Politics

In a statement to the Camden New Journal newspaper, he said it had been a “huge honour and privilege” to represent the constituency for 11 years, but he would now turn his focus to “international affairs”.

Sir Keir stood down as prime minister earlier in 2026 summer, with Andy Burnham replacing him.

It follows weeks of speculation about whether Sir Keir would remain as MP following his resignation.

Government

In a BBC interview shortly after stepping down as PM, Sir Keir said he would stay as an MP until the next general election.

But in his statement released on Tuesday, Sir Keir said he was ready to “pass the baton to a successor”.

He added: “I will now focus on other things, and that will be international affairs, including defence, security, trade, and technology in a fast-changing world.

“I will also continue, as I have done for a long time now with others, to work on combating violence against women and girls; that is an issue that matters to me hugely.

“It’s work I started before I became an MP, and it’s work I’m keen to continue after I’m an MP. So international affairs on the one hand, and continuing my work on violence against women and girls on the other.”

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The 31-year-old woman was attacked at the station in Rosenheim, Bavaria, shortly before 1am local time (00:00BST). She was taken to hospital where she died as a result of “severe” injuries, the Bavarian Police said in a statement.

Officers arrested a 27-year-old German man at the scene immediately after the incident. The background and motive for the attack is under investigation, the statement added.

Police have asked anyone who may have witnessed “an argument or physical altercation” at the station late on Saturday or early on Sunday to contact them.

Rosenheim, one of the largest cities in Upper Bavaria, is a busy rail hub for passengers travelling to Austrian cities including Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck.

Those watching the astronomical phenomenon from the UK were treated to a partial eclipse, which peaked shortly after 19:00 BST, when most saw more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon.

But parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain experienced the complete darkness and spectacle of a total eclipse.

Large crowds at viewing sites across the UK and Europe reacted with gasps and cheers, with astronomy enthusiasts saying it served as a reminder of how “amazing” the universe is.

The path of the total eclipse began at the northern tip of Siberia in Russia, far away from crowds and telescopes.

But it soon began curving around the Arctic Ocean arriving in Iceland in the early evening before sweeping southwards to treat the UK to part of its wonder.

The partial eclipse began at about 18:00 BST in northern Scotland and just before 18:20 on the south coast of England.

It was imperceivable at first, but for those blessed with cloud-free skies, crowds noticed the Moon nibbling away at the Sun.

Much of central and southern England and Wales enjoyed perfect clear skies giving them an unrivalled view as the Moon moved slowly across the Sun over the course of an hour.

Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland were cloudier, but it did not stop crowds turning out at famous landmarks across the country.

Some had been successful in getting hold of solar eclipse glasses, but the vital eye protectors were in short supply in the run-up to the event with opticians, hardware shops and bakeries all selling out.

But that did not deter people – colanders, cereal boxes and pieces of paper were deployed to offer them a glimpse of the partial eclipse safely.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on our planet.

As time ticked by, slowly but surely the Moon obscured more of the Sun – acting like a dimmer switch as it did so.

As seen from the UK, the Sun, Moon and Earth were not quite directly in line.

The result was a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering about 90% of the Sun for most of the UK – the country’s most dramatic eclipse since 1999. In Cornwall, this was as high as 95%.

Parts of Spain got to experience something even more magical.

At roughly 19:30 BST (20:30 local time), the Sun, Moon and Earth were perfectly aligned – a total eclipse.

Chilean scientist Yasmin Catricheo traveled thousands of miles to A Coruña, northwest Spain, for the event.

In totality, everyone was cheering and sharing the excitement of what we were seeing. No words could describe the feeling,” she said.

“The universe is amazing.”

A total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth every 18 months or so.

But they are much rarer for any given place, only occurring once in roughly 400 years.

Crowds along the path of the total eclipse in Spain were treated to that rare event – with the red glow of the Sun behind the Moon to go with it.

The light coming from the darkness was the Sun’s corona – superheated jets of gas thrown thousands of miles out into space.

And for those looking closely, they may have seen small loops of pink gas called prominences following the Sun’s turbulent magnetic field.

And then, the Moon began to reveal the Sun that it had hidden.

The total eclipse lasted for less than two minutes – but for many it was unforgettable.

The fact that we get to experience a total eclipse at all is an incredible cosmological coincidence.

The Sun is 150 million kilometres (93 million miles) away from the Earth – 400 times further away than the Moon.

But because the diameter of the Moon is 400 times less than the Sun’s, they appear exactly the same size in our sky.

If the Moon was slightly smaller or its orbit was a little further away from the Earth then we would never see a total eclipse.

We’re about to enter a “golden age” of total solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028.

Eclipse chasers can travel around the world to be wowed by the spectacle of three total solar eclipses in the next couple of years.

But none of these are visible in the UK. The best the country will see is a partial eclipse in 2027, with about 45% coverage in some regions.

It will be decades until the UK experiences a fuller solar eclipse than today.

That will be in 2081, where up to 99% of the Sun will be covered.

And the UK’s next total solar eclipse will be in 2090.

The decision follows concerns raised by the leadership of the scholarship beneficiaries, who have described the exercise as discriminatory and unnecessary.

The exercise is intended to reaffirm the students’ commitment to return to Ghana after completing their studies in the UK.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, the student leadership questioned the need for the oath-taking, arguing that beneficiaries had already signed bonds committing them to return to Ghana after completing their programmes.

However, in a Facebook post, Madam Benson defended the planned exercise, citing provisions in the scholarship bonds signed by the students.

She said the bond, issued by former GSA Registrar Kingsley Agyemang, required beneficiaries to comply with requirements set by the Authority, including participating in surveys and evaluations.

She also cited a provision requiring beneficiaries to return to Ghana within two months of completing their studies.

According to the High Commissioner, the agreement further states that beneficiaries who fail to meet their obligations could be held liable for the scholarship funds they received and required to repay the state.

Madam Benson also criticised demands from the students regarding outstanding tuition fees and stipends.

She said the beneficiaries were seeking timelines for the settlement of those obligations, full payment before returning to Ghana and guaranteed reintegration into the Ghanaian job market.

She questioned why such concerns were not raised while Mr Agyemang was still heading the GSA, noting that the students received their scholarships between 2020 and 2025.

The High Commissioner also rejected claims that the oath-taking requirement was being imposed retrospectively, insisting that the exercise falls within the GSA’s mandate.

“The Ghana High Commission, acting on behalf of the GSA, shall go ahead with the planned verification and oath-taking,” she stated.

Madam Benson further dismissed the students’ demand for guaranteed reintegration into the labour market, arguing that no such commitment was contained in the scholarship bond.

“In the bond they signed, I see no obligation by Government to reintegrate them into society,” she said.

She maintained that the GSA had the authority to take measures it considered necessary under the terms of the scholarship agreement.

According to her, the exercise is being conducted in the interest of taxpayers and to ensure that beneficiaries honour the obligations attached to their scholarships.

“We have our reasons for this exercise, and it is in the interest of the taxpayers for us to ensure that we do the right thing even though a huge mess was previously created,” she added.

The High Commissioner also warned that the government would not be pressured into cancelling the exercise, stressing that beneficiaries who had received public funds could not compel the state to abandon measures intended to enforce the terms of the scholarship agreement.

She urged the students to take note of the government’s position as preparations for the verification and oath-taking exercise continue.

Read the bond beneficiaries signed below:

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Dame Sarah Mullally was speaking on a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana where enslaved Africans were held before being trafficked to the Americas.

She said touring the castle made her reflect on the crimes committed by the institution she leads.

“We played a part in the transatlantic slave trade. That is clear. Part of the Christian belief in repentance is about action, so we are putting in place action to support those communities that feel the legacy of the slave trade,” she added.

Dame Sarah Mullally from behind. She is wearing pink robes and hair short blonde hair. She is facing a large brown wooden door which has a small golden plaque on it with the words ‘door of return’ engraved.

The archbishop said she was ‘deeply moved’ by what she saw on her visit to Ghana
This is Dame Sarah’s first pastoral visit to Africa since being installed as head of the Church of England at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral in March.

Reparative justice has been one of the themes running through the Ghana leg of this trip.

At Cape Coast Castle, which came under British control in the 1660s, Dame Sarah was shown dungeons where slaves were held, and the so-called “door of no return” through which they were forced on to ships.

The archbishop said: “You can’t help but be deeply moved by the horrific conditions that people were kept in and the way that they were treated.

“It completely throws you off balance and brings home the evil that was transatlantic slavery.”

Above the dungeons sits a chapel, which she said was a “stark illustration of the way the church was involved in the slave trade”.

The Church of England has previously apologised for its associations with the slave trade.

Its missionary arm ran slave-farmed plantations in the Caribbean to fund the spread of Anglicanism, individual members of clergy were slave owners, and the Church received large donations from slave traders.

Three years ago it was decided the Church would set up the fund for reparative justice work, after an audit of its historical endowment fund also reported large investments made in a company that trafficked slaves.

The aim is for the fund to be spent on “a programme of investment, research and engagement” in communities damaged by the enslavement of African people during the transatlantic slave trade.

But there has since been vocal opposition to the fund. Some have questioned the historical accuracy of reports into the level of the Church’s complicity, while others have raised legal concerns about it and ideological objections.

Ghana has been spearheading a global campaign for institutions and nations across the world that benefitted from the slave trade to pay reparations.

The country’s foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has praised Dame Sarah.

“What the Archbishop of Canterbury is doing in Ghana on her current visit will begin to send the right signals. And those who are either revisionists or who are obstructionists within the Church of England are going to start thinking twice,” he said

“The Christian religion which they brought to Ghana and Africa teaches us that without admission of sins, there can be no salvation. There can be no going to heaven.”

Scientists at the University of Oxford started developing the vaccine eight weeks ago when a public health emergency was declared on 17 May.

It is the first – out of four vaccines under development – to enter clinical trials.

Volunteers are being recruited, with the first doses expected to be given to healthy adults in the UK “within weeks”.

The Ebola epidemic, centred on the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 625 people with 1,792 laboratory confirmed cases.

It is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has started two outbreaks before.

The six different species of Ebola are known as “sisters rather than twins” because while they are similar, they need separate treatments and vaccines. It means there are no approved drugs or vaccines this time.

The outbreak is still not under control and is taking place in a conflict zone with very mobile populations – heightening the need for a vaccine to help stop the spread of disease.

Dr Katrina Pollock, the chief investigator of the trial based at the University of Oxford, told the BBC: “We’re doing phase one (early stage) trials of new vaccines all of the time, precisely to be ready for exactly this kind of outbreak.”

The trial will be on 50 healthy adults aged 18-55. Researchers are also working with partners in Uganda to prepare for trials in Africa.

Volunteers will be monitored for a year, but scientists should know quickly whether the vaccine is producing the right kind of immune response or any unexpected side effects.

The Oxford team have been able to develop their vaccine in a matter of weeks because they are using the same technology that shot to fame during the Covid pandemic and was used in the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.

It uses a common cold virus that infects chimpanzees that has been genetically modified to make it safe.

This acts like an envelope and all the researchers need to do is change the letter inside before posting it into the body.

In Covid, the letter being delivered was a snippet of genetic code from the Covid virus.

This time it’s a snippet from the Bundibugyo species of Ebola.

The vaccine does not cause an infection, but the piece of the genetic code starts producing one viral protein from Ebola inside the body.

This is enough to trigger the immune system to recognise a threat and mount an immune response.

That means the body should already have a head start if it encounters Ebolavirus for real.

The vaccine has been developed, tested on mice and macaque monkeys, and is being manufactured to a clinical standard by the Serum Institute of India. It has manufactured and stockpiled around 620,000 doses.

Based on that data, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has given the go-ahead for human trials.

Vaccine researcher Alex Sampson told the BBC: “As soon as we heard there was an outbreak, we were able to scale up really, really quickly.”

Vaccines can normally take up to a decade to research, develop and prove effective. But Sampson says no corners are being cut.

“We’re doing all the same tests that we would normally do, just we’re able to do them in parallel, so it means a lot of teams working in lots of different places around the clock, but we’re still doing everything that we would normally,” he added.

The Oxford Covid vaccine was estimated to have saved six million lives in the first year it was used around the world and hundreds of millions of doses have been taken.

However, the vaccine was also restricted for use in some countries because of rare blood clots which affected up to one in 100,000 people.

It is possible this vaccine carries the same risk, although this is much lower than the threat from the Bundibugyo species of Ebola which kills around a third of those infected.

Pollock said severe side effects are “very rare” and they thought “very deeply” about the implications for trials on healthy people, and that any risk would be communicated to volunteers.

“I want to stress that the Covid AstraZeneca vaccine was given to millions of people safely,” she added.

There are three other vaccines being developed for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola.

These include one from biotechnology company Moderna using their mRNA vaccine technology. The International Aids Vaccine Initiative and Public Health Vaccines, based out of the US, are using the same technique that has been proven to work for another species of Ebola, but is slower to manufacture.

Burnham’s Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 out of 402 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate

It makes him just one short of the 323 needed before it is mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him. Some MPs say they were not able to vote on Thursday but will back Burnham once they are back in Parliament.

If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July.

It would mark an extraordinary rise to power following the former Greater Manchester mayor’s by-election win in Makerfield just weeks ago.

In a statement, Burnham said he was “deeply grateful” to the Labour MPs who had nominated him to be leader of the party.

He said the support had come from across the party and reflected a “shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics.”

“That is the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode,” Burnham said.

Later on Thursday, he joked about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election in his own constituency, Clacton, where he will stand again. Labour and the other main parties are boycotting the vote but serial comedian candidate Count Binface is a candidate.

Speaking at the Silver Clef music awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where he was delivering the Legend Award to Manchester indie band James, Burnham said, “The legends that we’re here to honour have not shied away from politics in their career, but I promise you, I am not going to talk politics to you tonight…

“Except to say this, ‘Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don’t let us down.'”

Burnham’s own by-election victory and heavy Labour losses in May’s local elections left Sir Keir facing calls from his own MPs for him to stand aside and allow Burnham to replace him.

Sir Keir quit as Labour leader on the same day Burnham was sworn in as an MP, saying in his resignation speech he had heard the answer to the question of whether “I am best placed to lead us into the next general election”.

Candidates have until Wednesday next week to gather the required backing of 81 Labour MPs in order to take part in the leadership race.

As well as 323 nominations – which is when no one else can reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against him – Burnham would also need to garner nominations next week from at least three of the 31 socialist societies and trade unions affiliated to the party, although this is expected to be a formality for him.

Burnham would then become Labour leader and be propelled into Downing Street without the need for a vote over the summer among party members and affiliated trade union supporters.

A few dozen MPs had already posted on social media to confirm they were nominating the former mayor.

