CONSERVATIVES chairman Oliver Dowden MP outlined his party’s commitment to “stamp out Islamophobia from society” and his plans to welcome more Muslims into public life.
At the first-ever iftar reception hosted by the party at its headquarters in London last week, the lawmaker also thanked the Muslim community for its contributions, especially during Ramadan when Muslims donate more than £130m to charities worldwide.
He expressed his commitment to working with the Conservative Muslim Forum which hosted the “historic” iftar.
Lord Sheikh of Cornhill praised prime minister Boris Johnson's leadership for delivering Brexit, vaccination rollout and standing with Ukraine.
Forum chairman Hashim Bhatti, who organised the event, said his team was willing to work on the issues that mattered to the Muslim community.
Several other functionaries of the party attended the event, which was marked by Quran recitations from Squadron Leader Imam Ali Omar of the Armed Forces.
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Starmer’s Christmas message calls for Middle East peace
Dec 25, 2024
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer has expressed hope for peace in the Middle East and a brighter future for all in his first Christmas message since taking office.
In a video released by Downing Street ahead of Christmas Day, Starmer encouraged people to care for those around them and extended special thanks to armed forces and frontline workers.
“This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story,” Starmer said.
"I'll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings,” he added.
As we come together to celebrate the hope and joy of this special season, I wish you a very happy Christmas.
The Christmas story reminds us to care and look after those around us — I send my heartfelt thanks to those who are spending Christmas serving others. pic.twitter.com/SYUeZ4fqJ8
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 24, 2024
Starmer highlighted that Christmas serves as a reminder of the importance of family, friendship, and fellowship among all people.
“Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times. I'd like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS [National Health Service] and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas," he said.
He acknowledged the struggles many face during the festive period, noting, “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone, because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.”
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer and his family would spend Christmas at the prime minister’s country retreat of Chequers in Buckinghamshire before travelling abroad for a short family holiday.
Meanwhile, King Charles is set to deliver his Christmas Day message from Fitzrovia Chapel in London, marking a departure from tradition. Buckingham Palace said the recording includes a sustainably decorated Christmas tree, and the King’s message will reflect on challenges and the importance of community support.
This is the first time since 2006 that a monarch’s Christmas message has been filmed outside a royal residence. The late Queen Elizabeth had previously recorded her message that year at Southwark Cathedral in London.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Church of England must repent, says senior cleric in Christmas message
Dec 25, 2024
THE CHURCH of England's second most senior cleric, Stephen Cottrell, will call for repentance and reform in a Christmas sermon on Wednesday. His remarks come as the institution continues to face criticism over child abuse cover-up scandals.
This year’s Christmas celebrations have been clouded by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s resignation in November over allegations of mishandling abuse cases. Accusations of further safeguarding failures have also been directed at Archbishop Cottrell, Welby’s successor as the Archbishop of York.
The Church of England, which oversees 16,000 churches in England and serves as the mother church for 85 million Anglicans worldwide, is confronting widespread criticism.
“Right now, this Christmas, God’s Church itself needs to come to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed,” Cottrell will say during his sermon at York Minster, according to excerpts shared by his office.
Welby, who stepped down after a report concluded he failed to act against prolific sex abuser John Smyth, will not deliver the main Christmas sermon at Canterbury Cathedral. His official duties are set to conclude by January 6, with the process of selecting a new Archbishop of Canterbury expected to take up to six months.
“At the centre of the Christmas story is a vulnerable child; a vulnerable child that (King) Herod’s furious wrath will try and destroy, for like every tyrant he cannot abide a rival,” Cottrell will say. “The Church of England – the Church of England I love and serve – needs to look at this vulnerable child, at this emptying out of power to demonstrate the power of love, for in this vulnerable child we see God.”
In the interim, Cottrell will lead the Church but faces calls to resign following a BBC report. The investigation alleged that as Bishop of Chelmsford, he allowed priest David Tudor to remain in his role despite restrictions barring him from being alone with children and reports of compensation paid to an abuse victim.
Cottrell has apologised, stating the situation he inherited was “horrible and intolerable” and that he acted to suspend Tudor at the earliest opportunity.
Public trust in the Church has been shaken. David Greenwood, a lawyer specialising in abuse claims, stated the revelations had “shaken trust in the Church’s ability to protect its congregants and uphold its duty of care.”
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Mauritius rejects Starmer's Chagos Islands deal
Dec 25, 2024
MAURITIUS has rejected an agreement brokered by Keir Starmer to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, leaving weeks to finalise a deal before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The deal, originally signed with Mauritius’ former government, involves the UK leasing the Diego Garcia military base for millions of pounds while ceding the islands to Mauritius.
Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Mauritius’ new prime minister, and his deputy, Paul Bérenger, have raised concerns about aspects of the agreement. Ramgoolam stated he “did not agree” with parts of the deal, while Bérenger criticised the UK for “nitpicking about the compensation,” according to The Times.
The Mauritian government has sought increased compensation and questioned the 99-year lease terms for Diego Garcia, a US military base hosting B-52 bombers and other critical assets. The US, wary of Mauritius' ties to China, has expressed concerns that the base’s security might be compromised under Mauritian sovereignty, the newspaper reported.
Despite the resistance, Starmer remains committed to complying with a 2019 UN resolution awarding sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.
The UK has dispatched its national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, to Mauritius and Washington DC to push for the deal’s finalisation. The Biden administration has supported the agreement, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken offering economic incentives to Mauritius in a bid to secure the deal.
Ramgoolam, however, has stood firm, stating that Mauritius has made a counter-proposal and will continue negotiations, The Times reported. “We do not agree with certain things contained in the agreement concluded on October 3,” he told Mauritian MPs after speaking with Blinken.
The Chagos Islands, separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1968, have been at the centre of controversy since their native inhabitants, the Chagossians, were forcibly removed to make way for the US base. Under the proposed deal, Chagossians would be allowed to visit the islands but not return permanently to Diego Garcia.
The UK government remains optimistic, stating that the Mauritian prime minister is willing to finalise an agreement that benefits both parties.
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Tulip Siddiq questioned over fraud allegations
Dec 24, 2024
TULIP SIDDIQ, the economic secretary to the Treasury, has been questioned by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team (PET) regarding allegations of involvement in a £3.9 billion embezzlement linked to a nuclear energy project in Bangladesh.
Siddiq is accused of helping her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the recently ousted former prime minister of Bangladesh, secure a deal with Russia for the Rooppur power plant in 2013, reported The Times.
Allegations suggest large sums of money were embezzled from the £10 bn project. Siddiq, who posed for a photograph with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Hasina during the signing ceremony, has denied any wrongdoing.
On Thursday, Siddiq met with a PET official to address the claims. The Times sources stated her explanation was accepted at face value, and no civil service investigation is underway. The Cabinet Office reiterated that Siddiq denied any involvement.
Siddiq’s supporters described the allegations as politically motivated, asserting they are part of a “political hit job.” She reportedly reiterated this view during her discussion with the PET official. Siddiq explained her 2013 visit to Moscow was to meet Hasina, as travel to Russia was easier than to Bangladesh at the time.
The Daily Mail reported fresh concerns over a £794 million arms deal signed during the same meeting, involving Russian military equipment. A Labour Party spokesperson dismissed the allegations, stating they predate Siddiq’s tenure as an MP.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission is reportedly gathering evidence on Siddiq and may contact her soon. If contacted, her response could determine whether formal charges are filed.
Keir Starmer expressed confidence in Siddiq, with a spokesperson affirming compliance with ministerial declaration processes.
No 10 Downing Street acknowledged the seriousness of the matter but noted the PET meeting was not mandated by the prime minister.
Siddiq has previously described her aunt Hasina, now accused of crimes against humanity, as a “great role model.”
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Bangladesh probes Sheikh Hasina, family over £3.97 bn graft allegations
Dec 24, 2024
BANGLADESH has initiated a corruption investigation into allegations of a £3.97 billion embezzlement linked to the Russian-funded Rooppur nuclear power plant.
The probe targets Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister who fled to India in August, along with her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddiq, a British MP and government minister, the country’s anti-corruption commission announced on Monday.
The investigation follows a writ filed in the high court by Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement party, who called for an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation. Speaking to AFP, Hajjaj said, "We seek justice through our court."
The £10.04 bn Rooppur plant, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility, is backed by Moscow through a 90 per cent loan. The anti-corruption commission stated on Monday that it is examining claims of £3.97 bn being embezzled by Hasina and her family through offshore accounts in Malaysia.
The inquiry will also investigate "questionable procurement practices" and allegations of kickbacks, mismanagement, and money laundering in the plant's construction.
"The claims of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and potential abuse of power raise significant concerns about the integrity of the project and the use of public funds," the commission said in its statement.
Further allegations involve theft from a government scheme aimed at building homes for the homeless.
Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on 5 August, reportedly escaping by helicopter to India, a move that sparked public outrage among Bangladeshis demanding her trial for alleged "mass murder."
Tulip Siddiq has denied any involvement in the allegations, according to a statement issued by the British prime minister's office.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, reportedly based in the United States, was also unavailable for comment.
(With inputs from AFP)
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