Central News Hub

Month: December 2024

  • UK has ‘unique opportunity’ to bolster Gulf relations, forum told 

    UK has ‘unique opportunity’ to bolster Gulf relations, forum told 

    Trade between the UK and the GCC has been valued at about $78 billion, according to this year’s figures. The two sides have held talks on a free trade agreement for a number of years 

    Top business leaders, researchers and politicians have called on the UK to bolster business and cultural ties with the Gulf. The appeal came during a high-level discussion on evolving dynamics between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council at the House of Lords in London on Dec. 11. 

    An Emirati delegation led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Advisory, discussed politics, counter-extremism and security within the UAE and wider Gulf. 

    The forum was moderated by Lady Olga Maitland, security expert and former MP, and featured comments from Al-Ali; Liam Fox, former UK defense minister; Syrian journalist Ghassan Ibrahim; former Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski; Conservative Middle East Council Director Charlotte Leslie; and David Abrahams, former vice president of the Royal United Services Institute, among others. 

    Trade between the UK and the GCC has been valued at about $78 billion, according to this year’s figures. The two sides have held talks on a free trade agreement for a number of years. 

    Fox described Britain’s relationship with the Gulf bloc as “one of the most important trading relationships.” He said: “I think there are reasons to be optimistic in the region. I think there are reasons to look at the building blocks that are there, to look at the quality of the leadership in the region and say, if we’ve ever had a chance to do something different, if we’ve ever had a chance to break away and not be prisoners of our history, that’s where we are now.” 

    But, Fox added: “History is littered with examples of when windows of opportunity opened and then closed before anyone had the willingness, the courage and the leadership to do it. I think we have a unique historic opportunity in maybe just the coming months, but the coming period, to help shape this part of the world, in a way that’s not impossible, and that’s the real challenge.” 

    Al-Ali hailed the “widespread presence” of Anglophone culture in the UAE and wider Gulf, including British educational institutions. These “foster strong cultural ties and strengthen connections,” he added. 

    The Trends Advisory CEO called for the launch of a strategic council to push through the long-awaited UK-GCC free trade agreement. Leslie hailed the Gulf’s experience in “bringing people together” in a world that is “ever more polarized.” 

    The UK could draw on Gulf experience developing counter-extremist organizations, she said. Kawczynski, who took nine delegations to Riyadh during his time as an MP, singled out Saudi Arabia for particular praise. 

    “I’m very pleased that Keir Starmer, the prime minister, has been to Saudi Arabia this week … and I’m very pleased that parliamentarians across all political parties are starting to realize the importance of Saudi and the GCC,” he said. 

    The former MP added that he was “blown away” by the “sheer scale of Emirati investment” in London, and highlighted the importance of building economic interdependence between the UK and the Gulf. 

    Ibrahim, who heads the Global Arab Network, hailed Al-Ali’s visit as a “testament to the strength and importance of relations between the UAE and UK, as well as the rest of the GCC.” 

    Keir Starmer has defended his trip to Saudi Arabia, saying it was needed to fulfil his “number one mission” of growing the UK economy. 

    Speaking during a visit to Riyadh, where he met the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, the prime minister said his “sole intention” there was to help drive up living standards in the UK. 

    Starmer told broadcasters that he had “made it clear that economic growth in the UK is my number one mission” and “for that to happen we have to win contracts and investment around the world, and UAE and Saudi Arabia are key partners of ours”. 

    “So I’ve been making the case that now’s the time for further investment into our country,” he said. According to an official readout from their meeting, the prime minister invited the Saudi crown prince to the UK. A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer “hoped the leaders would be able to watch a game of football in between meetings if he took up the offer”. 

    The pair also discussed “the steps taken by the crown prince’s government to improve human rights under Saudi’s Vision 2030”. Earlier on Monday, Downing Street said Starmer would still be able to raise concerns about the Saudi government’s human rights record. 

    The prime minister’s official spokesperson told reporters that “no aspect of the relationships that we’re building internationally and abroad stops us from raising issues around human rights and protecting our values globally”. He reiterated that promoting economic growth was “the prime minister’s number one priority”. 

