With updates from the UK as Rishi Sunak's days at 10 Downing Street look numbered with polling due in the UK. Watch to know more!

UK elections: Poll suggests Labour Party to sweep to power in UK

With just a few days before elections in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak exuded hope that the conservatives will come out Victorious.

UK elections: Which side will the undecided votes sway?

With just days to go for the UK election, a poll has revealed 67% dislike Rishi Sunak while 72% dislike the conservative party. Only 20% were found to be satisfied with the job Sunak is doing as prime minister. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Poll reveals 67% dislike Sunak | Game over for Rishi Sunak?

Conservative cabinet minister Alister Jack has admitted placing three bets on the date of the general election in the weeks before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprise announcement. In a conversation with BBC the minister had claimed that he placed a successful bet that the election would fall between July and September and even made € 2,100. Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Rishi Sunak under fire over betting scandal

Days after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's tirade against Russian President Vladimir Putin, an ex-Kremlin minister was spotted at the Tories’ summer fundraising event, the Mirror reported. The bash, held Thursday evening (Jun 20) at the exclusive 42-acre Hurlingham Club in London, saw the attendance of Vladimir Chernukhin, who served as Putin's deputy finance minister in the early 2000s. As per the report, his wife is a major donor of the cash-strapped Conservatives, and she has been spotted with party leaders like Theresa May and Liz Truss in the past.

<h2>PM Sunak blasts Putin</h2>

It came just days after PM Sunak blasted Putin at the Ukraine peace summit on June 15 for having “no interest in genuine peace”.

Ironically, the Tories had also attacked Labour Party leader Keir Starmer last week saying he may act soft towards dictators. Conservatives on X posted his picture alongside Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, with the caption, "They’re watching.”

<h2>Tories having tough time raising money</h2>

As per available data, the Tories have raised a mere $367,000 in the second week of the election campaign. On the other hand, the Labour party has raised a whopping $5.56 million in the same period.

Labour meanwhile attacked the Conservatives for "taking cash from absolutely anyone now."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj55sPG4fCGAxX3a_UHHQxYDv4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-hints-at-tough-penalties-for-young-britons-avoiding-national-military-service-733799" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-hints-at-tough-penalties-for-young-britons-avoiding-national-military-service-733799&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj55sPG4fCGAxX3a_UHHQxYDv4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Sunak hints at tough penalties for young Britons avoiding National Military Service</a>

"The cash-strapped Tories will clearly take cash from absolutely anyone now. Just as Nigel Farage reveals himself to be a Putin apologist the Tories are rolling out the red carpet to a former member of the Russian government," a Labour source was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

<h2>'No connection between two Vladimirs'</h2>

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Vladimir Chernukhin has rebuffed claims of him being linked to the Russian regime. "Any suggestion that Mr. and Mrs. Chernukhin have any connection to the regime of President Putin is categorically false and defamatory. Mr and Mrs Chernukhin do not support, and have never supported, the policies of President Putin. Mr. Chernukhin’s reasons for leaving Russia are well documented, where he was dismissed for his loyalty to Mikhail Kasyanov, a vocal critic of President Putin and opposition leader," the spokesperson said.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Rishi Sunak heckled, grilled by angry citizens during televised election debate

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“As a British citizen, Lubov Chernukhin is entitled to make donations to political parties as she sees fit and any donation she has made, has been declared in accordance with the rules of the Electoral Commission. Mrs Chernukhin is a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime and is a staunch opponent of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” they added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Days after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's tirade against Russian President Vladimir Putin, an ex-Kremlin minister was spotted at the Tories’ summer fundraising event, the Mirror reported.

Days after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's tirade against Russian President Vladimir Putin, an ex-Kremlin minister was spotted at the Tories’ summer fundraising event, the Mirror reported. The bash, held Thursday evening (Jun 20) at the exclusive 42-acre Hurlingham Club in London, saw the attendance of Vladimir Chernukhin, who served as Putin's deputy finance minister in the early 2000s. As per the report, his wife is a major donor of the cash-strapped Conservatives, and she has been spotted with party leaders like Theresa May and Liz Truss in the past. PM Sunak blasts Putin It came just days after PM Sunak blasted Putin at the Ukraine peace summit on June 15 for having “no interest in genuine peace”. Ironically, the Tories had also attacked Labour Party leader Keir Starmer last week saying he may act soft towards dictators. Conservatives on X posted his picture alongside Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, with the caption, "They’re watching.” Tories having tough time raising money As per available data, the Tories have raised a mere $367,000 in the second week of the election campaign. On the other hand, the Labour party has raised a whopping $5.56 million in the same period. Labour meanwhile attacked the Conservatives for "taking cash from absolutely anyone now." Also read: Sunak hints at tough penalties for young Britons avoiding National Military Service "The cash-strapped Tories will clearly take cash from absolutely anyone now. Just as Nigel Farage reveals himself to be a Putin apologist the Tories are rolling out the red carpet to a former member of the Russian government," a Labour source was quoted as saying by the Mirror. 'No connection between two Vladimirs' Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Vladimir Chernukhin has rebuffed claims of him being linked to the Russian regime. "Any suggestion that Mr. and Mrs. Chernukhin have any connection to the regime of President Putin is categorically false and defamatory. Mr and Mrs Chernukhin do not support, and have never supported, the policies of President Putin. Mr. Chernukhin’s reasons for leaving Russia are well documented, where he was dismissed for his loyalty to Mikhail Kasyanov, a vocal critic of President Putin and opposition leader," the spokesperson said. Watch: Gravitas: Rishi Sunak heckled, grilled by angry citizens during televised election debate × “As a British citizen, Lubov Chernukhin is entitled to make donations to political parties as she sees fit and any donation she has made, has been declared in accordance with the rules of the Electoral Commission. Mrs Chernukhin is a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime and is a staunch opponent of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” they added. (With inputs from agencies)

Tory fundraiser attended by ex-Kremlin minister days after PM Sunak's tirade against Putin

A major Savanta poll reveals big Tory leaders, about three quarters of the present cabinet, are set to lose elections as the United Kingdom goes to polls on July 4th.

