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Category: UK News

Sumo wrestling returns to London after 34 years

The Grand Sumo Tournament will take place at the 153-year-old venue in partnership with the Japan Sumo Association, Nihon Sumo Kyokai, to help mark its centenary….reports Asian Lite News

London will host only the second professional Sumo wrestling event ever staged outside of Japan at the Royal Albert Hall next October. The Grand Sumo Tournament will take place at the 153-year-old venue in partnership with the Japan Sumo Association, Nihon Sumo Kyokai, to help mark its centenary.

The only previous occasion when Sumo has been hosted professionally overseas was in 1991, when the same venue staged a five-day “basho” before a sold-out crowd and which was broadcast nationally in the UK.

“Good things come to those who wait,” the Royal Albert Hall’s chief executive, James Ainscough OBE, told the PA Media news agency. “We’ve tried a number of times but various things have got in the way, not least Covid.

“We have our own timetable of shows here, Sumo tournaments in Japan have their own rhythm, so finding a moment for our timetable and their rhythm to coincide has taken this long. But we’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing it back in 2025.”

The 1991 event, staged as part of that year’s Japan Festival in London, was a technical feat for organisers. Wheelbarrows were used to transport specialist soil to Kensington in west London from a site in Heathrow, while adaptations had to be made to the stage area to ensure it could bear the impact of the competitors as they wrestled.

“The fact they’ve chosen to come back when they could have gone to any capital city around the world is quite an honour, particularly for us here at the Royal Albert Hall,” Ainscough continued.

“To find something like Sumo, which isn’t just a sport but is a cultural moment, has a great tradition and ritual attached to it, it makes it even more interesting.

“We’ve had wrestling and boxing here at the Royal Albert Hall for well over 100 years, but Sumo is a completely different level and nature of sport and that’s why it’s such a fascinating thing to bring here.”

Sumo is considered more than just a sport in Japan. There is a ceremonial-religious aspect that dates back more than 1,500 years, with competitors living almost monastic lives in “heya” stables, where they observe strict and highly restricted lifestyles.

Forty of Japan’s top wrestlers are expected to travel to London to compete across five days from 15-19 October. The winner of the 1991 tournament and now the chair of Sumo Kyokai, Hakkaku Rijicho, was in London on Wednesday to help launch the event.

“There were many talks before before but with Covid it was not the right moment,” he said. “We will really bring the authentic way of presenting a Sumo tournament to London. It starts with the wooden clacks that marks the start and end of the tournament. These are very simple things but we would like to keep this authenticity when we present it in London.”

Ainscough added: “It’s what the Royal Albert Hall was built for. It says on the outside of the building, we were built for all nations, and so part of our job is to enable the British public to encounter different cultures and different experiences.”

A variety of factors, including a series of sumo wrestling scandals, the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed the sport’s return to London. But organizers believe the time is right because sumo is having a bit of a moment.

Two Netflix series have introduced audiences to the intricacies of the sport, which has roots stretching back 1,500 years. Earlier this year, Hanshin Contents Link opened a sumo hall in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, that entertains foreign tourists with explanatory exhibitions and actual bouts.

On hand Wednesday was the winner of the previous U.K. tournament, Nobuyoshi Hakkaku, nicknamed “bulldog’’ by British fans in 1991. Now the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, he reminisced about how the only thing that made him really nervous was preparing for a victory speech in English.

Japan’s ambassador to the U.K., Hiroshi Suzuki, also made an appearance, a reflection of the event’s importance to the nation. Organizers promised that spectators also would see exhibitions of Kabuki theater and other Japanese traditions. But the main attraction were the wrestlers.

Kitanowaka and Fukutsuumi gamely tried to show off their sport. Clad in their mawashi, or ceremonial aprons, they faced off on a mat in front of several dozen journalists. The big men slammed into each other with an “oomph” as flesh slapped flesh. A grunt or two broke the silence. No sweat was evident. It was over in a flash.

Then they went outside, dropping their robes and exposing their flesh to the frosty November air as they entered and exited a classic London black cab for photographers.

Nothing seemed to bother them. Not the cold. Not the demands to stand this way or that. As the concert hall loomed behind them, they did their best to be sumo diplomats. “Sumo has a wonderfully intriguing collection of culture and ritual and sport and excitement,’’ Ainscough said. “And to bring sumo back to the Royal Albert Hall again doesn’t just create a sporting moment, it creates a moment where we can learn and be inspired by another culture and another set of principles to live by. It’s a moment where we can all grow closer together.’”

