THE spread of Covid-19 among children in England is fuelling a recent rise in cases nationally and causing concern among some scientists that vaccines are being rolled out in schools too slowly, risking the welfare of children and adults alike.
Covid-19 cases in Britain as a whole are much higher than in other European countries and are rising. On Friday one survey suggested prevalence was at its highest level since January, with 8 per cent of secondary school children infected.
Vaccination rates for the age group in England are lagging those in many European countries and even Scotland, which some scientists have attributed to mixed messaging around shots for children, a later start and inflexibility with the rollout.
"The worry at the moment is it is clear that the vaccination programme in 12 to 15-year-olds is not going very well," Lawrence Young, virologist at University of Warwick, told Reuters, adding that the spread of other viruses could lead to a "perfect storm" in the winter for the National Health Service if cases spread to older, more vulnerable adults.
"With all of what that means not only again for schools, but also for overwhelming the NHS... then the worry is that autumn and winter are going to get very, very messy."
Last month, Britain's chief medical officers recommended that children aged 12 to 15 should be offered a Covid-19 vaccine to help reduce disruption to their education.
But with children and teachers missing school time having caught Covid, some believe the rollout started too late.
"The final approval to go ahead with this was about protecting education and we're not doing that," Young said.
MARGINAL SITUATION
The health service set a target of offering all children vaccination shots by the school half-term break, which starts next week.
Data released showed that 28.8 per cent of children aged 12-17 had received a Covid-19 shot.
But while the rollout to 16 and 17-year-olds began in August, before schools went back, term had restarted for three weeks in England by the time the rollout to 12- to 15-year-olds had begun.
The recommendation to vaccinate those children was delayed after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) declined to recommend broad vaccination of over-12s, saying the benefit to health was marginal and referring the decision to the chief medical officers.
Whether or not vaccines prevent mild Covid and transmission in schools in light of the more contagious Delta variant is one major point of difference between those who believe vaccinations should have begun earlier and the JCVI, which says a deliberate and transparent process was crucial to maintaining trust.
"The extent to which we could have modified the situation, or indeed are now modifying this situation, by immunising children always was going to be and remains modest," Adam Finn, a JCVI member, told Reuters.
"We shouldn't imagine that somehow we missed the boat on some dramatic effect that would have been beneficial to children or everyone else, because the vaccines just don't (prevent transmission) very efficiently, particularly with the Delta variant."
Finn said that as the risks of both infection and the shots were small, it was right that children and parents should be able to decide for themselves whether to get the shot, and said the focus should not be on the overall proportion who decide to take up the offer.
"We allowed people to make their own decision in a rather marginal situation whether or not they wanted their children immunised. Those that did went ahead, which is fine. Those that didn't didn't go ahead, and that's fine too."
FORSEEABLE PROBLEM
However, the rollout in England is being done through schools, meaning the offer of a vaccine isn't being made available to all eligible children at the same time.
In Scotland, by contrast, where 46.5 per cent of 12- to 15-year-olds have had a Covid shot, walk-in vaccination facilities are available, meaning children are not reliant on schools to get access to shots.
The government is considering allowing children aged 12-15 to get their shots in walk-in clinics in England, the Mail on Sunday reported, saying the change would happen within weeks.
Dr Brian Ferguson, of the University of Cambridge's Division of Immunology, said that while it was natural there would be a lower take-up in children, he was concerned that not all children who wanted shots in England currently had access to them.
"The problem at the moment is that you have a slow rollout of this process, in the time when you also have a high case-rate in that age range," he told Reuters.
"That's causing problems with getting the vaccines to children who want to have the vaccines... That I think is a foreseeable problem that could have been avoided."
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer on Thursday (12) expressed his anguish following a plane crash involving a London-bound Air India flight with 53 British nationals among 242 on board, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer said in a statement.
"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he said.
Foreign secretary David Lammy took to social media to express his support to those affected."Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” he said.
People gather near a damaged building and trees as firefighters work at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved.
It issued a contact number for consular assistance.“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” the FCDO’s travel advisory notes.
“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” it adds.
— (@)
Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said, “I am deeply concerned by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171. Harrow is home to a large British-Gujarati community, many of whom have close family ties to Gujarat, and this devastating news will be felt particularly strongly here.
"My thoughts are with all those who have been injured or lost loved ones and I stand ready to support any Harrow residents who are concerned about the wellbeing of their family or friends affected by this tragedy.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, was due to land at London Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time. The flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff near the Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
FILE PHOTO: Officials inspect the wreckage of an Air India Express jet at Calicut International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, on August 8, 2020. (Photo by ARUNCHANDRA BOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
INDIA has witnessed several major air disasters over the decades, reflecting both the challenges of aviation safety and the complexities of its growing air traffic. While many flights operate safely each day, a few tragic incidents have left lasting impacts on the nation’s aviation history. Below is a list of some of the most significant plane crashes that have occurred in India.
1. Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (Nov 12, 1996) A Saudi Boeing 747 and a Kazakh IL-76 cargo plane collided mid-air near Delhi due to communication failures. All 349 people on both aircraft died, making it the deadliest air disaster in Indian airspace.
2. Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka bombing) (Jun 2, 1985) The Boeing 747 exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb detonated on board. All 329 people were killed in the terrorist attack, which remains the worst aviation-related act of terrorism involving Air India.
3. Air India Flight 855 ("Emperor Ashoka") (Jan 1, 1978) Shortly after take-off from Mumbai, the Boeing 747 crashed into the Arabian Sea due to instrument failure and pilot disorientation. All 213 passengers and crew were killed.
4. Air India Express Flight 812 (May 22, 2010) The aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore airport and crashed into a valley. 158 of the 166 people on board lost their lives.
5. Air India Express Flight 1344 (Aug 7, 2020) Attempting to land in heavy rain at Kozhikode’s tabletop runway in Kerala, the plane skidded off and broke into pieces. 21 people died, while many others were injured.
6. Indian Airlines Flight 605 (Feb 14, 1990) The Airbus A320 crashed short of the runway while landing at Bengaluru airport. 92 of the 146 people on board were killed.
7. Alliance Air Flight 7412 (Jul 17, 2000) While approaching Patna airport, the plane crashed into a residential area after engine issues and loss of control. 60 people, including some on the ground, died.
8. Air India Flight 403 (Jun 21, 1982) The Boeing 707 crash-landed at Mumbai during a monsoon storm. 17 people were killed in the accident.
Keep ReadingShow less
A yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services
The UK is set to experience a combination of hot and humid weather alongside a series of thunderstorms over the next few days, prompting a heat-health alert and multiple weather warnings from the Met Office. Temperatures could reach up to 30°C in some areas, particularly in parts of south-east and central England.
Heat-health alert issued across southern and eastern England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Met Office, has issued a yellow heat-health alert covering the east of England, the East Midlands, London and the South East. The alert will be in place from 9pm on Thursday, 13 June, until 8am on Sunday, 16 June.
Under the UKHSA’s guidance, a yellow alert indicates potential increased pressure on health services, especially due to impacts on vulnerable populations. People over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are particularly at risk. The agency has advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid excess sun exposure during peak hours, and check on elderly neighbours or those with health concerns.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, noted: “Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. It is important for people to take sensible precautions and remain aware of the forecast. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, please ensure they are following health guidance.”
Thunderstorm warnings in place through Saturday
Alongside the heat alert, the Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings as warm, humid air moves northwards from the Iberian Peninsula.
A yellow warning was issued for the South West of England and Northern Ireland from Thursday until 1pm. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to develop and move north, with the potential for travel disruption. The Met Office warned of difficult driving conditions due to spray, standing water, and possibly hail. Delays to rail and bus services are also possible, with a risk of short-term power outages.
A second yellow thunderstorm warning covers the South East of England from 3pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. The warning highlights the possibility of sudden flooding, road closures, and the chance that isolated communities could be temporarily cut off by floodwaters. There is also a risk of damage to buildings caused by lightning, hail, strong winds, and fast-flowing floodwater.
“There is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life,” the Met Office stated.
Weather overview: temperatures climb as storms approach
Temperatures are expected to peak later in the week. Highs of 27°C are forecast on Wednesday, with parts of central and south-east England potentially reaching 30°C on Friday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said, “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south.”
This warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidityiStock
Mr Silverstone added that heatwave thresholds could be reached in some regions, including the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales. However, he noted that this depends on cloud cover, making it uncertain.
He also pointed out that this warm spell may feel more uncomfortable than May’s fine weather due to increased humidity. “Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people’s sleep,” he said.
Detailed forecast: Wednesday to Sunday
Wednesday: A largely dry and sunny day is expected across much of the UK, especially after morning cloud dissipates in the south. The far northwest of Scotland will remain cloudy with periods of rain. Temperatures will be widely very warm.
By the evening, showers will begin to move into western areas, followed by a more organised band of thundery rain developing overnight. Many areas will experience a warm night.
Thursday: Rain, occasionally heavy, will push north and east across the country throughout the day. Brighter spells may follow in some regions, though scattered showers are also likely. The day will remain warm and increasingly humid, despite breezy conditions.
Friday to Sunday Outlook: The warm and humid conditions will continue on Friday, with another round of heavy and thundery rain forecast, particularly during the afternoon and evening. The weekend will remain unsettled with further spells of rain and showers, although fresher air will gradually begin to spread across the country.