UK elections: Savanta Poll reveals big Tory leaders are set to lose elections

In the run up to the July 4 UK election, it is becoming a tightrope walk for the incumbent PM Rishi Sunak led Conservatives as the recent opinion polls suggest that Reform UK has overtaken the party. It is the first time in this poll that Reform UK, spearheaded by Nigel Farage, has overtaken the Tories.

UK: Reform poll rating rises as Farage takes over

UK: Reform UK overtakes conservatives in Poll

In about 3 weeks from now the United Kingdom is going to polls, voters did not have much time to prepare. The Prime Minister called for early elections within 43 days. There was criticism from within the Tory party and beyond and this criticism is now turning into numbers. Watch in for more details!

UK Elections 2024: Rishi Sunak unveils Tory Party's election manifesto

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £17billion tax giveaway as the highlight of the Conservative manifesto, a proposal that was promptly slammed as "implausible" and good only for wealthier voters.

The policy programme unveiled by the prime minister, seen by Tory MPs as possibly the party’s last big chance to win over voters, contained few big surprises and was centred around cuts to national insurance and stamp duty, higher thresholds for child benefit and help for pensioners.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-promises-hundreds-of-million-in-mental-health-benefits-if-re-elected-730024" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-promises-hundreds-of-million-in-mental-health-benefits-if-re-elected-730024&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihz4D6xNWGAxWrS2wGHd8hCHYQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wdk0CuCWsmbPVzzBcJCVu&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-promises-hundreds-of-million-in-mental-health-benefits-if-re-elected-730024" target="_blank">Rishi&nbsp;Sunak&nbsp;promises hundreds of millions in mental health benefits</a>

Launching the manifesto at Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire, Sunak accepted he faced an uphill task in convincing voters, not least after his early departure from D-day commemorations last week.

"I recognise that people are frustrated with our party and with me," the prime minister said.

However, by cutting taxes, he added, "we are upholding the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson, a party that, unlike Labour, believes in sound money."

The tax cuts are projected to cost £17.2 billion annually by 2029-30.

Much of the funding is expected to come from cracking down on tax avoidance and significantly reducing the welfare bill through unspecified methods.

Think tanks have warned there is a significant risk that the financial calculations may not be feasible.

Hours after Sunak launched the manifesto, Labour produced its own costings, which predicted a £17.4 billion annual shortfall by the end of the parliament.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-rishi-sunaks-popularity-down-by-12-farage-more-popular-than-sunak-says-survey-730769" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-rishi-sunaks-popularity-down-by-12-farage-more-popular-than-sunak-says-survey-730769&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihz4D6xNWGAxWrS2wGHd8hCHYQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iDseUSx1SeBF3NYKTqKdb&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-rishi-sunaks-popularity-down-by-12-farage-more-popular-than-sunak-says-survey-730769" target="_blank">UK: Rishi&nbsp;Sunak's&nbsp;popularity down by 12%</a>

Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, said Sunak was “cosplaying Liz Truss” and risked sparking another rise in mortgage rates.

Launching the manifesto to an audience including almost all the cabinet, Sunak announced another two per cent cut to national insurance contributions (NICs) and the gradual abolition of all NICs for self-employed people.

After the manifesto was announced, some Tory MPs were hopeless. “It’s not going to shift the dial,” one said. Others felt it gave them some material to work with in their local constituencies.

Sunak has repeatedly attacked Labour over its spending plans, making the much-criticised claim that this would result in £2,000 of extra taxes a household.

However, his tax and spend plans are now coming under significant scrutiny – and some scepticism.

Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the manifesto could be characterised as “definite giveaways paid for by uncertain, unspecific and apparently victimless savings”.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £17billion tax giveaway as the highlight of the Conservative manifesto, a proposal that was promptly slammed as "implausible" and good only for wealthier voters.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £17billion tax giveaway as the highlight of the Conservative manifesto, a proposal that was promptly slammed as "implausible" and good only for wealthier voters. The policy programme unveiled by the prime minister, seen by Tory MPs as possibly the party’s last big chance to win over voters, contained few big surprises and was centred around cuts to national insurance and stamp duty, higher thresholds for child benefit and help for pensioners. Also read: Rishi Sunak promises hundreds of millions in mental health benefits Launching the manifesto at Silverstone racetrack in Northamptonshire, Sunak accepted he faced an uphill task in convincing voters, not least after his early departure from D-day commemorations last week. "I recognise that people are frustrated with our party and with me," the prime minister said. However, by cutting taxes, he added, "we are upholding the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson, a party that, unlike Labour, believes in sound money." The tax cuts are projected to cost £17.2 billion annually by 2029-30. Much of the funding is expected to come from cracking down on tax avoidance and significantly reducing the welfare bill through unspecified methods. Think tanks have warned there is a significant risk that the financial calculations may not be feasible. Hours after Sunak launched the manifesto, Labour produced its own costings, which predicted a £17.4 billion annual shortfall by the end of the parliament. Also read: UK: Rishi Sunak's popularity down by 12% Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, said Sunak was “cosplaying Liz Truss” and risked sparking another rise in mortgage rates. Launching the manifesto to an audience including almost all the cabinet, Sunak announced another two per cent cut to national insurance contributions (NICs) and the gradual abolition of all NICs for self-employed people. After the manifesto was announced, some Tory MPs were hopeless. “It’s not going to shift the dial,” one said. Others felt it gave them some material to work with in their local constituencies. Sunak has repeatedly attacked Labour over its spending plans, making the much-criticised claim that this would result in £2,000 of extra taxes a household. However, his tax and spend plans are now coming under significant scrutiny – and some scepticism. Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the manifesto could be characterised as “definite giveaways paid for by uncertain, unspecific and apparently victimless savings”. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cosplaying Liz Truss': Rishi Sunak faces backlash over £17 billon tax giveaway

Scores of UK Business Leaders have signed a letter endorsing the Labour Party's economic plans that support letter which comes ahead of the country's July 4th elections yet another indication towards a possible Labour takeover.

UK: MRP poll predicts worst result for Tories, warns Tories headed for a major wipeout

A woman in Kerala delivered a baby girl on the KSRTC bus on Wednesday (May 29). She started experiencing severe labour pain while riding from Thrissur To Kozhikode ride with her husband. The quick-thinking driver immediately changed course and drove to Amala Hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital it was deduced that 37-year-old Serina was already in an advanced stage of labour. Since she was in a lot of pain, doctors ruled out moving her to the hospital. To ensure safe delivery, doctors and staff of the Amala Hospital rushed with medical equipment to facilitate the process of delivery on the bus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-passengers-faint-during-long-delay-on-flight-without-ac-727317">Air India gets show cause notice for 20-hour flight delay</a>

Visuals showing the entire scene have gone viral on the internet.

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You have seen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3Idiots?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3Idiots</a> where a baby delivery is carried out with medical help over skype, this one is a baby delivered in a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> State Transport Corporation bus that drove straight to hospital when a passenger developed labour pains; heartening to see alacrity &amp; speed of all.. <a href="https://t.co/Oslagn9rrU">pic.twitter.com/Oslagn9rrU</a>
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&nbsp;

"The initiation of labour pain had already begun. At that point in time, it was impossible for us to shift her to the emergency department... Then we had to take out the child and cut the (umbilical) cord there itself. We made sure that the baby and the mother were safe..." Dr Yasir Sulaiman of the Amala Hospital told ANI.

The mother was moved to the hospital ward post-delivery while the baby was in the NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit) for routine checkups and recovery.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-orders-ed-to-respond-to-kejriwals-bail-plea-in-delhi-liquor-scam-case-727218">Delhi court orders ED to respond to Kejriwal's bail plea in Delhi liquor scam case</a>

The driver of the KSRTC bus saved the day by changing the route instantly and rushing the woman in pain to the hospital, making sure that both the mother and child were in safe hands. Passengers also swiftly deboarded the bus to make way for the doctors to board the bus.

Mr. Ubaid TA, Assistant Transport Officer congratulated the mother and baby by giving them gifts.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A woman in Kerala delivered a baby girl on the KSRTC bus on Wednesday (May 29). She started experiencing severe labour pain while riding from Thrissur To Kozhikode ride with her husband.

A woman in Kerala delivered a baby girl on the KSRTC bus on Wednesday (May 29). She started experiencing severe labour pain while riding from Thrissur To Kozhikode ride with her husband. The quick-thinking driver immediately changed course and drove to Amala Hospital. Upon reaching the hospital it was deduced that 37-year-old Serina was already in an advanced stage of labour. Since she was in a lot of pain, doctors ruled out moving her to the hospital. To ensure safe delivery, doctors and staff of the Amala Hospital rushed with medical equipment to facilitate the process of delivery on the bus. Also read | Air India gets show cause notice for 20-hour flight delay Visuals showing the entire scene have gone viral on the internet. You have seen #3Idiots where a baby delivery is carried out with medical help over skype, this one is a baby delivered in a #Kerala State Transport Corporation bus that drove straight to hospital when a passenger developed labour pains; heartening to see alacrity & speed of all.. pic.twitter.com/Oslagn9rrU — Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) May 30, 2024 × "The initiation of labour pain had already begun. At that point in time, it was impossible for us to shift her to the emergency department... Then we had to take out the child and cut the (umbilical) cord there itself. We made sure that the baby and the mother were safe..." Dr Yasir Sulaiman of the Amala Hospital told ANI. The mother was moved to the hospital ward post-delivery while the baby was in the NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit) for routine checkups and recovery. Also read | Delhi court orders ED to respond to Kejriwal's bail plea in Delhi liquor scam case The driver of the KSRTC bus saved the day by changing the route instantly and rushing the woman in pain to the hospital, making sure that both the mother and child were in safe hands. Passengers also swiftly deboarded the bus to make way for the doctors to board the bus. Mr. Ubaid TA, Assistant Transport Officer congratulated the mother and baby by giving them gifts. (With inputs from agencies) 

Kerala woman safely gives birth on bus, driver garners praise for quick action

More bad news for the UK's conservative party as a new poll that suggests that the Rishi Sunak-led party is on course for its worst election defeat ever. Watch to know more.

