Tag: Prime Minister Boris Johnson

  • UK distances from Pak ‘political affairs’ after Khan’s ex-brother-in-law extends support

    UK distances from Pak ‘political affairs’ after Khan’s ex-brother-in-law extends support

    British Foreign Office minister Lord Zac Goldsmith has landed himself in trouble after he tweeted in support of former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    On April 10, Zac Goldsmith — whose elder sister Jemima was once married to Khan — said that he was “sad” at the developments in Pakistan. Zac Goldsmith tweeted: “Imran Khan is a good and decent man, one of the least corruptible politicians on the world stage. I have no doubt he will be returned with a big majority in the upcoming elections.”

    British media reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office has slapped down Foreign Office minister Lord Goldsmith after he interfered in Pakistani politics over the ousting of Khan as Pakistan’s premier through a vote of no-trust.

    Downing Street was questioned if Lord Goldsmith, who is Foreign Office minister for the Pacific and the international environment, was speaking on behalf of the British government. A spokesperson responded: “With regard to Pakistan, we respect Pakistan’s democratic system and we would not get into its domestic political affairs. We have longstanding ties with Pakistan and are monitoring developments.”

    Zac and Jemima Goldsmith’s brother Ben Goldsmith also announced support for Imran Khan on Twitter following Khan’s ouster. He said: “My brother-in-law @ImranKhanPTI is a good and honourable man, motivated only by a strong desire to do good for his country.”

    His record as PM is exceptional, most of all on the biggest issue of our time: Pakistan under Imran is now a world leader on environmental restoration.”

    During Zac Goldsmith’s campaign against London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Imran Khan had supported Zac Goldsmith and urged his followers to support his election bid. Sadiq Khan had expressed his bewilderment over Imran Khan’s support for Zac Goldsmith.

  • UK lifts restrictions on face masks, Covid passports

    UK lifts restrictions on face masks, Covid passports

    The Prime Minister (PM) of the United Kingdom (UK), Boris Johnson announced that the government will lift restrictions on face masks and covid passports from next Thursday, January 27, 2022.

    The Prime Minister also urged citizens to continuously follow precautionary measures to keep themselves away from the virus.

    He added that this decision should be considered as a “finish line” because the virus and its variants cannot be eradicated and instead, “we must learn to live with Covid in the same way we live with flu,” he said.

    The following restrictions are ending from next Thursday which was introduced in December last year.

    1. Compulsory Covid passports for allowing entrance to nightclubs and other bigger events would end though some organisations could ask for NHS covid pass if they want.
    2. Citizens can return to offices after discussion with their employers, they can no longer be suggested to work from home.
    3. Face masks are not compulsory but it is highly recommended to wear face masks in crowded and enclosed public places.
    4. Secondary school pupils will no longer wear face masks in classrooms and the advisory for using communal areas would be abolished soon.

    The orders for easing travel rules and visiting care homes will be announced in the coming days.

    PM Johnson also shared that the government intended to remove the requirement for covid positive people of being self-quarantined with some guidance and advice.

    The current directives for self-isolation will end by March 24th this year.

    The United Kingdom recorded new cases of 108,069 which is a high rate of infections on a daily basis. 359 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Wednesday.

    Nearly 37 million boosters have been given across the UK so far.

  • In pictures: UN chief gets uncomfortable as maskless Modi gives a big hug during #Cop26

    In pictures: UN chief gets uncomfortable as maskless Modi gives a big hug during #Cop26

    Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was once again seen getting too close and hugging United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the opening day of Cop26 — a climate conference — in Glasgow.

    Antonio Guterres was seen visibly uncomfortable and awkward as PM Modi tried to embrace him after he greeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the start of the Glasgow climate conference.

    Guterres placed an arm on Modi to try and keep him at a safer distance but could do little to stop bear-hugger Modi.

    Modi has been pictured getting close and cosy with PM of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

    Modi was seen carelessly meeting the world leaders in an atmosphere where Covid-19 SOPs, including wearing face masks, were strongly advised to be followed.