22 Individuals across various countries also targeted with the measures including asset freeze and travel ban…reports Asian Lite News
The UK has imposed sanctions on 22 individuals, 14 of them Russians, involved in notorious corruption cases under a new anti-corruption regime.
Individuals across South Africa, South Sudan and Latin America were also targeted with the asset freezes and travel bans.
Announcing the sanctions in the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Global Britain is standing up for democracy, good governance and the rule of law. We are saying to those involved in serious corruption: we will not tolerate you or your dirty money in our country,”
Global Britain stands up for democracy, good governance & the rule of law.
Today we are taking action to impose asset freezes & travel bans on those involved in serious corruption around the world through our newly announced corruption sanctions regime. https://t.co/rCcVAMbKFT
“The individuals we have sanctioned today have been involved in some of the most notorious corruption cases around the world.”
“Corruption has a corrosive effect as it slows development, drains the wealth of poorer nations and keeps their people trapped in poverty. It poisons the well of democracy,” Raab added.
The measures are deliberately targeted, so the UK can impose sanctions on corrupt individuals and their enablers, rather than entire nations.
They are being taken partly in tandem with the US, which is today also announcing further corruption sanctions. Acting together sends the clearest possible signal that corruption comes with a heavy price.
Sanctions were imposed on people from six countries, including:
14 Russians involved in a massive tax fraud uncovered by the lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who later died in custody
Three businessmen – the brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta – accused of serious corruption in South Africa
Sudanese businessman Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali – dubbed Al Cardinal – accused of misappropriating state assets in South Sudan
And three individuals accused of serious corruption in Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala
This is the first time the UK has imposed sanctions for international corruption.
A total of 47,045,391 million vaccines were administered between 8 December and 26 April, including 33,843,580 million people with their first dose and 13,201,811 million with their second, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
A quarter of all adults in the UK have received both coronavirus vaccine doses – that’s more than 13m people.
The milestone means one in four adults in the UK has received the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 and it comes as the NHS is now inviting 42 and 43 year olds to get their jab.
But the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned Cabinet colleagues the UK is “not out of the woods” yet as virus variants of concern continue to emerge.
Meanwhile, another 2,685 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,409,631, according to official figures released on Tuesday.
The country also reported another 17 coronavirus-related fatalities, taking the national death toll to 127,451. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.
UK starts surge testing
A total of 47,045,391 million vaccines were administered between 8 December and 26 April, including 33,843,580 million people with their first dose and 13,201,811 million with their second, according to official figures.
“This latest milestone is a terrific cause for celebration – over a quarter of all adults across the UK, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19, have now had two jabs, meaning they have received the strongest possible protection,” said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
He also thanked the “brilliant NHS, volunteers, local authorities, armed forces and civil servants who continue to work tirelessly to vaccinate people as quickly as possible.”
“There is undeniable evidence that vaccines are saving lives, significantly reducing hospitalisations and deaths. I urge all those who are offered an appointment to get their jab and join the millions of people who now have protection from this terrible disease,” Hancock added.
NEWS: 25% of UK adults have now received 2 jabs.
This milestone shows how far we've come as a country in our fight against this virus.
The government has already hit its target of offering everybody in cohorts 1 to 9 – those aged 50 and over, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers – a first dose of the vaccine by 15 April and remains on track to offer a jab to all adults by the end of July.
According to health officials, vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms. They are far less likely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus to others.
Death toll falls
Recent data from Public Health England shows vaccines are already having a significant impact in the UK in reducing hospitalisations and deaths, and saved more than 10,000 lives between December and March.
Data from the ONS and Oxford University shows that COVID-19 infections fell significantly by 65% after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, rising further after the second dose.
The latest vaccine effectiveness data from PHE show that in those aged over 70, both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines reduce the risk of getting symptomatic disease by around 60% after a single dose. This protection lasts for several weeks.
In those aged over 80, protection against hospitalisation is around 80% and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 85% effective at stopping people aged over 80 dying from COVID-19.
To date, more than 33.7 million people have been given the first coronavirus vaccine jab.
On Monday, non-essential shops, gyms, swimming pools, pubs, restaurants reopened in Scotland as the region further eases its lockdown.
Under the new measures, travel restrictions were scrapped and people in Scotland are allowed to travel to other parts of Britain for non-essential reasons. Meanwhile, nail salons, museums and holiday accommodation can also reopen in Scotland.
