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Tag: UK

  • UK police arrest 16 protesting against Israeli genocide of Gaza at Oxford University

    UK police arrest 16 protesting against Israeli genocide of Gaza at Oxford University

    UK police have arrested 16 people at a protest organised by a pro-Palestinian student group at Oxford University, in the latest flare-up on a prestigious campus over the genocide in Gaza.

    Thames Valley Police said the individuals were arrested Thursday on suspicion of aggravated trespass, while one was also held on suspicion of common assault.

    It follows protests in recent weeks at more than a dozen UK universities, including at world-renowned Oxford and Cambridge, emulating similar actions on campuses in the United States and elsewhere.

    Demonstrators opposed to Israel’s genocide in Gaza have made various demands, including that universities sever academic and financial ties with the country.

    In Oxford, the arrests came after students entered a university administrative building on Thursday morning, claiming they had “exhausted all other avenues of communication” with administrators.

    “Instead of engaging in dialogue with her students, the vice-chancellor chose to evacuate the building, place it on lockdown, and call the police to make arrests,” a spokesperson for the Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) protest group said.

    “We demand the administration meet with us to negotiate immediately.”

    Videos posted on social media showed people sitting on the ground in front of a police van being dragged away by officers, as onlookers chanted “shame”.

    Oxford University said in a statement that demonstrators had “gone beyond” peaceful protest, and that had “culminated in forced entry and temporary occupation” of some university offices.

    It added that OA4P had “escalated their protest actions from mainly peaceful to direct action tactics”, creating a “deeply intimidating environment” to community members, including Jewish students and staff.

    The university’s union, which represents academics, lecturers and staff, condemned “bringing in police to violently arrest” students who were “engaged in peaceful protest”.

  • Chahat Fateh Ali Khan ki ‘Bado Badi’ ne internet par aag laga Dee

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan ki ‘Bado Badi’ ne internet par aag laga Dee

    Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s recently released new song ‘Bado Badi’ is a massive hit, taking the internet by storm, garnering an impressive 20 million views on YouTube in just one month.

    The singer featured his friend as a model in the song.
    Chahat’s passion for singing has made him a social media star, and his covers of popular songs are always a hit.
    Within his community, the singer is well-known for his love of singing.
    The song is popular and trending everywhere, where celebrities and content producers are making reels on ‘Bado Badi’

    Many social media users are also sharing the original song ‘Bado Badi’, sung by Madam Noor Jehan.
    Indian actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh and Guru Randhawa also made reels on Bado Badi.

  • UK PM Sunak calls general election for July 4

    UK PM Sunak calls general election for July 4

    UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday set a general election date for July 4, ending months of speculation but not the doom-laden forecasts about the size of the government’s expected defeat.

    The poll will be the first time Sunak, 44, faces the public while in charge, after he was appointed leader of the largest party in parliament by Conservative MPs in October 2022.

    The vote — the third since the Brexit referendum in 2016 — comes as Sunak seeks to capitalise on better economic data to woo voters hit by cost-of-living rises.

    Halving inflation within a year from historic highs of above 11 percent at the end of 2022 was one of the former financier’s five key pledges.

    That happened last year and on Wednesday rates slowed to a near three-year low at 2.3 percent, prompting finance minister Jeremy Hunt to declare: “This is proof that the plan is working.”

    Sunak, in a Downing Street statement made in driving rain after he gathered his top ministers, said he had spoken to head of state King Charles III and requested the dissolution of parliament.

    “The king has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4,” he said, adding: “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future.”

    Parliament will be prorogued — suspending the current session — on Friday, then formally dissolved next Thursday, before campaigning begins.

    Keir Starmer, whose resurgent Labour party is widely tipped to win power in a landslide, called the vote a chance to “turn the page” on 14 years of Tory “chaos”.

    Bounce?

    Political commentators have increasingly suggested that Sunak could try to seek a pre-election bounce from the healthier economic outlook.

    But critics point out that it is more to do with changes in the global economy than government policy.

    Sunak had previously batted back all efforts to name a date, saying only that he would go to the country in the second half of this year.

    Speculation mounted again after Sunak and his top officials on Wednesday refused to deny fresh talk that he was about to call an election on the back of the more positive data.

    Rumours went into overdrive when Foreign Secretary David Cameron was recalled from a trip to Albania and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps delayed a trip to eastern Europe to attend a cabinet meeting.

    Hunt also cancelled a scheduled television interview for Wednesday evening, ITV’s political editor said, as journalists, photographers and camera crews flocked to Downing Street.

    Uphill task

    The economy — hit by external factors such as Covid and more self-inflicted wounds such as Brexit and former premier Liz Truss — will be a key battleground.

    But Sunak faces an uphill task to convince the public that the country’s finances are still safe in Tory hands after 14 years in power.

