Turns 40: A Milestone Birthday and Career Resurgence
Khurrana
Supreme’s winter warmer –Apple Cobbler
PUNJABI MUM-OF-THREE WINS CROWN IN EUROPEAN PAGEANT CONTEST
By HEBA ABDULLA
When Pawan Chahal got married and moved to the UK in 2005, she had no idea what was in store for her.
Pawan started her own hair salon and raised three children, thinking she knew what the life ahead looked like for her. She is a mum and a wife, and had been living a pretty normal life for the past 19 years. When she saw an advertisement for ‘Miss and Mrs Punjaban Europe’, she only saw it as an opportunity to utilise her knowledge and deep love for Punjabi culture.
“I decided, because I have so much knowledge of Punjabi culture, to participate in the competition,” Pawan says.
This brought her to Birmingham, where she participated in ‘Miss and Mrs Punjaban UK’, a beauty pageant for Punjabi women. She secured third place in the contest, which led her to Italy. Among Punjabi girls from several European countries, Pawan competed for the title of ‘Mrs Punjaban Europe’, and won.
Continued on page 6
Editor's Note
By the time this week’s paper is in distribution you will soon know the outcome of the House of Commons vote on a pivotal decision that could dramatically impact millions of pensioners across the UK – Labour’s proposal to end the Winter Fuel Allowance.
With the country facing a £22 billion deficit, which Labour attributes to fiscal mismanagement by the previous Conservative government, the party argues that tough decisions are necessary. But has Labour done the right thing by cutting this crucial support for pensioners to help plug this financial black hole?
The Winter Fuel Allowance, introduced in 1997, has long been a lifeline for pensioners, helping them manage their energy bills during the colder months. At a time when energy prices are set to rise again due to international supply constraints and inflationary pressures, this allowance could mean the difference between staying warm or going cold for many elderly individuals.
Labour’s reasoning for ending the allowance is rooted in its broader economic recovery strategy. The government contends that difficult sacrifices must be made to protect the overall health of the economy. They argue that ending the Winter Fuel Allowance for wealthier pensioners, in particular, is necessary to ensure funds can be reallocated to more vulnerable groups and to shore up public finances.
However, critics point out that this move risks pushing the most vulnerable pensioners into energy poverty. According to Age UK, around 2.5 million older households struggle with fuel poverty, and with energy bills projected to increase further this winter, cutting the Winter Fuel Allowance may exacerbate the situation.
Even if the cuts target wealthier pensioners, the ripple effect on the entire pensioner population is undeniable.
Moreover, some argue that there are more equitable ways to balance the budget without compromising the wellbeing of pensioners. Critics suggest that the government should instead look at more progressive tax policies, targeting corporations and high earners rather than removing essential benefits from older citizens.
The potential social cost of this decision cannot be ignored. While Labour is right to tackle the financial mess left by the Tories, scrapping the Winter Fuel Allowance could backfire politically and morally. Pensioners, many of whom rely on the state for their basic needs, could be left facing harsh choices. As the energy crisis deepens, it remains to be seen whether this decision will bring about the economic stability Labour hopes for, or simply leave vulnerable pensioners in the cold.
Fatima Patel
EditorASNews
@editorasnews
editorasnews
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Scientists develop nasal drop that can treat common cold in kids faster
Children can experience up to 10 to 12 colds annually, affecting both them and their families. While medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol can ease symptoms, there is no cure to speed up recovery. However, a study by the University of Edinburgh found that salt-water nasal drops may reduce the duration of cold symptoms in children.
Dr. Sandeep Ramalingam, consultant virologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, explained that since saltwater is often used for nasal infections and gargling, they wanted to test its effectiveness on a larger scale.
The study involved 407 children under six and revealed that those
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using salt-water nasal drops had cold symptoms for an average of six days, compared to eight days for those receiving usual care. The children also needed fewer medications, and fewer families reported catching a cold when the drops were used. Additionally, 82% of parents felt the drops helped their children recover faster, and 81% said they would use them again.
This simple, safe, and inexpensive intervention could offer parents a practical way to reduce the impact of colds on their families and alleviate the health and economic burden globally.
The new Flying Spur: the most powerful Bentley four-door ever
Bentley has launched the fourthgeneration Flying Spur, its first fourdoor supercar, combining luxury with high performance. The car features an Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, delivering 782 PS and a top speed of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. It offers an electric range of 47 miles, drastically reducing CO2 emissions by 90% compared to its predecessor. The Flying Spur also introduces advanced driving technologies, including Bentley Dynamic Ride, all-wheel steering, and new twin-valve dampers for enhanced driving dynamics. Inside, the car
offers luxurious updates, such as 3D diamond hide upholstery, wellness features, and customizable design options, along with cutting-edge connectivity through the My Bentley App Studio. Bentley claims this model redefines luxury performance, making it the most powerful sedan ever created by the brand.
New Flying Spur from Bentley
How a Dropped Bag of Crisps Caused Chaos in a US Cave
"We all leave an impact wherever we go. How we interact with others and the world has moment-by-moment effects."
This isn't a quote from a famous philosopher but from a post by Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico—referring to a half-empty bag of Cheetos.
Carlsbad Caverns is home to a delicate ecosystem of unique species, from cave crickets to super-powered microbes. Last year, nearly 400,000 visitors flocked to this natural wonder. However, park rangers were recently reminded of the fragility of the caves when a visitor dropped a bag of Cheetos along the famous Big Room Trail.
What might have been a minor annoyance for the visitor turned into a "world-changing" event for the cave's microscopic ecosystem. The humid conditions in the cavern turned the processed corn snack into a breeding ground for moulds and microbes, disrupting the delicate balance of life. This disruption spread through the cave as crickets, mites, and other critters fed on the Cheetos, further altering the ecosystem.
Carlsbad Caverns' ecosystem has been shaped over millions of years, with critters surviving harsh conditions, including darkness, lack of water, and scarce food. The park is already under stress from human visitors, and littering only worsens the
situation. Even seemingly insignificant items like gum wrappers or tissue can have a major impact.
Park officials remind visitors that small actions can have profound consequences. Their message: "Let us all leave the world a better place than we found it."
Scientists discover a 'smiley face' on Mars - and it could contain signs of life
Astronomers have discovered a smiley-face-shaped structure on Mars, which may offer clues to past life. The formation consists of crater eyes and rings of ancient salt deposits, remnants of a long-gone body of water visible through infrared cameras. These deposits were captured by the European Space Agency 's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which has been studying Mars' atmosphere since 2016. The ESA stated that these ancient water bodies could have once been habitable zones. This smiley-face structure is one of 965 salt deposits cataloged across Mars, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 feet wide. Salt deposits, or chloride, form when bodies of water dry up, and Mars' climate shift billions of years ago caused its water to evaporate or freeze. These salty puddles may have preserved microbial life, leaving traces hidden in the deposits.