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5 December 2024
Gardiner raises concern over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Labour Party MP Barry Gardiner on Monday requested for an urgent session in the UK Parliament to discuss the situation in Bangladesh and recent attacks on members of Hindu community….reports Asian Lite News

UK MPs have raised concern over the attacks on Hindu community in Bangladesh and the arrest of religious leaders, calling the degree of escalation in the violence “deeply concerning.” Conservative MP Bob Blackman said there was an “attempt at ethnic cleansing of Hindus.”

Labour Party MP Barry Gardiner on Monday requested for an urgent session in the UK Parliament to discuss the situation in Bangladesh and recent attacks on members of Hindu community.

Informing the members of UK Parliament regarding the measures taken by the government regarding the situation in Bangladesh, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State For Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Catherine West, recalled her visit to Bangladesh in November, where she met Bangladesh Interim government’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus and discussed bilateral issues, including the importance of protecting religious minorities in Bangladesh.

West stated, “Just last month, as my hon. Friend the Member for Brent West (Barry Gardiner) is aware, I visited Bangladesh, where, as part of our programme, I met Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. At the meeting with Chief Adviser Yunus, I discussed the full range of bilateral issues, including the importance of protecting religious minorities in Bangladesh.”

“The UK Government support freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in Bangladesh through both our political advocacy and development programme funding, providing up to £27 million from March 2023 to February 2028 under the Bangladesh collaborative, accountable and peaceful politics programme for protecting civic and political space,” she added.

She said that the Bangladesh interim government had given them assurances on Hindu community in Bangladesh. West said, “She stated that UK government will continue to monitor the situation, including making representations from this House, and will engage with the interim Government in Bangladesh on the importance of freedom of religion or belief specifically as it affects the Hindu community.”

She stated that UK is aware about Indian government’s concerns following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Catherine West said, “We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian Government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office desk is closely monitoring those developments.”

Chinmoy Krishna Das who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician that accused Chinmoy Das and others of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally of the Hindu community.

In his remarks at the Parliament, Barry Gardiner said that Bangladesh has witnessed over 2000 incidents of violence since the fall of the previous government in August.

Gardiner stated, “Since the fall of the previous Government in August, Bangladesh has seen more than 2,000 incidents of violence, most of which have been targeted against the minority Hindu community. Hindus make up less than 10 per cent of the population of Bangladesh. As my hon. Friend will be aware, anti-Hindu violence has been a recurrent event in Bangladesh. Indeed, earlier this year, the Jamaat-e-Islami party was banned after riots in which 200 people were killed.”

Govt updates Bangladesh travel advisory

The government has warned travellers about possible terrorist attacks in Bangladesh and updated its travel advisory to reflect this caution. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reviewed the ‘safety and security’ section of its advisory for Bangladesh on Tuesday evening.

The update reinforces the existing advisory discouraging “all but essential travel” to Bangladesh. “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh,” reads the updated FCDO travel advisory.

“Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as crowded areas, religious buildings, (and) political rallies. Some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam,” the advisory goes on.

“There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities. The Bangladeshi authorities continue to work to disrupt planned attacks. Increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice,” it adds.

Under the “political situation” section, the advice remains that the “situation remains volatile” in the country.

“Political rallies and demonstrations continue to take place. These can quickly turn violent leading to clashes with law enforcement. During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country, which can result in fatalities. Attacks against property and public transport are possible,” it reads.

The FCDO advisory is a guidance on travel rather than a government-imposed regulation and could lead to travel insurance being invalidated if that advice is overlooked.

The update follows a series of parliamentary interventions by cross-party members of Parliament, raising concerns over recent attacks on the minority Hindu community there and the arrest of religious leaders in Bangladesh.

“We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments,” Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific told the House of Commons on Monday.

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5 December 2024
Airbus cuts nearly 500 UK jobs to reduce costs

Compulsory job cuts are not planned, the firm said, adding “almost all of the positions affected” do not relate to specific projects or programmes…reports Asian Lite News

Airbus will axe 477 jobs in the UK as the plane maker scales back its space business and tries to trim costs. More than 2,000 jobs – 5% of its workforce – will be lost globally by mid 2026.

