Former Prime Minister Liz Truss had announced in September a six-month scheme to subsidise the wholesale price for businesses…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to halve financial support on energy bills for businesses, amid concerns about the cost, The Times reported, without citing sources.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss had announced in September a six-month scheme to subsidise the wholesale price for businesses.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt “will announce a 12-month extension to the scheme but with the level of support more than halved, amid concerns about taxpayers’ exposure to fluctuating energy prices,” the newspaper reported.
The report comes after British public borrowing during last month hit its highest for any November on record, reflecting the mounting cost of energy subsidies, debt interest and the reversal of an increase in payroll taxes.
The new scheme is expected to cost less than 20 billion pounds ($24.09 billion) over 12 months, compared with 40 billion pounds for the existing one, the report added.
Meng Xiangjun and Zhang Zhimin transfer a COVID-19 patient in east China's Shanghai, May 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)
EU health ministers agreed in early December to return to a pre-pandemic approach to free movement and travel without any COVID-19 related measures…reports Asian Lite News
The European Union’s Health Security Committee on Thursday called for the bloc’s member states to coordinate and roll out joint measures against COVID-19 as China reopens its borders.
The committee — an informal advisory group on health security at European level — said following an emergency meeting on the COVID-19 situation in China that “coordination of national responses to serious cross border threats to health is crucial.”
“We need to act jointly and will continue our discussions,” it added.
The meeting came after Italy, which was hit hard by the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020, ordered mandatory COVID antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China.
Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said on Wednesday that “the measure is essential to ensure the surveillance and identification of any variants of the virus in order to protect the Italian population.”
The US also requires a negative COVID-19 test for travellers from China.
Beijing started loosening its zero-COVID policy and strict travel quarantine rules after protests swept through the country in late November following the death of at least 10 people in a building under quarantine in Urumqi in the western Xinjiang region.
The easing has led to an explosion in cases across China where trust in locally-developed vaccines is low. Western vaccines such as the mRNA jabs by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are not approved by the country’s health authorities.
EU health ministers agreed in early December to return to a pre-pandemic approach to free movement and travel without any COVID-19 related measures. But they kept the possibility to activate an “emergency brake” in a coordinated approach if the epidemiological situation worsens.
“The BF7 omicron variant, which is prevalent in China, is already present in Europe and has not significantly grown. However, we remain vigilant and will be ready to use the emergency brake if necessary,” a Commission spokesperson told Euronews.
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) forecast earlier this month that COVID-19 could stop being a global health emergency in 2023 as the number of deaths from the virus continues to dwindle.
“At that time (in 2021), COVID-19 was killing 50,000 people each week. Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
“We’re hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency.”
“The criteria for declaring an end to the emergency will be among the topics of conversation when the Emergency Committee meets in January,” he said.
He nonetheless warned that the virus is “here to stay” and that countries “will need to learn to manage it” and renewed his call for vaccination and treatment to be made more readily available worldwide.
“Only one in five people in low-income countries has been vaccinated; access to diagnostics and life-saving treatments for COVID-19 remains unacceptably unaffordable and unequal; the burden of post-COVID-19 condition is only likely to increase; and large gaps in surveillance remain, which is a weakness not only for detecting new variants of COVID-19, but also for monitoring the spread of other infections,” he said.
He also urged “China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested, to better understand the origins of this virus.”
Blair also visited the new Kremlin chief at a time when he was suspected of human rights abuses in neighboring Chechnya….reports Asian Lite News
The new Labor prime minister has spearheaded a Western attempt to woo the former KGB agent as an ally at the “top table” of global diplomacy. Declassified documents from two decades ago show how he pushed for the creation of a NATO-Russia Council with Putin at the center.
Blair also visited the new Kremlin chief at a time when he was suspected of human rights abuses in neighboring Chechnya.
Documents released by the National Archives in Kew, south-west London, include an October 2001 letter to him from media officer Magi Cleaver.
She spoke about the Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to Russia, Pakistan and India, and reminded him that Putin had invited him to “come and celebrate his birthday”.
Cleaver added: ‘So we are bringing a set of new silver No 10 cufflinks as a gift – he will be the first leader to have them.’
Blair compared Putin to influential French leader Charles de Gaulle during talks with US Vice President Dick Cheney.
His foreign policy adviser, John Sawers, wrote that the Labor leader “believed it was best to give Putin a place at the top”.
Other newspapers reveal how grateful the Moscow leader was for Blair’s support at the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Rome in May 2002.
A letter from the Private Secretary to No. 10 reads: “Putin was full of praise for the Prime Minister’s initiative to establish the NATO/Russia Council.
