The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held&nbsp;without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted.&nbsp;

Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. &nbsp;However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/division-threatens-premier-leagues-chances-of-comeback-297922" hreflang="en">Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback</a>

Despite the likelihood of televised football behind closed doors, the hardcore fans might have to wait to visit their favourite stadiums unless a COVID-19 vaccine is found. This could be devastating news for football clubs who will have to prepare for at least half of 2020-21 season behind closed doors.&nbsp;

The return of football on TV will be a huge boost to the Premier League clubs who are already set to lose a significant percentage of the £760million they had already been paid by broadcasters for the final quarter of this season.

Earlier, Man City winger Raheem Sterling had raised questions on the resumption of the campaign as he asked whether the restart of the halted season is safe for everyone.

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"We all want to get back to football but at the same time, there's a pandemic going on. The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees. I don't know how that's going to work but I feel like once that side of the people's safety and the players' safety is secured and their wellbeing is looked after then that's the right time to go back in," Sterling said.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted.

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed to be held without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted. Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines. ALSO READ: Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback Despite the likelihood of televised football behind closed doors, the hardcore fans might have to wait to visit their favourite stadiums unless a COVID-19 vaccine is found. This could be devastating news for football clubs who will have to prepare for at least half of 2020-21 season behind closed doors. The return of football on TV will be a huge boost to the Premier League clubs who are already set to lose a significant percentage of the £760million they had already been paid by broadcasters for the final quarter of this season. Earlier, Man City winger Raheem Sterling had raised questions on the resumption of the campaign as he asked whether the restart of the halted season is safe for everyone. ALSO READ: Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus: club "We all want to get back to football but at the same time, there's a pandemic going on. The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees. I don't know how that's going to work but I feel like once that side of the people's safety and the players' safety is secured and their wellbeing is looked after then that's the right time to go back in," Sterling said.

Premier League given nod by UK government to resume season from June 1

The UK government is facing criticism over the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Union and UK opposition leader Keir Starmer have both the government's action towards containing the spread of coronavirus.

UK government faces flak over COVID-19 response

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country.

Britain is at or near the peak of a health crisis in which more than 15,000 people have died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide.

Data published on Saturday showed 15,464 people have died in British hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 888 in the 24 hours to 1600 GMT on Friday. That increase is higher than recent days, but below the highest daily death toll of 980, seen just over a week ago.

The government issued new guidance to hospitals on Friday setting out that alternatives to fluid-repellent full-length gowns may need to be used, including reusable gowns or even long-sleeved laboratory coats.

"This guidance is a further admission of the dire situation that some doctors and healthcare workers continue to find themselves in because of government failings," said Rob Harwood, chairman of the consultants committee at the British Medical Association.

"If it’s being proposed that staff reuse equipment, this must be demonstrably driven by science and the best evidence – rather than availability."

A Department of Health spokesman said the guidance was to ensure that staff knew what to do to minimise risk if shortages did occur. They said the new rules remained in line with international standards.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a committee of lawmakers on Friday that Britain was "tight on gowns" but had 55,000 more arriving and was aiming to get the right equipment where it was needed by the end of this weekend.

The trade union Unite said it had told its members they could lawfully refuse to work to avoid risk of injury, describing the situation over PPE as a "national scandal".

The Royal College of Nursing said it had written "in the strongest terms" to express its concerns over the rules change, and said they had not been consulted about them.

NHS Providers, a body which represents hospitals and other parts of Britain's publicly funded National Health Service, said supply levels of gowns were critical.

"It is now clear that some trusts will run out of fully fluid repellent gowns this weekend," deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said.

Britain's response to the coronavirus outbreak - which has lagged that of European peers - is a source of increasing political criticism for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering from a spell in intensive care after becoming infected.

The crisis has seen citizens ordered to stay at home and businesses forced to shut during four weeks of restrictions on daily life without precedent in British peacetime history. The lockdown was extended on Thursday for at least three more weeks.

Queen Elizabeth effectively cancelled plans to publicly celebrate her 94th birthday on Tuesday, silencing a traditional ceremonial gun salute because she thought it would not be fitting in the current circumstances.

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country.

Doctors and health workers criticised the British government on Saturday for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country. Britain is at or near the peak of a health crisis in which more than 15,000 people have died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide. Data published on Saturday showed 15,464 people have died in British hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus - an increase of 888 in the 24 hours to 1600 GMT on Friday. That increase is higher than recent days, but below the highest daily death toll of 980, seen just over a week ago. The government issued new guidance to hospitals on Friday setting out that alternatives to fluid-repellent full-length gowns may need to be used, including reusable gowns or even long-sleeved laboratory coats. "This guidance is a further admission of the dire situation that some doctors and healthcare workers continue to find themselves in because of government failings," said Rob Harwood, chairman of the consultants committee at the British Medical Association. "If it’s being proposed that staff reuse equipment, this must be demonstrably driven by science and the best evidence – rather than availability." A Department of Health spokesman said the guidance was to ensure that staff knew what to do to minimise risk if shortages did occur. They said the new rules remained in line with international standards. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a committee of lawmakers on Friday that Britain was "tight on gowns" but had 55,000 more arriving and was aiming to get the right equipment where it was needed by the end of this weekend. The trade union Unite said it had told its members they could lawfully refuse to work to avoid risk of injury, describing the situation over PPE as a "national scandal". The Royal College of Nursing said it had written "in the strongest terms" to express its concerns over the rules change, and said they had not been consulted about them. NHS Providers, a body which represents hospitals and other parts of Britain's publicly funded National Health Service, said supply levels of gowns were critical. "It is now clear that some trusts will run out of fully fluid repellent gowns this weekend," deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said. Britain's response to the coronavirus outbreak - which has lagged that of European peers - is a source of increasing political criticism for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is recovering from a spell in intensive care after becoming infected. The crisis has seen citizens ordered to stay at home and businesses forced to shut during four weeks of restrictions on daily life without precedent in British peacetime history. The lockdown was extended on Thursday for at least three more weeks. Queen Elizabeth effectively cancelled plans to publicly celebrate her 94th birthday on Tuesday, silencing a traditional ceremonial gun salute because she thought it would not be fitting in the current circumstances.

