Central News Hub

Category: UK News

  • Booker Goes to Orbital 

    Booker Goes to Orbital 

    British author Samantha Harvey’s fiction on space wins 2024 Booker Prize…reports Asian Lite News

    A short novel set on the International Space Station by British author Samantha Harvey in the 2024 winner of the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction. 

    Harvey was awarded the USD 64,000 prize for her “space pastoral” story ‘Orbital’ that follows the lives of six astronauts on the ISS, as they circle the Earth. The award ceremony was held on Tuesday night at London’s Old Billingsgate 

    The 49-year-old author has according to the awarding organisation become the first woman since 2019 to win the Booker Prize. 

    “It is an unforgettable year for fiction, a book about a wounded world. Sometimes you encounter a book and cannot work out how this miraculous event has happened. As judges we were determined to find a book that moved us, a book that had capaciousness and resonance, that we are compelled to share. We wanted everything,” Edmund de Waal, Chair of judges, said. 

    The book is a novel that is propelled by the beauty of sixteen surises and sixteen sunsets, says De Waal who added that the with her “language of lyricism and acuity Harvey makes our world strange and new for us. 

    The author said that she wrote the book during the COVID induced lockdowns during which she watched many hours of online footage from the ISS. 

    Incidentally, Harvey has said that she does not own a mobile phone. 

    She dedicated the prize to “all the people who speak for and not against the Earth and work for and not against peace”. 

    She said she questioned herself while writing the book: “Why would anybody want to hear from a woman at her desk in Wiltshire writing about space when people have actually been there?” 

    “I lost my nerve with it and I thought I didn’t have the authority to write it.” 

    In an interview after she was longlisted for the prize, Harvey said that she considered ‘The Siege of Krishnapur’ based on a fictional town in India  by J.G. Farrell as one of the best books of the last century. 

    Born in Kent in 1975, the daughter of a builder, Samantha Harvey studied philosophy at the University of York and University of Sheffield. A writer and sculptor, in the 2000s, she worked at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath, the site from which the planet Uranus was discovered. 

    She is now a tutor on the MA course in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and the author of five novels. 

    She was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2009 for her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’, about an ageing architect who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. The book was awarded the Betty Trask Prize. 

    Prior to ‘Orbital’, her previous novel, ‘The Western Wind’, was about a priest in 15th century Somerset. 

    In 2020 Harvey published her first book of non-fiction, ‘The Shapeless Unease: A Year of Not Sleeping,’ about her personal experience of chronic insomnia. 

    She has been shortlisted for the James Tait Black Award, the Women’s Prize, the Guardian First Book Award and the Walter Scott Prize. Her writing has appeared in Granta Magazine, The Guardian, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Telegraph and TIME magazine.lter Scott Prize. (ANI) 

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  • ‘Bexley Boxes’ to Support Vulnerable Residents 

    ‘Bexley Boxes’ to Support Vulnerable Residents 

    The Bexley Boxes will contain nourishing foods like porridge and tinned goods, cozy winter essentials…reports Asian Lite News

    Bexley Council Leader, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, introduced a new initiative to assist some of Bexley’s most vulnerable housebound residents through the winter by providing them with a special box of essential items to keep them warm, healthy, and connected. Starting in late November, the boxes will be delivered directly to elderly residents who are most in need. 

    The Bexley Boxes will contain nourishing foods like porridge and tinned goods, cozy winter essentials such as scarves, hats, and socks, as well as practical winter wellbeing tips and contact information for local resources. Each box will also feature a festive treat, providing a small, thoughtful gift to brighten recipients’ spirits. 

    In response to the government’s cut to winter fuel payments affecting around 34,000 older residents in Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill expressed her hope that the project would help counteract the challenges many elderly people face during the colder months. “Winter can be a cold and very lonely time for those older residents who are unable to leave their homes,” she said. “I hope that these boxes will bring a bit of light into the lives of someone who may not be able to get out and about.” 

    The Bexley Boxes initiative will be funded by generous contributions from local businesses and a portion of the Government’s Household Support Fund. Volunteers, council staff, and local councillors will prepare and distribute the boxes, ensuring that Bexley’s elderly residents feel supported and cared for this winter. 