Researchers, led by scientists from the University of Bern, created a detailed catalog of Mars' salt deposits using the orbiter's images. These findings offer a glimpse into ancient Mars, which once had rivers, channels, and deltas. The planet's climate changed drastically
between two and three billion years ago, likely due to the loss of its magnetic field, which allowed solar wind to erode the atmosphere.
Planetary scientist Valentin Bickel explained that this research sheds light on Mars' early climate and its potential habitability. Though there is no definitive proof of past or present life on Mars, these findings contribute to the growing evidence that once made Mars a suitable environment for life.
Lack of green spaces and long-term exposure to air pollution increase the risk of hospitalisation for respiratory conditions, a new study has said
Traffic-related air pollution is also strongly linked to the progression from asthma to asthma-COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), according to a second study presented at the ERS Congress the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria.
The first study was presented by Shanshan Xu from the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway.
The study evaluated the association between respiratory health and long-term exposure (between 1990 and 2000) to particulate matter, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and greenness (the amount and health of vegetation surrounding a person's home).
"Specifically, we observed that for each interquartile range increase in these pollutants, the risk of hospitalisation rises by approximately 30 to 45 per cent, depending on the pollutant. Greenness, on the other hand, contributed to a reduced risk of respiratory hospitalisation," said Xu.
But while greenness was
associated with a decreased risk of respiratory hospitalisations, it was also linked to an increased number of respiratory emergency room visits, particularly when looking at the copresence of hay fever.
The second study was presented by Dr Samuel Cai from the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability at the University of Leicester, UK.
Levels of two main air pollutants - particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide - were estimated at each participant's home address, and a genetic risk score.
The team found that for every 10 micrograms per metre cubed higher exposure to particulate matter, the risk of developing COPD was 56 per cent higher among asthmatic patients.
"We also found that higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the risk. In addition, if individuals carry a medium-tohigh genetic risk score, the risk of increased nitrogen dioxide exposure causing asthma to progress to COPD is even higher," Dr Cai explained.
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or call 01274 393 936
This bag of Cheetos had massive ramifications on the cavern’s ecosystem
National Park Service-Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Image from ESA shows smiley face shaped salt deposit on Mars that could harbour evidence of ancient alien life
What are ‘click frauds’ – and how can we stop them?
By PROFESSOR MONICA WHITTY
In the world of the internet, clicks are currency. The more people click on a website, social media post or an advertisement, the more that content generates revenue.
But cybercriminals can exploit this rapidly growing market for clicks through what are known as “click frauds”. And everyone, from everyday internet users to large organisations that use the web to share content or sell their products, is vulnerable.
But what exactly are “click frauds”? And what can be done to prevent them?
WHAT IS CLICK FRAUD?
Click fraud occurs when someone creates a network of bots or sets up “farms” of human workers to generate clicks online. It can take many forms.
Fraudsters often use automated bots or click farms to generate fraudulent clicks on ads or likes on their own websites. They create websites and invite businesses to advertise on their site at a cost. If advertisers are paying per click, then the fraudster will earn money for their business (which is often a fake business) and divert traffic to their site.
Alternatively, a genuine business might create their own advertisements and place them on various websites.
Cybercriminals might bombard these advertisements with clicks, which will be very costly for genuine businesses when they are paying per click.
The motivation here may be that the criminal has their own genuine business, and they are hoping the advertising cost will be so expensive it will put their competitor out of business.
A third method is that a criminal may create a fake website they hope users will click on.
This is because the site has a malicious link that will download malware onto a user’s computer, or because they hope to scam the user in another way (for example, by paying upfront fees for a service or items that do not exist).
By increasing traffic to their website, the website moves up in online search rankings. This impacts the general user who believes that because the site is high up in the order, it is a genuine and popular business they should trust.
HIGHER CLICKS CAN LEAD TO HIGHER TRUST
The psychological theory of planned behaviour provides some explanation for why people might
trust a site that has numerous clicks and likes compared to a site that has few.
According to the theory, human behaviour is guided by three main factors: attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.
Let’s consider each of these with respect to click fraud: Attitudes: people often associate higher numbers of clicks, likes and traffic with credibility and trustworthiness. This is based on the belief that if many others engage with a site, it must be valuable, reputable or of high quality.
Subjective norms: subjective norms involve the perceived social pressure to perform or not perform a behaviour. If people see their peers, or society in general, trusting and using sites with many clicks and likes, they may feel
Stop! Think Fraud – Free Event to Help Beat the Fraudsters
Fraud prevention experts from West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit are holding a free day of help and advice later this month.
The Stop! Think Fraud event takes place on Saturday, September 28, from 10am to 3:30pm. The event is hosted jointly by the Force and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime. Fraud equates to 40 per cent of all crime committed. This event aims to provide awareness about how protect and prevent further fraud taking place and being aware of the common frauds.
Sessions on fraud-related topics, specialist advice and guidance will be provided
throughout the day.
There will be discussions involving partner agencies, including the West Yorkshire Police Cyber Team, Neighbourhood Watch, Victim Support, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Age UK and more who will be there.
The event takes place at the Force’s Carr Gate
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CLICK FRAUD?
pressured to trust these sites as well. This social influence can reinforce the behaviour of valuing and trusting high-traffic sites.
Perceived behavioural control: high traffic, clicks and likes can serve as indicators a site is reliable, reducing the perceived risk and effort required to evaluate it. When people perceive it is easier to trust a site with many popularity indicators, they are more likely to trust that site.
Ad fraud software is one method to prevent harm from click fraud. Businesses can use specialised ad fraud detection and prevention tools, such as ClickCease, Fraudlogix or DoubleVerify. These tools can analyse click patterns, detect anomalies and block suspicious activity.
Businesses can also use IP blacklists to identify and block known fraudulent IP addresses. An IP – or “internet protocol” –address is a unique identifying number for any device connected to the internet.
Businesses can also employ geo-targeting to limit ad exposure to specific regions or locations, reducing the risk of fraudulent clicks from irrelevant or high-risk areas.
The general internet user can also be a part of the solution. We need to change our online shopping and trust behaviours.
SOME OF THE FOLLOWING CHECKS WILL HELP USERS DETERMINE IF A WEBSITE OR BUSINESS IS GENUINE:
• verify the source. Is it credible and well-known?
