UK

Burger King to sell vegan nuggets in bid to go 50% meat-free

The fast-food giant said the nuggets, made from soy and plant proteins, had been certified by the Vegan Society.

Burger King previously released a plant-based Rebel Whopper burger two years ago, but it was later revealed to be unsuitable for vegans because it was cooked on the same grill as meat.

It has introduced a Vegan Royale burger as demand for such products has risen.

A vegan diet involves cutting out animal products such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

More than 10,000 new Omicron cases found in UK

A further 90,418 daily Covid cases have been reported across the UK on Saturday, after days of record highs.

Cabinet ministers have been briefed on the latest Covid data.

London's mayor said he was "incredibly concerned" by the city's infection levels and the major incident was "a statement of how serious things are".

Sadiq Khan said Friday's 26,000 new cases in London were having an impact on staff absences for the capital's emergency services.

China denounces US-UK-Australia pact as irresponsible

The deal will see the US and UK give Australia the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines for the first time.

It is being widely viewed as an effort to counter China's influence in the contested South China Sea.

The region has been a flashpoint for years and tensions there remain high.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the alliance risked "severely damaging regional peace... and intensifying the arms race".

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Migrant Channel crossings: 281 people reach the UK

Border Force officials stopped seven boats, while French authorities intercepted one crossing carrying a further 20 migrants.

So far this year more than 9,700 people have reached the UK in dinghies.

The Home Office has called the crossings "dangerous" and said those without a legal right to remain in the UK would be returned home.

Dan O'Mahoney, clandestine channel threat commander, said there has been a rise in small boat crossings due to "a surge in illegal migration across Europe".

UK and Iran summon diplomats after tanker attack

The UK, US and Israel blame Iran for the attack, in which two crew members - a Briton and a Romanian - were killed.

Tensions are high between Israel and Iran and each has regularly accused the other of targeting shipping in the region.

Iran dismissed accusations it was behind the latest attack as baseless.

On Monday, the UK summoned Iran's ambassador over what the British government called the "unlawful attack".

UK and WHO deliver essential medical equipment across the Pacific

The World Health Organization’s Division of Pacific Technical Support based in Suva, Fiji, and the WHO Country Liaison Office in Tonga are working to meet these varied needs alongside partners like the government of the United Kingdom (UK).

UK's Johnson delays lockdown easing by a month, citing Delta variant risk

Under the final stage of a plan outlined by Johnson in February, he had hoped to lift most social restrictions on 21 June, meaning pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen.

That much-anticipated step was pushed back to 19 July.

"I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer," Johnson told a news conference on Monday. "As things stand, and on the evidence that I can see right now. I'm confident that we will not need more than four weeks."

UK and Australia agree 'vast majority' of trade deal

After talks on Friday in London the two said they aim to seal a deal by June.

"Both countries are confident the remaining issues will be resolved, and will now enter a sprint to agree the outstanding details with the aim of reaching agreement in principle," a joint statement said.

It is estimated a deal could add £500m ($694m) to UK GDP over the long-term.

Apple investigated in UK over 'unfair' App Store claims

It follows a series of complaints, including a high-profile one from Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite.

Some developers are unhappy that they are forced to distribute apps to iPhones and iPads via the App Store, and the commission Apple takes.

Apple said its terms were "fair and equal".

The investigation will consider whether Apple has a dominant position in the distribution of apps on its devices and look at whether it imposes unfair terms on developers.

Facebook News feature launches in UK

 The UK is the second market to get Facebook News, which launched in the United States last year.

Several major news publishers, including Channel 4, Sky News, and The Guardian have signed deals with Facebook to provide content.

It comes as the tech industry's relationship with the media comes under increased scrutiny.

Google last week threatened to pull out of Australia if forced by law to enter commercial agreements with news publishers - something about which Facebook has also expressed concern.