UK’s energy price cap is set to decrease by 7.3%, promising lower energy bills for consumers. However, almost half of the lowest-income households are expected to face bill increases due to the gradual withdrawal of government support.

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Nearly 90 retail leaders in the UK have come together, urgently appealing to the UK government to take immediate action, including tougher penalties for shoplifters and the creation of a new offence - assaulting a retail worker.

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Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that if any British soldiers were seen training troops in Ukraine they would be legitimate targets for Russian forces. But now there has been a statement from Rishi Sunak clarifying that what Britain plans to do.

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There are no immediate plans to deploy military instructors to Ukraine, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday, rowing back from comments by his defence minister who had suggested troops could carry out training in the country.

Is the UK planning to send British troops to Ukraine?

UK's annual Conservative Party Conference kicked off in Manchester on Sunday The crucial event serves as a platform for Tories to flesh out new policies and party Manifesto. All eyes are now on the Tories again the conference this year is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's first since he became party leader.

UK PM Rishi Sunak's litmus test ahead of elections, faces pressure over tax cuts

UK: PM Rishi Sunak faces pressure over tax cuts, HS2 rail link

UK's annual Conservative Party Conference kicked off in Manchester on Sunday The crucial event serves as a platform for Tories to flesh out new policies and party Manifesto. All eyes are now on the Tories again the conference this year is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's first since he became party leader. To know more watch this interview with the Deputy Director of British Influence, Jonathan Lis.

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As junior doctors and consultants throughout England embark on a three-day coordinated walkout, NHS executives are alerting patients to the possibility of severe disruption at hospitals. NHS England announced that it will "nearly standstill" non-emergency care as a result of the stoppage, which started at 7:00.

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As part of the AUKUS initiative with Australia and the US, the UK has given three UK businesses a 4 billion pound ($4.9 billion) contract to design and build an attack submarine powered by nuclear energy.

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#GravitasPlus | Crippling cost of living crisis, medical staff strikes, soaring inflation, and crumbling infrastructure is squeezing the life out of Britons. Is the Great Britain really that great? Join Priyanka Sharma on #GravitasPlus for more.

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In a newspaper interview, British Defence Minister Grant Shapps stated that the government of Britain wishes to send military instructors to Ukraine in addition to continuing to train the Ukrainian armed forces in Britain and other Western nations.

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London was the home of two of the three Sikh revolutionaries who attacked the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in Glasgow. Dissimilar to the Sikh Protection Committee of India, the Glasgow Guru Granth Sahib Gurudwara has extended a personal apology to Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, after he was stopped from visiting the temple premises on Friday by Sikh radicals residing in London.

Glasgow: The Khalistan link | Two Khalistani extremists identified

The government of Britain will be deploying military instructors in Ukraine, along with providing training to Ukrainian armed forces present in Britain or other Western countries, said British defence minister Grant Shapps, in a newspaper interview.

UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops

<p>India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.</p>

<p>“On September 29, 2023, three persons - all from areas outside Scotland - deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. This interaction was to discuss community and consular issues”, the High Commission of India, London said in a statement.</p>

<p>It further said that it has reported “this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police.”</p>

<p>"The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," read the statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press Release on the incident at Glasgow Gurudwara Saheb.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VDoraiswami?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDoraiswami</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sujitjoyghosh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sujitjoyghosh</a> <a href="https://t.co/MZhpV3eSLP">pic.twitter.com/MZhpV3eSLP</a></p>
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_London/status/1708099292882145367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Mission in London further highlighted that one of the non-local extremist elements tried to violently force open Doraiswami's car door, which it said is a matter that will "require suitable police consideration."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-khalistan-radicals-prevent-indian-high-commissioner-from-entering-gurdwara-641133">UK Khalistani radicals prevent Indian high commissioner from entering Gurdwara</a></p>

<p>It then underlined that because one of the organisers was vigilant enough to quickly act and pacify the situation, “a bigger incident was avoided.”</p>

<p>"One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC's car door - a matter that will require suitable police consideration. It is due to the quick reaction of one of the organizers, who physically intervened at the car door, that a bigger incident was avoided," the statement added.</p>