UK government faces mounting criticism over protection clothing shortages

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Queen Elizabeth's 65th Speech focuses on Brexit. The speech is written by UK PM and team that she reads from the throne of House of Lords

Queen Elizabeth's 65th Speech; sets out UK Government's agenda

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-limbo-after-mps-reject-his-brexit-plan-elections-247654">Boris Johnson's government</a> abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October.

Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary.

Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday.

But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation.

Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments.

"There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal. The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October. Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary. Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday. But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation. Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments. "There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

UK government gives up trying to stop Brexit delay bill in parliament

Northern Ireland, part of today's UK has a bloody history. In the late 1960s, a violent ethnic and nationalist conflict broke out. UK government sent its army to quell the violence. Then all hell broke loose. Take a look at the story of the British army's longest war.

WION Gravitas: The story of Operation Banner- Britain's longest military campaign

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dar is accused of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income. A case against the former finance minister was filed by the National Accountability Bureau after the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case.

Dar had been declared a proclaimed offender by the Supreme Court due to his continuous absence from the proceedings.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar told media in Islamabad that Dar would be brought back under a memorandum of understanding.

"We reached at an agreement (with UK), and Dar will be brought back after ratification of the extradition documents by UK," he said.

Akbar said that according to the agreement, Dar will be produced before a magistrate in UK and then repatriated to Pakistan.

He did not give any timeline for the completion of the process of extradition but hoped that it would be completed soon.

Dar is considered very close to former premier Nawaz Sharif, who is also in jail on corruption charges.&nbsp;

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case.

A senior Pakistani official Tuesday claimed that the UK government has agreed to extradite former finance minister Ishaq Dar to Pakistan to face trial in a corruption case. Dar is accused of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared sources of income. A case against the former finance minister was filed by the National Accountability Bureau after the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case. Dar had been declared a proclaimed offender by the Supreme Court due to his continuous absence from the proceedings. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar told media in Islamabad that Dar would be brought back under a memorandum of understanding. "We reached at an agreement (with UK), and Dar will be brought back after ratification of the extradition documents by UK," he said. Akbar said that according to the agreement, Dar will be produced before a magistrate in UK and then repatriated to Pakistan. He did not give any timeline for the completion of the process of extradition but hoped that it would be completed soon. Dar is considered very close to former premier Nawaz Sharif, who is also in jail on corruption charges.

Agreement signed with UK government over Ishaq Dar's extradition: Pakistan official

Cross-party talks over Brexit ended on Friday without an agreement, six weeks after they started. British opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May that talks with the government to find a compromise over Brexit have gone as far as they can. Watch full video to know more.

UK cross-party Brexit talks end without agreement

Britain has confirmed that they will take part in the European Parliament election on May 23. Watch full video to know more.

UK government confirms Britain's participation on EU polls

Britain is facing European election like none other due to the extension of Brexit negotiations. Watch full video to know more.

UK to hold EU election

A group of next-generation activists protested against climate change in London and cities across the UK today.Watch full video to know more.

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Brexit has created a chaos in UK industries. After Big companies decide to move out their headquarters to other parts of EU from London, the process is not that simple for small firms. Watch this video to know more.

How startups are surviving Brexit and Why companies are moving to Ireland

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.5 billion pounds to preparations.

The Guardian reported Friday the British government has stood down an army of 6,000 civil servants who had been preparing for a no-deal Brexit.&nbsp;

The civil servants who had been seconded from elsewhere will now return to their normal duties, but there is no clear role for an estimated 4,500 new recruits.

The contingency operations have impacted nearly all departments in the civil service and elsewhere in the public sector including traffic, hospitals and schools.

The UK government has spent 1.5 billion pounds on plans to mitigate the effects of the UK crashing out of the EU without an agreement, and thousands of civil servants were assigned to the project. But the government has relaxed its contingency plans after EU leaders on Thursday agreed to postpone the Brexit deadline to Oct. 31, ending the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on April 12.

The new deadline hands Prime Minister Theresa May extra time to try to get her original deal passed through parliament - once again or to make amendments to the deal if it fails to pass, plunging the country into further uncertainty.

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.

The UK government decided to put on hold all emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit following the agreement by European Union (EU) leaders to extend the withdrawal process to October 31 despite committing 1.5 billion pounds to preparations. The Guardian reported Friday the British government has stood down an army of 6,000 civil servants who had been preparing for a no-deal Brexit. The civil servants who had been seconded from elsewhere will now return to their normal duties, but there is no clear role for an estimated 4,500 new recruits. The contingency operations have impacted nearly all departments in the civil service and elsewhere in the public sector including traffic, hospitals and schools. The UK government has spent 1.5 billion pounds on plans to mitigate the effects of the UK crashing out of the EU without an agreement, and thousands of civil servants were assigned to the project. But the government has relaxed its contingency plans after EU leaders on Thursday agreed to postpone the Brexit deadline to Oct. 31, ending the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on April 12. The new deadline hands Prime Minister Theresa May extra time to try to get her original deal passed through parliament - once again or to make amendments to the deal if it fails to pass, plunging the country into further uncertainty.

UK government halts no-deal Brexit contingency plans

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Britain's government</a> said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

"We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs.

"A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again.

"The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said.

Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

 
&nbsp;

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker. "We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs. "A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday. Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again. "The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said. Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

UK government plans third Brexit deal vote on Friday

Three junior British ministers quit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government over Brexit on Monday.

Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced&nbsp;his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

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This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation <a href="https://t.co/Z0QU5lbeJ1">pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1</a>
— Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) <a href="https://twitter.com/Richard4Watford/status/1110302682835759106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union.

Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan.

Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country".

"As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote.

Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit.

Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP. This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1 — Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) March 25, 2019 × They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union. Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan. Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country". "As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote. Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit. Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit over Brexit: Sources

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures.

India once again failed to make the cut to be added to the expanded list of countries, which has now included Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Oman, Peru and Tunisia.&nbsp;

The UK Home Office said the change will not only benefit students, who will be able to apply for visas through a more streamlined process, but also help to ensure that the UK's "world-leading education institutions remain competitive internationally".

This is the second time in months when a review of the so-called Appendix H list for Tier 4 student visas, which includes China and Mexico among other countries, has overlooked India - among the top source countries for foreign students applying to UK universities.&nbsp;

The UK government claims that India does not meet the "required criteria" to be included on the expanded list and that Indian students will experience no change in the service they receive.

The other key changes unveiled by the UK Home Office on Thursday include two new visa routes open to skilled business people to set up businesses in the UK.&nbsp;

The Start-up visa route will be open to those starting a business for the first time in the UK, while the Innovator visa route will be for more experienced business people who have funds to invest in their business.

Both routes will see endorsing bodies and business experts rather than the UK Home Office assessing applicants' business ideas. This will make sure that the routes are focussed on only the most innovative, viable and scalable businesses.

"My priority is making sure that talented business people continue to see the UK as an attractive destination to develop their businesses. This will help create more jobs across the country and ensure our economy continues to thrive," said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes.

Alongside these new routes, the Home Office is also bringing forward reforms to the Tier 1 (Investor) route. The government said the reformed route will better protect the UK from illegally obtained funds, whilst ensuring that genuine investors have access to a viable visa route.&nbsp;

Applicants will be required to prove that they have had control of the required 2 million pounds for at least two years, rather than 90 days, or provide evidence of the source of those funds seen as an effort to combat fears of money laundering.

"What we will not tolerate is those who seek to abuse our system and that&nbsp; 
is why I am bringing forward new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," Nokes said.

The Home Office will also extend the salary exemption in Tier 2 (General) visa so that the state-funded NHS and schools can continue to attract and hire experienced teachers, nurses and paramedics from overseas, including India.&nbsp;

The salary exemption applies to all nurses and paramedics, medical radiographers and secondary school teachers whose subjects are in maths, physics, chemistry, computer science and Mandarin.

A two-year scheme, which will allow up to 20 nurses from Jamaica to come to the UK to gain vital experience in NHS hospitals as part of an exchange scheme, has also been announced.

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures.

The UK government on Thursday unveiled changes to its visa and immigration system which includes two new visa categories for business people from around the world and an expansion of the list of countries offered streamlined student visa procedures. India once again failed to make the cut to be added to the expanded list of countries, which has now included Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Oman, Peru and Tunisia. The UK Home Office said the change will not only benefit students, who will be able to apply for visas through a more streamlined process, but also help to ensure that the UK's "world-leading education institutions remain competitive internationally". This is the second time in months when a review of the so-called Appendix H list for Tier 4 student visas, which includes China and Mexico among other countries, has overlooked India - among the top source countries for foreign students applying to UK universities. The UK government claims that India does not meet the "required criteria" to be included on the expanded list and that Indian students will experience no change in the service they receive. The other key changes unveiled by the UK Home Office on Thursday include two new visa routes open to skilled business people to set up businesses in the UK. The Start-up visa route will be open to those starting a business for the first time in the UK, while the Innovator visa route will be for more experienced business people who have funds to invest in their business. Both routes will see endorsing bodies and business experts rather than the UK Home Office assessing applicants' business ideas. This will make sure that the routes are focussed on only the most innovative, viable and scalable businesses. "My priority is making sure that talented business people continue to see the UK as an attractive destination to develop their businesses. This will help create more jobs across the country and ensure our economy continues to thrive," said UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes. Alongside these new routes, the Home Office is also bringing forward reforms to the Tier 1 (Investor) route. The government said the reformed route will better protect the UK from illegally obtained funds, whilst ensuring that genuine investors have access to a viable visa route. Applicants will be required to prove that they have had control of the required 2 million pounds for at least two years, rather than 90 days, or provide evidence of the source of those funds seen as an effort to combat fears of money laundering. "What we will not tolerate is those who seek to abuse our system and that is why I am bringing forward new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," Nokes said. The Home Office will also extend the salary exemption in Tier 2 (General) visa so that the state-funded NHS and schools can continue to attract and hire experienced teachers, nurses and paramedics from overseas, including India. The salary exemption applies to all nurses and paramedics, medical radiographers and secondary school teachers whose subjects are in maths, physics, chemistry, computer science and Mandarin. A two-year scheme, which will allow up to 20 nurses from Jamaica to come to the UK to gain vital experience in NHS hospitals as part of an exchange scheme, has also been announced.

Indian students fail to make cut for easier UK visa norms

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday.

The move could see tens of thousands of people convicted of non-violent or non-sexual crimes, such as burglary and shoplifting, spared jail under the plan, Rory Stewart told The Daily Telegraph.

In an interview with the newspaper's magazine, he said that short jail terms were "long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you.

"You bring somebody in for three or four weeks, they lose their house, their job, their family, their reputation.

"They come (into prison), they meet a lot of interesting characters and then you whap them on to the streets again," he said.

"The public is safer if we have a good community sentence... and it will relieve a lot of pressure on prisons."

The change would mirror 2010 reforms in Scotland, where judges are now guided by a legal presumption against custodial sentences of less than three months.

Reoffending rates there have since fallen to their lowest levels for nearly two decades, and the Scottish government is considering extending it to less than a year.

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, told the Telegraph that government ministers in London "should be congratulated for having the political courage to start the debate".

England and Wales's prison population has doubled since the early 1990s to now stand at more than 80,000 inmates, official figures show.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, more than half of the 86,275 offenders sentenced to immediate custody in 2017 were given sentences of six months or less.

