British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covid&nbsp;response, and extended&nbsp;apologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic.

Sunak, relatively unknown before becoming finance minister amid the pandemic&nbsp;onset, stressed on&nbsp;the importance of deriving lessons from the crisis to enhance the country's preparedness for future challenges.

"I just wanted to start by saying how deeply sorry I am to all of those who lost loved ones, family members through the pandemic and also all those who suffered in the various different ways throughout the pandemic and as a result of the actions that were taken," he said.

"It's important that we learn the lessons so that we can be better prepared in the future," the prime minister added.

Sunak's apology extended to all who lost loved ones and those who endured various hardships.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-introduces-tighter-worker-visa-rules-rishi-sunak-dubs-it-radical-666459">Also read |&nbsp;UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration</a>

<h2>Inquiry into UK's COVID-19 response</h2>

The ongoing COVID inquiry in Britain scrutinises the nation's handling of the pandemic, bringing to light chaotic scenes in the government under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The pandemic was marked by alleged&nbsp;incompetence, internal strife, and misogyny.

While Sunak earned praise for managing pandemic fallout as finance minister, questions have arisen about whether his economic focus potentially compromised public health, with claims that he allegedly suggested "just let people die."

Officials and scientists question whether Sunak's emphasis on reopening the economy might have, inadvertently, taken a toll on public health measures, prompting a reevaluation of the economic-centric approach.

<h2>'Eat out to Help Out'&nbsp;scheme under fire</h2>

The inquiry is likely to scrutinise Sunak's "Eat out to Help Out" subsidised meal initiative in August 2020, aimed at boosting spending in the hospitality sector, with concerns raised about its potential contribution to a surge in infections.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-rishi-sunak-to-be-questioned-at-covid-inquiry-was-finance-minister-at-the-time-wion-668499/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists have questioned the scheme's role in potentially instigating&nbsp;a wave of infections, adding a layer of complexity to the inquiry's examination of policies enacted during critical phases of the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, and extended apologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, and extended apologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic. Sunak, relatively unknown before becoming finance minister amid the pandemic onset, stressed on the importance of deriving lessons from the crisis to enhance the country's preparedness for future challenges. "I just wanted to start by saying how deeply sorry I am to all of those who lost loved ones, family members through the pandemic and also all those who suffered in the various different ways throughout the pandemic and as a result of the actions that were taken," he said. "It's important that we learn the lessons so that we can be better prepared in the future," the prime minister added. Sunak's apology extended to all who lost loved ones and those who endured various hardships. Also read | UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration Inquiry into UK's COVID-19 response The ongoing COVID inquiry in Britain scrutinises the nation's handling of the pandemic, bringing to light chaotic scenes in the government under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The pandemic was marked by alleged incompetence, internal strife, and misogyny. While Sunak earned praise for managing pandemic fallout as finance minister, questions have arisen about whether his economic focus potentially compromised public health, with claims that he allegedly suggested "just let people die." Officials and scientists question whether Sunak's emphasis on reopening the economy might have, inadvertently, taken a toll on public health measures, prompting a reevaluation of the economic-centric approach. 'Eat out to Help Out' scheme under fire The inquiry is likely to scrutinise Sunak's "Eat out to Help Out" subsidised meal initiative in August 2020, aimed at boosting spending in the hospitality sector, with concerns raised about its potential contribution to a surge in infections. Also watch | UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time Scientists have questioned the scheme's role in potentially instigating a wave of infections, adding a layer of complexity to the inquiry's examination of policies enacted during critical phases of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, slammed for prioritising economy

In the latest, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed deep remorse in an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, offering apologies to bereaved families and those affected by the pandemic. in other news, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unexpectedly revealed the appointment of Mohan Yadav, a three-time Ujjain South MLA, as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Dr&nbsp;Gao Yaojie, a celebrated Chinese physician who courageously revealed the AIDS epidemic in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at 95.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-apologises-to-bereaved-families-in-covid-inquiry-faces-critique-on-economic-focus-668537">UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, faces critique on economic focus</a>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covid&nbsp;response, and extended&nbsp;apologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohan-yadav-to-be-the-new-chief-minister-of-madhya-pradesh-668532">BJP appoints Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh</a>

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-hunt-gunman-who-shot-dead-two-in-swiss-town-of-sion-668513">Police on hunt for gunman who shot dead two in Swiss town of Sion</a>

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As many as two people were killed while another was injured during a shooting incident in the southern Swiss town of Sion on Monday (Dec 11), according to a&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;report. The police are currently on the lookout for the gunman who remains on the run.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gao-yaojie-iconic-doctor-who-exposed-chinas-aids-epidemic-passes-away-at-95-668609">Gao Yaojie: Iconic doctor, who exposed China's AIDS epidemic, passes away at 95</a>

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Renowned Chinese doctor, Dr&nbsp;Gao Yaojie, who fearlessly exposed the AIDS epidemic&nbsp;in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 95. Her impactful contributions to raising awareness about the crisis, despite government pressure, have left an indelible mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-coffee-shop-fires-three-antisemitic-staffers-for-blocking-jewish-customer-from-using-washroom-668616">US: Coffee shop fires three antisemitic staffers for blocking Jewish customer from using washroom</a>

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A coffee shop in the US state of California has fired three of its employees after a viral video showed them blocking a Jewish woman from using the bathroom while hurling anti-Israel comments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-dance-again-freed-hamas-hostage-mia-schem-strikes-defiance-with-new-tattoo-668602">'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo</a>

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Released after 54 days in captivity by Hamas last month, 21-year-old Mia&nbsp;Schem has got a new tattoo that reads, "We will dance again", as a sign of defiance against the terror outfit.&nbsp;

Taking to her Instagram handle,&nbsp;Schem posted a picture of the tattoo with the date 7.10.23 below it, referring to when she was abducted by Hamas members.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-uk-elections-all-set-to-be-most-unequal-in-60-years-says-top-think-tank-668587">Next UK elections all set to be most unequal in 60 years, says top think tank</a>

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The upcoming UK election is all set to be the most unequal in 60 years, a think-tank has revealed.

Unequal election means that the gap in voter turnout based on age, income, class, home ownership and ethnicity has widened the most so far.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) released a report recently which showed that the gap between social groups was the least in the 1960s but had grown to 18 per cent by 2010.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-presidential-vote-in-four-occupied-ukrainian-regions-668598">Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions</a>

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The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted in four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-does-justice-sk-kauls-separate-sentimental-ruling-on-article-370-means-668573">What does Justice SK Kaul's separate 'sentimental' ruling on Article 370 intend to achieve?</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/11/398556-untitled-design-20.png?imwidth=3840" />

In a separate but concurrent ruling during the hearing assessing the validity of abrogation of Article 370, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul called for an impartial investigation into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, carried out by both state and non-state actors. He recommended setting up a&nbsp;"Truth and Reconciliation Commission" to look into the matter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-mission-in-mali-officially-concludes-10-year-deployment-668564">UN mission in Mali officially concludes 10-year deployment</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/11/398553-succession-2023-12-11t180218365.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The United Nations on Monday (Dec 11) officially concluded its decade-old deployment in Mali, its spokesperson released a statement saying, in a move that Mali's military leaders ordered.&nbsp;

In the latest, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed deep remorse in an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, offering apologies to bereaved families and those affected by the pandemic.