• hover over the URL. Is it a known web address? It may mimic one, so a close inspection is needed. For example, the legitimate website www.google.com might be www.google.com
• become more aware of click fraud. Knowing it is prolific and that you are most likely to encounter it in your everyday life will help you learn to spot it and avoid it.
• use antivirus and anti-malware software protection to help protect you, identify malicious websites, and keep your software up to date. You cannot solely rely on this software to protect you, but it is an important part of the solution.
and refreshments
West Yorkshire Police Carr Gate training centre in Wakefield
West Yorkshire Police
Ai-generated cyber fraud
Pixabay
This article originally appeared in The Conversation contributed by Professor Whitty, Professor of Software Systems and Cybersecurity at Monash University
Punjabi mum-of-three wins in European pageant contest
Continued from cover
By HEBA ABDULLA
“There were Punjabi girls from all over,” she says. “From more than 20 countries. And I won.”
Pawan’s win in Italy saw her crowned as Mrs Punjaban Europe, which turned her life upside down and took her on a whirlwind of experiences. She was flown out to different countries to attend events and was invited to compete in the US.
“They called me to New York and said I can go directly without auditioning, because I won Mrs Europe Punjaban. I’m so happy I’m going to the next level.”
Pawan will fly to New York in September, where she will compete for a week for the title of Mrs World Punjaban, competing with Punjabi girls from across the world.
Pawan is delighted at the opportunity, remembering how monotonous her life had been before her recent win in Italy.
“This time last year there was nothing going on. One competition in the UK, and everything changed,” she
says. “I feel so proud. I’m 40, I have three kids, I’m a housewife, and I have a really nice title of Mrs Punjab.”
But how did a Punjabi mumof-three become the winner of a Europe beauty pageant? Pawan isn’t sure either. She
was surprised to see the beauty pageant had a ‘Mrs’ category besides the usual ‘Miss’ category. Eager to promote her beloved culture and language, she decided to participate.
Being a mother and salon owner who had lived in Bradford for 15 years and in Wakefield for 4, Pawan didn’t need to win the pageant for money. She says her main motivation for taking part in the competitions was to showcase her language and her culture, which she holds close to her heart. She explains how she has received several offers to make appearances in music videos, but she declined because that is not what she is interested in.
“I’m not bothered about the money. My main aim is to promote my culture and my language. I love my Punjabi culture, and I just wanted to promote it.”
Pawan’s favourite pastime is traditional music, which she deeply enjoys and takes part in. To her delight, her children love music too and are always supporting her in her endeavours. Her son studies music and her daughter always insist on wearing traditional Punjabi clothes and jewellery.
However, Pawan’s journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. Pawan talks about the hate and scorn she received when she ended up as the second runner-up in the UK competition, and how her family supported her and helped her get past it.
“Whenever I posted a video on social media for promotion, just like everyone else did, I would get bad comments like ‘Where are you going? You are
no winner.’ And I would feel bad sometimes and think I’m a loser, but my husband would say ‘if you’re on stage, you’re a winner.’ Then I won in Italy and now I’m going to America.” Pawan is grateful for her husband’s constant and unending support. She explains how he took care
Pawan and her family at the Miss Europe Punjaban event
Proud moment – winner Mrs Pawan
Pawan Chahal
wins crown contest
appreciative of hers. She advices young girls to be confident and follow their dreams. Speaking from experience, she says she used to look at beauty pageants on television and wonder if she could’ve done it if she wasn’t married or if she was younger. However, she now knows anything can be achieved with confidence, and that’s what she wants other women and girls to remember.
Pawan is grateful to the contest for providing her with
opportunities and opening up her world. She will be holding a similar event in Bradford on 19 October, where Punjabi girls from all over the UK can compete in a cultural pageant. She has also taken up several other projects, like appearing in a Bollywood series. Now that she is being invited to fly all over the world and take part in events, Pawan is gearing up to make the best of her good fortune and spread her love and appreciation of Punjabi culture.
Councillor argues that regeneration schemes should be "indulgence of the past" for cash strapped authority
By CHRIS YOUNG
Regeneration schemes for Bradford “will need to be an indulgence of the past” if the Council wants to stave off bankruptcy, an opposition councillor has claimed.
Councillor Mike Pollard (Cons, Baildon) made the claim in response to news the “capitalisation direction” that the Council is using to balance its books in the coming years will be much higher than forecast just a few months ago.
At a meeting of the Council’s Executive on Tuesday 3 September, members were told that the capitalisation direction will amount to around £525 million by 2028 – a sum Cllr Pollard described as “gargantuan.”
He accused Council bosses of failing to bring the spiralling budget under control over several years.
Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe responded by the financial situation was down to 14 years of Conservative Government austerity.
Earlier this year the Government agreed to provide “exceptional financial support” to Bradford Council – which would have otherwise faced effective bankruptcy.
It would allow the Council to borrow money to balance its books – something not usually allowed. It would also be able to use the money from asset sales to prop up existing services –local government rules usually require income from the sale of assets to only be used for capital schemes.
The financial report that went before the Executive revealed that the support needed for 2025/26 financial year was estimated to be £126m – up from estimates of £88m in March.
By the end of the 2027/28 financial year the total figure will have risen to £525m – up from the £399.5m estimated in March.
The Council will also have to make around £100m from the sale of assets – initially that figure was £66m.
At the meeting, Cllr Pollard said the spiralling financial problems “makes the Council budgets of the last couple of years look like works of creative fiction.”
He described previous budget estimates as “bizarre nonsense.”
Referring to the fact that the
At Tuesday’s meeting Executive members heard that estimates for how much this financial support would be worth have risen dramatically in the past few months.
Council was still moving ahead with regeneration schemes, like the City Village residential development, despite financial problems, he said: “I don’t think the Executive have smelt the coffee.”
In response, Cllr Hinchliffe pointed out that the former Conservative Government had been criticised for leaving a “black hole” in public finances.
She said: “The people of this country decided 14 years of no growth was no way to run the country, let alone a city. The state of public finances left by the last Government has been astonishing.
“You talk about fiction –the National fiction from the Conservatives is being exposed as we speak.”
Cllr Hinchcliffe said the City Village scheme was being carried out with funding from external bodies like Homes England. She added: “We can’t survive if we don’t do regeneration. It would be a race to the bottom creating more poverty.”
Steven Mair, Director of Finance at the Council, said the March figures were “early estimates” and argued that figures regularly change.
