to Compete With Russia, Chief of Defense Staff Says Sputnik 08 Jan 2022 -- UK Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin has announced his country's plans to develop hypersonic missiles to compete with Russia's growing military strength.

British Warship Collided With Russian 'Hunter-Killer' Submarine, Claims UK Defence Ministry Sputnik 07 Jan 2022 -- The "collision" news comes amid ongoing claims by Western media outlets and officials that Russia is preparing "an invasion" of Ukraine, allegations that Moscow rejects as unsubstantiated.

British Warship Collided With Russian Submarine, UK Defense Ministry Confirms RFE/RL 07 Jan 2022 -- A British warship hit a Russian hunter-killer submarine with the ship's sonar equipment while on patrol in the North Atlantic, the UK Ministry of Defense has revealed.

Britain Records 179,756 New Cases of Covid-19 SPA 06 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 179,756 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 231 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Kazakhstan protests: UK government statement UK FCDO 06 Jan 2022 -- The UK government has issued a statement on the protests in Kazakhstan.

Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French, German, Italian and UK Counterparts US Dept. of State 06 Jan 2022 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Oral statement to Parliament - Russia's aggression towards Ukraine: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCDO 06 Jan 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss gave a statement to the House of Commons on what the UK government is doing about the situation with Ukraine and Russia.

UK threatens Russia with 'massive consequences', financial sanctions if Ukraine invaded Press TV 06 Jan 2022 -- The UK has threatened Russia with massive consequences and financial sanctions if it carries out any military action against Ukraine.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Announces Kyiv Visit, Says Russia's Only Path Forward Is De-Escalation With Ukraine RFE/RL 06 Jan 2022 -- British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has announced a visit to Kyiv later this month to stress London's "unwavering" commitment to Ukraine amid continuing Russian aggression against its fellow post-Soviet neighbor.

Ukraine, U.K., Canada, Sweden Announce New Tack On Reparations Over Airliner Downed By Iran RFE/RL 06 Jan 2022 -- Ukraine and a trio of other affected countries on January 6 announced their abandonment of a two-year effort to negotiate with Tehran over reparations for a passenger airliner mistakenly shot down by Iran's military in January 2020.

North Korea missile test, January 2022: Minister for Asia's statement UK FCDO 06 Jan 2022 -- Minister for Asia, Amanda Milling, comments on the recent test of a ballistic missile by North Korea.

UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer Tests Positive For COVID-19 Sputnik 05 Jan 2022 -- This comes after 218,724 COVID-19 infections were registered in the UK on Tuesday, the highest daily total since the coronavirus pandemic began a couple of years ago.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace DoD 05 Jan 2022

UK defense ministry 'fails troops, wastes taxpayers money,' Labour says Press TV 05 Jan 2022 -- The British Labour Party says the defense ministry has failed the country's troops and people by wasting billions of dollars of the taxpayers' money on its military projects over the past decade.

Britain, Europe Look to India to Counter China VOA 05 Jan 2022 -- China has pulled off a rapid economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the star performer of major economies in 2021 was India, which grew its economy faster. Analysts are predicting India will be the world's fastest-growing major economy this year, too, the start of a long-term trend, they say.

UK Records 218,724 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 04 Jan 2022 -- The UK recorded 218,724 new infections with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and 48 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Johnson Confident UK Can 'Ride Out' Omicron Wave Without Another COVID-19 Lockdown Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that the UK has a chance to "ride out" the Omicron wave without another lockdown, so he stressed there is no need for further COVID-19 restrictions apart from the ones already implemented.

UK Hospitals Declare Critical Incidents, Urge 'More Cautious Approach' to COVID-19 Restrictions Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- As the Omicron variant of the coronavirus continues to drive cases up, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has held off on introducing stricter restrictions in England than his current "Plan B". Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have opted for a toughening of the measures in place to curb the spread of the respiratory disease.

UN chief 'encouraged' by first joint statement from key nuclear armed States UN News 04 Jan 2022 -- The Secretary-General, António Guterres, has welcomed a joint statement issued on Monday by five nuclear armed States on the prevention of nuclear war and the avoidance of the arms race.

Beijing Says AUKUS Pact Undermines Nuclear Non-Proliferation Sputnik 04 Jan 2022 -- The AUKUS trilateral defence agreement between the United States, the UK and Australia could lead to the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, Director-General of the Arms Control Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Fu Cong said on Tuesday.

Britain Records 137,583 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 03 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 137,583 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 73 deaths in the past 24 hours.

UK Minister Says 'Nothing in Data' to Prompt More COVID-19 Restrictions, Despite NHS Warnings Sputnik 03 Jan 2022 -- Amid speculations of possibly wider COVID-19 restrictions being introduced in England as the Omicron strain of the virus is responsible for a surge in cases, on 4 January the government is set to review its Plan B measures, not due to expire until 26 January.

UK's Johnson: Omicron Surge to Put Pressure on Health System VOA 03 Jan 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday the nation's current surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the omicron variant is going to put "considerable" pressure on the National Health Service but that there is no need for new restrictions at this time.

Joint Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races The White House 03 Jan 2022

Five Global Powers Pledge to Avoid Nuclear Conflict VOA 03 Jan 2022 -- Five world powers have agreed to work together to stop the further spread of nuclear arms and to avoid nuclear conflict, according to a joint statement.

World Powers Pledge To Stop Spread Of Nuclear Weapons On Eve Of Non-Proliferation Meeting RFE/RL 03 Jan 2022 -- The world's five leading nuclear powers -- all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- have issued a pledge to stop the spread of atomic weapons and to do all they can to ensure a nuclear war never occurs.

Nuclear-power states reach agreement to prevent spread of nuclear weapons Press TV 03 Jan 2022 -- The world's five nuclear states have agreed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to avoid a nuclear conflict, in a rare joint statement aimed at alleviating global concern and highlighting the push for a nuke-free world.

Big Five Nuclear Powers Release Joint Statement Saying Their Nukes Aren't Aimed at One Another Sputnik 03 Jan 2022 -- The statement comes in an atmosphere of heightened global tensions - including fears of a conflict between Russia and NATO over Ukraine, and the US and China in the Indo-Pacific.

China leads in five-state joint statement on preventing nuclear war, arms race Global Times 03 Jan 2022 -- For the first time, the leaders of China, France, Russia, the UK and the US on Monday issued a joint statement on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races, in which China played a powerful leading role, and pushed for the reaffirmation of not aiming nuclear devices at each other or at any other state.

Britain Records 162,572 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 02 Jan 2022 -- Britain recorded 162,572 new infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), along with 154 deaths in the past 24 hours.

UK Government Preparing Plans to Avoid Public Sector Chaos Over COVID-19 - Reports Sputnik 02 Jan 2022 -- The UK government is working on contingency plans to prevent disruptions in public sector or transport in the event that many workers have to isolate due to the COVID-19 wave, media reported Sunday.

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January 2022 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News