    Asked whether this meant human rights were a lower priority, the spokesperson said: “You saw the prime minister’s plan for change last week. You can see the government’s clear priorities for the British people as part of that.” 

    When Boris Johnson met the Saudi crown prince in 2022, Starmer accused him of “going cap in hand from dictator to dictator”. Asked about these comments, the spokesperson said: “This is about driving growth and building a network of partners across the world who will invest in the UK.” 

    Starmer argued that the government’s recent deals with Saudi Arabia were creating 4,000 jobs in the UK. “I’m here driving growth with the sole intention of making sure that when I say that living standards will go up in the UK, [and that] people will feel better off, that we’ve got the plan to follow through and deliver on that,” he told broadcasters in Riyadh. 

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  • Who will design Queen Elizabeth II Memorial? 

    Who will design Queen Elizabeth II Memorial? 

    The final design will be announced to coincide with what would have been Her Late Majesty’s 100th birthday year in 2026, following approval from the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King  

    Leading artists, architects and engineers can express their interest in designing the masterplan for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. 

    The Queen Elizabeth Memorial will be one of the most significant design projects in recent British history and will provide the nation with a permanent memorial to the UK’s longest-serving monarch.  

    The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, chaired by The Late Queen’s former Private Secretary, Lord Janvrin, is working with competition specialists at Malcolm Reading Consultants to identify a team of inspired and dedicated artists, architects, engineers, and landscape architects and other specialists who would be interested in designing the project. 

    The Committee is urging creatives interested in designing the masterplan for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial Masterplan Design Competition to submit a twelve-page Expression of Interest via the online form.  

    Full details of the project and how to enter the competition are available on the dedicated competition website: https://competitions.malcolmreading.com/queenelizabethmemorial  Details of the Selection Panel can also be found in the Competition Conditions available on the website. 

    The first stage of the two-stage competition opens today 12 December 2024 and closes at 14:00 on 20 January 2025. Subsequently, there will be a ten-week design stage for a shortlist of five competitors. No design work is required at stage one. 

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said, “Queen Elizabeth II was our longest reigning Monarch and Her Majesty dedicated her life to serving the people of the United Kingdom. This National Memorial will provide a permanent tribute to The Late Queen’s legacy, offering space for reflection as well as celebration. We want the very best architects and designers to come forward with their ideas for how this historic project should look.” 

    Committee Chair Lord Janvrin said, “We want to attract the finest teams of architects, artists, landscape architects, engineers and other specialists to work with us to create an outstanding design for the memorial site. We are looking for teams who thoroughly understand and connect with our ambitions for the project. The challenge at the second stage for the finalists will be to evoke memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s outstanding contribution to national life and to tell the story of Her Majesty’s long reign through an original masterplan that is sensitive to the unique setting. The memorial must be – simply – a beautiful place, somewhere to visit with family and friends, to enjoy and to reflect on an extraordinary life.” 

    The Memorial will be located in St James’s Park, the UK’s oldest Royal Park, and close to Buckingham Palace. The site includes the area of the Grade I listed Park adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, and the land surrounding the pathway down to the lake including the Blue Bridge and the land either side and across to Birdcage Walk.  

    The Committee is seeking a design that is beautiful, inclusive and sustainable. The competition brief sets out defining elements including a new bridge over the lake and opportunities for artistic interventions and enhanced  landscaping.  

    The new memorial will be of outstanding design quality and an emotionally powerful place, with celebratory spaces as well as areas to encourage reflection. Integral to the Committee’s vision is the intention to place a standalone monument including a figurative representation of the late Queen at the Marlborough Gate entrance.  

    Post-competition, an artist/sculptor for the figurative element will be appointed by the winning lead designer in consultation and agreement with the Committee, ensuring a strong creative match and an integrated scheme. 

    As a national memorial to the country’s longest-serving and much-respected Monarch, the Government has identified a provisional construction budget of £23m-46m excluding VAT for the project. The provisional construction budget is required at this stage as a guide for designers to develop their proposals. The final cost will depend on the winning design and will be shared in due course. The Committee will judge all submissions against a value for money criteria.   