After the meeting, Cllr Pollard, Conservative & Queensbury Independent Group Spokesman for Finance and Projects said, “We have a sense of deep unease regarding the deliverability of the
plan to turn around the Council’s financial position.
“Whilst we feel that the new Chief Executive and Interim Director of Finance have got a good measure of the scale of the challenge and more of a grip on the problem than some of their predecessors, we believe that the Council’s rather late in the day appointment of the new top team may have caused the situation to be simply irrecoverable, regardless of how capable they are.
“The escalating problems with the Council’s finances didn’t happen overnight and they were far from unforeseeable; they were looming for at least a couple of years.
“However, the Leader of the Council and the Executive Committee wouldn’t accept criticism, or perhaps, even more worryingly, didn’t even recognise its validity.”
“Servicing additional borrowing will cost in the region of £41m per annum just six years hence. People will understandably glaze over a bit with all this, but to put that into readily grasped context, £41m per annum is equivalent to nearly 17% of all 2024/25 Council Tax budgeted receipts.
“It is clear to me that the Executive’s ‘regeneration opportunities’ will need to be an indulgence of the past – no more speculative Grade A office buildings to be funded at uneconomic cost, or properties
bought for large sums in order to demolish them trying to open other doors to further ‘opportunities, so I am mortified to see that the Executive are still intent on pursuing City Village etc. The Bradford Live and One City Park fiascos have shown that they have absolutely no idea what they are doing.”
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe
Cllr Mike Pollard
The more we eat the less pleasure we get from it, but it may not stop us continuing.
Children being used for "last kilometre" of drug trade - meeting hears
By CHRIS YOUNG
Crime bosses higher up the food chain are “criminalising” young people in parts of Bradford by convincing them to be their drug couriers – a meeting has heard.
Children on bikes are often seen passing items to “older people in blacked out cars” – and Councillors were told that community intelligence is vital to catching the “Mr Big” behind the drug gangs.
Councillors in the constituency of Bradford East were given an update on crime in their area at a meeting of the Bradford East area committee on the evening of Thursday 5 September
Members heard that while overall crime in the area was down by 12 per cent from January to July this year, call outs to robberies were up 23 per cent and drug crime was up by 14 per cent.
At the meeting Inspector Paul Riley, of the Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the rise in drug offences was partly down to an increased number of officers in the area tackling the issue.
More pro-active work was also being done, with a rise in drug raids carried out following tip offs from local communities.
But at the meeting Councillors raised concern at the amount of young people that seemed to be involved in drug dealing.
And others said many people were too afraid of criminal gangs to give information to the police.
Inspector Riley said: “We’re working in all six wards (in Bradford
East) to tackle the drug supply. The impact of drugs across the constituency is significant.
“We’re really reliant on the public giving us information. If I put a uniformed officer on one street, I can guarantee the drug deals won’t be happening on that street, so to tackle the problem it needs to be intelligence lead. The more intelligence we get the more we do with it. The more I know about, the easier it is to bid for more resources in an area.”
He said work to tackle crime included assemblies with Year Six pupils in schools across the constituency – an attempt to give young people guidance on issues such as drug use and dealing and domestic abuse before they stray down the wrong path in life.
Councillor
Brendan Stubbs (Lib
was “pretty rife” and said it was common to see young people talking to “older people in blacked out cars.”
He added: “You can see youngsters on bikes passing whatever it is to other people. It is so rife – is it the case that you are not after the little people, you’re after Mr Big?”
Insp Riley said the aim was to find the main players, but this required community intelligence.
Committee members said that while drugs have different classifications, they can all have a serious impact on users.
Chair of the committee Cllr Taj Salam (Independent, Little Horton) said: “A lot of kids won’t start on crack straight away. You see kids sailing past in cars with balloons in their mouths. The effect laughing gas has on the brain long term is unbelievable.”
Dem, Eccleshill) said he would often see young people on bikes who were obviously involved in the drug trade. He said: “One of the problems is it is under 18s who seem to be doing the ‘final kilometre’ of the drug deliveries.”
Insp Riley said: “That is why we’re working with primary schools. The schools take this really seriously.
“We want to get to the people who are putting the kids on bikes to deal for them – the ones who are criminalising young people.
“We work with the community –that is how we identify the people at the top. We need to find out who it is that is criminalising these children.”
Another Eccleshill Councillor, Ian Parsons (Lab) said drug dealing
He said there seemed to be an “acceptance” of soft drugs in parts of Bradford, adding: “The amount of people abusing soft drugs openly is unbelievable. I saw someone putting together a spliff in the street the other day.”
Councillor Rizwana Jamil (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend) said: “I still think there is a problem in reporting. I know in my ward people know what is going on, and people know who is doing it. But they won’t report because of the fear of repercussions.
“People think the criminals will somehow find out who told the police.”
Insp Riley said: “The issue is having confidence you can give us
information without there being repercussions. It is about building up trust.
“If more people give information to the police and nothing bad happens in response then they will have the confidence to do it again.”
Cllr Brendan Stubbs
Cllr Rizwana Jamil
Cllr Ian Parsons
Cllr Taj Salam
Meeting hears children are being used for drug trade. Illustration purpose only.
Shutterstock
COLUMN
INCORPORATION RELIEF: A TAX BREAK FOR LANDLORDS
Ilyas Patel is an entrepreneurial tax advisor with an expert knowledge of ground-breaking tax saving tools. Being a businessman himself, he has years of experience dealing with tax issues and with HMRC. For more information visit www.taxexpert.co.uk or call 01772 788200
Incorporation Relief is a powerful tax incentive that allows landlords to delay paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when transferring their property business into a limited company in exchange for shares.
This relief can also help landlords save on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). But how exactly does Incorporation Relief work, and what do landlords need to know to take full advantage of this opportunity?
HOW INCORPORATION RELIEF WORKS
Incorporation Relief provides landlords with a strategic way to manage their tax liabilities when transferring property portfolios into limited companies.
Incorporation Relief enables landlords to postpone CGT when they transfer their property portfolio into a limited company in exchange for shares.
This tax benefit applies automatically at the point of transfer, with no need to apply separately. The CGT is deferred until the landlord sells the shares in the company.
However, it’s essential to be aware that the shares in the new company carry a reduced base cost for tax purposes.
This means that when these shares are eventually sold, the CGT liability could be higher than expected.
CONDITIONS FOR LANDLORDS TO QUALIFY
To benefit, landlords must prove to HMRC that they are running a business rather than merely holding property as a passive investment.
The line between the two can be subtle, but key factors include the size of the property portfolio, and the level of active management involved.
If HMRC agrees that the portfolio is operated as a business, the landlord can delay paying CGT upon transferring the properties to a limited company.