<p>Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha on Saturday released a statement saying, "An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises. After the departure of the visitors, these unruly individuals continued to disturb the Gurdwara congregation. Police Scotland was in attendance thereafter and have taken cognizance of the matter. Glasgow Gurdwara strongly condemns such disorderly behaviour to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship. The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the… <a href="https://t.co/9wcAe3gyP8">pic.twitter.com/9wcAe3gyP8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1708198433377648934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday (Sep 30), government sources said that India had raised the issue with the United Kingdom foreign office and the police.</p>

<p>“Doraiswami was on Friday stopped by a few radicals from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow. The Indian High Commissioner decided to leave instead of getting into an argument," the sources had said.</p>

<h2><strong>UK Minister says 'concerned' over the incident</strong></h2>

<p>United Kingdom Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that she was "concerned" to see how Doraiswami was stopped from meeting the Gurdwara Committee in Glasgow.</p>

<p>Trevelyan said, "Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurdwara Committee at the Gurdwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner <a href="https://twitter.com/VDoraiswami?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDoraiswami</a> was stopped from meeting with the Gurudwara Committee at the Gurudwara in Glasgow.<br />
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The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all.</p>
— Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (@annietrev) <a href="https://twitter.com/annietrev/status/1708098916544344309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Scotland Police responds</strong></h2>

<p>Scotland Police released a statement saying that it did respond to a report of a disturbance in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow around 1:05 pm GMT on Friday (Sep 29), further adding that a probe was ongoing into the matter.</p>

<p>“We were called around 1.05 pm on Friday, 29 September, to a report of a disturbance that happened in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow," news agency ANI quoted a Scotland police spokesperson as saying.</p>

<p>The spokesperson added, "There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.

India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami. “On September 29, 2023, three persons - all from areas outside Scotland - deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. This interaction was to discuss community and consular issues”, the High Commission of India, London said in a statement. It further said that it has reported “this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police.” "The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," read the statement. Press Release on the incident at Glasgow Gurudwara Saheb.@MEAIndia @PTI_News @ANI @VDoraiswami @sujitjoyghosh pic.twitter.com/MZhpV3eSLP — India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 30, 2023 × The Indian Mission in London further highlighted that one of the non-local extremist elements tried to violently force open Doraiswami's car door, which it said is a matter that will "require suitable police consideration." Also read: UK Khalistani radicals prevent Indian high commissioner from entering Gurdwara It then underlined that because one of the organisers was vigilant enough to quickly act and pacify the situation, “a bigger incident was avoided.” "One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC's car door - a matter that will require suitable police consideration. It is due to the quick reaction of one of the organizers, who physically intervened at the car door, that a bigger incident was avoided," the statement added. Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha on Saturday released a statement saying, "An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises. After the departure of the visitors, these unruly individuals continued to disturb the Gurdwara congregation. Police Scotland was in attendance thereafter and have taken cognizance of the matter. Glasgow Gurdwara strongly condemns such disorderly behaviour to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship. The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith." An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the… pic.twitter.com/9wcAe3gyP8 — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2023 × Earlier on Saturday (Sep 30), government sources said that India had raised the issue with the United Kingdom foreign office and the police. “Doraiswami was on Friday stopped by a few radicals from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow. The Indian High Commissioner decided to leave instead of getting into an argument," the sources had said. UK Minister says 'concerned' over the incident United Kingdom Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that she was "concerned" to see how Doraiswami was stopped from meeting the Gurdwara Committee in Glasgow. Trevelyan said, "Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurdwara Committee at the Gurdwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all." Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurudwara Committee at the Gurudwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all. — Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (@annietrev) September 30, 2023 × Scotland Police responds Scotland Police released a statement saying that it did respond to a report of a disturbance in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow around 1:05 pm GMT on Friday (Sep 29), further adding that a probe was ongoing into the matter. “We were called around 1.05 pm on Friday, 29 September, to a report of a disturbance that happened in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow," news agency ANI quoted a Scotland police spokesperson as saying. The spokesperson added, "There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances." (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.

India condemns ‘disgraceful incident’ after high commissioner denied entry to UK Gurudwara

The UK Home Secretary wants to change the definition of a refugee to tackle UK’s migration problem. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: A failed politician

The once nature-abundant country is now classified as one of the world's most nature-depleted countries. We are talking about the UK. As per the latest report, the UK has already lost more than half of its biodiversity due to human activity. According to the latest state of UK Nature report there has been no let-up in the decline of the UK’s wildlife. One in six species are at risk of being lost.