This included Burnham himself, who joked that it would be “hopefully third time lucky” for him, referring to his two previous failed bids for the leadership in 2010 and 2015.

Burnham’s route to running unopposed was confirmed on Wednesday evening, when former defence minister Al Carns, who had suggested he could throw his hat into the ring, ruled himself out.

But the possibility of Burnham getting the top job without a contest has already led to some calls within Labour for the ex-mayor to set out further details of the policies he intends to pursue in office.

Burnham left Westminster in 2017, limiting his opportunities to forge strong relationships with Labour MPs elected since then, who now make up the bulk of the party’s contingent in the House of Commons.

As things stand he would be the only participant in an official parliamentary hustings scheduled for Monday next week, at which he would field questions from fellow Labour MPs about his plans for power.

“Access talks” with civil servants about his policy proposals are ongoing, run by Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, the UK’s most senior official.

As Labour leadership nominations formally opened on Thursday, Sir Keir said Burnham would make a good prime minister.

“I have known him a long time, I’ve worked with him when I first came to Parliament, in his team directly,” Sir Keir said.

Burnham apologises for Labour’s initial response to Gaza war
Who is Count Binface, aiming to face Farage in by-election?
‘More open’
Burnham offered some details of his blueprint for office in a speech in Manchester last week, including proposals to establish a new No 10 unit in the city.

He has suggested the unit will be tasked with handing local government more control in areas including housing and transport.

A central part of his policy offering is a pledge to give all parts of the UK “greater public control” of the water and energy sectors, although he is yet to spell out what this would mean in practice.

In a video posted to X earlier, Burnham apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and needs to do better under his leadership.

And in a Times article on Thursday, he also confirmed he wanted to keep Sir Keir’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell, a former Blair aide, in post.

He also said he wanted to see a “sustained increase” in defence investment, without committing to a specific target, whilst being “more open with the public” about cost overruns or delays to military procurement.

In one of his final decisions as prime minister, Sir Keir announced a plan to increase military spending by £15bn over the next four years by cutting spending in other parts of government, whilst leaving the details to his successor.

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According to the Authority, applicants must present one of the following original documents at their scheduled appointment at a Ghana Embassy or designated registration centre:

• A valid Ghanaian passport;
• A Birth Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana; or
• Evidence of acquired Ghanaian citizenship, such as a Naturalisation or Registration Certificate.

The NIA said applicants who are unable to provide any of the listed documents may still complete the registration process through an Oath of Identity, which will be administered to their guarantor by NIA officials.

The Authority stressed that only original copies of the required documents will be accepted during the registration process.

The announcement forms part of efforts to extend Ghana Card registration services to citizens living outside the country while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the national identification system.

Royal sources said the duke had not responded in time to the offer of accommodation at a royal residence, adding he had been informed on Saturday evening that he would not be able to stay there.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry said despite their earlier statement they understood that the offer to stay at the palace had been “withdrawn” – a decision they described as “disappointing”.

It is a chaotic start to a week in which the duke, who arrived in the UK on Monday, according to his spokesman, is to support his charities.

In Buckingham Palace’s version of events, there was an offer of accommodation for Prince Harry, but the Sussex team had failed to confirm whether it would accept and had then formally declined the invitation on Saturday.

According to Buckingham Palace, the duke’s team had later that same day changed their position and had accepted the offer to stay – but by then it was too late to make arrangements and to provide staffing.

The palace said Prince Harry was told on Saturday evening that he could not stay and that he was aware of the decision.

There were also concerns from the Palace about the duke staying when a court result about his claims against Associated Newspapers was being published on Tuesday.

There were worries about the optics for King Charles, who has a position of neutrality, if Prince Harry delivered a controversial response to the high-profile court case while staying at the symbolic HQ of the monarchy.

In response, a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex described the situation differently, claiming Buckingham Palace had withdrawn an offer that had been formally accepted.

It appears this was only about a stay of one night – and the question was raised as to whether the Palace could not accommodate one person for one night?

The Sussex version of events said that the timing of the court case result was already known last week and rejected it as being a factor.

“It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment,” said the spokesman for the Duke of Sussex.

This acrimonious war of words is a row that shows how much distrust and poor communication exists between the two camps – the Sussex team and Buckingham Palace.

Both sides are putting out contradictory versions of the invitation to stay at the palace – with no sign of either side accepting the other’s account.

This could make a meeting between the King and Prince Harry, which had been expected this week, even more complicated.

Prince Harry is still set to carry out his engagements this week, starting with an event in London on Tuesday.

Prince Harry’s trip: How the briefings have changed so far

27 June: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children planned to come to the UK, and expected to stay in a royal residence

28 June: Because of security fears, Prince Harry reconsidered plans to bring his family

29 June: Prince Harry still hoped security problems could be overcome to bring Meghan and children

2 July: Court sources said that the result of Prince Harry’s case against Associated Newspapers will be 7 July, the first day of the visit

4 July: Meghan and children will not come to the start of the trip to the UK in London, but might come to latter part of the week

Prince Harry is said to have initially rejected and then accepted accommodation at Buckingham Palace. The Palace said he had been told it was too late and could not stay

6 July: The Sussexes’ team said Prince Harry had accepted an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace rejected this and said he had already been informed that it wasn’t possible to stay

7 July: Prince Harry’s engagements due to start in London

Prince Harry has travelled to the UK to promote the Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham next year, and charity events.

It was already understood that the prince would not be accompanied by his wife Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during the visit to London, after it was confirmed that the family would not be provided with taxpayer-funded police security.

But it is possible that they may join Prince Harry in Birmingham to promote the Invictus Games later in the week.

It is unclear whether a meeting between King Charles and his two grandchildren, aged seven and five – whom he has not seen in person for four years – will take place under the revised schedule.

During his visit to Birmingham, Prince Harry is expected to visit the city’s children’s hospital and Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, which will be hosting the Invictus Games – held for injured military personnel.

There had been reports that the latter part of the trip would also include a visit to Althorp in Northampton, the family estate of Prince Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. It is understood there were plans for him to take his wife and children to his mother’s private grave.

The Duke of Sussex’s long-running dispute with the UK government over security stretches back to his decision to step back from his role as a senior royal in 2020 and move to the US with his family.

He has contested a decision by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee’s Risk Management Board that because he was going to be an infrequent visitor to the UK, his security would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

He has previously said he would not bring his family to the country without improved security arrangements, telling the BBC in 2025 that he could not “see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were last together in the UK in 2022, at the time of the funeral of Elizabeth II.

He has since travelled to the country alone, and met his father on a trip last September.

On Tuesday, he will also find out the result of a court case that the prince and others brought against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over claims of unlawful information gathering. 

Prince Harry will be attending events alone, as his wife, Meghan, and children, Archie and Lilibet, are not in London due to security concerns.

There was a confused start to the visit when Prince Harry’s team announced that an invitation to stay in Buckingham Palace had been accepted.

But that was rejected by the palace, which said that the prince had been told on Saturday that he would not be able to stay because he had not responded to the invitation in time.

Starting on Tuesday, there are five days of events for the prince to attend, showing support for some of his UK charities and raising funds for the Invictus Games. This includes a visit to Birmingham later in the week, where they will be held next year at this time.

His visit has coincided with the result being published on Tuesday of a court case against Associated Newspapers, which he has brought with a number of well-known figures, including Sir Elton John, Sir Simon Hughes, Liz Hurley, Sadie Frost and Baroness Doreen Lawrence.

They have claimed that the newspaper group, which publishes the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, used unlawful methods for getting information for stories, allegations that have been strenuously denied by the publishers. 

This is the latest and is expected to be the last, in a series of courtroom battles fought by Prince Harry against what he has seen as the dishonest practices of the UK press.

If the outcome of the case is that the judge supports some claims and rejects others, it is likely that all sides might claim victory.

This week has also been surrounded by speculation about Prince Harry building bridges with his family, including a possible meeting with his father, King Charles III.

There had been discussion about whether this would be a chance for the King to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, who have not been in the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

That has become more complicated because a dispute over security means that Meghan and the children will not be joining Prince Harry in London, as originally intended – but they could still come for the later part of the visit outside the capital.

Prince Harry is not expected to see his brother Prince William during the visit.

But he could see more of the Spencer side of his family, with reports that he might stay at the Althorp estate, where his late mother, Princess Diana, is buried.

If his children come to the UK it would be an opportunity for them to see the grave of the grandmother they never met.

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The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is aimed at making the registration process more accessible to citizens outside the country.

Under the new process, applicants are required to first complete an online application and pay the registration fee through the official registration portal. For applicants in the United Kingdom and other countries outside Africa, the fee is the equivalent of US$115.

After submitting the application, applicants will undergo a virtual interview, during which a registration officer will review and approve their applications. Successful applicants will then receive a confirmation message containing a QR code.

The third stage involves biometric data capture. Applicants are required to book an appointment, print their QR code, and present it at the nearest Ghana Mission for biometric registration.

As part of the exercise, the NIA has announced a special London Pop-Up Registration scheduled for August 1, 2026, at Copthall Playing Fields, London, to provide an additional opportunity for Ghanaians in the United Kingdom to complete the process.

After the biometric capture, applicants will proceed to the final stage, where their Ghana Cards will be printed and issued.

The NIA has encouraged Ghanaians living abroad to begin the registration process by applying online through the official registration portal.

The convict, 40-year-old Kwabena Kissi, was sentenced by the Snaresbrook Crown Court after admitting a charge of fraud by false representation arising from an elaborate deception carried out in July 2022.

Court proceedings heard that on July 5, 2022, Kissi entered a Santander UK branch in Brixton, south London, dressed in a G4S security uniform from a company he had left two years earlier. To conceal his identity, he wore a crash helmet with the visor lowered and a face mask, giving staff the impression that he was a legitimate cash collection officer.

Security camera footage presented during the trial showed bank employees granting him access to a secure area before handing over bags containing cash, believing he had arrived for a scheduled collection.

After receiving the money, Kissi quietly exited the banking hall carrying a briefcase. Investigators told the court that he later changed out of the uniform nearby, transferred the cash into a bin bag and left the area in an Uber vehicle.

Prosecutor Imogen Nelson told the court that the bank’s vault manager, Otis Williams, had prepared £256,000 for collection that day in 11 separate cash bags.

Although one member of staff questioned why Kissi had arrived earlier than expected, he reportedly explained that he had been assigned to “a new route”, an explanation that allayed any immediate concerns.

The deception was only uncovered after Kissi failed to return for a subsequent collection and the genuine G4S cash collection officer later arrived to collect the funds.

The court heard that Kissi departed the United Kingdom for Accra a day after the theft and remained in Ghana for nearly four years, where he reportedly lived with his ailing mother.

However, his attempt to evade justice came to an end when he travelled back to Britain on March 26 this year.

According to investigators, police officers had been monitoring for his return. His arrest was triggered after he booked an Uber using his real name and mobile telephone number—the same handset investigators had linked to the 2022 fraud.

He was arrested shortly after arriving at Gatwick Airport.

During questioning, Kissi initially denied being the suspect and claimed that officers had mistaken his identity. Investigators, however, matched the recovered mobile phone with evidence gathered during the original investigation, linking him directly to the offence.

In April this year, Kissi pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. A separate count of possessing criminal property was subsequently discontinued.

The sentence brings to an end a case that investigators said involved careful planning, the misuse of a former employer’s uniform and the exploitation of established security procedures to gain the confidence of bank staff before making away with a substantial amount of cash.

The palace, which has served as the official London residence of the UK sovereign since 1837, will continue to be the administrative headquarters of the monarchy, but the King has decided that nearby Clarence House will remain his official home.

The decision has been taken to allow greater public access to the landmark, officials said.

A 10-year refurbishment of Buckingham Palace – funded through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, which pays for the official duties of the royals – is due to be completed in March.

Ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring and boilers are set to be replaced in the renovation – many for the first time in 60 years – following concerns about potential fire and water damage.

The King and Queen have lived together in Clarence House, which stands beside St James’s Palace and was once the Queen Mother’s home, since their marriage in 2005.

Now both in their late 70s, it is understood that neither wanted the upheaval of moving themselves and their staff across to Buckingham Palace.

There are also security concerns that were the King in residence at Buckingham Palace, this would limit the number of visitors as well as the areas they could view.

The landmark may now also be able to open for a longer period, generating more income. It currently opens its State Rooms to visitors each summer and on selected dates throughout the rest of the year, the proceeds of which go to the Royal Collection Trust, a charity responsible for the care and conservation of royal art.

The King will continue to host a range of events at the palace, from state banquets and garden parties to receptions and audiences with the prime minister and new ambassadors.

“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” said a palace spokesperson. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.”

Norman Baker, former Lib Dem Home Office minister and a critic of royal funding, told the BBC that Buckingham Palace visitor ticket sales should instead go to the Treasury.

“They bring in millions every year, so what should happen is if they’re not living in Buckingham Palace, [they] should open it to the public and all the money from visitors 12 months of the year should go to the Treasury to help pay for refurbishment,” he said.

When the King is in London his Royal Standard flies from both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

James Chalmers, keeper of the Privy Purse, said under the plans, the King and Queen would “have access to private rooms within the palace where they can retire during the course of a working day, and which could be utilised as potential residential accommodation in times ahead”.

He added: “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future. Let me be clear, however, that in all other ways Buckingham Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life.”

The announcement is contained in accounts that show the King has become the first monarch to release their tax payments. They show he was among the UK’s top 100 taxpayers in 2024-25, paying £12.9m for the period as well as £11.7m in 2023-24.

The accounts also show a boost in the Sovereign Grant, which provides state funding for the monarchy. A temporary uplift to the core amount of the Sovereign Grant was put in place from 2017 to pay for the overhaul of Buckingham Palace.

As the refurbishments come to an end, the overall level of the grant will fall from £137.9m to £99.9m in 2027-28. But the new figure will be almost double the core grant of £51.8m in 2024-25, and above the core grant of £72.1m in 2025-26.

The uplift will help pay for a backlog in maintenance at occupied royal palaces, strengthen cyber security at royal residences and for the installation of energy-efficient heating systems

Some £11m has also been set aside to replace boilers nearing the end of their life at Windsor Castle.

Not since the reign of Queen Victoria has a monarch chosen to live away from Buckingham Palace.

She was the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as the official seat of court, and after marrying Prince Albert, she transformed the 775-room building to accommodate their family, entertain guests and conduct official business.

Following her husband’s death, though, Queen Victoria was absent from Buckingham Palace for long periods of time.

The palace was also closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who gave birth to then-Prince Charles and Prince Andrew there and had an apartment in the residence.

