The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (November 2) defended how his&nbsp;government handled Channel migrants. Sunak's remarks come amid building tensions to address the deteriorating conditions at a processing centre in southeast England.&nbsp;

The UK prime minister did admit that not enough asylum claims are being processed, but he promised to fix the system, stating channel crossings were a 'serious and escalating problem.'

Sunak noted that his government is taking "significant action" in order to improve conditions at a site for handling asylum seekers in Manston in Kent. It is the same place which was described last week as "pretty wretched" by David Neal, who is the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-uk-government-working-on-war-gamed-emergency-plans-to-cope-with-energy-blackouts-530599">Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts?</a>&nbsp;

While speaking at prime minister's questions in the House of Commons, Sunak responded to questions from Sir Keir Starmer as the Labour leader accused the government they have lost control, and also asked to replace Suella Braverman with a "proper home secretary".&nbsp;

Mentioning all the steps taken by the government, Sunak highlighted that since September 30 there are more hotels with four and a half thousand new beds, he said a senior general to control the situation at Manston has been appointed, and also increased the number of staff there.&nbsp;

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"These are significant steps to demonstrate that we are getting a grip on this system. But this is a serious and escalating problem. We will make sure that we control our borders, and we will always do it fairly and compassionately because that's the right thing," said Sunak.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that over 4,000 people stay at the centre, but in fact, the unit can only hold just 1,600 when it was built but the numbers have increased to more than double that.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gchq-mi5and-mi6-alter-hiring-rules-will-recruit-non-british-parentage-spies-530470">UK PM Rishi Sunak is looking to close the Confucius Institutes, says security minister</a>&nbsp;

Last week, Sunak's office said he had discussed the issue of clandestine migration across the Channel with French President Emmanuel Macron. A record number of nearly 40,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year.&nbsp;

Sunak said that an "unprecedented" amount of people are arriving in the UK illegally. Slamming the Opposition, Sunak said that Labour opposes every measure the government has put through. He said that it is "not serious about this problem".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (November 2) defended how his government handled Channel migrants. Sunak's remarks come amid building tensions to address the deteriorating conditions at a processing centre in southeast England.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (November 2) defended how his government handled Channel migrants. Sunak's remarks come amid building tensions to address the deteriorating conditions at a processing centre in southeast England. The UK prime minister did admit that not enough asylum claims are being processed, but he promised to fix the system, stating channel crossings were a 'serious and escalating problem.' Sunak noted that his government is taking "significant action" in order to improve conditions at a site for handling asylum seekers in Manston in Kent. It is the same place which was described last week as "pretty wretched" by David Neal, who is the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. ALSO READ | Is UK government working on 'war gamed' emergency plans to tackle energy blackouts? While speaking at prime minister's questions in the House of Commons, Sunak responded to questions from Sir Keir Starmer as the Labour leader accused the government they have lost control, and also asked to replace Suella Braverman with a "proper home secretary". Mentioning all the steps taken by the government, Sunak highlighted that since September 30 there are more hotels with four and a half thousand new beds, he said a senior general to control the situation at Manston has been appointed, and also increased the number of staff there. × "These are significant steps to demonstrate that we are getting a grip on this system. But this is a serious and escalating problem. We will make sure that we control our borders, and we will always do it fairly and compassionately because that's the right thing," said Sunak. Reports suggest that over 4,000 people stay at the centre, but in fact, the unit can only hold just 1,600 when it was built but the numbers have increased to more than double that. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak is looking to close the Confucius Institutes, says security minister Last week, Sunak's office said he had discussed the issue of clandestine migration across the Channel with French President Emmanuel Macron. A record number of nearly 40,000 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year. Sunak said that an "unprecedented" amount of people are arriving in the UK illegally. Slamming the Opposition, Sunak said that Labour opposes every measure the government has put through. He said that it is "not serious about this problem". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rishi Sunak defends UK government's handling of channel migrants, asylum claims

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a U-turn over his decision of not to attend this month's UN climate summit. He has tweeted to say that he will be going to COP27 next week. The decision comes after former Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed his intention to go for the climate meeting.

UK PM Rishi Sunak makes U-turn on attending COP27, confirms his attendance

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reversed his earlier decision to forego attending the upcoming climate change conference in Egypt.

The newly appointed leader had earlier said he would not go because of "pressing domestic commitments".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Downing Street hints at UK PM Rishi Sunak's attendance at COP27 climate summit

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Taking to Twitter he said, "There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change. There is no energy without investing in renewables," adding, "That is why I will attend @COP27P next week: to deliver on Glasgow's legacy of building a secure and sustainable future."

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There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change. 
 
There is no energy security without investing in renewables. 
 
That is why I will attend <a href="https://twitter.com/COP27P?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@COP27P</a> next week: to deliver on Glasgow's legacy of building a secure and sustainable future.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1587746521457500160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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AFP reports that Sunak's earlier decision had invited criticism from environmental campaigners, and following reports that former PM Boris Johnson will attend, Sunak's spokesperson said that the move "was under review".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downing-street-in-turmoil-after-johnson-looks-to-attend-cop27-after-sunaks-refusal-report-529612">Downing Street in turmoil as ex-PM Johnson plans to attend COP27 after Sunak’s refusal: Report</a>

Caroline Lucas, a UK Parliament MP from the Green Party called Sunak's decision to go to Sharm el-Sheikh for the COP27 a "screeching U-turn" and an "embarrassing mis-step".

"Glad to see Sunak's screeching U-turn on #COP27, but what an embarrassing mis-step on the world stage. Let this be a lesson to him - climate leadership matters. Now he urgently needs to increase UK ambition on emission reduction targets &amp; pay what we owe to global climate funds," she tweeted.

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Glad to see Sunak's screeching U-turn on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP27?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP27</a>, but what an embarrassing mis-step on the world stage. Let this be a lesson to him - climate leadership matters. Now he urgently needs to increase UK ambition on emission reduction targets &amp; pay what we owe to global climate funds <a href="https://t.co/vL2hSIq2zZ">https://t.co/vL2hSIq2zZ</a>
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolineLucas/status/1587748542214557697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<article id="post-671222">Johnson on Tuesday announced that he had accepted the hosts' invitation, following this many political commentators had predicted that Sunak will be forced to attend to avoid getting upstaged.</article>
</main>

Sunak and Johnson share a tumultuous past. The former PM's downfall began with Rishi Sunak's resignation, previously a conservative bigwig had even referred to him as "a treacherous bastard".

Johnson too seemed to share this sentiment as evidenced by his support of Liz Truss as the replacement. Truss won the race but was forced to resign after a rollercoaster ride of a very short term that lasted 44 days only.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reversed his earlier decision to forego attending the upcoming climate change conference in Egypt. The newly appointed leader had earlier said he would not go because of "pressing domestic commitments".

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reversed his earlier decision to forego attending the upcoming climate change conference in Egypt. The newly appointed leader had earlier said he would not go because of "pressing domestic commitments". Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Downing Street hints at UK PM Rishi Sunak's attendance at COP27 climate summit Taking to Twitter he said, "There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change. There is no energy without investing in renewables," adding, "That is why I will attend @COP27P next week: to deliver on Glasgow's legacy of building a secure and sustainable future." There is no long-term prosperity without action on climate change. There is no energy security without investing in renewables. That is why I will attend @COP27P next week: to deliver on Glasgow's legacy of building a secure and sustainable future. — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 2, 2022 × AFP reports that Sunak's earlier decision had invited criticism from environmental campaigners, and following reports that former PM Boris Johnson will attend, Sunak's spokesperson said that the move "was under review". Also read | Downing Street in turmoil as ex-PM Johnson plans to attend COP27 after Sunak’s refusal: Report Caroline Lucas, a UK Parliament MP from the Green Party called Sunak's decision to go to Sharm el-Sheikh for the COP27 a "screeching U-turn" and an "embarrassing mis-step". "Glad to see Sunak's screeching U-turn on #COP27, but what an embarrassing mis-step on the world stage. Let this be a lesson to him - climate leadership matters. Now he urgently needs to increase UK ambition on emission reduction targets & pay what we owe to global climate funds," she tweeted. Glad to see Sunak's screeching U-turn on #COP27, but what an embarrassing mis-step on the world stage. Let this be a lesson to him - climate leadership matters. Now he urgently needs to increase UK ambition on emission reduction targets & pay what we owe to global climate funds https://t.co/vL2hSIq2zZ — Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) November 2, 2022 × Also read | UK PM Rishi Sunak defends his decision to skip COP27 climate summit Johnson on Tuesday announced that he had accepted the hosts' invitation, following this many political commentators had predicted that Sunak will be forced to attend to avoid getting upstaged. Sunak and Johnson share a tumultuous past. The former PM's downfall began with Rishi Sunak's resignation, previously a conservative bigwig had even referred to him as "a treacherous bastard". Johnson too seemed to share this sentiment as evidenced by his support of Liz Truss as the replacement. Truss won the race but was forced to resign after a rollercoaster ride of a very short term that lasted 44 days only. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Sunak takes a 'screeching U-turn,' announces he will attend COP27 after all

UK Minister Mark Spencer has hinted that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may reconsider his decision not to attend the COP27 climate summit.

WION Climate Tracker: Downing Street hints at UK PM Rishi Sunak's attendance at COP27 climate summit

Former British health minister Matt Hancock was suspended from the Conservative Party after he was unveiled as a competitor in the popular reality show "I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!”. &nbsp;

The Tory Party whips criticised Hancock for taking the decision without informing the party high command and as a result, he will now sit in the House of Commons as an independent MP. The party also said that he will face repercussions for the parliament sessions that he will miss for the show.&nbsp;

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“Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect,” Conservative chief whip Simon Hart said in an official statement just hours after Hancock’s unveiling.&nbsp;

The former minister also faced criticism from newly elected prime minister Rishi Sunak’s office.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK Home Secretary Braverman: Refugees are actual members of criminal gangs

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“The prime minister believes that at a challenging time for the country, MPs should be working hard for their constituents, whether that’s in the House or in their constituency,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Hancock’s stint as the health minister in former PM Boris Johnson’s cabinet was filled with controversies as he was forced to resign following CCTV footage of him flouting COVID-19 rules. Hancock was caught on video kissing his close aide Gina Coladangelo while the country was going through tough lockdown.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Hancock has said that he will donating a major portion of his fee from the reality show to St Nicholas hospice in Suffolk but declined to apologise to the party for his actions. &nbsp;

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Former British health minister Matt Hancock was suspended from the Conservative Party after he was unveiled as a competitor in the popular reality show "I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!