UK classified as one of world's most nature depleted countries

Following a social media controversy, the BBC's flagship presenters now have new guidelines. Presenters with a lot of prominence should be free to discuss policies and concerns, but they shouldn't go so far as to run for office.

UK: Public Broadcaster BBC issues new social media rules for stars

According to the nation's top economics think tank, UK households will see an average annual tax hike of $4,282 by the time of the next election. This will be the largest increase in taxation during a parliament in records spanning more than 70 years.

Taxes will amount to about 37% of National Income by 2024: IFS

The UK's wildlife is continuing to decline according to a new landmark study published today. Already classified as one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, nearly one in six of the more than ten thousand species assessed (16%) are at risk of being lost from Great Britain.

UK: One in six species at the risk of extinction, state of nature report warns

The British are having to choose between soap and food - so crippling is the cost-of-living crisis. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The not so Great Britain

Akshata Murty, wife of British PM Rishi Sunak, has decided to shut her investment start-up Catamaran Ventures. Why have Murty's businesses been embroiled in controversies?

Gravitas: Did the UK’s first lady benefit from government grants?

<p>Cops in UK are increasingly resorting to turning their body-worn cameras off to steer clear of penalties and responsibility, BBC reported citing its investigation. In some reported instances, officers deleted the footage unlawfully and shared them with their friends and colleagues either personally or online via WhatsApp and other platforms.</p>

<p>In one instance, images of a naked person were circulated among department colleagues. In some cases, body cameras were used to unlawfully record conversations.</p>

<p>In others, these videos were not marked as evidence, amounting to a severe case of negligence.</p>

<p>BBC cited Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell as saying that such incidents “go to the heart of what undermines confidence in policing”.</p>

<p>BBC also quoted the Home Office as saying that, “Police use of technology, including body-worn video cameras, must be lawful, proportionate and justified.”</p>

<h2><strong>Purpose defeated</strong></h2>

<p>Body-worn cameras were introduced to encourage transparency in the system. However, the recent BBC report reveals at least 150 cases where the very purpose of these cameras was defeated.</p>

<p>Officers simply turn these cameras off while using force, thus ensuring no transparency remains.</p>

<p>In some cases where the use of force is alleged, police department hardly releases footages to the press in response to information requests.</p>

<h2><strong>The root cause of the problem</strong></h2>

<p>This might be blamed on the lack of guidelines and regulations. In most of the cases, police officers themselves are responsible and liable for scrutinising the use of the camera.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;UK: Boris Johnson given green light to build swimming pool</strong></p>

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<p>Police forces' attitude&nbsp;towards cameras are wrong, says Baroness Louise Casey, who conducted a year-long review into the Met Police&nbsp;published in March, and found it lacked accountability and transparency.</p>

<p>"There are too many dark things that go on that we are not seeing," she was quoted as saying by BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/akshata-murty-wife-of-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-initiates-winding-down-of-her-start-up-640506"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Akshata Murty, wife of UK PM Rishi Sunak, initiates winding down of her start-up</strong></a></p>

<p>Acting Chief Constable of Devon &amp; Cornwall Police said the publication of footage should be default where lawful to do so. He also added that the current system was designed in a way that prevents complete transparency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said releasing footage was a challenge because the current legal framework - which includes data protection law - works against transparency.</p>

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Cops in UK are increasingly resorting to turning their body-worn cameras off to steer clear of penalties and responsibility, BBC reported citing its investigation.