The palace, which has served as the official London residence of the UK sovereign since 1837, will continue to be the administrative headquarters of the monarchy, but the King has decided that nearby Clarence House will remain his official home.

The decision has been taken to allow greater public access to the landmark, officials said.

A 10-year refurbishment of Buckingham Palace – funded through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant which pays for the official duties of the royals – is due to be completed in March.

Ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring and boilers are set to be replaced in the renovation, many for the first time in 60 years, after concerns about potential fire and water damage.

The King and Queen have lived together in Clarence House, which stands beside St James’s Palace and was once the Queen Mother’s home, since their marriage in 2005.

Now both in their late 70s, it is understood that neither wanted the upheaval of moving themselves and their staff across to Buckingham Palace.

There are also security concerns that if the King were in residence at Buckingham Palace, it would limit the number of visitors and the areas people could view.

The landmark may now also be able to open for longer, generating more income. It currently opens its State Rooms to visitors each summer and on selected dates throughout the rest of the year.

The King will continue to host a range of events at the palace, from state banquets and garden parties to receptions and audiences with the prime minister and new ambassadors.

“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” said the palace spokesperson. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way”.

When the King is in London, his Royal Standard flies from both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

James Chalmers, keeper of the Privy Purse, said under the plans, the King and Queen would “have access to private rooms within the palace where they can retire during the course of a working day, and which could be utilised as potential residential accommodation in times ahead”.

He added: “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future. Let me be clear, however, that in all other ways Buckingham Palace will continue to be both the ceremonial and operational centre of royal life.”

The announcement is contained in accounts which show the King has become the first monarch to release their tax payments. They show he was among the UK’s top 100 taxpayers in 2024-25, paying £12.9m for the period as well as £11.7m in 2023-24.

The accounts also show a boost in the Sovereign Grant, which provides state funding for the monarchy. A temporary uplift to the core amount of the Sovereign Grant was put in place from 2017 to pay for the overhaul of Buckingham Palace.

As the refurbishments come to an end, the overall level of the grant will fall from £137.9m to £99.9m in 2027-28. But the new figure will be almost double the core grant of £51.8m in 2024-25, and above the core grant of £72.1m in 2025-26.

The uplift will help pay for a backlog in maintenance at occupied royal palaces, strengthen cyber security at royal residences, and for the installation of energy efficient heating systems

Some £11m has also been set aside to replace boilers nearing the end of their life at Windsor Castle.

Not since the reign of Queen Victoria has a monarch chosen to live away from Buckingham Palace.

Shewas the first monarch to use Buckingham Palace as the official seat of court, and after marrying Prince Albert transformed the 775-room building to accommodate their family, entertain guests and conduct official business.

Although following her husband’s death, Queen Victoria was absent from Buckingham Palace for long periods of time.

The palace was also closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who gave birth to then-Prince Charles and Prince Andrew at the palace, had an apartment in the residence.

In a statement posted on social media, Burnham paid tribute to Starmer’s leadership and described the resignation as the start of a transition period for the party and the country.

“Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.

“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get. As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be.

“People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.

“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose.

“This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”

Burnham’s announcement makes him one of the first senior Labour figures to publicly declare an intention to enter the leadership contest following Starmer’s departure.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester said the focus during the transition should remain on delivering economic growth, improving public services and addressing the cost-of-living pressures facing households across the country.

His intervention comes as Labour prepares for a leadership race that is expected to shape the future direction of both the party and the government.

The announcement follows mounting pressure on the prime minister after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections in May and faced an increasingly vocal rebellion from his own lawmakers over his leadership and policy agenda.

The move comes less than two years after Starmer led Labour to one of its largest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. in London, Starmer said he would remain in post until any leadership contest is completed, which he said would help ensure an orderly handover of power.

The pound was last seen 0.19% lower against the dollar, trading at $1.3207. The yield on 10-year U.K. government bonds, known as Gilts, were flat early Monday at 4.8452%.

In a short speech, a visibly emotional Starmer said that entering 10 Downing Street had been the “proudest moment of my life,” adding that, under his tenure, Britain’s reputation in the world had been restored, with investment secured and improvements in workers’ rights delivered.

However, Starmer conceded that Labour colleagues had since been asking whether he was best placed to lead the party into the next general election.

“I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party. I accept that answer with good grace. I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”

Labour’s former Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, won a decisive victory in a special election on June 18, potentially setting up a challenge for the party’s leadership and, by extension, the U.K.’s premiership.

Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves have been battling discontent over fiscal policy within their own ranks, while welfare reforms and the appointment of Peter Mandelson — an associate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — as U.S. ambassador, further damaged intra-party relations.

An Ipsos poll published on Friday suggested that 52% of the British public think Starmer should stand down as prime minister, five percentage points higher than in May, while 35% think he should continue.

U.K. gilt yields jumped on Friday following Burnham’s by-election win. However, he has been keen to placate markets lately, distancing himself from previous statements in which he suggested the U.K. was “in hock to the bond markets.”

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The students staged a peaceful demonstration outside the High Commission on Monday, claiming they have not received tuition payments and living stipends promised by the Government of Ghana for more than 18 months.

According to the group, they are owed a total of £238,852 in tuition fees and stipend arrears, a situation they say has prevented them from graduating despite successfully completing their academic programmes.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, the group’s convener, Noah Krah, expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of engagement from officials at the mission.

“In four hours, not a single official of the Ghana High Commission came outside to speak with us. There was no acknowledgement, no engagement, and no response of any kind through any formal channel,” he said.

Mr. Krah alleged that tensions escalated after two students entered the High Commission premises in an attempt to seek answers.

“They started verbal abuse on my colleagues, saying ‘kwasiafo’ and using words like useless people, and Bridget Bonney even said we don’t deserve taxpayers’ money,” he alleged.

According to him, the situation worsened when one of the students, Abena Fosuah, attempted to record the exchange.

“My colleague, Abena Fosuah, decided to pull out her phone to record the incident. So Bridget Bonney and other members, whose identities we have yet to establish, forcibly took Abena Fosuah’s phone and deleted all her recordings, including interviews she took for her academic work,” he claimed.

Mr. Krah further disclosed that a formal complaint had been submitted to the Head of Education and Recruitment at the High Commission.

“I sent an update of the protest and the resulting incident of assault to the Head of Education and Recruitment at the Ghana High Commission. As of now, I’m speaking with you, they have not responded,” he stated.

The students are demanding an investigation into the alleged incident, the immediate payment of all outstanding scholarship funds, and a formal apology from those involved.

Mr. Krah said medical personnel who examined the affected student confirmed she had sustained soft tissue injuries that could take up to two weeks to heal.

“The victim has been given prescriptions and also advised to report the matter to the Police, Citizens Advice and the Ombudsman,” he said.

He added that the student had undergone an X-ray examination and had been offered mental health support, as she remains traumatised by the alleged incident.

Meanwhile, the Ghana High Commission is yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

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In a statement dated June 15, 2026, the students said the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, now the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA), has failed to pay their tuition fees and monthly stipends since they commenced their studies in September 2024, despite repeated assurances from government officials.

The affected students, Noah Krah, Emmanuel Boakye, George Osei Buabeng, Abena Fosuaa Gyasi, Irene Pomaa Kumi and Dwomoh Evelyn, were awarded government scholarships to pursue master’s degree programmes at Loughborough University for the 2024/2025 academic year.

According to them, the government owes an estimated £238,852, comprising £154,000 in tuition fees and £84,852 in stipend arrears. At an exchange rate of GH¢14.32 to the pound, the amount translates to more than GH¢3.4 million.

The students explained that although the unpaid tuition fees currently appear on their university accounts, the responsibility for settling the debt remains with the Government of Ghana under the terms of their scholarship agreements.

They further alleged that they were compelled to forfeit 12 months of unpaid stipends in exchange for a “Letter of No Objection” required to apply for the UK’s Graduate Visa. According to them, the condition was not part of the original scholarship agreement and was imposed at a time when they were already facing severe financial hardship.

The students said they had spent the past eight months pursuing various channels to resolve the matter, including meetings with officials of the Ghana High Commission in London, petitions to the Ghanaian High Commissioner, the UK Prime Minister’s Office and intervention from Dr. Jeevun Sandher, Member of Parliament for Loughborough.

They noted that despite several assurances, including a promise to settle the debt within the first quarter of 2026, no payments have been made.

The statement also referenced a communiqué issued by the Director of the Ghana Scholarships Authority on April 16, 2026, indicating that funds had been released by the Government of Ghana to settle scholarship-related debts in the UK. However, the students claim neither they nor the university have received any payment.

The prolonged delay, they said, has plunged them into serious financial and emotional distress. Some students reportedly relied on food banks, skipped meals and depended on support from friends and church members to cover basic living expenses and avoid homelessness.

Academically, the students say they have completed all coursework, examinations and dissertations but have been unable to graduate because Loughborough University continues to withhold their certificates and academic transcripts due to the unpaid tuition fees.

The situation has also created immigration challenges. According to the students, unresolved visa applications have left some of them unable to seek employment or earn income while awaiting a resolution.

The students are now calling on the Government of Ghana to provide a definite payment date and immediately settle all outstanding tuition fees and stipend arrears to enable them to participate in their graduation ceremony scheduled for July 7, 2026.

They warned that further delays could prevent them from formally completing their academic journey and obtaining the qualifications they worked to achieve.

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His warning comes amid growing concerns among Ghanaian doctoral students in the UK, many of whom say prolonged funding delays have left them struggling to meet basic living expenses and continue their studies comfortably.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Bansah described the situation as increasingly difficult for affected students and called for urgent intervention from government.

According to him, the challenges facing scholarship recipients have been worsened by what he sees as inadequate communication from the leadership of the Ghana Scholarships Authority, particularly the Registrar.

Bansah said the Registrar has met with executives of the PhD cohort only once and engaged students directly only once since assuming office, despite repeated calls for regular updates on outstanding payments and the status of funding.

“Our plea is that the President directly engages the Registrar to get the issue resolved because it appears the Registrar himself does not know what he is doing. The condition of some of these colleagues in the UK is debilitating. Some of us can survive it, but there are those who cannot survive the situation,” he said.

When asked whether he would recommend that a prospective student accept a Ghana Scholarships Authority scholarship under the current circumstances, Bansah’s response was unequivocal.

“Don’t even try,” he said.

His remarks follow concerns raised by the executive body of Ghanaian PhD students sponsored by the Ghana Scholarships Authority in the United Kingdom over delays in the release and disbursement of scholarship funds.

In a statement issued on June 8, the students said government and the scholarship management body had failed to release funds to cover outstanding tuition fees and stipends despite earlier assurances that payments had been processed.

According to the group, beneficiaries were informed in April 2026 that funds had been released to settle outstanding obligations. However, as of June 8, no member of the PhD cohort, nor any undergraduate or master’s scholarship recipient known to them, had received payment.

The students warned that the continued delays are taking a toll on their academic work, welfare and overall well-being, and called for immediate action to address the situation before it worsens further.

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The President and the British Monarch held a closed-door meeting at the Palace in London.

King Charles III is the constitutional Head of State of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

While executive authority is exercised by the elected Government led by the Prime Minister, the Monarch performs important ceremonial, diplomatic and unifying functions within Britain’s constitutional framework.

The audience with King Charles III marked the climax of a visit that combined diplomacy, trade promotion, investment attraction and engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora.

Prior to the Palace meeting, President Mahama held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where discussions centred on strengthening Ghana-UK relations and expanding economic cooperation.

The President also met members of the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom during a Town Hall engagement in London, where he outlined his administration’s priorities and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to engaging the diaspora in national development.

As part of efforts to deepen economic ties between Ghana and the UK, President Mahama opened the Ghana-UK Investment Summit and declared Ghana open for business.

The summit witnessed the signing of a landmark UK-Ghana Growth Partnership, a roadmap for cooperation between the two countries from 2026 to 2028.

The partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits to Ghanaian businesses and citizens, with investment and commercial deals worth up to £215 million at the centre of the collaboration.

President Mahama also addressed policy experts and business leaders at Chatham House on the theme: “Navigating a Changing Global Order: Ghana’s Strategic Priorities.”

During the engagement, he outlined Ghana’s vision for a more equitable, inclusive and representative international system.

The President further visited two Ghanaian-owned businesses in Tottenham – Uncle John Bakery and Waakye Joint – as part of efforts to promote Ghanaian entrepreneurship and support businesses owned by Ghanaians abroad.

On the final day of the visit, President Mahama presided over the Market Open ceremony at the London Stock Exchange, officially signalling the start of trading by ringing the iconic opening bell.

He also delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Africa Debate at the historic Guildhall in the City of London, where he presented Ghana as an example of democratic resilience and economic transformation for the African continent.

Beyond diplomacy, the visit placed significant emphasis on attracting British investment, strengthening trade relations and promoting Ghana as a preferred destination for business and economic growth.

Members of the President’s delegation included Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President; Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesman; Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Finance; and Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness.

The others were Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Presidency; and Mr Kwami Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways.

President Mahama has since departed the United Kingdom for a state visit to Belarus.

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It is the second time President Donald Trump’s administration has announced new import taxes since the US Supreme Court struck down many of his previous duties in February.

The US Trade Department said these countries will face the tariffs because they failed to address the importing of goods made with forced labour.

The UK said it is tackling forced labour, China denied goods are made with forced labour, and the EU said the tariffs were unjustified.

Meanwhile, an India analyst said the move was a pressure tactic.

The 60 trading partners listed – including the UK, the EU, Canada, India and Japan – account for almost all of the goods sold to the US.

The US government’s stance is that trading with countries which buy things made with forced labour is unfair on the US.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said it “creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field”.

The tariffs announced have not yet been enforced. The Trump administration will need to go through a process to do so.

The proposed tariffs come after an investigation launched in March by Greer into the 60 trading partners, and whether those countries had failed to act on prohibiting forced labour.

The report into the investigations concluded that 54 of the countries had “failed to impose a legal prohibition on the importation of goods produced wholly or in part with forced labour and to effectively enforce such a prohibition”.

It said six other trading partners – Canada, the EU, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan – had “failed to effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition”.

The trade department said it would impose 10% tariffs on imports from Canada, the EU, Britain, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan.

The remaining 45 countries, which include China and India, would face 12.5% duties.

‘Unjustified’ move

A UK government spokesperson said: “We’re tackling forced labour in the UK and in global supply chains to ensure UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour and human rights violations.

“We continue to engage regularly with the US administration as part of our negotiations, and have made clear the actions we’re taking.”

China said it opposed any form of unilateral tariff, and denied allegations of forced labour.

“There is no so-called forced labour in China, and we oppose using this as an excuse for political manipulation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

The European Commission said the EU remained committed to the trade deal agreed with the Trump administration last year.