Another official note adds: “The NRC meeting was a notable event. Putin took his place at the Council table in a scene unthinkable a very short time ago. He performed with skill and was one of the most impressive performers at the luncheon – contributing with ease, confidence and candor. As a further step in bringing Russia out of the cold, this was a remarkable opportunity.”
He said newly elected US President George W Bush was “relaxed and impressive”, and hoped member states would develop “transparent intelligence cooperation” over the next five years.
Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt wanted NATO and Russia to launch “the first joint peacekeeping operations” in the Balkans.
French President Jacques Chirac “showed (the usual) signs of boredom” but rose from the lunch table to kiss the hand of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wanted Putin to speak on behalf of the committee at a summit to defuse the state of near-war between India and Pakistan.
Putin told the group he faced national hardliners who viewed NATO as “adversary or enemy” but “understood the implications” of their new advice.
Lord Robertson, NATO Secretary General, urged members to consider where the international peace initiative “should be in five to ten years”.
But another document, titled Putin’s Progress, details how the man who has become synonymous with warmongering, intrigue and political assassination said one thing and did another.
“Despite the heat of Putin’s rhetoric about close Russia-UK ties, the Russian intelligence effort against UK targets remains at a high level.
“The Russian intelligence presence in the UK is at Cold War levels and they continue to try to post active and hostile officers to work against British interests around the world.”
Last August, the Daily Express revealed how Putin was allowed to grill Britain’s security chiefs at a special emergency Cobra meeting.
Sources said he looked “steel” and “creepy” as he questioned the heads of MI5 and MI6 and Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism chief.
The Kremlin boss was visiting London in October 2005 at a time when Blair wanted him to help the West’s war on terror. But just a year later, Moscow assassins murdered critic Alexander Litvinenko in a London hotel by feeding him a lethal dose of deadly polonium-210.
The deliveries are the latest in a continuous supply of support that the UK has been providing Ukraine throughout 2022 …reports Asian Lite News
The UK has donated more than 1,000 VALLON metal detectors and 100 bomb de-arming kits to Ukraine to help clear minefields and make safe reclaimed territory, civilian homes, and infrastructure.
The deliveries are the latest in a continuous supply of support that the UK has been providing Ukraine throughout 2022 and which will continue in 2023. The UK has also recently provided a significant package of air defence systems, including more than 1,000 air anti-air missiles and 125 anti-aircraft guns, to defend Ukraine against Russian strikes on its cities and infrastructure.
The UK was the first country in Europe to send military aid to Ukraine, sending thousands of NLAW anti-tank missiles early in 2022. Since then, the RAF has flown over 240 flights to move thousands of tonnes of military aid from the UK and international partners, ranging from sophisticated missiles to clothing to support troops through the harsh winter. The UK continues to liaise with the government of Ukraine to ensure that future supplies meet the tactical demands of the conflict as it evolves.
The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said, “Russia’s use of landmines and targeting of civilian infrastructure underline the shocking cruelty of Putin’s invasion. This latest package of UK support will help Ukraine safely clear land and buildings as it reclaims its rightful territory.”
In addition to providing equipment, UK armed forces have trained thousands of personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). A major training programme began in the UK in June, with UK personnel working alongside international partners to train new recruits in the basics of combat. Specialist training has also been conducted on equipment donated to Ukraine. In total, more than 11,000 AFU personnel were trained in the UK in 2022. This support is set to continue in the new year – with the support of international partners, the infantry training programme now aims to train up to 20,000 AFU personnel in 2023.
VALLON can help troops breach minefields and clear safe routes on roads and paths. It can also help ensure that civilian infrastructure and houses are clear of explosive hazards, allowing people to safely return to their homes. The bomb de-arming kits, meanwhile, are designed to de-arm the fuze from unexploded Russian bombs, munitions, and improvised explosive devices. This counter explosive ordnance equipment is some of the latest in a wide range of equipment which the UK has donated to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.
Helping to defend against attacks from the air, the UK has supplied Ukraine with Stormer vehicles and thousands of anti-air missiles including Starsteak and Advanced Medium Range Anti-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). Visiting Kyiv in November, the Prime Minister announced a new air defence package including 125 anti-aircraft guns as well as radars and anti-drone technology, helping defend Ukraine from Russian attacks against its infrastructure.
On the ground, Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) have allowed the AFU to strike targets with precision from up to 80km away, helping to push back Russian forces and counter their use of long-range artillery. The Ministry of Defence has also supplied dozens of M109 155mm self-propelled guns and L119 105mm light guns, along with over 100,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and millions of rounds of small arms ammunition.