Some western areas could receive between 20-40mm of rain within a few hours on Thursday. The Met Office has indicated that lightning and intense downpours may cause localised flooding and disruption.
Advice for the public
The UKHSA and the Met Office have advised the public to monitor weather updates and follow health and safety guidance during the period of high heat and storm activity. Precautionary measures include:
Staying hydrated and avoiding physical exertion during the hottest part of the day
Using fans or opening windows at night to cool down interiors
Keeping homes shaded during the day
Looking out for vulnerable individuals in the community
With a combination of high temperatures and stormy weather likely to affect travel, health services and daily routines, authorities are urging residents to plan ahead and stay informed.
Keep ReadingShow less
People gather near the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)
AN Air India plane headed to London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday (12), the airline and police said, without specifying whether there were any fatalities.
The plane was headed to Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said, while police officers said it crashed in a civilian area near the airport.
Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.
"At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," Air India said on X.
The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire rising into the sky from beyond the houses.
Visuals also showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport. They also showed visuals of people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.
According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39pm (0809 GMT) from runway 23. It gave a "Mayday" call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter no there was no response from the aircraft.
Flightradar24 also said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.
In this combo of images, a London-bound Air India plane crashes moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (PTI Photo)www.easterneye.biz
"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB," it said. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
India's aviation minster said he was "shocked and devastated" at the tragic incident, saying his "thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families".
"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a statment.
"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he added. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
The last fatal plane crash in India involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm. The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a "table-top" runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India in 2020. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.
Conservative Friends of India (CFoI) hosted its 2025 Summer Reception at St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, in an evening that celebrated enduring ties and a shared vision for the future. The event marked a significant moment for the organisation, with newly appointed co-chairs Koolesh Shah and The Rt Hon Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP welcoming an esteemed gathering of political and community leaders.
The evening’s Special Guest of Honour was The Rt Hon Lord David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who delivered a stirring and reflective keynote address. Also present was The Rt Hon Lord Dolar Popat, the esteemed Founder of CFoI, whose longstanding commitment to strengthening Indo-British relations was warmly recognised throughout the event.
Vikram Doraiswami
A legacy of vision and values
In his remarks, Lord Cameron emphasised the natural alignment between the Conservative Party and the British Indian community around core values such as enterprise, hard work, family, and a strong sense of community.
Reflecting on his enduring personal and political ties with India, Lord Cameron recalled that India was the first country outside Europe he visited both as Leader of the Opposition in 2005 and as Prime Minister in 2010.
He shared a defining memory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark address at Wembley Stadium, stating, “That night, I said the Conservative Party would be the one to give Britain its first Indian-origin Prime Minister. Little did I know that young Rishi Sunak was in the audience with his parents. Seven years later, that vision became reality.”
He added with both celebration and introspection, “We’re not a perfect country—discrimination and inequality still exist—but Britain remains a rare example of a true meritocracy where someone can arrive here in one generation and reach the highest office in the land in the next.”
Koolesh Shah
Honouring leadership and community contribution
Rt. Hon. Sir Oliver Dowden KCB CBE MP, Former Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Co-Chairman of Conservative Friends of India, praised the British Indian community’s significant contributions across the UK’s economic, political, and social landscape.
“The British Indian community is at the heart of our national life—whether in local campaigns or national leadership, including our own Prime Minister Rishi Sunak,” he said. Dowden also acknowledged the foundational leadership of Lord Popat and Lord Cameron, who helped launch CFoI in 2012, and paid tribute to outgoing co-chairs Rina and Amit for their impactful service.
Koolesh Shah, the newly appointed Co-Chairman, reflected on his British Indian heritage and pledged to continue fostering strong links between the UK and India. “Ours is a story of success, integration, and service. We must now focus on nurturing the next generation of Conservative British Indian leaders,” he said. Shah also expressed gratitude to High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami for his role in facilitating deeper political and cultural ties.
Sir Oliver Dowden
Strengthening UK-India relations
In his address, High Commissioner of India to the UK Vikram Doraiswami highlighted the robust nature of UK-India relations, grounded in shared democratic values and vibrant people-to-people connections. “This partnership must go beyond politics—built on trade, technology, education, and the drive of our people,” he stated.
An evening of unity and vision
The reception was expertly compered by Cllr Ameet Jogia MBE and Cllr Reena Ranger OBE, both former CFoI Chairs known for their instrumental roles in expanding the organisation’s grassroots outreach and national influence.
The audience comprised CFoI leaders, dedicated members, business figures, community representatives, and longstanding supporters—all united in their commitment to a stronger, more inclusive Conservative movement and a flourishing UK–India relationship.