BRITAIN

UK becomes world’s first to roll out Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine as cases surge

11:08 pm January 4, 2021

London : The UK on Monday began rolling out the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19, becoming the first nation to inoculate people with the cheaper and easy-to-handle jab outside of trials. The Oxford vaccine, which also has a tie-up with the Serum Institute of India, was first administered to Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old Oxford-born dialysis patient. Pinker is […]

UK judge refuses extradition of WikiLeaks founder Assange

6:22 pm January 4, 2021

London: A British judge has rejected the United States’ request to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to face espionage charges, saying it would be “oppressive” because of his mental health. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said Monday Assange was likely to commit suicide if sent to the US. The US government said it would appeal the […]

UK hits record 57,725 daily virus cases

11:35 pm January 2, 2021

London: The UK has registered a record 57,725 daily coronavirus cases. Government figures show the UK has recorded five straight daily highs — all above 50,000 and nearly double the levels of two weeks ago. Also, hospitals in Britain have started receiving batches of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, approved by British regulators […]

Britain ends long Brexit journey with economic break from EU

4:44 pm January 1, 2021

London: Britain’s long and sometimes acrimonious divorce from the European Union ended on Thursday with an economic split that leaves the EU smaller and the UK freer but more isolated in a turbulent world. Britain left the European blocs vast single market for people, goods and services at 11 pm London time, midnight in Brussels, […]

Britain urges ‘see in New Year safely at home’

11:26 pm December 31, 2020

London: On New Years Eve, the British government is running ads imploring people not to celebrate with anyone outside their household. The campaign is urging Britons to “see in the New Year safely at home.” No parties, no hugging strangers, no mass choruses of “Auld Lang Syne.” Stephen Powis, medical director of the National Health Service in England, says “COVID loves […]