Unlike England, pubs and restaurants will be able to open indoors until 20:00 BST (1900 GMT), but alcohol will have to be served to customers sitting outside.
Scotland has been in Level Four lockdown, the toughest coronavirus restrictions, since December 26 last year, with all non-essential shops, leisure facilities, and hospitality venues closed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged that the majority of scientific experts are of the view that there will be another wave of coronavirus at some stage this year and Britons must learn to live with the virus.
However, he said there was nothing in scientific data to suggest Britain would have to deviate from the roadmap out of lockdown.
In England, all shops reopened from April 12 as lockdown eased, along with hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services.
Restaurants and pubs were allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors. Meanwhile, gyms, spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres can all open.
On May 17, restaurants and pubs are expected to be allowed to resume indoor service and see most rules on gathering outdoors lifted.
The British government’s four-step plan is expected to see all legal restrictions in England being removed by mid-June.
The new research, developed by Grant Thornton UK LLP in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, analyses the data of UK-incorporated limited companies that are either owned or controlled by Indian interests, reports Asian Lite News
As the Prime Minister’s visit to India is postponed but conversations are set to continue online later this month on the plans for the future partnership between the UK and India; the eighth edition of the Grant Thornton India meets Britain Tracker explores the significant contribution Indian companies continue to make to the UK economy, which has increased in almost every measure compared to the previous year’s report.
The new research, developed by Grant Thornton UK LLP in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, analyses the data of UK-incorporated limited companies that are either owned or controlled by Indian interests.
This year’s research finds that there are 850 Indian companies operating in the UK, up from 842 in the 2020 report. These companies:
recorded £50.8 billion total turnover, up from £41.2 billion in 2020
employed 116,046 people, an increase from 110,793 in 2020
paid £459.2 million in corporation tax, down from £461.8 million in 2020
47% have at least one woman on their board, compared with 20% in 2020
During 2020, despite continued uncertainty over the final outcome of the UK’s exit from the European Union, the research finds that Indian investors have continued to invest in the UK. They were involved in ten acquisitions (the highest of any single EU country) throughout the year, including four in the technology and telecoms industry and two in manufacturing.
People wearing face masks walk past sale advertisement on Oxford Street in London, Britain
The report also provides a Tracker of the fastest growing Indian-owned companies in the UK, measured by those with a turnover of more than £5 million, year-on-year revenue growth of at least 10% and a minimum two-year track record in the UK.
This year, 49 companies met the qualifying criteria for appearing in the Tracker, achieving an average revenue growth rate of 40%.
Technology and telecoms companies dominate but interest in pharmaceuticals rises
For the eighth year in a row, technology and telecoms companies dominate the Tracker, accounting for 20 of the 49 companies included. Birlasoft Solutions tops the list as the fastest-growing company this year, recording 158% revenue growth. Meanwhile Diligenta (owned ultimately by Tata Sons) was the largest company listed, with revenue of £388 million and an impressive growth rate of 62%.
While technology and telecoms continues to dominate, the proportion of pharmaceuticals and chemicals companies featuring in the Tracker increased significantly this year, up to 27% of the total from 15% in 2020.
London remains preferred location
Over half (53%) of the fastest-growing Indian companies in this year’s report are located in London, confirming the capital as their continued preferred location. However, the South is found to be growing in popularity, with the proportion based in this region up by almost half to just over 16%, from 11% last year.
This year’s Tracker identified that over half (53%) of the fastest growing companies have a female director on their board. This is higher than the comparative figure for the entire Indian company landscape in the UK – with 47% of the 850 Indian companies reporting a female director on their board.
Anuj Chande, Head of South Asia Business Group, Grant Thornton UK LLP
Anuj Chande, Head of South Asia Business Group, Grant Thornton UK LLP, commented:
“Despite the challenges of the past year and, as Britain aims to increase trading and investment links around the world post Brexit, the long-standing ties between Britain and India only look set to deepen.
“Our research finds that the number of Indian companies operating in the UK has increased and that many continue to grow at a rapid rate, with some recording triple digit growth.
“Brexit marks a significant moment for the UK-India relationship. With a UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement now reached, the UK is free to begin developing its new post-Brexit identity as a ‘Global Britain’ and to strengthen links with major economies beyond Europe. India looks to be one of the first, with the Prime Minister’s postponed visit to India – set to have been his first international visit outside of Europe post-Brexit – a clear indication of the significance of the relationship, with both parties confirming that the conversation will continue online for now.
