US treasury secretary accuses Beijing of trying to damage global economy; silver hits record high – business live

A major incident has been declared in the UK following Storm Claudia, with additional rain and flooding anticipated across Britain and Ireland. As of 6 AM, Natural Resources Wales issued four severe flood warnings, indicating a significant risk to life and considerable disruption to communities. Cold weather warnings are also in effect in England as the region prepares for worsening conditions.

Alessia Russo, an Arsenal and England footballer, has launched a new foundation aimed at increasing girls' participation in sports and promoting female health. At the recent Alessia Cup, an annual girls' tournament organized with Goals 4 Girls and Sky, Russo inspired young girls who admire her. The event highlights a significant issue in the UK, where girls are missing out on 280 million hours of sports annually, as reported by Public First.

The UK is set to announce sweeping reforms regarding asylum status, which will result in individuals granted asylum being allowed to stay in the country only temporarily. This significant change is expected to be revealed on Monday.

Advocates are expressing concern that the UK's recent 15% cut to the Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria will lead to 'impossible choices' for Africa. This reduction, announced during a year when the UK is co-hosting the fund's replenishment drive with South Africa, may set a precedent that encourages other donors to reduce their commitments as well. Campaigners argue that this move undermines the UK's legacy in combating infectious diseases such as Aids and malaria.

Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce significant changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system, indicating that the era of permanent protection for refugees is over. The UK is set to limit refugees to temporary stays, marking a shift in policy regarding asylum seekers.

An Ipsos survey of nearly 10,000 people across nine Western countries reveals that satisfaction with democracy is below 50% in eight of them, with only Sweden showing higher levels of contentment. The survey highlights significant concerns regarding the future of democracy, as majorities in all but one country express fears about its stability. Key threats identified include fake news, lack of political accountability, extremism, and corruption.

The Home Secretary is expected to announce that asylum seekers in the UK will only be allowed to stay temporarily. This new rule is anticipated to affect the status of successful asylum applicants, limiting their residency duration in the country.

British American Tobacco has been accused of hypocrisy for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Zambia that are already enforced in the UK. A letter from the company's Zambian subsidiary urged local ministers to abandon or delay plans for advertising bans, health warnings, and restrictions on flavored tobacco products. This situation highlights the disparity in tobacco regulation between developed and developing nations, raising concerns about the influence of multinational corporations on public health policies in Africa.