Britain: Latest News

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging older people with a physical or mental health condition, or a disability, to check if they are entitled to claim a benefit worth either £61.85 or £92.40 every week.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court pointed out to the Criminal Investigations Department that MP Diana Gamage can be arrested as it appears that she had violated the Immigration and Emigration Law.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis pointed out the matter to the CID when a private plaint filed by Lakmal Herath was taken up for consideration. The complaint filed with the court notes that MP Diana Gamage is NOT a Sri Lankan Citizen and that she is a British Citizen.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across Great Britain, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary to the Prime Minister has instructed to issue a gazette notification regarding the name of the area which has been known as Slave Island in English until now, as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in the three main languages used in the country.The Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake has informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils, the Postmaster General and the Commissioner of Colombo Municipal Council regarding this decision which has been taken on the advice of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in line with the 75th commemoration of Independence.Accordingly, road signs, postal usage, assessment and names of voters and voters’ registers associated with, Kompagngna Veediya / Kompanna Vidiya, Colombo 2, will be renamed as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in Sinhala, Tamil and English since the nomenclature of “Slave Island” used during the colonial period signifies a different meaning. The name "Slave Island" was coined during the period of British colonial rule and was a reference to the usage of the island under Portuguese rule as a holding area for African slaves, most of them from the Swahili coast and Portuguese East Africa.

Ozzy Osbourne has been forced to cancel his UK and Europe tour after updating fans on his health.

Ozzy Osbourne, 74, has shared one of the "hardest things" he has ever had to do as he announced that he will no longer be touring with Black Sabbath.The legendary singer took to Twitter to share a lengthy statement with his upset fans.Ozzy shared a statement in view of his 5.5 million Twitter followers with the caption: "This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans..."The statement read: "As you all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine."My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine."However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cynbernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak."I am honestly humbled by the way you've all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realisation that I'm not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn't deal with the travel required."Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F**KS ME UP, more than you'll ever know."Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way?"My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country."The statement continued: "I want to thank my family...

KATE Garraway was close to tears as she grilled former Health Secretary Matt Hancock over flouting lockdown guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. The emotional Good Morning Britain host, 55, called out the I'm A Celebrity star for his actions and flagged how her husband Derek Draper was left fighting for his life after contracting Covid in 2020.

Earlier today, on Good Morning Britain, Kate Garraway grilled MP Matt Hancock on his decision to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle as she opened up about how the families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic felt about his choice.

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is understood to be making a landmark return to Dundee, three years after the city's second turn at the event was kiboshed by Covid. The Record understands from festival insiders that the City of Discovery will play host to the annual festival on May 26-28, boasting a world-class line-up of big hitters.

 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka is committed to meeting all its debt repayments and is hoping to complete debt restructuring negotiations in the next six months, the country's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday."There has been good progress this month with India already pledging financing assurances.

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

A new Covid strain has been identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as a likely contender to become the most dominant across the UK.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Dr Ruchitha Perera, FCIM, Chartered Marketer (UK) has been elected to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. The appointment was announced at the Annual General Meeting held recently, at Moor Hall, United Kingdom. His three-year term came into effect in December 2022.Dr Perera is a marketing veteran with over 30 years of experience delivering marketing education, business coaching and training. He has also provided leadership to several global organisations. He also specialises in the areas of sustainability and digital transformation.The CIM, UK Board of Directors is made up of ten members: eight represent the UK and Europe and two represent the rest of the world.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has responded to the comments made by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung in a recent interview with the BBC.The Chinese Embassy in a statement said that their US colleague should commit to self-examination rather than play the blame game.Full Statement: “China, China, China!”, our US colleague starts chanting this infamous mantra and blaming China as a “spoiler” to the island’s negotiation with the IMF during her recent interview with a UK television program on Sri Lanka’s debt issue. Before her baseless accusing and lecturing, our US colleague should have at least asked herself: Who is the single largest shareholder of the IMF with a veto power over major policy decisions? Who is keeping printing US dollar, with more than $3 trillion in 2020 alone? Who are those private creditors owning 40% of Sri Lanka’s total external debt stock with the highest interest rates? Who sued Sri Lanka in its federal court immediately after the island’s default?The public may also like to know how the US have walked the talk to help the Sri Lankan people when they have already received 10000 MT of rice, 9000 Liters of diesel, 5 billion LKR of medicines and 3 million fabric meters of school uniform materials gifted by China?  They may also question what are the political pre-conditions of the US Aid, while being assured by China’s “No strings attached” commitment and practice.Isn’t it hypocrisy at its finest for our US colleague to play the blame game instead of a self-examination? After all, why didn’t the US take decisive actions in the IMF for a more comfortable solution for Sri Lanka?or extend grant to the island with the rocket amount of US dollars they print every year, instead of sowing discord