UK: Polls show only 15% 'happy' for a Tory comeback, 34% vote 'happy' for Labout takeover

On Wednesday (May 22), British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the national election in the country on July 4. This announcement ended months of speculation as to when Prime Minister Sunak would call for a new vote.

On Wednesday (May 22), British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the national election in the country on July 4. This announcement ended months of speculation as to when Prime Minister Sunak would call for a new vote. "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future and decide whether it wants to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one and no certainty," Sunak said. "Over the next few weeks, I will fight for every vote, I will earn your trust and I will prove to you that only a Conservative government led by me will not put our hard-earned economic stability at risk," he added. Sunak called the election earlier than expected as he had until December to call an election that could have happened as late as January 28, 2025. Here's a look at the top contenders, the biggest issues, and the opinion polls so far: 1) The date of the national election has been set for July 4. The timing of the election is determined by the prime minister's calculation of the date most advantageous to the ruling Conservatives (colloquially known as Tories), a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Also read | Major blow to Rishi Sunak as former health minister switches over to Labour Party 2) People throughout the United Kingdom (UK) will choose all 650 members of the House of Commons for a term of up to five years. The party that commands a majority in the Commons, either alone or in coalition, will form the government and its leader will become the PM. 3) The top contenders in this election are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. The Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Democratic Unionist Party are the other big parties in parliament after the Conservatives and Labour. 4) Sunak, who became prime minister in October 2022, is expected to lead the Conservatives into the election. He will be facing competition from Labour Party's Keir Starmer. The Conservatives have been in power for the last 14 years but are trailing far behind Labour in opinion polls. 5) On Wednesday, Sunak accused Steimer of always taking the "easy way out" and of having no plan. "As a result, the future can only be uncertain with them," he said. Also watch | Rishi Sunak faces leadership challenge as Tory MPs submit letters of no confidence × 6) Responding to the prime minister, Steimer said, "On July 4 you (voters) have the choice and together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain and change our country." 7) The core issues in this election are the state of the country's economy, the immigration problem, healthcare, the environment, and climate change. 8) A report by the news agency Reuters said Sunak is heading to the election not only trailing far behind Labour but also seemingly facing isolation from his party. 9) Conservative lawmakers, who chose to remain anonymous, told Reuters that economic conditions might worsen. The Labour, meanwhile, accused the government of 14 years of economic mismanagement, leaving people worse off, with a series of chaotic administrations that have failed to give the stability businesses have craved to spur economic growth. 10) If the Labour Party wins the election, Britain will have had six prime ministers in eight years for the first time since the 1830s. (With inputs from agencies)

National election in UK set for July 4. Here's what we know so far

Labour has decided to take direct control of the selection race that will determine who replaces former party leader Jeremy Corbyn as the parliamentary candidate in Islington North. Watch in for more details!

UK: Labour takes direct control of selection to replace Jeremy Corbyn

In a fresh blow to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, another Conservative Member&nbsp;of Parliament defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday (May 8), becoming the second to do so recently. The ruling Conservatives suffered their second defection to the main opposition party in as many weeks, while overall Natalie Elphicke is the third Conservative lawmaker to defect to Labour since the last election in 2019.&nbsp;

This will increase problems for the Conservatives after heavy losses for the Tories in English local elections last week. They are already trailing Labour by about 20 points in opinion polls ahead of a national election expected this year.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-increases-minimum-savings-limit-for-student-visa-indians-to-be-impacted-719335">Australia increases minimum savings limit for student visa, Indians to be impacted</a>&nbsp;

Just before Sunak's weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ), Natalie Elphicke, who represents the Dover and Deal constituency in southeast England, announced her defection.&nbsp;

Dover is on the south coast of England, a region heavily affected by the small boat crossings from northern Europe. Sunak has promised to stop the people.

In her statement emailed by Labour, Elphicke said, "Under Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives have become a byword for incompetence and division. The center ground has been abandoned and key pledges of the 2019 manifesto have been ditched."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-york-citys-millionaire-population-soars-1-in-24-residents-now-has-over-seven-figures-wealth-719249">India’s Bengaluru among world’s millionaire cities, New York wealth hits $3tn mark</a>&nbsp;

She said Sunak's government had failed to stop the arrival of small boats carrying asylum seekers across the Channel, had failed to build enough homes, and had overseen a rise in homelessness.&nbsp;

"We need to move on from the broken promises of Rishi Sunak’s tired and chaotic government," she said.

Christian Wakeford switched in 2022 over former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's conduct around rule-breaking parties during COVID-19 lockdowns.&nbsp;

Last month, Dan Poulter, who is a former health minister, defected to Labour. He said that the government's record on the state-run National Health Service (NHS) meant he could no longer represent the Conservatives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a fresh blow to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, another Conservative Member of Parliament defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday (May 8), becoming the second to do so recently.