INCORPORATION RELIEF AND SDLT FOR PARTNERSHIPS
For landlords operating within a partnership, Incorporation Relief can extend to SDLT savings as well.
If the partnership transfers its property portfolio to a limited company, it might be possible to avoid SDLT entirely.
To qualify, the partnership must demonstrate genuine business collaboration, with substantial active involvement in managing the property.
Additionally, the partnership should ideally have been established for a significant duration, commonly around three years, before the incorporation.
BENEFITS OF INCORPORATION RELIEF
The advantages extend beyond just delaying CGT.
By transferring property into a limited company, landlords can enjoy more tax-efficient remuneration planning and lower tax charges when selling properties.
Additionally, landlords face no restrictions on tax relief for mortgage interest, and they
can benefit from more effective pension planning.
Nevertheless, incorporating a property portfolio involves navigating complex tax regulations.
Landlords must carefully assess their eligibility for Incorporation Relief and be prepared for the potential tax implications of selling shares at a later date.
SUMMARY
Incorporation Relief provides landlords with a strategic way to manage their tax liabilities when transferring property portfolios into limited companies.
By deferring CGT and potentially avoiding SDLT, landlords can significantly optimize their tax positions. However, the complexities of qualifying for and applying this relief mean that professional tax advice is essential.
Milestone Birthday and Career Resurgence
Ayushmann Khurrana
RASHMIKA shares 'flowery' update as she starts shooting for Salman Khan-starrer 'Sikandar'
Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who has a slew of films lined up for release, has started shooting for her part in the upcoming movie 'Sikandar'. The actress will be seen opposite Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the film.
The actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and shared a short video from day 1 of shoot from the sets of 'Sikandar'. In the video, one can see the flower bouquet. Excitedly, the actress wrote in the video, "Flowers" and she made a Korean heart with her fingers.
'Sikandar' marks the 1st collaboration between Salman and Rashmika, and is directed by AR Murugadoss, who is known for films like 'Ghajini' and 'Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty'.
Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor starrer 'Raid 2' to release on 21 February
Get ready for an adrenaline rush as makers of Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor starrer 'Raid 2' have locked the release date.
Makers are all set to bring another intriguing quest led by IRS officer, Amay Patnaik (Ajay Devgn). Directed by Rajkumar Gupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishna Kumar.
Taking to Instagram, Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the new announcement of 'Raid 2'. "AJAY DEVGN - RITEISH DESHMUKH - VAANI KAPOOR: 'RAID 2' RELEASE DATE LOCKED... #Raid2 - starring #AjayDevgn as IRS Officer #AmayPatnaik - to arrive in *cinemas* next year: 21 Feb 2025... Directed by #RajkumarGupta.#RiteishDeshmukh portrays the antagonist... The film also features #VaaniKapoor and #RajatKapoor... Extensively filmed across #Delhi and #Lucknow. Produced by #BhushanKumar, #KumarMangatPathak, #AbhishekPathak and #KrishanKumar," the post read.
The film is being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. It marks the reunion of Salman with Sajid after 'Kick' which was released in 2014. The makers of
the film have booked its release for Eid 2025, the festival which is reserved for releases of Salman Khan. Recently, Rashmika had revealed that she suffered a minor accident. She also shared that she has been having a lot of laddoos during her recovery.
Along with Ajay Devgn, the film features Vaani Kapoor as the female lead, Ritesh Deshmukh as the antagonist, and Rajat Kapoor in a pivotal role. Extensively shot in Delhi and Lucknow, Raid 2 promises another adrenaline-filled ride.
Known for delivering exceptional performances as a negative lead, Riteish Deshmukh will face off against Ajay Devgn on the silver screen for the first time, following their collaboration in hilarious comedy films.
'Raid' was released in 2018 and also starred Saurabh Shukla and Ileana D'Cruz. It was based on a real-life raid conducted by the officers of the Income Tax Department in the 1980s. Ileana played Ajay's wife in the film.
'Raid 2' is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and Krishan Kumar. The film is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series and is a Panorama Studios production. The film is set to release theatrically on February 21, 2025.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Rashmika, who last delivered the blockbuster 'Animal' along with Ranbir Kapoor, will be seen reprising her role of Srivalli in the Allu Arjun-starrer 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. She also has 'Kubera' and 'Chhaava' opposite Vicky Kaushal.
BADSHAH'S MOM'S SECRETS
are no match to his humour; here's why
Rapper and songwriter
Badshah on Wednesday shared a heartwarming video of his mother cooking in the kitchen, and revealed how the latter is suffering from knee pain, but is not getting them operated.
Badshah took to Instagram, where he has 14.9 million followers and shared a Reel video, in which we can see his mother cooking 'arbi ki sabzi'.
We can hear a fun banter between Badshah and his mother.
Badshah says, "Kya bana rahe ho?", and she replies, "Arbi ki sabji".
The 'Saturday Saturday' fame singer further said: "Ghutne kab
thik karane hain?"
His mother says, "jab chaho karwa dena".
Badshah replies to her saying, "kal karwa de fir?" His mother added: "Thik hai pakka."
The video is captioned as: "Mummy bohot chalaak hain, ghutno mein dard rehta hai kaafi time se but operation nai karaana. Ab camera pe keh rahi hain ke jab bhi karaado. Anyway, arbi kis kis ko achi lagti hai?"
Actress Parineeti Chopra commented: "Arbiiii gang WYA".
Singer B Praak dropped red heart emojis.
Badshah's music style comprises Indian pop, hip-hop, rap, and synthwave. He began
his career as an underground English rapper under the stage name 'Cool Equal', before joining hands with rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh. He is known for his catchphrase 'it's your boy Badshah' aka 'Ish yo boy Baaduh-sh-aa-ah'.
Badshah is known for his songs in movies like-'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania', 'Khoobsurat', 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', 'Sanam Re', 'Kapoor & Sons', 'Sultan', 'Baar Baar Dekho', 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', 'Veere Di Wedding', 'Loveyatri', 'Khandaani Shafakhana', 'Dabangg 3', 'Street Dancer 3D', 'Jawan', 'Crew', and 'Ishq Vishk Rebound'.
Hina Khan shares a big update on her fight against 'mucositis'
Actress Hina Khan has shared an update about her health, revealing that her 'Mucositis' is much better, and thanked fans for sending lots of love to her.
Hina, who is undergoing chemotherapy for Stage Three breast cancer, took to Instagram Stories, and shared a selfie in which is seen wearing a yellow shirt and flaunting her pout.