    Community organisations, including doctor’s offices and local groups, will help identify those in need. For those interested in contributing or nominating a recipient, information is available by contacting bexleybox@bexley.gov.uk or calling 020 8187 7613. Residents can also follow updates on the Bexley Boxes project via the Council’s social media channels using #BexleyBoxes. 

    This initiative is part of Bexley’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable residents, bringing warmth, care, and community spirit to those who may otherwise face winter alone. 

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  • PSPO To Boost Women’s Safety 

    PSPO To Boost Women’s Safety 

    This measure came after a consultation in which 845 respondents expressed strong support for the PSPO scheme, which already prohibits a range of anti-social behaviors including begging…reports Asian Lite News

    The PSPO serves as a proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety, fostering a respectful and welcoming public environment for all residents. 

    Barking and Dagenham Council has introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that specifically addresses sexual harassment in public areas, marking a significant step toward enhancing women’s safety in the borough. This measure came after a consultation in which 845 respondents expressed strong support for the PSPO scheme, which already prohibits a range of anti-social behaviors including begging, public urination, spitting, public alcohol consumption, amplified noise, and causing distress or alarm. 

    This PSPO is now in effect across four designated areas: Barking Town Centre, Heathway, Broad Street, and Gale Street. Sexual harassment was specifically added to the prohibited behaviors list based on residents’ feedback, acknowledging the need for safe, respectful public spaces. Councillor Syed Ghani, the Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, expressed gratitude to residents for their input and hopes the updated PSPO will positively impact the community. 

    Law enforcement, represented by Superintendent David Rhodes, supports the initiative, seeing it as an essential tool for tackling anti-social behavior and restoring trust with local communities. Offenders under this PSPO face penalties, including a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or fines up to £1,000. The PSPO serves as a proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety, fostering a respectful and welcoming public environment for all residents. 

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  • WINTER BLUES… 

    WINTER BLUES… 

    The NHS has set out its plans for winter including around-the-clock system control centres, better reporting of long patient delays in urgent and emergency services, and more care in the community including falls services, virtual wards and same day emergency care 

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “The NHS is going into winter under more pressure and busier than ever before, with another record month for A&E and ambulance services before we even start to see a further spike of pressure caused by colder weather and the spread of winter viruses. 

    Staff working in A&E and ambulance services experienced more pressure than any October on record, new figures show today, as the NHS heads into winter busier than ever before. 

    Despite the continued pressure on hospitals, the overall waiting list fell for the first time since February. It reduced by around 70,000 in September from 7.64m to 7.57m, with the estimated number of patients waiting down more than 77,000 from 6.42m to 6.34m. The waiting list is now down 195,000 on September 2023. 

    However, the monthly performance statistics also show that hardworking staff made considerable progress on cutting waiting lists in September with the backlog falling by 70,000 and staff delivering 7% more treatments than before the pandemic. 

    There were 2.36 million A&E attendances last month, 6% more than the previous busiest October (2.22m in Oct 2023) and coming on the back of the most pressured summer and September. It was also a record October for emergency admissions (567,446). Despite the pressure, A&E performance was up 2.7 percentage points on the same month last year (73% vs 70.3%). 

    Freeing up space in emergency departments was impacted by delays discharging patients, including to social and community care, with an average of 12,340 beds taken up each day by people who no longer needed to be there.   

    Ambulance teams responded to more incidents than any other October with more than three quarters of a million incidents (759,019) including a record 84,108 of the most serious Category 1 incidents for that month, up more than a third (37%) on the same period pre pandemic (61,561 in Oct 2019). 

    Call handlers also faced exceptional demand, with more 999 calls than any month so far this year (1.187m) and almost 3% more than the same time last year (1.156m in Oct 2023). 

    The NHS has set out its plans for winter including around-the-clock system control centres, better reporting of long patient delays in urgent and emergency services, and more care in the community including falls services, virtual wards and same day emergency care. 

    There was also further progress on the number of people waiting over a year for elective treatment, down 33,321 in September to below 250,000 (249,343). This is a reduction of over 140,000 since September 2023, and a 50,000 reduction since the end of June 2024. 

    The figures for September show the NHS missed its target to virtually eliminate waits of 65 weeks by September, with 22,903 patients still waiting that long. However, thanks to the hard work of hospital teams, 65-week waits are down more than 90% on their peak (233,051 in June 2021), with just 12 providers accounting for over two fifths of the remaining waits. It was a record September for diagnostic activity with 2.37m tests and checks delivered, up a fifth on the same month pre-pandemic (1.95m in Sep 2019). 