The country's prisons are considered in a state of crisis, with violence and drug use on the rise.

Stewart made the eye-catching bold pledge last August to resign if he was not able to reform its 10 worst jails within a year.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that it was "exploring potential alternatives" to prisons for some crimes.

"As we have said previously, short sentences are too often ineffective, provide little opportunity to rehabilitate offenders and lead to unacceptably high rates of reoffending," he said.

"But this work is ongoing and we have reached no conclusions at this time."

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday.

The British government is considering scrapping jail sentences of six months or less for most crimes in a bid to reduce reoffending and ease pressure on the system, the prisons minister said on Saturday. The move could see tens of thousands of people convicted of non-violent or non-sexual crimes, such as burglary and shoplifting, spared jail under the plan, Rory Stewart told The Daily Telegraph. In an interview with the newspaper's magazine, he said that short jail terms were "long enough to damage you and not long enough to heal you. "You bring somebody in for three or four weeks, they lose their house, their job, their family, their reputation. "They come (into prison), they meet a lot of interesting characters and then you whap them on to the streets again," he said. "The public is safer if we have a good community sentence... and it will relieve a lot of pressure on prisons." The change would mirror 2010 reforms in Scotland, where judges are now guided by a legal presumption against custodial sentences of less than three months. Reoffending rates there have since fallen to their lowest levels for nearly two decades, and the Scottish government is considering extending it to less than a year. Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, told the Telegraph that government ministers in London "should be congratulated for having the political courage to start the debate". England and Wales's prison population has doubled since the early 1990s to now stand at more than 80,000 inmates, official figures show. Meanwhile, more than half of the 86,275 offenders sentenced to immediate custody in 2017 were given sentences of six months or less. The country's prisons are considered in a state of crisis, with violence and drug use on the rise. Stewart made the eye-catching bold pledge last August to resign if he was not able to reform its 10 worst jails within a year. A Ministry of Justice spokesman confirmed that it was "exploring potential alternatives" to prisons for some crimes. "As we have said previously, short sentences are too often ineffective, provide little opportunity to rehabilitate offenders and lead to unacceptably high rates of reoffending," he said. "But this work is ongoing and we have reached no conclusions at this time."

UK government mulls limiting jail sentences of six months or less

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.

Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.

The foreign and commonwealth office which regularly updates its advice for travel to different parts of the world said that any British citizens planning to travel to Kerala should monitor media reports.

Kerala has been rocked by protests by right-wing groups after two women of "Menstruating age" offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on January 2.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence over the last few days. 
&nbsp; 
The Sabarimala temple has been at the centre of a prolonged showdown between traditionalists and authorities since September, 2018.

Supreme Court has overturned a ban on women of menstruating age -- deemed as those aged 10 to 50 -- setting foot inside the temple.

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.

The United Kingdom government has warned tourists visiting Kerala following violent protests over the issue of women entering the Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala. Britain updated its travel advisory to India, warning British citizens to remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings. The foreign and commonwealth office which regularly updates its advice for travel to different parts of the world said that any British citizens planning to travel to Kerala should monitor media reports. Kerala has been rocked by protests by right-wing groups after two women of "Menstruating age" offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on January 2. Hundreds of people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence over the last few days. The Sabarimala temple has been at the centre of a prolonged showdown between traditionalists and authorities since September, 2018. Supreme Court has overturned a ban on women of menstruating age -- deemed as those aged 10 to 50 -- setting foot inside the temple.

Sabarimala row: UK government warns tourists visiting Kerala 

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused.

The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year.&nbsp;

According to official figures, around 76 Indian millionaires have used this visa category to gain permanent settlement in Britain since 2009, with a peak of 16 Indian applicants in 2013 and seven last year.

The highest number of the over 1,000 such visas issued last year went to Chinese and Russian millionaires.

"The UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system," said UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes.

"That is why I am bringing forward these new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," she said.

Under the scheme being suspended, a 2 million pound investment bought a visa and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years.

An investment of 5 million pound&nbsp;cut down the eligibility period for ILR to three years and 10 million pound meant the investor could be eligible for permanent settlement within two years along with his or her dependents.

The UK Home Office had launched an investigation into Tier 1 Investor visas issued to wealthy Russians as relations between the UK and Russia nose-dived following the deadly nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia earlier this year.

It led to Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich withdrawing his Tier 1 Investor visa application and has since acquired Israeli citizenship instead.

The Home Office had confirmed that its probe into the visa route would not be limited to just Russian billionaires and would form part of a wider crackdown on money laundering.

According to UK media reports, as part of new rules to come in force from next year, independent, regulated auditors will assess such high net worth applicants' financial and business interests and check they have had control of the funds for at least two years.

Transparency International UK, a non-profit anti-corruption body, welcomed the crackdown and called on the government to take urgent action on individuals found to have invested suspicious wealth into the UK via the Tier 1 Investor visa scheme.

"Property and other high-end sectors are increasingly accused of allowing dirty money into the UK but it's astonishing to think that the UK's own visa scheme can be used to launder corrupt money into the UK. Once obtained 'Golden' visas can also open the door to channel much larger sums of stolen cash into our financial system," said Duncan Hames, the organisation's Director of Policy.

"Any individuals found by this review to have brought suspicious money into the UK should be subject to police investigation into the provenance of all their UK assets," he said.

The changes to the Tier 1 Investor scheme are part of wider reforms to the UK's visa system. The Home Office is also replacing the Tier 1 Graduate and Entrepreneur visa routes with a Start-up visa route, announced in June, and the Innovator visa route.

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused. The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year.