“The EU considers tariffs imposed on these grounds to be unjustified,” a spokesperson said. “On the EU side, we are on track to ensure implementation of our Joint Statement tariff commitments by the end of June.”

Ajay Srivastava of the Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative said India should challenge the legal basis of the proposed tariffs, arguing they stretch the scope of Section 301 – a US trade law that allows Washington to investigate and penalise foreign trade practices deemed unfair.

The move appeared to be part of “broader US pressure tactics”, he said, and should be kept separate from ongoing trade negotiations.

“India should reassess its participation and consider stepping away from the bilateral trade agreement, as Malaysia has done,” Srivastava said.

The UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has previously said: “Since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was passed, much has been achieved to improve our awareness and understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking.”

The tariff decision comes after the US began an investigation in March into the 60 trading partners, which comprise 99.4% of US imports, over the forced labour concerns.

Following its investigation, the US Trade Department said on Tuesday all 60 countries had “failed both to impose a legal prohibition on the importation of goods produced wholly or in part with forced labor (forced labor goods) and to effectively enforce such a prohibition”.

The Trump administration has not announced new tariffs since February when the Supreme Court ruled the so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs imposed by Trump on a slew of countries around the world in April 2025 were unlawful.

Trump called the ruling “terrible” and said the justices who rejected his trade policy were “fools”.

Immediately after the ruling, Trump announced a 10% temporary global tariff but later said it would be 15%.

However, the duty came in at 10%, and it has not been increased. Trump and other officials have said will be raised to 15%.

The measure is due to expire in July, unless extended by Congress.

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Yvonne Moynihan told the BBC the long delays getting through passport control at some European airports had caused some passengers to miss return or connecting flights.

Airports said queues were worsening under the Entry Exit System (EES) which requires travellers to register fingerprints.

But a European Commission spokesperson said EES was working well at “almost all border crossing points”.

ACI Europe, a trade body for airports, told the BBC that passengers should arrive at airports according to the time set out by their airline.

The EES requires travellers from outside the EU to register biometric information when entering many European countries, which is then checked when they leave.

Since October, almost 80 million entries and exits have been registered, with 35,000 refusals of entry recorded.

From 10 April, it is meant to be fully in use at borders of the Schengen free movement zone, including airports.

However, Greece has effectively suspended biometric checks at its borders for British citizens in order to prevent summer disruption.

‘Prepare for queues’

Wizz Air’s Moynihan said the impact of the new checks was “fragmented across Europe”.

While there has been some “seamless travel”, she said there had been long queues at “usual hotspots such as Spain, Portugal, France”.

When Moynihan travelled to Mallorca for half term, she encountered no queues, with extra staff on hand and “a significant amount of [EES] kiosks”.

However, she said in general her airline was advising passengers to prepare for long waits.

“When you land in the destination airport, there might be queues, so you should bring a portable charger or water,” she said.

Because EES information has to be verified when people leave, she also highlighted the risk of queues before flights back to the UK.

“Because there is another passport check…that’s where we see that people have, again, experienced longer waiting times than anticipated,” she said.

She said usual advice is to get to the airport two hours ahead of your flight – “but in these circumstances, we are advising three hours”.

Moynihan advised anyone taking a connecting flight to allow “a number of hours” between flights in case of border queues.

She said border officials were proactively suspending EES checks if long waits built up.

The European Commission says EES isn’t the only thing that can cause delays, and registering information usually only takes around a minute.

ACI Europe, a trade body for airports, said it surveyed 45 airports in 20 EU states earlier this week.

The results suggested EES was now causing queues of up to three and a half hours.

The group said more airports were now reporting excessive waiting times, despite the “extensive use of partial suspension of EES”.

It expected the situation “to deteriorate further” and “become unmanageable” as passenger volumes increased towards the summer peak.

ACI Europe wants any technical issues such as “instability of the central IT system and national interfaces” addressed, as well as border staffing levels.

The Commission said it was up to member states to ensure EES was properly implemented, and they should provide enough border guards.

Portugal, where very long waits have been reported, has announced 360 more border officers for airports in July.

Wizz Air’s Moynihan acknowledged improvements had been made after initial teething issues and glitches.

But she thought the higher number of people travelling over summer would test the system, and called for more countries to suspend the checks over the peak period.

The European Commission told the BBC that until September it was allowing biometric registration to be suspended “at specific border crossing points and for a limited amount of time in cases of exceptional circumstances that lead to excessive waiting times”.

‘Book with confidence’

With the summer holidays approaching, there has been speculation that the situation in the Middle East could spark jet fuel supply issues and cancellations.

Like other airlines, Wizz has seen a trend of late bookings.

This has led to “very affordable prices” to stimulate demand.

But Moynihan also insisted passengers “should feel confident booking”, echoing the words of other short-haul airline bosses such as EasyJet and Jet2.

However, the Wizz Air UK boss insisted its suppliers had adapted, no shortages were anticipated, and no cuts to its schedule were expected.

Fares are likely to go up in the future if oil prices remain high. However, Moynihan said in the short term, carriers like hers could save costs in other areas.

Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic.

But it approved plans on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, with how long travellers can stay to now be decided on a country-by-country basis. It cited security and a confusing visa scheme among reasons for the change.

There have been a series of high-profile arrests of foreigners in the south-east Asian nation, including cases linked to drugs and sex trafficking.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government found the policy needed revising “to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security”.

Nationals who have enjoyed the 60-day exemption include those from Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and the US.

Many of those countries’ citizens will have to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, the Thai foreign ministry said, though some will have exemption periods shorter or longer than this based on reciprocal agreements with individual countries.

The new visa system will come into effect 15 days after it appears in the Royal Gazette, where legal and regulatory notifications are published.

The foreign ministry said it aimed to reduce instances of multiple visa exemptions applying to the same country “that confuse foreigners”.

Thailand is one of Asia’s top holiday destinations, with tourism a key component of the nation’s economy.

It had nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, but this number fell dramatically during the pandemic and has only recovered in the past two years. Nearly 12 million people have already visited so far this year, official figures show.

But a number of foreign nationals have been arrested for a range of crimes in recent months, including UK citizens accused of drug smuggling.

In April, Thai police raided an unlicensed international school in the capital, Bangkok, and arrested 10 foreigners who had been employed there without work permits, local media reported at the time.

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Janet Fordham, 69, suffered fatal injuries in the collision on 14 February 2023 after coming to the country to marry a Ghanaian man she met online, who claimed he could help her get the money back.

Mrs Fordham had fallen victim to several online scams during a five-year period that saw her lose her home and life savings, estimated to be up to £1m, Devon Coroner’s Court heard.

When she travelled to Ghana, the retired housekeeper was living in a caravan at the home of her son, Martin, and daughter-in-law, Melanie Fordham, in Honiton, Devon.

She started using online dating websites in 2017 and met a man who claimed to be a British Army sergeant major working in Syria and needed her help to get gold bars to the UK.

Mrs Fordham told her family that they were in love and that he was retiring to return to the UK, with the couple wanting to buy a house together, her daughter-in-law said, adding that she warned her the man would be asking for money.

Melanie Fordham added: “I told her categorically not to send him any. Janet had been sending money to him, but we didn’t find out about this until years later. I believe she gave him around £150,000.”

Mrs Fordham later learned she had been defrauded again by a “diplomat” after her UK bank accounts were frozen, but her family said they don’t know how she transitioned from one fraud to the next.

Melanie Fordham said her mother-in-law “transferred money by several means, including bank transfers, wire transfers at the post office, and potentially a travel agent”, but the banks and post office stopped her mother-in-law from using their services because they recognised it was fraud.

Third man promised to help recover funds

The inquest heard another man, named Kofi, contacted Mrs Fordham, claiming he was a doctor in Ghana who worked part-time at a friend’s mobile phone repair shop, where he supposedly found a phone containing messages to and from Mrs Fordham.

Kofi claimed he contacted Mrs Fordham because he believed she had been scammed and wanted to help get her money back, Melanie Fordham said.

Police spoke to Mrs Fordham about Kofi, but officers could not further the investigation as she failed to respond.

Detective Sergeant Ben Smith, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said officers contacted Mrs Fordham about allegations of fraud in 2017, 2020 and 2022 and tried to persuade her “not to have any contact with the criminals and not to hand over money”, but she was making these decisions of her own free will.

Mrs Fordham continued to transfer money abroad using Bitcoin and ATMs, causing her daughter-in-law to contact the police again.

“Whether she was in so deep, she couldn’t accept it was all gone, she had to keep piling money in the hope of getting something back,” Melanie Fordham said.

“Whether she genuinely believed what she was being told, we will never know.”

Apart from using her savings and home, Mrs Fordham also borrowed money from other family members, totalling around £140,000, was in arrears on loans and credit cards and even cashed in her pension, withdrawing the maximum £500 a day.

Flying to Ghana for marriage

In October 2022, Mrs Fordham flew to Ghana to meet Kofi, with whom she was romantically linked.

“As a family, we tried everything to stop her, but she was adamant,” Melanie Fordham said. “I spoke to her doctor, sought legal advice, but because she was of sound mind, albeit brainwashed, she was deemed to have capacity and there was nothing we could do.”

In Ghana, Mrs Fordham and Kofi were driving from Accra to the Oti region “to get approval from a family member for marriage” when their car left the road and crashed, fatally injuring Mrs Fordham, Mr Smith told the inquest.

He said that there was no third-party involved in the smash.

Kofi later pleaded guilty to driving offences and was handed a suspended prison sentence and a fine.

Philip Spinney, senior coroner for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said at the end of the hearing: “I conclude that Janet Fordham died as a consequence of a head injury that was probably sustained in a road traffic collision.”

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Mr Stephen Akuoko, of 21 Lincoln Green Court, Haines Way, Watford, pleaded guilty to two food safety offences at St Albans Magistrates Court on 11 February.

The court heard that Mr Akuoko had been illegally processing fish products from his flat, which is owned by Watford Community Housing (WCH).

He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday 2 April.

The investigation began after cooked and smoked fish products traced back to Mr Akuoko were found being sold in Watford town centre.

Mr Akuoko had gone to considerable lengths to conceal where the fish products were being prepared, but a subsequent tip-off from the Fire Service helped officers identify that he was producing them from his home.

Environmental Health officers then served Mr Akuoko with a formal notice requiring him to cease production immediately.

Despite this the officers found he continued to supply products for sale and consumption by the public.

The decision to prosecute was taken due to the seriousness of the breaches, Mr Akuoko’s lack of cooperation during the investigation, his flagrant disregard for the law, and the potential risk posed to public health.

The judge also imposed two consecutive 12-month custodial sentences, suspended for two years, and signed a prohibition order banning Mr Akuoko from working in the food industry for five years.

He awarded £2,500 in costs (payable within three years) to reflect the council’s investigation, rather than issuing a fine. He described the evidence as overwhelming and praised the team’s persistence.

Fish and seafood production is tightly regulated because it poses higher food safety risks if not handled correctly, and businesses must be specially approved.

Poor storage or hygiene can cause illnesses such as Salmonella, Listeria or norovirus, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. These rules protect residents and ensure safe operation.

Justine Hoy, Associate Director Housing and Wellbeing for Watford Borough Council, said: “Food safety laws exist to protect the public.

In this case, there was a clear and sustained failure to comply with legal requirements, despite formal enforcement action being taken.

“We will not hesitate to take action where businesses or individuals put public health at risk. This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Watford.”

The council continues to work proactively with food businesses to ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations and to safeguard the health of residents and visitors.

On a trip to the Gulf nations, Defence Secretary John Healey said extra air defence teams and systems would be deployed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait while the use of Typhoon jets in Qatar will be extended.

“My message to Gulf partners is: Britain’s best will help you defend your skies,” he said.

The UK’s position on the war in the Middle East is to participate in “defensive action” but US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised that stance.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday the UK is “not going to get dragged into this war” but would continue to defend its interests and allies in the region.

The defence secretary has been visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain as the government announced the deployment of further systems, and associated teams, for the nations and for Kuwait.

Speaking to reporters from Qatar, Healey said the Gulf nations had praised the contributions of UK forces describing them as “a cornerstone” to their defence.

He added that Iran had been “expanding” its attacks in the region and that he expected the war to continue “for some weeks”.

Visiting the UK Armed Forces at Dukhan air base, Healey said the government has extended the deployment of UK Typhoon jets to Qatar.

At the start of the month, Starmer said four additional jets would be sent to Qatar following the deployment of the Royal Air Force’s joint UK-Qatari Typhoon squadron in January.

Separately, the defence secretary told Saudi Arabia’s defence minister that the UK will deploy air defence missile system Sky Sabre there this week along with teams to operate the system.

The system, composed of radars, control node, and missile launchers, can intercept munitions and aircraft and will integrate within the wider air defences in the region, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missile launcher, a short-range air defence system, has already been deployed to Bahrain along with UK experts who will work to integrate the system into Bahraini defences – and ground-based air defence missile system Rapid Sentry has arrived in Kuwait.

“That’s why the UK has been flying defensive missions since day one of this conflict to protect British interests and allies – and today we’re delivering further support by extending our UK jets in Qatar and deploying extra air defence teams and systems to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.”

He further paid tribute to the “heroic efforts” of partners across the Gulf.

“We will stand by our long-term partners in the Middle East and continue to push for a swift resolution to this conflict.”

Speaking on Monday, Starmer reiterated that UK troops will not be deployed on the ground in Iran.

“This is not our war and we’re not going to get drawn into it,” he said while responding to a question from reporters.

The UK previously gave permission for the US to use British military bases for “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites after Starmer denied a request for the use of UK bases for the initial US-Israeli strikes against Iran in February.

President Trump has been critical of the UK’s involvement in the war, as well as that of other Nato allies.

On Tuesday, the president specifically referenced the UK as he said countries that did not participate in the initial strikes on Iran should “get your own oil” from the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president said: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself.”

Healey told reporters on Tuesday that allies were looking at a range of options to keep the key shipping lane open. He said it would require an international response – which included the US.

He gave no timeline or further details – but said the conflict would have to be “dialled down” – adding that the US and UK were still working together in their military and security relationship.

In a message to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Day on Friday, March 6, 2026, the British monarch congratulated the country and reaffirmed the shared values that continue to shape relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom.

“On the occasion of your Independence Day, my wife and I send our warmest congratulations to you and to the people of the Republic of Ghana,” the King said in the message addressed to President Mahama.

He noted that the relationship between the two countries remains rooted in mutual respect and their shared commitment within the Commonwealth, a network of nations linked by common history and cooperation.

“It is with sincere appreciation that I reflect upon the enduring partnership between our nations, rooted in the shared values and mutual respect that define our Commonwealth,” the King stated.

