Latest news with #CommonwealthandDevelopmentOffice
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Campaigners welcome vaccine cash pledge but fear cut will see fewer lives saved
But now the Government has announced that it will give £1.25 billion between 2026 and 2030. While some have praised the pledge, others have said that a reduction in the amount given to Gavi will lead to fewer lives being saved. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that the money will help Gavi protect up to 500 million children from some of the world's deadliest diseases such as meningitis, cholera and measles. Announcing the funds at Gavi's global summit in Brussels, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 'Gavi's global impact is undeniable. Over one billion children vaccinated, over 18 million lives saved, over 250 billion dollars injected into the global economy. 'I'm immensely proud of the role the UK has played in reaching these milestones. Our ongoing partnership with Gavi will give millions of children a better start, save lives and protect us all from the spread of deadly diseases.' Commenting on the pledge, Adrian Lovett, the ONE Campaign's UK executive director, said: 'This is an important pledge from the UK to Gavi, a vital force in the fight against preventable disease. 'But despite this good news, we are seeing the harsh impact of the Prime Minister's deep cut to overall aid levels. 'The UK's contribution to Gavi could have saved almost 400,000 more lives if it had been maintained at the same level as before. And further impossible choices are looming.' Dr Philip Goodwin, chief executive for the UK Committee for Unicef, said: 'This investment shows the UK's ongoing commitment to global partnerships that protect children around the world from preventable disease. 'However, cuts to the aid budget still pose a grave threat to children. 'We urge the UK Government to maximise this Gavi commitment by also funding other critical health services that make immunisation fully effective.' Elsewhere, GSK and Bharat Biotech announced that the price of the world's first malaria vaccine for children in countries where malaria is endemic will be reduced by more than half, to less than five dollars a vaccine. The jab is expected to be rolled out in 12 endemic countries in Africa through routine immunisation programmes by the end of 2025. It comes as a new report revealed that global vaccination coverage against deadly diseases had stalled in recent decades. The new review, published in The Lancet, concludes that as a result, millions of children around the world are left vulnerable to preventable disease and death. Senior study author Dr Jonathan Mosser, from the University of Washington in the US, said: 'Routine childhood vaccinations are among the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions available, but persistent global inequalities, challenges from the Covid pandemic, and the growth of vaccine misinformation and hesitancy have all contributed to faltering immunisation progress. 'These trends increase the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio and diphtheria.' In May the new aid minister, Baroness Jenny Chapman, said that the days of the British Government acting as a 'global charity' are 'over'. Her appointment followed the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, who quit as development minister in protest at the decision to cut the aid budget to fund increased defence spending.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest flight and holiday advice
TURKEY is a Brit-loved holiday destination, with sun-soaked beaches, rich culture and amazing food. But as tensions escalate in the region between Israel and Iran, many holidaymakers heading to Turkey are asking themselves whether it is safe to go — here's what you need to know. 4 Is Turkey close to Iran? Turkey shares part of its eastern border with Iran. Iran is currently engaged in hostilities with Israel and both sides have launched missile strikes in the last few days. Some of these have affected neighbouring countries such as Qatar, which despite not being actively involved in the conflict was the target of an attack on a US air base. A ceasefire was announced yesterday morning (Tuesday June 24) but the deal was broken not long after. Turkish tourist hotspots such as Bodrum, Istanbul and Cappadocia are not located near the country's border with Iran. Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Turkey was visited by 4.4million British tourists in 2024. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not changed its travel advice for the country. A statement — which predates the Israel-Iran unrest — reads: "FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism." However, it does not advise against travel to any other part of Turkey, indicating that the majority of the country is safe to visit and holidays can go ahead. Have flights to Turkey been affected? Several countries in the Middle East closed their airspaces in recent days, with a number of airlines cancelling flights as a result. 4 Many planes flying over the region were diverted to different airports, causing widespread chaos and severe delays including for travellers heading to Doha and Dubai. Flights to Turkey are not currently affected by the volatile air traffic situation and package holidays to the country are continuing as normal. Antalya, Dalaman, Istanbul and Bodrum Milas airports are all operating without delays, according to data on tracking site FlightRadar. Can I cancel my holiday? It is unlikely that you will be able to claim a refund from either a holiday provider or insurance company due to the FCDO having not advised against travel to Turkey. If you wish to change the date or time of your trip, it is worth contacting the relevant airline or tour operator to see if they can offer any flexibility. However, there is no guarantee that you will receive a refund for your booking. 4 4 Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warns 800,000 Brits risk ‘harsh' detention under new travel rules