“As the UK government looks to supercharge the economic partnership to support growth, jobs and prosperity, and India continues its journey to becoming one of the world’s largest economies, the ‘living bridge’ between the two countries, formed by more than 1.5 million Indian diaspora living in the UK, will be more important than ever. India is also likely to benefit from the major modifications made to the UK’s immigration policy, with the new point-based system for visas for skilled workers likely to benefit India significantly due to the creation of a more level playing field.”
Lord Gerry Grimstone
Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said:
“I welcome these findings, which show that the UK continues to be a highly attractive destination for Indian investors, who are both bringing jobs to the UK and increasing female representation at the highest level in our boardrooms.
“Deeper trading ties with India will ensure more fast-growing companies like Birlasoft and Diligenta will have the opportunity to bring jobs and growth to the UK, as we build back better, and stronger, from Covid-19.”
Gaitri I. Kumar, the High Commissioner of India to the UK
High Commissioner of India to the UK, Ms. Gaitri Issar Kumar added:
“Trade and investment flows between India and the United Kingdom have remained on a positive trajectory despite the pandemic. Our Governments are committed to removal of trade barriers and encouraging collaborations in innovation and technology development particularly in sectors where our nations have complementary capabilities. I congratulate all the Indian companies listed – whose leadership and success will inspire new ventures.”
Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said:
“The statistics are a reflection of the strong contribution that Indian industry has continued to make in the UK, in keeping jobs and supporting the local economy. As discussions around the India and UK Enhanced Trade Partnership agreement continue, and as nations continue to battle the pandemic, CII and its members have worked towards facilitating an economic recovery path which has been invaluable and it is therefore highly encouraging to see the role our Indian industry has played here in the UK.”
The BAPIO has also teamed up with the NHS and the High Commission of India to source and supply India with oxygen, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and medicines, as required, reports Asian Lite News
The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) A body of 6,000 doctors in the UK of Indian origin has written to Boris Johnson requesting further medical equipment be sent to India as a “matter of urgency”.
With India struggling with climbing Covid-19 numbers, the group of doctors is assisting medics in India by offering triage of patients over video calls, as well as assessing Covid-19 patient’s CT scans and offering advice to intensive care doctors. They’re also in conversation with the NHS to acquire and ship any surplus medical equipment to India.
BAPIO has said that some of its members are also willing to travel to India to assist. Indian doctors form the second largest in numbers in the UK after British qualified doctors and so there are significant numbers affected indirectly or directly by this second wave in India. The BAPIO has also teamed up with the NHS and the High Commission of India to source and supply India with oxygen, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and medicines, as required.
The group has also partnered with APNA NHS, DAUK and Akshaya Patra UK, to set up a fund with an ambitious target of £500,000 to purchase equipment and to feed the needy in India.
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization chief voiced alarm at India’s record-breaking wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying the organisation was rushing to help address the crisis.
“The situation in India is beyond heartbreaking,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
He spoke as India battles a catastrophic coronavirus wave that has overwhelmed hospitals, with crematoriums working at full capacity. A surge in recent days has seen patients’ families taking to social media to beg for oxygen supplies and locations of available hospital beds, and has forced the capital New Delhi to extend a week-long lockdown.
“WHO is doing everything we can, providing critical equipment and supplies,” Tedros said.
He said the UN health agency was among other things sending “thousands of oxygen concentrators, prefabricated mobile field hospitals and laboratory supplies”.
Holistic supply partner GTEM packaged and transported the devices from their warehouse in Gloucestershire within just 24 hours. They are now being flown to Delhi for use in hospitals in India’s hardest-hit areas, the university said in a statement…reports Asian Lite News.
UCL, a leading multidisciplinary university in London, on Monday said it has sent 100 non-invasive breathing aids to India as part of the UK government’s shipment of emergency medical supplies.
The UCL-Ventura breathing aid is part of over 600 devices, including ventilators and oxygen concentrators, being sent to India, which is experiencing its biggest surge in Covid-19 infections, with over 350,000 new cases reported on Monday.
Holistic supply partner GTEM packaged and transported the devices from their warehouse in Gloucestershire within just 24 hours. They are now being flown to Delhi for use in hospitals in India’s hardest hit areas, the university said in a statement.
