Where is Global Britain?

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing August 19, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines [The UK government must be ready to accept “tens of thousands” of Afghan refugees fleeing persecution]( in their country in the months ahead, Boris Johnson has been warned. Charities and MPs from all sides have warned greater action is needed after the government pledged to take just 5,000 people fleeing the Taliban over the next year. Today The Independent backs calls for Downing Street to be more ambitious in its plan to resettle Afghans at risk of losing their lives in the Taliban takeover after western troops withdrew. Our Refugees Welcome campaign is calling for the government to offer sanctuary to as many Afghans as possible, and for local authorities and charities devoted to their welfare to be given the strongest of support. A Parachute Regiment officer has told how [desperate mothers “getting beaten by the Taliban” in Kabul have thrown their babies over barbed wire fences]( to soldiers in the hope of saving them from the militant group. The scenes of brutal violence unfolded at one of the routes into the military side of Kabul’s airport from where thousands of people are being airlifted to safety by the US, Britain and other foreign governments. The entrance to the Baron hotel, near Kabul airport, has become the focal point where Afghans seeking refuge in the UK have been gathering. The route also leads to the facilities of other countries which are carrying out evacuations, and the numbers of those desperate to get away are swelling by the day with hope among those who qualify for the flights, but despair and anger for the ones who do not. [Follow our live blog here]( [Fresh questions have been raised about the economic impact of Scottish independence]( after official figures showed an unprecedented black hole in the country’s public finances. Scotland’s deficit more than doubled to 22.4 per cent of GDP in 2020/21 – the highest yearly figure since the government’s annual accounts began two decades ago. Public spending in Scotland increased by 21 per cent during the year, reflecting the impact of the pandemic, while average public spending per person rose to £1,828 above the UK average. First minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon insisted the deficit was “not a barrier” to independence – arguing the current fiscal position is not any indication of what life would be like if the country was to break from the UK. But Tory MP Alister Jack, Scottish secretary in Boris Johnson’s cabinet, claimed the figures showed “how all of us in Scotland have benefitted from being part of a strong United Kingdom”. . We need your support The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider showing your support with a contribution. [Contribute]( . Top stories [‘A true original’: Tributes to Sean Lock pour in after comic’s death]( [Geronimo the alpaca to be slaughtered after owner loses High Court bid to save him]( [Foreign ‘enemies’ strengthened by UK ‘caving in’ to Black Lives Matter, Tory peer claims in Afghanistan debate]( . . Stories chosen for you - [Boris Johnson has no choice but to chase Biden’s coattails despite the UK’s waning influence | Andrew Grice]( - [‘Larger than life’ former Labour MP Austin Mitchell dies aged 86]( - [Nando’s hopes to reopen all branches by weekend after ‘staff shortages’]( - [Japanese Grand Prix cancelled due to ‘ongoing complexities’ of pandemic]( - [Nando’s shuts dozens of restaurants as chicken shortage ‘not going away’]( . News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating [NewsGuard] [Find out more]( . If you can spare two minutes we’d love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News Daily Briefing email, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.