Former British health minister Matt Hancock was suspended from the Conservative Party after he was unveiled as a competitor in the popular reality show "I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!”. The Tory Party whips criticised Hancock for taking the decision without informing the party high command and as a result, he will now sit in the House of Commons as an independent MP. The party also said that he will face repercussions for the parliament sessions that he will miss for the show. Also read | Ukraine-Russia war LIVE: Erdogan to speak with Putin, Zelensky over grain deal “Following a conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect,” Conservative chief whip Simon Hart said in an official statement just hours after Hancock’s unveiling. The former minister also faced criticism from newly elected prime minister Rishi Sunak’s office. WATCH | UK Home Secretary Braverman: Refugees are actual members of criminal gangs “The prime minister believes that at a challenging time for the country, MPs should be working hard for their constituents, whether that’s in the House or in their constituency,” the spokesperson said. Hancock’s stint as the health minister in former PM Boris Johnson’s cabinet was filled with controversies as he was forced to resign following CCTV footage of him flouting COVID-19 rules. Hancock was caught on video kissing his close aide Gina Coladangelo while the country was going through tough lockdown. Meanwhile, Hancock has said that he will donating a major portion of his fee from the reality show to St Nicholas hospice in Suffolk but declined to apologise to the party for his actions.

Tories suspend ex-UK minister Matt Hancock for joining 'I'm a Celebrity...' reality show

Will Rishi Sunak attend COP27? The British Prime Minister has snubbed the climate summit due to 'pressing domestic issues'. COP27 host Egypt has expressed its disappointment as have several other countries. Facing the backlash, 10D has put the decision 'under review'.

Gravitas: Will Rishi Sunak attend COP27?

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might attend the COP27 Summit in Egypt days after his refusal citing “domestic issues”.

According to reports, Sunak is open to the possibility of travelling to Cairo to attend the all-important climate change conference on November 6 if his domestic schedules allow him to.

&nbsp;“Going depends on progress,” one of Sunak’s aides told the Financial Times, adding that the government was focused on dealing with the economic crisis and the autumn statement due on November 17.

Watch | Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to attend COP27: Reports

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&nbsp;

The major U-turn came a day after UK media reported that former PM Boris Johnson&nbsp;expressed his intention to attend the climate conference.

Johnson’s participation is being perceived as an attempt to undermine Sunak’s leadership and at the same time bolster his image just a week after he withdrew his nomination for the Tory leadership race.

Last week, Downing Street informed that Sunak won’t be able to attend the UN conference due to “pressing domestic concerns”.

The row over who is going to represent the UK at the conference laid bare open after King Charles was advised not to travel to the northern African country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downing-street-in-turmoil-after-johnson-looks-to-attend-cop27-after-sunaks-refusal-report-529612">Downing Street in turmoil as ex-PM Johnson plans to attend COP27 after Sunak’s refusal: Report</a>

Sunak has been facing criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups ever since it was announced that he will not attend the summit.

He was also chastised by Tory MP Alok Sharma, the UK's COP26 president.

Speaking to Sunday Times, Sharma, who was recently demoted from the cabinet, said he was "pretty disappointed" with Sunak, saying his attendance would signal the UK's "renewed commitment on this issue" and "allow for engagement with other world leaders".

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might attend the COP27 Summit in Egypt days after his refusal citing “domestic issues”. According to reports, Sunak is open to the possibility of travelling to Cairo to attend the all-important climate change conference on November 6 if his domestic schedules allow him to.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might attend the COP27 Summit in Egypt days after his refusal citing “domestic issues”. According to reports, Sunak is open to the possibility of travelling to Cairo to attend the all-important climate change conference on November 6 if his domestic schedules allow him to. “Going depends on progress,” one of Sunak’s aides told the Financial Times, adding that the government was focused on dealing with the economic crisis and the autumn statement due on November 17. Watch | Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to attend COP27: Reports × The major U-turn came a day after UK media reported that former PM Boris Johnson expressed his intention to attend the climate conference. Johnson’s participation is being perceived as an attempt to undermine Sunak’s leadership and at the same time bolster his image just a week after he withdrew his nomination for the Tory leadership race. Last week, Downing Street informed that Sunak won’t be able to attend the UN conference due to “pressing domestic concerns”. The row over who is going to represent the UK at the conference laid bare open after King Charles was advised not to travel to the northern African country. Also read | Downing Street in turmoil as ex-PM Johnson plans to attend COP27 after Sunak’s refusal: Report Sunak has been facing criticism from opposition parties and environmental groups ever since it was announced that he will not attend the summit. He was also chastised by Tory MP Alok Sharma, the UK's COP26 president. Speaking to Sunday Times, Sharma, who was recently demoted from the cabinet, said he was "pretty disappointed" with Sunak, saying his attendance would signal the UK's "renewed commitment on this issue" and "allow for engagement with other world leaders". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK PM Rishi Sunak might go to COP27: Report

There are reports that former PM Boris Johnson would be attending the COP27 summit next week in Egypt after his successor Rishi Sunak refused to participate, thereby sending alarm bells ringing in 10 Downing Street.

British newspaper Observer has reported, citing sources, that Johnson intends to travel to Cairo to express solidarity with the battle against the climate crisis.

Johnson’s participation is being viewed as an attempt to undermine Sunak’s leadership and at the same time bolster his image just a week after he withdrew his nomination for the Tory leadership race.

A cabinet office spokesperson gave an ambivalent response when asked about Johnson’s likely attendance at the COP 27.

“The government is absolutely committed to supporting COP27 and leading international action to tackle climate change and protect nature,” the spokesperson told the Guardian.

“The UK will be fully represented by senior ministers, including the foreign, business and environment secretaries, as well as COP president Alok Sharma. They will be working to ensure that countries continue to make progress on the ground-breaking commitments made at COP26 in Glasgow.”

Watch |&nbsp;Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to attend COP27: Reports

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This comes at a time when Sunak has downgraded the status of climate minister Graham Stuart, who will no longer be attending Cabinet, reports DailyMail.com.

According to the news outlet, COP26 President Alok Sharma also lost the right to attend the Cabinet meetings during the reshuffle this week.

“I’m pretty disappointed that the prime minister is not going. I understand that he’s got a huge in tray of domestic issues that he has to deal with,” Sharma The Times.

“But I would say that going to COP27 would allow for engagement with other world leaders. And I think it does send a signal, if the Prime Minister was to go, about our renewed commitment on this issue.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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There are reports that former PM Boris Johnson would be attending the COP27 summit next week in Egypt after his successor Rishi Sunak refused to participate, thereby sending alarm bells ringing in 10 Downing Street.

There are reports that former PM Boris Johnson would be attending the COP27 summit next week in Egypt after his successor Rishi Sunak refused to participate, thereby sending alarm bells ringing in 10 Downing Street. British newspaper Observer has reported, citing sources, that Johnson intends to travel to Cairo to express solidarity with the battle against the climate crisis. Johnson’s participation is being viewed as an attempt to undermine Sunak’s leadership and at the same time bolster his image just a week after he withdrew his nomination for the Tory leadership race. A cabinet office spokesperson gave an ambivalent response when asked about Johnson’s likely attendance at the COP 27. “The government is absolutely committed to supporting COP27 and leading international action to tackle climate change and protect nature,” the spokesperson told the Guardian. “The UK will be fully represented by senior ministers, including the foreign, business and environment secretaries, as well as COP president Alok Sharma. They will be working to ensure that countries continue to make progress on the ground-breaking commitments made at COP26 in Glasgow.” Watch | Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to attend COP27: Reports This comes at a time when Sunak has downgraded the status of climate minister Graham Stuart, who will no longer be attending Cabinet, reports DailyMail.com. According to the news outlet, COP26 President Alok Sharma also lost the right to attend the Cabinet meetings during the reshuffle this week. “I’m pretty disappointed that the prime minister is not going. I understand that he’s got a huge in tray of domestic issues that he has to deal with,” Sharma The Times. “But I would say that going to COP27 would allow for engagement with other world leaders. And I think it does send a signal, if the Prime Minister was to go, about our renewed commitment on this issue.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Downing Street in turmoil as ex-PM Johnson plans to attend COP27 after Sunak’s refusal: Report

A green Boris Johnson could leave Rishi Sunak red faced, a row over UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's refusal to attend the COP27 climate summit has now taken a new twist. According to the reports, former UK PM Boris Johnson is planning to attend the event. He is planning to attend the crucial meeting of world leaders in Egypt.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to attend COP27: Reports

Banker, Lawmaker, Chancellor & now the Prime Minister of Britain. Rishi Sunak has done the unthinkable, but how true are the reports around his achievements? Is he really UK'S youngest PM? Is he really richer than King Charles & does he really belong to India? On Gravitas Plus, Priyanka Sharma separates facts from fiction.

Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak

New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might freeze the country's foreign aid budget for an additional two years, the Telegraph reported citing sources. The current spending on foreign aid for the country is set at 0.5% of national income. Two years ago, the country was forced to cut its foreign aid spending due to a big hit to the finances following the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Sunak had last year said that foreign spending should return to 0.7 per cent of economic output by 2024-2025. However, Telegraph has reported that officials are considering extending the foreign aid spending cut by another two years till 2026-2027.

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Deeper cuts are also on the cards, along with an option to peg foreign aid spending to inflation for three years in the future. The government is currently drawing up spending cuts and cancelling tax cuts. Inflation is at a high with cost of mortgages rising and food, fuel and heating getting costlier.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, Sunak had said that difficult decisions will have to be taken to get British government borrowing and debt on a sustainable path. He further said that he was confident of fixing the economy.

"We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy," Sunak told journalists during a visit to a hospital in south London.

"The Chancellor has already said of course difficult decisions are going to have to be made and I'm going to sit down and work through those with him ... we need to do these things so that we can get our borrowing and debt back on a sustainable path."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might freeze the country's foreign aid budget for an additional two years, the Telegraph reported citing sources. The current spending on foreign aid for the country is set at 0.

New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might freeze the country's foreign aid budget for an additional two years, the Telegraph reported citing sources. The current spending on foreign aid for the country is set at 0.5% of national income. Two years ago, the country was forced to cut its foreign aid spending due to a big hit to the finances following the Covid-19 pandemic. Sunak had last year said that foreign spending should return to 0.7 per cent of economic output by 2024-2025. However, Telegraph has reported that officials are considering extending the foreign aid spending cut by another two years till 2026-2027. Also Read | 'You need to try harder': Patient confronts Sunak over nurses' pay Deeper cuts are also on the cards, along with an option to peg foreign aid spending to inflation for three years in the future. The government is currently drawing up spending cuts and cancelling tax cuts. Inflation is at a high with cost of mortgages rising and food, fuel and heating getting costlier. Earlier on Friday, Sunak had said that difficult decisions will have to be taken to get British government borrowing and debt on a sustainable path. He further said that he was confident of fixing the economy. "We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy," Sunak told journalists during a visit to a hospital in south London. "The Chancellor has already said of course difficult decisions are going to have to be made and I'm going to sit down and work through those with him ... we need to do these things so that we can get our borrowing and debt back on a sustainable path." (With inputs from agencies)

Sunak planning to extend freeze on foreign spending by two years: Report

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was challenged by an elderly patient at a London hospital on Friday who told him it was "a pity" the government did not pay nurses more and he must "try&nbsp;harder".

In the beginning of this month, more than 300,000 members of Britain's largest nursing union began voting on taking strike action in a dispute over pay which is unable to cope with&nbsp;soaring levels of inflation, the biggest ballot in its 106-year history.