    This provisional construction cost includes the replacement of the Blue Bridge – an important public amenity in St James’s Park. The shortlist is expected to be announced in spring 2025 and the winner in early summer 2025. 

    The final design will be announced to coincide with what would have been Her Late Majesty’s 100th birthday year in 2026, following approval from the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King. The Committee has visited the four nations of the United Kingdom and engaged widely to ensure ideas and suggestions from the public, experts and key stakeholder groups inform the project scope and competition brief. The winning team will be expected to work with the Committee on their public engagement strategy. 

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  • Regulator finds serious failings at Castle Point Borough Council   

    Regulator finds serious failings at Castle Point Borough Council   

    During an inspection, RSH found that Castle Point Borough Council, could not demonstrate that it is effectively managing and mitigating fire safety risks in its homes. …reports Asian Lite News

    The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a C4 grading to Castle Point Borough Council, after a planned inspection found fundamental changes were needed to address very serious failings.  

    The judgement is a downgrade from a C3 grading which was published in September after regulatory engagement identified a failure by Castle Point Borough Council to collect and report Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs).     

    During an inspection, RSH found that Castle Point Borough Council, could not demonstrate that it is effectively managing and mitigating fire safety risks in its homes.  It said that the council had not taken remedial action to address issues with TSM reporting, with no opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise its strategies, policies and services.   

    It added that the council had surveyed less than 1% of its 1,500 homes in the last five years, meaning there are significant gaps in the information it holds on the condition of its homes.  id not have an up-to-date electrical condition test for over 40% of communal areas.  

    It had also weakened its service to tenants by its failure to have a domestic abuse policy in place. It was also unable to demonstrate how it responds to reports of hate crime or supports victims.     

    Castle Point Borough Council failed to self-refer over any of these issues and although it has indicated a willingness to address these serious failings, there is not sufficient evidence that it understands the potential risks to tenants and of its ability to put matters right, to ensure tenants are safe.  

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said, “The breadth and seriousness of the issues that we found are extremely concerning. Castle Point must act promptly and make significant changes. The council must urgently ensure that risks to tenants’ safety are managed and mitigated. It must develop a detailed improvement plan and share this with tenants to give them the opportunity to scrutinise and influence the proposals. We will continue to engage intensively with the council as it works to put things right. We identified these failings through our new proactive inspection programme but we expect landlords to self-refer as soon as they become aware of an issue. All social landlords need to ensure tenants are safe in their homes and meet the outcomes in our standards. We will continue to take action when they don’t.” 

    Whilst Castle Point Borough Council has an arrangement with a managing agent, as the landlord it is accountable and responsible for meeting the outcomes of RSH’s standards.    RSH has a range of enforcement powers that it can use if social landlords cannot or will not address material failures to meet its standards. It is not proposing to use its powers in relation to Castle Point at this stage, but will keep the position under review.  

    RSH is carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH has started to publish the outcomes of these first inspections and will continue to do so over the coming months. 

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  • ‘Every pound spent will deliver Plan for Change’  

    ‘Every pound spent will deliver Plan for Change’  

    It will be the first time in over a decade and a half that government departments have been asked to take such an approach…reports Asian Lite News

    Government departments will be expected to find savings and efficiencies in their budgets, in a push to drive out waste in the public sector and ensure all funding is focused on the government’s priorities. 

    Every single pound the government spends will be subjected to a line-by-line review to make sure it’s being spent to deliver the Plan for Change and that it is value for money, as the Chancellor Rachel Reeves launches the next round of government spending. 

    It will be the first time in over a decade and a half that government departments have been asked to take such an approach, with what’s called a “zero-based review” last undertaken 17 years ago. 

    Reeves will begin her work with government departments and reiterate that they cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years, as the new government continues to fix the foundations after inheriting a £22bn black hole, alongside crumbling public services and damaged public finances.   