Compulsory job cuts are not planned, the firm said, adding “almost all of the positions affected” do not relate to specific projects or programmes. The cuts come as the firm’s profits fall even as its sales rise, with the plane maker admitting in July it was struggling with “bottlenecks” in its supply chain.

It told at the time it has “more demand than the ability to supply” and admitted it was falling behind on orders. The company said on Wednesday evening it wanted to reduce its “fixed cost base” and that it will “will work with its social partners to limit the impact by utilising all available social measures”.

The space arm of its business will take the brunt of cuts, with 1,128 jobs to go from that department. A further 618 jobs will be cut from its headquarters, 250 from its air power department, and 47 from its connected intelligence department, BBC reported.

The job cuts will also be spread out geographically, with the bulk occurring in Western Europe: Germany – 689, France – 540, United Kingdom – 477, Spain – 303 and Rest of world – 34.

The job cuts come as Airbus’ profit fell 22% to £1.8bn even as sales rose 7% to £44.5bn in its most recent results, which cover the nine months to 30th October. Its thin profit margins mean relatively small rises in costs can hurt profits. This is not the first time in the last few years Airbus has had to cut back on staff.

In 2020, it announced 15,000 job cuts globally and 1,700 in the UK specifically as the pandemic grounded flights, hitting plane makers’ and airlines’ profits. The Unite union criticised the decision at the time as “another act of industrial vandalism” against the UK aerospace sector.

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5 December 2024
India, UK convene second 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue

Discussions revolved around the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and highlighted the significance of sustained high-level engagement to advance the bilateral relationship….reports Asian Lite News

The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue convened in New Delhi on Tuesday, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Europe West, Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence, according to the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

Representing the UK were Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence.

Discussions revolved around the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and highlighted the significance of sustained high-level engagement to advance the bilateral relationship.

Both delegations reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and emphasized revitalizing the partnership by identifying new areas of collaboration, added the release.

Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) & Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Ministry of Defence, India on the Indian side and Ben Mellor, Director Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & Shimon Fhima, Strategic Operations Director, Ministry of Defence on the UK side. Both sides reviewed progress made in diverse areas of India-UK cooperation and discussed ways for further strengthening India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Key priorities included strengthening economic and trade ties with a focus on the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enhancing defence and security cooperation–particularly in cyber and counter-terrorism–and fostering innovation in emerging technologies. Other areas of focus included clean energy, health, and expanding cultural, educational, and people-to-people linkages.

The dialogue also spotlighted significant progress in diverse sectors, marked by initiatives such as the Technology and Security Initiative, the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership, and advancements on the Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both sides acknowledged the importance of these initiatives in reinforcing collaboration and achieving shared objectives.

Additionally, the dialogue served as a platform to exchange views on global and regional developments. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The emphasis on this vision underscores their joint strategic interests in addressing global challenges and fostering regional security.

The dialogue concluded with an agreement to hold the third edition in the UK in 2025 at a mutually convenient date, further solidifying the trajectory of their dynamic and evolving partnership. (ANI)

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5 December 2024
British Council releases 90 English words that define last 9 decades

The list of influential words, released on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations, explores how the English language has evolved

The British Council on Wednesday released a collection of 90 words, including ‘babysitter’, ‘gay’, ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘woke’, ‘edgelord’, and ‘Barbiecore’ that have come to define the last nine decades since the 1930s.

The list of influential words, released on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations, explores how the English language has evolved, reflecting societal, cultural, and technological changes over the years.

Curated by Dr. Barbara McGillivray, an expert in computational linguistics and digital humanities, the 90-word collection highlights English as a powerful connector of people and cultures, “looking at how English responds to the needs of those who use it”.

The final 90 words, selected through a process which combined computational methods and expert curation, highlight the societal, cultural, technological, political, and environmental developments that have shaped the English language from 1934 to 2024.

The key themes that are reflected in the list include the rise of global English, the influence of science and technology on language, the intersection of entertainment and language, the impact of COVID-19 on English, equality, diversity and inclusion.

“I’m always amazed at how language evolves with the times. While compiling 90 new words and meanings for the British Council’s 90th anniversary, I was struck by how profoundly technology reshapes communication and how fast these changes happen. Take e-book or doomscroll: these words capture how much tech has changed our lives.

“But it’s not just a tech driving language. Social and cultural changes are just as fascinating. Words like intersectionality and glass ceiling reflect important conversations about equity and representation, shaping change as much as describing it,” McGillivray said in a statement.

