When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway, Haakon VII, sought refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London….reports Asian Lite News
This year marks the 77th anniversary of the annual gift of a Christmas tree to the people of London from the City of Oslo, given as a token of gratitude for British Support to Norway during the Second World War. The tree will be in Trafalgar Square until Sunday 5 January 2025, the twelfth night of Christmas, before being recycled.
When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway, Haakon VII, sought refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.
To most Norwegians, London represented the spirit of freedom during these difficult war years. From London, news broadcasts were made in Norwegian, inspiring the people of Norway and keeping their hope of freedom alive.
The Oslo Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square symbolises the close and warm relationship between the people of Norway and the people of Britain.
The tree is approximately 20 metres high, around 60 years old and is a Norwegian spruce from Grefsenkleiva, in Oslo’s Forest. It is generally considered the ‘nation’s Christmas Tree’ and a symbol of enduring friendship and international cooperation with Norway.
This year’s tree was cut down by The Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Robert Rigby and The Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe, during a felling ceremony on Thursday 21 November 2024.
The carbon footprint of the Christmas tree gift is approximately 1,256 kg CO₂, which is equivalent to just under the average annual mileage of a passenger car. This year, the tree is being transported from Oslo to Brevik using an electric truck, a new initiative that is a positive step in the right direction. This helps reduce the carbon footprint and is an important part of the work to make the tradition more sustainable. It will be loaded onto a specially designed cradle and transported 180 km to Brevik before being shipped by sea to Immingham in England – a journey that takes about 39 hours. To reduce damage, the transport time is now shorter than before, limiting the time the tree lies horizontally, and it is stored below deck.
A specialist rigging team erects it in Trafalgar Square using a hydraulic crane. The tree is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of lights. Energy-efficient light bulbs are used.
Company wound-up in the public interest after using hostile and misleading selling tactics…reports Asian Lite News
An Essex company which aggressively cold-called vulnerable people to sell drainage and electrical protection plans which had little or no real value, has been shut down.
Basildon-based Home Drainage Protection Service Ltd bombarded pensioners and people suffering from medical conditions with up to 20 calls a day, using abusive language and threatening to call the police or bailiffs if they did not sign up to their bogus protection plans.
The company claimed to provide replacements and repairs to plumbing and drainage as well as protection plans for items such as satellite equipment and household appliances.
Insolvency Service investigations found no evidence that such cover was ever provided to customers. Home Drainage Protection Service was wound-up at the High Court in London on Tuesday. Cheryl Lambert, Assistant Director of Operations at the Insolvency Service, said, “We received numerous reports that Home Drainage Protection Service was consistently pressurising vulnerable members of the public, issuing so-called ‘protection certificates’ for household appliances. Their calls were designed to be deliberately intimidating, with the callers swearing, demanding payment from those who were unfortunate enough to pick up the phone, and threatening to send the bailiffs or police to their address. The judge said that the sales techniques used were beyond aggressive, and that they were frightening to people.”
“We also found hardly any evidence that the company was selling the protection cover it attempted to force on people. Indeed, the company appeared to be a front for the transfer of millions of pounds of funds through different bank accounts.”
The Insolvency Service takes its responsibilities to protect the public from harm and financial wrongdoing extremely seriously which is why we conducted a thorough investigation into the company, resulting in a court order stopping them from trading.
Investigations into Home Drainage Protection Service began in April this year after complaints had been made to the agency, the police and Citizens Advice.
The Insolvency Service investigated 57 complaints which showed more than £11,000 had been taken from people over a short, but highly distressing, period of time.
In addition to threatening victims with bailiffs, the police and taking them to court, the company also said money would be taken out of their accounts anyway and that they would incur additional costs as a result.
They also falsely claimed that consumers had previously taken out insurance with them when they had not. Investigators uncovered payments of more than £6.9 million from Home Drainage Protection Service to 42 companies between April 2021, one month after it was set up on Companies House, and June 2024.