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"It's a pity you don't pay [NHS staff] more... you need to try harder" 
 
On a visit to Croydon University Hospital, patient Catherine Poole, 77, tells Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "you need to look after [the NHS]"<a href="https://t.co/z3BNXigGaP">https://t.co/z3BNXigGaP</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6NIfeJKkb">pic.twitter.com/W6NIfeJKkb</a>
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCPolitics/status/1585985974873591809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The patient told the PM Sunak tha&nbsp;he must "look after" the state-run National Health Service (NHS) and do more to support nurses, during a visit to a hospital in Croydon in south London.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-shell-paid-no-windfall-taxes-in-the-uk-despite-making-record-breaking-worldwide-earnings-529114">Energy giant Shell paid no windfall taxes in the UK despite record-breaking worldwide earnings</a>

When Sunak asked the woman whether the staff had looked after her "really nicely", she replied: "They always do. It is a pity you don't pay them more."

Sunak reassured&nbsp;her his government was&nbsp;trying, before she said: "No you are not&nbsp;trying, you need to&nbsp;try&nbsp;harder."

The prime minister responded: "Right, I will take that away. They are a very nice team here."

The Royal College of Nursing said it had been forced to ballot staff about a strike after years of real-terms wage cuts has discouraged&nbsp;people from joining the profession. This has caused a&nbsp;huge staffing gaps across the health service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunak-defends-decision-to-skip-cop27-climate-summit-529175">UK PM Rishi Sunak defends his decision to skip COP27 climate summit</a>

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was challenged by an elderly patient at a London hospital on Friday who told him it was "a pity" the government did not pay nurses more and he must "try harder".

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was challenged by an elderly patient at a London hospital on Friday who told him it was "a pity" the government did not pay nurses more and he must "try harder". In the beginning of this month, more than 300,000 members of Britain's largest nursing union began voting on taking strike action in a dispute over pay which is unable to cope with soaring levels of inflation, the biggest ballot in its 106-year history. "It's a pity you don't pay [NHS staff] more... you need to try harder" On a visit to Croydon University Hospital, patient Catherine Poole, 77, tells Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "you need to look after [the NHS]"https://t.co/z3BNXigGaP pic.twitter.com/W6NIfeJKkb — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 28, 2022 × Video courtesy: BBC The patient told the PM Sunak tha he must "look after" the state-run National Health Service (NHS) and do more to support nurses, during a visit to a hospital in Croydon in south London. Also read | Energy giant Shell paid no windfall taxes in the UK despite record-breaking worldwide earnings When Sunak asked the woman whether the staff had looked after her "really nicely", she replied: "They always do. It is a pity you don't pay them more." Sunak reassured her his government was trying, before she said: "No you are not trying, you need to try harder." The prime minister responded: "Right, I will take that away. They are a very nice team here." The Royal College of Nursing said it had been forced to ballot staff about a strike after years of real-terms wage cuts has discouraged people from joining the profession. This has caused a huge staffing gaps across the health service. Also read | UK PM Rishi Sunak defends his decision to skip COP27 climate summit WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'You need to try harder': Patient confronts Sunak over nurses' pay

On Thursday, the office of the new United Kingdom prime minister, Rishi Sunak announced that he will not be attending the upcoming United Nations COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The decision was made because of “pressing domestic commitments” said the No. 10 Downing Street. &nbsp;

The current PM took office on Tuesday after his predecessor Liz Truss resigned. Reports suggest that she was due to attend the summit this year. However, the Downing Street spokesperson said that the UK will be represented by the country’s COP president Alok Sharma who will be joined by other ministers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-foreign-secretary-to-arrive-in-india-on-friday-india-is-a-natural-partner-for-the-uk-in-the-indo-pacific-528984">UK foreign secretary to arrive in India on Friday: 'India is a natural partner for the UK in the Indo-Pacific'</a>

She added, “We will obviously continue to work closely with Egypt as the hosts of COP27 and to make sure that all countries are making progress on the historic commitments they made at the Glasgow climate pact.”&nbsp;

The annual UN climate summit was hosted by Britain last year in Glasgow, Scotland which Sunak had attended as the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Boris Johnson was the prime minister of the UK. This year Sunak will not be attending due to “other pressing domestic commitments including preparations for the autumn Budget.” As the UK PM has pushed&nbsp;the announcement of the financial statement from late October to November 17.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-methane-levels-in-atmosphere-reached-record-high-in-2021-says-un-report-528654">Carbon dioxide, methane levels in atmosphere reached record high in 2021, says UN report</a>

The COP27 is set to take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt this year between November 6 to November 18 where governments from over 200 countries will gather to discuss how to tackle climate change. The Downing Street spokesperson also reaffirmed the country’s commitment “to net zero and to leading international and domestic action to tackle climate change. The UK is forging ahead of many other countries on net zero.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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On Thursday, the office of the new United Kingdom prime minister, Rishi Sunak announced that he will not be attending the upcoming United Nations COP27 climate summit in Egypt.

On Thursday, the office of the new United Kingdom prime minister, Rishi Sunak announced that he will not be attending the upcoming United Nations COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The decision was made because of “pressing domestic commitments” said the No. 10 Downing Street. The current PM took office on Tuesday after his predecessor Liz Truss resigned. Reports suggest that she was due to attend the summit this year. However, the Downing Street spokesperson said that the UK will be represented by the country’s COP president Alok Sharma who will be joined by other ministers. ALSO READ: UK foreign secretary to arrive in India on Friday: 'India is a natural partner for the UK in the Indo-Pacific' She added, “We will obviously continue to work closely with Egypt as the hosts of COP27 and to make sure that all countries are making progress on the historic commitments they made at the Glasgow climate pact.” The annual UN climate summit was hosted by Britain last year in Glasgow, Scotland which Sunak had attended as the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Boris Johnson was the prime minister of the UK. This year Sunak will not be attending due to “other pressing domestic commitments including preparations for the autumn Budget.” As the UK PM has pushed the announcement of the financial statement from late October to November 17. ALSO READ: Carbon dioxide, methane levels in atmosphere reached record high in 2021, says UN report The COP27 is set to take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt this year between November 6 to November 18 where governments from over 200 countries will gather to discuss how to tackle climate change. The Downing Street spokesperson also reaffirmed the country’s commitment “to net zero and to leading international and domestic action to tackle climate change. The UK is forging ahead of many other countries on net zero.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: PM Rishi Sunak will not attend COP27 climate summit to focus on domestic issues

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (October 27) thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for congratulating him on assuming charge as the premier of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

PM Modi spoke to the new British premier as it was their first conversation since Indian-origin Sunak took charge as UK's Prime Minister on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;two leaders agreed&nbsp;on the importance of an early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement between the two countries.&nbsp;

On his official Twitter handle, Sunak wrote: "Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your kind words as I get started in my new role."&nbsp;

He added, "The UK and India share so much. I'm excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months &amp; years ahead."&nbsp;

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Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> for your kind words as I get started in my new role. 
 
The UK and India share so much. I'm excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months &amp; years ahead. <a href="https://t.co/Ly60ezbDPg">pic.twitter.com/Ly60ezbDPg</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1585645864261156870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Prime Minister said: "Glad to speak to @RishiSunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM."&nbsp;

PM Modi added, "We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA."&nbsp;

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Glad to speak to <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM. We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1585643229034483712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi and scores of other Indian leaders had congratulated Sunak after he won the contest to become the leader of Britain's Conservatives. &nbsp;

Sunak is set to take over as the first Indian-descent Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Sunak is married to an Indian, Akshata Murty, daughter of the co-founder of IT giant Infosys.&nbsp;

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Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (October 27) thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for congratulating him on assuming charge as the premier of the United Kingdom.

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (October 27) thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for congratulating him on assuming charge as the premier of the United Kingdom. PM Modi spoke to the new British premier as it was their first conversation since Indian-origin Sunak took charge as UK's Prime Minister on Tuesday. The two leaders agreed on the importance of an early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement between the two countries. On his official Twitter handle, Sunak wrote: "Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your kind words as I get started in my new role." He added, "The UK and India share so much. I'm excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months & years ahead." Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your kind words as I get started in my new role. The UK and India share so much. I'm excited about what our two great democracies can achieve as we deepen our security, defence and economic partnership in the months & years ahead. pic.twitter.com/Ly60ezbDPg — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 27, 2022 × The Indian Prime Minister said: "Glad to speak to @RishiSunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM." PM Modi added, "We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA." Glad to speak to @RishiSunak today. Congratulated him on assuming charge as UK PM. We will work together to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We also agreed on the importance of early conclusion of a comprehensive and balanced FTA. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2022 × PM Modi and scores of other Indian leaders had congratulated Sunak after he won the contest to become the leader of Britain's Conservatives. Sunak is set to take over as the first Indian-descent Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Sunak is married to an Indian, Akshata Murty, daughter of the co-founder of IT giant Infosys. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi

Downing Street has informed that the new United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family will be returning to live in the flat above No 10, despite having a number of luxury homes, including one in London.&nbsp;

There were several firsts when Sunak became the prime minister of the United Kingdom on Tuesday. He became the first Indian-origin premier and also, is the wealthiest politician to hold the position.

As per reports, Sunak has a penthouse in California, a home in London's affluent Kensington neighbourhood, and a mansion in the northern English county of Yorkshire.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-sunak-tells-pm-modi-that-excited-about-what-our-two-great-democracies-can-achieve-528949">Britain's Sunak tells PM Modi that 'excited about what our two great democracies can achieve'</a>&nbsp;

However, the prime minister's press secretary confirmed that Sunak will be moving into Downing Street. The spokeswoman said that "they will be moving into the No 10 flat" and also added that she did not know if they had any plans to redecorate.&nbsp;

Sunak, his wife, Akshata Murthy, and their daughters, Krishna and Anoushka will move in with their Labrador dog.&nbsp;

Despite being in a good location, the number 10 flat on Downing Street is relatively small. But living in the flat is important as the British leaders have lived there. The main building it sits above is the official residence and office of the country's prime ministers.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ban on Chinese institutes at UK universities drawn up, China calls for cooperation&nbsp;

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Since 1735, British prime ministers have maintained a residence at 10 Downing Street, with its former residents including&nbsp;Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher.&nbsp;

The structure is larger than it first appears because it is connected to a building behind it and has also occupied a large portion of number 12. Additionally, the prime ministers have access to the Chequers country estate.

Notably, Sunak just recently moved out of the number 10 flat as he lived there during his time as former PM Boris Johnson's finance minister. On being asked why Sunak had chosen to live at number 10 and not the bigger number 11 flat, the spokeswoman said: "They were very happy there."

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Downing Street has informed that the new United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family will be returning to live in the flat above No 10, despite having a number of luxury homes, including one in London.