She captioned it as: "This is for each one you.. My Mucositis is much better.. I read all your comments and suggestions.. You all hv been a great great help.. Sending you all tons of love".
The diva shared another photo in which we can see her closeup face with a lot of sweat on it.
She wrote: "This is me in every 10 minutes now a days My hotness comes in flashes these days IYKYK #HotFlashes #nofilter".
Earlier, Hina had revealed that she is
Best known for her role as Akshara in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', Hina has participated in 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8', 'Bigg
She has also been a part of the movies like 'Hacked', 'Wishlist', and a short film 'Smartphone'. The diva has starred in music videos like 'Bhasoodi', 'Raanjhana', 'Humko Tum Mil Gaye', 'Patthar Wargi', 'Baarish Ban Jaana', 'Main Bhi Barbaad', 'Mohabbat Hai', 'Barsaat Aa Gayi', and the recent track by Asees Kaur, and Saaj
Hina had also recently made her Punjabi film debut with 'Shinda Shinda No Papa', alongside Gippy Grewal. She next has 'Country of Blind' in the pipeline.
How Aamir Khan impressed Ketan Mehta and bagged his 2nd directorial 'Holi'
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is one of the most bankable stars in the country and is known for his keen eye with regard to path-breaking stories. The actor has grown up on the screen as he started his journey as a child artist in 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat'.
Aamir, who is the son of producer Tahir Hussain, always had a knack for off-beat stories and this is evident in his choice of films that he took up at a very tender age.
The actor, having seen the adversities in his life as his producer father incurred many losses, always believed in quality over quantity. He entered the profession of acting with films that can be best described as completely different from what all was going on around that time. The Hindi cinema of the 80s saw its quality getting plummeted and also the lost interest of the audience because of VCR.
When the Hindi cinema was looking south, bringing in the themes and stories from Tamil cinema and repurposing them with garish production design and loud costumes, Aamir was silently charting his own course as he worked in documentaries by students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Filmmaker Ketan Mehta, who made his directorial debut with 'Bhavni Bhavai' in 1980, made his second film with Aamir after he noticed the actor in documentaries directed by the students of the FTII. He then offered him a role in the low-budget experimental film 'Holi' which was released in 1984.
The film follows the story of students who are in a tussle with the college authorities after the latter refuse to grant them a holiday on the occasion of Holi. Things soon escalate and spiral out of control for the students, and results in the suicide of a fellow student. This changes the course of life for the boys completely as they're arrested for abetment of suicide.
BEYONCE: Fame can at times feel like prison
Grammy-winner Beyonce has talked about music, family and fame, which she says can feel like prison at times.
In a new interview with GQ Magazine to promote her new whiskey line, Beyonce said: "I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people. I hope my work encourages people to look within themselves and come to terms with their own creativity, strength, and resilience."
She said that she focuses on "storytelling, growth, and quality."
Beyonce added: "I'm not focused on perfectionism. I focus on evolution, innovation, and shifting perception."
She went on: "Working on the music for 'Cowboy Carter' and launching this exciting new project feel nothing like prison, nor a burden."
The "Naughty Girl" hitmaker said that she only works on what liberates her.
"It is fame that can at times feel like prison," she said, reports nypost.com.
"So, when you don't see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that's why."
Beyonce said that despite being one of the most famous people in the world, she does her best to lead a normal life for herself and her family.
"One thing I've worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn't turned into a brand," said the singer, who shares daughter Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 7, with producer-husband Jay-Z.
"It's very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family," she added. "No amount of money is worth my peace."
Beyonce gave a rare glimpse into her private life.
"Most days I try to wake up around 6 a.m., squeezing in an hour or two of work before the little ones are up," she said.
"Parenting while working, I move forward, embracing the beauty and the chaos of it all."
Ayushmann Khurrana
A Milestone Birthday and Career Resurgence Turns 40:
By IQRA AZAM
Celebrated Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is set to celebrate a milestone birthday as he turns 40 on 14 September. Not only does this mark a significant personal milestone, but it also comes at a time of professional resurgence for the star. Recently, Khurrana made headlines for an impressive 400% return on his business investments, further solidifying his place as a versatile and astute figure in the entertainment industry. As we look forward to his upcoming slate of releases, it's worth reflecting on his journey, one that has redefined the path of a Bollywood actor.
Ayushmann Khurrana is more than just a leading man in Bollywood; he is a symbol of reinvention. His career, spanning over a decade, has been marked by bold choices and risk-taking. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Khurrana has built his reputation by choosing scripts that challenge societal norms, blending humour, emotion, and social commentary. His films have often tackled taboo subjects in Indian cinema, from sperm donation in Vicky Donor to erectile dysfunction in
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and even LGBTQ+ rights in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.
Born in Chandigarh, Khurrana started his journey as a television anchor on MTV before making his cinematic debut in 2012 with Vicky Donor. The film, directed by Shoojit Sircar, became a sleeper hit, earning him critical acclaim. However, despite his strong start, Khurrana faced a series of setbacks. Films like Nautanki Saala, Bewakoofiyaan, and Hawaizaada failed at the box office, raising questions about his future in the industry.
But Ayushmann's resilience came to the forefront in 2015 with Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a charming slice-of-life film that revived his career. In an interview with Forbes India, Khurrana reflected on his highs and lows, saying, "Success is a lousy teacher, but your failures are your friends, philosophers, and guides." This philosophy seems to have guided him in selecting roles that are not only unique but also impactful, proving that
Ayushmann Khurana and wife
success in Bollywood isn't just about box-office numbers but about the stories that resonate.
The 2015 hit was just the beginning. Following Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Ayushmann delivered a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Bareilly Ki Barfi, Badhaai Ho, Dream Girl, and Article 15. His role in Andhadhun as a blind pianist earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, while his portrayal of a righteous cop in Article 15 cemented his reputation as a serious actor unafraid of tackling difficult topics. These films not only entertained but also sparked conversations on topics that are often brushed under the rug in mainstream Bollywood.
In addition to his acting prowess, Ayushmann is also a talented singer. His debut song, "Pani Da Rang" from Vicky Donor, won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer, adding another feather to his cap. His musical contributions have continued throughout his career, making him a true multihyphenate in the industry.
Beyond cinema, Ayushmann's influence extends into social causes. In February 2023, he was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for India, advocating for children's rights and education. His socially conscious films seem to mirror his personal commitment to making a difference off-screen as well.
Now, as he enters his 40s, Ayushmann shows no signs of slowing down. He was last seen in the hit sequel Dream Girl 2, which continued his trend of blending comedy with socially relevant themes. Fans are
eagerly awaiting his next project, Thamba, a horror film that promises to further showcase his versatility as an actor.