The company failed to co-operate with the Insolvency Service’s investigation and did not provide an explanation for these payments. No evidence was found that Home Drainage Protection Service conducted any water collection, treatment, supply, or sewerage works as they claimed.
Police were called to the scene at 04:53 GMT on Wednesday, following reports that a man had been seriously wounded…reports Asian Lite News
A 42-year-old man has died after being attacked by a dog in east London on Wednesday morning, the Metropolitan Police has said. Leanne McDonnell, 32, has been arrested and charged over the attack, which took place on Shirley Road in Stratford.
Police were called to the scene at 04:53 GMT on Wednesday, following reports that a man had been seriously wounded. He was taken to hospital where he later died, the Met said.
McDonnell has been charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death; failing in the duty, as a person responsible for an animal, to ensure its welfare; and having custody of a fighting dog, the BBC reported.
She has also been charged, in relation to a separate incident on 18 November, with three counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing no injury. The dog involved in both incidents has been seized by police, the force confirmed.
McDonnell was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
A historic aircraft hangar dating back to 1938 has been remodelled to provide Light Aid Detachment workshops, which will enable the repair and maintenance of the Battalion’s fleet and the provision of new Quartermaster storage and offices…reports Asian Lite News
The £12 million project at Trenchard Lines, Wiltshire has seen the extensive refurbishment of existing military infrastructure to support the capability of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion (2 MI Bn). The project was delivered for the British Army by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with AECOM and Kier Construction.
A historic aircraft hangar dating back to 1938 has been remodelled to provide Light Aid Detachment workshops, which will enable the repair and maintenance of the Battalion’s fleet and the provision of new Quartermaster storage and offices. Other works on site include the refurbishment of the Battalion headquarters and Junior Ranks’ dining space, and a new extension to the armoury and ammunition store.
Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, said, “The impressive refurbishment work at Upavon has delivered high-quality, fit-for-purpose and more sustainable facilities that will support the training and operational capability of 2 Military Intelligence Battalion. This project is a great example of the investment being made across our estate to modernise our infrastructure and enable our people to perform at their best.”
Warren Webster, DIO MPP Programme Director (Army), said, “This project has provided multiple infrastructure improvements at Trenchard Lines, including refreshed HQ and vehicle management facilities for 2MI. It’s a great example of collaboration between the DIO, our contractors and the receiving unit which will support 2 MI’s vital work for defence.”
The capabilities of 2 MI Bn are unique in the army, defence and wider government. The Battalion is the British Army’s lead unit for forensic technical exploitation, including biometrics, fingerprinting, and the examination of electronic media and weapons. The Battalion is also the army’s only specialist counter-intelligence collection asset – a role that requires extensive and demanding training.
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, Western & Wales, said, “It has been a pleasure to deliver this vital refurbishment on behalf of the army and the DIO. Throughout the project, both our team and our outstanding supply chain have worked hard to deliver high-quality upgrades which will benefit military personnel at Trenchard Lines.”
Putting local people and economic opportunity at the heart, the fund will help local entrepreneurs, leaders and schools. ..reports Asian Lite News
Nine maritime clusters across the UK will receive a share of government funding, helping them secure investment for local industry and deliver skills, training and educational programmes – Maritime Minister Mike Kane has announced.
The maritime sector is key to unlocking regional economic growth and this targeted support aims to revitalise coastal towns and cities, help build the UK’s economy and break down barriers to opportunity, as well as driving innovation in the sector.
Putting local people and economic opportunity at the heart, the fund will help local entrepreneurs, leaders and schools.
For example, in Tees, the £117,000 fund will enable the cluster to run maritime training and careers events for hundreds of schoolchildren and thousands of school leavers, students and job seekers. This will upskill young people looking to enter the sector as well as those looking to transition careers, ultimately encouraging people into maritime.