This weaponry has been supported by more than 200 armoured vehicle and 100 logistics vehicles to help the AFU move troops and equipment around the battlefield, as well as Sea King helicopters to support search and rescue.
Meanwhile at sea, the UK has donated maritime Brimstone missiles and autonomous underwater mine-hunting vehicles to help keep waters safe for shipping.
In addition to direct deliveries of military aid, the UK has established the International Fund for Ukraine, which uses contributions from international partners to rapidly procure priority military materiel.
In total, the UK provided £2.3bn of military aid to Ukraine in 2022 – more than any other nation except the United States – and the government has committed to sustain the same level of funding in 2023.
The United States, Japan, India and Taiwan have imposed testing on arrivals from China – as has Italy, which on Thursday urged the rest of the European Union to follow its lead….reports Asian Lite News
Britain is reviewing whether to impose restrictions on people arriving from China after a surge in Covid infections there, but has no current plans to do so, officials said on Thursday.
Defence minister Ben Wallace told reporters a further update was possible in the coming days, but another minister said that a review of evidence so far did not suggest any concerning new variant that would lead the government to impose restrictions.
The United States, Japan, India and Taiwan have imposed testing on arrivals from China – as has Italy, which on Thursday urged the rest of the European Union to follow its lead.
“I’ll expect to see some clarification, I think by the Department for Transport probably today or tomorrow,” Wallace said.
“We keep it under review. We look at the traffic and where people are coming from, into this country. And then no doubt the Department of Transport will make their views known.”
Asked about Wallace’s comment, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport said that while the situation was under review, “at the moment there are no plans to introduce any new Covid-19 tests for arrivals”.
China’s health system has come under immense pressure since the government there scrapped three years of zero-COVID curbs in 30 days, setting off a massive wave of infections.
“The key threat is any new variant,” junior British health minister Will Quince told broadcasters.
“I’ll expect to see some clarification, I think by the Department for Transport probably today or tomorrow,” Wallace said.
“We keep it under review. We look at the traffic and where people are coming from, into this country. And then no doubt the Department of Transport will make their views known.”
“There’s no evidence at this point of a new variant from China, a variant that is not already prevalent here in the UK, but nevertheless we’re keeping the situation very much under review.”
Britain, which was led by Boris Johnson when the pandemic took hold in 2020, has been criticised for its slow response to the initial handling of the public health crisis.
But British ministers have also said the country’s approach to vaccination and steps to learn to live with the virus had been vindicated.
The Levelling Up Secretary has announced a landmark devolution deal for the North East that will see a new elected mayor given fresh money and powers to level up region…reports Asian Lite News
New money and powers over skills, transport and housing will be devolved to local leaders in the North East, the Levelling Up Secretary has announced today (Wednesday 28 December).
If approved following a local consultation, people across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham will also be given the power to directly elect a Mayor of the North East. This person can act as a local champion who can help attract investment to the area and act as a powerful local voice in discussions with central government and other bodies.
The government will guarantee the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) more than £1.4 billion over the next 30 years which will enable the new Mayor and the councils to plan for the long term, with certainty, and unlock the benefits of devolution for 2 million people living in the area.
The historic deal will also devolve the MCA control over the multi-million pound Adult Education budget so they can shape provision in a way that best suits the needs of local people; give control to the region of over half a billion pounds to upgrade public transport through a new City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement; and provide immediate support to build new affordable homes on brownfield sites. There will also a funding pot available to help place based regeneration across the region.
The North East is the sixth area to agree a devolution deal this year and means that government has now made devolution agreements with areas representing over 7 million people since the Levelling Up White Paper was published in February. The new deal also reaffirms the government’s commitment in the White Paper to offer a devolution deal to any area that wants one by 2030.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said, “I’m proud to have agreed a historic new devolution deal with the North East that gives local leaders more power, more money, and an even greater say on how their areas are run. Devolution is all about letting leaders who live and breathe the region decide what is in their best interests, for their people and for their businesses. A new mayor will ensure local priorities in the North East are at the heart of decision-making, while our billion-pound funding boost will provide the financial certainty needed to level up the area right now and for years to come.”
Local leaders and mayors across the whole North East today welcomed the news in a joint statement, “This is a significant step towards securing important decision-making powers and investment for our region. This would allow us to make decisions that reflect local needs and invest wisely into projects that will make a difference for all our residents, communities and local economy. There remains a process for all councils and combined authorities to consider the details and a public consultation before a final decision is made. We are pleased that we have successfully negotiated a proposed deal which is a step towards reaching our ambition for this region. This is an important milestone in our journey and we will now engage with stakeholders to move the deal to the next stage.”