    Every month so far this year has seen more than a quarter of a million people checked for cancer following an urgent referral, including 256,996 in September, with staff carrying out 53,861 cancer treatments. 

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “It is welcome to finally see progress start to be made on the backlog. “Since we ended the strikes, we have been ramping up delivery of an extra 40,000 extra appointments every week. 

    “The extra investment in the Budget for new surgical hubs and scanners, plus the reforms announced this week to drive up productivity, will cut waiting lists further and get patients seen faster.” 

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “The NHS is going into winter under more pressure and busier than ever before, with another record month for A&E and ambulance services before we even start to see a further spike of pressure caused by colder weather and the spread of winter viruses. 

    “While we saw 10% more A&E patients within four hours than last year despite the record demand, it is vital that people help us out by only going to A&E or calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency, using 111 for other conditions, and getting their Covid, flu and RSV vaccinations if eligible. 

    “However, thanks to the efforts of our amazing staff, these figures also show how they are making use of the latest innovations, including surgical hubs, to bring down waiting lists and deliver 7% more treatments than the same month pre-pandemic, while also delivering more tests and checks than any other September. 

    “While we continue to treat record numbers and deal with record demand, it is clear that is still much further to go to return performance to the levels patients should expect and we will continue to work with government on the 10 Year Health Plan to address the needs of patients.” 

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  • New Youth Centres at Tower Hamlets

    New Youth Centres at Tower Hamlets


    Biglands Youth Centre Opening Marks a Milestone for Tower Hamlets Youth Support


    Tower Hamlets celebrated the opening of two new youth centres this week in Bigland Green (Shadwell Ward) and Christian Street (Whitechapel Ward), expanding safe, welcoming spaces for young people in the borough. Coinciding with National Youth Work Week (4-10 November), the launch brings the total number of council-run and commissioned youth centres to 15, with three more planned by year-end.

    The festive opening at Bigland Green saw young people participating in free activities like henna art, face painting, and enjoying refreshments. Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Cllr Maium Talukdar, and Deputy Young Mayor Iffat Bhuiyan led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, formally opening the new centres.

    Cllr Talukdar, who is also Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, expressed gratitude: “Thank you to everyone who joined us for the launch. These new spaces reflect our commitment to supporting young people’s wellbeing and development. I especially thank our youth workers this National Youth Work Week for making our youth service goals a reality.”

    During the week, youth centres across the borough hosted activities including sensory garden projects for autistic youth, rap and spoken word workshops, and art initiatives exploring diversity.

    These new centres are part of a £13.7 million investment by Tower Hamlets Council in youth services through the Young Tower Hamlets initiative. Offering over 100 free activities, the centres provide spaces for young people to connect, get academic support, and explore job and training opportunities. The two new centres will offer basketball, table tennis, board games, pool, and homework support, helping to foster growth and community for Tower Hamlets’ youth.

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  • Licences granted to nearly 200 care providers 

    Licences granted to nearly 200 care providers 

    It will now prove an early test for Labour’s new employment rights enforcer, which the government has promised as part of its workers’ rights package….reports Asian Lite News

    Nearly 200 care providers have been given government licences to bring foreign nurses to the UK despite having previously violated labour laws, according to a study that highlights widespread employment problems in the social care sector. 

    The report by the Work Rights Centre shows 177 companies in England have been given licences to sponsor carers, even while publicly available information shows them to have violated workers’ protections in the past. 

    The study gives further evidence of major gaps in the government’s oversight of its foreign carer regime, under which hundreds of thousands of nurses and carers have travelled to Britain for work, only for many to experience exploitation and poor working conditions. 

    It will now prove an early test for Labour’s new employment rights enforcer, which the government has promised as part of its workers’ rights package. 

    Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of the Work Rights Centre, said: “Our research finds that breaches of employment rights are endemic in the care sector. This cannot come as a surprise to the Home Office, which granted licences to companies with a history labour violations. For those who have been exploited, the fear of retaliation from their sponsor employer is enough to force them into silence. On top of this, working conditions are barely tolerable, with work schedules either all-consuming and exhausting, or so sparse that they do not provide enough income to make ends meet.” 