In the 1930s, the list of words captured societal shifts and innovation with terms like ‘babysitter’ that reflected evolving family roles, ‘evacuate’ echoed wartime impact and ‘nylon’ marked material breakthroughs. ‘Gay’ redefined identity and ‘jukebox’ highlighted African American music influence, shaping modern conversations.

The 1940s were shaped by war and emerging lifestyles, giving words like ‘nuclear’, ‘bikini’, ‘blockbuster’, ‘vegan’, ‘staycation’, and ‘cool’ to common parlance.

While words like ‘disco’ and ‘rock’n’roll’ defined a musically thriving decade of the 50s, ‘artificial intelligence’ too found takers, revealing evolving interactions with technology and leisure.

‘Baby boomer’, ‘Bollywood’, and ‘hippie’ in the 1960s reflected transformative cultural shifts, the language in the 70s captured tech advances, social critique and rebellion with terms like ‘app’, ‘virus’, as well as musical innovations in ‘punk’, ‘hip hop’ and ‘karaoke’.

“This collection of 90 words is more than a celebration of language, it’s a testament to how English evolves alongside us, capturing the spirit of each era and generation. At the British Council, we are committed to fostering a deeper global understanding of the English language.

“Language is more than a tool for communication, it’s a powerful force that connects people, reflects cultures, and drives change. With this, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about how shifts in culture and communication drive changes in the English language,” Gauri Puranik, head of English programmes India, the British Council said.

The list marks the arrival of the digital age in the 1980s as terms like ‘cell phone’, ‘virtual’, ‘e-book’ and ‘hacking’ became a part of the vocabulary. Language in the 1990s continued to capture the digital boom and social awareness with words like ‘web’ and ‘Google’ signalling the internet’s rise, ‘carbon footprint’ underscored environmental concern while ’emoji’ and ‘blog’ introduced new self-expression forms, reshaping communication.

The list registers the turn of the millenia with words that reveal digital impacts on media and social dynamics. In the 2000s, ‘hashtag’ and ‘selfie’ highlighted social media culture, ‘crowdfunding’ and ‘podcast’ fostered new interactions while ‘Nollywood’ celebrated global cinema and ‘mansplain’ challenged gender norms.

While ‘catfish’ and ‘deepfake’ addressed online deception in the 2010s’ vocabulary, ‘ghosting’ and ‘situationship’ reframed dating, and terms like ‘woke’ and ‘forever chemicals’ showcased rising social justice and environmental consciousness.

Pop culture, effects of the pandemic and digital habits have became an essential part of the language in the 2020s. While ‘Barbiecore’ and ‘bubble’ reflected aesthetic trends and pandemic vocabulary, ‘doomscroll’ highlighted digital anxieties and ‘rizz’ showcased evolving dating slang, revealing modern fascinations.

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5 December 2024
Switch to an eVisa Now

More than 3.1 million people have transitioned from physical immigration documents to eVisas. Biometric residence permit (BRP) holders are urged to switch before their documents expire later this month. To ease the transition, expired BRPs will remain valid for international travel into 2025.

The Home Office has reported that over 3.1 million individuals have successfully replaced their physical immigration documents with an eVisa, a key part of the government’s effort to modernize the border and immigration system. The digital eVisa streamlines proof of immigration status, offering greater convenience, enhanced security, and increased efficiency.

With the expiration of most biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) set for 31 December 2024, the high uptake demonstrates growing recognition of the benefits of eVisas.

To ensure a seamless transition, airlines and other carriers will accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring on or after 31 December 2024 as valid for travel to the UK until 31 March 2025. This temporary measure will be reviewed periodically. However, passengers must still meet immigration requirements, as those with expired underlying immigration status will be denied entry.

Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated:

“It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have already switched to an eVisa, taking advantage of its convenience and security. For those yet to make the switch, comprehensive guidance and support are available to ensure a smooth transition.

“We are listening to feedback and adapting the system to meet people’s needs. As part of this effort, we’re providing flexibility for expired documents to be accepted by carriers, ensuring smoother international travel while maintaining border security.”

The government is committed to ensuring that the switch to eVisas is simple and accessible for all status holders. Recent improvements to the process include:

• Simplified procedures for holders of older paper documents.

• Expanded support services for vulnerable individuals.

• Automatic permission checks for airlines and carriers.