The proposed deal sets out the government’s plans to devolve more power to the North East through:
Education and skills
The deal provides the region with powers to better improve local skills through full devolution of the Adult Education budget and a greater say over the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which brings together local businesses, colleges, and training providers to identify the skills needed to support local growth.
Housing and regeneration
The North East will receive £17.4 million to support and accelerate the building of new homes on brownfield land, as well as £20 million to level up and kick start regeneration, delivering new affordable homes and green economic growth across the region.
Transport
A new City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement with government will give the North East control of up to £563 million to help shape and improve local rail services across the region, as well as the ability to introduce bus franchising.
Local leadership
From 2024, the North East will have a directly elected mayor who can champion the area, help drive investment to the region, and can represent local people in conversations with national government.
Building on existing collaboration across the region and with central government, the new North East MCA will replace the existing North of Tyne MCA and Mayor, as well as the non-mayoral North East Combined Authority. This will bring the region together and provide a more strategic economic geography, which encompasses the whole Tyne and Wear region, as well as Northumberland and Durham. These changes are subject to the statutory processes, including local consultation and Parliamentary approval. The deal is being published today to allow necessary governance steps to proceed and will be signed in in the early new year.
If agreed, this will ensure the North East has more funding, power and flexibility to make important decisions based on what is best for people across all seven local authority areas.
Dr Yagnik also said that Pant did not suffer from any serious injuries and was conscious….reports Asian Lite News
New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who met with an accident early in the morning, is out of danger and undergoing treatment, informed Dr Ashish Yagnik of Max Hospital, Dehradun in a statement on Friday.
He added that Pant was under observation and the injuries in his leg and back were being treated.
Dr Yagnik also said that Pant did not suffer from any serious injuries and was conscious.
Rishab Pant
The Indian cricketer’s car met with an accident on Friday morning, near Mohammadpur Jat under Kotwali Mangalore area in Uttarakhand, when he was on his way to his native place Roorkee.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inquired about his health from the officials and instructed them to arrange for Pant’s proper treatment.
Violencefeared in capital-Jamat militant leaders led BNP Jamat procession
Led by the BNP, the procession was also joined my members of 34 opposition parties….reports Sumi Khan
Residents of Dhaka fear bloody clashes as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami staged a mass procession in the capital city on Friday.
Activists of the ruling Awami League (AL) will also remain on the streets, which may lead to the possibility of violent clashes.
Led by the BNP, the procession was also joined my members of 34 opposition parties.
The rally will move towards the Dainik Bangla Mor and circle back to the Press Club, said the leaders of the alliance.
Urging the people of Dhaka to make the mass procession a success, BNP leader Zahid said: “Holding a mass procession is our constitutional right. That is why we went to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) office to seek the help of law enforcement agencies. DMP will give us full cooperation.”
As Awami League’s national council was scheduled to be held on December 24, the BNP on December 10 announced holding mass processions across the country on December 24.
Then, AL Secretary Obaidul Quader requested BNP not to bring out any procession on that day.
Later, BNP rescheduled its mass rally in Dhaka on December 30.
The party earlier wanted to organise the procession from Naya Paltan to Banglamotor via Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh, and Moghbazar.
But the police asked the BNP to hold the procession up to Moghbazar intersection.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C, front) attends a celebration event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Oct. 30, 2022. (Photo by Rahel Patrasso/Xinhua)
All will be sworn in during the inauguration ceremony at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, the seat of the executive branch…reports Asian Lite News
Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has unveiled the final 16 appointments to his 37-member cabinet in the lead-up to his inauguration on Sunday.
All will be sworn in during the inauguration ceremony at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, the seat of the executive branch, reports Xinhua news agency.
“I want you to be part of this country’s political history at a time when we had the courage to take charge of Brazil in an extremely delicate situation,” the President-elect said, voicing hope for the title of “the best government in the world” at the end of his four-year term.
Recebi, com alegria e honrado, o convite do presidente Lula para integrar sua equipe ministerial como ministro da Pesca e da Aquicultura.Aceitei o desafio extremamente motivado.Agradeço a indicação do presidente do PSD, @gilbertokassab, e do nosso líder, deputado Antônio Brito.🤝 pic.twitter.com/DXndSXzQsZ
Initial jobless claims climbed by 9,000 to 225,000…reports Asian Lite News
US initial claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, a signal that the tight labour market could be softening.
Initial jobless claims climbed by 9,000 to 225,000, according to data published on Thursday by the US Labour Department.
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had predicted that new claims would increase 7,000 to 223,000, after claims grew 2,000 to 216,000 in the previous week, Xinhua news agency reported.
The number of individuals collecting unemployment increased to 1.71 million, the highest level since February.