In a fresh blow to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, another Conservative Member of Parliament defected to the Labour Party on Wednesday (May 8), becoming the second to do so recently. The ruling Conservatives suffered their second defection to the main opposition party in as many weeks, while overall Natalie Elphicke is the third Conservative lawmaker to defect to Labour since the last election in 2019. This will increase problems for the Conservatives after heavy losses for the Tories in English local elections last week. They are already trailing Labour by about 20 points in opinion polls ahead of a national election expected this year. Also read: Australia increases minimum savings limit for student visa, Indians to be impacted Just before Sunak's weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ), Natalie Elphicke, who represents the Dover and Deal constituency in southeast England, announced her defection. Dover is on the south coast of England, a region heavily affected by the small boat crossings from northern Europe. Sunak has promised to stop the people. In her statement emailed by Labour, Elphicke said, "Under Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives have become a byword for incompetence and division. The center ground has been abandoned and key pledges of the 2019 manifesto have been ditched." Also read: India’s Bengaluru among world’s millionaire cities, New York wealth hits $3tn mark She said Sunak's government had failed to stop the arrival of small boats carrying asylum seekers across the Channel, had failed to build enough homes, and had overseen a rise in homelessness. "We need to move on from the broken promises of Rishi Sunak’s tired and chaotic government," she said. Christian Wakeford switched in 2022 over former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's conduct around rule-breaking parties during COVID-19 lockdowns. Last month, Dan Poulter, who is a former health minister, defected to Labour. He said that the government's record on the state-run National Health Service (NHS) meant he could no longer represent the Conservatives. (With inputs from agencies)

UK lawmaker Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour in fresh setback to Conservatives

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fears that Britain is headed towards a hung Parliament. Sunak has urged his cabinet to come together in the face of mounting Labour popularity. Watch in for more details!

UK: PM Sunak faces pressure to shift right after local polls

Pressure mounts on UK PM Rishi Sunak

Labour vs Tories, Where do the numbers stand?

After routing the Tories in the local elections, the labour party is now eyeing the UK's General Election. To achieve this goal on one hand they're planning to target the south of England while on the other they're making amends to their stand on the war in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Labour party shifts stand on Gaza to win Muslim support in the UK

Labour may fail to win target seats if young people turn away over Gaza and the environment. Labour risks losing a number of target seats as previously faithful progressive voters abandon the party, senior party figures and polling experts warn. Watch to know more.

UK: Labour may fail to grab target seats

Labour party has claimed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak simply believes he's on the way out because of his choice to bestow a 'knighthood' to&nbsp;a businessman and former Egyptian government minister who gave £5 million to the Conservative party.

Along with a number of Conservative MPs, Mohamed Mansour—who held the position of senior treasurer for the Tory party for just over a year—was among the unanticipated beneficiaries of awards that were revealed late on Thursday (March 28).

While the citation for Mansour said the knighthood was for business, charity and political service, Anneliese Dodds, the Labour chair, said it appeared clearly tied to his donation to the Tories.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-opens-up-on-racism-says-parents-wanted-him-to-speak-without-an-accent-to-fit-in-687065" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-opens-up-on-racism-says-parents-wanted-him-to-speak-without-an-accent-to-fit-in-687065&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiD466kt5mFAxUYT2wGHTy0BzgQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1auWGXnsQZ6VboZAuFnY2W&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-opens-up-on-racism-says-parents-wanted-him-to-speak-without-an-accent-to-fit-in-687065" target="_blank">Rishi&nbsp;Sunak&nbsp;opens up on racism, says parents wanted him to speak</a>

She told Sky News that this appeared to be the behaviour of either a very arrogant prime minister who simply doesn't give a damn about what the public thinks, or someone who is essentially demob happy and doesn't think he's going to stay in that position. “Really, I think the public are going to be quite shocked by this news today.

I believe Rishi Sunak has some important questions to answer once more today. And like I said, it tends to suggest that he doesn't give a damn about what the public thinks, or that he just thinks he's going to leave his position as prime minister soon, in which case he doesn't need to worry about this anymore.

"Labor has made it clear that we think those who have contributed to our public life should be recognised with honors," she&nbsp;stated.

"Someone who has contributed a significant amount to a political party shouldn't automatically be given preference or be rewarded in that way. Some people are philanthropists, and they donate to a wide variety of causes. However, this is special because we are discussing the Conservative Party's largest-ever donor at the moment,"&nbsp;Anneliese further said.

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At £5 million, Mansour's donation to the party is the largest yet. Frank Hester, a businessman, reportedly pledged an additional £5 million and donated £10 million since then.

When it became known that one of Mansour's family businesses was still in operation in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, the opposition demanded last year that Sunak return the donation.

Along with Mansour, the founder of DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, and the pair behind the films, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, also received knighthoods. Ted Sarandos, an American businessman and co-chief executive of Netflix, received an honorary knighthood.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-rishis-raw-deal-labour-party-attacks-sunak-in-latest-ad-677451" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-rishis-raw-deal-labour-party-attacks-sunak-in-latest-ad-677451&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-69i5t5mFAxXkXWwGHaQfBN04ChAWegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2R26V9jrHfLgKvay01cUHp&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-rishis-raw-deal-labour-party-attacks-sunak-in-latest-ad-677451" target="_blank">What is Rishi's 'raw deal'? Labour party attacks&nbsp;Sunak</a>

Philip Davies, a backbench MP, and Mark Spencer, a former senior whip under Johnson, were also knighted, and Harriett Baldwin, the chair of the Treasury committee, and former minister Tracey Crouch were made dame.