Visa holders yet to switch are urged to act before the year ends to enjoy the benefits of eVisas, including secure and instant proof of immigration status. Parents or guardians of children using BRPs should also make the transition on behalf of their child.

For those with indefinite leave to remain and using ink stamps or vignettes in passports, current documents remain valid. However, these individuals are encouraged to apply for a No Time Limit eVisa to enjoy its added benefits.

Switching to an eVisa is free, straightforward, and secure. It eliminates the risks of loss, theft, or tampering and does not alter an individual’s existing rights or immigration status. Transition now to join the millions already benefiting from this innovative system.

VISA HOLDERS SHOULD SWITCH TO AN eVisa NOW

INTRO: 3.1 million people have already switched from physical immigration documents to an eVisa. Remaining biometric residence permit (BRP) holders are encouraged to get access to their eVisa before these documents expire later this month. To ease transition and address concerns, expired documents will be valid for international travel for a limited time into 2025

COPY: Home Office statistics revealed that over three million people have now made the switch from using physical immigration documents to an eVisa.

eVisas are a key element of the government’s move to a digital, streamlined border and immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status. This transformation will enhance people’s experience and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency.

With less than one month to go until most biometric residence permits (BRPs) and biometric residence cards (BRCs) expire on 31 December 2024, these figures show significant uptake among those who use physical immigration documents to prove their immigration rights in the UK.

To help ensure a smooth transition to eVisas, airlines and other carriers will be able to accept BRPs and EU Settlement Scheme BRCs expiring on 31 December 2024 or later as evidence of permission to travel to the UK, provisionally until 31 March 2025. This will be kept under review. Passengers will remain subject to the usual immigration checks and requirements, and anyone seeking to enter the UK whose underlying immigration status has expired will be liable for refusal of entry.

Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:

“It is encouraging to see that over 3.1 million people have now taken action to access their eVisa and are making use of the convenience and security that this brings. For those who are yet to switch to an eVisa, a wide range of guidance and support is available.

“I have been listening to feedback from visa holders, stakeholders and MPs, and we are continually streamlining and adapting to ensure this is a smooth transition.

“As part of that, I am pleased to confirm greater flexibility on carriers accepting expired documents, to smooth the transition for those travelling internationally without compromising on border security.”

This government is committed to ensuring the transition to eVisas is as straightforward as possible for all status holders. Listening to concerns raised, the Home Office has already delivered changes to quickly improve the process for customers and resolve issues as they arise. This includes streamlining the process for legacy paper document holders, increasing the number of support services available to vulnerable people and enabling carriers such as airlines to check travel permissions automatically.

Those yet to switch are encouraged to do so before the end of the year to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa, joining the millions – including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders – who already have an eVisa. This includes parents or guardians of children who use a BRP, who should take action on their child’s behalf.

Anyone with indefinite leave to remain who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel. These people are encouraged to make a No Time Limit application to access an eVisa to reap the benefits.

It is free and straightforward to switch to an eVisa, which offers greater convenience. An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with, and allows visa holders to instantly and securely prove their immigration rights. Switching won’t change, impact or remove someone’s current rights or immigration status.

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5 December 2024
Sunak, Akshata plan new UK office to make positive contributions

While the couple are still deciding on the focus of the new initiative, both are said to be passionate about education and likely to incorporate that among its goals. …reports Asian Lite News

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, are believed to be in talks to set up a new private office in the new year to make a positive contribution to Britain, according to a media report on Wednesday.

‘The Times’ newspaper reports that Sunak and Murty, both 44 and with a combined estimated fortune of around GBP 500 million, are to fund the so-called “Office of Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak” themselves.

While the couple are still deciding on the focus of the new initiative, both are said to be passionate about education and likely to incorporate that among its goals.

“Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, are in talks about setting up an office next year to pursue initiatives that they believe will make a positive contribution to Britain,” claims the newspaper report.

“The former prime minister has elected not to take the GBP 1,15,000 a year allowance to which he is entitled after leaving No. 10 [Downing Street]. They are being supported by Coulson Partners, a PR firm set up by Andy Coulson, a former No. 10 adviser and newspaper editor,” it adds.

Sunak, who stepped down as Conservative Party leader in the wake of a bruising electoral defeat in July, is now a backbench member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton in Yorkshire.

Back in October, he addressed his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons to make way for his successor – Kemi Badenoch.

