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There are no plans to introduce mandatory COVID-19 tests for arrivals from China, a UK government spokesperson has said.

The news comes after China announced it was abandoning its COVID-zero policy and was preparing to reopen its borders in January.

There are fears that the end of strict measures in the country of 1.4 billion people could result in massive spread of the disease worldwide.

The spokesperson said: “There are no plans to reintroduce COVID-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals into the UK.”

But the UK Health Security Agency will continue to monitor the prevalence and spread of harmful variants and keep international data under review, they added.

The US announced on Wednesday that, from 5 January, all arrivals from China will have to provide a negative COVID test result taken no more than two days before their flight.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the move was due to the surge in infections and a lack of adequate and transparent information from China, particularly on the strains circulating in the country.

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That came after India, Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan said they would also place restrictions on travellers arriving from China.

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Beijing’s announcement means millions of Chinese people could go abroad for next month’s Lunar New Year holiday – the first time most have been able to travel internationally since 2020.

Travel companies Trip.com and Qunar said international ticket bookings and searches for visa information on their websites had risen following the news, with Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the US, Britain and Australia in highest demand.

Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC his country was not making any change to entry rules at this stage, adding: “…we are continuing to monitor the situation, as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world.”

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health had a similar response, telling the NZ Herald: “…the current public health measures remain appropriate for managing the pandemic”.

In Thailand, the Bangkok Post said the government is preparing to welcome Chinese tourists to the country, quoting the transport minister Saksayam Chidchob as saying the Ministry of Public Health was working with the Chinese embassy on “travel measures”, although no further details were given.

He added that he was confident the ministry could manage the COVID situation.

In Singapore, The Straits Times reported that the rules for arrivals from China will remain the same – those who are not fully vaccinated will need to do a pre-departure test, while short-term visitors also have to have insurance for COVID-related medical costs.

The true scale of China’s COVID-19 infections is unclear, as there is little reliable official information, but almost 37 million people may have been infected with the virus on a single day last week, according to the Bloomberg news agency.

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Two killed in stabbing at business premises in London

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Two killed in stabbing at business premises in London

Two men have died after a stabbing in central London.

Police were called to a business premises in Long Lane, Southwark, at 1pm on Monday, where they found four people had been stabbed.

A 58-year-old man died at the scene while three others were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. These included a 27-year-old man who has since died.

A third man, who is in his thirties, remains in hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Another man in his thirties, who has been detained in connection with the incident, remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.

“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.”

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Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at ‘very special’ Downing Street reception

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Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at 'very special' Downing Street reception

The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.

The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.

Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

England women's football team pose for a photo in Downing Street, London, as they attend a reception at No 10, Pic: PA
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The England squad outside No 10. Pic: PA

England's team captain Leah Williamson carries the trophy when leaving a special reception, to celebrate their victory in the Women's Euro 2025 final, at Downing Street in London, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Leah Williamson carries the trophy. Pic: AP

Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.

“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”

Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.

“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.

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Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.

England attend Downing Street reception. Pic: Reuters
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England manager Sarina Wiegman and some of the players on a video call with Sir Keir Starmer. Pic: Reuters

England manager Sarina Wiegman speaks at a reception at No 10 Downing Street, London. Pic: Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire
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Pic: PA

Angela Rayner reacts during a reception to celebrate England's victory in the Women's EURO 2025, at Downing Street in London. Reuters
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Angela Rayner congratulates some of the players. Pic: Reuters

In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”

“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.

“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”

As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.

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Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson with the trophy as she and members of the England team attend a reception at Downing St. Pic: PA
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Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson in the garden at No 10. Pic: PA

England's Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat's attention as they leave No.10 Downing Street. Pic: PA
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England’s Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat’s attention. Pic: PA

The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.

The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.

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Behind the scenes after Lionesses’ win

Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England’s Alessia Russo levelled the score in the 57th minute.

The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the score remaining the same at the end of extra-time.

The match then went to a penalty shootout, which the Lionesses won 3-1.

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‘No other drug does this amount of damage so quickly to your kidneys and bladder’: How party drug is destroying lives

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