Bella Ramsey has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons.The 19-year-old English actress reflected on her departure from The Worst Witch that she announced in February 2020 in an Instagram post in which she urged her followers to prioritize their mental health.'I know it's sort of been publicized a lot that I left [The Worst Witch] for mental health reasons,' Bella told Elle in an interview while promoting her new HBO series The Last Of Us. Opening up: Bella Ramsey, shown earlier this month in Los Angeles, has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons 'I would say the more accurate description is that I had resolved a lot of my mental health problems by that point.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack benefited from a Government-backed £2million Covid loan, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

A team of global scientists have raised fears the devastating bird flu outbreak could eventually transmit to humans and create a new pandemic.

A Covid variant has been named as the strain that could become dominant in the UK, experts have warned.

Long Covid subtype impacting cardiac and renal systems was the most common—34% of patients fell into this category Even though infections related to COVID are significantly mild now, what it still worrying is the long-term effects of the disease, i.e long COVID.  Till now, much about the condition has remained unclear, including how long it lasts and researchers have been studying the symptoms to understand more about the disease. Now, a new study has revealed that there are as many as 4 subtypes of long COVID, and many of the symptoms are serious.

Lanarkshire residents are being warned about a new Covid variant described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the "most transmissible yet".

A new Covid strain nicknamed 'the Kraken' is sparking concern around the world.XBB.1.5, a subvariant of Omicron, is already dominant in parts of the US. Now it has started to sweep across the UK and Telangana.XBB.1.5 is a mutated version of Omicron XBB, a strain that was first detected in India in August. Concern about XBB.1.5 is largely based on how it is currently surging in the US.But it has also already been spotted in Britain and other countries around the globe.Experts are concerned XBB.1.5's rapid rise in the US could be caused by mutations that help it to better infect people and dodge protection from vaccination and prior infections.The XBB15 Covid super variant, which is behind the recent wave of Covid infections across the United States and United Kingdom, has made its way to Telangana.The latest genomic sequencing data by Hyderabad-based genetic laboratories attached to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) have reported 3 XBB15 positive cases in Telangana.Between December and January 2, a total of six XBB14 infections have been reported in India out of which three were from Telangana, two from Maharashtra and one XBB15 infection was from Gujarat.– Input from Agencies

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across the UK, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a private visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's Office on Monday morning (02).During a friendly discussion, Former British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year.President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.

A company linked to the husband of Scottish businesswoman Michelle Mone ploughed tens of thousands of pounds into the Conservatives.

“Our products support all those who have served America — past and present — on active duty, as Veterans, and their families.“By choosing our coffee, you help support those who chose to commit their time and efforts in defense of our liberties for the good cause that is the American Way.”The company concluded: “Every penny of profit says ‘thank you’ to them. We owe them our gratitude, eh?"The project comes after Tom admitted his "lazy" lifestyle led to type 2 diabetes.In a candid interview, Tom branded himself "a total idiot" for ignoring health warnings in his younger years."I'm part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady," he told Radio Times."I was heavy.

EAMONN Holmes has shared a heartbreaking personal health update - as his fans urge him to 'keep going'. The television presenter, 63, shared the update following his recent back operation in a bid to ease his 'chronic pain'.