Similarly, Maritime UK South West will receive £85,000 to (among other things) establish 4 skills, careers and diversity hubs and run 5 school and college events reaching an estimated 500 people, again supporting and feeding the maritime jobs of the future.
As part of the government’s mission to drive jobs and economic growth across the country, this latest funding will enable clusters to connect the maritime sector with local businesses, helping to drive private investment into regional maritime.
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said, “The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country. By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector.”
In Mersey, £100,000 funding will enable the cluster to establish an annual innovation showcase to attract foreign investors to the region and boost the northwest economy.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) will use its £124,100 fund to create a new and innovative business tool for SMEs to improve productivity, profitability and job creation.
This fund, managed for the government by Maritime UK, will bolster the already transformational work delivered by some clusters, with CMN having already added £630 million to the local economy, as well as £42 million of private investment into skills.
It will also help emerging clusters build up resources, explore networking opportunities, invest in innovation and increase regional activity.
The announcement comes on the same day as the Maritime UK National Council meeting and as the Maritime Minister welcomes the new Maritime UK Chairman, Tom Boardley, who will take up his post in the new year.
Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said, “Today is an incredible milestone for the maritime industry across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The maritime cluster development fund will create a real impact and make a tangible difference to our most precious of places – our coastal communities. Having been on this incredible journey with partners at the Department for Transport for more than 6 years, this labour of love for all of us is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership. I look forward to seeing all of our maritime clusters thrive and creating those vital jobs and growth where they’re needed most.”
Precious saltmarsh is being restored in a corner of the River Dart in Devon with £200,000 of funding from the Environment Agency…reports Asian Lite News
With £200,000 of funding from the Environment Agency, Duchy of Cornwall, South Hams District Council and South Devon National Landscape, work is well underway to restore around 4 hectares of marshes.
The restoration work is important because more than 85% of England’s saltmarsh has been lost in recent centuries to development pressure, land use change and coastal squeeze – with the potential to lose more to sea level rise and climate change. Saltmarshes are essential as they capture carbon, protect shorelines from erosion, provide habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife and help clean water.
Emma Magee, the Environment Agency’s South Devon catchment coordinator, said, “These places are too important for people and wildlife to let them just slip away. We need people to see and feel a connection to these places to help care for them.”
There is plenty of evidence of that connection with more than 200 hazel and willow bundles being made by volunteers from Parklife South West CIC and nature recovery trainees. These bundles will be staked into the marshes to build up sediment levels and plant life.
As well as delivering the bundles, Dart Harbour has also run boat trips to take people out to see the marshes.
Just downstream of Totnes, works at the 40ft off and Home Reach marshes are nearly complete. The project team’s attention is now on improving pedestrian access, footpaths and adding signage within Long Marsh, near Steamer Quay. Works start next month and will be completed by March 2025.
New, rare and protected plant species have been recorded for the first time and international saltmarsh experts are helping advise on plans to make the most of this opportunity.
Paul Britton, Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority’s harbour master, said, “It’s great to be getting spades in the mud. As stewards of this stunning estuary, we are very pleased to be playing our part in restoring these vital habitats, providing our staff, boats and equipment to work alongside scientists and local volunteers on these fragile ecosystems.”
The Saltmarsh Artist Collective is planning a Saltmarsh celebration day early next year in Totnes with an installation, workshops and film screenings. Local school children are making seed bombs with seeds collected on the marsh to help colonise new stretches of mud flat. Schumacher College students have also visited the reedbeds at Sharpham.
Jane Brady, co-founder of BLC, said, “The significance of this partnership for us is that it elevates the role of a place-based Community Interest Company in restoring a constellation of saltmarsh clusters to health.”
Tom Stratton, land steward for the Duchy of Cornwall in Devon, said, “We have a strong interest in the sustainability and resilience of all our natural systems and this project provides an early example of saltmarsh restoration in the South West which we hope will protect this valuable resource for years to come whilst storing carbon and providing unique habitat.”