    Secretaries of State across government will need to allocate their budgets to ensure that government spending is focused on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, and that every pound of taxpayers’ money is spent well. The Chancellor will work with departments to prioritise spending that supports the milestones to deliver the Plan. This includes boosting growth to put more money in working people’s pockets, fixing the NHS, creating safer streets, making Britain a clean energy super-power and giving every child the best start in life while strengthening our borders, national security and the economy. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said, “By totally rewiring how the government spends money we will be able to deliver our Plan for Change and focus on what matters for working people. The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” 

    The Prime Minister has been clear that public services must reform if they are to be put on a sustainable footing in the long-term, so that outcomes can be improved for people who depend on services every day. Today’s announcement builds on the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster yesterday launching a £100 million fund to pioneer public service reform and deliver the Government’s Plan for Change, by deploying new test-and-learn teams into public services across the country. They will be empowered to experiment and innovate to fix the public sector’s biggest challenges, working towards the Government’s ambitious and far-reaching reform programme that will seek to break down Whitehall silos and galvanise government as it seeks to deliver the Plan for Change. 

    Departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by challenge panels of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. Panels will bring an independent view to what government spend is or isn’t necessary, with a mixture of expertise from local delivery partners, think tanks, academic experts and private sector backgrounds. 

    In letters sent by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped. Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities. 

    Work has already begun on evaluating poor value for money spend, with an evaluation into the £6.5m spent on Social Workers in Schools programme, which placed social workers in schools, finding no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes, meaning the intervention was not considered cost-effective. The Government has made clear it will not shy away from taking the difficult decisions needed to fix the foundations, as shown by the Chancellor’s decisions at the Budget to balance the books. 

    Departments will be expected to work closely together to identify how their work contributes to the Government’s missions, meeting in mission clusters throughout the process to agree priorities and links.  

    Throughout this process, the ideas, expertise and innovation of the private sector will be sought out and brought right into the heart of government. An online portal has been launched to give businesses the opportunity to put forward policy proposals for the Spending Review, including on how government can deliver public services more efficiently or effectively. These representations will be collated and shared with departments for consideration in their submissions. 

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  • PIF acquires 15% stake in Heathrow Airport 

    PIF acquires 15% stake in Heathrow Airport 

    A PIF statement said the strategic investment underscored its commitment to impactful global investments that bolstered key sectors…reports Asian Lite News

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced on Thursday it had finalized the acquisition of a 15 percent stake in FGP TopCo, the holding company of Heathrow Airport Holdings. The stake was purchased from Ferrovial SE and other shareholders of FGP TopCo. 

    Simultaneously, Ardian, a private investment firm, acquired a 22.6 percent stake in FGP TopCo through a separate transaction. A PIF statement said the strategic investment underscored its commitment to impactful global investments that bolstered key sectors, and its broader strategy of supporting sustainable and long-term growth in major international markets. 

    Turqi Al-Nowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments at PIF, said the fund was pleased to be investing in Heathrow, calling it a “vital UK asset and a world-class airport.” 

    He added: “We believe in the importance of infrastructure as a key sector in supporting the transition to net zero. Heathrow acts as a crucial gateway to the world, and we look forward to supporting Heathrow’s management in its efforts to secure the sustainable growth of the airport and to continue to maintain its position as a global aviation hub.” 

    In November, Dutch-based transport company Ferrovial SE had said it was planning to offload its stake, with PIF taking 10 percent and Ardian taking 15 percent, but the deal has been amended to allow FGP Topco shareholders to sell their shares on the same terms under so-called “tag-along rights.” 

    “Ardian is pleased to have worked closely with the parties to find this revised agreement and reiterates its strong commitment to investing in the UK,” the French company said in a separate statement. 

    The private investment house, which manages or advises $166 billion of assets on behalf of more than 1,600 clients globally, added that it “actively supports its assets to accelerate their transformation by leveraging data and new technologies to reduce emissions, creating new, more sustainable revenue sources, becoming more independent and resilient to external shocks, and improving their impact on both local and global environments.” 

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  • NHS warns of flu ‘tidal wave’ 

    NHS warns of flu ‘tidal wave’ 

    Health leaders said that people eligible for their free flu jab should get vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid “festive flu”. …reports Asian Lite News

    The number of hospital beds in England occupied by patients with flu has increased by 70% in a week, NHS England said, as it warned of a “tidal wave of flu hitting hospitals”. 