A medical worker collects a swab sample from a teacher for COVID-19 test at a school in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sept. 14, 2020. After a consistent drop in new cases, the Pakistani government has announced to reopen educational institutes in phases from Sept. 15. (Str/Xinhua/IANS)
Prof Rebecca Shipley, of UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering, said: “I’m immensely proud of the UCL-Ventura team and indebted to our logistics partner, GTEM, who after receiving the call on Saturday morning, arranged for the shipment to be sent with the government’s emergency supplies to India’s worst hit areas.
“In the last year we have built partnerships in countries across the world and we remain committed to doing everything we can to support the global Covid-19 response.”
Following the shipment of the first 100 devices, the team is ready to send more to India to help support the fight against Covid-19 and support hospitals in the region that are overwhelmed with patients.
The surge in cases has come at the same time as a severe shortage of medical oxygen in some areas.
The Rockefeller Building on University Street, one of UCL’s largest premises (Wikipedia)
The UCL-Ventura is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which is non-invasive and helps to keep patients off mechanical ventilators. It is quick to produce and easy for staff to learn how to use.
It is in use in hospitals in at least 15 countries around the world. They were used extensively in the first waves in Italy and China, preventing around 50 per cent from progressing to mechanical ventilation, which requires sedation.
Engineers at UCL and Mercedes-AMG HPP worked round the clock with clinicians at UCLH to reverse engineer CPAPs during the UK’s first lockdown as they were in short supply in hospitals.
It took fewer than 100 hours from the initial meeting in March 2020 to production of the device. Since their mass manufacture, use of mechanical ventilation in UK hospitals has fallen by 26 per cent and intensive care stay has halved for survivors.
The plans and details required to make the device were also made available for manufacturers to download at no cost. Within just two days, nearly 700 requests to access the information had been approved for manufacturers, non-profits, health experts and research institutes in 25 countries, the university said.
The UCL-Ventura team has worked with charities, including the International Medical Education Trust (IMET2000) and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), to support distribution and manufacture around the world.
Around 3,000 components of the kit have been delivered to countries by GTEM.
The first shipment of equipment has already left Britain and it will be arriving to India in the early hours of Tuesday, reports Asian Lite News
Britain will be sending more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to India to support it in the fight against Covid-19, the government announced.
The assistance package, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. The Department of Health and Social Care have worked closely with the NHS, as well as suppliers and manufacturers in Britain to identify reserve life-saving equipment that can be sent to India.
Recently, India has been reporting high number of Covid-19 cases and deaths while several reports of shortage of oxygen are also coming.
The first shipment of equipment has already left Britain and it will be arriving to India in the early hours of Tuesday. Further shipments are due to follow later this week.
In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week. This equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India. The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out.
Britain is working closely with the Government of India to identify further assistance it can provide in the coming days.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19. Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus. We will continue to work closely with the Indian government during this difficult time and I’m determined to make sure that the UK does everything it can to support the international community in the global fight against the pandemic.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “We are supporting our Indian friends with vital medical equipment at a difficult time for them in this pandemic. We have all got to work together to tackle Covid-19. India is a very important partner to us, so we’re providing oxygen concentrators and ventilators to help save the lives of the most vulnerable. We will be following up on this first delivery with further support, based on our ongoing discussions with the Indian Government.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has said: “The heart-breaking scenes in India show once again how awful this terrible disease is. We are determined to support the people of India through this very difficult time, and I am hugely grateful to those who have worked hard to make this initial delivery happen.”
“This first delivery of life-saving equipment will provide much-needed assistance and we stand ready to do more. The global pandemic has challenged health systems all across the world and the best way to overcome adversity is to unite and defeat this dreadful disease together,” he added.
Key institutions from across the UAE benefitted from the skills and knowledge exchange, including the Ministry of Economy, Federal Customs Authority, and the Central Bank…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) welcomed Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for a series of joint technical training workshops on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), held in March and April 2021.
The workshops, hosted by the HRMC’s team of experts, provided an opportunity to share the latest advances in AML/CFT thinking as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, build technical expertise, and further strengthen its supervisory system.
Key institutions from across the UAE benefitted from the skills and knowledge exchange, including the Ministry of Economy, Federal Customs Authority, and the Central Bank. The workshops were designed to share the UK Government’s leading approach, experience and latest AML/CFT methods, with a focus on several specific target areas of risk, including: Trade-based money laundering, including the misrepresentation of price, quantity or quality of goods moved through international trade such as in the precious metals sector.