Tooley, who specialises in education policy, has been the vice-chancellor since 2020, when he succeeded historian Sir Anthony Seldon…reports Asian Lite News
The vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham in the UK, James Tooley, has been suspended after allegations of an affair with a young woman from India. He is reported to have helped her with paying her university fees. The Indian woman claimed in her diary that she had a sexual relationship with the 65-year-old Professor Tooley. These allegations sprang up after the professor’s wife handed over copies of the diaries written by the young woman to the university.
Tooley, who specialises in education policy, has been the vice-chancellor since 2020, when he succeeded historian Sir Anthony Seldon.
He issued a statement through his lawyer, and called the claims “baseless and malicious” and expressed confidence that he would be “vindicated”. The allegations surfaced after Tooley’s 42-year-old wife, Cynthia, gave over the copies of the diaries written by the young woman.
Cynthia, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, TV personality and mother-of-two, married Tooley in February 2022. However, the couple parted ways over the summer, and they now communicate through lawyers.
The Times, a UK media outlet, stated that the Indian woman had mentioned that she was 18 when she first met Tooley and their relationship became sexual when she was 21, though she later said that she was 25 when the relationship started.
During this period, the professor was in his fifties, reported the Daily Mail.
The alleged affair started after Tooley got involved in a project in Hyderabad aimed at providing low-cost private schools for poor communities. He is said to have known the woman’s father and contributed to her university tuition fees before their relationship began after she graduated.
“Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him and wanted to be with him. He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. People will say he used me because he has power and money. But that’s not the case. He is a good man who cares a lot about other people,” the Indian woman wrote in her diary as quoted by The Times, reported the Daily Mail.
Cynthia Tooley, wife of the suspended Vice-chancellor, alerted the University of Buckingham to the alleged relationship on October 11, prompting an emergency meeting and Tooley’s suspension.
She also made multiple accusations against him, including reporting a “suspicious object” at the vice-chancellor’s residence, which turned out to be a junior air rifle. University managers announced Tooley’s suspension in October.
“The Vice Chancellor has been suspended following a number of serious allegations… It is our intention to carry out an independent inquiry to ascertain the veracity of these claims,” said the university managers, reported the Daily Mail.
Chief financial officer David Cole, chief administrative officer Chris Payne, and pro vice-chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris have been appointed as interim co-heads of the university.
Tooley has been a vocal advocate for free speech and academic freedom and has criticised diversity targets and efforts to decolonise the curriculum.
Anyone entering the site without reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing a criminal offence
Land on the Isle of Sheppey where the Environment Agency is investigating waste dumped illegally will stay out of bounds to the public. Magistrates have agreed to continue restricting unauthorised access to the area known as Eastchurch Gap, near Third Avenue in Eastchurch, for another 6 months.
Anyone entering the site without reasonable excuse or written permission from the Environment Agency will be committing a criminal offence, as will anyone who tampers with the locked gate or the restriction order attached to it.
The land was closed in June last year after shredded household and builders waste was dumped there. The gate has been locked ever since, with concrete blocks put in front of the site.
Matt Higginson, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Kent, said, “Specialist officers regularly inspect the land at Eastchurch Gap in order to disrupt the illegal dumping of waste. Our priority is protecting the Eastchurch community and environment. The restriction order was originally secured following local people’s concerns and the environmental impact of the tipping of waste at the site, which we share. Our criminal investigation into a number of illegal waste sites in Kent, including Eastchurch Gap, continues.”
The updated closure orders for Eastchurch Gap and Hoads Wood come as the Environment Agency consults on proposals to fund more investment in regulation of the waste industry.
Plans put out for comment include a waste levy to increase enforcement activity by a third; a greater ability to recoup the costs of regulation; and new charges for certain activities on farms that don’t require an environmental permit.
The consultation began last month and stays open until 20 January.
The Environment Agency’s powers to stop waste crime include prosecuting those believed to be behind dumping waste illegally, which can lead to prison sentences.