King Charles also acknowledged the deep historical and cultural connections between Ghana and the United Kingdom, referencing the visit of his brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, to Accra in November last year.

According to the monarch, the visit highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries and the warm hospitality shown by Ghanaians.

“As my brother, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh said on his visit to Accra in November, we share an extraordinary history and heritage,” he said, thanking Ghana for the reception given during the trip.

The King further praised the Ghanaian diaspora in the United Kingdom, describing the community as an important link strengthening relations between the two countries.

He noted that Ghanaians in the UK continue to make significant contributions across several sectors, including business, education, arts, and culture.

King Charles also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of unity within the Commonwealth at a time of global uncertainty.

“The Commonwealth’s rich diversity and the energy of its younger generations continue to inspire hope and progress. In these times of global uncertainty, our collective strength and unity are more vital than ever,” he said.

Looking ahead, the monarch expressed optimism about continued cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom, particularly as leaders prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.

He added that the two countries have been working together on several initiatives, including efforts aimed at improving climate resilience in both urban and rural communities.

The King concluded his message by wishing Ghana peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

“My wife and I join in extending our very best wishes to you and to all Ghanaians for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead,” he said.

The event, hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission, brought together diplomats, Members of Parliament, and cultural stakeholders to celebrate linguistic diversity and its central role in sustainable development.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner described the occasion as “a profound honour” and highlighted the intrinsic connection between language, identity, dignity, and development.

She paid tribute to Bangladesh’s historic leadership in championing linguistic rights, noting that it was through Bangladesh’s initiative that UNESCO proclaimed 21 February as International Mother Language Day in 1999—a decision later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.

“This act transformed a national historical experience into a global commitment to linguistic rights and cultural preservation,” she said, commending Bangladesh for elevating the cause internationally.

Citing UNESCO estimates, she noted that approximately 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, with nearly 40 per cent at risk of disappearing. “When a language vanishes, humanity loses irreplaceable cultural knowledge, oral traditions, and intellectual heritage that cannot be replicated,” she warned.

The High Commissioner further emphasized that research shows children who begin their education in their mother tongue achieve stronger literacy outcomes and improved cognitive development compared to those taught exclusively in a second language, linking mother-tongue-based multilingual education to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

Turning to Ghana’s experience, she highlighted that the country is home to over 80 indigenous languages, forming a vibrant mosaic of traditions and social systems. Languages such as Akan, Ewe, Ga, and Dagbani, she explained, are essential for community cohesion, local governance, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Ghana’s language-in-education policy promotes the use of Ghanaian languages in the early years of basic education, with a gradual transition to English. “These efforts ensure that access to quality education is equitable and inclusive, particularly for children in rural and linguistically diverse communities,” she stated.

She concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to advancing inclusive multilingual policies and strengthening international partnerships.

“Linguistic diversity is not a barrier to national unity; rather, it is a source of strength,” she said, pledging continued collaboration with Bangladesh and the wider international community to ensure that “no language, and no community, is left behind.”

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The government says electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will improve the immigration system.

However, it has created problems for dual nationals, who have been scrambling to get a UK passport to follow the new rules.

What is an ETA and who needs one?

An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK.

From 25 February, most people who have been able to travel to the UK visa-free until now will need an ETA.

The new rules apply to people from 85 different countries.

Once approved, your ETA will allow you to stay in the UK for up to six months. It will be valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and allows multiple journeys to the UK.

The visit can be for things like tourism, business or short-term study.

It can also be for people who cross the border and travel through the UK as part of a journey, although people transiting through UK airports and who don’t need to go through border security will not need an ETA.

Longer trips and visits for work or longer study will require a visa.

People who usually need a visa to travel to the UK will still need a visa to travel to the UK. They will not need to apply for an ETA as well.

British or Irish citizens will not need an ETA or a visa to visit the UK or to travel through it. There are a few other exceptions, such as those with settled status or children travelling from France on a school trip.

The scheme was launched in October 2023 but the government says it was “not strictly enforced to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement”.

However, in November, the government said ETAs would be mandatory from 25 February.

The government says ETAs will streamline the immigration system, speed it up and make it more secure.

How do I get an ETA and how much does it cost?

Getting an ETA costs £16, but the government has said it plans to increase the fee to £20 in the future.

To apply, the government recommends downloading the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

You will need to provide contact and passport details, a provide suitable photo, and answer a set of questions.

You must travel using the same passport you used when you applied for the ETA.

The government says most people will get an automatic answer in minutes when using the ETA app, but it recommends people apply at least three working days before travelling.

If a person’s ETA application is rejected, the government says they will be told the reason and can apply again.

However, if a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.

How will the rules be enforced?

When you check into your journey, you may not be able to board without a valid ETA.

Airlines, rail companies and shipping companies have been given tools by the UK government to verify travel permission through automated digital checks with the Home Office.

An ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so you don’t need a paper copy at the border. However, the government says you may want to keep a paper copy for your records anyway.

While an ETA gives you permission to visit the UK, it does not give you the right to enter. So you will still need to go through passport control.

You could still be turned away at the border even with a valid ETA if there are other issues at passport control.

What is the problem for dual nationals?

Dual nationals – those who are citizens of both the UK and other countries – cannot get an ETA.

To enter the country, they will need to show either a British passport or a new digital version of the certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport.

Without one of them, they could face being denied the right to travel back to the UK.

Neither British passports nor certificates of entitlement are automatically issued to people who obtain citizenship, which means some dual nationals have never applied for them, even if they have lived in the UK for decades.

Both documents take several weeks to obtain, and there are costs too. A British passport costs about £100 for an adult, while the certificate of entitlement costs £589.

Previously, dual nationals had been able to leave the UK and return using their non-British passport.

Several British dual nationals have told the BBC of their struggle to get a British passport to meet the new requirements.

Some have been outside the country since the rule change has been announced and say they haven’t had enough time to adjust to the changes.

A Home Office spokesperson previously told the BBC that “public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documents has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023 ”.

Which other countries use ETAs?

If ETA sounds familiar, it’s because Canada, the US, and other countries already use the system.

However, the costs vary.

A Canadian ETA costs just 7 Canadian dollars (£3.78) while the US equivalent will set you back $40.27 (£29.75).

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Grace Bell, who is in her 30s and was born without a viable womb, says her little boy Hugo, who is now 10 weeks old, is “simply a miracle”.

Bell and her partner Steve Powell, from Kent, paid tribute to the “kindness and selflessness” of the donor and her family for their “incredible gift”, while also thanking medical teams in Oxford and London who supported their journey.

The surgeons involved said the birth was “a ground-breaking moment”, which could give hope to many more women with a similar diagnosis.

‘Incredible gift’

Hugo was born just before Christmas 2025, weighing nearly 7lbs, at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in west London.

Bell was born without a womb and doesn’t have periods but does have normal ovaries – a condition called MRKH syndrome, which affects one in every 5,000 women in the UK.

At the age of 16, she was told she wouldn’t be able to carry her own child.

To have a baby, the couple’s only option was to hope for a womb transplant or go down the route of surrogacy.

When she received a phone call saying a womb had been donated and a transplant was possible, Bell remembers being “in complete shock” and “really excited”.

But she was also acutely aware of the donor family’s “incredible gift”, which would enable her to carry and give birth to her own child.

“I think of my donor and her family every day and pray they find some peace in knowing their daughter gave me the biggest gift: the gift of life,” Bell said.

“A part of her will live on forever.”

Bell’s womb transplant operation lasted 10 hours and took place at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford in June 2024, before the couple received IVF treatment some months later – followed by embryo transfer – at The Lister Fertility Clinic in London.

When Hugo was born, Bell said: “It was simply a miracle.

“I remember waking up in the morning and seeing his little face, with his little dummy in, and it felt like I needed to wake up from a dream.

“It was just incredible.”

Bell’s successful womb transplant from a deceased donor is just one of 10 such transplants taking place as part of a UK clinical research trial. Three have already been carried out, but this is the first baby born.

In early 2025, baby Amy was born through the first living womb donation in the UK. Her mother received her older sister’s womb in a transplant operation in January 2023. Her sister had already had two children of her own.

Five other womb transplants from close living relatives in the UK are planned.

Hope for women born without a womb

Amy was born at the same London hospital as Hugo. The medical team behind both births has been building towards this moment for many years.

Consultant gynaecologist Prof Richard Smith, from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, started researching womb transplantation more than 25 years ago and was present at Hugo’s birth. He said “a huge team of people” had been involved in the process – from the transplant operation to the embryo transfer and the delivery itself.

Bell and Powell showed their gratitude to Smith, who also founded the charity Womb Transplant UK, by giving their son a middle name of Richard.

The couple may decide to have a second baby, after which surgeons will remove the transplanted womb. This is to save Bell from taking a lifetime of strong drugs to prevent the body’s immune system attacking the transplanted organ.

Transplant surgeon and joint team leader Isabel Quiroga said she was “delighted” by Hugo’s birth and called it a breakthrough for organ transplantation in the UK.

“Very few babies have been born in Europe as a result of their mothers receiving a womb from a deceased donor,” she said.

“Our trial is seeking to discover whether this procedure could become an approved and regular treatment for some of the increasing number of women of child-bearing age who do not have a viable womb.”

Smith said the birth showed that girls and young women who were told they didn’t have a womb could now have hope of carrying their own child.

A baby born following the transplantation of a womb from a deceased donor does not have any genetic links with the donor.

More than 100 womb transplant operations have been performed around the world and more than 70 healthy babies have been born as a result.

Donating a womb for transplant is not like donating other organs, such as the kidneys or heart – it is only allowed through a special request to potential donors’ families who have already agreed to donate their relative’s organs.

In the UK, unless you have decided to opt out of donating your organs, it is assumed you agree to be an organ donor when you die.

The parents of the donor, who wish to remain anonymous, said they felt “tremendous pride” at the legacy left by their daughter.

She donated five other organs which were transplanted into four people.

“Through organ donation, she has given other families the precious gift of time, hope, healing and now life,” her family said.

A statement from Thames Valley police was released Thursday that said, “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.”

“The man remains in police custody at this time.”

King Charles II said after arrest that “the law must take its course” in the investigation of his brother.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the British former prince, was stripped of his title last year over his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid ongoing furore over accusations against him of sexual assault, which he denies.

Police officers were investigating him for several allegations that emerged after US authorities released more than 3 million pages of documents relating ⁠to the disgraced financier.

Some of those files suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor had, in 2010, forwarded to Epstein reports about Vietnam, Singapore and other places he had visited on ‌official trips as UK trade envoy. In one confidential memo, he sought Epstein’s views on investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court,” the police statement added.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor should cooperate with the United States authorities in their investigation, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said. “No one is above the law,” he added. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

“This is such an unprecedented action and move for a prince that was one time the queen’s favourite child, who held a number of high-profile roles within the British establishment, who gradually had this fall from grace because of his association with a convicted pedophile,” said Al Jazeera’s Milena Veselinovic, reporting from London. “This is yet another blow to the branding of the monarchy.”

Michael Walker, a political commentator and contributing editor at Novara Media, says the developments are “incredibly damaging” for the UK’s monarchy and establishment, more generally.

“There is an impression that even though Andrew has been pushed out of the royal family, it was always one step behind,” he told Al Jazeera.

“There is no impression that the royal family sort of learned about these things and was genuinely morally outraged so therefore pushed Andrew to the side,” he added.

“It always seems like they are a step behind, there’s a PR disaster and they say, ‘How do we distance ourselves from this man who is an embarrassment’ – as opposed to “How do we sort of bring about consequences for this man who has morally erred’.”

The arrest comes after the royal family last week committed to cooperate with the police on any investigation regarding Mountbatten-Windsor.

The British-Latvian dual national is among those who say they have been caught out by upcoming changes to passport rules for dual nationals, which are due to kick in on 25 February.

Entry requirements for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system, the government says, will streamline and modernise the UK border.

But for Jelena, who has lived in the UK for 16 years, the changes are a “betrayal”, and others in the same situation have told BBC News the prospect of being denied entry is causing anger and concern.

Here are how the new rules will work – and why Jelena and others like her are furious about it.

How are passport rules for British dual nationals changing?

Under the existing rules, a British dual national whose other nationality is in a country not subject to UK visa requirements could travel to the UK using their foreign passport.

But from 25 February, that will no longer be the case.

Instead, they will need to show either a British passport or a new digital version of the certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport – and without one of them, they could face being denied the right to travel back to the UK.

Neither British passports or certificates of entitlement are automatically issued to people who obtain citizenship, which means some dual nationals have never applied for them, even if they have lived in the UK for decades.

Both documents take several weeks to obtain, and there are costs, too. A British passport costs around £100 for an adult, while the certificate of entitlement costs £589.

These new rules for dual nationals are linked to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system this month, a major immigration reform which will require visitors to the UK who do not have a visa to apply for a £16 entry document before arriving.

The government said it plans to increase the ETA fee to £20 in the future.

Dual nationals cannot apply for an ETA and must instead meet the new documentation requirements, with checks now carried out by airlines when departing for the UK.

The new rules do not apply to Irish passport holders, but other EU citizens will be affected.

According to the 2021 census, 1.2% of UK-born residents were UK-other dual citizens (587,600), and 6.5% of non-UK-born residents were UK-other dual citizens (648,700).

The government has said the reforms bring the UK’s immigration system into line with countries like the US and Australia.

But critics say the looming deadline and a lack of communication around the changes have left people scrambling to apply for new documents, with dual nationals who are out of the country on holiday or visiting family facing the prospect of being stranded until they can acquire a passport or the certificate.

How are people being impacted by the new rules?

Jelena, who was born in Latvia and has lived in the UK ever since coming to study, became a British citizen in November.

The 34-year-old chartered surveyor told BBC News she delayed applying for a British passport when she became a citizen as she was travelling to see family for Christmas, so could not send off her Latvian passport as part of the application process.

Jelena only learned of the changes recently and is unable to apply for new documentation immediately as she is due to go on a long-planned trip to South America in a few weeks and may not get her passport back in time to travel.

“As it stands, after South America, I won’t be able to return to my flat [in Glasgow], which my husband and I own, in the country I have lived in for nearly 16 years, studied in and paid taxes,” she told BBC Your Voice.

Jelena intends to change her travel plans by returning to Latvia after her trip to apply for a British passport from there, potentially facing a wait of several weeks or months for it to arrive.

“I’m lucky that my employer is flexible about me working from abroad – if that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t have a job because of this,” she said.

“If I hadn’t applied for citizenship and just had an EU passport, I would be in a better situation than I am now,” she added.

“The irony is that I’ve chosen to be part of this country, but it feels like I’m being deported. It feels like a betrayal.”