    The previous government turned to foreign workers to plug huge job gaps in the social care sector in the wake of the pandemic, with 350,000 foreign carers travelling to work in Britain last year alone. Foreign carers have reported employers threatening them with deportation if they speak out about their experiences, with some forced to take irregular work on the side to pay the bills. 

    Experts say the government has exercised little oversight of the system, allowing some care companies to continue bringing workers from abroad despite clear evidence they are mistreating people. The Work Rights Centre study shows at least 1 in every 14 companies with a licence to sponsor foreign workers has previously violated employment regulations, whether by offering substandard care, paying less than the minimum wage or breaching health and safety rules. 

    The organisation also spoke to 92 different carers and found nearly two-thirds reported health and safety breaches, bullying or discrimination at work. Over half also said they were given unsustainable working hours, for example being asked to be on duty for as long as 100 hours a week despite only seeing clients for a fraction of that time. 

    Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, promised an investigation into the sector before Labour came to power, but has not said anything about holding one since the election. A government spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of unethical practices within the adult social care sector, and we will continue to act where evidence of abuse is found. 

    “The government recognises the scale of reforms needed to make the adult social care sector attractive, to support workforce growth and improve the retention of the domestic workforce. However, the sector also needs to help ensure international recruitment in the care system is both ethical and sustainable.” 

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  • ‘Under 1,000 patients may opt for assisted dying if bill passes’ 

    ‘Under 1,000 patients may opt for assisted dying if bill passes’ 

    MPs opposed to the measure said they were deeply concerned by several components, including that the proposed legislation did not bar doctors from suggesting assisted dying as an option to patients…reports Asian Lite News

    Fewer than 1,000 patients a year in England and Wales are expected to choose assisted dying should the law pass, the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater said, as she outlined her bill setting out the change. 

    But MPs opposed to the measure said they were deeply concerned by several components, including that the proposed legislation did not bar doctors from suggesting assisted dying as an option to patients. MPs who spoke on the panel expressed significant doubts about whether the legislation would pass the first parliamentary stage in the Commons on 29 November. Leadbeater said she would make the case “literally every day” but that there were strong views on all sides. 

    “This is potentially one of the biggest things we will do as members of parliament in our careers,” Leadbeater said. The Conservative MP Kit Malthouse, who backs the bill, said he thought a significant number of MPs who had voted against the measure in 2015 had changed their minds. 

    But Dr Peter Prinsley, a Labour MP who is also a consultant, said he believed some of the new, younger MPs were wavering. “I’m not as confident of this thing passing as I was before I started having these conversations,” he said. “If you’re maybe a bit younger and you haven’t encountered people who die in horrible circumstances, or take their own lives or whatever, maybe you’re a little bit removed from it. Anybody I speak to who has experienced things as they are now cannot understand why we’ve not made this change.” 

    Prinsley said he feared many MPs would abstain and urged them to vote – whatever they decided. “I don’t think that abstaining, which people may be tempted to do, is a neutral act. I think that people need to make a decision about this, and that’s what I’m encouraging people to do,” he said. 

    Setting out the safeguards in the bill, Leadbeater and the Labour peer Charlie Falconer said there was no legal risk of its scope being widened by the courts on human rights grounds, because of the strictly limited definitions in the bill and the failure of previous challenges in British and European courts. 

    Leadbeater said the numbers of those taking up the option would be low because of the strict criteria: assisted dying would be offered only to patients with a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of less than six months. It would not be available to people with longer to live who may be suffering, such as those in the earlier stages of motor neurone disease. 

    The procedure has to be self-administered, Leadbeater said – in jurisdictions where doctors are allowed to help patients take their own lives, the numbers are higher. 

    Leadbeater defended the fact that the bill did not prohibit doctors from discussing assisted dying with patients – which has caused controversy in jurisdictions such as Canada. Doctors will not be obliged to speak to patients about it, the bill says, but must use their judgment. 

    The MP said the British Medical Association thought it was necessary that doctors could “discuss the range of options that are available to patients”.