    Sunak has tried to steady the ship since succeeding Truss, whose 49-day tenure ended after her unfunded tax cuts sent household bills soaring, spooked the markets and crashed the pound.

    Immigration — another key issue since the government’s vote-winning pledge to “take back control” of Britain’s borders after Brexit — remains politically troublesome.

    Sunak — the Tories’ fourth leader since 2016 — has talked tough to “stop the boats” of irregular migrants crossing the Channel from northern France.

    But his controversial scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has yet to get off the ground, as costs and legal challenges mount.

    Starmer’s Labour has meanwhile been consistently ahead of the Tories by 20 points for almost two years.

    “It really is Labour’s to lose at this stage,” finance worker Stephen Mann, 55, told AFP in central London.

    Wipe-out?

    Desperate polling for Sunak has sparked talk of a landslide similar to the first of Tony Blair’s three election victories for Labour in 1997 — and even a near wipe-out for the Tories.

    Starmer, 61, and his top team have in recent weeks been honing their election pitch, nearly five years after the party was thrashed by Boris Johnson and his vow to “Get Brexit Done”.

    Last week, Starmer set out six key pledges that were notably more electorally friendly than the hard-left policies of his divisive predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.

    Starmer, a pro-European centrist, promised economic stability, shorter health service waiting times and a new border security command to tackle irregular immigration.

    He also vowed to establish a publicly owned clean energy company, crack down on anti-social behaviour with more neighbourhood police and recruit 6,500 new teachers.

    pdh-phz/bc

    © Agence France-Presse

  • Maira Khan is having the most laid back London vacation

    Maira Khan is having the most laid back London vacation

    Actress and model Maira Khan is currently in London enjoying a hard-earned vacation.
    Maira Khan enjoys travelling and she has visited many countries. In pictures that she posted on Instagram , she can be seen wearing a white casual yet chic outfit as she goes sightseeing in the British capital.

    Here are the pictures of Maira Khan from her London trip:

  • UK girl’s hearing restored after groundbreaking Gene Therapy

    UK girl’s hearing restored after groundbreaking Gene Therapy

    An 18-month old British girl who was born completely deaf is believed to be the youngest person to have their hearing restored after undergoing groundbreaking new gene therapy.

    Several medical teams around the world including in China and the United States have been trialling similar treatments with good results for hereditary deafness that focuses on a rare genetic mutation.

    But UK ear surgeon Manohar Bance said the toddler, Opal, was the first person in the world to receive therapy developed by US biotech firm Regeneron and “the youngest globally that’s been done to date as far as we know”.

    Opal was treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in eastern England.

    Bance called the results of Opal’s surgery “spectacular –- so close to normal hearing restoration. So we do hope it could be a potential cure”.

    He said it came on the back of decades of work and marked “a new era in the treatment of deafness”.

    The little girl, from Oxfordshire in south central England, has a genetic form of auditory neuropathy, which is caused by the disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain.

    Auditory neuropathy can be caused by a fault in the OTOF gene, which is responsible for making a protein called otoferlin. This enables cells in the ear to communicate with the hearing nerve.

    To overcome the fault, the “new era” gene therapy from Regeneron delivers a working copy of the gene to the ear.

    Bance said that following surgery last September, Opal’s hearing was now “close to normal” with further improvement expected.

    A second child received the gene therapy in Cambridge with positive results seen six weeks after the surgery.

    China has been working on targeting the same gene though Bance said theirs used a different technology and slightly different mode of delivery.

    Medics in Philadelphia have also reported a good outcome with a type of gene therapy on an 11-year-old boy.

    Opal was the first person to take part in a gene therapy trial being carried out in Cambridge by Bance.

    The trial consists of three parts, with three deaf children, including Opal, receiving a low dose of gene therapy in one ear only.

    A different set of three children will get a high dose on one side. Then, if that is shown to be safe, more children will receive a dose in both ears at the same time.

    Up to 18 youngsters from the UK, Spain and the United States are being recruited for the trial and will be followed up for five years.

    Bance said the current treatment for auditory neuropathy was implanted.

    “My entire life, gene therapy has been ‘five years away’… to finally see something that actually worked in humans… It was quite spectacular and a bit awe-inspiring really,” he said.

  • Cross-Border Love: ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ takes viewers on emotional journey

    Cross-Border Love: ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ takes viewers on emotional journey

    ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ is a heartwarming family movie that tells the enchanting love story of Simi Chahal as Meher and Imran Abbas as Ali. Their on-screen chemistry is delightful, drawing viewers into the world of Punjabi cinema. The film beautifully captures the essence of love, dreams, and heartbreak, taking audiences on an emotional journey.