‘I found out about it on Facebook’

Petra Gartzen, a UK-German dual national who has lived in the UK for four decades, said she was furious at the lack of communication about the upcoming changes and is frantically trying to obtain a Spanish passport, as she is staying there for a few months over the winter.

She told BBC News: “They changed the rules when I was already in Spain. There was no lead-up, no major announcement – I found out about it from a Facebook post, and just thought, now what?”

The government says publicly available information has been in circulation about the upcoming changes since October 2024, but critics say it has not cut through to people affected.

Petra, a tech industry analyst, was told she would need to travel from southern Spain to Madrid for an appointment to apply for the “ridiculously expensive” certificate of entitlement while outside the UK, further increasing the cost.

Petra has now applied for a UK passport from Spain, but that has had its own complications. “They agreed to accept a notarised copy of my German passport so I did not have to send that off, but they also wanted my original citizenship certificate – which I don’t have, it’s in the UK,” she explained.

Petra now has a “nervous wait” to see whether the documentation she provided is accepted and processed in time for early March, when she is due to travel back to the UK before heading to the US for work.

She said she felt let down by the way the changes have been introduced, adding: “I’ve been a British citizen since 2019. The UK is my home – I’ve lived there for 40 years, I own a home, I work and pay tax. My whole life is there.”

Swiss dual national Shaun West said he was considering not replacing his British passport and renouncing his British citizenship due to the new requirements.

“There’s no worth in it for me,” said the university professor, who became a Swiss citizen after Brexit.

He said he would rather pay the ETA fee to temporarily enter the UK to see his parents, adding: “[The government] said I’ll lose consular services. I’m not bothered. [They said] you won’t be able to live here. I’m not going to.”

West said he learned about the rule change “utterly by accident” while reading online about how it affected Canadians, and that he believed it was discriminatory against dual nationals.

Norwegian dual national Linn Kathenes, who lives in the UK, said she was only notified by the Home Office about the new rules last week.

The teacher said that the changes mean she is now in a race against time to make arrangements for an upcoming overseas school trip.

Kathenes explained that she is waiting to collect her Norwegian passport, which she had to renew. She needs to send over the document before she can begin the process of getting the UK passport required to travel.

“I don’t see another way, I just have to gamble”, she said.

The Home Office has been contacted about her case.

Campaign group the3million, which represents EU citizens in the UK, has also criticised the government’s communication about the changes.

“The Home Office has not done enough to warn dual nationals of the serious impact this will have on them,” the group’s head of policy and advocacy, Monique Hawkins, said.

She has called on the government to “urgently hit the pause button” and introduce a “low-cost, one-off travel authorisation” for dual nationals whose travel plans have been disrupted.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023.

“This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”

Francisca Yawson, 38, stole from charity donations between September 2018 and August 2019.

The mother of four had been employed as a “Gift Aid and Operations Technician” at the Roman Catholic diocese, which included Westminster Cathedral, since 2013, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She bought her family presents from John Lewis and transferred £8,500 to Jamaica to help pay medical bills for her grandmother.

Yawson, of Stonebridge Park, north-west London, admitted nine counts of theft totalling £96,331 at Southwark Crown Court.

‘Deeply saddened by betrayal’

In an impact statement, Nicholas Seed, the Diocese’s chief financial officer, said: “The gift aid money stolen is not an abstract number of a spreadsheet. Her actions reverberated beyond this courtroom into every corner of our community.

“We are deeply saddened by Ms Yawson’s betrayal and the harm it has caused to our charitable mission.”

Sentencing Yawson, Judge Mark Weekes referred to a 2021 conviction for defrauding her partner’s mother of £16,000.

“It might be thought that once bitten twice shy, but it would appear not,” the judge said. “It seems that temptation overwhelmed you again for reasons that are not entirely clear.”

Yawson claimed that she stole the money to support her grandmother in Jamaica who suffers from leukaemia but the judge said the money she had sent there was “dwarfed” by the amount “you spent on yourself”.

‘Small children went hungry’

In October, Judge Weekes was forced to postpone sentence as Yawson was about to give birth to her fourth child.

The judge said that people in need missed out on money from charitable donations because of Yawson, adding: “Small children, like the ones you look after, went hungry or more hungry while you helped yourself to a high lifestyle.”

Ryan Evans, defending, said Yawson felt remorse and knew she had done wrong. He added that removing Yawson from her three-month-old baby would have a “detrimental impact on both parties”.

Judge Weekes said Yawson did not “present a high risk of reoffending or harm” despite her previous conviction.

Referring to “shocking delays” in the case, which was brought in 2019, he sentenced her to two years in prison suspended for two years.

Yawson will also have to complete 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay £1,000 in compensation to the diocese within 12 months.

She will also have to abide by a five-month electronically tagged curfew between 7pm and 6am.

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The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is currently living in a temporary property on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent home undergoes renovations.

Buckingham Palace announced that Mountbatten-Windsor would be moving from Royal Lodge in October at the same time his title of prince was removed.

Pressure has been building on Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence in the US over his relationship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.

It is believed he will ultimately live at Marsh Farm on the estate.

The Sandringham Estate is privately owned by the King and he will pay the costs of his brother’s new home.

Mountbatten-Windsor, also formerly known as the Duke of York, is expected to return to Windsor over the next few weeks to collect the remainder of his belongings but his permanent base is now officially in Norfolk.

He was last seen in Windsor on Monday, riding on horseback close to his previous home. He was also photographed driving away from Windsor Castle waving at passers by.

A statement from Buckingham Palace about Royal Lodge in October said “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease”.

It followed weeks of controversy over the amount of rent being paid to the Crown Estate who leased the property.

A National Audit Office report shows that when Mountbatten-Windsor took on the lease in 2003 he agreed to pay more than £8m – paying for repairs and effectively buying himself out of future rent obligations for the duration of the 75-year lease.

This deal was based on paying in advance a notional rent of £260,000 per year.

As part of the arrangement, Mountbatten-Windsor could have been entitled to £488,000 for an early surrender of his 75-year lease.

But a report from the Crown Estate for MPs on the public spending watchdog says the property is in need of so many repairs that in “all likelihood” he “will not be owed any compensation”.

Royal sources told the BBC in October that Mountbatten-Windsor’s move would be delayed until the new year to avoid the embarrassment of him being in Sandringham at Christmas – where the Royal Family traditionally gathers for the festive season.

Sandringham was bought in 1862 by the then Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII, as a private country retreat.

The historic, sprawling estate spans approximately 31 sq miles (80 sq km) of gardens – making it around the same size as Nottingham.

Mountbatten-Windsor continues to be dogged by his links to Epstein. Thames Valley Police is assessing allegations, reported by the BBC, that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor.

The encounter allegedly occurred at the former prince’s residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010. The woman, who is not British, was in her 20s at the time.

The BBC asked Mountbatten-Windsor for comment about the allegations when it was first reported on Sunday, but he has yet to respond, and has previously strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Her lawyer, Brad Edwards, whose US law firm has been representing Epstein victims since 2008, said that after spending the night with Mountbatten-Windsor, the woman says she was given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace.

Her account of spending the night at Royal Lodge is the first time an Epstein survivor has alleged a sexual encounter occurred at a royal residence.

In 2014, the late Virginia Giuffre became the first woman to publicly accuse Mountbatten-Windsor of similar encounters.

She alleged that as a 17-year-old she was trafficked by Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, and forced to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor – a claim he continues to deny.

Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit in the US against him in 2021, settling the case in February 2022 for an estimated £12m. She took her own life last year.

Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein are facing greater scrutiny with the release of millions of pages of documents and images by the US Department of Justice.

A recent tranche of files relating to the financier includes pictures appearing to show Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling on all fours over a woman lying on the ground.

A number of email exchanges between Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor – which came in the years after the US billionaire pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor – were also published in the files.

Epstein died in a New York prison cell on 10 August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.

Isabelle Dale swore her “undying love” to prisoners Shahid Sharif and Connor Money while working at HMP Coldingley in Surrey, said a judge.

The 23-year-old had sex with convicted robber Sharif in the prison’s chapel area, her trial heard.

She got engaged to Sharif and later plotted with him and his associate, Lilea Sallis, to smuggle spice, a synthetic cannabinoid, into HMP Swaleside in Kent.

Dale was sentenced to three and a half years’ imprisonment for two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of conspiring to convey a List A article into prison.

Sharif, who is already in custody, and Sallis were also jailed for the latter charge for 27 months and two and a half years, respectively.

‘She wanted to do it’

Sentencing the three on Tuesday at Southwark Crown Court, Judge Christopher Hehir called Dale a “thoroughly devious and untruthful and manipulative young woman”.

He said he accepted she had “some vulnerabilities”, but she had tried to use them as a “shield and an excuse” for her actions.

The judge added that he suspected she had “joined the prison service with a view to becoming involved in criminal activities with prisoners”.

“She wanted to do it,” he said. “She’s attention seeking.”

Dale, from Portsmouth, started working at HMP Coldingley – her first and only posting – in September 2021.

She had had “at least some contact” with Sharif by January, and the pair were engaged by May, the court heard.

Defending Dale, Syam Soni said her offending was influenced by her mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, emotionally unstable personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He claimed Dale was “ill-equipped” for the prison environment and more vulnerable than others.

Sharif was at the time serving a 12-year and 10-month sentence for an “extremely violent robbery of a jeweller’s on the south coast”, Judge Hehir said.

Other prison officers “obviously had clocked on to what was going on”, he added.

‘Thoroughly corrupt’

After the chapel incident, Sharif moved to Swaleside prison, and Dale signed off work sick on reduced pay.

Dale visited him five times between September and October 2022, sometimes with his family members, the court was told.

She had joined his list of approved visitors by concealing her job role, the judge said.

He added that Dale had become “thoroughly corrupt” when she tried to persuade Sharif’s sister to smuggle a USB into the prison for him, though the sibling declined.

Dale – who was found to have Sharif’s street name tattooed on her neck – resigned as a prison officer before she was arrested on her sixth visit.

The court heard that Dale conveyed sensitive information to Money, with whom she had an intimate relationship.

A postal strike foiled Dale, Sharif and Sallis’ plan to bring envelopes dipped in spice into Swaleside prison on the Isle of Sheppey.

It was organised for Dale to travel to Brighton to meet Sallis and collect the envelopes, the court heard.

However, Sallis backed out because of a conflict with Sharif about prices and content he was posting about her on social media, the judge said.

Sharif had claimed in messages he could make £3,000 a week from selling the spice inside jail, which the judge said may have been an exaggeration.

The assurance was given during a meeting with executives of the PhD Scholars’ Cohort in the UK, after the students raised concerns over unpaid scholarship funds that had led to plans for a two-day protest.

The scholars had warned that the demonstration could cause reputational damage to Ghana if the issue was not urgently resolved, citing prolonged delays despite government assurances of full tuition support and monthly stipends ranging from £1,023 to £1,200.

They explained that some beneficiaries have gone for months, and in some cases years, without receiving financial support, resulting in withdrawals from academic programmes. Others, they said, are facing hunger, homelessness, mental distress, and being classified as inactive by their universities due to unpaid fees.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 22, 2026, High Commissioner Benson acknowledged the challenges and appealed for patience, noting that the accumulated debt is substantial and requires careful coordination to resolve sustainably.

She reassured the students that government is committed to addressing the concerns of all Ghanaian scholarship beneficiaries abroad.

Following the meeting, the executives of the PhD Scholars’ Cohort, in the spirit of cooperation and good faith, agreed to suspend their planned protest.

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Mr. Ofori-Atta appeared before a U.S. immigration court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, dressed in a dark shirt and wearing a face mask.

The appearance follows his detention by officers of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over questions surrounding his legal status.

U.S. authorities maintain that his right to remain in the country lapsed after his visitor visa was revoked.

The case was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Immigration Judge David Gardey and focused on a bond review and a preliminary assessment of the matter. Court records indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Center while the proceedings continue.

He is being represented by a legal team that includes Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston, alongside his long-time immigration counsel, Kwao Amagashi.

During the hearing, his lawyers requested that both the bond proceedings and the master calendar hearing be held behind closed doors, citing the sensitive nature of the issues likely to be discussed.

Judge Gardey granted the request, instructing members of the public observing online via Webex to exit before the hearing continued in private.

Beyond the U.S. immigration matter, Mr. Ofori-Atta is also facing legal proceedings in Ghana. The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared him wanted over alleged corruption and related offences, including issues linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contract and other procurement dealings.

Ghanaian authorities are seeking his extradition, and the outcome of the U.S. immigration case is expected to play a key role in determining whether he will remain in the United States or be returned to Ghana to face charges.

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Mr. Ablakwa made the disclosure after hosting the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the growing ties between the two countries and aligned priority areas for 2026 in line with President John Mahama’s vision.

The discussions identified key sectors for deeper cooperation, including security, trade, job creation, health, education, governance, and constitutional review.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also called for a government-to-government framework to protect Ghanaian health professionals working or seeking employment in the UK. He further appealed for Ghanaian students and professionals to be exempted from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement and associated fees.

Describing the meeting as fruitful, Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening relations with the UK for mutual benefit.

Delighted to have hosted the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

We assessed our increasingly buoyant bilateral relations and aligned our priority areas of focus for 2026 consistent with the vision of… pic.twitter.com/vTpLpIsmUp

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) January 7, 2026

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Ministers say the DRC has not made the changes required under the toughening up of the UK’s asylum rules announced in November.

Fast-track visa processes will no longer apply to people from the country, while the Home Office said VIPs and politicians would no longer get preferential treatment when coming to the UK.

Meanwhile, the Home Office said Angola and Namibia had agreed to step up efforts to repatriate their citizens, after being threatened with sanctions alongside the DRC.

A government source said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood would not hesitate to ban visas for other countries refusing to take citizens back.

The Home Office said Angola and Namibia agreeing to improve their processes marked the “first delivery success from last month’s asylum reforms”.

The government had warned it would stop granting visas to people from Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo if their governments did not rapidly improve co-operation on removals.

A Home Office source said the agreements could see thousands of people removed and deported.

Under the government’s changes to the UK’s asylum system, refugee status will become temporary, guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers will end and new capped “safe and legal routes” into the UK will be created.

Announcing the changes last month, Mahmood had warned visa penalties would be applied to countries that failed to co-operate with the returns policies, including an “emergency brake” on visas for countries with high asylum claims until they take back citizens in the UK illegally.

The Home Office had said that returns from the DRC, Angola and Namibia were being frustrated – with paperwork not being processed or people being required to sign their own documents – giving them an effective veto.

It had warned that the three countries faced penalties for their “unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes”.

It said there had been some engagement by the DRC but “unless co-operation rapidly improves” further measures could be imposed, including the possibility of a complete visa ban on people from the country coming to the UK.