In the latest, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed deep remorse in an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, offering apologies to bereaved families and those affected by the pandemic. in other news, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unexpectedly revealed the appointment of Mohan Yadav, a three-time Ujjain South MLA, as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Dr Gao Yaojie, a celebrated Chinese physician who courageously revealed the AIDS epidemic in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at 95. Click on the headlines to read more. UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, faces critique on economic focus British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covid response, and extended apologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic. BJP appoints Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency. Police on hunt for gunman who shot dead two in Swiss town of Sion As many as two people were killed while another was injured during a shooting incident in the southern Swiss town of Sion on Monday (Dec 11), according to a Reuters report. The police are currently on the lookout for the gunman who remains on the run. Gao Yaojie: Iconic doctor, who exposed China's AIDS epidemic, passes away at 95 Renowned Chinese doctor, Dr Gao Yaojie, who fearlessly exposed the AIDS epidemic in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 95. Her impactful contributions to raising awareness about the crisis, despite government pressure, have left an indelible mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS. US: Coffee shop fires three antisemitic staffers for blocking Jewish customer from using washroom A coffee shop in the US state of California has fired three of its employees after a viral video showed them blocking a Jewish woman from using the bathroom while hurling anti-Israel comments. 'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo Released after 54 days in captivity by Hamas last month, 21-year-old Mia Schem has got a new tattoo that reads, "We will dance again", as a sign of defiance against the terror outfit. Taking to her Instagram handle, Schem posted a picture of the tattoo with the date 7.10.23 below it, referring to when she was abducted by Hamas members. Next UK elections all set to be most unequal in 60 years, says top think tank The upcoming UK election is all set to be the most unequal in 60 years, a think-tank has revealed. Unequal election means that the gap in voter turnout based on age, income, class, home ownership and ethnicity has widened the most so far. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) released a report recently which showed that the gap between social groups was the least in the 1960s but had grown to 18 per cent by 2010. Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted in four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11). What does Justice SK Kaul's separate 'sentimental' ruling on Article 370 intend to achieve? In a separate but concurrent ruling during the hearing assessing the validity of abrogation of Article 370, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul called for an impartial investigation into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, carried out by both state and non-state actors. He recommended setting up a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" to look into the matter. UN mission in Mali officially concludes 10-year deployment The United Nations on Monday (Dec 11) officially concluded its decade-old deployment in Mali, its spokesperson released a statement saying, in a move that Mali's military leaders ordered.

Top 10 world news: Rishi Sunak apologises in Covid inquiry, Madhya Pradesh's new CM, and more

Rishi Sunak argued that ministers should let Covid "rip a bit" according to a damning diary extract disclosed to the Covid Inquiry.

UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time | WION

A humorous incident occurred at 10 Downing Street as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were briefly locked out of the iconic London residence during their meeting on Friday. Videos and images circulating online capture the leaders attempting to enter but facing a temporarily locked door.

Despite the doorstep hiccup, the leaders engaged in crucial discussions. An official press release from Sunak's office outlined their talks, expressing regret over the breakdown of the fighting pause to release hostages and emphasizing the importance of delivering more aid to Gaza.

Watch the video here:

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Rishi Sunak gets locked out of 10 downing street while meeting with the dutch prime minister <a href="https://t.co/jlkZ8WBDsY">pic.twitter.com/jlkZ8WBDsY</a>
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) <a href="https://twitter.com/UB1UB2/status/1733421647741300983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-uk-pm-sunaks-task-force-for-grooming-gang-crackdown-will-not-adhere-to-political-correctness-578650">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | UK PM Sunak’s task force for grooming gang crackdown will not adhere to ‘political correctness’</a>

The leaders shared a similar outlook on the situation and pledged continued close cooperation in supporting Ukraine's defense. The conversation also delved into addressing the scourge of illegal migration, with Sunak updating Rutte on the UK's recent steps, including the Rwanda policy and the Illegal Migration Act.

<h2>Controversial immigration plan and minister's resignation</h2>

The meeting took place amid controversy surrounding Sunak's anti-immigration plan, "Stop The Boats," proposing asylum seekers be sent to Rwanda. This plan has caused internal divisions, leading to the resignation of Sunak's immigration minister, Robert Jenrick.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunaks-political-enemies-allegedly-plotting-the-end-of-his-career-in-london-restaurant-report-668134">Also read | UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report</a>

In his resignation letter, Jenrick highlighted the high stakes and the necessity for stronger protections to prevent legal challenges. Sunak defended the plan, attributing opposition to a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Microsoft's ties with OpenAI comes under US-UK scrutiny

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsofts-ties-with-openai-comes-under-us-uk-scrutiny-667835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

A humorous incident occurred at 10 Downing Street as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were briefly locked out of the iconic London residence during their meeting on Friday.

A humorous incident occurred at 10 Downing Street as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte were briefly locked out of the iconic London residence during their meeting on Friday. Videos and images circulating online capture the leaders attempting to enter but facing a temporarily locked door. Despite the doorstep hiccup, the leaders engaged in crucial discussions. An official press release from Sunak's office outlined their talks, expressing regret over the breakdown of the fighting pause to release hostages and emphasizing the importance of delivering more aid to Gaza. Watch the video here: Rishi Sunak gets locked out of 10 downing street while meeting with the dutch prime minister pic.twitter.com/jlkZ8WBDsY — UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) December 9, 2023 × Also read | Explained | UK PM Sunak’s task force for grooming gang crackdown will not adhere to ‘political correctness’ The leaders shared a similar outlook on the situation and pledged continued close cooperation in supporting Ukraine's defense. The conversation also delved into addressing the scourge of illegal migration, with Sunak updating Rutte on the UK's recent steps, including the Rwanda policy and the Illegal Migration Act. Controversial immigration plan and minister's resignation The meeting took place amid controversy surrounding Sunak's anti-immigration plan, "Stop The Boats," proposing asylum seekers be sent to Rwanda. This plan has caused internal divisions, leading to the resignation of Sunak's immigration minister, Robert Jenrick. Also read | UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report In his resignation letter, Jenrick highlighted the high stakes and the necessity for stronger protections to prevent legal challenges. Sunak defended the plan, attributing opposition to a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. Also watch | Microsoft's ties with OpenAI comes under US-UK scrutiny (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Rishi Sunak, Dutch PM briefly locked out of 10 Downing Street. Video

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9). As per the report, a group of MPs and political strategists dining at Giovanni were busy turning a torrent of headlines damaging to Sunak. The report said that the group intended to leave 10 Downing Street reeling from a series of blows in the wake of the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary in November.

One of the plotters of the group has been open about wanting to crash the Sunak administration to install a new leader before the upcoming election.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-work-rishi-sunak-pleads-conservatives-to-support-his-rwanda-asylum-plan-667281">'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan</a>

"Our polling is down to 20 per cent, which is wipeout territory. Even a five per cent bounce from a new leader would save a decent number of seats. [Sunak] can't win on the legislation, because every wing of the party is p***** off for one reason or another," the plotter told the publication.

Suella Braverman's resignation and her brutally parting letter were followed by the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick over PM Sunak's plans to use emergency legislation to rescue his scheme to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, which he felt did not go far enough.

<h2>A crucial vote on Tuesday</h2>

Now on Tuesday, Downing Street would open the latest advent calendar window, when lawmakers are given the first chance to vote on the legislation.&nbsp;

Supporters of Sunak have scathed about Jenrick's resignation. One Home Office&nbsp;source told the Daily Mail, "He (Jenrick) thinks he is the new darling of the Right, but it's a Damascene conversion given that prior to joining the Home Office he thought the whole premise of the Rwanda scheme was wrong."

A Tory source, meanwhile, told the publication that Braverman and Jenrick fought like rats in a sack in the Home Office, constantly wrangling for the limelight and blaming each other when something went wrong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-introduces-tighter-worker-visa-rules-rishi-sunak-dubs-it-radical-666459">UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration</a>

Before the vote is held on Tuesday, the European Research Group's (ERG) Sir Bill Cash will chair a 'star chamber' which will give its verdict on the proposed Rwandan legislation.

The report further said that last week's plotting moved up a gear in the hours after Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled his Rwanda Bill in the Commons with around 36 MPs including Braverman drinking wine in West Dorset MP Chris Loder's office.

"The mood was jubilant after Rob Jenrick went. All the talk was – what will our next chess move be?," one rebel lawmaker told the publication.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9).

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9). As per the report, a group of MPs and political strategists dining at Giovanni were busy turning a torrent of headlines damaging to Sunak. The report said that the group intended to leave 10 Downing Street reeling from a series of blows in the wake of the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary in November. One of the plotters of the group has been open about wanting to crash the Sunak administration to install a new leader before the upcoming election. Also read | 'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan "Our polling is down to 20 per cent, which is wipeout territory. Even a five per cent bounce from a new leader would save a decent number of seats. [Sunak] can't win on the legislation, because every wing of the party is p***** off for one reason or another," the plotter told the publication. Suella Braverman's resignation and her brutally parting letter were followed by the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick over PM Sunak's plans to use emergency legislation to rescue his scheme to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, which he felt did not go far enough. A crucial vote on Tuesday Now on Tuesday, Downing Street would open the latest advent calendar window, when lawmakers are given the first chance to vote on the legislation. Supporters of Sunak have scathed about Jenrick's resignation. One Home Office source told the Daily Mail, "He (Jenrick) thinks he is the new darling of the Right, but it's a Damascene conversion given that prior to joining the Home Office he thought the whole premise of the Rwanda scheme was wrong." A Tory source, meanwhile, told the publication that Braverman and Jenrick fought like rats in a sack in the Home Office, constantly wrangling for the limelight and blaming each other when something went wrong. Also read: UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration Before the vote is held on Tuesday, the European Research Group's (ERG) Sir Bill Cash will chair a 'star chamber' which will give its verdict on the proposed Rwandan legislation. The report further said that last week's plotting moved up a gear in the hours after Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled his Rwanda Bill in the Commons with around 36 MPs including Braverman drinking wine in West Dorset MP Chris Loder's office. "The mood was jubilant after Rob Jenrick went. All the talk was – what will our next chess move be?," one rebel lawmaker told the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report

British High Commissioner Alex Ellis has lauded India's initiatives on climate change, with the international solar alliance, LiFE initiatives, Green Credits Initiative and both India and the UK working together on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ellis said, "India is going to be leading the way, not just in India that really matters but also in other countries and we're partnering together".