The UK government on Thursday said it plans to suspend a visa category used by many high net worth Indians over fears that it was being misused. The Tier 1 Investor visa, referred to as a "golden visa" for the fast-track route to settlement rights in the UK it offered to the super-rich willing to invest millions in the UK, will be suspended from Friday midnight until new rules are put in place next year. According to official figures, around 76 Indian millionaires have used this visa category to gain permanent settlement in Britain since 2009, with a peak of 16 Indian applicants in 2013 and seven last year. The highest number of the over 1,000 such visas issued last year went to Chinese and Russian millionaires. "The UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system," said UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes. "That is why I am bringing forward these new measures which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system," she said. Under the scheme being suspended, a 2 million pound investment bought a visa and indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. An investment of 5 million pound cut down the eligibility period for ILR to three years and 10 million pound meant the investor could be eligible for permanent settlement within two years along with his or her dependents. The UK Home Office had launched an investigation into Tier 1 Investor visas issued to wealthy Russians as relations between the UK and Russia nose-dived following the deadly nerve agent attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia earlier this year. It led to Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich withdrawing his Tier 1 Investor visa application and has since acquired Israeli citizenship instead. The Home Office had confirmed that its probe into the visa route would not be limited to just Russian billionaires and would form part of a wider crackdown on money laundering. According to UK media reports, as part of new rules to come in force from next year, independent, regulated auditors will assess such high net worth applicants' financial and business interests and check they have had control of the funds for at least two years. Transparency International UK, a non-profit anti-corruption body, welcomed the crackdown and called on the government to take urgent action on individuals found to have invested suspicious wealth into the UK via the Tier 1 Investor visa scheme. "Property and other high-end sectors are increasingly accused of allowing dirty money into the UK but it's astonishing to think that the UK's own visa scheme can be used to launder corrupt money into the UK. Once obtained 'Golden' visas can also open the door to channel much larger sums of stolen cash into our financial system," said Duncan Hames, the organisation's Director of Policy. "Any individuals found by this review to have brought suspicious money into the UK should be subject to police investigation into the provenance of all their UK assets," he said. The changes to the Tier 1 Investor scheme are part of wider reforms to the UK's visa system. The Home Office is also replacing the Tier 1 Graduate and Entrepreneur visa routes with a Start-up visa route, announced in June, and the Innovator visa route.

UK government to suspend 'golden visa' policy over money laundering fears

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two.

Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May`s Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks.

"Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War," said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum.

Johnson, 46, called it the worst failure of statecraft since the 1956 Suez canal crisis, in which Britain was humiliatingly forced by the United States to withdraw its troops from Egypt.

"To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis," he said.&nbsp;

"Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say," he added.

Johnson`s criticism underscored the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 per cent done, approved by her own fractious party.

The pound sank to a day`s low beneath $1.30 on the resignation and also fell against the euro. It was unclear whether others would follow Johnson out of government.&nbsp;

In the June 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying.&nbsp;

Johnson wants a three-way referendum giving the people a choice between remaining in the EU, May`s deal and no deal.

May`s office rejected his call, saying Britain would not hold a second referendum on its EU membership "under any circumstances".

"United in dismay"

Johnson is the 14th minister to have resigned from the government since November last year and the most senior to have called for another referendum in his leaving statement.

His resignation was published after May spent much of the day in France and Belgium, laying wreaths alongside fellow leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War One.&nbsp;

As negotiations with Brussels enter their final fraught stage, May’s approach is under fire from all sides of the divisive Brexit debate.&nbsp;

Many politicians are unhappy with her compromise plans to maintain the free trade of goods with the EU, which they say will leave Britain subject to decisions in Brussels without any input.

In his 1,600-word resignation statement, Johnson said May`s proposed deal would leave Britain in a "far worse" negotiating position than now, adding he also knew from his work at the Department of Transport how painful a "no deal" Brexit would be.

Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit who quit as foreign secretary in July, praised his brother`s decision, saying they were "united in dismay" - despite their opposing views on Brexit - over May`s handling of the negotiations.

May is expected to hold a cabinet meeting later this month in the hope of securing ministers` support for her negotiating stance and hopes to strike an exit deal with the EU in the next few weeks.

Compounding May`s problems on Friday, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and said it could not support any deal that divided the United Kingdom.

The Democratic Unionist Party interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK "come into force" as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal.

As campaigners step up pressure on the government calling for the public to be given another say on Brexit, the opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn dashed campaigners` hopes he could back another referendum.&nbsp;

Asked by German magazine Der Spiegel if he would stop Brexit if he could, Corbyn said: "We can`t stop it. The referendum took place....What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted leave."

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two.

Jo Johnson, the younger brother of Boris, resigned from British Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain`s greatest crisis since World War Two. Quitting as a junior transport minister, Johnson called May`s Brexit plans delusional and said he could not vote for the deal she is expected to unveil in parliament within weeks. "Britain stands on the brink of the greatest crisis since the Second World War," said Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist who voted to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum. Johnson, 46, called it the worst failure of statecraft since the 1956 Suez canal crisis, in which Britain was humiliatingly forced by the United States to withdraw its troops from Egypt. "To present the nation with a choice between two deeply unattractive outcomes, vassalage and chaos, is a failure of British statecraft on a scale unseen since the Suez crisis," he said. "Given that the reality of Brexit has turned out to be so far from what was once promised, the democratic thing to do is to give the public the final say," he added. Johnson`s criticism underscored the travails that May faces in getting any Brexit divorce deal, which London and Brussels say is 95 per cent done, approved by her own fractious party. The pound sank to a day`s low beneath $1.30 on the resignation and also fell against the euro. It was unclear whether others would follow Johnson out of government. In the June 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying. Johnson wants a three-way referendum giving the people a choice between remaining in the EU, May`s deal and no deal. May`s office rejected his call, saying Britain would not hold a second referendum on its EU membership "under any circumstances". "United in dismay" Johnson is the 14th minister to have resigned from the government since November last year and the most senior to have called for another referendum in his leaving statement. His resignation was published after May spent much of the day in France and Belgium, laying wreaths alongside fellow leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War One. As negotiations with Brussels enter their final fraught stage, May’s approach is under fire from all sides of the divisive Brexit debate. Many politicians are unhappy with her compromise plans to maintain the free trade of goods with the EU, which they say will leave Britain subject to decisions in Brussels without any input. In his 1,600-word resignation statement, Johnson said May`s proposed deal would leave Britain in a "far worse" negotiating position than now, adding he also knew from his work at the Department of Transport how painful a "no deal" Brexit would be. Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit who quit as foreign secretary in July, praised his brother`s decision, saying they were "united in dismay" - despite their opposing views on Brexit - over May`s handling of the negotiations. May is expected to hold a cabinet meeting later this month in the hope of securing ministers` support for her negotiating stance and hopes to strike an exit deal with the EU in the next few weeks. Compounding May`s problems on Friday, the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government cast her Brexit negotiation as a betrayal and said it could not support any deal that divided the United Kingdom. The Democratic Unionist Party interpreted a promise made by May in a letter that she would never let a division of the UK "come into force" as an admission that such a clause would be included in a final deal. As campaigners step up pressure on the government calling for the public to be given another say on Brexit, the opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn dashed campaigners` hopes he could back another referendum. Asked by German magazine Der Spiegel if he would stop Brexit if he could, Corbyn said: "We can`t stop it. The referendum took place....What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted leave."