The decision to present a number of honours prior to the Easter break could reignite rumors that Sunak is considering holding a summer election.

(With inputs from agencies)

Labour party has claimed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak simply believes he's on the way out because of his choice to bestow a 'knighthood' to a businessman and former Egyptian government minister who gave £5 million to the Conservative party.

Labour party has claimed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak simply believes he's on the way out because of his choice to bestow a 'knighthood' to a businessman and former Egyptian government minister who gave £5 million to the Conservative party. Along with a number of Conservative MPs, Mohamed Mansour—who held the position of senior treasurer for the Tory party for just over a year—was among the unanticipated beneficiaries of awards that were revealed late on Thursday (March 28). While the citation for Mansour said the knighthood was for business, charity and political service, Anneliese Dodds, the Labour chair, said it appeared clearly tied to his donation to the Tories. Also read: Rishi Sunak opens up on racism, says parents wanted him to speak She told Sky News that this appeared to be the behaviour of either a very arrogant prime minister who simply doesn't give a damn about what the public thinks, or someone who is essentially demob happy and doesn't think he's going to stay in that position. “Really, I think the public are going to be quite shocked by this news today. I believe Rishi Sunak has some important questions to answer once more today. And like I said, it tends to suggest that he doesn't give a damn about what the public thinks, or that he just thinks he's going to leave his position as prime minister soon, in which case he doesn't need to worry about this anymore. "Labor has made it clear that we think those who have contributed to our public life should be recognised with honors," she stated. "Someone who has contributed a significant amount to a political party shouldn't automatically be given preference or be rewarded in that way. Some people are philanthropists, and they donate to a wide variety of causes. However, this is special because we are discussing the Conservative Party's largest-ever donor at the moment," Anneliese further said. Also read: Sunak popular as PM in just four seats across UK At £5 million, Mansour's donation to the party is the largest yet. Frank Hester, a businessman, reportedly pledged an additional £5 million and donated £10 million since then. When it became known that one of Mansour's family businesses was still in operation in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, the opposition demanded last year that Sunak return the donation. Along with Mansour, the founder of DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, and the pair behind the films, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, also received knighthoods. Ted Sarandos, an American businessman and co-chief executive of Netflix, received an honorary knighthood. Also read: What is Rishi's 'raw deal'? Labour party attacks Sunak Philip Davies, a backbench MP, and Mark Spencer, a former senior whip under Johnson, were also knighted, and Harriett Baldwin, the chair of the Treasury committee, and former minister Tracey Crouch were made dame. The decision to present a number of honours prior to the Easter break could reignite rumors that Sunak is considering holding a summer election. (With inputs from agencies)

Tory donor's Knighthood indicates Rishi Sunak's exit, says Labour party

Tories are hoping to stop Labour from winning the next UK elections by chalking out a strategy to woo the voters. They're calling it the three prime minister election campaign in a radical Tory plan to halt the Labour onslaught.

UK: Tories to deploy 3 PMs for election campaign

An international labour organisation report suggests that criminals are reaping obscene profits from forced labour. They are making profits to the tune of a quarter of one trillion dollars much of this money comes from sexual exploitation.

Profits from forced labour at nearly 1/4 of a trillion dollars

Donation are now pouring in for the UK's political parties received $119 million in donations last year almost double what they got in 2022. The Labour Party got its highest-ever amount of private donations across 2023.

UK political parties receive big funds

An alarming new report reveals how leading carmakers are at high risk of using aluminium produced by forced labour in China's Xinjiang province. According to a Human Rights Watch report, as much as one-fifth of China’s aluminium is produced by smelters in Xinjiang. Here, over a million ethnic minority Muslims have been subjected to internment as well as other abuses.

Gravitas | China's Dark Reality : Top carmakers linked to Uighur forced labor in Xinjiang

An Indian-American couple, who lured their cousin to the US with promises of education and later inflicted abuse on him by forcing him to labour, has now been convicted and faces hefty penalties. This comes after a two-week trial following which a federal jury in Virginia found the couple guilty of conspiracy to commit forced labour.

The couple has a convenience store where they coerced their cousin into providing labour and services.

Thirty-year-old Harmanpreet Singh and 43-year-old Kulbir Kaur now face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to USD 250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labour charge, media reports said.&nbsp;

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said that the couple played their cards on the victim's trust with US education promises and subjected him to physical and mental abuse.&nbsp;

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The Department of Justice revealed that Singh and Kaur used various coercive means.

The couple kept the living conditions of the cousin poor. In terms of labour, they tried to make their profits by pushing him to work for long hours with a minimum salary.

“These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victim with false promises of an education in the United States and instead subjecting him to gruelling hours, degrading living conditions, and a litany of mental and physical abuse,” said US Attorney Jessica D Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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As per federal prosecutors, the defendants lured the victim in 2018, when he was a minor.

They enchanted him to come to the United States with deceitful assurances of assisting him in enrolling in school.

Upon arrival, they seized his immigration documents and promptly compelled him to engage in labour.

According to court records, Singh physically assaulted the victim by pulling his hair. He used to slap and kick him whenever he would ask for his immigration documents in a bid to leave.

Additionally, on three separate occasions, Singh allegedly brandished a revolver to threaten the victim for wanting to take a day off and attempting to leave.