Downing Street has informed that the new United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family will be returning to live in the flat above No 10, despite having a number of luxury homes, including one in London. There were several firsts when Sunak became the prime minister of the United Kingdom on Tuesday. He became the first Indian-origin premier and also, is the wealthiest politician to hold the position. As per reports, Sunak has a penthouse in California, a home in London's affluent Kensington neighbourhood, and a mansion in the northern English county of Yorkshire. ALSO READ | Britain's Sunak tells PM Modi that 'excited about what our two great democracies can achieve' However, the prime minister's press secretary confirmed that Sunak will be moving into Downing Street. The spokeswoman said that "they will be moving into the No 10 flat" and also added that she did not know if they had any plans to redecorate. Sunak, his wife, Akshata Murthy, and their daughters, Krishna and Anoushka will move in with their Labrador dog. Despite being in a good location, the number 10 flat on Downing Street is relatively small. But living in the flat is important as the British leaders have lived there. The main building it sits above is the official residence and office of the country's prime ministers. WATCH | Ban on Chinese institutes at UK universities drawn up, China calls for cooperation × Since 1735, British prime ministers have maintained a residence at 10 Downing Street, with its former residents including Benjamin Disraeli, William Gladstone, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher. The structure is larger than it first appears because it is connected to a building behind it and has also occupied a large portion of number 12. Additionally, the prime ministers have access to the Chequers country estate. Notably, Sunak just recently moved out of the number 10 flat as he lived there during his time as former PM Boris Johnson's finance minister. On being asked why Sunak had chosen to live at number 10 and not the bigger number 11 flat, the spokeswoman said: "They were very happy there." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'They were very happy there': Rishi Sunak and his family to move into small Downing Street flat

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday (October 28) defended his decision to skip COP27 climate change summit. Sunak said he was skipping the climate meet because of 'pressing' economic problems.

The UK is emerging from an economic turmoil triggered by former PM Liz Truss' economic policies. The turmoil resulted in Truss' resignation. Sunak has a task on his hand to restore confidence in the UK's financial system.

In an interview with Sky News a day after Downing Street announced he was skipping the summit, Sunak stressed he was "very personally committed" to environmental issues.

"I just think at the moment it's right that I'm also focusing on the pressing domestic challenges we have with the economy, and I think that's what people watching would reasonably expect me to be doing as well," Sunak said.

The COP27 UN climate change conference is due to take place in Egypt on November 7-8. Last year, the conference had taken place in Glasgow, England.

Sunak has nonetheless drawn flak for his decision to skip COP 27 meeting.

Keir Starmer, leader of Labour Party in the Opposition, said that Sunak's decision to skip the conference was an 'absolute failure of leadership'. Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said that Sunak's absence was a "shameful way to end the UK's COP Presidency"

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday (October 28) defended his decision to skip COP27 climate change summit. Sunak said he was skipping the climate meet because of 'pressing' economic problems.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday (October 28) defended his decision to skip COP27 climate change summit. Sunak said he was skipping the climate meet because of 'pressing' economic problems. The UK is emerging from an economic turmoil triggered by former PM Liz Truss' economic policies. The turmoil resulted in Truss' resignation. Sunak has a task on his hand to restore confidence in the UK's financial system. In an interview with Sky News a day after Downing Street announced he was skipping the summit, Sunak stressed he was "very personally committed" to environmental issues. "I just think at the moment it's right that I'm also focusing on the pressing domestic challenges we have with the economy, and I think that's what people watching would reasonably expect me to be doing as well," Sunak said. The COP27 UN climate change conference is due to take place in Egypt on November 7-8. Last year, the conference had taken place in Glasgow, England. Sunak has nonetheless drawn flak for his decision to skip COP 27 meeting. Keir Starmer, leader of Labour Party in the Opposition, said that Sunak's decision to skip the conference was an 'absolute failure of leadership'. Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said that Sunak's absence was a "shameful way to end the UK's COP Presidency" (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK PM Rishi Sunak defends his decision to skip COP27 climate summit

The Hindus have made a notable socio-economic contribution to Kenya’s development for more than 30 years. The appointment of Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister of UK shows that the world is morphing to become more accepting of our differences amidst a rising wave of ultra-nationalism. 
A 2020 video of Rishi Sunak lighting candles outside a door on Downing Street was shared extensively on social media, and irked some.

 
Who saw this coming? David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister did during his visit in 2010 to Bangalore, India. Need I say that 44th US President Barack Obama’s lineage threads its way back to Kenya.

 
On the flipside, as Kenya claims Rishi Sunak and India’s other sons and daughters of Kenyan heritage blazing the trail across the globe, it should also own up its mistakes. Kenyans of Asian origin, in this case Hindus, have a sharper understanding of xenophobia — a dislike or fear of strangers or foreigners. Despite their tremendous contributions in various disciplines like medicine, grammar, dance, mathematics, they are still predominantly associated with their “esoteric” spiritual practices.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-becomes-uks-richest-pm-with-more-wealth-than-king-charles-iii-528520">Rishi Sunak becomes UK's richest PM with more wealth than King Charles III</a>

 
History is replete with the contribution of Hindus to the concept of zero, the modern numerical and decimal system, quadratic equation and trigonometry. In medicine, the Sushruta Samhita (600 B.C) is considered the first detailed text with decisive description of surgical procedures and instruments which, with modifications, are conceptually used today.

 
As Mr Cameron peered into the future, he also observed that at the height of the industrial revolution in the United States, they said, ‘Go west, young man, in order to find opportunity and fortune.’ “For today’s investors and entrepreneurs, they should go east,” he advised.

 
The role of Hindus in Kenya’s economy cannot be overstated, but they gradually developed a siege-mentality which made them reclusive at times. Rishi Sunak’s family was one of the many that emigrated to UK shortly after Kenya’s independence.

 
The Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK) was formed shortly after the Ugandan-Asian crisis of 1973 when Asians were given an ultimatum by the Uganda’s third President Idi Amin Dada to leave Uganda. “We started the HCK because we didn’t have a collective voice to air our problems to the government,” said Vanraj Sarvaiya, the National Chairman of HCK.

 
Amin, considered a despot, perceived Hindu as ruthless exploiters and a drain to the economy of the East African state. The post-election violence in 2007 rekindled these memories of recrimination; Asian businesses lost an estimated KSh 0.5 billion in Kisumu. The violence this time did not target Hindus as a community; their economic success evoked envy. A section of indigenous Africans often links their business success to tightly guarded ethnic resources and community networks that lock out the rest.

 
The Hindu community businesses are critical to the Kenyan economy; they range from small shops to expansive multinationals in the manufacturing, retail and construction industry though popular perception about their hoarding money have made them tread cautiously in enterprise.

 
A renowned business columnist once lamented that Hindus are viewed as “strange people, with funny accents, penny-pinching ways and strange gods.” These misconceptions, said Sarvaiya, “inspired the creation of a body that would coordinate their social, religious and cultural activities in Kenya.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-david-cameron-did-a-nostradamus-rishi-sunak-becoming-uk-prime-minister-was-predicted-long-ago-watch-528279">When Cameron did a Nostradamus. Rishi Sunak becoming UK prime minister was predicted long ago</a>

 
The realisation that interaction with various indigenous communities and religious organisations would foster understanding, nudged them to initiate religious and cultural training programmes open even to non-Asians.

Hindus migrated from India, mostly at the turn of the century, primarily as construction workers on the Kenya Uganda Railways and as traders. Often, their success in entrepreneurship is traced to favourable social-economic position when they set foot in East Africa.

 
At the onset, Asians were able to produce account books in their own languages. Their ability to read and write and hence communicate gave them a head start over African traders. They were therefore used by Arabs and the British to avail credit and trading facilities in the East African region.

 
They participated in the Kenya independence struggle through involvement in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonialism. Despite being a predominately black-white struggle, India through its high commissioner, Appa Saheb Pant, and the Kenyan freedom fighter, Pio Gama Pinto, gave strategic and material support to the movement.

When they eventually settled down after independence, they formed social groups on ethnicity, geographical background and languages, built halls, temples and centres for performing arts for preserving Hindu ethos and made indispensable contributions in civil service, trade union movement, education, health, legal, construction, and political sectors.

At one time, the Asian population in Kenya was approximated to be 70,000; it has since dwindled as the younger generation continues to migrate to developed countries for education and in search of greater fortunes.&nbsp; 
They have been lobbying for creating a good environment for their participation in governance. “Asians are good in trade; we would do well if we were in charge of the ministry of trade,” said Sarvaiya.

 
Besides working with NGOs, the Hindu community is one of the largest donor to charities through social and religious institutions of the council feeding programmes, medical camps, bursaries to students or distribution of learning material to the needy.

 
Jalaram Satsang Mandal and Hale Krishna Temple feed hundreds of poor people every day. Free eye and ENT camps held every year facilitate hundreds of operations, give out over 4,000 glasses and spend KSh 5 million each year. 
Sarvaiya says HCK religious principles on nationalism are not just lip service. Indeed, HCK played a key role in alleviating the sufferings of internally displaced persons after the post-election violence. 
Besides material support, HCK has also made modest contribution to the country’s knowledge base.

It has set up a public library with a unique collection of books on spirituality, philosophy, culture, astronomy, scriptures, mythology and yoga. The facility is open to any individual interested in these subjects for general reading or research. Yoga and meditation are perhaps the most widely recognised spiritual contributions of Hinduism to humanity.

 
Sarvaiya noted that apart from transcendental concepts of spiritual practice, Hinduism has been a wellspring for vast contributions to global civilisation spanning more than five millennia. As a religious practice aspiring to understand the eternal mysteries of existence, Hinduism has never been a regressive or closed dogma satisfied with history-centred interpretations of one holy book, he adds.

 
Perhaps, those irked by Rishi Sunak lighting candles outside a door on Downing Street could do with Sarvaiya’s honest take on religious and cultural diversity. Like David Cameron, we should have seen the coming of Sunak. The ascendancy of Asian origin CEOs in multinationals like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Twitter and Starbucks among others, was enough of a harbinger.

The author is a strategic communications consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

&nbsp;

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The Hindus have made a notable socio-economic contribution to Kenya’s development for more than 30 years. The appointment of Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister of UK shows that the world is morphing to become more accepting of our differences amidst a rising wave of ultra-nationalism.