Jo Johnson quits UK government, urges referendum to avoid Brexit chaos

Britain's upper house of parliament on Tuesday inflicted a new defeat on Prime Minister Theresa May’s government on Tuesday, challenging her decision to fix a date next year to leave the European Union.

The House of Lords voted for an amendment to a draft law, removing a proposed fixed time for a Brexit departure of 11 p.m. on March 29 next year.

The government has already set the clock ticking on a two-year exit process that has so far failed to deliver a divorce deal and which was damaged by her gamble on a snap election which cost her party its majority in parliament.

Some lawmakers criticised the government's plan to impose a specific date for Britain leaving the EU, saying it would create significant difficulties if negotiations with Brussels went down to the wire.

"It creates a rod for the UK negotiators' backs, weakens any UK negotiating position, and adds unnecessary pressure to those in the executive trying to deliver Brexit in a coherent measured fashion," said Arthur Wellesley, a Conservative member of the House of Lords, who introduced the amendment.

"We should give ministers a bit more flexibility to secure and obtain ratification of the best possible deal which will do the least damage to the economy and the national interest."

This is the 12th time in recent weeks that the government has been defeated in the House of Lords on the draft legislation that will formally terminate Britain's EU membership.

The vote can be overturned by the lower house, the House of Commons, but underscores the deep divisions over Brexit across parliament and could encourage lawmakers who hope to derail May's plans to forge a new relationship with the EU.

Earlier, opposition parties in the Lords and rebels in May's Conservative Party voted in favour of the amendment that means Britain should participate in EU agencies after leaving the bloc next year.

The government has proposed retaining membership of some EU agencies for medicine, chemicals and aviation while leaving others after Brexit.

Britain is likely to leave the EU police agency Europol and lose automatic membership to bodies like the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency.

Agencies that oversee Europe's banks and pharmaceutical sector have announced they will move from London to cities on the continent after Brexit, highlighting potential job losses for Britain's economy from leaving the EU.

After the Lords, the bill will return to the House of Commons. Both houses have to agree on the final wording of the bill before it can become law.

Lawmakers will have to decide whether to back the government or reject the law — with the risk that Britain could crash out of the EU next year without any deal in place.

This is the penultimate session for the bill in the upper chamber during the report stage, where members have already voted in favour of amendments including to compel ministers to seek a form of customs union with the EU.

The upper house voted for an amendment to a draft law

Britain's upper house of parliament on Tuesday inflicted a new defeat on Prime Minister Theresa May’s government on Tuesday, challenging her decision to fix a date next year to leave the European Union. The House of Lords voted for an amendment to a draft law, removing a proposed fixed time for a Brexit departure of 11 p.m. on March 29 next year. The government has already set the clock ticking on a two-year exit process that has so far failed to deliver a divorce deal and which was damaged by her gamble on a snap election which cost her party its majority in parliament. Some lawmakers criticised the government's plan to impose a specific date for Britain leaving the EU, saying it would create significant difficulties if negotiations with Brussels went down to the wire. "It creates a rod for the UK negotiators' backs, weakens any UK negotiating position, and adds unnecessary pressure to those in the executive trying to deliver Brexit in a coherent measured fashion," said Arthur Wellesley, a Conservative member of the House of Lords, who introduced the amendment. "We should give ministers a bit more flexibility to secure and obtain ratification of the best possible deal which will do the least damage to the economy and the national interest." This is the 12th time in recent weeks that the government has been defeated in the House of Lords on the draft legislation that will formally terminate Britain's EU membership. The vote can be overturned by the lower house, the House of Commons, but underscores the deep divisions over Brexit across parliament and could encourage lawmakers who hope to derail May's plans to forge a new relationship with the EU. Earlier, opposition parties in the Lords and rebels in May's Conservative Party voted in favour of the amendment that means Britain should participate in EU agencies after leaving the bloc next year. The government has proposed retaining membership of some EU agencies for medicine, chemicals and aviation while leaving others after Brexit. Britain is likely to leave the EU police agency Europol and lose automatic membership to bodies like the European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency. Agencies that oversee Europe's banks and pharmaceutical sector have announced they will move from London to cities on the continent after Brexit, highlighting potential job losses for Britain's economy from leaving the EU. After the Lords, the bill will return to the House of Commons. Both houses have to agree on the final wording of the bill before it can become law. Lawmakers will have to decide whether to back the government or reject the law — with the risk that Britain could crash out of the EU next year without any deal in place. This is the penultimate session for the bill in the upper chamber during the report stage, where members have already voted in favour of amendments including to compel ministers to seek a form of customs union with the EU.

UK government's plans for fixed Brexit date defeated in House of Lords

Scores of Indian doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs and other professionals are challenging the UK government in court over being denied the right to live and work in Britain.