He pointed to the British government's focus on the climate issue and how "Prime Minister Sunak came with some new money at the COP " to deal with the challenge of climate finance.&nbsp;

On India and UK ties, he emphasised that the focus is on a "very deep, broad future-looking relationship" even as both sides work together on the free trade agreement. On the issue of Khalistani extremism and attack on Indian mission, he highlighted how there is a shared will on that issue by the two sides.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The world is dealing with the climate crisis. What was the key focus for the British PM at the COP summit in Dubai? UK's focus during this year's COP28 summit in Dubai?

Alex Ellis: You are right to use the word crisis. The truth is that the increase in temperatures across the world&nbsp;is dangerously high and the consequences of that every day forever even in the extreme weather events which India is witnessing, including Chennai very sadly over the last week or so, is a crisis. The UK's response is part of the global response. We have halved our emissions as we grow our economy since the 1990s. We are putting a lot more money into how we are going to address the crisis, not just in terms of how we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also how we are going to deal with the consequences of climate change which are already felt in India and across the world. That's why Prime Minister Sunak came with some new money at the COP exactly for that. Now, lots of countries are coming to the COP summit, Prime Minister Modi was there as well because this is truly a shared global challenge and we can only do it together.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The British Prime Minister said that climate politics is at a breaking point. There was a pledge of $2 billion as well, if you can elaborate on that.&nbsp;

Alex Ellis: What he was saying was that we have to bring people with us. The UK has gone a long way and halved our emissions almost, we're on, we have a legally binding target to reduce them by 68% by 2030. That's well on the way to net zero, a remarkable achievement. But we have to bring people with us. You can't just do it from the top down. You've got to bring people along and one of the interesting things I've seen in India is how Prime Minister Modi has made this not just about investment and stuff but also about lifestyle through the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative as part of bringing your population with you to accept the changes which are necessary if we're really going to deal with climate change.

Sidhant Sibal: But the developing countries like India have been saying that the West, the developed countries have not fulfilled their commitments regarding climate finance. What do you have to say about this criticism?&nbsp;

Alex Ellis: The United Kingdom is putting a great deal of money into climate finance. And we're delighted that one of the things which has come out of this COP already in its first week was the agreement on a loss and damage fund to deal with some of the consequences of climate change, particularly in developing countries. So we're putting a lot of money in. In fact, I think there were developed countries on track for the Copenhagen pledge of $100 billion per year of public money. That is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is that most of the capital is going to come from the private sector. And that's why you need to create initiatives and ideas where the public money could help the private money to come in. That's why we strongly supported India's proposals on changing, for example, the World Bank. The World Bank is more focused on bringing in private capital, it's great and it came out in the G 20. Our own private finance arm of the British government's British International Investment (BII) as well as the development capital programme, putting money into Indian enterprises and trying to attract private capital, because that isn't how you're going to solve this.

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's role when it comes to dealing with climate change? Now we know that we have the International Solar Alliance, which has seen an enthusiastic response from many countries and also in Dubai, we saw the Indian Prime Minister launching the green credit initiative, what do you have to say on that?

Alex Ellis: I think it's going to be very important to create the market mechanisms which allow private companies to be able to trade green credits in a way which encourages sustainability. That's what we have in the UK, through our own carbon market. That's what happens to quite a lot of the developed world because, in the end, it's going to be a private enterprise initiative, which is really going to help us to do this within frameworks which are set by the government. Now the big end, of course, is to keep the rising global temperatures to 1.5 degrees on pre-industrial levels. That's a very ambitious aim. It's something we pushed very hard in Glasgow a couple of years ago with Prime Minister Modi with some very big initiatives being announced. It's a big challenge for India, but also a huge opportunity. So I think India is going to be the first major economy that's going to seek to get up to developing country status, PM Modi has been really clear about that ambition, using increasingly green energy and not just powered by fossil fuels, and that's a big ask, you've got to grow a lot. That means consuming more energy. There's no way it is not going to be consuming more energy. But where does that energy come from? So the big initiatives about how we can get more with hydrogen on stream, how we get more renewables on stream, in some cases nuclear, UK signed up to a nuclear alliance with other countries as well. All of these are necessary to power India's growth in a sustainable way.

Sidhant Sibal: How are the UK, and India working together to deal with this crisis? UK is co-chair of the CDRI as well if you can elaborate on that

Alex Ellis: It is one of the main planks of the 2030 roadmap we have between the UK and India signed by the Prime Ministers 18 months ago and that's everything from the research for example in green hydrogen through to business investments. So for example, Shell has brought big renewables companies here. Other companies are putting a lot more money into renewables and sustainability. Through joint programs on things like electric vehicles. I was in the Northeast last weekend talking to the chief ministers of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya exactly about how we could do more sustainable transport in the future. So it's a combination of that government intervention, it is a combination of some funding as well to get to the research areas, and also just allowing very talented people to thrive, also through other kinds of stimulus. So we just had one of the winners of Prince William, the Prince of Wales, Earthshot Prize was a fantastic company called S4S Technologies, an Indian company which has really innovative solutions about how you reduce food waste. So this was almost every aspect of our work. And we do it also internationally. You're absolutely right to mention the CDRI. There's also an International Solar Alliance as well. UK and India work together in other countries to try and help them, for example, to create more Disaster Resilient infrastructure, India has fantastic experience in this and to try to get more rollout of solar across the world as well. So India is going to be leading the way, not just in India that really matters but also in other countries and we're partnering together with them to try and make that work.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: At the COP summit in Dubai, we saw PM Modi pitching India to host the COP33 summit in India. How do you see this announcement?

Alex Ellis: It is an exciting announcement. Of course, it's for the process to deliver the outcomes for the final decision, but what I would observe is, firstly, India's global ambition, which was evident in the G 20&nbsp;presidency, the ambition with Prime Minister Modi shown at Glasgow when he announced an enormous increase in renewables, other reduction in energy intensity, that is a message which you want to get out across the world. So it's very welcomed that India's bid for that and we'll see what comes out of it but it's very exciting.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: You just mentioned how India and the UK are working together when it comes to dealing with climate change. Are you looking at some third-country, both countries working together for a third-country initiative?

Alex Ellis:&nbsp;We do that in some areas, for example on infrastructure for small island states. So we have a creating facility around that. We'd like to see if we can create, get some of India's very effective frugal innovation, and work with some other countries across the world. So India has a lot to show the world. We have already shown by COVIDSHIELD vaccine, with British technology, Indian manufacturing might be projected to some of India's neighbours for example, and that was originally British research and technology which got turned into something of benefit to the world. So that's a nice model to try and think about how you can apply it elsewhere.

Sidhant Sibal: So now moving from climate to the bilateral aspect of the relationship, how do you characterize this relationship? We saw the visit of the Indian External Affairs Minister to your country and he met the new foreign secretary as well on a very interesting day. So if you can talk about this relationship

Alex Ellis: You are quite right, Minister Jaishankar met the Home Secretary James Cleverly in his last meeting as Foreign Secretary and his first meeting as home secretary and was the first person from outside the UK whom new Foreign Secretary James Cameron met as well. So in the end it was a very auspicious timing. The UK, India partnership is a forward-looking one, it's very broad, we are dealing with climate, we're dealing with the living bridge increasingly on defence and security, trade and investment as well as the negotiations on the FTA, Research and Development, Health, sustainability and we had to look forward. You know, we have in the past that, we have had its consequences, be one of the good consequences has been an extraordinary number of people from India, from the subcontinent going to the UK and thriving. You have to keep looking forward, what are the challenges of tomorrow. How are we going to promote green investment for example, how are we going to ensure that we have sustainable growth, across the world, how we're going to keep the Indo-Pacific safe and secure, these are big, big challenges. The focus of the world. evermore going to move towards India, towards the Indo-Pacific and that's of interest to us as well. We want a free, sustainable. open Indo-Pacific that is in India's interest as well.