Cops in UK are increasingly resorting to turning their body-worn cameras off to steer clear of penalties and responsibility, BBC reported citing its investigation. In some reported instances, officers deleted the footage unlawfully and shared them with their friends and colleagues either personally or online via WhatsApp and other platforms. In one instance, images of a naked person were circulated among department colleagues. In some cases, body cameras were used to unlawfully record conversations. In others, these videos were not marked as evidence, amounting to a severe case of negligence. BBC cited Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell as saying that such incidents “go to the heart of what undermines confidence in policing”. BBC also quoted the Home Office as saying that, “Police use of technology, including body-worn video cameras, must be lawful, proportionate and justified.” Purpose defeated Body-worn cameras were introduced to encourage transparency in the system. However, the recent BBC report reveals at least 150 cases where the very purpose of these cameras was defeated. Officers simply turn these cameras off while using force, thus ensuring no transparency remains. In some cases where the use of force is alleged, police department hardly releases footages to the press in response to information requests. The root cause of the problem This might be blamed on the lack of guidelines and regulations. In most of the cases, police officers themselves are responsible and liable for scrutinising the use of the camera. WATCH: UK: Boris Johnson given green light to build swimming pool × Police forces' attitude towards cameras are wrong, says Baroness Louise Casey, who conducted a year-long review into the Met Police published in March, and found it lacked accountability and transparency. "There are too many dark things that go on that we are not seeing," she was quoted as saying by BBC. Also read: Akshata Murty, wife of UK PM Rishi Sunak, initiates winding down of her start-up Acting Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall Police said the publication of footage should be default where lawful to do so. He also added that the current system was designed in a way that prevents complete transparency. He said releasing footage was a challenge because the current legal framework - which includes data protection law - works against transparency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK cops abusing body-worn cameras, turning them off, sharing footage unlawfully on WhatsApp

In the United Kingdom, organized criminal gangs have come up with a new plan to smuggle drugs and funds into jail.

UK: Criminal gangs find new ways to smuggle drugs

<p>Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has made the decision to close down her&nbsp;controversial&nbsp;start-up investment company named Catamaran Ventures UK, as revealed in the latest company filings, reported The Times.</p>

<p>Catamaran Ventures UK, based in London, was co-founded by Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak in 2013 and has been a subject of scrutiny due to its association with taxpayer-funded schemes.</p>

<h2><strong>Background on start-up</strong></h2>

<p>Catamaran Ventures UK primarily invested wealth stemming from Akshata Murty's stake in Infosys, her father's IT business.</p>

<p>The company's recent accounts indicate that its investments were valued at £3.8 million ($4.6 million), up from £3.5 million ($4.2 million)&nbsp;in 2021. However, they&nbsp;also disclosed that it owed Akshata Murty £4.6 million ($5.5 million), according to unaudited accounts for 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company faced controversies related to its connection with government-funded initiatives. For instance, Study Hall, an education technology firm with Catamaran's investment, received a government grant of £349,976 ($425,288)&nbsp;through Innovate UK, an arm's-length state body. This raised concerns, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer highlighting a possible pattern of behaviour regarding such grants.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Mrs Wordsmith, an education start-up backed by Catamaran, collapsed within six months of receiving £650,000 ($789,880) from the taxpayer through the Future Fund, a pandemic funding scheme championed by Rishi Sunak.</p>

<p>Similarly, The New Craftsmen, a Catamaran-backed furniture company, and Digme Fitness, a fitness chain in which Akshata Murty held a directorship and shares, faced difficulties, with some having received funding from the same scheme.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rishi-sunak-akshata-murty-wanted-to-visit-haldirams-or-saravana-bhawan-in-delhi-but-could-not-635104">Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty wanted to visit Haldiram's or Saravana Bhavan in Delhi but could not because...</a></p>

<h2><strong>About Akshata Murty and her investments</strong></h2>

<p>Akshata Murty, 43, is the daughter of NR Narayana Murthy, the Indian billionaire and co-founder of Infosys. In 2021, Catamaran's accounts revealed a loan to the company from a related party for £652,499 ($793,060), which was subsequently transferred to Akshata Murty on April 30, 2015, the same day Rishi Sunak resigned his directorship from the business. The accounts acknowledged that the loan had not been adequately disclosed in previous reports.</p>

<p>Rishi Sunak first listed Catamaran Ventures UK in the register of interests in 2019 when he assumed the role of chief secretary to the Treasury.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK: Rishi Sunak expected to axe flagship HS2 rail project; Tory backlash against scrapping line</strong></p>

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<p>Apart from Catamaran Ventures UK, Akshata Murty's investments outside the company have also sparked controversy. Her direct shares in Koru Kids, a childcare firm, led to meetings with the children's minister shortly before a budget announcement that could have benefited the company. The Prime Minister faced criticism for not properly disclosing his family's financial interest in a firm with potential government policy implications, an oversight he described as "inadvertent" and apologised for.</p>

<p>In the past year, it was revealed that Akshata Murty held "non-dom" tax status, a designation she later relinquished amid sustained criticism.</p>

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Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has made the decision to close down her controversial start-up investment company named Catamaran Ventures UK, as revealed in the latest company filings, reported The Times.