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued travel advice for British passport holders heading to Thailand, where new visa rules came into force earlier this year The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned British travellers of new entry requirements for travel to Thailand. At the beginning of May this year, the Southeast Asian country, which welcomed in one million Brits during its pre-pandemic peak and around 800,000 annually now, introduced a new visa system for everyone without a Thai passport. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," the FCDO explains on its website. UK passport holders are able to visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. However, those who overstay their visa are putting themselves in serious jeopardy, according to the FCDO. "If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," the governmental organisation warns. There are other entry rules that you'll have to follow when travelling to Thailand. Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. If you're a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration. You can also apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days. As of May this year, Thailand has reinstated the requirement for tourist visa applicants to provide financial proof. This measure, which was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to give post-pandemic travel a boost, requires that all applicants demonstrate the ability to support themselves during their stay. According to Thailand's official e-Visa portal, applicants must now submit financial evidence showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Acceptable documents include bank statements from the last three months or a sponsorship letter if the trip is being financed by someone else. Earlier this year, a British man was arrested in Thailand after overstaying his 30-day visa by more than 25 years. The man, who is now 60 years old, arrived in Thailand on a short-term tourist visa on 9 January 2000, and then went on to evade Thai authorities for 25 years. Thai police said it was a 'record' visa overstay, beating the previous record of a Pakistani man who overstayed his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Foreign Office tells UK travellers holidays may be 'disrupted'
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for a number of countries including some popular holiday destinations The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for several countries including some popular holiday destinations. Alerts are in place for Dubai and the rest of the UAE, as well as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Guidance was changed on Tuesday evening (June 24), following military strikes that took place on June 22 and June 23. New FCDO alerts for Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Yemen, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain read: "Hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. "On 22 June the US launched military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and on 23 June Iran launched military strikes against a US military base in Qatar. There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts." As a "precautionary measure" UK nationals in these countries are "encouraged" to follow FCDO advice, keep an eye on local and international media for the most up to date information, check with airlines before travelling, avoid military or security facilities, and to "take shelter and stay away from windows if instructed". Flights may be disrupted, and airspaces may close at short notice. Separate and specific advice for Iraq reads: "Iraqi airspace restrictions have been implemented. "Only a very limited number of international flights are still going ahead. Given the rapidly changing context, it is unclear when flights transiting Iraqi airspace will resume as normal." The FCDO has issued a warning to those currently in or planning to travel to Jordan: "Jordanian airspace is open but airports and airspace may close at short notice. Before you travel: if you are in Jordan, contact your airline and follow the advice of the local authorities if you are not yet in country, check with your airline "There are three land border crossings from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They are open most days from 8 or 8.30am. Closures may happen at no notice, including over the weekend. King Hussein/Allenby Bridge The Northern (Sheikh Hussein/Bet Shean) crossing The Southern (Wadi Araba) crossing".
Euronews
5 days ago
- Euronews
Tourists in Thailand blocked from crossing border into Cambodia
Travellers in Thailand have been blocked from crossing over into Cambodia amid an escalating border dispute. The restrictions apply to any vehicle or person trying to enter Cambodia from checkpoints across several Thai provinces, as well as foreign tourists flying into Siem Reap. Relations between the two Southeast Asian countries have deteriorated following an armed confrontation on 28 May in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested territory. Tourists in Thailand banned from crossing border into Cambodia Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Monday that Thailand will boost screening at land borders and block departing tourists. Only students, medical patients and others who need to purchase essential goods will be allowed to enter or leave Thailand for Cambodia, meaning thousands of travellers are having to rethink plans. She said the measures were aimed at stopping people heading toward Cambodia's 'lucrative casinos', but it appeared that all tourists would be blocked from crossing the border. The Thai army said in a statement later on Monday that it had implemented the measures at every land border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia in five provinces, and that it was stopping all crossings except for people with essential needs. Paetongtarn added that foreign tourists will also be banned from taking flights from Thailand to the popular Cambodian resort town of Siem Reap, the closest airport to the famed Angkor Wat temple complex. The government has not indicated when restrictions will be lifted, and aviation authorities are bracing for a potentially lengthy impasse. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO has issued a warning to travellers. 'Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths especially around Ta Krabey.' Thailand calls out scam networks luring foreign tourists The Thai government says the new restrictions are not only a political response but also a move to crack down on illegal operations based in Cambodia. Thailand's military leaders have accused transnational scam operations - with Cambodia functioning as a hub - of exploiting border loopholes and online networks to lure victims, including foreign tourists. They say scammers entrap victims through false romantic ploys, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Cambodia, for its part, has boycotted some Thai internet services and blocked electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand in response to the border dispute.