Sidhant Sibal: Any update on UK, India FTA talks, and rumours that the UK PM is to travel to India in January, anything on that?

Alex Ellis: There are always rumours. Let's deal with the fact that we've had a high-level negotiating team here this week in Delhi exactly to see if we can crack the toughest nut in relation to the FTA. This is hard, no doubt about it. What I saw this week with a shared will and I have to give my respect to the Indian side and the really shared will the top of the Indian Government to see if we can make this happen. There are some tough things which we have to get through but I have to say there is a sheer determination to try to do so.

Sidhant Sibal: Anything on PM's visit?

Alex Ellis: Let's deal with the FTA and investment treaty, first.

Sidhant Sibal: My Last question to you, there are certain issues as well. Every substantive relationship has that and in this case, we have seen earlier this year Khalistani extremists indulging in acts of violence and vandalism. What do you have to say about these acts?

Alex Ellis: Any form of extremism, by its definition, this is not something which we accept in the United Kingdom. Where there are expressions of extremism in the United Kingdom. That is a British problem, not just an Indian problem. That's a British problem because we cannot have acts of violence which break the law in our own country. How would you go about tackling that? The sharp end, the police will have to arrest people and they will have done in some cases related to Khalistani extremism. The regulators have powers for example, when you have TV stations which are not really TV stations. Charities which are not really charities, UK charities regulators act in that spirit as well. You have cooperation between the two governments and have a better understanding of what's the problem because, by definition, it's a cross-border issue, as well. And finally, you have to do the prevent work. In other words, to make clear that this is not acceptable and the Sikh community in the United Kingdom for example, thrives and does very well but we don't want any community to stir by acts of extremism. So you need the cooperation and you also sometimes need a firmer approach and that's what we've taken, as well as of course, making sure there's proper protection of the buildings and most importantly, the people of the Indian High Commission. That's why the police, it is a judgment for them. They have increased presence outside the High Commissioner. We're talking to the Indian Government in more longer term, measures to improve physical security as well.

Sidhant Sibal: But have you been able to assuage the concerns of the Indian side, because in the past, we have seen the Indian side very vocal publicly about these issues..

Alex Ellis: That is for the Indian government to say rather than for me, but what I think is we have a constant dialogue and we recognize our issues in the UK. That's why our security minister was out here in August actually announcing more money and effort into understanding the problem and being able to address it in the United Kingdom. So I hope that we can, there's so much good and what we need to do, and I've talked about many of those things, whether it's on the free trade agreement, whether it's on investments, both ways where there's sustainability, and we should not be diverted from our course of a very deep, broad future looking relationship.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Well thank you so much for speaking to WION

Alex Ellis: Thank you for not mentioning cricket.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: I can mention I mean, it has been an important pillar of the relationship.

Alex Ellis: Mainly India winning, but the English test team will be back in January, so we will see how that will go.

British High Commissioner Alex Ellis has lauded India's initiatives on climate change, with the international solar alliance, LiFE initiatives, Green Credits Initiative and both India and the UK working together on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