    Health leaders said that people eligible for their free flu jab should get vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid “festive flu”. 

    An average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospitals in England each day last week, including 66 in critical care beds, NHS figures show. This is up from 1,099 patients the previous week, when 39 were in critical care. It is also more than four times the figure at this point last year. 

    NHS England said cases of norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were also on the rise. 

    Last week, health bosses warned hospitals were facing a “quad-demic” of disease over the winter months, with cases of flu, norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 all forecast to rise. On Thursday, there were warnings of a “tidal wave”. 

    Prof Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, said on Thursday: “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries. 

    “While the NHS has plans in place to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, with one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu’.” 

    An average of 837 hospital beds in England were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up from 756 the previous week. There were an average of 152 children with RSV in hospital wards in England last week, up from 142 the previous week and higher than at this point in 2023 when the figure was 107. 

    The number of hospital beds occupied each day by patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 averaged 1,343, down slightly week-on-week from 1,390. 

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  • £100 mn health research boost 

    £100 mn health research boost 

    20 new clinical research hubs will shift research into the communities across the country, giving more people the chance to benefit from the latest innovative treatments …reports Asian Lite News

    Patients across the UK will have greater access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials as the government announces £100 million of public-private investment to set up 20 research hubs. 

    Commercial research delivery centres (CRDCs) will act as regional hubs for pioneering clinical trials, creating opportunities to test innovative new treatments with the latest equipment and technology. They will be established in all 4 corners of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

    These trials will build UK research delivery leadership into all conditions across multi-specialist centres. This includes cancer and obesity, as well as infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CRDCs will support the rapid set-up of commercial studies so patients can begin accessing treatments undergoing trials as early as possible. 

    In support of the 10 Year Health Plan, CRDCs will shift clinical trials into community settings, meaning those in under-served regions will be better able to participate in research. This will boost access to new treatments in the trial stage. 

    Health Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said, “This significant private investment in health research is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK’s leading research and life sciences sector. The new hubs will help shift research into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments faster. Prevention is better than cure – these trials will help unlock the next generation of treatments, boost economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future.” 

    The funding is part of a wider £400 million joint public-private investment scheme – the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. It is a unique partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life sciences sector and stimulate economic growth.  

    The health of the nation and health of the economy are inextricably linked; the new CRDCs will bolster the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences and med tech, driving economic growth. 

    The investment boost follows the Plan for Change unveiled by the Prime Minister last week, which sets out ambitious but achievable milestones for the missions that will drive real improvements in the lives of working people. 

    As part of the 10 Year Health Plan, the government will shift care from treatment to prevention and this investment will support research into preventative vaccines and medicines, ultimately helping people live healthier lives for longer. 

    Legislation has today been laid that will transform clinical trials in the UK by speeding up trial approvals while protecting patient safety. It is the biggest overhaul of regulations in 20 years and will remove administrative red tape and streamline processes to get clinical trials up and running as quickly as possible. The changes are being introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health Research Authority (HRA). 

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said, “If we are to turn the latest advances in medical science into breakthrough treatments and therapeutics for patients, it is essential that leading businesses and private investment work in partnership with the NHS. This is especially important for clinical trials where the UK has a strong track record and can again become a leader.” 

    The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said, “Investing in a Wales clinical research centre will help to strengthen our approach to clinical trials and increase the opportunities for people to access new and innovative treatments. Research studies can deliver real benefits to patient care, and we are committed to working in partnership across the UK to boost commercial global research.” 

    Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government, Neil Gray, said, “I am thrilled Scotland will be home to 4 new CRDCs, strengthening our existing clinical research infrastructure and maximising collaboration with partners across the UK. It shows our continued commitment to supporting our NHS to deliver clinical research most effectively, improving research inclusion and fast-tracking the development of new medicines to patients.” 

    Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), said, “Clinical trials help improve lives. Boosting the NHS’s capacity to deliver commercial clinical research through these new CRDCs will support recruitment across all communities and bring innovative treatments to patients. The effects of these centres will be felt right across the 4 nations, bringing investment into the UK’s life sciences sector.” 