Money Service Businesses (MSBs), including understanding AML/CFT risks in the remittance, currency exchange, and cheque cashing markets.
Amna Fikri, Director of the Economic and Trade Affairs Department, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said, “We are pleased to partner with HMRC to lead these technical workshops covering a number of important AML/CFT subject areas. This robust knowledge exchange will support and better bolster the UAE’s capabilities in effectively addressing financial crime issues and to assist in building a stronger and more sustainable financial ecosystem.”
Simon York, Director and Chief Investigation Officer of Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC said, “Money laundering and criminal financing are an international problem that requires international cooperation. The United Kingdom is not the only country facing these threats and that is why we work closely with international partners like the UAE to share our skills, experience, and understanding to address these important issues.”
The joint training sessions hosted with the United Kingdom form a key part of the UAE’s wide range of activities to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, including initiatives to facilitate international and domestic cooperation.
In February 2021, the UAE launched the Executive Office on AML/CFT, which serves as the primary national coordinating body on AML/CFT efforts within the UAE and holds a wide-ranging mandate to assist the relevant authorities in addressing the country’s National Action Plan. The Executive Office’s overarching objective is to enable and equip both the public and private sectors in the UAE in building a strong and sustainable AML/CFT structure in the country, including working with MoFAIC to facilitate cooperation and coordination with the international community.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Biden ’s trip will highlight his commitment to restoring alliances, revitalising the transatlantic relationship, and working with allies and multilateral partners to address global challenges, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
In his first overseas trip as since taking office in January, US President Joe Biden will visit the United Kingdom in June.
The president will travel to Cornwall for the G7 summit, which takes place between 11 and 13 June. From there, he will travel to Brussels, in Belgium, to participate in the Nato Summit on 14 June.
President Biden’s trip will focus on “restoring our alliances” and “revitalising the Transatlantic relationship”, the BBC quoted the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki as saying.
During his time in the UK, Biden is due to hold bilateral meetings with fellow G7 leaders, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson chairs the Cabinet Meeting and uses a G7 mug. (Pic – Pippa Fowles No 10)
“This trip will highlight his commitment to restoring our alliances, revitalising the transatlantic relationship, and working in close cooperation with our allies and multilateral partners to address global challenges and better secure America’s interests,” Je Psaki said.
At G7 summit, Biden will “reinforce our commitment to multilateralism, work to advance key US policy priorities on public health, economic recovery, and climate change, and demonstrate solidarity and shared values among major democracies,” she said. It will be held in Carbis Bay, near St Ives, the BBC reported.
Biden will then travel to Brussels, where he will participate in the NATO Summit on June 14.
“President Biden will affirm the United States’ commitment to NATO, Transatlantic security, and collective defense. NATO leaders will discuss how to orient the Alliance to future threats and ensure effective burden sharing. The President will also hold bilateral meetings with fellow NATO leaders,” the press secretary added.
US President Joe Biden (Credit Instagram)
While in Brussels President Biden will participate in a US-EU Summit, which will underscore “our commitment to a strong Transatlantic partnership based on shared interests and values.”
The leaders will discuss a common agenda to ensure global health security, stimulate global economic recovery, tackle climate change, enhance digital and trade cooperation, strengthen democracy, and address mutual foreign policy concerns, she added.
The US president’s trip to the UK will be his first to any nation since defeating Donald Trump in November’s election. Following his victory, Mr Biden also chose to call the UK prime minister before any other European leader.
During that call, the two leaders talked about “the benefits of a potential free trade deal” between the UK and the US, with Mr Johnson reiterating his intention “to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible”, Downing Street said at the time.
Both Johnson and Biden have been taking part in a climate action summit – hosted by the US – this week.
Biden administration had pledged to cut carbon emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by the year 2030. The pledge doubles the promise made by former President Barack Obama, but gives the current administration five more years to meet its goal.
President Joe Biden , Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate hosted by the United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres can be seen on the screen speaking during the Summit. (Photo: @POTUS/Twitter)
Meanwhile, the UK government announced to set the world’s most ambitious climate change target into law to reduce emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
For the first time, UK’s sixth Carbon Budget will incorporate the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping emissions, bringing more than three-quarters of the way to net zero by 2050.