Why COVID projections have become harder During the early days of the pandemic, simple models could be used to project the number of COVID cases and the likely effect on the population, including demands for health care. Relatively few variables were needed to produce the first projections. That was because there was one main variant of COVID, the original strain, to which everyone in the world was susceptible.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Customs on Friday (23) seized Rs. 165 Mn worth of narcotics sent to the country by from Spain, UK, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands.A total of seven parcels that were not claimed for weeks were inspected in the presence of representatives from Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Post, and the Police Narcotic Bureau.These parcels had contained toys and food cans, and concealed inside these items were drugs worth Rs.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway is making sure this Christmas is one to remember as her husband Derek Draper continues his health battle.

The number of Scottish clubs on red alert for financial problems has soared over the past six months, a shock new study has revealed.

A third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste Even though the loss of taste and smell is no longer the classic symptoms of Covid, it is still the most prevalent sign of long Covid. A new study has revealed that a third of long Covid patients suffer persistent smell loss, with almost a fifth experiencing loss of taste. The study also showed that long COVID can also affect your sex life.  A team of researchers from University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, has been studying the relationship between Covid and parosmia, where people experience strange and often unpleasant smell distortions.

KATE Garraway has been spotted posing with her family in front of their Christmas tree in a series of snaps. Her kids Billy, 13, and Darcey, 16, were seen smiling in the living room amid their dad Derek's ongoing health battle. Kate, 55, took to her Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to share the snap of her teenage children relaxing at home.

A Covid symptom has been added to the list of the most prevalent signs of the virus as coronavirus cases rise across many parts of the UK.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, visited the head office of Capital Maharaja Group, the parent company of News 1st, on Thursday (15th), during her 4-day visit to Sri Lanka. She met with Mr. Sashi Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group, and Mr.

KATE Garraway today revealed her husband Derek Draper is facing a very lengthy wait for Long Covid care. The former political lobbyist is suffering from the life-changing impacts of his near-death battle with coronavirus.

An £18million office complex run by Michelle Mone is linked to the same network of companies at the centre of a Covid PPE scandal. The bra baroness is now being urged to explain if the Neospace site in Aberdeen was funded by public money from UK Government Covid contracts.

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s human rights campaigner Sandya Ekneligoda is among just 25 women activists worldwide who have been named to the prestigious ‘BBC 100 Women 2022’.Mrs. Ekneligoda has relentlessly campaigned for human rights in Sri Lanka since her husband, journalist Pradeep Ekneligoda who was himself an activist, disappeared in 2010.

A Lanarkshire primary school has earned passing grades from education chiefs after a recent inspection.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages."Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support," said the UN in a statement.The HNP—aligned with appeals from other UN agencies—has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Great Britain has expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical and practical support to Sri Lanka to implement the “Climate Prosperity Plan”.The Deputy High Commissioner of Great Britain to Sri Lanka, Lisa Whanstall said that Great Britain appreciates the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to address climate change and will work to provide the necessary technical and theoretical support in the future, said the President's Media Division.These remarks were made during a discussion held on Wednesday (7) between the President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, at the Presidential Secretariat.Whanstall also said that she will provide the necessary support for the International University on Climate Change, which is planned to be built on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Furthermore, the Deputy British High Commissioner praised Sri Lanka’s program for renewable energy and pointed out that it is a well-planned step for the future of the country.Ruwan Wijewardene presented the information about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s upcoming programs regarding climate change and stated that the Act on Climate Change will be submitted to Parliament shortly.In addition, Wijewardene said that a climate change office will be established in Sri Lanka to investigate climate change in the region and that the necessary solutions to address climate change that may occur will be developed.He further said that the government has already focused on green hydrogen energy on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government has planned to further develop the potential for renewable energy in Sri Lanka.They also discussed the

Matt Hancock has accused former Scots bra tycoon Michelle Mone of sending him a "threatening" message after a firm she was helping did not secure a deal during the covid pandemic.

Health experts are investigating cases of Strep A infection after the deaths of six young children and a rise in cases.

GOOD Morning Britain host Kate Garraway gave an emotional update on Derek Draper's health this morning. The 55-year-old star appeared on Lorraine Kelly's show with co-host Ben Shephard when she opened up about her husband. Derek was taken to intensive care with Covid in March 2020 and only allowed home in April the following year.