    The CRDCs are geared to support industry clinical trials across many different care settings in the 4 UK nations. We look forward to the network of new CRDCs working closely with industry to offer more patients across the UK the opportunity to participate in studies of the latest cutting-edge treatments. 

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  • FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS! 

    FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS! 

    Mayor Sadiq Khan Freezes Bus and Tram Fares for Historic Sixth Year. He unveiled TfL fares package for 2025, with a freeze to bus and tram fares, keeping them one of the lowest in the UK, and helping to boost ridership across the city 

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced a freeze on bus and tram fares for the sixth consecutive year, a historic decision that ensures Londoners will continue paying the same rates as they have since March 2023. This move keeps bus and tram fares among the lowest in the UK, boosting affordability and encouraging ridership across the capital’s extensive network. 

    The bus remains the most used form of public transport in the capital. Across London, bus ridership continues to grow, with more than 1 billion bus journeys made already this financial year. More than 95 per cent of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop and the Mayor has worked hard to ensure buses remain the most accessible, affordable and sustainable form of transport. 

    The freeze is a significant boon for lower-income and disabled Londoners, who predominantly rely on these accessible and economical services. Bus ridership, a cornerstone of London’s public transport system, remains robust with over one billion journeys made this financial year alone. More than 95% of Londoners live within 400 meters of a bus stop, further cementing the importance of buses in the city’s transport ecosystem. 

    Key initiatives, such as the Hopper fare, continue to make travel affordable by offering unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for just £1.75. Since Mayor Khan’s first election in 2016, fares have increased by just 25p, a figure significantly lower than inflation rates over the same period. 

    However, the Mayor also confirmed that Tube and rail fares across London will rise by 4.6% starting March 2, 2025, in line with national rail fare increases. This decision follows the UK Government’s directive, tying fare hikes to continued funding for critical transport infrastructure projects, such as Superloop 2 and Tube upgrades. 

    While the increase affects Tube and rail users, TfL has worked to minimize the impact. Pay-as-you-go fares in Zone 1, for example, will rise by only 10p, and caps for daily travel across multiple zones will see proportional increases. 

    “Londoners know from my record that wherever possible I’ve made TfL fares more affordable and fairer,” said the mayor. “I’m really pleased to announce this sixth consecutive freeze on bus and tram fares, benefiting those on the lowest incomes. 

    “Following the Government’s budget, ministers made clear that to secure national funding for key transport projects, TfL Tube and rail fares would need to increase. This funding will allow us to progress exciting projects like Superloop 2, as we continue building a fairer, safer, and greener London.” 

    Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, reinforced the sentiment:  “This fares package aims to keep fares as affordable as possible while supporting London’s economic growth. With daily and weekly capping, the Hopper fare, and our wide range of concessions, we’re ensuring customers get the best value.” 

    All existing concessions, including the Zip and 60+ London photocards, will remain in place, providing free or discounted travel to millions of Londoners. 

    The freeze on bus and tram fares will support lower-income and disabled Londoners, who are more likely to use bus and tram services, the most accessible way to get around London. With this dual approach—freezing bus and tram fares while modestly increasing Tube and rail fares—Mayor Khan aims to balance affordability, sustainability, and the need for future investment in London’s world-class transport network. 

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  • US unveils $500m arms package for Ukraine

    US unveils $500m arms package for Ukraine

    National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to providing additional aid until its final days in power…reports Asian Lite News

    The United States announced a $500 million military aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, as the Biden administration works to bolster Kyiv’s defences against Russia before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the aid as “urgently needed” and said it would be drawn from existing US military stockpiles. The package includes ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket systems, artillery shells, drones, armoured vehicles, and protective gear against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

    This latest tranche follows two substantial packages of $988 million and $725 million announced earlier this month, signalling the outgoing administration’s intent to maximize support for Ukraine in the limited time remaining.

    The urgency stems from concerns over Trump’s stated intention to “probably” scale back aid to Ukraine. His administration’s stance has raised alarm in Kyiv and among European allies, as US assistance has been critical to Ukraine’s resistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Trump has criticized current US support for Ukraine and claimed he could negotiate a ceasefire within hours of taking office.