The Hindus have made a notable socio-economic contribution to Kenya’s development for more than 30 years. The appointment of Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister of UK shows that the world is morphing to become more accepting of our differences amidst a rising wave of ultra-nationalism. A 2020 video of Rishi Sunak lighting candles outside a door on Downing Street was shared extensively on social media, and irked some. Who saw this coming? David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister did during his visit in 2010 to Bangalore, India. Need I say that 44th US President Barack Obama’s lineage threads its way back to Kenya. On the flipside, as Kenya claims Rishi Sunak and India’s other sons and daughters of Kenyan heritage blazing the trail across the globe, it should also own up its mistakes. Kenyans of Asian origin, in this case Hindus, have a sharper understanding of xenophobia — a dislike or fear of strangers or foreigners. Despite their tremendous contributions in various disciplines like medicine, grammar, dance, mathematics, they are still predominantly associated with their “esoteric” spiritual practices. Also Read | Rishi Sunak becomes UK's richest PM with more wealth than King Charles III History is replete with the contribution of Hindus to the concept of zero, the modern numerical and decimal system, quadratic equation and trigonometry. In medicine, the Sushruta Samhita (600 B.C) is considered the first detailed text with decisive description of surgical procedures and instruments which, with modifications, are conceptually used today. As Mr Cameron peered into the future, he also observed that at the height of the industrial revolution in the United States, they said, ‘Go west, young man, in order to find opportunity and fortune.’ “For today’s investors and entrepreneurs, they should go east,” he advised. The role of Hindus in Kenya’s economy cannot be overstated, but they gradually developed a siege-mentality which made them reclusive at times. Rishi Sunak’s family was one of the many that emigrated to UK shortly after Kenya’s independence. The Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK) was formed shortly after the Ugandan-Asian crisis of 1973 when Asians were given an ultimatum by the Uganda’s third President Idi Amin Dada to leave Uganda. “We started the HCK because we didn’t have a collective voice to air our problems to the government,” said Vanraj Sarvaiya, the National Chairman of HCK. Amin, considered a despot, perceived Hindu as ruthless exploiters and a drain to the economy of the East African state. The post-election violence in 2007 rekindled these memories of recrimination; Asian businesses lost an estimated KSh 0.5 billion in Kisumu. The violence this time did not target Hindus as a community; their economic success evoked envy. A section of indigenous Africans often links their business success to tightly guarded ethnic resources and community networks that lock out the rest. The Hindu community businesses are critical to the Kenyan economy; they range from small shops to expansive multinationals in the manufacturing, retail and construction industry though popular perception about their hoarding money have made them tread cautiously in enterprise. A renowned business columnist once lamented that Hindus are viewed as “strange people, with funny accents, penny-pinching ways and strange gods.” These misconceptions, said Sarvaiya, “inspired the creation of a body that would coordinate their social, religious and cultural activities in Kenya.” Also Read | When Cameron did a Nostradamus. Rishi Sunak becoming UK prime minister was predicted long ago The realisation that interaction with various indigenous communities and religious organisations would foster understanding, nudged them to initiate religious and cultural training programmes open even to non-Asians. Hindus migrated from India, mostly at the turn of the century, primarily as construction workers on the Kenya Uganda Railways and as traders. Often, their success in entrepreneurship is traced to favourable social-economic position when they set foot in East Africa. At the onset, Asians were able to produce account books in their own languages. Their ability to read and write and hence communicate gave them a head start over African traders. They were therefore used by Arabs and the British to avail credit and trading facilities in the East African region. They participated in the Kenya independence struggle through involvement in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonialism. Despite being a predominately black-white struggle, India through its high commissioner, Appa Saheb Pant, and the Kenyan freedom fighter, Pio Gama Pinto, gave strategic and material support to the movement. When they eventually settled down after independence, they formed social groups on ethnicity, geographical background and languages, built halls, temples and centres for performing arts for preserving Hindu ethos and made indispensable contributions in civil service, trade union movement, education, health, legal, construction, and political sectors. At one time, the Asian population in Kenya was approximated to be 70,000; it has since dwindled as the younger generation continues to migrate to developed countries for education and in search of greater fortunes. They have been lobbying for creating a good environment for their participation in governance. “Asians are good in trade; we would do well if we were in charge of the ministry of trade,” said Sarvaiya. Besides working with NGOs, the Hindu community is one of the largest donor to charities through social and religious institutions of the council feeding programmes, medical camps, bursaries to students or distribution of learning material to the needy. Jalaram Satsang Mandal and Hale Krishna Temple feed hundreds of poor people every day. Free eye and ENT camps held every year facilitate hundreds of operations, give out over 4,000 glasses and spend KSh 5 million each year. Sarvaiya says HCK religious principles on nationalism are not just lip service. Indeed, HCK played a key role in alleviating the sufferings of internally displaced persons after the post-election violence. Besides material support, HCK has also made modest contribution to the country’s knowledge base. It has set up a public library with a unique collection of books on spirituality, philosophy, culture, astronomy, scriptures, mythology and yoga. The facility is open to any individual interested in these subjects for general reading or research. Yoga and meditation are perhaps the most widely recognised spiritual contributions of Hinduism to humanity. Sarvaiya noted that apart from transcendental concepts of spiritual practice, Hinduism has been a wellspring for vast contributions to global civilisation spanning more than five millennia. As a religious practice aspiring to understand the eternal mysteries of existence, Hinduism has never been a regressive or closed dogma satisfied with history-centred interpretations of one holy book, he adds. Perhaps, those irked by Rishi Sunak lighting candles outside a door on Downing Street could do with Sarvaiya’s honest take on religious and cultural diversity. Like David Cameron, we should have seen the coming of Sunak. The ascendancy of Asian origin CEOs in multinationals like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Twitter and Starbucks among others, was enough of a harbinger. The author is a strategic communications consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Go Rishi! Kenya also treasures its connection, bonds with India!

The newly-elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to ditch the COP27 climate summit by not visiting. Meanwhile, activists criticise Sunak's move.

WION Climate Tracker: Rishi Sunak ditches COP27 climate summit

The UK government has decided to enact a ban on controversial Confucius institutes. Is this a turning point in UK-China relations?

Ban on Chinese institutes at UK universities drawn up after Rishi Sunak's pledge to scrap them

The Labour leader Keir Starmer, has challenged the newly appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over his decision to reappoint Suella Braverman as home secretary, after her resignation just one week ago.

UK PM Rishi Sunak faces first PMQs: Keir Starmer attacks Sunak over Suella Braverman reappointment

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked a major controversy on Wednesday as he advised LGBTQ+ football fans to show “compromise” and be “respectful of the host nation” while visiting Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The comment was rejected by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/istanbul-to-host-ipl-2023-bcci-set-to-announce-venue-by-early-november-report-528539" hreflang="en">Istanbul to host IPL 2023? BCCI set to announce venue by early November - Report</a>

“I have spoken to the Qatari authorities in the past about gay football fans going to watch the World Cup and how they will treat our fans and international fans. They want to make sure that football fans are safe, secure and enjoy themselves, and they know that that means they are going to have to make some compromises in terms of what is an Islamic country with a very different set of cultural norms to our own,” Cleverly told LBC Radio a day after he was included in the new UK cabinet.&nbsp;

“One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation. They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup,” he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-india-connect-everything-you-need-to-know-528607" hreflang="en">New UK PM Rishi Sunak's India connect - Everything you need to know</a>

Several LGBTQ+ fans and activists have expressed their concerns regarding the possible problems that they can face while visiting Qatar. While homosexuality is criminalised in the country, FIFA officials have promised repeatedly that they will ensure that all fans have a good experience at the tournament.&nbsp;

Sunak’s office released a statement which said that people&nbsp;should not&nbsp;“compromise who they are.”&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked a major controversy on Wednesday as he advised LGBTQ+ football fans to show “compromise” and be “respectful of the host nation” while visiting Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked a major controversy on Wednesday as he advised LGBTQ+ football fans to show “compromise” and be “respectful of the host nation” while visiting Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The comment was rejected by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office. Also read | Istanbul to host IPL 2023? BCCI set to announce venue by early November - Report “I have spoken to the Qatari authorities in the past about gay football fans going to watch the World Cup and how they will treat our fans and international fans. They want to make sure that football fans are safe, secure and enjoy themselves, and they know that that means they are going to have to make some compromises in terms of what is an Islamic country with a very different set of cultural norms to our own,” Cleverly told LBC Radio a day after he was included in the new UK cabinet. “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation. They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup,” he added. Also read | New UK PM Rishi Sunak's India connect - Everything you need to know Several LGBTQ+ fans and activists have expressed their concerns regarding the possible problems that they can face while visiting Qatar. While homosexuality is criminalised in the country, FIFA officials have promised repeatedly that they will ensure that all fans have a good experience at the tournament. Sunak’s office released a statement which said that people should not “compromise who they are.”

UK foreign secretary asks LGBTQ+ fans to 'compromise' at World Cup in Qatar

On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak, the newly elected prime minister of Britain, sent greetings for Diwali from his home at 10 Downing Street. The nation's first prime minister of Indian descent was present at a Diwali reception held at his official residence.&nbsp;

In addition to wishing everyone a happy Diwali, Sunak promised to create a country in which "our children and grandchildren can light their Diyas."

“Brilliant to drop into tonight's Diwali reception in No10. I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope. Happy #Diwali everyone!,” he tweeted, sharing a picture of himself at the reception.

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Brilliant to drop into tonight’s Diwali reception in No10. 
 
I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope. 
 
Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> everyone! <a href="https://t.co/g4yhAGhToz">pic.twitter.com/g4yhAGhToz</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1585342561018839044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following a meeting with King Charles III on Tuesday, the 42-year-old devout Hindu officially assumed control of Britain after being chosen as the Conservative Party's new leader in a historic leadership contest.&nbsp;

The former investment banker is the country's youngest prime minister in 210 years.&nbsp;

Sunak is the first Hindu and non-white person to hold the top post. Additionally, he was Charles III's first British Prime Minister to take the oath of office.

Sunak acknowledged that he was chosen to fix the faults made by his predecessor in his statement from 10 Downing Street, but he also praised her. "I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Liz Truss. She wasn't wrong to want to improve growth in this country. It is a noble aim and I admired her restlessness to create change but some mistakes were made, not born of bad intentions but mistakes nonetheless."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-rejected-status-quo-on-taiwan-speeding-up-reunification-blinken-528715">China has rejected status quo on Taiwan, speeding up reunification: Blinken</a>

He promised that his government would uphold ethics, professionalism, and responsibility at every level in order to win the trust of the British people.

"I stand here before you ready to lead our country into the future, to put your needs above politics, to reach out and build a govt that represents the very best traditions of my party. Together we can achieve incredible things," said Sunak.

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak, the newly elected prime minister of Britain, sent greetings for Diwali from his home at 10 Downing Street. The nation's first prime minister of Indian descent was present at a Diwali reception held at his official residence.

On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak, the newly elected prime minister of Britain, sent greetings for Diwali from his home at 10 Downing Street. The nation's first prime minister of Indian descent was present at a Diwali reception held at his official residence. In addition to wishing everyone a happy Diwali, Sunak promised to create a country in which "our children and grandchildren can light their Diyas." “Brilliant to drop into tonight's Diwali reception in No10. I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope. Happy #Diwali everyone!,” he tweeted, sharing a picture of himself at the reception. Brilliant to drop into tonight’s Diwali reception in No10. I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and our grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope. Happy #Diwali everyone! pic.twitter.com/g4yhAGhToz — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 26, 2022 × Following a meeting with King Charles III on Tuesday, the 42-year-old devout Hindu officially assumed control of Britain after being chosen as the Conservative Party's new leader in a historic leadership contest. The former investment banker is the country's youngest prime minister in 210 years. Sunak is the first Hindu and non-white person to hold the top post. Additionally, he was Charles III's first British Prime Minister to take the oath of office. Sunak acknowledged that he was chosen to fix the faults made by his predecessor in his statement from 10 Downing Street, but he also praised her. "I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Liz Truss. She wasn't wrong to want to improve growth in this country. It is a noble aim and I admired her restlessness to create change but some mistakes were made, not born of bad intentions but mistakes nonetheless." Also Read: China has rejected status quo on Taiwan, speeding up reunification: Blinken He promised that his government would uphold ethics, professionalism, and responsibility at every level in order to win the trust of the British people. "I stand here before you ready to lead our country into the future, to put your needs above politics, to reach out and build a govt that represents the very best traditions of my party. Together we can achieve incredible things," said Sunak. (with inputs from agencies)

At Diwali event, Rishi Sunak hopes to build a Britain where children can 'light their diyas'

In a BBC broadcast, a word cloud on new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak included&nbsp;foul and swear words to describe the Indian-origin premier. The clip of the same went viral online.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Sunak was appointed as the prime minister by the British monarch King Charles III as he scripted history by becoming the first British-Asian to hold the post. A practising Hindu, the 42-year-old Sunak is the nation's youngest leader since 1812.&nbsp;

But there are certainly mixed opinions on Sunak becoming the UK prime minister—some racist remarks have also been made. A video of a British radio show is going viral in which a caller is explaining why a non-white person becoming the PM of the UK is not good.&nbsp;

The caller said: "Can you imagine me becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan? People of England would like to see someone who looks like them."&nbsp;

Now, this gaffe by UK's national broadcaster is quite concerning. In the word cloud, BBC missed some swear words when they appeared on TV screens during its coverage of Downing Street developments.&nbsp;

Britons were asked about their opinion on Sunak becoming prime minister. It appeared when BBC presenter Joanna Gosling asked: "How would you describe Rishi Sunak in one word?"&nbsp;

The word cloud, which was created by polling research company Savanta ComRes, contained the words "rich", "capable", "okay", "good", "clever", etc. But some swear words were also displayed.