    Director Thappar skillfully portrays the love story across borders, showcasing picturesque locations in England, Lehnda, and Charda Punjab. The cinematic experience is elevated by the stunning set designs and vivid location descriptions.

    The stellar performances of the cast add depth to the film. Simi Chahal’s bubbly nature and charming attire light up the screen, while Imran Abbas shines in his debut role, becoming the new heartthrob of Punjabi cinema. The supporting cast, including Mintu Kapa and Udaya Vakati, leave a lasting impression with their commendable performances.

    The film was released in Pakistan and worldwide on February 16, 2024. It falls under the romance and drama genres, with Punjabi as the primary language. The total budget of the film is five crore, and as of now, it has collected approximately 0.4 crores Indian rupees at the box office, which converts to approximately 95.92 lakh Pakistani rupees. The film holds an IMDb rating of 6.3/10, indicating an average review about the movie.

    In my opinion, the producers should consider changing the climax to a happier one. This would elevate the movie’s appeal, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings. The film’s cross-border casting and engaging storyline make it a must-watch.

    The film’s engaging storyline, filled with clever one-liners and glimpses into the characters’ personalities, keeps viewers entertained throughout. The well-timed songs, especially the title track ‘Jee Ve Sohneya’ sung by Atif Aslam, enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.

    Overall, ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ offers a complete entertainment package with its compelling story, stellar performances, and soulful music, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
    Here are a few audience reviews buzzing on social media about the latest film ‘Jee Vee Sohneya Jee,’ capturing diverse opinions and insights into the viewer’s experience with the movie.

  • PTI’s Shehzad Akbar set to take legal action against Pakistani government over acid attack in UK

    PTI’s Shehzad Akbar set to take legal action against Pakistani government over acid attack in UK

    Former federal minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Shehzad Akbar is taking legal action against the Pakistani government in the UK after he got injured in an acid attack that left him “scarred for life,”  Geo News reported on Monday.

    On November 26, 2023, an unknown person threw acid on the former federal minister’s face when he opened his door to a visitor at his home in Royston town, England.

    His slamming the door shut and his glasses saved him from going blind.

    On Monday afternoon, Akbar submitted a copy of his legal action to the Pakistan High Commission in London. The document directly accuses multiple officials of involvement in the attack.

    The PTI member also claimed in a document that the government of Pakistan is responsible.

    Akbar sent the Pakistani government a letter outlining the claim that he intends to bring against it at the High Court in London.

  • Scotland’s first minister Yousaf quits after a year

    Scotland’s first minister Yousaf quits after a year

    Edinburgh, United Kingdom – Humza Yousaf announced his resignation as Scotland’s first minister on Monday, before he was due to face two confidence votes this week sparked by his ditching of junior coalition partners in a row over climate policy.

    The 39-year-old quit following a turbulent year as head of the devolved administration, during which support for his pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has fallen.

    Yousaf had been facing growing calls to resign since unceremoniously ending the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens in the Scottish parliament last week.

    His government had earlier abandoned ambitious targets for the transition to net-zero carbon emissions, angering the Greens.

    The opposition Scottish Conservatives then lodged a vote of no-confidence in Yousaf, which was due to be held as early as Wednesday and which the first minister was at risk of losing.

    Scottish Labour also lodged another no-confidence vote in his government.

    The Tories, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens had all said they would vote against him in the personal vote, forcing him to seek the backing of the sole lawmaker from the pro-independence Alba party.

    Alba’s Ash Regan is a former SNP colleague of Yousaf who ran against him in the March 2023 leadership election to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as first minister.

    Yousaf — the first Muslim leader of a major UK political party — said in a statement that he thought winning was “absolutely possible”.

    But he added that he was “not willing to trade in my values or principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power”.

    He added: “I have concluded that repairing our relationships across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.”

    Divisions

    Yousaf’s pro-independence SNP has 63 members in the 129-seat parliament — two short of a majority. The presiding officer has a casting vote.

    Yousaf initially said he had no intention of quitting and intended to win the confidence votes.

    But following his announcement, parliament now has 28 days to choose a new first minister.

    He only became Scotland’s leader 13 months ago, after Sturgeon sensationally announced she was quitting, citing tiredness after eight years in charge.

    Yousaf defeated Kate Forbes and Regan in a bruising contest that highlighted divisions in the party between those on the left wing and others closer to the right.

    His leadership was quickly plunged into turmoil when Sturgeon was arrested with her husband, Peter Murrell, over claims of mismanagement of SNP finances.

    Murrell was charged in the case earlier this month. Sturgeon has not been charged.

    Controversies

    Sturgeon had been the figurehead of the Scottish independence movement.

    She oversaw a surge in support for the SNP, particularly after Brexit — in which Scotland opposed leaving the European Union — and during the Covid pandemic.