Home Secretary Mahmood said: “We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back.

“I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.”

Held at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development headquarters, the high-level conference highlighted Ghana and the UK’s shared commitment to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and economic resilience across the continent. Ghana’s role as co-host signals renewed international confidence in the country’s economic turnaround and reform efforts.

Senior global financial leaders attended the event, including Ludovic Ngatsé, Chairperson of the Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank, and the Presidents of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the OPEC Fund for International Development.

Speaking at the conference, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem MP, emphasized the country’s dedication to Africa’s development agenda:
“Ghana is proud to have co-hosted this important conference and to champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities. Earlier this year, Ghana joined four other countries in pledging US$16 million to the ADF—the first time all five countries in our constituency contributed. This demonstrates our commitment to reforms and partnerships that deliver tangible results for our people.”

UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, expressed the UK’s pleasure in co-hosting the event alongside Ghana, underscoring the long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank and the shared goal of sustainable, inclusive growth. She noted that the UK’s evolving role in Africa—shifting from donor to investor—supports countries pursuing reforms to grow their economies and reduce dependence on aid.

In May 2025, Ghana pledged US$5 million to the African Development Fund alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, marking a historic increase in African participation. The countries’ commitments reflect fiscal and governance reforms aligned with the Bank’s emphasis on performance and co-financing.

ADF-supported projects in Ghana have targeted women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and expanded access to energy through mini-grid solutions, reinforcing inclusive growth and energy security.

The ADF-17 replenishment is expected to deepen African ownership of the continent’s development agenda. Ghana’s co-hosting also aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, positioning Accra as a hub for global development dialogue and advocating for fairer, country-led development models and global financial reforms.

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The group representing more than 100 doctoral students has petitioned Downing Street and Keir Starmer asking for help to persuade the Ghanaian government to pay the backlog of tuition fees and living allowances running into millions of pounds.

Prince Komla Bansah, the president of the group of students, said some have already been deported by the Home Office after their universities withdraw their registrations for non-payment; while others have been evicted from their accommodation or forced to borrow money to survive.

Bansah said: “For most of these students, I don’t know how they survive. Some of them may be working part-time but it’s very hard to do that while studying for a PhD. From what I can gather from our meetings with the students, a lot of them are in debt and getting loans from back home.”

The petition sent to Downing Street says the funding crisis “is so severe that some colleagues are now facing court cases over unpaid rent. To survive, some have had to depend on food banks because they have no money to feed themselves.”

The students affected are at institutions spread across Britain, including University College London, Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and the universities of Nottingham, Bradford, Warwick, Lincoln and Liverpool.

Ghanaian authorities said that after President John Mahama’s new administration was sworn in last January, it found inherited debts to about 110 institutions in the UK worth an estimated £32m.

Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, the registrar of the Ghana scholarship secretariat in Accra, said an audit of all scholarships given out by the last administration was continuing while a pause had been placed on new scholarships to the UK.

After his appointment in April, Asafo-Agyei said he went on a “fact-finding mission” to the UK and drew up instalment plans with some of the institutions. But he said some of the universities had since rescinded the agreements.

Asafo-Agyei said Ghana had made “significant payments to our partner institutions in the UK and we have agreed to amicably resolve these issues so that our students are not at a loss”. He added that he was “not at liberty to make such disclosures without express approval from above”.

Asafo-Agyei declined to answer how much of the debt has been paid so far.

About 30 of the Ghanian PhD students said the scholarship secretariat had failed to pay their tuition fees since 2024, with some barred from officially graduating, submitting work or accessing their university’s facilities.

Others have missed support payments for more than three years, while Bansah said the government had also failed to renew its letters of support for scholarship holders already studying in the UK.

Bansah said: “We all agree that the new government only came into power in January but the reality is that the government was already aware of the situation and it still hasn’t made the payments.

“Meanwhile, there is evidence that they have still awarded foreign scholarships, so why are they still awarding scholarships when they know there is still a major problem with the UK?”

Earlier this year, more than 180 Ghanaian students at the University of Memphis in the US complained about missing payments from the secretariat.

Students from other countries have also struggled with the same problems. In 2020, Nigerian students protested outside their high commission in London after some students lost course places. More recently, hundreds of South African students in Russia faced eviction from campus after delays in receiving government scholarships.

In a recorded video message, broadcast on Channel 4 for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the King said his treatment was being reduced and he urged people to take up offers of cancer screening, saying “early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

The type of cancer he is being treated for has not been revealed and the King, 77, will continue to receive treatment and monitoring.

Clare Garnsey, associate medical director of Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said his message was “very powerful”.

The King, who revealed his diagnosis in February last year, is not described as being in remission or “cured” but the regularity of his treatment will be significantly reduced in the new year.

In his video message, recorded in Clarence House two weeks ago, he said that he was “troubled” to learn that nine million people around the UK are not up to date with the cancer screening available to them.

“That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed,” he said.

He added: “Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told either they don’t need further tests or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Miss Garnsey said she, “like the majority of health professionals who work in the cancer field” was “really thankful” for what the King said.

“I think the message was very powerful about the importance of early diagnosis and how important it is that we all attend for our screening,” she added.

She said it is “really helpful” to healthcare professionals when people in “positions of influence” – such as the King – speak publicly about their experiences with cancer.

These messages highlight that it “can happen to anybody”, she said, and raise awareness of the potential symptoms someone may experience.

Royal biographer and friend of King Charles, Jonathan Dimbleby, said the King’s message demonstrated the “unique role of the sovereign”.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said the King’s decision to speak openly about his treatment in such “warm, gentle, thoughtful, kind terms” was “quite extraordinary and it has great impact”.

He said the King’s message will give people “great reassurance” to hear of someone who “has a cancer and lives with that cancer”.

“It makes you recognise […] that it’s not a death sentence,” he added.

Dimbleby’s father, broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, died at age 52 in 1965.

“When he died, he had been frightened to say, in advance to himself even, that he had cancer,” he said, adding that the word cancer was “hardly usable then”.

He said it took “guts” for the King to share such a personal message publicly, but that “the fact that he came out and did that will save lives, and people will be less frightened of saying ‘we must go and get a test’.”

Dimbleby said that when it was announced that the King was having treatment for an enlarged prostate in 2024, there was a considerable surge in searches to the NHS website.

“No one else could have done this,” he added.

What can be general symptoms of cancer?

Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms – but the NHS says general symptoms can include:

• A new lump or swelling
• Sweating a lot or a high temperature
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Unusual pain anywhere in the body
• Unexpected weight loss or loss of appetite
• Needing to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee

Until now the King has said little publicly about his illness.

In his video message, King Charles said he knew how “overwhelming” a diagnosis can feel, but stressed that early detection is “key” to give patients the “precious gift of hope”.

The NHS has three cancer screening programmes – for bowel, breast and cervical cancer – available to certain age groups.

These tests can detect a problem even before someone experiences symptoms.

In his message, the King also urged people to use the screening checker online tool.

She revealed the initiative during an engagement with Ghanaian businesses and partners, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening trade ties with the United Kingdom.

According to the High Commissioner, the Ghana Trade House will serve as a dedicated outlet for showcasing and distributing Ghanaian goods, including processed foods, textiles, crafts, and other export-ready products. The facility is intended to enhance visibility for local producers and provide a structured entry point into the competitive UK market.

“I have a plan for a Ghana Trade House, and that is underway. It will give our exporters in Ghana an opportunity for their products to be on the market here in the UK,” she stated.

The initiative is part of Ghana’s broader effort to deepen economic cooperation with the UK and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing global markets. Trade experts note that such an outlet could significantly boost exports by offering a reliable distribution channel, reducing marketing costs, and improving brand recognition for Ghanaian products abroad.

H.E. Benson emphasized that the Trade House is not only a commercial venture but also a strategic move to strengthen investor confidence. She noted that the High Commission is working closely with stakeholders, including trade agencies and private sector partners, to ensure smooth implementation.

The facility will also promote cultural exchange and showcase Ghana’s rich heritage to international consumers. The High Commissioner encouraged Ghanaian exporters to prepare to take advantage of the opportunity once the Trade House becomes operational, reaffirming the mission’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian businesses internationally.

“This is a major step toward expanding our footprint in the UK market, and we are committed to supporting our producers every step of the way,” she said.

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The 1,632 represented four per cent of the total applicants for a visa last year.

“In 2024, 1,632 applicants from Ghana used fraudulent means when applying for UK visit visas.

While that represents only four per cent of all Ghanaian applicants, it is still far too many people misled by agents into taking an action that resulted in a 10-year visa ban. 

“Fraud is never worth the risk,” the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, said when the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in Ghana joined forces to launch a one-week public awareness campaign aimed at tackling the growing threat of visa fraud. 

Misinformation

Visa fraud continues to affect many Ghanaians, with fraudulent agents and misinformation leading to financial loss, emotional distress, and long-term travel restrictions.

A joint statement issued by the three high commissioners said the initiative was part of a wider global effort led by UK Visas & Immigration, and supported by partner countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

“The campaign coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week ( November16–22, 2025) and seeks to educate the public on the dangers of visa scams, promote safe application practices, and encourage the use of official government channels,” it said.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, said Australia was proud to stand with its international partners to combat visa fraud.

“The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message — if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results,” she said.

Safe

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, said Canada remained firmly committed to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, and “we are taking decisive steps to stop fraudulent practices that put applicants at risk.

We are proud to collaborate on the “Fighting Visa Fraud Together” campaign with Australia and the United Kingdom, reflecting our shared commitment to protect applicants, strengthen the integrity of our immigration systems, and ensure that people have access to accurate, reliable and trustworthy information.” 

The statement said the three countries were committed to protecting genuine applicants and ensuring that visa processes remained transparent, secure, and accessible to all Ghanaians.

“Throughout the campaign, the High Commissions will share educational content across social media platforms.

The public is encouraged to follow the campaign using the hashtag #AUSCANUKGH,” it emphasised.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give Sir Sadiq Khan and other civic chiefs the authority to do so through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.

Sir Sadiq has been vocal in calling for such powers to be devolved, with estimates suggesting a tourist tax in London could raise up to £240m a year.

In 2024, London saw 89 million overnight stays.

Currently, England is the only country among the G7 (Group of Seven) – the world’s seven largest so-called “advanced” economies – where national government prevents local authorities or mayors from implementing tourist levies.

Scotland and Wales have both recently introduced different types of taxes on overnight visitors, with local authorities in the former able to set their own levy as a percentage rate of the daily bill for accommodation.

From 2026, Welsh authorities will be able to collect £1.30 per night from visitors.

How would it work in London?

The Greater London Authority (GLA) recently asked the Centre for Cities thinktank to probe promising areas for further devolution in the capital.

In a briefing released last week, the authors noted that three types of tourist levy exist across the G7 primary cities – Paris, Munich, Milan, Toronto, New York, and Tokyo.

New York City and Toronto impose percentage rate levies on stays, with the former raising £493m every year with a £14.86 average nightly rate per visitor.

Tokyo has a single flat fee for all bookings, which raises just £35m despite the Japanese capital having the highest number of overnight stays of any primary city.

In France and Italy, the amount paid depends on the location, type of accommodation and official “star rating”.

London would be more suited to either a percentage or flat fee system, the authors suggested, as Britain “lacks a statutory national ‘star’ system for hotels present in France and Italy”.

The GLA previously estimated in 2017 that a £1 a day levy, including international visitors, could raise £91m, and that a 5% levy could raise £240m.

The Centre for Cities briefing also concluded that “London is unlikely to see a significant drop in visitors if it introduces a levy at a rate comparable to peer primary cities”.

This is due to research showing that visitors are less sensitive to levies in more popular destinations.

Would London benefit?

The Centre for Cities suggests that, if implemented effectively, a tourist levy would boost both economic growth and improve infrastructure and the business environment in London.

The mayor having control over the tax rate and use of revenues would also allow them to reduce or increase rates more swiftly in response to visitor patterns, it reported. It cites Toronto increasing theirs ahead of next year’s World Cup in North America.

Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said: “The model the government should adopt is already underway in Scotland, where Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are introducing levies valued at a percentage rate on overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and short-let accommodation.”

He said a “key benefit” of that approach was that it was “flexible”, and the rate could rise and fall depending on the demand for overnight stays.

“A tourist levy would benefit the capital’s tourist economy, provided the revenues go to local government – ideally split between City Hall and the boroughs – and are not ring-fenced by central government for specific purposes,” Mr Carter added.

“Hopefully, introducing a tourist levy is the start of a bigger programme of devolving tax and spending powers to the capital. London is the most productive big city in the UK, and devolving more fiscal powers would give the capital more policy tools to accelerate growth in the economy.”

What does the hospitality sector think?

Kate Nicholls, chair of UK Hospitality, the trade body for the hospitality industry, called the idea “shocking”.

She said: “Overseas visitors are incredibly important to central London but across London as a whole, this is builders coming to work, businesses coming to conferences, it’s families coming for concerts and theatres and going to see family and friends.

“This will have a really big impact on British consumers, it’s a tax on hardworking British families having a short break in London and it will deter visitors from coming in.”

She added: “VAT rate in England and Wales and Scotland is 20% and that is really significant – it’s a tax on a tax.

“Our customers are already paying the highest tax. Customers can vote with their feet, if we tax them out of coming to London, then we will tax the London economy out of jobs, growth and investment.”

Would London’s boroughs support it?

Westminster, which is home to many of the capital’s famous landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, has been campaigning for an overnight stay levy for “many many years”, its council leader said.

Adam Hug said: “We have a daytime population of over a million compared to a night-time population of about 200,000 and that means our local council tax payers are helping to subsidise things for the rest of London.

“So something through an overnight stay levy that helps redress that balance would be enormously welcome and enable us to do more creative things in the future.”

The Labour councillor added: “There are huge pressures at the moment both on local councils and the government, so this small measure is unlikely to significantly affect consumer behaviour but what it would do is give local councils an important revenue stream to support the local economy.”

Other councils, including Southwark and Brent, have also been in support of introducing such a levy.

What does Sir Sadiq think?

The mayor’s office appeared to welcome the proposed changes but said they would not comment on “speculation” and would wait before making any concrete preparations.

A spokesperson for the mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The mayor has been clear that a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities, would boost our economy, deliver growth and help cement London’s reputation as a global tourism and business destination.”

What’s next?

While the chancellor is widely expected to announce the move in the coming months, nothing has yet been formalised.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson told the LDRS: “We are always open to hearing views from local leaders on issues like this.

“Places can already choose to introduce a levy on overnight stays through the Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) model.”

Richmond Council is looking into creating an ABID for the borough, which is home to attractions such as Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens. It is understood that if a London-wide tourist levy was introduced, any existing local schemes would likely be scrapped.