Akshata Murty, the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has made the decision to close down her controversial start-up investment company named Catamaran Ventures UK, as revealed in the latest company filings, reported The Times. Catamaran Ventures UK, based in London, was co-founded by Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak in 2013 and has been a subject of scrutiny due to its association with taxpayer-funded schemes. Background on start-up Catamaran Ventures UK primarily invested wealth stemming from Akshata Murty's stake in Infosys, her father's IT business. The company's recent accounts indicate that its investments were valued at £3.8 million ($4.6 million), up from £3.5 million ($4.2 million) in 2021. However, they also disclosed that it owed Akshata Murty £4.6 million ($5.5 million), according to unaudited accounts for 2022. The company faced controversies related to its connection with government-funded initiatives. For instance, Study Hall, an education technology firm with Catamaran's investment, received a government grant of £349,976 ($425,288) through Innovate UK, an arm's-length state body. This raised concerns, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer highlighting a possible pattern of behaviour regarding such grants. Furthermore, Mrs Wordsmith, an education start-up backed by Catamaran, collapsed within six months of receiving £650,000 ($789,880) from the taxpayer through the Future Fund, a pandemic funding scheme championed by Rishi Sunak. Similarly, The New Craftsmen, a Catamaran-backed furniture company, and Digme Fitness, a fitness chain in which Akshata Murty held a directorship and shares, faced difficulties, with some having received funding from the same scheme. Also read | Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty wanted to visit Haldiram's or Saravana Bhavan in Delhi but could not because... About Akshata Murty and her investments Akshata Murty, 43, is the daughter of NR Narayana Murthy, the Indian billionaire and co-founder of Infosys. In 2021, Catamaran's accounts revealed a loan to the company from a related party for £652,499 ($793,060), which was subsequently transferred to Akshata Murty on April 30, 2015, the same day Rishi Sunak resigned his directorship from the business. The accounts acknowledged that the loan had not been adequately disclosed in previous reports. Rishi Sunak first listed Catamaran Ventures UK in the register of interests in 2019 when he assumed the role of chief secretary to the Treasury. Also watch | UK: Rishi Sunak expected to axe flagship HS2 rail project; Tory backlash against scrapping line Apart from Catamaran Ventures UK, Akshata Murty's investments outside the company have also sparked controversy. Her direct shares in Koru Kids, a childcare firm, led to meetings with the children's minister shortly before a budget announcement that could have benefited the company. The Prime Minister faced criticism for not properly disclosing his family's financial interest in a firm with potential government policy implications, an oversight he described as "inadvertent" and apologised for. In the past year, it was revealed that Akshata Murty held "non-dom" tax status, a designation she later relinquished amid sustained criticism. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Akshata Murty, wife of UK PM Rishi Sunak, initiates winding down of her start-up

Akshata Murty, the wife of the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has made the decision to close down her controversial start-up investment company named Catamaran Ventures UK, as revealed in the latest company filings.

UK: Akshata Murty, wife of PM Sunak, initiates winding down of her start-up

Boris Johnson has been granted permission to build a swimming pool at his Oxfordshire moated manor despite concerns it could impact newts.

UK: Boris Johnson given green light to build swimming pool

<p>The United Kingdom on Wednesday (September 27) greenlit oil and gas production in Rosebank field, the country's largest undeveloped field, in order to bolster energy security. The development has come one week after British government diluted its net-zero targets. Both developments have triggered condemnation from environmentalists.</p>

<p>Equinor and Ithaca energy will together invest USD 3.8 billion to develop the field. Equinor is a Norwegian oil and gas producer while Ithaca Energy is a subsidiary of Israeli group Delek.</p>

<p>The Rosebank oil field is in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland.</p>

<p>UK oil and gas regulator, The North Sea Transition Authority, said it had "granted development and production consent for the Rosebank field, north-west of Shetland".</p>

<p>Equinor has an 80 per cent interest in the project while Ithaca has the remainder.</p>

<p>"Rosebank stands as the largest undeveloped field in the UK," said Gilad Myerson, executive chairman at Ithaca Energy, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"The Rosebank project will create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to securing the UK's energy needs for many years to come," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK to get first legal drug consumption room, plan to provide users hygienic environment</strong></p>

