Boris Johnson says government did everything it could to limit Covid deaths | World news

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Boris Johnson has insisted his government “did everything we could” to limit coronavirus deaths and expressed sorrow after the total UK death toll exceeded 100,000 on nearly every metric, but refused to discuss the reasons why it might be so high. Hosting a Downing Street press conference after the Office for National Statistics said the … Read more Boris Johnson says government did everything it could to limit Covid deaths | World news

UK sells arms to nearly 80% of countries under restrictions, says report | Arms trade

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British ministers and officials have approved the sale of arms to nearly four-fifths of countries subject to arms embargos, trade sanctions or other restrictions over the past five years, according to analysis. The UK has exported military hardware to 58 countries of the 73 listed as subject to restrictions by the Department for International Trade … Read more UK sells arms to nearly 80% of countries under restrictions, says report | Arms trade

UK diplomats told to cut up to 70% from overseas aid budget | Aid

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British diplomats have been instructed to find at least 50% cuts in UK overseas aid in the next six weeks in advance of the next financial year, the Labour party has said. Sarah Champion, the chair of parliament’s international development select committee, said: “Our ambassadors have today been instructed by the Foreign Office to cut … Read more UK diplomats told to cut up to 70% from overseas aid budget | Aid

Fury as long-awaited UK environment bill is delayed for third time | Environment

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The government has delayed the long-awaited environment bill, which redraws rules after the UK’s departure from the EU, provoking fury from campaigners who said it would harm action on air pollution and water quality, as well as other key issues. The proposed legislation would be the biggest shake-up of green regulation in decades. Ministers said … Read more Fury as long-awaited UK environment bill is delayed for third time | Environment

Government plans to turn England homes green ‘in chaos’ with debt and job losses | Environment

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England’s much-hyped £2bn green homes grant is in chaos, renewable energy installers say, with some owed tens of thousands of pounds and struggling to stay in business. Members of the public have been left waiting nearly four months, in some cases, to take advantage of the scheme to fit low carbon heating systems. Some installers … Read more Government plans to turn England homes green ‘in chaos’ with debt and job losses | Environment