Turning 40 often brings reflection and new beginnings, and for Ayushmann Khurrana, the future looks as bright as ever. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Bollywood's most soughtafter stars, Khurrana s journey is nothing short of inspirational. As he continues to entertain and provoke thought with his unique brand of cinema, it's clear that his best work may still lie ahead.
Ayushmann Khurrana played the role of a gynecologist in Doctor G
Ayushmann Khurrana winner of several awards
Versatile Ayushmann in Dream Girl 2
Review: Romance Meets Suspense in Netflix's Darkly Thrilling
The Perfect Couple
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Eve Hewson, Liev Schrieber, Billy Howle, Dakota Fanning, Isabelle Adjani, Ishaan Khatter, Jack Reynor and Meghann Fahy
Director: Susanne Bier
Platform: Out on Netflix since 5 September
The Perfect Couple on Netflix delivers a tantalizing blend of romance, mystery, and suspense, making it an irresistible binge-watch.
Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand's best-selling novel, the series centers on a glamorous Nantucket wedding that takes a sinister turn when a murder
shatters the festivities. What truly elevates The Perfect Couple is its complex web of characters and jawdropping twists. Celeste, the bride, and her groom, Benji, appear to have it all, but as the investigation deepens, hidden secrets and simmering tensions rise to the surface. Each character is carefully fleshed out, adding depth and intrigue as nearly everyone becomes a suspect. Visually, the series shines. The enchanting backdrop of Nantucket and the lavish wedding aesthetic are
captured beautifully, while the cinematography masterfully shifts from idyllic to ominous, heightening the tension as the story unfolds.
The cast delivers strong performances, with standout portrayals that bring the fraught relationships and emotional stakes to life. The interplay of family dynamics, ambition, and personal desires feels authentic, while the central mystery keeps viewers guessing until the very last moment.
That said, the show isn't without a few hiccups. Some
plotlines may feel a tad predictable, and the pacing occasionally lags, leaning more into drama than substance. But these moments do little to detract from the overall experience. If you're a fan of murder mysteries set against a backdrop of opulence and romantic intrigue, The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch that balances glitz with a darker edge.
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and in winter we certainly need to do that. So here’s tempting you with this yummy winter warmer.
Apple Cobbler
Method:
Add cut apples, cinnamon powder and carmel to a bowl and mix together then pour into an oven proof dish. Make the cobbler; add melted butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon powder; whisk together then add plain flour and oats and mix until fully combined. Place the cobbler mixture on top of the apples. Spread with a spoon or with your fingers then sprinkle 1tbsp of granulated sugar on top. Preheat oven to 180 c and bake the cobbler for 30-40 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it rest 15-20 minutes before serving with custard or ice cream.
Ingredients:
6 granny smith apples; peeled, cored and cut into small pieces
1 397g tin Carmel
1 tbsp Supreme Cinnamon Powder
Cobbler topping:
225g melted salted butter
200g granulated sugar
200g plain flour
60g oats
Pinch of salt
1 tsp Supreme Cinnamon
1 tbsp granulated sugar
Recipes in association with Supreme Ingredients If you're viewing online simply click play. Or if holding a physical paper then scan the QR code!
World Suicide Prevention Day: More needs to be done to break the ‘taboos’ in discussing mental health with South Asian communities
By CICELY MCFARLANE
Alarming figures show that the UK has seen an increase in the number of deaths from suicide.
According to official figures 6,069 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2023, up by more than 7% from 5,642 in 2022.
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on 10 September, emphasizes the importance of preventing suicides through open dialogue and increased awareness. For the next two years, the theme is "Changing the Narrative," with the tagline "Start the Conversation," underscoring the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
This day encourages society to support those struggling with mental health issues without fear of judgment. The goal is to foster an environment of understanding and openness, reshaping how people view this complex issue. The call to action is clear: everyone must play a part in suicide prevention by engaging in honest conversations.
The World Suicide Prevention Day website stresses that even a single conversation can significantly impact someone’s mental well-being, helping to create a more empathetic and supportive society.
However, there still seems to be a huge taboo around the topic of suicide and leading charities, want the government to do more to tackle the issue.
Leading mental health charity Samaritans has said it still seems to be "taboo" when it comes to speaking about suicide, despite figures showing that one in five
people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, told media: "Suicide rates are at their highest in more than 20 years and we are still waiting to hear from the government about what they are going to do to reverse this. We will not stand for more silence on the issue.
“This World Suicide Prevention Day, the Prime Minister needs to speak up and demonstrate his commitment to suicide prevention with a clear plan of action before more lives are lost.”
These taboos, become more
challenging within south Asian communities, due to stigma and lack of awareness.
South Asian people are less likely to access mental health, but when they do, there are often barriers in treatment due to services offering a "one-size-fitsall approach", according to some experts.
Dr Tina Mistry, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Brown Therapist Network, told Sky News "talking about the fact that somebody might be struggling" comes with "huge stigma" in the South Asian community, and often there’s "a lack of awareness of what services are out there".
These factors contribute to low engagement with mental health services, but when people do access help, they're often faced with cultural and language barriers.
Dr Mistry said: "There’s a huge issue around conceptual understanding around what mental health actually is within the South Asian community.
She said "because the NHS is a one-size-fits-all approach" it means that for many accessing services, "it doesn’t quite match
or fit their conceptual needs and cultural needs".
This is further aggravated when some from our communities seek spiritual guidance over medical help and this can have devastating impacts, like it did for Bradford’s Safeena Khan.
Safeena, lost her mother due to mental health issues, and has herself battled depression and anxiety. In an interview with Asian Standard in 2021, the 36-yearold shared her struggles and has now become a strong advocate encouraging others within the community to speak out.
“There is no shame in getting help with mental health," she says. "People need to let it out, not hold it in. Most people don’t want to share, but it’s okay to be sad and emotional.”
Safeena has suffered from depression and anxiety for a few years now but only accessed help
last in December 2020 after it had “built up over the years”. She has now been diagnosed with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MDD).
Safeena said: “I suffer from mental health issues. It got bad last December, and I ended up in Airedale Hospital on Heather ward. It took a lot of time and energy to get to where I am now.
“I’ve got a mental health nurse and a psychiatrist, but you really have to press on about getting this type of help because sometimes it is not there or available.”