British High Commissioner Alex Ellis has lauded India's initiatives on climate change, with the international solar alliance, LiFE initiatives, Green Credits Initiative and both India and the UK working together on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ellis said, "India is going to be leading the way, not just in India that really matters but also in other countries and we're partnering together". He pointed to the British government's focus on the climate issue and how "Prime Minister Sunak came with some new money at the COP " to deal with the challenge of climate finance. On India and UK ties, he emphasised that the focus is on a "very deep, broad future-looking relationship" even as both sides work together on the free trade agreement. On the issue of Khalistani extremism and attack on Indian mission, he highlighted how there is a shared will on that issue by the two sides. Sidhant Sibal: The world is dealing with the climate crisis. What was the key focus for the British PM at the COP summit in Dubai? UK's focus during this year's COP28 summit in Dubai? Alex Ellis: You are right to use the word crisis. The truth is that the increase in temperatures across the world is dangerously high and the consequences of that every day forever even in the extreme weather events which India is witnessing, including Chennai very sadly over the last week or so, is a crisis. The UK's response is part of the global response. We have halved our emissions as we grow our economy since the 1990s. We are putting a lot more money into how we are going to address the crisis, not just in terms of how we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also how we are going to deal with the consequences of climate change which are already felt in India and across the world. That's why Prime Minister Sunak came with some new money at the COP exactly for that. Now, lots of countries are coming to the COP summit, Prime Minister Modi was there as well because this is truly a shared global challenge and we can only do it together. Sidhant Sibal: The British Prime Minister said that climate politics is at a breaking point. There was a pledge of $2 billion as well, if you can elaborate on that. Alex Ellis: What he was saying was that we have to bring people with us. The UK has gone a long way and halved our emissions almost, we're on, we have a legally binding target to reduce them by 68% by 2030. That's well on the way to net zero, a remarkable achievement. But we have to bring people with us. You can't just do it from the top down. You've got to bring people along and one of the interesting things I've seen in India is how Prime Minister Modi has made this not just about investment and stuff but also about lifestyle through the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative as part of bringing your population with you to accept the changes which are necessary if we're really going to deal with climate change. Sidhant Sibal: But the developing countries like India have been saying that the West, the developed countries have not fulfilled their commitments regarding climate finance. What do you have to say about this criticism? Alex Ellis: The United Kingdom is putting a great deal of money into climate finance. And we're delighted that one of the things which has come out of this COP already in its first week was the agreement on a loss and damage fund to deal with some of the consequences of climate change, particularly in developing countries. So we're putting a lot of money in. In fact, I think there were developed countries on track for the Copenhagen pledge of $100 billion per year of public money. That is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is that most of the capital is going to come from the private sector. And that's why you need to create initiatives and ideas where the public money could help the private money to come in. That's why we strongly supported India's proposals on changing, for example, the World Bank. The World Bank is more focused on bringing in private capital, it's great and it came out in the G 20. Our own private finance arm of the British government's British International Investment (BII) as well as the development capital programme, putting money into Indian enterprises and trying to attract private capital, because that isn't how you're going to solve this. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's role when it comes to dealing with climate change? Now we know that we have the International Solar Alliance, which has seen an enthusiastic response from many countries and also in Dubai, we saw the Indian Prime Minister launching the green credit initiative, what do you have to say on that? Alex Ellis: I think it's going to be very important to create the market mechanisms which allow private companies to be able to trade green credits in a way which encourages sustainability. That's what we have in the UK, through our own carbon market. That's what happens to quite a lot of the developed world because, in the end, it's going to be a private enterprise initiative, which is really going to help us to do this within frameworks which are set by the government. Now the big end, of course, is to keep the rising global temperatures to 1.5 degrees on pre-industrial levels. That's a very ambitious aim. It's something we pushed very hard in Glasgow a couple of years ago with Prime Minister Modi with some very big initiatives being announced. It's a big challenge for India, but also a huge opportunity. So I think India is going to be the first major economy that's going to seek to get up to developing country status, PM Modi has been really clear about that ambition, using increasingly green energy and not just powered by fossil fuels, and that's a big ask, you've got to grow a lot. That means consuming more energy. There's no way it is not going to be consuming more energy. But where does that energy come from? So the big initiatives about how we can get more with hydrogen on stream, how we get more renewables on stream, in some cases nuclear, UK signed up to a nuclear alliance with other countries as well. All of these are necessary to power India's growth in a sustainable way. Sidhant Sibal: How are the UK, and India working together to deal with this crisis? UK is co-chair of the CDRI as well if you can elaborate on that Alex Ellis: It is one of the main planks of the 2030 roadmap we have between the UK and India signed by the Prime Ministers 18 months ago and that's everything from the research for example in green hydrogen through to business investments. So for example, Shell has brought big renewables companies here. Other companies are putting a lot more money into renewables and sustainability. Through joint programs on things like electric vehicles. I was in the Northeast last weekend talking to the chief ministers of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya exactly about how we could do more sustainable transport in the future. So it's a combination of that government intervention, it is a combination of some funding as well to get to the research areas, and also just allowing very talented people to thrive, also through other kinds of stimulus. So we just had one of the winners of Prince William, the Prince of Wales, Earthshot Prize was a fantastic company called S4S Technologies, an Indian company which has really innovative solutions about how you reduce food waste. So this was almost every aspect of our work. And we do it also internationally. You're absolutely right to mention the CDRI. There's also an International Solar Alliance as well. UK and India work together in other countries to try and help them, for example, to create more Disaster Resilient infrastructure, India has fantastic experience in this and to try to get more rollout of solar across the world as well. So India is going to be leading the way, not just in India that really matters but also in other countries and we're partnering together with them to try and make that work. Sidhant Sibal: At the COP summit in Dubai, we saw PM Modi pitching India to host the COP33 summit in India. How do you see this announcement? Alex Ellis: It is an exciting announcement. Of course, it's for the process to deliver the outcomes for the final decision, but what I would observe is, firstly, India's global ambition, which was evident in the G 20 presidency, the ambition with Prime Minister Modi shown at Glasgow when he announced an enormous increase in renewables, other reduction in energy intensity, that is a message which you want to get out across the world. So it's very welcomed that India's bid for that and we'll see what comes out of it but it's very exciting. Sidhant Sibal: You just mentioned how India and the UK are working together when it comes to dealing with climate change. Are you looking at some third-country, both countries working together for a third-country initiative? Alex Ellis: We do that in some areas, for example on infrastructure for small island states. So we have a creating facility around that. We'd like to see if we can create, get some of India's very effective frugal innovation, and work with some other countries across the world. So India has a lot to show the world. We have already shown by COVIDSHIELD vaccine, with British technology, Indian manufacturing might be projected to some of India's neighbours for example, and that was originally British research and technology which got turned into something of benefit to the world. So that's a nice model to try and think about how you can apply it elsewhere. Sidhant Sibal: So now moving from climate to the bilateral aspect of the relationship, how do you characterize this relationship? We saw the visit of the Indian External Affairs Minister to your country and he met the new foreign secretary as well on a very interesting day. So if you can talk about this relationship Alex Ellis: You are quite right, Minister Jaishankar met the Home Secretary James Cleverly in his last meeting as Foreign Secretary and his first meeting as home secretary and was the first person from outside the UK whom new Foreign Secretary James Cameron met as well. So in the end it was a very auspicious timing. The UK, India partnership is a forward-looking one, it's very broad, we are dealing with climate, we're dealing with the living bridge increasingly on defence and security, trade and investment as well as the negotiations on the FTA, Research and Development, Health, sustainability and we had to look forward. You know, we have in the past that, we have had its consequences, be one of the good consequences has been an extraordinary number of people from India, from the subcontinent going to the UK and thriving. You have to keep looking forward, what are the challenges of tomorrow. How are we going to promote green investment for example, how are we going to ensure that we have sustainable growth, across the world, how we're going to keep the Indo-Pacific safe and secure, these are big, big challenges. The focus of the world. evermore going to move towards India, towards the Indo-Pacific and that's of interest to us as well. We want a free, sustainable. open Indo-Pacific that is in India's interest as well. Sidhant Sibal: Any update on UK, India FTA talks, and rumours that the UK PM is to travel to India in January, anything on that? Alex Ellis: There are always rumours. Let's deal with the fact that we've had a high-level negotiating team here this week in Delhi exactly to see if we can crack the toughest nut in relation to the FTA. This is hard, no doubt about it. What I saw this week with a shared will and I have to give my respect to the Indian side and the really shared will the top of the Indian Government to see if we can make this happen. There are some tough things which we have to get through but I have to say there is a sheer determination to try to do so. Sidhant Sibal: Anything on PM's visit? Alex Ellis: Let's deal with the FTA and investment treaty, first. Sidhant Sibal: My Last question to you, there are certain issues as well. Every substantive relationship has that and in this case, we have seen earlier this year Khalistani extremists indulging in acts of violence and vandalism. What do you have to say about these acts? Alex Ellis: Any form of extremism, by its definition, this is not something which we accept in the United Kingdom. Where there are expressions of extremism in the United Kingdom. That is a British problem, not just an Indian problem. That's a British problem because we cannot have acts of violence which break the law in our own country. How would you go about tackling that? The sharp end, the police will have to arrest people and they will have done in some cases related to Khalistani extremism. The regulators have powers for example, when you have TV stations which are not really TV stations. Charities which are not really charities, UK charities regulators act in that spirit as well. You have cooperation between the two governments and have a better understanding of what's the problem because, by definition, it's a cross-border issue, as well. And finally, you have to do the prevent work. In other words, to make clear that this is not acceptable and the Sikh community in the United Kingdom for example, thrives and does very well but we don't want any community to stir by acts of extremism. So you need the cooperation and you also sometimes need a firmer approach and that's what we've taken, as well as of course, making sure there's proper protection of the buildings and most importantly, the people of the Indian High Commission. That's why the police, it is a judgment for them. They have increased presence outside the High Commissioner. We're talking to the Indian Government in more longer term, measures to improve physical security as well. Sidhant Sibal: But have you been able to assuage the concerns of the Indian side, because in the past, we have seen the Indian side very vocal publicly about these issues.. Alex Ellis: That is for the Indian government to say rather than for me, but what I think is we have a constant dialogue and we recognize our issues in the UK. That's why our security minister was out here in August actually announcing more money and effort into understanding the problem and being able to address it in the United Kingdom. So I hope that we can, there's so much good and what we need to do, and I've talked about many of those things, whether it's on the free trade agreement, whether it's on investments, both ways where there's sustainability, and we should not be diverted from our course of a very deep, broad future looking relationship. Sidhant Sibal: Well thank you so much for speaking to WION Alex Ellis: Thank you for not mentioning cricket. Sidhant Sibal: I can mention I mean, it has been an important pillar of the relationship. Alex Ellis: Mainly India winning, but the English test team will be back in January, so we will see how that will go.

UK envoy Alex Ellis asserts India's leadership role in addressing climate change

In a supremely awkward moment rarely witnessed in the world of global politics, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak got locked out of 10 Downing Street along with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte on Thursday (Dec 7). 
 
As the photographers continuously clicked the photos of the two leaders, they were forced to awkwardly fumble in front of the doors after some staff accidentally locked them outside the headquarters of the politician. 
 
In the hilarious video of the incident, Sunak is seen walking out of residence at 10 Downing Street in London to welcome Rutte. Just as Sunak left, the massive black door of the house, which had been adorned with a festive wreath, swiftly closed behind his back, literally leaving the conservative leader out in the cold.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-work-rishi-sunak-pleads-conservatives-to-support-his-rwanda-asylum-plan-667281">'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan</a>

The politicians, unaware of the situation, posed for handshake shots and exchanged niceties on the doorstep before they turned to go inside and hold discussions, only to find the door locked.

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as well as everything else Rishi Sunak can’t open his own front door <a href="https://t.co/z9lC5K5Wwm">pic.twitter.com/z9lC5K5Wwm</a>
— dave ❄️ 🥕 🧻 (@mrdavemacleod) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrdavemacleod/status/1733261027473514653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Sunak pushes the door, but fails to open it</h2>

The two leaders uncomfortably continued chatting while facing the building and waiting for the custodian to open the door. Minutes later, 43-year-old Sunak was forced to push against the door but to no avail. 
 
Then, the two leaders swapped places on the doorstep and tried looking into two lower-level windows in the hope of catching the attention of someone present inside, as the media continued snapping them. 
 
Finally, the door was opened and the men got inside the house. Before getting inside, 56-year-old Rutte had a giant smile on his face and waved to the crowd of reporters before following Sunak.

Watch:&nbsp;UK: Hardliners turn turn the screws on Rishi Sunak; Deep slits in Conservative Party?&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-hardliners-turn-turn-the-screws-on-rishi-sunak-deep-slits-in-conservative-party-wion-667547/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the meeting, the Dutch prime minister wrote on X, “Naturally we also talked about the alarming situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.” 
 
The awkward encounter came just hours after it was proclaimed by Sunak that he would “do what is necessary” to revive a blocked deal so that asylum-seekers could be sent to Rwanda.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a supremely awkward moment rarely witnessed in the world of global politics, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak got locked out of 10 Downing Street along with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte on Thursday (Dec 7).