Mr Sunak was referred to as a "c**t" and "t**t", but the graphic censored part of the word.&nbsp;

Apart from some positive words like "smart", "intelligent", "safe" and "strong", the word cloud also had words like "boring", "slimy", "idiot", "backstabbing" and "liar".&nbsp;

Check it out here:&nbsp;

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The BBC have accidentally broadcast the word c*nt in a week, unbelievable scenes Jeff. 
 
Via <a href="https://twitter.com/MaiyaResearcher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaiyaResearcher</a> <a href="https://t.co/OwfseEgRIj">pic.twitter.com/OwfseEgRIj</a>
— Gina Martin (@ginamartinuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ginamartinuk/status/1584875637533466624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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BBC's statement

"BBC News is urgently reviewing last night’s edition of The Papers on the News Channel for a potential breach of impartiality," BCC said in a statement.&nbsp;

"It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards. We have processes in place to uphold our standards, and these processes have been activated," it added.&nbsp;

Sunak's promise&nbsp;

After becoming the new PM, Sunak promised to fix the errors made by his predecessor Liz Truss. Amid economic crisis amid looming recession fears, Sunak warned of "difficult" decisions ahead.&nbsp;

"I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government's agenda. This will mean difficult decisions to come. But you saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and business with schemes like furlough," Sunak said while speaking on the steps of Downing Street.&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a BBC broadcast, a word cloud on new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak included foul and swear words to describe the Indian-origin premier. The clip of the same went viral online.

In a BBC broadcast, a word cloud on new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak included foul and swear words to describe the Indian-origin premier. The clip of the same went viral online. On Tuesday, Sunak was appointed as the prime minister by the British monarch King Charles III as he scripted history by becoming the first British-Asian to hold the post. A practising Hindu, the 42-year-old Sunak is the nation's youngest leader since 1812. But there are certainly mixed opinions on Sunak becoming the UK prime minister—some racist remarks have also been made. A video of a British radio show is going viral in which a caller is explaining why a non-white person becoming the PM of the UK is not good. The caller said: "Can you imagine me becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan? People of England would like to see someone who looks like them." Now, this gaffe by UK's national broadcaster is quite concerning. In the word cloud, BBC missed some swear words when they appeared on TV screens during its coverage of Downing Street developments. Britons were asked about their opinion on Sunak becoming prime minister. It appeared when BBC presenter Joanna Gosling asked: "How would you describe Rishi Sunak in one word?" The word cloud, which was created by polling research company Savanta ComRes, contained the words "rich", "capable", "okay", "good", "clever", etc. But some swear words were also displayed. Mr Sunak was referred to as a "c**t" and "t**t", but the graphic censored part of the word. Apart from some positive words like "smart", "intelligent", "safe" and "strong", the word cloud also had words like "boring", "slimy", "idiot", "backstabbing" and "liar". Check it out here: The BBC have accidentally broadcast the word c*nt in a week, unbelievable scenes Jeff. Via @MaiyaResearcher pic.twitter.com/OwfseEgRIj — Gina Martin (@ginamartinuk) October 25, 2022 × BBC's statement "BBC News is urgently reviewing last night’s edition of The Papers on the News Channel for a potential breach of impartiality," BCC said in a statement. "It is imperative that we maintain the highest editorial standards. We have processes in place to uphold our standards, and these processes have been activated," it added. Sunak's promise After becoming the new PM, Sunak promised to fix the errors made by his predecessor Liz Truss. Amid economic crisis amid looming recession fears, Sunak warned of "difficult" decisions ahead. "I will place economic stability and confidence at the heart of this government's agenda. This will mean difficult decisions to come. But you saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and business with schemes like furlough," Sunak said while speaking on the steps of Downing Street. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Unbelievable scenes': A 'word cloud' in BBC's broadcast used foul words for Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak has become the British Prime Minister. His appointment led to celebrations in India. But what are the global implications of having Sunak as PM? Neha Khanna tells brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | Global implications of Rishi Sunak becoming UK PM

Rishi Sunak, if you were to describe him as a social-political-cultural conundrum, would fit Sir Winston Churchill's famous description of Russia: "Riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma".

Argumentative Indians and xenophobic Britons are furiously debating the colonial-era British prime minister's notorious quote about Indians being unable to govern themselves in the backdrop of the Indian-origin Sunak taking over the job once held by Churchill in similarly challenging times, with good reason. It is perhaps best to look at the 42-year-old former hedge fund manager as a Rubik's Cube for grown-ups.

If you look at him as a devout Hindu taking over a British office with a sacred thread on after a childhood of work at the local temple, he is decidedly Hindu -- as those sympathetic to current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP would say.

Watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak's plan for strengthening India-UK ties

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If you look at the fact that Sunak's parental roots are in East Africa, as a Twitter quip goes, he is as Kenyan as former US president Barack Obama. If you see his partially ancestral town of Gujranwala, that would be Pakistan. If geography is history (and one in which the British played their own part) and you shift your focus to Sunak's Bangalore wedding, he is modern India's own son-in-law by virtue of his marriage to Akshata, daughter of technology tycoon NR Narayana Murthy. She is still an Indian citizen. If his now discarded Green Card is any indication, the former Goldman Sachs analyst is an almost-American.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-of-him-how-narayana-murthy-responded-to-son-in-law-rishi-sunak-becoming-uk-pm-528108">'Proud of him': How Narayana Murthy responded to son-in-law Rishi Sunak becoming UK PM</a>

Look beyond all that and Sunak is a true-blue upper crust Yorkshireman after being born in humbler environs of Southampton. Having connected the extreme dots of England via Winchester school and America's Stanford University, he is a true Briton -- a modern Briton at that, one comfortable with multiculturalism at political levels even as the UK retains shades of a former white colonial power with a xenophobic streak that saw it Brexiting out of the European Union -- led by the likes of Conservative Sunak himself.

Long before Sunak became a topic in the UK for his Indian origin, there was England's cricket captain Nasser Hussain, born in Chennai to a Tamil Muslim father and an English mother. He turned out to be one of England's most respected captains of all time and played against India rather well. He was very English, though he admitted he was "proud of his Indian roots."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kohinoor-churchill-and-ashish-nehra-rishi-sunaks-appointment-as-new-uk-pm-sparks-meme-fest-528138">Kohinoor, Churchill and Ashish Nehra: Rishi Sunak's appointment as new UK PM sparks meme fest</a>

Where does all this leave Sunak's Indianness?

Honestly, this is all too complicated but I would put my money on Sunak the Brit over any other identity at this moment when his success seems to have so many fathers. He is Tory to the boot and elected from a county that for too long shunned cricketers from outside England until India's own master blaster Sachin Tendulkar came along to break a glass ceiling in cricket's land of birth. Sunak is no diversity-rider in vote or thought and courts a love of meritocracy his father-in-law wore on his sleeves as the co-founder of Infosys.

However, a rockstar politician in Britain would not be the same as a real rockstar, right? So, why not look at a real one --- and it would seem Freddie Mercury from India fits the bill a lot better than Dishy Rishi if you were to look at his upbringing and influences.

The Queen singer is now a legend thanks to an Oscar-winning biopic from Hollywood. A hard look would reveal he has striking similarities -- and a telling divergence --- when one compares him with Sunak for his Indian-ness.

Farokh Bomsi Balsara was born in Zanzibar, and hence takes a spicy East African connection with Sunak but he spent his formative high school years at Panchgani in Maharashtra. He acknowledged India's own nightingale Lata Mangeshkar as his biggest inspiration for singing.

I cannot recall Sunak acknowledging any Indian influence such as Mahatma Gandhi, who seems to have inspired Martin Luther King Jr or Nelson Mandela more. As Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, however, he released a Gandhi commemorative coin. In any toss for Indianness with this coin, however, I would think aapro dikra (Parsee Gujarati for our boy) Freddie would come up heads.

I still recall stumbling into a UK-sponsored Freddie Mercury memorial exhibition in Mumbai a couple of decades ago and coming home with a valuable brochure of his childhood photos including one where he is given a sacred thread&nbsp; (Kushti).&nbsp; He is said to have once remarked that his origin was Persian (since his Zoroastrian ancestors fled what is now Iran in the 7th Century to flee Islamic conquest), but he is as Persian as a jalebi, the sweet dish that is an Indian staple though it is recognized to be of Persian origin.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-david-cameron-did-a-nostradamus-rishi-sunak-becoming-uk-prime-minister-was-predicted-long-ago-watch-528279">When Cameron did a Nostradamus. Rishi Sunak becoming UK prime minister was predicted long ago - Watch</a>

Mercury's songs include Bicycle Race, inspired clearly by his Panchgani schoolday race -- of which there is a lovely picture.

Like Sunak, Freddie Mercury has a personal, cultural and professional track record that touches three continents -- and I would put my money on Farokh as more Indian, if you were to go by influences.

If Freddie was famously mercurial, UK must hope that Sunak, living up to the Sanskrit translation of his first name, will be sage. If that helps, Sunak is a Hindu Brit, Mercury an Indo-Briton. Former Beatles guitarist George Harrison was English and white -- but died chanting Hare Krishna after embracing Hinduism. We live in a rich, complicated world.

But what does all that go to prove? Very little.

This is not colonial-era Britain that a lot of right-wing Hindu Indian politicos would seem to be still dissecting. Nor is it same India that Sunak's ancestors left.&nbsp; Much water has flown down the Indus, Thames, Ganges, whatever...and what remains is the eternal exchange of ideas that argumentative India has always been famous for. &nbsp;

If there is the last word, it must go to the last stanza from Freddie Mercury's most famous Bohemian Rhapsody: "Nothing really matters....anyway the wind blows."

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Rishi Sunak, if you were to describe him as a social-political-cultural conundrum, would fit Sir Winston Churchill's famous description of Russia: "Riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma".