The professionals brought together under the banner of the 'Highly Skilled Migrants' group, were back opposite Parliament Square in London today to protest against "unjustified" refusals by the UK Home Office of their applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain.

Since their last protest in February, many of the professionals refused ILR have appealed against the Home Office decision in the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal  the courts which hear immigration appeals.

"Given the Windrush scandal involving innocent migrants being denied their citizenship rights and the new Home Secretary (Sajid Javid) assuring the public that the Home Office will be fair in its immigration decisions, these cases take on an added significance," said Aditi Bhardwaj, one of the convenors of the group.

"The way some of these skilled professionals have been treated is worse than criminals. We have evidence to show that the entire approach of the Home Office is unfair because it is based on how to find a way to deny someone's legitimate application to live and work in the country," she said.

The common factor among all the professionals, from non-European Union countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria, is that they were in the UK on a Tier 1 (General) visa.

They were entitled to apply for ILR or permanent residency status after a minimum of five years' lawful residency in the UK.

While the visa category itself was discontinued in 2010, former applicants were eligible to apply for ILR until April this year if they met the necessary requirements.

But legal experts have noted a pattern of many such applications being turned down on the basis of Rule 322(5), a discretionary rule linked to an applicant's "good character".

The reason for refusal under this rule is most often a discrepancy in the earnings declared to the Home Office and that to the UK's tax department.

While in some cases there may be a legal case of downplaying income for tax reasons or overstating for immigration purposes, experts believe the rule has been used unfairly as a blanket reason for turning down most applications under the Tier 1 (General) route.

"In the last couple of years, this refusal reason seems to have become near-automatic. The Home Office should not be treating legitimate businesspeople as dishonest where there may be an innocent explanation," said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister aware of several such cases where the UK Home Office seems to have displayed a "shoot first mentality".

"The main potential for injustice is the seemingly automatic refusal of applications even when there are good explanations provided, for example where an accountant has admitted their own error in writing," he said.

A 31-year-old Indian professional, who underwent a similar situation due to a minor correction in his tax return, is now fighting his case in the UK's Court of Appeal.

The former Heathrow Airport worker's case has the potential of becoming a test case for hundreds of others who have been denied their ILR on similar grounds.

"The judge has indicated that the grounds of appeal have a good prospect of success," said the professional on condition of anonymity.

"My entire life has been on hold for two years, during which I have been unable to work or focus on anything else.

The Home Office is just interested in its immigration targets and finding any means to deny what is our right as skilled professionals who have been working hard and paying our taxes in this country," he said.

His case comes up for its next hearing in June and could pave the way for a wider class action legal challenge.

"It is possible that a class action would be a good way for getting the law and the legal requirement for fairness to be clarified," said Symes.

The group's protest outside Parliament comes just days after newly-appointed Home Secretary Sajid Javid took charge amid an ongoing immigration crisis dubbed the "Windrush scandal" involving hundreds of Caribbean immigrants to Britain, and vowed to "do right" by migrants who had a legitimate right to be in the country.

Javid replaced Amber Rudd who resigned after admitting that she had "inadvertently misled" Parliament over the existence of deportation targets for illegal immigrants.

The UK Home Office claims that any refusals are a direct result of discrepancies in the tax data quoted by applicants.

"Where there has been clear evidence that these applicants have lied on their visa forms, the courts have upheld our refusal decisions in most cases when these decisions are challenged," a Home Office statement said.

Scores of Indian doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs and other professionals are challenging the UK government in court over being denied the right to live and work in Britain.

Scores of Indian doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs and other professionals are challenging the UK government in court over being denied the right to live and work in Britain. The professionals brought together under the banner of the 'Highly Skilled Migrants' group, were back opposite Parliament Square in London today to protest against "unjustified" refusals by the UK Home Office of their applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain. Since their last protest in February, many of the professionals refused ILR have appealed against the Home Office decision in the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal  the courts which hear immigration appeals. "Given the Windrush scandal involving innocent migrants being denied their citizenship rights and the new Home Secretary (Sajid Javid) assuring the public that the Home Office will be fair in its immigration decisions, these cases take on an added significance," said Aditi Bhardwaj, one of the convenors of the group. "The way some of these skilled professionals have been treated is worse than criminals. We have evidence to show that the entire approach of the Home Office is unfair because it is based on how to find a way to deny someone's legitimate application to live and work in the country," she said. The common factor among all the professionals, from non-European Union countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria, is that they were in the UK on a Tier 1 (General) visa. They were entitled to apply for ILR or permanent residency status after a minimum of five years' lawful residency in the UK. While the visa category itself was discontinued in 2010, former applicants were eligible to apply for ILR until April this year if they met the necessary requirements. But legal experts have noted a pattern of many such applications being turned down on the basis of Rule 322(5), a discretionary rule linked to an applicant's "good character". The reason for refusal under this rule is most often a discrepancy in the earnings declared to the Home Office and that to the UK's tax department. While in some cases there may be a legal case of downplaying income for tax reasons or overstating for immigration purposes, experts believe the rule has been used unfairly as a blanket reason for turning down most applications under the Tier 1 (General) route. "In the last couple of years, this refusal reason seems to have become near-automatic. The Home Office should not be treating legitimate businesspeople as dishonest where there may be an innocent explanation," said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister aware of several such cases where the UK Home Office seems to have displayed a "shoot first mentality". "The main potential for injustice is the seemingly automatic refusal of applications even when there are good explanations provided, for example where an accountant has admitted their own error in writing," he said. A 31-year-old Indian professional, who underwent a similar situation due to a minor correction in his tax return, is now fighting his case in the UK's Court of Appeal. The former Heathrow Airport worker's case has the potential of becoming a test case for hundreds of others who have been denied their ILR on similar grounds. "The judge has indicated that the grounds of appeal have a good prospect of success," said the professional on condition of anonymity. "My entire life has been on hold for two years, during which I have been unable to work or focus on anything else. The Home Office is just interested in its immigration targets and finding any means to deny what is our right as skilled professionals who have been working hard and paying our taxes in this country," he said. His case comes up for its next hearing in June and could pave the way for a wider class action legal challenge. "It is possible that a class action would be a good way for getting the law and the legal requirement for fairness to be clarified," said Symes. The group's protest outside Parliament comes just days after newly-appointed Home Secretary Sajid Javid took charge amid an ongoing immigration crisis dubbed the "Windrush scandal" involving hundreds of Caribbean immigrants to Britain, and vowed to "do right" by migrants who had a legitimate right to be in the country. Javid replaced Amber Rudd who resigned after admitting that she had "inadvertently misled" Parliament over the existence of deportation targets for illegal immigrants. The UK Home Office claims that any refusals are a direct result of discrepancies in the tax data quoted by applicants. "Where there has been clear evidence that these applicants have lied on their visa forms, the courts have upheld our refusal decisions in most cases when these decisions are challenged," a Home Office statement said.