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“Forced labour and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents, and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case,” Aber said.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian-American couple, who lured their cousin to the US with promises of education and later inflicted abuse on him by forcing him to labour, has now been convicted and faces hefty penalties.

An Indian-American couple, who lured their cousin to the US with promises of education and later inflicted abuse on him by forcing him to labour, has now been convicted and faces hefty penalties. This comes after a two-week trial following which a federal jury in Virginia found the couple guilty of conspiracy to commit forced labour. The couple has a convenience store where they coerced their cousin into providing labour and services. Thirty-year-old Harmanpreet Singh and 43-year-old Kulbir Kaur now face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to USD 250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labour charge, media reports said. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said that the couple played their cards on the victim's trust with US education promises and subjected him to physical and mental abuse. Also Read | Turkey ratifies Sweden's much-delayed NATO bid, ball now in Hungary's court The Department of Justice revealed that Singh and Kaur used various coercive means. The couple kept the living conditions of the cousin poor. In terms of labour, they tried to make their profits by pushing him to work for long hours with a minimum salary. “These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victim with false promises of an education in the United States and instead subjecting him to gruelling hours, degrading living conditions, and a litany of mental and physical abuse,” said US Attorney Jessica D Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. Also Read | Biden wins as write-in candidate in New Hampshire Democratic primary As per federal prosecutors, the defendants lured the victim in 2018, when he was a minor. They enchanted him to come to the United States with deceitful assurances of assisting him in enrolling in school. Upon arrival, they seized his immigration documents and promptly compelled him to engage in labour. According to court records, Singh physically assaulted the victim by pulling his hair. He used to slap and kick him whenever he would ask for his immigration documents in a bid to leave. Additionally, on three separate occasions, Singh allegedly brandished a revolver to threaten the victim for wanting to take a day off and attempting to leave. Watch | US strikes three facilities in Iraq linked to Iran-backed militia for attacks on US forces × “Forced labour and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents, and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case,” Aber said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American couple lures cousin with false US education promises, inflicts horrific exploitation

Following the winding up of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy's start-up investment firm Catamaran Ventures in December last year, the country's main opposition party has raised questions about the impact of the closure on other companies.

UK: Labour scrutiny over closure of firm owned by PM Sunak's wife

Japan is set to quadruple its intake of Indonesian migrant workers, welcoming an additional 100,000 individuals over the next five years. This strategic move is to alleviate Japan's escalating labour shortages attributed to its ageing population.

Japan initiated the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) program in 2019, alongside the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), attracting foreign workers to address the growing demand. According to a report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan&nbsp;requires&nbsp;6.7 million foreign workers by 2040 to sustain its economic growth rate.

Indonesia, with 70 percent&nbsp;of its population aged between 17 and 64, seeks to leverage its "demographic dividend" by sending a substantial workforce abroad. This collaboration will not only address Japan's labour needs but also Indonesia's unemployment rate of 5.32 percent, representing 7.86 million working-age adults.

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Dody Kusumonegoro, the first economic consul at the Indonesian consulate in Osaka, reportedly highlighted Indonesia's pivotal role as a major supplier of foreign migrant workers to Japan, predicting a substantial growth in this trend.

The influx of workers under the SSW scheme hit a milestone last year, with 12,438 new workers arriving in Japan, marking the largest annual intake on record.

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Young Indonesian job seekers see Japan as an attractive destination for employment opportunities. However, the journey for these workers is not without challenges. While some, like Catur Purnomo from Banjarnegara in Central Java, find success in Japan, others face mistreatment by employment agencies, including wage siphoning and illegal practices.

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Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has licensed 362 agencies to send workers overseas, but 248 have had their licenses suspended for breaches of trust and malpractice since 2015.

Some workers expressed challenges in adapting to life in Japan and called for the need for improved language training and better living conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan is set to quadruple its intake of Indonesian migrant workers, welcoming an additional 100,000 individuals over the next five years. This strategic move is to alleviate Japan's escalating labour shortages attributed to its ageing population.

Japan is set to quadruple its intake of Indonesian migrant workers, welcoming an additional 100,000 individuals over the next five years. This strategic move is to alleviate Japan's escalating labour shortages attributed to its ageing population. Japan initiated the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) program in 2019, alongside the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), attracting foreign workers to address the growing demand. According to a report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan requires 6.7 million foreign workers by 2040 to sustain its economic growth rate. Indonesia, with 70 percent of its population aged between 17 and 64, seeks to leverage its "demographic dividend" by sending a substantial workforce abroad. This collaboration will not only address Japan's labour needs but also Indonesia's unemployment rate of 5.32 percent, representing 7.86 million working-age adults. Also Read | 'My train broke in two': Over 100 injured as carriages detach from train owing to icy tracks in Beijing Dody Kusumonegoro, the first economic consul at the Indonesian consulate in Osaka, reportedly highlighted Indonesia's pivotal role as a major supplier of foreign migrant workers to Japan, predicting a substantial growth in this trend. The influx of workers under the SSW scheme hit a milestone last year, with 12,438 new workers arriving in Japan, marking the largest annual intake on record. Also Read | Global oil demand faces sharp slowdown as economic woes bite, IEA warns Young Indonesian job seekers see Japan as an attractive destination for employment opportunities. However, the journey for these workers is not without challenges. While some, like Catur Purnomo from Banjarnegara in Central Java, find success in Japan, others face mistreatment by employment agencies, including wage siphoning and illegal practices. Watch | Spain tech to protect children from adult online content; users to verify age via app, QR code × Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has licensed 362 agencies to send workers overseas, but 248 have had their licenses suspended for breaches of trust and malpractice since 2015. Some workers expressed challenges in adapting to life in Japan and called for the need for improved language training and better living conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ageing Japan to embrace 100,000 workers from labour-rich Indonesia

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China.

Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said.

From December 11, goods produced by the three firms will be barred from entering the United States, bringing the number of designated companies to 30.

This comes "as a result of the companies' participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC," said the Department of Homeland Security, referring to the People's Republic of China.

COFCO Sugar Holding refines and produces sugar, Jingweida Technology makes devices like network transformers and radio frequency filters, while Xinya New Materials manufactures textile materials.

The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in the northwestern Xinjiang region as "genocide," although Beijing vehemently denies this.

According to rights groups, at least one million people, mostly members of Muslim minorities, have been incarcerated in the region and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilization of women and coerced labour.

The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from the Xinjiang region unless companies offer verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labour.

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China. Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said.

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China. Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said. From December 11, goods produced by the three firms will be barred from entering the United States, bringing the number of designated companies to 30. This comes "as a result of the companies' participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC," said the Department of Homeland Security, referring to the People's Republic of China. COFCO Sugar Holding refines and produces sugar, Jingweida Technology makes devices like network transformers and radio frequency filters, while Xinya New Materials manufactures textile materials. The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in the northwestern Xinjiang region as "genocide," although Beijing vehemently denies this. According to rights groups, at least one million people, mostly members of Muslim minorities, have been incarcerated in the region and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilization of women and coerced labour. The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from the Xinjiang region unless companies offer verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labour.

US bars imports from more Chinese firms on Uyghur forced labour concerns

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. 
 
In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation. 
 
Around £200 million is being invested by the British army in solar panels throughout the four of its sites. While responding to the BBC Freedom of Information request, the companies JA Solar, Trina and Qcells were listed by the Ministry of Defence as the solar panel suppliers. 
 
This year, a report published by the UK's Sheffield Hallam University in July flagged the three companies as having "very high" exposure to the production with the use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

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Speaking to the BBC, JA Solar and Qcells said that some actions were taken by them to ensure that forced labour was not a part of their supply chains. 
 
Speaking to BBC, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence said, "We have robust procedures in place that allow us to vet and routinely monitor all aspects of our supply chain which is kept under constant review."

<h2>Lack of transparency in supply chain</h2>

However, one of the authors who wrote the Sheffield Hallam report, Alan Crawford, said that he had gone through the list of companies obtained by the BBC and added that he feels his findings still stood. 
 
Crawford, who is a chemical engineer and has experience in supplier identification, said that big solar firms were not likely to purchase components which they knew were the products of forced labour. 
 
He added that there was a "lack of transparency" in the supply chain because of which some firms had to "hide behind" their "anti-slavery declarations", as reported by BBC.

Watch:&nbsp;Floating an energy idea: Scientists install 400 floating solar panels

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United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been facing appeals to take a harder line against China and to end the reliance of the UK on solar production from the country. 
 
Senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has been appealing to the UK government to "sanction and [impose] a ban on any solar company with links to Uyghur forced labour from operating in the UK". 
 
The Chinese government has been accused by the United States of arbitrarily detaining more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang prison camps. 
 
As per the state-sponsored programmes, goods like polysilicon are forcefully produced by the detainees. Polysilicon is a core ingredient in solar panels, as per the US Department of Labour.

(With inputs from agencies)

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation.

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation. Around £200 million is being invested by the British army in solar panels throughout the four of its sites. While responding to the BBC Freedom of Information request, the companies JA Solar, Trina and Qcells were listed by the Ministry of Defence as the solar panel suppliers. This year, a report published by the UK's Sheffield Hallam University in July flagged the three companies as having "very high" exposure to the production with the use of forced labour in Xinjiang. Also read: Installing solar panels more eco-friendly than planting trees: Study Speaking to the BBC, JA Solar and Qcells said that some actions were taken by them to ensure that forced labour was not a part of their supply chains. Speaking to BBC, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence said, "We have robust procedures in place that allow us to vet and routinely monitor all aspects of our supply chain which is kept under constant review." Lack of transparency in supply chain However, one of the authors who wrote the Sheffield Hallam report, Alan Crawford, said that he had gone through the list of companies obtained by the BBC and added that he feels his findings still stood. Crawford, who is a chemical engineer and has experience in supplier identification, said that big solar firms were not likely to purchase components which they knew were the products of forced labour. He added that there was a "lack of transparency" in the supply chain because of which some firms had to "hide behind" their "anti-slavery declarations", as reported by BBC. Watch: Floating an energy idea: Scientists install 400 floating solar panels United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been facing appeals to take a harder line against China and to end the reliance of the UK on solar production from the country. Senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has been appealing to the UK government to "sanction and [impose] a ban on any solar company with links to Uyghur forced labour from operating in the UK". The Chinese government has been accused by the United States of arbitrarily detaining more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang prison camps. As per the state-sponsored programmes, goods like polysilicon are forcefully produced by the detainees. Polysilicon is a core ingredient in solar panels, as per the US Department of Labour. (With inputs from agencies)

British Army used solar panels manufactured by forced labour in China: Report

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