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  • UK, Cambodia hold 2nd Joint Trade and Investment Forum 

    UK, Cambodia hold 2nd Joint Trade and Investment Forum 

    The forum succeeded in its aims to assess progress, through measuring advancements in trade policy, investment for development…reports Asian Lite News

    The Embassy of the United Kingdom and the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia hosted the 2nd UK-Cambodia Joint Trade Investment Forum (JTIF) on at the Rosewood Hotel in Phnom Penh, presided over by His Excellency Dominic Williams MBE, British Ambassador to Cambodia, and Her Excellency CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce of Cambodia. 

    The forum succeeded in its aims to assess progress, through measuring advancements in trade policy, investment for development, and business successes between the UK and Cambodia.  

    It will also enhance partnerships by raising awareness of the UK-Cambodia economic relationship by positioning the private sector as our key partner in delivering growth.  

    Represent industry by highlighting the role of the British Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia as our first partner in advocating for UK commercial interests in Cambodia, whereby the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce plays important role in spearheading Cambodian private sector’s interest vis-à-vis UK partners.  

    Plan for the future, by exploring possibilities and prospects for the year 2030 and beyond, setting the direction for our partnership, offering necessary development assistances, and preparing for upcoming challenges and opportunities.  

    Align strategically, with a focus on key areas for economic growth, utilising tools such as Investment Partnerships, Trade Missions, and the UK-ASEAN Economic Integration Programme.  

    Resolve challenges, through candid discussion and addressing trade barriers from both UK and Cambodian perspectives. 

    The 2nd JTIF attracted key UK businesses and investors to Cambodia from the region, including Singapore and Vietnam. The forum served as a platform to showcase a joint commitment to boost trade between the two countries and highlight a number of initiatives designed for that purpose. These include UK development programmes supporting Cambodia’s economic diversification and green transition, driving growth in both countries; partnering with Cambodian exporters get their goods to the UK market, and to take advantage of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme; promoting Cambodia as a investment destination; and the both sides’ intention to establish a double taxation agreement and other necessary trade-related agreements.  

    Dominic Williams MBE, British Ambassador to Cambodia said, “I firmly believe that the UK-Cambodia trade and investment relationship brings huge benefits to both sides and plays a significant role in supporting Cambodia’s development goals. The UK is a top ten export market for Cambodian goods, and we are keen to help even more Cambodian producers to sell their amazing products to UK consumers. This will support key sectors of Cambodia’s economy to grow, and support jobs for hard-working Cambodians.  I am also keen to help UK businesses expand their presence in Cambodia, especially in education, infrastructure and financial services. The UK has firms with exceptional experience in these sectors, which they can deploy both to generate revenue for the UK and to enhance Cambodia’s global competitiveness.” 

    The focus on 2030 aligns with several critical milestones. It coincides with the target date for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which guide both nations’ economic planning. Cambodia’s Vision 2030 aims to achieve Upper-Middle Income Status, potentially diversifying opportunities for UK businesses. 2030 marks a crucial deadline for global climate action, with implications for sustainable practices in Cambodia’s key sectors. 

    H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce said, “Today’s forum is both timely and essential, serving as a crucial platform to deepen our practical, resilient, and forward-looking partnerships, not only by creating opportunities for frank and open discussion but also by facilitating strategic business partnerships that drive sustainable and inclusive growth. I wish to underscore the significance of Cambodia’s trade integration into the region and the world. Cambodia has benefited greatly from regional and bilateral relations that have shaped and reinforced Cambodia’s commitment to inclusive multilateralism. Looking ahead, the path to sustainable prosperity requires steadfast commitment from all stakeholders, including sound public- private partnership mechanisms, the development of tailored regulations and policies, and support for the private sector to fully capitalize on existing advantages, particularly preferential and incentivized benefits.” 

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  • UK, Kuwait celebrate 125 years of partnership 

    UK, Kuwait celebrate 125 years of partnership 

    Discussions also centred on the urgent humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon and efforts to uphold regional stability….reports Asian Lite News

    As the UK and Kuwait continue celebrations to mark 125 years of partnership, the Minister for the Middle East visited for key meetings with counterparts. His visit focused on defence, security and investment cooperation and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting de-escalation across the Middle East. 

    Discussions also centred on the urgent humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon and efforts to uphold regional stability. 125 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait are being marked by a visit from UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, in his first visit to Kuwait since taking office in July. 

    Reiterating the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, he discussed the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East and ways in which the UK and Kuwait, as close friends and partners, could work together to address this. 