Restriction orders, like those used to close Eastchurch Gap and part of Hoads Wood, are among other measures to combat waste crime. Illegal waste activity harms the environment and has a devastating effect on communities.
Failure to comply with one is a criminal offence.
Enforcement action already carried out as part of the wider criminal investigation into waste crime in Kent includes waste carriers given a combined 9 fixed penalty notices totalling £2,300.
In that operation, Kent Police also sanctioned lorries for insecure loads, driving without insurance and/or a licence, not wearing a seatbelt, and a vehicle having defective tyres.
Magistrates first granted the Environment Agency a 6-month restriction order closing the site at Eastchurch Gap in June 2023. This was renewed last Christmas and in June this year.
The current order, signed at Folkestone magistrates’ court on 29 November, keeps Eastchurch Gap closed until June next year.
Magistrates also approved a 6-month extension to a similar order for Hoads Wood, restricting unofficial access to 2 acres of woodland until next summer. The Environment Agency recently appointed a specialist company to clear 30,000 tonnes of waste dumped by shameless criminals.
Restriction orders are granted under the Environment Act 1995.
While most waste sites are operated responsibly, the Environment Agency acts against those who flout the law.
In the year to March 2023, the Environment Agency closed 482 illegal waste sites across England, securing 83 prosecutions against waste criminals who were either jailed or fined a total of £5.7m and ordered to pay another £1.4m in costs.
Starmer said he knew some decisions were “not always popular” but voters could judge him at the next general election on whether they feel their living standards have improved…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has told the BBC it is not his “plan” to have any more tax rises before the next election – but says he could not rule them out in the event of “unforeseen” circumstances.
The prime minister speaking shortly after setting out six pledges, including a promise to put more money in the pockets of working people.
Starmer said he knew some decisions were “not always popular” but voters could judge him at the next general election on whether they feel their living standards have improved. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the PM’s new pledges as a sign that Labour had not been “ready for government”.
In addition to improving living standards, the other “milestones” announced by Starmer in a speech on Thursday included building 1.5 million new homes in England, ending hospital backlogs and increasing the proportion of children who are “ready to learn” when starting school to 75%.
Labour has dismissed suggestions the new pledges are a reset following their first few months in government.
The chancellor announced a near-£70bn increase in public spending in her first Budget in October, of which more than half will come from higher taxes, with businesses set to bear the brunt of the rises.
Employers will see an increase in National Insurance contributions on their workers’ earnings which will raise up to £25bn a year for the government. And there will also be an increase to capital gains tax on share sales and a freeze on inheritance tax thresholds.
On the possibility of further tax rises, the prime minister said: “I don’t want to suggest we’re going to keep coming back for more because that isn’t the plan. What I can’t do, is say to you there are no circumstances unforeseen in the future that wouldn’t lead to any change at all. If you look at Covid and Ukraine, everyone knows there are things we can’t see now but I can tell you our intention was to do the tough stuff in that Budget, not keep coming back.”
Asked why he thought his popularity had fallen since the election, Starmer said he had chosen to take the “tough decisions” early on in his premiership. He said he knew the decisions would not always be popular but were needed “to turn the country around”.
“I just don’t want to do what politicians have done in the past which is to get in the warm bath of empty promises. I’m prepared to roll up my sleeves and tell people its tough – we’re going to do it but you’re going to be better off. You’ll have a better health service, you’ll have better houses, you’ll have better energy bills at the end of this and I’ll be judged, quite rightly, at the end of the parliamentary term whether I’ve delivered on what I said I would deliver on.”
In answer to a question about when people would feel better off, Sir Keir said that would be measured at the end of the Parliament but that he wanted people to “feel better off straight away”.
He added that a pay rise for those on the lowest wages meant three million people were already better off as a result of the government’s actions.
Following Starmer’s speech on Thursday, the Conservative leader said: “The prime minister’s emergency reset confirms that Labour had 14 years in opposition and still weren’t ready for government.