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<p>The UK has now taken a stance that it should continue to produce fossil fuels to ensure energy security, especially in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine, even if it means pushing back net-zero carbon emissions target. Ukraine war has created hurdles in energy supply to Europe. Russia was a key energy provider to Europe and has reduced supply since last year as retaliation to economic sanctions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sets-up-official-consumption-room-to-help-users-take-illegal-drugs-640172">Wait, what? UK sets up official consumption rooms to 'help' users take illegal drugs like cocaine</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are investing in our world-leading renewable energy but... we will need oil and gas as part of that mix on the path to net zero, and so it makes sense to use our own supplies from North Sea fields such as Rosebank," said UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho.</p>

<p>"We will continue to back the UK's oil and gas industry to underpin our energy security, grow our economy and help us deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Environmentalists not happy</strong></h3>

<p>The development hasn't gone down well with environmentalists.</p>

<p>Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK's climate campaigner, said, "Sunak has proven once and for all that he puts the profits of oil companies above everyday people".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We know that relying on fossil fuels is terrible for our energy security, the cost of living, and the climate," he added in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United Kingdom on Wednesday (September 27) greenlit oil and gas production in Rosebank field, the country's largest undeveloped field, in order to bolster energy security.

The United Kingdom on Wednesday (September 27) greenlit oil and gas production in Rosebank field, the country's largest undeveloped field, in order to bolster energy security. The development has come one week after British government diluted its net-zero targets. Both developments have triggered condemnation from environmentalists. Equinor and Ithaca energy will together invest USD 3.8 billion to develop the field. Equinor is a Norwegian oil and gas producer while Ithaca Energy is a subsidiary of Israeli group Delek. The Rosebank oil field is in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. UK oil and gas regulator, The North Sea Transition Authority, said it had "granted development and production consent for the Rosebank field, north-west of Shetland". Equinor has an 80 per cent interest in the project while Ithaca has the remainder. "Rosebank stands as the largest undeveloped field in the UK," said Gilad Myerson, executive chairman at Ithaca Energy, as quoted by Reuters. "The Rosebank project will create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to securing the UK's energy needs for many years to come," he added. Watch | UK to get first legal drug consumption room, plan to provide users hygienic environment × The UK has now taken a stance that it should continue to produce fossil fuels to ensure energy security, especially in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine, even if it means pushing back net-zero carbon emissions target. Ukraine war has created hurdles in energy supply to Europe. Russia was a key energy provider to Europe and has reduced supply since last year as retaliation to economic sanctions. Also Read | Wait, what? UK sets up official consumption rooms to 'help' users take illegal drugs like cocaine "We are investing in our world-leading renewable energy but... we will need oil and gas as part of that mix on the path to net zero, and so it makes sense to use our own supplies from North Sea fields such as Rosebank," said UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho. "We will continue to back the UK's oil and gas industry to underpin our energy security, grow our economy and help us deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy," she added. Environmentalists not happy The development hasn't gone down well with environmentalists. Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK's climate campaigner, said, "Sunak has proven once and for all that he puts the profits of oil companies above everyday people". "We know that relying on fossil fuels is terrible for our energy security, the cost of living, and the climate," he added in a statement. (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 greenlights North Sea oil drilling a week after diluting net-zero targets

The UK authorities gave a green signal for Equinor's north sea Rosebank field, which is one of the nation's biggest new oil and gas projects in years. The move is to bolster the nation's energy security and comes a week after the government diluted its net zero targets despite opposition from the environmentalists.

UK approving Rosebank Oilfield a climate disaster: Activists

Recently, Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the government will push back the ban on the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles in the UK from 2030 to 2035.

UK forces back its EV transition plans, new petrol and diesel cars to be sold until 2035

<p>In a move toward combating climate change, the UK government's development finance institution, British International Investment (BII), has set its sights on a $1 billion investment in Indian clean energy projects by 2026. This ambitious initiative is fuelled by India's burgeoning renewable energy capacity, with BII's CEO, Nick O'Donohoe, emphasising the pivotal role that India will play in achieving the 2030 climate goals agreed upon by both India and the UK. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters quoted O'Donohoe as saying, "We are evaluating exciting businesses in sectors such as bio-fuels, circular economy ... as part of the vision for the 2030 roadmap agreed between India and the UK."&nbsp;</p>