Indian professionals challenge UK government in court over visas

European Council President Donald Tusk on Friday dismissed as &quot;pure illusion&quot; the ideas floated by Britain so far on what sort of relationship it wants with the European Union after it leaves the bloc.

Tusk said he hoped to get more clarity when he meets Theresa May next Thursday, a day before the British prime minister is due to deliver a speech to outline London&#39;s vision of its future ties with the EU.

&quot;I am glad that the UK government seems to be moving towards a more detailed position,&quot; Tusk told journalists after 27 EU leaders - all apart from May - met in Brussels on Friday.

&quot;However ... I am afraid that the UK position today is based on pure illusion. It seems like the &#39;cake&#39; philosophy is still alive. From the very start it has been a key clear principle of the EU 27 that there can be no cherry-picking and no single market &#39;a la carte&#39;.&quot;

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has famously said he wants Britain to get the best of both worlds - to &quot;have its cake and eat it&quot;.

EU leaders have long been asking May for details of London&#39;s vision for future relations, but she has been hampered by divisions within her ruling Conservative Party, with some backing close trading ties and others seeking a &quot;clean break&quot;.

The cake problem

Tusk said the remaining 27 EU states would adopt their joint stance on that in March, whether London provided input or not. He said the bloc would be &quot;extremely realistic in our assessment of possible new proposals&quot;.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who saw May this week, echoed those comments in talking to reporters separately after the Brussels meeting.

&quot;I made it clear to Theresa May that I believe it is crucial for the UK to set out its position on the transition, on issues like the Irish border, and particularly on the future relationship,&quot; he said.

&quot;We don&#39;t like cherry-picking, so it will be difficult to come to a bespoke deal along the lines that some in the UK are suggesting.&quot;

The EU has rejected British ideas for a three-pronged deal in which Britain would stick to the bloc&#39;s rules after Brexit in some areas, diverge moderately in others and go for distinctively different solutions for the rest.

The issue of avoiding erecting a border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland after Britain leaves has emerged as the most sensitive in the divorce negotiations, as both sides fear a return to the violence that beset the region for decades.

The EU expects Britain to come up with proposals on that, adding that London&#39;s desire to leave the bloc&#39;s single market and customs union means a border would be virtually unavoidable.

&quot;I don&#39;t think the United Kingdom has yet squared the circle,&quot; Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told journalists. &quot;You&#39;re hearing this idea of three baskets. But that&#39;s not a significant step away from having your cake and eating it.&quot;

Tusk said he hoped to get more clarity when he meets Theresa May next Thursday, a day before the British prime minister is due to deliver a speech to outline London's vision of its future ties with the EU.

European Council President Donald Tusk on Friday dismissed as "pure illusion" the ideas floated by Britain so far on what sort of relationship it wants with the European Union after it leaves the bloc. Tusk said he hoped to get more clarity when he meets Theresa May next Thursday, a day before the British prime minister is due to deliver a speech to outline London's vision of its future ties with the EU. "I am glad that the UK government seems to be moving towards a more detailed position," Tusk told journalists after 27 EU leaders - all apart from May - met in Brussels on Friday. "However ... I am afraid that the UK position today is based on pure illusion. It seems like the 'cake' philosophy is still alive. From the very start it has been a key clear principle of the EU 27 that there can be no cherry-picking and no single market 'a la carte'." British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has famously said he wants Britain to get the best of both worlds - to "have its cake and eat it". EU leaders have long been asking May for details of London's vision for future relations, but she has been hampered by divisions within her ruling Conservative Party, with some backing close trading ties and others seeking a "clean break". The cake problem Tusk said the remaining 27 EU states would adopt their joint stance on that in March, whether London provided input or not. He said the bloc would be "extremely realistic in our assessment of possible new proposals". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who saw May this week, echoed those comments in talking to reporters separately after the Brussels meeting. "I made it clear to Theresa May that I believe it is crucial for the UK to set out its position on the transition, on issues like the Irish border, and particularly on the future relationship," he said. "We don't like cherry-picking, so it will be difficult to come to a bespoke deal along the lines that some in the UK are suggesting." The EU has rejected British ideas for a three-pronged deal in which Britain would stick to the bloc's rules after Brexit in some areas, diverge moderately in others and go for distinctively different solutions for the rest. The issue of avoiding erecting a border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland after Britain leaves has emerged as the most sensitive in the divorce negotiations, as both sides fear a return to the violence that beset the region for decades. The EU expects Britain to come up with proposals on that, adding that London's desire to leave the bloc's single market and customs union means a border would be virtually unavoidable. "I don't think the United Kingdom has yet squared the circle," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told journalists. "You're hearing this idea of three baskets. But that's not a significant step away from having your cake and eating it."

UK ideas on post-Brexit ties are 'pure illusion', says European Council President Donald Tusk

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