Rishi Sunak, if you were to describe him as a social-political-cultural conundrum, would fit Sir Winston Churchill's famous description of Russia: "Riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma". Argumentative Indians and xenophobic Britons are furiously debating the colonial-era British prime minister's notorious quote about Indians being unable to govern themselves in the backdrop of the Indian-origin Sunak taking over the job once held by Churchill in similarly challenging times, with good reason. It is perhaps best to look at the 42-year-old former hedge fund manager as a Rubik's Cube for grown-ups. If you look at him as a devout Hindu taking over a British office with a sacred thread on after a childhood of work at the local temple, he is decidedly Hindu -- as those sympathetic to current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP would say. Watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak's plan for strengthening India-UK ties × If you look at the fact that Sunak's parental roots are in East Africa, as a Twitter quip goes, he is as Kenyan as former US president Barack Obama. If you see his partially ancestral town of Gujranwala, that would be Pakistan. If geography is history (and one in which the British played their own part) and you shift your focus to Sunak's Bangalore wedding, he is modern India's own son-in-law by virtue of his marriage to Akshata, daughter of technology tycoon NR Narayana Murthy. She is still an Indian citizen. If his now discarded Green Card is any indication, the former Goldman Sachs analyst is an almost-American. Also Read | 'Proud of him': How Narayana Murthy responded to son-in-law Rishi Sunak becoming UK PM Look beyond all that and Sunak is a true-blue upper crust Yorkshireman after being born in humbler environs of Southampton. Having connected the extreme dots of England via Winchester school and America's Stanford University, he is a true Briton -- a modern Briton at that, one comfortable with multiculturalism at political levels even as the UK retains shades of a former white colonial power with a xenophobic streak that saw it Brexiting out of the European Union -- led by the likes of Conservative Sunak himself. Long before Sunak became a topic in the UK for his Indian origin, there was England's cricket captain Nasser Hussain, born in Chennai to a Tamil Muslim father and an English mother. He turned out to be one of England's most respected captains of all time and played against India rather well. He was very English, though he admitted he was "proud of his Indian roots." Also Read | Kohinoor, Churchill and Ashish Nehra: Rishi Sunak's appointment as new UK PM sparks meme fest Where does all this leave Sunak's Indianness? Honestly, this is all too complicated but I would put my money on Sunak the Brit over any other identity at this moment when his success seems to have so many fathers. He is Tory to the boot and elected from a county that for too long shunned cricketers from outside England until India's own master blaster Sachin Tendulkar came along to break a glass ceiling in cricket's land of birth. Sunak is no diversity-rider in vote or thought and courts a love of meritocracy his father-in-law wore on his sleeves as the co-founder of Infosys. However, a rockstar politician in Britain would not be the same as a real rockstar, right? So, why not look at a real one --- and it would seem Freddie Mercury from India fits the bill a lot better than Dishy Rishi if you were to look at his upbringing and influences. The Queen singer is now a legend thanks to an Oscar-winning biopic from Hollywood. A hard look would reveal he has striking similarities -- and a telling divergence --- when one compares him with Sunak for his Indian-ness. Farokh Bomsi Balsara was born in Zanzibar, and hence takes a spicy East African connection with Sunak but he spent his formative high school years at Panchgani in Maharashtra. He acknowledged India's own nightingale Lata Mangeshkar as his biggest inspiration for singing. I cannot recall Sunak acknowledging any Indian influence such as Mahatma Gandhi, who seems to have inspired Martin Luther King Jr or Nelson Mandela more. As Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, however, he released a Gandhi commemorative coin. In any toss for Indianness with this coin, however, I would think aapro dikra (Parsee Gujarati for our boy) Freddie would come up heads. I still recall stumbling into a UK-sponsored Freddie Mercury memorial exhibition in Mumbai a couple of decades ago and coming home with a valuable brochure of his childhood photos including one where he is given a sacred thread (Kushti). He is said to have once remarked that his origin was Persian (since his Zoroastrian ancestors fled what is now Iran in the 7th Century to flee Islamic conquest), but he is as Persian as a jalebi, the sweet dish that is an Indian staple though it is recognized to be of Persian origin. Check out | When Cameron did a Nostradamus. Rishi Sunak becoming UK prime minister was predicted long ago - Watch Mercury's songs include Bicycle Race, inspired clearly by his Panchgani schoolday race -- of which there is a lovely picture. Like Sunak, Freddie Mercury has a personal, cultural and professional track record that touches three continents -- and I would put my money on Farokh as more Indian, if you were to go by influences. If Freddie was famously mercurial, UK must hope that Sunak, living up to the Sanskrit translation of his first name, will be sage. If that helps, Sunak is a Hindu Brit, Mercury an Indo-Briton. Former Beatles guitarist George Harrison was English and white -- but died chanting Hare Krishna after embracing Hinduism. We live in a rich, complicated world. But what does all that go to prove? Very little. This is not colonial-era Britain that a lot of right-wing Hindu Indian politicos would seem to be still dissecting. Nor is it same India that Sunak's ancestors left. Much water has flown down the Indus, Thames, Ganges, whatever...and what remains is the eternal exchange of ideas that argumentative India has always been famous for. If there is the last word, it must go to the last stanza from Freddie Mercury's most famous Bohemian Rhapsody: "Nothing really matters....anyway the wind blows." (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

The Rockstar and the Tory: Why Freddie Mercury may be more Indian than Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to reinstate the ban on fracking after it was lifted by his predecessor Liz Truss. During the Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sunak made it clear that his government will take a hard stance on the topic and it was later confirmed by a spokesperson.&nbsp;

During his first PMQ as Prime Minister, Sunak said that he will be sticking to the promise made in the 2019 manifesto and will reverse the controversial decision taken by Truss. Fracking has been a divisive topic in the Conservative Party with several MPs speaking out against the decision to lift the ban.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-politics-live-pm-rishi-sunak-set-to-face-opposition-for-first-time-528477" hreflang="en">UK politics LIVE updates: Britain's new PM Sunak reinstates fracking ban</a>

Sunak announced the decision in response to a question from Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.&nbsp;

“I have already said I stand by the manifesto on that. But what I would say is that I’m proud that this government has passed the landmark Environment Act, putting more protections for the natural environment than we have ever had with a clear plan to deliver,” he told the MPs.&nbsp;

“And I can give the honourable lady my commitment that we will deliver on all those ambitions. We will deliver on what we said at Cop [Cop26] because we care deeply about passing our children an environment in a better state than we found it ourselves,” Sunak added according to Sky News.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-india-connect-everything-you-need-to-know-528607" hreflang="en">New UK PM Rishi Sunak's India connect - Everything you need to know</a>

This was the second big policy from the Truss era which was reversed by Sunak after finance minister Jeremy Hunt announced a complete U-turn from the economic measures from the previous tenure.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sunak faced criticism from the opposition regarding the appointment of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary after she was dismissed for “breaking ministerial code”. However, the newly elected prime minister defended his decision and called the security breach “a mistake” by Braverman.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to reinstate the ban on fracking after it was lifted by his predecessor Liz Truss. During the Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sunak made it clear that his government will take a hard stance on the topic and it was later confirmed by a spokesperson.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to reinstate the ban on fracking after it was lifted by his predecessor Liz Truss. During the Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Sunak made it clear that his government will take a hard stance on the topic and it was later confirmed by a spokesperson. During his first PMQ as Prime Minister, Sunak said that he will be sticking to the promise made in the 2019 manifesto and will reverse the controversial decision taken by Truss. Fracking has been a divisive topic in the Conservative Party with several MPs speaking out against the decision to lift the ban. Also read | UK politics LIVE updates: Britain's new PM Sunak reinstates fracking ban Sunak announced the decision in response to a question from Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. “I have already said I stand by the manifesto on that. But what I would say is that I’m proud that this government has passed the landmark Environment Act, putting more protections for the natural environment than we have ever had with a clear plan to deliver,” he told the MPs. “And I can give the honourable lady my commitment that we will deliver on all those ambitions. We will deliver on what we said at Cop [Cop26] because we care deeply about passing our children an environment in a better state than we found it ourselves,” Sunak added according to Sky News. Also read | New UK PM Rishi Sunak's India connect - Everything you need to know This was the second big policy from the Truss era which was reversed by Sunak after finance minister Jeremy Hunt announced a complete U-turn from the economic measures from the previous tenure. Meanwhile, Sunak faced criticism from the opposition regarding the appointment of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary after she was dismissed for “breaking ministerial code”. However, the newly elected prime minister defended his decision and called the security breach “a mistake” by Braverman.

Rishi Sunak reverses another Liz Truss policy, reimposes ban of fracking in UK

Rishi Sunak became the first Indian-origin politician to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The 42-year-old was the favourite to win the Conservative Party leadership race with more than 140 supporters but it was decided even before the election as Penny Mordaunt bowed out.

Sunak's grandfather – Ramdas Sunak – was the one who migrated to Nairobi in 1935. The Sunak family originally hailed from Gujranwala (in present-day Pakistan) but they decided to shift their base to Kenya where he worked as a clerk. His wife – Suhag Rani Sunak – joined him in 1937.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-politics-live-pm-rishi-sunak-set-to-face-opposition-for-first-time-528477" hreflang="en">UK politics LIVE updates: Kremlin reveals why Putin didn't congratulate Sunak</a>

Sunak's maternal grandfather – Raghubir Sain Berry MBE – was a tax official in Tanzania till 1966 when he decided to move to the United Kingdom with his wife and three children.&nbsp;

Sunak's father Yashvir Sunak worked as a National Health Service general practitioner while his mother Usha Sunak ran a chemist shop. Both were of Indian descent but spent the majority of their lives in the UK. Sunak was also born at the Southampton General Hospital in 1980.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-postpones-announcement-of-plan-to-uplift-uk-economy-to-november-17-528548" hreflang="en">Rishi Sunak postpones announcement of plan to uplift UK economy to November 17</a>

Sunak got married to Indian tech company Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s daughter Akshata after the couple met at Stanford University in the United States while pursuing their MBA. &nbsp;

The couple has two daughters - Krishna, 11, and Anoushka, 9.&nbsp;

Following Liz Truss’ resignation from the post, Sunak was chosen to lead the Tories and he once again&nbsp;created history by taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita in the UK parliament.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Rishi Sunak became the first Indian-origin politician to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The 42-year-old was the favourite to win the Conservative Party leadership race with more than 140 supporters but it was decided even before the election as Penny Mordaunt bowed out.