In a supremely awkward moment rarely witnessed in the world of global politics, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak got locked out of 10 Downing Street along with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte on Thursday (Dec 7). As the photographers continuously clicked the photos of the two leaders, they were forced to awkwardly fumble in front of the doors after some staff accidentally locked them outside the headquarters of the politician. In the hilarious video of the incident, Sunak is seen walking out of residence at 10 Downing Street in London to welcome Rutte. Just as Sunak left, the massive black door of the house, which had been adorned with a festive wreath, swiftly closed behind his back, literally leaving the conservative leader out in the cold. Also read: 'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan The politicians, unaware of the situation, posed for handshake shots and exchanged niceties on the doorstep before they turned to go inside and hold discussions, only to find the door locked. as well as everything else Rishi Sunak can’t open his own front door pic.twitter.com/z9lC5K5Wwm — dave ❄️ 🥕 🧻 (@mrdavemacleod) December 8, 2023 × Sunak pushes the door, but fails to open it The two leaders uncomfortably continued chatting while facing the building and waiting for the custodian to open the door. Minutes later, 43-year-old Sunak was forced to push against the door but to no avail. Then, the two leaders swapped places on the doorstep and tried looking into two lower-level windows in the hope of catching the attention of someone present inside, as the media continued snapping them. Finally, the door was opened and the men got inside the house. Before getting inside, 56-year-old Rutte had a giant smile on his face and waved to the crowd of reporters before following Sunak. Watch: UK: Hardliners turn turn the screws on Rishi Sunak; Deep slits in Conservative Party? After the meeting, the Dutch prime minister wrote on X, “Naturally we also talked about the alarming situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.” The awkward encounter came just hours after it was proclaimed by Sunak that he would “do what is necessary” to revive a blocked deal so that asylum-seekers could be sent to Rwanda. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Sunak gets locked out of 10 Downing Street with Dutch PM in chilly weather

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is struggling to avert a leadership crisis. His plan to revive the Rwanda immigration policy has led to turmoil in his party and the resignation of his immigration minister. Is Sunak's premiership in trouble?

Gravitas: Will the Tories rebel against Sunak

On the other hand prime minister Rishi Sunak is facing increasing pressure from the hardliners in Britain's ruling conservative party. Sunak's position has been considerably weakened by the resignation of his immigration Minister.

UK: Braverman seen to be positioning herself as future leader

Britain's ruling Conservative Party is in disarray after its Immigration Minister quit over legislation regarding sending migrants to Rwanda. Hardliners are turning the screw on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The UK leader's position looks increasingly vulnerable after Robert Jenrick said he quit due to strong disagreements with direction of the government's policy on Immigration.

UK: Hardliners turn turn the screws on Rishi Sunak; Deep slits in Conservative Party? | WION

After facing mounting pressure to address record net migration figures, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a series of stringent measures to curtail the influx of migrants arriving by legal routes. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the move comes in response to the staggering annual net migration figure of 745,000 in 2022, with concerns raised about the impact on various sectors, including healthcare, and the persistently tight labour market. <o:p></o:p>

Sunak emphasised the need for "radical action" to bring down immigration levels.<o:p></o:p>

Salient measures to reduce migration<o:p></o:p>

The proposed measures include a significant increase in the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers, raising it to £38,700 (approximately $49,000) from the current £26,200 ($33,000). Notably, health and social workers would be exempted from this adjustment. <o:p></o:p>

Home Secretary James Cleverly said that these measures could potentially reduce net migration by 300,000. The government also intends to halt foreign health workers from bringing in family members on their visas, increase the surcharge migrants pay for using the health service by 66 per cent, and elevate the minimum income requirement for family visas.<o:p></o:p>

Impact on businesses and trade unions<o:p></o:p>

While the government asserts that these measures aim to prioritise British workers and prevent immigration from undercutting their salaries, businesses and trade unions have voiced concerns. Critics argue that the reforms could exacerbate labour shortages, particularly in sectors already grappling with recruitment challenges. <o:p></o:p>

The proposed abolition of the shortage occupations list, a vital route for businesses to hire migrant workers in sectors facing severe staff shortages, has sparked further debate. Trade unions, including UNISON, the primary health sector union, warn of a "total disaster" for the health service, predicting that migrants might opt for more welcoming countries.<o:p></o:p>

Challenges and scepticism<o:p></o:p>

Despite the government's intent to address concerns about immigration, scepticism prevails. Some studies suggest that foreign workers have minimal impact on overall wage and employment levels. The acute shortage of candidates to fill vacancies remains a significant challenge for businesses. <o:p></o:p>

Kate Nicholls, the Chief Executive of trade body, UKHospitality, expressed the need for developing an immigration system that caters to business needs and the labour market. The Bank of England acknowledged persistent skills shortages in certain sectors, even as hiring becomes slightly more manageable.<o:p></o:p>

Controversial moves and future outlook<o:p></o:p>

As the UK embarks on this immigration overhaul, controversies loom, particularly regarding the potential fallout for businesses and essential services like healthcare. The government's pledge to review the list of shortage occupations and eliminate the practice of paying migrants less than the going rate for jobs with labour shortages adds another layer to the unfolding reforms. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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After facing mounting pressure to address record net migration figures, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a series of stringent measures to curtail the influx of migrants arriving by legal routes.

After facing mounting pressure to address record net migration figures, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a series of stringent measures to curtail the influx of migrants arriving by legal routes. According to Reuters, the move comes in response to the staggering annual net migration figure of 745,000 in 2022, with concerns raised about the impact on various sectors, including healthcare, and the persistently tight labour market. Sunak emphasised the need for "radical action" to bring down immigration levels. Salient measures to reduce migration The proposed measures include a significant increase in the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers, raising it to £38,700 (approximately $49,000) from the current £26,200 ($33,000). Notably, health and social workers would be exempted from this adjustment. Home Secretary James Cleverly said that these measures could potentially reduce net migration by 300,000. The government also intends to halt foreign health workers from bringing in family members on their visas, increase the surcharge migrants pay for using the health service by 66 per cent, and elevate the minimum income requirement for family visas. Impact on businesses and trade unions While the government asserts that these measures aim to prioritise British workers and prevent immigration from undercutting their salaries, businesses and trade unions have voiced concerns. Critics argue that the reforms could exacerbate labour shortages, particularly in sectors already grappling with recruitment challenges. The proposed abolition of the shortage occupations list, a vital route for businesses to hire migrant workers in sectors facing severe staff shortages, has sparked further debate. Trade unions, including UNISON, the primary health sector union, warn of a "total disaster" for the health service, predicting that migrants might opt for more welcoming countries. Challenges and scepticism Despite the government's intent to address concerns about immigration, scepticism prevails. Some studies suggest that foreign workers have minimal impact on overall wage and employment levels. The acute shortage of candidates to fill vacancies remains a significant challenge for businesses. Kate Nicholls, the Chief Executive of trade body, UKHospitality, expressed the need for developing an immigration system that caters to business needs and the labour market. The Bank of England acknowledged persistent skills shortages in certain sectors, even as hiring becomes slightly more manageable. Controversial moves and future outlook As the UK embarks on this immigration overhaul, controversies loom, particularly regarding the potential fallout for businesses and essential services like healthcare. The government's pledge to review the list of shortage occupations and eliminate the practice of paying migrants less than the going rate for jobs with labour shortages adds another layer to the unfolding reforms. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK discloses immigration reforms: Stricter visas aim to curb soaring migration

Rishi Sunak's immigration policy and its success is likely to be a key part of the fortunes of the Conservative Party going forward and now that ruling party is in a dilemma after its Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigned.

UK's Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda legislation

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday (Dec 7), Sunak&nbsp;said the plan will work, to appease the Tories who want him to withdraw the UK from the European Court of Human Rights, to stop courts blocking removals.

"This bill will work...we will get flights off the ground, we will deter illegal migrants from coming here and we will finally stop the boats," said Sunak.&nbsp;

"I want to finish the job. Finishing the job means getting this legislation on the statute book," he added.

Sunak said his plan was the&nbsp;"only approach" as going any further would mean that Rwanda "will collapse the scheme and then we will have nowhere to send anyone to".&nbsp;

Sunak's statement came a day after his immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned from the position&nbsp;due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration.

He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience".

"The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-immigration-minister-quits-over-rwanda-bill-666990">Also read |&nbsp;UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill</a>

<h2>Why the protest?</h2>

Notably, last&nbsp;month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Sunak's immigration&nbsp;move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions.&nbsp;

Afterwards, the Sunak administration signed a new&nbsp;migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed.&nbsp;To mitigate the Supreme Court's&nbsp;concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the&nbsp;Financial Times.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-new-rwanda-plan-suffers-blow-as-immigration-minister-quits-667126">Watch |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda plan suffers blow as immigration minister quits</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-5">What is the Rwanda asylum plan?</h2>

Former interior minister Priti Patel in April 2022&nbsp;brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy"&nbsp;but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings.

Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats.&nbsp;

In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough. During a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday (Dec 7), Sunak said the plan will work, to appease the Tories who want him to withdraw the UK from the European Court of Human Rights, to stop courts blocking removals. "This bill will work...we will get flights off the ground, we will deter illegal migrants from coming here and we will finally stop the boats," said Sunak. "I want to finish the job. Finishing the job means getting this legislation on the statute book," he added. Sunak said his plan was the "only approach" as going any further would mean that Rwanda "will collapse the scheme and then we will have nowhere to send anyone to". Sunak's statement came a day after his immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned from the position due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration. He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience". "The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote. Also read | UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill Why the protest? Notably, last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Sunak's immigration move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions. Afterwards, the Sunak administration signed a new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed. To mitigate the Supreme Court's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the Financial Times. Watch | UK: PM Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda plan suffers blow as immigration minister quits × What is the Rwanda asylum plan? Former interior minister Priti Patel in April 2022 brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings. Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats. In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals. (With inputs from agencies)

'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appealed to his ruling conservative party to unite behind his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. He has warned that if he toughened it any further, the whole scheme could collapse. The Rwanda plan is at the center of Sunak’s immigration policy, and its success is likely to be key to the fortunes of his conservative party.

British PM Sunak appeals to his party to unite behind Rwanda plan

Indian-origin Samir Shah will be the next chairman of the UK's state broadcaster. His appointment comes after his predecessor Richard Sharp quit in April over a loan to then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

Indian-origin Samir Shah to become new Chairman of BBC | World DNA

UK's immigration minister Robert Jenrick on Wednesday (Dec 6) resigned from his position, said Interior Minister James Cleverly after the government published draft legislation which was aimed at deploying the Rwandan migrant deportation scheme.

On being asked by a lawmaker in parliament to confirm if Jenrick had resigned, Cleverly said: "That has been confirmed."

Jenrick, who had held the position of the immigration minister since the month of October last year, was not present in parliament as Cleverly delivered a statement on the proposed legislation.

His resignation came after Rwanda released a statement warning that it would pull out of a treaty to accept migrants if the UK fails to respect international law.

Jenrick quit after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration published emergency legislation which was designed to make sure Rwanda is considered a safe country after Supreme Court judges in the UK deemed it wasn't.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-deeply-sorry-to-families-of-covid-victims-during-inquiry-into-britains-handling-of-pandemic-666817">Pandemic inquiry: Boris Johnson says ‘deeply sorry' to Covid victims’ families</a>

<h2>'Strong disagreements'</h2>

In his resignation, Jenrick said that he had quit due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration.

He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience".

"The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote.

Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda.

Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible" reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens.&nbsp;

Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions.&nbsp;

To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, as per the Financial Times.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

UK's immigration minister Robert Jenrick on Wednesday (Dec 6) resigned from his position, said Interior Minister James Cleverly after the government published draft legislation which was aimed at deploying the Rwandan migrant deportation scheme.

UK's immigration minister Robert Jenrick on Wednesday (Dec 6) resigned from his position, said Interior Minister James Cleverly after the government published draft legislation which was aimed at deploying the Rwandan migrant deportation scheme. On being asked by a lawmaker in parliament to confirm if Jenrick had resigned, Cleverly said: "That has been confirmed." Jenrick, who had held the position of the immigration minister since the month of October last year, was not present in parliament as Cleverly delivered a statement on the proposed legislation. His resignation came after Rwanda released a statement warning that it would pull out of a treaty to accept migrants if the UK fails to respect international law. Jenrick quit after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's administration published emergency legislation which was designed to make sure Rwanda is considered a safe country after Supreme Court judges in the UK deemed it wasn't. Also read: Pandemic inquiry: Boris Johnson says ‘deeply sorry' to Covid victims’ families 'Strong disagreements' In his resignation, Jenrick said that he had quit due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration. He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience". "The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote. Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda. Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible" reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens. Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions. To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, as per the Financial Times. (With inputs from agencies)

UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill

UK: Rwanda plan at centre of Sunak's immigration policy; Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigns

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's popularity has significantly plummeted according to new findings. The UK PM is now even less popular than Liz Truss among the key Tory voters. The main beneficiaries, amid the turmoil in the Tory ranks, have been the Labour Party. The right-wing Reform UK is also now backed by 15% of 2019 Tories.

Gravitas: Rishi Sunak's Popularity Plummets | British PM Fares Worse Than Liz Truss

UK’s Conservative Party is going through its toughest phase under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s watch, as more and more voters turn to the right-wing Reform Party.

A pollster has found that Sunak’s popularity has dipped below that of his short-lived predecessor Liz Truss, who put the embattled party in power the last time.

JL Partners in a ‘deep-dive analysis’ claimed that Sunak’s period had caused ‘an implosion’ within the Conservatives, thus handing over a clear edge to the Labour Party in the January 2025 elections.

<h2>Sunak’s miseries in numbers</h2>

According to the analysis by JL Partners, a mere 59 per cent of Conservatives who backed Boris Johnson in the 2019 elections, are throwing their weight behind Sunak.&nbsp;

That’s down from 74 per cent in August and 63 per cent in September last year.

The pollster also claimed that the Tories have lost a whopping 520,000 votes since the prime minister’s speech at the Conservative Party conference at the beginning of October.

<h2>Reform Party gaining traction</h2>

The report revealed that 15 per cent of Conservatives who backed the party in the 2019 elections were now rooting for the Reform Party. This translates into a net loss of 1.5 million votes for the Tories.

It also said that five per cent of 2019 voters turned to the centrist Liberal Democrat party, while 18 per cent have now started backing Labour.

<h2>Sunak’s biggest challenge</h2>

Amongst all, the immigration policy remains Sunak’s biggest challenge as his plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was ruled unlawful by the UK’s top court last month.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak

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Now, it remains to be seen how far Sunak is willing to go to risk Britain’s commitments to international human rights law as he vows to erect a strong, hardline migration policy.

<h2>Silver lining</h2>

The only silver lining for Sunak that came out of the poll analysis is the ‘confusion’ of fence-sitters.

The poll said around 50 per cent of voters who say they are undecided are expected to vote Conservative on election day, a phenomenon which pundits often term the “shy Tory” effect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-feels-special-as-he-jokes-about-being-referred-to-as-son-in-law-of-india-633758">Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak feels `special` as he jokes about being referred to as `son-in-law of India`</a>

“Rishi Sunak can count on some undecided voters to narrow the Labour lead, and the British public is hardly elated by the prospect of a Labour government,” James Johnson, the founder of JL Partners, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.&nbsp;

“That’s where the good news for the Tories stops: They are in dire straits,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK’s Conservative Party is going through its toughest phase under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s watch, as more and more voters turn to the right-wing Reform Party.

UK’s Conservative Party is going through its toughest phase under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s watch, as more and more voters turn to the right-wing Reform Party. A pollster has found that Sunak’s popularity has dipped below that of his short-lived predecessor Liz Truss, who put the embattled party in power the last time. JL Partners in a ‘deep-dive analysis’ claimed that Sunak’s period had caused ‘an implosion’ within the Conservatives, thus handing over a clear edge to the Labour Party in the January 2025 elections. Sunak’s miseries in numbers According to the analysis by JL Partners, a mere 59 per cent of Conservatives who backed Boris Johnson in the 2019 elections, are throwing their weight behind Sunak. That’s down from 74 per cent in August and 63 per cent in September last year. The pollster also claimed that the Tories have lost a whopping 520,000 votes since the prime minister’s speech at the Conservative Party conference at the beginning of October. Reform Party gaining traction The report revealed that 15 per cent of Conservatives who backed the party in the 2019 elections were now rooting for the Reform Party. This translates into a net loss of 1.5 million votes for the Tories. It also said that five per cent of 2019 voters turned to the centrist Liberal Democrat party, while 18 per cent have now started backing Labour. Sunak’s biggest challenge Amongst all, the immigration policy remains Sunak’s biggest challenge as his plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was ruled unlawful by the UK’s top court last month. Watch: Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak × Now, it remains to be seen how far Sunak is willing to go to risk Britain’s commitments to international human rights law as he vows to erect a strong, hardline migration policy. Silver lining The only silver lining for Sunak that came out of the poll analysis is the ‘confusion’ of fence-sitters. The poll said around 50 per cent of voters who say they are undecided are expected to vote Conservative on election day, a phenomenon which pundits often term the “shy Tory” effect. Also read: UK PM Rishi Sunak feels `special` as he jokes about being referred to as `son-in-law of India` “Rishi Sunak can count on some undecided voters to narrow the Labour lead, and the British public is hardly elated by the prospect of a Labour government,” James Johnson, the founder of JL Partners, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. “That’s where the good news for the Tories stops: They are in dire straits,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Implosion’ within Conservatives, above 40% supporters turned away under Sunak: Poll

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country.&nbsp;

Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible"&nbsp;reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens.&nbsp;

Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions.&nbsp;

To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the&nbsp;Financial Times.&nbsp;

Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy"&nbsp;but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings.

Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats.&nbsp;

In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-announces-law-to-stop-illegal-immigrants-569817">WATCH |&nbsp;UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants</a>

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<h2>Sunak's back-and-forth on migrant&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;</h2>

At the start of the year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, amid much pomp, laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to&nbsp;stop migrants from entering the UK illegally.&nbsp;

However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit mid-year when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also&nbsp;pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-wont-happen-overnight-sunak-appears-defeatist-on-small-boats-channel-crossings-582456">Also read | 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue</a>

“I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview.&nbsp;

The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. up until August this year, a total of 25,043 illegal migrants had the journey across the Channel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country.

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country. Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible" reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens. Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions. To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the Financial Times. Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings. Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats. In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals. WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants Sunak's back-and-forth on migrant crisis At the start of the year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, amid much pomp, laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit mid-year when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections. Also read | 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue “I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. up until August this year, a total of 25,043 illegal migrants had the journey across the Channel. (With inputs from agencies)

UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation

The UK government has launched a comprehensive immigration plan, signaling a paradigm shift in the nation's approach. the measures, declared with a resounding "enough is enough" by Sunak, encompass a full-scale assault on immigration.

UK announces radical measures to cut immigration | World Business Watch

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's approval rating takes a hit. Sunak's rating worse than ex-PM Truss among UK voters. Five prominent Tory ministers are now in negative rating.

UK's PM Rishi Sunak falls to his lowest negative ratings to date

British PM Rishi Sunak comes under fire after he cancelled a meeting with a visiting Greek PM over a dispute over Parthenon sculptures. The Greek PM first expressed annoyance and then assured that it wouldn't affect bilateral ties. But political analysts say that such a step shows the British PM's desperate bid to win popularity among voters.

Gravitas: Sunak's desperate bid to appease voters? Diplomatic row after UK's snub to Greek PM

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event". However, he stated that this would not affect the relations between Greece and Britain in the long run.

In a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis, reflecting on the "positive side" of the issue said that it gave him the opportunity to further underline Greece’s request for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

He then said that the Greek-British relations have had a deep, significant, history.&nbsp;

“I returned yesterday from London. Just two words about the unfortunate event of the cancellation of my programmed meeting with my British counterpart. My first observation is that I believe it will not affect Greek-British relations in the long run, which are already relations that have a deep, significant, history," Mitsotakis said.&nbsp;

"And secondly, the cancellation of this meeting had a positive side, in that the fair request by Greece for the re-unification of the Parthenon marbles gained even greater publicity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in global public opinion,” he added.

Sakellaropoulou said the re-unification of the marbles had uncovered recognition in British as well as international public opinion, however, she said that some issues could not be solved ‘automatically’ and required time.

“We all followed the developments in London, what I find significant is that the Parthenon is a symbol not only of the Classical period but is also important for global cultural heritage, as the symbol of democracy and philosophy," she said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-youngest-nato-ally-seals-all-it-border-crossings-with-russia-664200">Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all it border crossings with Russia</a>

Thus the re-unification of the marbles, which is a request by our country that goes back perhaps as early as the creation of the state - but of course the last years it has progressed - has found recognition and understanding from public opinion, international public opinion, British public opinion, and that may be the great profit, because there are some issues that cannot be solved automatically, they need their time. With that in mind we can hope that the just request of our country will find a response quickly,” she further added.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled his Tuesday's meeting with Mitsotakis after his office released a statement saying that both sides had previously decided that it should not be used as a public platform "to relitigate long, long settled matters."

"It's simply the case that if assurances are given and they're not adhered to, there are consequences for that," Sunak's spokesman told reporters.

Greece has repeatedly urged the British Museum to send back the 2,500-year-old sculptures that were removed by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in the early 19th century. During this period, Greece was under Ottoman Turkish rule.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-parthenon-sculptures-row-triggered-between-united-kingdom-and-greece-663622">Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece</a>

<h2>Greek PM expresses displeasure&nbsp;</h2>

After Sunak called off the meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his "displeasure" and also declined the UK's offer to meet Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden instead to discuss the issues.

"I would like to express my displeasure at the British Prime Minister's cancellation of our meeting just a few hours before it was due to take place," the Greek leader said in a brief statement.&nbsp;

A Downing Street spokesperson said "The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important", citing joint work within NATO and "tackling shared challenges like illegal migration" and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

"The deputy prime minister was available to meet with the Greek PM to discuss these important issues," the spokesperson added, without referencing the marbles issue. 
&nbsp; 
Mitsotakis lamented, "Greece's position on the issue of the Parthenon friezes is well known. I had hoped to have the opportunity to discuss them with my British counterpart".

"Those who believe in the rightness and validity of their positions are never afraid to confront the arguments," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event".

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday (Nov 29) dubbed the cancellation of his meeting with British counterpart Rishi Sunak over the Parthenon marbles as an "unfortunate event". However, he stated that this would not affect the relations between Greece and Britain in the long run. In a meeting with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis, reflecting on the "positive side" of the issue said that it gave him the opportunity to further underline Greece’s request for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures. He then said that the Greek-British relations have had a deep, significant, history. “I returned yesterday from London. Just two words about the unfortunate event of the cancellation of my programmed meeting with my British counterpart. My first observation is that I believe it will not affect Greek-British relations in the long run, which are already relations that have a deep, significant, history," Mitsotakis said. "And secondly, the cancellation of this meeting had a positive side, in that the fair request by Greece for the re-unification of the Parthenon marbles gained even greater publicity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in global public opinion,” he added. Sakellaropoulou said the re-unification of the marbles had uncovered recognition in British as well as international public opinion, however, she said that some issues could not be solved ‘automatically’ and required time. “We all followed the developments in London, what I find significant is that the Parthenon is a symbol not only of the Classical period but is also important for global cultural heritage, as the symbol of democracy and philosophy," she said. Also read: Finland, youngest NATO ally, seals all it border crossings with Russia Thus the re-unification of the marbles, which is a request by our country that goes back perhaps as early as the creation of the state - but of course the last years it has progressed - has found recognition and understanding from public opinion, international public opinion, British public opinion, and that may be the great profit, because there are some issues that cannot be solved automatically, they need their time. With that in mind we can hope that the just request of our country will find a response quickly,” she further added. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled his Tuesday's meeting with Mitsotakis after his office released a statement saying that both sides had previously decided that it should not be used as a public platform "to relitigate long, long settled matters." "It's simply the case that if assurances are given and they're not adhered to, there are consequences for that," Sunak's spokesman told reporters. Greece has repeatedly urged the British Museum to send back the 2,500-year-old sculptures that were removed by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in the early 19th century. During this period, Greece was under Ottoman Turkish rule. Also read: Explained: The Parthenon Sculptures row between United Kingdom and Greece Greek PM expresses displeasure After Sunak called off the meeting, Mitsotakis expressed his "displeasure" and also declined the UK's offer to meet Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden instead to discuss the issues. "I would like to express my displeasure at the British Prime Minister's cancellation of our meeting just a few hours before it was due to take place," the Greek leader said in a brief statement. A Downing Street spokesperson said "The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important", citing joint work within NATO and "tackling shared challenges like illegal migration" and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "The deputy prime minister was available to meet with the Greek PM to discuss these important issues," the spokesperson added, without referencing the marbles issue. Mitsotakis lamented, "Greece's position on the issue of the Parthenon friezes is well known. I had hoped to have the opportunity to discuss them with my British counterpart". "Those who believe in the rightness and validity of their positions are never afraid to confront the arguments," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mitsotakis says cancellation of meeting with Sunak will not affect Greece-Britain relations

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