“Nothing concrete on immigration – because Labour have no plan to control numbers.”
The prime minister has said he wants to reduce migration levels but his six pledges did not include a measurable target. Starmer said that trying to put a “hard cap” on migration numbers hadn’t worked in the past.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said his party would “hold this government’s feet to the fire on keeping its promises, most of all on fixing the NHS and care. “It was worrying to see no clear plan in these targets to make sure people can see a GP when they need to.”
Meanwhile, the Confederation for British Industry has said that household incomes will be held back by budget tax increases in a blow to Starmer’s new goal of “raising living standards in every part of the UK.”
Starmer introduced the living standards target in a speech on Thursday, shifting the focus off his election manifesto pledge to deliver the highest sustained growth in the Group of Seven during Labour’s first term in government.
However, the CBI warned in forecasts published Friday that the “budget measures will weigh on household spending, due to weaker incomes growth.” The employers’ group added that a trade war with the US under Donald Trump posed only a small threat to the UK.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves raised taxes by £40 billion ($51 billion) a year and borrowed an extra £30 billion, which she said “wiped the slate clean” after years of Conservative rule by providing the funds to fix ailing public services and invest in essential infrastructure. But she faces a backlash from business, which bears the bulk of the tax rise.
Muslim Aid Expands UK Initiatives for 2024 with Focus on Knife Crime, Homelessness, and Refugee Support. It Teams Up with Inspired Capital Sports and Champion Boxer Hamza Uddin to Strengthen Its Efforts
Muslim Aid has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly enhance its UK aid activities in 2024, addressing critical social challenges such as homelessness, knife crime, and support for refugees.
To strengthen its campaign against youth offending, Muslim Aid announced the appointment of professional boxer Hamza Uddin as its new Brand Ambassador. The charity is also partnering with Inspired Capital Sports (ICS) to create meaningful change through sports and education.
Hamza Uddin, a National Champion and International Gold Medalist, brings both athletic excellence and a deep commitment to community betterment. As a role model for young people, Uddin will collaborate with Muslim Aid to raise awareness about knife crime and provide alternatives for at-risk youth.
Speaking about the partnership, Hamza Uddin said: “I’m honoured to partner with Muslim Aid and support their incredible work in tackling knife crime. Growing up, I saw how crucial positive influences and support systems are. Boxing taught me discipline, respect, and hard work. Together, we can inspire young people to choose a better path and make our streets safer.”
Muslim Aid’s partnership with ICS aims to drive transformative change in underserved communities. Riz Khan, Founder and CEO of ICS, said: “Muslim Aid and Inspired Capital Sports have come together to create opportunities through sports and education. This partnership will provide bursaries to help individuals unlock their potential and support professional athletes with sponsorship and ambassador programs, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities.”
Hamza Uddin will work closely with community groups, schools, and local authorities across the UK to promote mentorship and sports programs for at-risk youth. The initiative aims to use sports and positive role models to address the rise in knife-related violence, particularly in urban areas.
Muslim Aid’s expanded UK projects include partnerships with local authorities, MPs, faith organisations, and community initiatives such as The Felix Project, Help the Homeless Leicester, Breaking the Cycle, and the NHS. The charity has committed substantial funding to assist thousands of vulnerable individuals, including: Street homeless populations; Families affected by the cost-of-living crisis; Refugees and asylum seekers and Communities impacted by knife crime.
Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiatives:
“We are thrilled to welcome Hamza Uddin as our Brand Ambassador in tackling knife crime. His dedication inside and outside the ring makes him an inspiring figure for young people. Together, we aim to highlight that there are alternatives to violence and, through proper support, we can create stronger, safer communities.”
Muslim Aid’s renewed focus on UK aid reflects the rising demand for assistance due to economic pressures, housing instability, and increasing crime rates. Through collaborative efforts and grassroots programs, the charity is committed to addressing these pressing issues and building resilient communities across the nation.