Rishi Sunak became the first Indian-origin politician to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The 42-year-old was the favourite to win the Conservative Party leadership race with more than 140 supporters but it was decided even before the election as Penny Mordaunt bowed out. Sunak's grandfather – Ramdas Sunak – was the one who migrated to Nairobi in 1935. The Sunak family originally hailed from Gujranwala (in present-day Pakistan) but they decided to shift their base to Kenya where he worked as a clerk. His wife – Suhag Rani Sunak – joined him in 1937. Also read | UK politics LIVE updates: Kremlin reveals why Putin didn't congratulate Sunak Sunak's maternal grandfather – Raghubir Sain Berry MBE – was a tax official in Tanzania till 1966 when he decided to move to the United Kingdom with his wife and three children. Sunak's father Yashvir Sunak worked as a National Health Service general practitioner while his mother Usha Sunak ran a chemist shop. Both were of Indian descent but spent the majority of their lives in the UK. Sunak was also born at the Southampton General Hospital in 1980. Also read | Rishi Sunak postpones announcement of plan to uplift UK economy to November 17 Sunak got married to Indian tech company Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s daughter Akshata after the couple met at Stanford University in the United States while pursuing their MBA. The couple has two daughters - Krishna, 11, and Anoushka, 9. Following Liz Truss’ resignation from the post, Sunak was chosen to lead the Tories and he once again created history by taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita in the UK parliament.

New UK PM Rishi Sunak's India connect - Everything you need to know

After being officially announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak will face his first tough test when he squares up against the opposition on Wednesday. In other news,&nbsp;Elon Musk has told bankers and co-investors who committed to fund his $44 billion Twitter deal that he would complete the acquisition process by Friday.

Click here to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-prepares-to-face-opposition-in-parliament-will-also-hold-his-first-cabinet-meeting-wednesday-528392">Sunak prepares to face opposition in parliament, will also hold his first cabinet meeting Wednesday</a>

Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will face off against opposition lawmakers for the first time on Wednesday. He will answer questions at Prime Minister's Questions at lunchtime and it is being seen as the first big test of his leadership.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/26/306182-untitled-design-43.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-tells-bankers-co-investors-he-will-close-44bn-twitter-deal-by-friday-report-528370">Musk tells bankers, co-investors he will close $44bn Twitter deal by Friday: Report</a>

Elon Musk has told bankers and co-investors who committed to fund his $44 billion Twitter deal that he would complete the acquisition process by Friday, Bloomberg reported citing a person familiar with the matter.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/26/306165-musk.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kherson-to-be-ground-for-heaviest-of-battles-between-russia-and-ukraine-528395">Kherson to be ground for 'heaviest of battles' between Russia and Ukraine</a>

The crucial southern province of Kherson, which is partially under Russian control, will see "the heaviest of battles," according to a senior Ukrainian official, who also said that Moscow's military is fortifying itself to stave off advancing Ukrainian soldiers.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/26/306185-2022-10-26t003759z2lynxmpei9p00drtroptp4ukraine-crisis-kharkiv-region.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaro-considering-raising-minimum-wage-following-runoff-vote-results-528406">Brazil: Bolsonaro considering raising minimum wage following runoff vote results</a>

Economy Minister Paulo Guedes stated on Tuesday that President Jair Bolsonaro's administration is considering hiking the minimum wage and civil servant wages above inflation, but he disputed plans to eliminate middle-class tax benefits.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-reshuffles-cabinet-jeremy-hunter-stays-and-raab-back-528357">WATCH |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak reshuffles cabinet, Jeremy Hunter stays and Raab back</a>

A series of challenges lie ahead of UK’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The new UK Prime Minister has readied his team to tackle the problems. He has reshuffled his cabinet.

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After being officially announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak will face his first tough test when he squares up against the opposition on Wednesday.

After being officially announced as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak will face his first tough test when he squares up against the opposition on Wednesday. In other news, Elon Musk has told bankers and co-investors who committed to fund his $44 billion Twitter deal that he would complete the acquisition process by Friday. Click here to read more: Sunak prepares to face opposition in parliament, will also hold his first cabinet meeting Wednesday Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will face off against opposition lawmakers for the first time on Wednesday. He will answer questions at Prime Minister's Questions at lunchtime and it is being seen as the first big test of his leadership. Musk tells bankers, co-investors he will close $44bn Twitter deal by Friday: Report Elon Musk has told bankers and co-investors who committed to fund his $44 billion Twitter deal that he would complete the acquisition process by Friday, Bloomberg reported citing a person familiar with the matter. Kherson to be ground for 'heaviest of battles' between Russia and Ukraine The crucial southern province of Kherson, which is partially under Russian control, will see "the heaviest of battles," according to a senior Ukrainian official, who also said that Moscow's military is fortifying itself to stave off advancing Ukrainian soldiers. Brazil: Bolsonaro considering raising minimum wage following runoff vote results Economy Minister Paulo Guedes stated on Tuesday that President Jair Bolsonaro's administration is considering hiking the minimum wage and civil servant wages above inflation, but he disputed plans to eliminate middle-class tax benefits. WATCH | UK: PM Rishi Sunak reshuffles cabinet, Jeremy Hunter stays and Raab back A series of challenges lie ahead of UK’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The new UK Prime Minister has readied his team to tackle the problems. He has reshuffled his cabinet. ×

Morning news brief: Sunak to face opposition, Musk to buy Twitter by Friday and more

Rishi Sunak has become Britain's third Prime Minister this year. During his speech at 10 Downing Street, the new Prime Minister pledged to lead the country out of the profound economic crisis that the country finds itself in.

Rishi Sunak makes his first speech as Britain's PM, promises to lead UK out of economic turmoil

Soon after assuming the charge, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talked to&nbsp;US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone separately.

According to AFP, Sunak's office said that the leaders of the US and UK discussed the extent of their partnership “both bilaterally and in regions such as the Indo-Pacific."

Both the leaders have also discussed the more contentious issue of Northern Ireland, the office said.

Earlier,&nbsp;Biden had extended Diwali wishes&nbsp;to Sunak and called his appointment as "groundbreaking". During this congratulatory message, Biden mispronounced Sunak's name, calling him Rishi Sanook.&nbsp;The White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also mispronounced Sunak's name but corrected herself.&nbsp;

Before talking with Biden, Sunak first dialled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing UK's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

"A privilege to speak to the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky this evening. Both he and the Ukrainian people can count on the UK's continued solidarity and support. We will always stand with Ukraine," Sunak tweeted.

Zelensky, on the other hand, tweeted that it was an “excellent conversation”, with the two agreeing to “write a new chapter” in relations between the two countries.

On Tuesday briefing reporters outside Number 10, Sunak referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying: “Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and supply chains the world over.”

Downing Street said both the leaders spoke “to underline the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine”.

“The prime minister said the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine would be as strong as ever under his premiership, and President Zelensky could count on his government to stand in continued solidarity.

“Both leaders agreed on the need to continue to place pressure on&nbsp;Putin’s&nbsp;barbaric regime through continued economic sanctions.”

Sunak is the third UK prime minister this year and replaces Liz Truss, who served as Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister for just 45 days.

He also spoke&nbsp;with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Soon after assuming the charge, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talked to US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone separately.

Soon after assuming the charge, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talked to US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone separately. According to AFP, Sunak's office said that the leaders of the US and UK discussed the extent of their partnership “both bilaterally and in regions such as the Indo-Pacific." Both the leaders have also discussed the more contentious issue of Northern Ireland, the office said. Earlier, Biden had extended Diwali wishes to Sunak and called his appointment as "groundbreaking". During this congratulatory message, Biden mispronounced Sunak's name, calling him Rishi Sanook. The White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also mispronounced Sunak's name but corrected herself. Before talking with Biden, Sunak first dialled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing UK's solidarity with the Ukrainian people. "A privilege to speak to the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky this evening. Both he and the Ukrainian people can count on the UK's continued solidarity and support. We will always stand with Ukraine," Sunak tweeted. Zelensky, on the other hand, tweeted that it was an “excellent conversation”, with the two agreeing to “write a new chapter” in relations between the two countries. On Tuesday briefing reporters outside Number 10, Sunak referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying: “Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and supply chains the world over.” Downing Street said both the leaders spoke “to underline the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine”. “The prime minister said the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine would be as strong as ever under his premiership, and President Zelensky could count on his government to stand in continued solidarity. “Both leaders agreed on the need to continue to place pressure on Putin’s barbaric regime through continued economic sanctions.” Sunak is the third UK prime minister this year and replaces Liz Truss, who served as Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister for just 45 days. He also spoke with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden mispronounces Sunak's name, the two later talk over the phone and pledge to back Ukraine

Newly elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not be announcing his plan to repair the public finances of the country as scheduled on October 31. According to Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, the public will have to wait till November 17 for the much-anticipated official announcement.

"The prime minister&nbsp;and I have decided that it is&nbsp;prudent to make that statement on the 17th of November," Hunt&nbsp;said in a televised statement on Wednesday, reported Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-politics-live-pm-rishi-sunak-set-to-face-opposition-for-first-time-528477" hreflang="en">UK politics LIVE: UK PM Rishi Sunak faces Opposition in his first PMQ</a>

The United Kingdom is currently in the middle of an economic crisis which was made worse by former PM Liz Truss’ unfunded tax cuts. While the measures announced in the mini-budget resulted in both Truss and former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng losing their jobs, they also propelled the&nbsp;fall of the British pound to its lowest against the United States dollar while drawing criticism from many financial institutions.

According to BBC, the plan will outline the government's plan to counter a budget shortfall that exceeds $45 billion. The measures are expected to include an interception by the Bank of England.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-becomes-uks-richest-pm-with-more-wealth-than-king-charles-iii-528520" hreflang="en">Rishi Sunak becomes UK's richest PM with more wealth than King Charles III</a>

"Our number one priority is economic stability and&nbsp;restoring confidence that the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;is a country that&nbsp;pays its way and for that reason, the medium-term fiscal plan is&nbsp;extremely important," Hunt said. "I want to confirm that it will demonstrate debt falling&nbsp;over the medium term."

While the delay allows the government to make more amendments to the plan, it poses a challenge for the BoE which will be publishing its forecasts without any idea about the government plans.

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Newly elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not be announcing his plan to repair the public finances of the country as scheduled on October 31. According to Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, the public will have to wait till November 17 for the much-anticipated official announcement.

Newly elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will not be announcing his plan to repair the public finances of the country as scheduled on October 31. According to Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, the public will have to wait till November 17 for the much-anticipated official announcement. "The prime minister and I have decided that it is prudent to make that statement on the 17th of November," Hunt said in a televised statement on Wednesday, reported Reuters. Also read | UK politics LIVE: UK PM Rishi Sunak faces Opposition in his first PMQ The United Kingdom is currently in the middle of an economic crisis which was made worse by former PM Liz Truss’ unfunded tax cuts. While the measures announced in the mini-budget resulted in both Truss and former finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng losing their jobs, they also propelled the fall of the British pound to its lowest against the United States dollar while drawing criticism from many financial institutions. According to BBC, the plan will outline the government's plan to counter a budget shortfall that exceeds $45 billion. The measures are expected to include an interception by the Bank of England. Also read | Rishi Sunak becomes UK's richest PM with more wealth than King Charles III "Our number one priority is economic stability and restoring confidence that the UK is a country that pays its way and for that reason, the medium-term fiscal plan is extremely important," Hunt said. "I want to confirm that it will demonstrate debt falling over the medium term." While the delay allows the government to make more amendments to the plan, it poses a challenge for the BoE which will be publishing its forecasts without any idea about the government plans.

Rishi Sunak postpones announcement of plan to uplift UK economy to November 17

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