    The Minister met senior Kuwaiti officials, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, alongside who he had co-chaired the 21st Kuwait-UK Joint Steering Group in London on 4 September; and the Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Ghanem Al-Ghenaiman. 

    Reflecting on his visit, Minister Falconer said, “For over a century and a quarter, the UK and Kuwait have shared strong diplomatic relations. This landmark anniversary year has provided us with the opportunity to reflect on our shared history, whilst also strengthening current and future collaboration. With a focus on ensuring regional stability, the UK is committed to working alongside Kuwait on de-escalating tensions across the Middle East and securing unimpeded aid access into Gaza.” 

    Addressing a range of bilateral priorities, the Minister welcomed last month’s deal for the UK’s SRT Marine Systems to support the development of the Kuwait Coastguard’s capabilities, noting the defence and security co-operations between the two nations. 

    Turning to the UK government’s commitment to growth, the Minister also discussed plans to continue strengthening substantial trade and investment ties, highlighting the Sovereign Investment Partnership signed in August 2023 and positive progress of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. In 2023, the GCC was equivalent to the UK’s 9th largest trading partner – with total trade worth £57 billion. 

    The Minister rounded off his visit by attending the first King’s Birthday Party to take place in Kuwait. While the theme was horticulture and heritage crafts – mutual interests of His Majesty the King and His Highness the Amir – Minister Falconer used his speech to stress the huge importance the UK places on its partnership with Kuwait, which spans a broad range of areas including trade and investment, defence and security, and culture and education. 

    The Minister is visiting Kuwait as part of a wider Gulf tour. He will also visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the importance of a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon and de-escalation in the region. 

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  • Ribbon App Launches in the UK 

    Ribbon App Launches in the UK 

    Ribbon App is bringing next-generation digital financial solutions for the global Indian community. Following the launch in the UK, Ribbon is poised for further expansion across Europe, India, and other major markets 

    Ribbon Plc, an Indian fintech based in Gibraltar, is proud to announce the official launch of its innovative financial services app in the United Kingdom.  

    Building on its successful launch in Gibraltar, Ribbon is now expanding its user-friendly, carbon-neutral digital financial services platform to serve customers in the UK. One of Ribbon’s standout offerings is its ‘Account Before You Fly’ feature, designed specifically for students and professionals relocating from India to the UK.  

    This service allows users to open a Ribbon account in the UK, while still in their home country (India), ensuring immediate access to financial services upon arrival in the UK, making their transition smoother. For those already in the UK, Ribbon provides easy onboarding and seamless integration into its services.  

    Ribbon caters to a range of financial needs with features including multi-currency accounts and wallets supporting 36 currencies, international remittances, financial literacy tools, and bill-splitting capabilities, to name a few. Whether travelling, sending remittances, or managing money on the go, Ribbon’s app offers convenience and flexibility for its users. While the app is tailored to the financial needs of the global Indian community, blending convenience, sustainability, and financial inclusion, Ribbon’s accessible platform is ideal for anyone looking to benefit from a versatile digital financial service.  

    As part of Ribbon’s sustainability commitment, users have access to a carbon footprint tracker, aligning with the company’s broader eco-conscious approach to financial empowerment. Ribbon combines digital financial innovation with sustainability to offer a comprehensive solution in today’s fintech landscape.  

    “Ribbon’s launch in the UK marks an important milestone in our mission to make financial services accessible to the ethnic Indian community and beyond,” said Mr Ashesh Jani, CEO & Co-founder of Ribbon Plc. “Our solutions make everyday financial management simple and accessible for everyone – whether you’re a student, a professional, a business owner, or an NRI sending money back home. With our UK expansion, we aim to empower users with a smart, efficient, and sustainable way to manage their finances, no matter where they are travelling in the world.”  

    Following the launch in the UK, Ribbon is poised for further expansion across Europe, India, and other major markets.  

    “There is a large, growing, and discerning global Indian diaspora that we believe can and should be better served by using modern financial and money management tools,” added Suchit Punnose, Chairman & Co-Founder, Ribbon PLC.  “Planet, People and Profit are at the core of Ribbon. In a fintech space that is slowly becoming crowded with commoditised offerings, Ribbon provides a tailored digital account built to keep pace with the global Indian’s aspirations.”  

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