Alluding to some media speculation around his family’s relocation plans to California, Sunak had stated that he will be spending more time in his constituency while continuing to raise issues of concern from the backbenches.

“I am happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth, where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set and everybody is a character – that’s right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire,” he said, amid laughter from his parliamentary colleagues.

Last month, Britain’s first prime minister of Indian heritage received a rockstar welcome at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s annual Diwali gala in London – where he joined Akshata and her mother Sudha Murty as the guest of honour.

During her time at 10 Downing Street, Akshata Murty – daughter of Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy – held a regular “Lessons at 10” programme to provide children from across the UK an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the famous black door – the office and residence of the PM in London.

“I know the phenomenal work that goes into running a business. My mother’s endeavours in science, technology, engineering and maths allowed her to push boundaries both academically and professionally and gave her a ringside seat to the technological revolution,” she said during a special International Women’s Day edition of “Lessons at 10” in March.

The couple’s shared interest in technology is among the areas expected to influence the focus of any new private office next year.

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5 December 2024
PM refuses to give further details of Haigh’s resignation

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch asked why the prime minister had appointed a “convicted fraudster” as his transport secretary…reports Asian Lite News

Keir Starmer has refused to give more information about why Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary last week. Haigh stepped down after it emerged she had pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago, a conviction she reportedly told Sir Keir about in 2020, when he appointed her to his shadow cabinet.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch asked why the prime minister had appointed a “convicted fraudster” as his transport secretary. Starmer said Haigh had been right to resign “when new information came to light”.

But, when asked by Badenoch for details about the new information, he replied: “I’m not going to disclose private information.”

He added that Haigh’s swift resignation was a “marked contrast” to the behaviour of the previous Conservative government and accused Badenoch of being “obsessed with the Westminster issues”. Badenoch said the prime minister was “obfuscating” and that he owed MPs “an explanation”. “The country needs conviction politicians not politicians with convictions,” she said.

Hitting back, Starmer said two of Badenoch’s predecessors had “convictions”, a reference to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, who both received fixed penalty notices for breaking Covid rules. Fixed penalty notices are not classed as criminal convictions, provided the fine is paid on time.

Later, responding to Badenoch’s questions, a Labour source said: “If the Conservatives want to have a row about the extent of their criminality in office, that’s fine by us. “The fact is that her two predecessors were found guilty of breaking the law, partying in Downing Street while telling everyone else to follow the rules, something which the leader of the opposition described just a few weeks ago as ‘overblown’. Maybe she’ll want to retract that statement.”

Last week, Haigh became the first minister to resign since the Labour government took office in July. On Thursday evening, Sky News and The Times revealed details of her past conviction. Haigh subsequently issued a statement giving further details of the incident, which took place in 2013 when she was working for insurance company Aviva.

She said she had reported a mugging to the police and that a work mobile phone was one of the items that had been stolen. She later said she found the handset in a drawer at home. Turning on the phone “triggered police attention”, she said, and the matter was taken to magistrates’ court for making a false report to police.

Haigh said: “Under the advice of my solicitor I pleaded guilty – despite the fact this was a genuine mistake from which I did not make any gain.” She received a conditional discharge six months before becoming an MP in the 2015 general election.

Early on Friday, the morning after the details of the conviction emerged, Haigh sent a resignation letter to the prime minister, saying she did not want to become a distraction.

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5 December 2024
Amnesty Urges UK to Halt Arms Transfers to Israel

AMNESTY: “As a state party to the Genocide Convention, the UK has a legal obligation to use all reasonable means to help prevent genocide. To avoid the risk of itself being complicit in genocide, the UK must immediately end all arms transfers to Israel.”

Amnesty International has called on the UK government to cease all arms exports to Israel, citing obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent further atrocities in Gaza.

Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, emphasised the UK’s moral and legal responsibility to act decisively against alleged genocidal acts.

“As a state party to the Genocide Convention, the UK has a legal obligation to use all reasonable means to help prevent genocide,” Deshmukh said. “To avoid the risk of itself being complicit in genocide, the UK must immediately end all arms transfers to Israel.”

Amnesty International’s recently released report, “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza,” accuses Israel of actions aimed at destroying the Palestinian population in Gaza. The organisation documented evidence of systematic aerial bombings, forced displacement, and life-threatening blockade conditions.