It will highlight tangible areas of collaboration, including sustainable climate-smart development, education, innovation, inclusive sports, and the Commonwealth. 

In Aburi, His Royal Highness will visit a Kindergarten and a teaching student class at the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education.

He will observe how Sabre Education has supported the Government of Ghana to deliver a play-based teaching and learning programme that is equipping Ghanaian teachers with the skills to provide better early childhood education.

The UK has supported Ghana on this journey to ensure universal access to quality early childhood education. 

 At the iconic nearby Aburi Botanical Gardens, the Duke of Edinburgh will visit a plant nursery, which propagates and preserves flora and serves as a practical learning space for horticultural students.

He will meet with entrepreneurial trailblazers from both the UK and Ghana’s cocoa industry, whose work in artisanal production, sustainable trade, and inclusive growth is helping transform cocoa communities.

The Duke will also plant a tree as a symbolic commitment to sustainability, joining past dignitaries including Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and His Majesty King Charles III. 

His Royal Highness will meet participants of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Programme Bootcamp in Accra, which brings together entrepreneurs from 24 Commonwealth countries.

Delivered in partnership between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and Imperial College London, the programme supports innovative startups tackling global challenges.

This engagement highlights the UK’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across the Commonwealth. 

A highlight of the visit will be The Duke’s meeting with Ghana’s Paralympic and sports associations and teams ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

This event underscores the transformative power of inclusive sports not only for physical well-being but also for character development and social cohesion.

It will highlight Ghana’s leadership as a Commonwealth partner in Africa and reaffirm the shared commitment of both Ghana and the UK to inclusion. 

The Duke will attend a UK-Ghana Theatre and Creative Arts event, which will position the UK as a partner of choice while highlighting Ghana’s dynamic creative sector.

Discussions will focus on opportunities for collaboration in skills development and investment to drive sustainable growth of the sector.

There will also be a special performance of the play, “The Black Star- Teacher of Africa”, by Kofi Adinkra, celebrating Dr Nkrumah’s legacy. The event will showcase how cultural partnerships can spark innovation and deepen UK-Ghana ties. 

His Royal Highness will also call on President John Mahama, President of Ghana, and attend a durbar with the National House of Chiefs, highlighting the enduring bonds between the British Royal Family and Ghana’s traditional leadership.

He will also honour the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah, by paying his respects at their place of rest in Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. 

Speaking ahead of the visit, British High Commissioner, Dr Christian Rogg, said: “His Royal Highness’s visit to Ghana is a celebration of the strong and evolving relationship between the UK and Ghana.

“It’s about recognising our shared values and the real impact of our collaboration from education and climate action to inclusive development and innovation. It also honours Ghana’s vital role and enduring leadership within the Commonwealth.” 

The Duke is also scheduled to undertake a range of engagements that reflect the vibrant living bridge between the UK and Ghana.

These include high-level interactions with government officials, development partners, and engagements with the Ghanaian diaspora, community and business leaders.

The visit will conclude with His Royal Highness attending the King’s Birthday Party at the British High Commissioner’s residence.

This is an annual celebration that brings together key stakeholders from across government, business, civil society, and the diplomatic community to honour the enduring partnership between the UK and Ghana. 

The major shake-up to asylum policy comes as the government seeks to reduce small boat crossings and asylum claims.

Under the plans, people who are granted asylum will only be allowed to stay in the country temporarily, with their refugee status regularly reviewed and those whose home countries are then deemed safe told to return.

Currently refugee status lasts for five years, after which people can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Now the home secretary wants to cut the initial period from five years to two-and-a-half years, after which refugee status will be regularly reviewed.

But she plans to significantly lengthen the time it will take to gain permanent residence in the UK from five years to 20.

Mahmood told the Sunday Times the reforms were “designed to essentially say to people: do not come to this country as an illegal migrant, do not get on a boat”.

She continued: “Illegal migration is tearing our country apart”, adding that it was the government’s job to “unite our country”.

“If we don’t sort this out, I think our country becomes much more divided,” she told the newspaper.

The policy has been copied from Denmark, where a government led by the centre-left Social Democrats has presided over one of the toughest asylum and immigration systems in Europe.

In Denmark, refugees are given temporary residence permits, typically of two years, and in effect have to re-apply for asylum when they expire.

And Mahmood’s new approach will certainly face opposition from some Labour MPs.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson said it was “right the government looks at new ways to fix the disorderly asylum system created by the Conservatives”.

He added that Labour “shouldn’t kid itself that these measures are an alternative to processing claims quickly so we can remove those with no right to be here”.

Enver Solomon, chief executive at the Refugee Council, described the government’s plans as “harsh and unnecessary”, and said they “won’t deter people who have been persecuted, tortured or seen family members killed in brutal wars”.

In a press statement, the leadership of the Ghanaian PhD Scholars Association in the UK said the crisis has worsened in recent months, with at least ten students already withdrawn or suspended by their universities.

“Roughly ten of our members have been excluded from their studies as a result of unpaid tuition and now await possible deportation notices from the UK Home Office,” the statement read.

According to the group, the prolonged delay in scholarship payments has severely affected their academic progress and living conditions.

They revealed that many students have been evicted from their homes, while others face legal action over unpaid rent. Some have reportedly gone for several months—and in extreme cases, nearly four years—without receiving their government stipends, which range between £1,023 and £1,200 per month.

“For some scholars, no payment has been made since the very beginning of their PhD programmes,” the group lamented.

Currently, about 110 Ghanaian PhD students in the UK are on scholarships funded by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS).

Beyond the backlog in tuition fees, the students said 36 members urgently need renewal letters to continue their studies. Without these documents, universities cannot process their re-enrolments or allow them to resume research.

The statement further highlighted the academic and immigration complications arising from the delays.

“Some students have completed their programmes but are unable to graduate. Others attended graduation ceremonies but were denied their certificates because of outstanding fees,” the statement noted.

It added that several scholars who travelled to Ghana for data collection have been refused re-entry into the UK, as their tuition debts have triggered immigration issues with the Home Office.

Although the group acknowledged that the GSS has made some partial payments, they described these efforts as “grossly insufficient.” They estimated that about 30 students have received no contribution toward their 2024/2025 tuition, leaving many locked out of university systems and unable to access academic resources.

According to their calculations, a minimum of £400,000 is required to sustain the scholarship programme through the 2025/2026 academic year.

The scholars also criticised what they described as a lack of transparency and poor administrative management of the scholarship scheme, blaming the crisis on irregular practices by previous officials.

“We recognise the difficulties faced by the current management of the GSS, but students should not have to bear the consequences of past administrative failings,” the statement said.

While expressing frustration, the scholars acknowledged the government’s ongoing attempts to reform the scholarship programme to ensure greater accountability and fairness.

“Our membership includes individuals from diverse professional and political backgrounds,” the statement added. “We have no partisan agenda—our only concern is the survival of our academic pursuits.”

Appealing directly to both the UK High Commissioner and President John Dramani Mahama, the group urged immediate intervention to resolve the crisis.

“We are calling on President Mahama and the UK High Commissioner to urgently address this issue, as has been done in the case of other inherited liabilities,” they pleaded.

The statement concluded with cautious optimism:

“We remain hopeful that our concerns will receive prompt attention and that those in leadership will act swiftly to safeguard our education and future.”

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It claims sites that are ignoring the new requirements are benefiting.

The BBC has not been able to independently verify Pornhub’s claim – however, data from Google shows searches for the site have decreased by almost half since the law came into effect.

This could be a consequence of people reducing their porn use but could also be partly explained by people visiting the site through alternative means such as a VPN, which masks a user’s location.

Pornhub is the most visited porn site in the world – and the 19th most visited on the entire web, according to data from Similarweb.

Under the OSA, anyone accessing such websites in the UK now has to prove they are over 18 with age checks such as facial identification.

The firm’s claim is the latest indication that people in the UK are changing how they use the internet since the Online Safety Act came into effect.

According to Ofcom, visits to pornography sites in general in the UK have reduced by almost a third in the three months since 25 July.

The regulator said the new law was fulfilling its primary purpose of stopping children from being able to “easily stumble across porn without searching for it”.

“Our new rules end the era of an age-blind internet, when many sites and apps have undertaken no meaningful checks to see if children were using their services,” the watchdog said.

Ofcom told the BBC it believed the number of people using VPNs for general use reached 1.5 million daily in July, after the law came in, but has since decreased to around one million.

Meanwhile, research by Cybernews counted more than 10.7 million downloads of VPN apps in the UK from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store across 2025.

“It is likely that people not wanting to verify their age or identity to access sexual content, for example because of privacy concerns, are using VPNs to get around this,” Dr Hanne Stegeman from the University of Exeter told the BBC.

“As the location of website visitors are usually determined through IP addresses, it could be that those figures are inaccurate when a portion of visitors are using VPNs.”

And Cybernews information security researcher Aras Nazarovas told the BBC people in the UK “can and do” use VPNs.

“After age checks kicked in, VPN apps jumped to the top of the UK App Store, and at least one provider saw a 1,800% surge in downloads,” he said.

“So part of Pornhub’s ‘missing’ UK audience hasn’t vanished – it’s being reclassified as non‑UK traffic.”

But he said he believed “the rest” was indeed “users shifting to sites that don’t require age checks”.

‘Exponential growth’

Alex Kekesi, an executive at Pornhub’s parent company Aylo, told the BBC the new rules were unenforceable.

She said Ofcom faced an “insurmountable task” trying to get an estimated 240,000 adult platforms – visited by eight million users per month in the UK – to follow the rules.

This compares with the regulator taking action against fewer than 70 sites for non-compliance.

Ofcom says it prioritises sites to be investigated based on how risky they are and their number of users.

And Ms Kekesi claimed some pornographic sites have benefited from flouting the rules. The BBC has not independently verified this.

“There are a number of sites whose traffic has grown exponentially, and these are sites that are not complying,” she said.

Ms Kekesi also has concerns about the content on some of these sites.

She told the BBC of one which seemed to encourage users to search for content featuring girls below the age of consent.

Aylo says it has shared details of this and other sites with Ofcom.

The regulator has defended the way it enforces the new rules, saying increasing traffic to sites can be one factor that triggers an investigation.

“Sites that don’t comply and put children at risk can expect to face enforcement action,” it told BBC News.

Ofcom’s data shows that the top 10 most popular sites all have age assurance deployed. These sites represent a quarter of all visits to adult sites from across the UK.

It adds that over three quarters of daily traffic to the top 100 most popular sites are going to sites that have age assurance.

The government has also defended the regulator, and said protecting children online was a “top priority” for ministers.

“Where evidence shows further intervention is needed to protect children, we will not hesitate to act,” it added in a statement.

Should devices do the checks?

Ms Kekesi spoke to the BBC while in the UK for a meeting with Ofcom and government officials, where she has been making Pornhub’s case that age checks should be done at device level, rather than by individual websites.

She said the UK stands out in having persuaded the platform to introduce age checks.

A number of jurisdictions have sought to compel Pornhub to check its users’ ages, but the response of the site has been to block users rather than comply.

Ms Kekesi said the UK was different because it allowed sites to offer a range of different solutions, meaning that Pornhub could use methods – such as email-based checks – which didn’t require collecting biometric data.

She denied that the threat of hefty fines for non-compliance had been the primary motive for complying, pointing to the contrast with France – its second biggest market – where it had cut off access rather than agreeing to what regulators demanded.

Ian Corby of the Age Verification Providers Association rejected calls for a switch to device-based verification.

But he added the group shared a desire for a “level playing field” meaning age checks should be “robust, not superficial or fake”.

Chelsea Jarvie, a cybersecurity company founder who has been researching methods of age assurance for a PhD at Strathclyde University, told the BBC both approaches to age checks would be needed, with neither age verification on platforms nor devices being a “silver bullet”.

“For somebody to truly be safe online, we need different layers of controls throughout their browsing journey,” she said.

Source: BBC  

The changes, which will come into force from 8 January 2026, will affect some graduates and those applying for skilled worker or scale-up visas, which are for people employed by fast-growing businesses.

The new rules form part of wider plans to cut levels of immigration to the UK outlined in a white paper in May.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.”

“This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute,” Mahmood said.

“But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life.”

Applicants will be tested in person on their speaking, listening, reading and writing at Home Office-approved providers, with their results checked as part of the visa process.

Those applying for skilled worker, scale-up and high potential individual (HPI) visas will be required to reach B2 level – a step up from the current B1 standard, which is equivalent to GCSE.

To come to the UK on the skilled worker visa, migrants have to work for a government-approved employer and earn at least £41,700 a year, or the “going rate” for their type of work, whichever is highest.

The scale-up visa is open to migrants coming to work for a fast-growing UK business. Migrants can apply for a high-potential individual visa if they have been awarded a qualification from a top global university within the last five years.

According to the British Council, which offers English language courses, learners who achieve B2 level can “understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete or abstract topics.”

They can express themselves “fluently and spontaneously” and communicate comfortably with other English speakers. They can also produce “clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain a complex viewpoint”.

Further English language requirements for other visa routes and family dependants are expected to be introduced in due course, Home Office Minister Mike Tapp told Parliament on Tuesday.

The prime minister previously said the changes outlined in the white paper would make the UK’s immigration system “controlled, selective and fair”.Remove AdsRemove Ads

Home Office estimates suggest the measures could reduce the number of people coming to the UK by up to 100,000 per year.

Net migration to the UK – total permanent arrivals minus total permanent departures – fell to 431,000 in 2024, down almost 50% on the total in 2023, when it reached a record high of 906,000.

Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said the government faced a “trade-off” between “ensuring migrants speak good English and enabling employers to recruit workers who are expected to bring economic benefits.”

Many graduate jobs already require language skills above A-level standard, she said.

The new language requirements will have “more impact in middle-skilled jobs involving technical and manual skills, where employers sometimes do not require high language proficiency”.

Immigration lawyer Afsana Akhtar told BBC News she thought it was “unfair” that migrants had to reach such a high standard of English “because even many people in the UK probably wouldn’t be able to pass English A-level”.

“This would rule out even skilled workers who want to come and contribute to our British economy,” she said.

“The GCSE standard is sufficient – and then when they come live here, [and] integrate into England and the English way of life, their English will improve inevitably.”

Other measures in the white paper include cutting the time period international students can stay in the UK to find a graduate job after their course ends from two years to 18 months, which will take effect from January 2027.

Students will also have to meet higher financial requirements, raised to £1,171 per month outside London (from £1,136) for up to nine months.

The Global Talent visa, for high achievers in technology, arts and academia fields, has also been expanded to include winners of more prestigious prizes.

Source: BBC

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