<p>This substantial commitment follows BII's remarkable investment of over $300 million in climate finance within India last year. These investments spanned sectors ranging from renewable energy and electric mobility to sustainable agriculture. As of now, BII's portfolio in India is valued at an impressive $2.2 billion, spread across more than 290 businesses. It's worth noting that in 2022, BII pledged to invest up to $250 million in Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd's new electric vehicle unit, underlining its faith in the Indian market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Reuters, O'Donohoe expressed his enthusiasm for investing in India, speaking of buoyant stock markets and stable political environment as significant factors in BII's decision-making. While he didn't delve into specific returns on Indian investments, he did affirm that India was experiencing a "good phase" compared to some African nations where challenges like high debt, inflation, and weakening currencies have impacted returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BII aims to support emerging entrepreneurs and companies struggling to secure funding for their emission-cutting projects. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by The Economic Times, O'Donohoe highlighted India’s and UK’s focus on green hydrogen, recognising its role in the transition to a net-zero future. "It'sclear that hydrogen will be a critical part of the (transition to) net zero... That's why development finance has an important role to play," The Economic Times quoted him as saying. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that, in addition to green hydrogen, BII is exploring opportunities in sectors such as biofuels, the circular economy, micro-enterprises lending, agriculture, and agritech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nick O'Donohoe also weighed in on the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), a crucial topic endorsed by the Delhi Declaration of the G20 leaders. He anticipates progress in this area at the upcoming World Bank meeting in Marrakesh. O'Donohoe emphasised the potential for MDBs to leverage their balance sheets more aggressively for climate finance, a crucial step in meeting the financing needs outlined in the Delhi Declaration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In a move toward combating climate change, the UK government's development finance institution, British International Investment (BII), has set its sights on a $1 billion investment in Indian clean energy projects by 2026.

In a move toward combating climate change, the UK government's development finance institution, British International Investment (BII), has set its sights on a $1 billion investment in Indian clean energy projects by 2026. This ambitious initiative is fuelled by India's burgeoning renewable energy capacity, with BII's CEO, Nick O'Donohoe, emphasising the pivotal role that India will play in achieving the 2030 climate goals agreed upon by both India and the UK. Reuters quoted O'Donohoe as saying, "We are evaluating exciting businesses in sectors such as bio-fuels, circular economy ... as part of the vision for the 2030 roadmap agreed between India and the UK." This substantial commitment follows BII's remarkable investment of over $300 million in climate finance within India last year. These investments spanned sectors ranging from renewable energy and electric mobility to sustainable agriculture. As of now, BII's portfolio in India is valued at an impressive $2.2 billion, spread across more than 290 businesses. It's worth noting that in 2022, BII pledged to invest up to $250 million in Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd's new electric vehicle unit, underlining its faith in the Indian market. According to Reuters, O'Donohoe expressed his enthusiasm for investing in India, speaking of buoyant stock markets and stable political environment as significant factors in BII's decision-making. While he didn't delve into specific returns on Indian investments, he did affirm that India was experiencing a "good phase" compared to some African nations where challenges like high debt, inflation, and weakening currencies have impacted returns. BII aims to support emerging entrepreneurs and companies struggling to secure funding for their emission-cutting projects. According to a report by The Economic Times, O'Donohoe highlighted India’s and UK’s focus on green hydrogen, recognising its role in the transition to a net-zero future. "It'sclear that hydrogen will be a critical part of the (transition to) net zero... That's why development finance has an important role to play," The Economic Times quoted him as saying. The report said that, in addition to green hydrogen, BII is exploring opportunities in sectors such as biofuels, the circular economy, micro-enterprises lending, agriculture, and agritech. Nick O'Donohoe also weighed in on the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), a crucial topic endorsed by the Delhi Declaration of the G20 leaders. He anticipates progress in this area at the upcoming World Bank meeting in Marrakesh. O'Donohoe emphasised the potential for MDBs to leverage their balance sheets more aggressively for climate finance, a crucial step in meeting the financing needs outlined in the Delhi Declaration. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

British International Investment to invest $1 billion in India's clean energy projects

A delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived in the occupied West Bank this morning amid talk that the Kingdom is on the verge of normalising relations with the apartheid state of Israel. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation was led by the non-resident envoy to the Palestinian territories, Nayef Al-Sudairi.

West Bank: Saudi delegation arrives amid talk of normalisation with Israel

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