Amnesty also pointed to public statements by senior Israeli officials, alleging that some explicitly justified or encouraged actions amounting to genocide. The report called on nations supplying arms to Israel—such as the US, Germany, and the UK—to suspend all weapons transfers immediately.

Call for International Justice

The report demanded global action, urging the UK and other states to support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity. It specifically highlighted ICC arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

“The UK government must press Israel into fully implementing the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice,” Deshmukh added, stressing the need for targeted sanctions against both Israeli and Hamas officials implicated in violations of international law.

Broader Context

Amnesty’s findings follow the aftermath of Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 223 individuals. While condemning Hamas’s actions, Amnesty focused its report on what it describes as a disproportionately severe Israeli response, resulting in more than 42,000 Palestinian deaths, including 13,300 children, and widespread displacement affecting 90% of Gaza’s population.

Urgency of Action

Amnesty warned that continued arms transfers could make the UK complicit in violations of international law. Deshmukh concluded:

“The UK must act to ensure justice and accountability, supporting the ICC investigation into Palestine and executing any arrest warrants.”

As the crisis intensifies, pressure mounts on the UK government to review its arms policies and take a stronger stance in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

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5 December 2024
‘Major war could destroy army in six months’

Alistair Carns says it was important to note there was only a “remote” chance that Russia would launch a “significant direct attack or invasion” on the UK, or other Nato member…reports Asian Lite News

The regular British army could be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict, a defence minister has warned. Alistair Carns said a rate of casualties similar to that prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months.

He said it illustrated the importance of having reserves in order to be able to fight in a “war of scale”. Official figures show the army had 109,245 personnel on 1 October, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel who is also a reservist, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers, killed or wounded, a day.

“In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our army for example on the current casualty rates would be expended, as part of a broader multinational coalition, in six months to a year,” he added. In a speech on reserves at the Royal United Services Institute defence think tank in London, Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said: “That doesn’t mean to say we need a bigger army, but it does mean we must be able to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis. “The reserves are critical, absolutely central, to that process. Without them we cannot generate mass, we cannot meet the plethora of defence tasks and challenges that we require, and we cannot seamlessly integrate the very best experts into the heart of our armed forces.”

Speaking separately at the same think tank, the head of the armed forces said it was important to note there was only a “remote” chance that Russia would launch a “significant direct attack or invasion” on the UK, or other Nato member. Admiral Tony Radakin added that Russia “knows the response would be overwhelming, whether conventional or nuclear”.

But he added that it showed the need for nuclear deterrence to be “kept strong and strengthened,” warning that the world was entering a “third nuclear age” following the Cold War and subsequent period of disarmament. This new age would be defined by the “almost total absence of the security architectures that went before,” and more countries having nuclear weapons.

He added that China’s increasing nuclear weapons stockpile meant the United States could face a “two-peer challenge” from Beijing and Moscow, with both countries possessing significant arsenals. Army reservists serve in their spare time, getting paid to train outside their main jobs.

Carns said the reality of wars such as the one being fought in Ukraine was that they were “attritional in nature”. He also said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” by placing a greater emphasis on its reserves.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the UK’s armed forces were “amongst the best in the world and offer a 24/7 defence of the UK, operating alongside our allies and partners to prepare for any event”. “The Strategic Defence Review will look at the threats we face and the capabilities we need so that our Armed Forces are better ready to fight, more integrated and more innovative,” they added.

“Our Reserves are an essential and extremely valued element of the Armed Forces and the contributions they make to our resilience and our ability to call on additional personnel when required are vital.”

Earlier, the prime minister’s official spokesman said the Budget had “invested billions of pounds into defence”.

Last month, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan told MPs on the Defence Select Committee: “If the British Army was asked to fight tonight, it would fight tonight. “I don’t think anybody in this room should be under any illusion that if the Russians invaded eastern Europe tonight, then we would meet them in that fight.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Nato’s European members to step up their defence spending ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The US president-elect has accused European countries of relying on American taxpayers for their security.

At a meeting of Nato’s foreign ministers in Brussels, Lammy said “the time to act is now” – although the UK government has yet to set out its own plans for increasing its spending on defence to 2.5% of national output. He highlighted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its involvement in conflicts around the world, including the Middle East.

“In the United Kingdom, we are at 2.3%, heading to 2.5% as soon as we can get there, and we urge all allies across the Nato family to get serious about defence spending. “All of our populations require us to understand the tremendous security challenges that we are facing at this time,” he added.

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5 December 2024