Asia

UK, U.S., Australia, Canada reprimand China on Hong Kong law

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (Asia) – The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada criticised China on Thursday for imposing a new security law on Hong Kong that they said would breach the 1984 Sino-British agreement on the former colony and threaten its freedoms. “Hong Kong has flourished

UK

UK to inform employers to aid funding coronavirus job safety net

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (UK) – British finance minister Rishi Sunak will tell employers on Friday how much they must contribute to the government’s hugely expensive wage subsidy programme from August, a prospect that some firms say will lead to more job losses. Sunak will say companies must pay between 20% and 30% of the costs of the […]

UK

PM Johnson: Groups of six people can meet outside starting Monday

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (UK) – Starting Monday, up to 6 people groups can meet outside maintaining social distancing, as announced by Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson. PM Johnson confirmed that coronavirus tests had been met to ensure the further ease of the coronavirus lockdown. “These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved […]

UK

Ryanair’s holiday bookings surge, sees UK dropping quarantine

Nia N May 27, 2020

DUBLIN (UK) – Ryanair expects Britain to join other European nations in dropping COVID-19 quarantine plans in the coming weeks, its CEO told Reuters on Wednesday, as he reported a “big surge” in holiday bookings from the country. Last week, Britain announced a 14-day quarantine from June 8 for all air passenger arrivals, including its […]

UK

Halfords reopening 53 of its stores to customers

Jim Stein May 27, 2020

LONDON (UK) – British bicycles and car parts retailer Halfords said on Wednesday it was reopening 53 of its stores across the country, having implemented social distancing measures to counter the threat of the coronavirus. The group said the reopenings follow successful trials at its Peterborough, central England, and Bristol Cribbs Causeway, western England, stores

UK

Primary schools in the UK to reopen from June 1

Nia N May 24, 2020

LONDON (UK) – The British government looks to stick with their plan to reopen primary schools for a few pupils from June 1, according to British Transport Minister Grant Shapps. “That’s certainly the intention,” Shapps said. The British government faces opposition regarding this plan from a few teachers and labour unions. (Photo syndicated via

UK

COVID-19 death toll in the UK rises to 36,675 by 282

Nia N May 24, 2020

LONDON (UK) – The confirmed coronavirus death toll in the UK by 282 to 36,675. “Tragically, 36,675 people have now died.” – Grant Shapps, British Transport Secretary The British government announced the death toll based on those who definitely had COVID-19. Broader suspected COVID-19 death figures give a bigger toll. (Photo syndicated via

UK

UK to require employers to pay 20-30% of furloughed wage cost

Nia N May 23, 2020

LONDON (UK) – The United Kingdom has drawn up plans to require employers to cover 20% to 30% of furloughed employees’ wages from August to reduce the vast burden of the coronavirus crisis on government finances, The Times newspaper reported. The United Kingdom on May 12 extended its job retention scheme – the centrepiece of […]

UK

UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8

Nia N May 23, 2020

LONDON (UK) – Britain will introduce a COVID-19 quarantine for travellers arriving from abroad from June 8, interior minister Priti Patel said on Friday, a measure that airlines have warned will devastate their industry. All international arrivals, including returning Britons, will have to self-isolate for 14 days and provide details of where they will be […]

UK

UK plans cut in Huawei’s 5G network involvement

Nia N May 23, 2020

(UK) – Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to reduce Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s involvement in Britain’s 5G network in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Johnson has asked officials to make plans to reduce China’s involvement in British infrastructure to zero by 2023, the newspaper reported late on Friday.