    National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to providing additional aid until its final days in power. “As President Biden has made clear, we will continue to support Ukraine right up to the end of this administration,” Kirby said.

    The United States has led international efforts to rally support for Ukraine, coordinating assistance from dozens of nations and delivering tens of billions of dollars in weapons, training, and security aid. This support has been instrumental in helping Ukraine repel Russian advances over nearly three years of conflict.

    With the transition of power imminent, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of reduced US assistance on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The aid package announced Thursday aims to fortify Kyiv’s defences during this critical period of uncertainty.

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  • Xi may skip Trump’s inauguration ceremony

    Xi may skip Trump’s inauguration ceremony

    According to CBS News, TikTok is currently fighting the ban in court, having lost a bid to block the ban last week is appealing the case to the Supreme Court…reports Asian Lite News

    Chinese President Xi Jinping is not likely to attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20, despite receiving an invitation from him, according to two sources familiar with the planning, CBS News reported.

    However, China’s ambassador to the US and his spouse are expected to attend the event, following standard diplomatic protocol, it reported, adding that other officials from Beijing may also join them.

    According to CBS News, inauguration officials have designated staff to handle diplomatic protocol at the festivities.

    However, the Chinese embassy in Washington has declined to comment on the matter, and also the Trump transition did not reply to a request for comment, a per CBS News.

    Meanwhile, Trump said on Thursday morning (local time), “We have a good relationship with China. I have a good relationship. We’ve been talking and discussing with President Xi some things.”

    He declined to go into detail and was not asked specifically about Xi and the inauguration.

    The invitation comes at an already tense time in the US-China relationship.The US intelligence community recently disclosed a far-reaching hack of eight US telecom companies, assessing that Chinese actors had accessed the metadata of potentially millions of Americans, including high-ranking officials like Vice President-elect JD Vance.

    The president-elect’s team is gearing up to host several world leaders at the Capitol in January.

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has a warm relationship with Trump and visited him at Mar-a-Lago this week, is “still considering” whether to attend, as per CBS News.

    “World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe,” Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.

    Recently, Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on goods imported from China, adding that the US government has set a deadline of January 19, the eve of Trump’s inauguration, for TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the social media app or face a ban in the US.

    According to CBS News, TikTok is currently fighting the ban in court, having lost a bid to block the ban last week is appealing the case to the Supreme Court.

    Notably, in a historic political comeback, Trump won a second term as President of the United States after securing 295 electoral votes in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, who garnered 226 votes.

    Trump’s return to the White House marks only the second time in US history that a president has served two non-consecutive terms. The first such instance was Grover Cleveland, who served as president in 1884 and 1892. Trump had earlier served as US President from 2016 to 2020.

    Trump taps election denier to head Voice of America

    President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday appointed election denier Kari Lake to be the new director of Voice of America, the state-funded international media organization.

    VOA has reach around the world, with programming in a slew of African, Asian and European languages, including Somali, Dari and French.

    It receives US funding but is generally considered a reliable, independent media operation, covering global and US news for international audiences.

    However, previous leadership under Trump’s first administration came under fire for politicizing the outlet.

    Lake, a former television news anchor, is a hardline conservative who ran in 2022 as the Republican candidate for governor of the southwestern state of Arizona and for US Senate in 2024, losing both times.

    She has repeatedly refused to accept her past election defeats, as well as Trump’s 2020 loss to Joe Biden.

    As he prepares to take office in January, Trump’s staffing announcements have consisted of close allies.

    “I am pleased to announce that Kari Lake will serve as our next Director of the Voice of America,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social website.

    “She will be appointed by, and work closely with, our next head of the US Agency for Global Media… to ensure that the American values of Freedom and Liberty are broadcast around the World FAIRLY and ACCURATELY, unlike the lies spread by the Fake News Media.”

    In his first term, Michael Pack, Trump’s head of the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees VOA, raised concerns when he moved in 2020 to strip an internal firewall at the organization meant to insulate the newsroom from political interference.

    A VOA White House reporter was also investigated for supposed anti-Trump biases during Trump’s first administration.

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