In line with the recommendation from the independent Climate Change Committee, this sixth Carbon Budget limits the volume of greenhouse gases emitted over a five-year period from 2033 to 2037.
According to the UK government, the Carbon Budget will ensure Britain remains on track to end its contribution to climate change while remaining consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goal to limit global warming to well below 2oC and pursue efforts towards 1.5oC.
But the government has steered clear of declaring genocide over what it says are “industrial-scale” human rights abuses against the mainly Muslim Uyghur community in Xinjiang, reports Asian Lite News
Britain’s parliament called for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China’s Xinjiang region, stepping up pressure on ministers to go further in their criticism of Beijing.
But the government again steered clear of declaring genocide over what it says are “industrial-scale” human rights abuses against the mainly Muslim Uyghur community in Xinjiang. Ministers say any decision on declaring a genocide is up to the courts.
So far the government has imposed sanctions on some Chinese officials and introduced rules to try to prevent goods linked to the region entering the supply chain, but a majority of lawmakers want ministers to go further.
Beijing denies accusations of rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Lawmakers backed a motion brought by Conservative lawmaker Nusrat Ghani stating Uyghurs in Xinjiang were suffering crimes against humanity and genocide, and calling on government to use international law to bring it to an end.
The support for the motion is non-binding, meaning it is up to the government to decide what action, if any, to take next.
Britain’s minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, again set out to parliament the government’s position that any decision on describing the human rights abuses in Xinjiang as genocide would have to be taken by “competent” courts.
Some lawmakers fear Britain risks falling out of step with allies over China after the Biden administration endorsed a determination by its predecessor that China had committed genocide in Xinjiang.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Meanwhile, the US government, is under pressure to urge like-minded countries to independently investigate and formally determine whether the abuses in Xinjiang meet the definitions of genocide and/or crimes against humanity under international law, and work together to take measures to hold China accountable.
The US Congress should support legislation to promote religious freedom in China, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended.
Last year, the report said, religious freedom conditions in China had deteriorated.
The government intensified its “sinicisation of religion” policy, particularly targeting religions perceived to have foreign connections, such as Christianity, Islam and Tibetan Buddhism.
The authorities also continued their unprecedented use of advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and track religious minorities, and the Measures on Managing Religious Groups became effective in February, further constricting the space in which religious groups could operate.
Quake-affected people have a meal at a temporary settlement in Jinghe County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Jing/IANS)
In September 2020, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute had identified 380 detention centres across the Uyghur region (otherwise known as Xinjiang), including new facilities built in 2019 and 2020.
This indicates that the Chinese government has continued to detain Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims despite claiming to have released all the detainees.
Since 2017, authorities have reportedly sent millions of Muslims to these camps for wearing long beards, refusing alcohol, or exhibiting other behaviours deemed signs of “religious extremism”.
Former detainees reported torture, rape, sterilisation and other abuses in custody. Experts raised concerns that the Chinese government’s ongoing actions in Xinjiang could amount to genocide under international law.
Demand for US to skip Winter Olympics
Meanwhile, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has asked the US government not to attend the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing if the Chinese government continues its crackdown on religious freedoms of minorities in China.
In its annual report, the USCIRF recommended the Joe Biden administration to redesignate China as a “country of particular concern”, or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).
The Commission asked the US government to publicly express concerns about Beijing hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and state that US government officials will not attend the games if the Chinese government’s crackdown on religious freedoms continues.
It has also recommended the US government to enforce to the fullest extent the existing US laws — such as the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act and Tibetan Policy and Support Act — and continue to impose targeted financial and visa sanctions on Chinese government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.
The deal was signed during the visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak to the UK on April 19-20…reports Asian Lite News
Ukraine and the UK have reached an agreement on expanding the Orbital training mission and working on strengthening the Ukrainian Navy.
This agreement was reached during the visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak to the UK on April 19-20 and his meeting with the British Chief of the General Staff, General Nick Carter, reports Xinhua news agency.
Khomchak thanked the UK for its assistance in increasing the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their compatibility with NATO troops.
UK Ukraine ink military pact
Carter, in turn, said the British Armed Forces had trained over 20,000 Ukrainian servicemen as part of bilateral military cooperation.
He also said the British side leads the initiative to train the Ukrainian Navy and supports defense reform in Ukraine.
Britain-led Operation Orbital, a training program for the Ukrainian armed forces, was established in 2015 following the request of the Ukrainian authorities.