    But the SNP, which has run the Scottish government since 2007, has suffered a drop in popularity under Yousaf.

    He also came under pressure over controversial new laws which made it an offence to stir up hatred against a number of groups, including transgender people.

    The law has been heavily criticised, including most prominently by “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, who lives in Edinburgh.

    Relations between the SNP and the Greens were also strained by the recent pause in prescribing puberty blockers in Scotland.

    Some within the SNP wanted Yousaf to end the coalition with the Greens because they felt the deal was pulling the party further leftwards.

    The SNP’s slump has also come in the context of a resurgent Labour party, which is tipped to win a UK general election due later this year.

    Scotland voted against independence in a referendum in 2014, with 55 percent of electors choosing “No”.

    The SNP has argued that the UK’s vote to leave the EU in 2016 had put separatism back on the table, because Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain part of the bloc.

    But the party, in power in Edinburgh for 17 years, has struggled to build momentum for another vote, and the independence movement is at arguably its lowest ebb in recent memory.

    The Scottish Parliament, re-established in 1999, has limited powers to set policy in areas such as health, education, transport and the environment.

    The UK government in London retains powers for countrywide issues such as defence and foreign policy.

    pdh/phz/rlp

    © Agence France-Presse

  • No India: Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant set to marry in London

    No India: Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant set to marry in London

    The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar, Gujarat, caught the world’s attention, and some couldn’t believe that it wasn’t the actual wedding. Now, all eyes are on what the Ambanis will do next. But unexpectedly, throwing a curveball to India, the Ambanis have decided to have the marriage in England instead of their home country.


    According to recent reports, the couple will tie the knot at the Stoke Park estate in London. While some festivities might still happen in Mumbai, the main ‘I do’s’ will happen in The King’s land.
    With Nita Ambani overseeing every detail, preparations are in full swing. Invitations have already been sent out to Bollywood stars, ensuring a star-studded celebration.
    Like the extravagant pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, guests can expect luxurious arrangements and a strict dress code for the London ceremony.

  • US says new sanctions on Iran coming soon

    US says new sanctions on Iran coming soon

    The United States said Tuesday it would soon impose new sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone program after its retaliatory attack on Israel, and that it expects its allies and partners to follow with parallel measures.

    US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s announcement came after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated punitive measures were in the works, and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said his office was working on it.

    Iran sent more than 300 missiles, drones and rockets at Israel over the weekend, in what it said was retaliation for a deadly strike on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus. Nearly all of the projectiles were intercepted, and there was little damage.

    “In the coming days, the United States will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone program” as well as the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian defense ministry, Sullivan said in a statement.

    “We anticipate that our allies and partners will soon be following with their own sanctions,” he added.

    “These new sanctions and other measures will continue a steady drumbeat of pressure to contain and degrade Iran’s military capacity and effectiveness and confront the full range of its problematic behaviors.”

    US authorities have been using economic tools to counter Iran’s activities, taking aim at its drone and missile programs, as well as its financing of groups like Hamas, which launched its own attack on Israel on October 7.

    Earlier, Yellen previewed the sanctions, telling reporters: “Iran’s actions threaten the region’s stability and could cause economic spillovers.”

    The Treasury will not hesitate to work with US allies to “use our sanctions authority to continue disrupting the Iranian regime’s malign and destabilizing activity,” she said.

    She added that “all options to disrupt terrorist financing” will be on the table.

    ‘More that we could do’

    Months of Israeli genocide in Gaza have triggered violence in the region involving Iranian proxies and allies who say they are acting in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

    But tensions have soared even higher with Tehran’s first direct assault on Israel, which has prompted appeals for de-escalation by world leaders fearing wider conflict.

    Yellen did not offer specifics on the possible measures to be taken, but said Washington has been working to diminish Iran’s ability to export oil, adding there might be “more that we could do.”

    The United States is also looking to work with G7 partners and countries including China to constrain Iran’s ability to access goods needed to build weapons, a senior Treasury official told reporters.

    “We’re going to have conversations with all major suppliers around the world,” the official said.

    In Brussels, Borrell said after an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers that some member states had proposed “the adoption of expanded restrictive measures against Iran” and that his office would begin preparatory work.

    “We have to move away from the edge of the abyss,” Borrell said.

    Sullivan said that Washington had sanctioned more than 600 Iran-linked individuals and entities “connected to terrorism, terrorist financing and other forms of illicit trade, horrific human rights abuses, and support for proxy terrorist groups.”

    “The pressure will continue,” he warned.

    “We will not hesitate to continue to take action, in coordination with allies and partners around the world, and with Congress, to hold the Iranian government accountable for its malicious and destabilizing actions.”

    bys-sst/nro

    © Agence France-Presse