A report from the National Library of Medicine published in 2020 states that mental health and stress in the South Asian community often go unaddressed. This report highlights a UK study, this shows that sadly Pakistani men and older Indian and Pakistani women, have higher reports of anxiety and depression compared to similar ages of other ethnicities. T. Reham who studied social and cultural constraints emphasises that health and social care in ethnic communities are vastly different. With studies demonstrating that South Asian women are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
This report is then linked to the cultural stigma around mental health issues. Rehman’s 2013 study highlights that members of the South Asian community fear shame on their family if they disclose mental health concerns or illness. He highlights that as a result, many keep their problems to themselves and do not seek help. This must change. Help is there and can be utilised to help you grow, express emotions, and get the help many need.
World Suicide Prevention Day aims to spread this message: help is available, and seeking it is a vital step in preventing suicide.
Suicide figures are the highest they have been in 20 years
Government greenlights early release of 1,700 prisoners to tackle overcrowding, sparking victim concerns
By IQRA AZAM
Around 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales are set to be released early, as part of a government scheme to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
This is in addition to the around 1,000 prisoners normally released each week.
According to official figures from last week, the prison population in England and Wales surpassed 88,500, reaching a record high while leaving only about 1,000 free spaces in prisons.
The early release policy is one of the short-term measures in the government's plans to ease pressure on prison capacity, especially following the recent riots in the wake of the Southport stabbing in July, which had further strained prison resources, it's been reported.
Those being released early are prisoners serving sentences of less than five years. They are now eligible for release on license after serving 40 per cent of their sentence, down from 50 per cent under the previous law.
Although the policy does not apply to those serving sentences
for certain sexual, violent, domestic abuse, terrorism and national security offences, it has raised some worries.
Baroness Newlove, the victims' commissioner for England and Wales, said that the situation is "distressing for many victims who rightfully expect offenders will serve the sentence handed down
by the court."
"I am concerned about the impact of these early releases on victims' confidence in our justice system," he said, adding that some victims have been left "unaware" of their offender's early release.
In a statement, the probation union said it feared the scheme
was “moving the problem from one place to another without properly assessing the risks”.
In response, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) pointed out eligibility for the scheme was based on the offence, not the offender. Some offenders may have been released early from a sentence for a lesser offence when they had previously completed a sentence for a sexual or violent offence, it added.
Despite the government's pledge to exclude certain domestic abusers from the scheme, some victims have been notified of their abusers' release.
"I worry that it might not be possible for every victim to be notified of their abuser's release and I fear they may be left blindsided, without the time to seek vital support and guidance," the Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said, adding that there is "no justice" in allowing such offenders to be released early.
Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said the government "had no choice but to do something" about overcrowding. But he warned that it was "inevitable that some of these prisoners will get recalled to custody".
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said this was "the only option left on the table" as the alternative would have been to "allow the prison system to
collapse and therefore to allow law and order in this country to collapse."
Mahmood told MPs that inmates who are homeless upon early release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded budget hotels if there is not enough space in accommodation typically used for offenders.
She blamed the last government, saying they "dodged difficult decisions and left our prisons in crisis."
HMP Belmarsh
The UK’s suspension of some was highly political – here’s
By PROFESSOR JAMIE GASKARTH
The UK government has announced it is suspending 30 arms export licences to Israel for military equipment used in operations in Gaza.
The rationale for this decision was “the clear risk that items exported to Israel under these 30 licences might be used in serious violations of IHL [international humanitarian law]”.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7 massacre of civilians by Hamas have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations. The situation in Gaza is currently being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Although the precise numbers are disputed, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed.
When David Lammy came into office as foreign secretary in July 2024, he commissioned a review
into Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. It was the review’s assessment, according to reports, that Israel was not in compliance.
In the same month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson announced the UK would not make a submission to the ICC opposing an arrest warrant being issued for Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
LABOUR MINISTERS AND ARMS CONTRACTS
Dilemmas over arms sales and accountability for human rights abuses have been a perennial issue for Labour governments. This is often due to the moral language Labour ministers use to describe their foreign policy.
David Owen, Labour foreign secretary between 1977 and 1979, for example, promoted human rights as a central plank of his foreign policy. He argued: “In Britain we will take our stand on human rights in every corner of
row across Whitehall, with the Ministry of Defence arguing this would have serious repercussions for Britain’s arms industry. In the event, the prime minister, James Callaghan, sided with Owen thanks to the influence of Catholic aid agencies.
Yet Owen continued Britain’s support for the Pahlavi regime in Iran, which was accused of serious human rights abuses. He defended this on philosophical grounds, asserting the “morality of compromise”, informed by his Christianity and the value pluralism of political theorist Isaiah Berlin.
In 1997, Robin Cook, when newly appointed as foreign secretary, announced that henceforth “our foreign policy must have an ethical dimension”, and “the Labour government will put human rights at the heart of our foreign policy”.
Soon afterwards, these aims would be put to the test when Cook sought to ban arms sales to Indonesia due to their political repression of the Timorese.
Lammy’s intervention is interesting given his professed desire to pursue a “progressive realist” foreign policy.
the globe”.
Owen cancelled a contract for military vehicles destined for El Salvador, leading to a heated
Prime Minister Tony Blair was sceptical of the ethical rhetoric and wary of harming exports, only allowing their suspension
Benjamin Netanyahu has said the UK’s decision is ‘shameful’. Wikipedia
some arms exports to Israel here’s how to understand it
after pro-government militias committed atrocities following an independence referendum.
The New Labour government did introduce greater transparency, controls and scrutiny of arms exports. Yet arms sales would again cause embarrassment later in Blair’s tenure, when he personally intervened to stop a Serious Fraud Office investigation into bribery of Saudi officials – allegedly at the Saudi government’s request. This underlined the extent to which international law and moral rhetoric are often overruled on national security grounds.
Lammy’s intervention is interesting given his professed desire to pursue a “progressive realist” foreign policy. In an article for Foreign Affairs published in May 2024, Lammy praised Cook’s commitment to progressive values such as human rights, yet counterbalanced this with another foreign secretary, Ernest Bevin, and his supposed realism. This approach would seem to be playing out in the way
the licences to Israel were suspended. Only around 10% were stopped, with the other 320 continuing, and those related to the F35 fighter programme ringfenced from any export restrictions.
Although Lammy doesn’t cite Owen as an influence, there are strong echoes of Owen’s acceptance of compromise as a feature of foreign policy. Yet, such an approach often attracts greater criticism, alienating both those who deny the relevance of morality to foreign policy, and those who see politics (and international law) in morally absolute terms.
ARMS SALES ARE POLITICAL CHOICES
The way Lammy has applied these restrictions underscores the extent to which such decisions are political. Although the suspensions were couched in legal language and justified on international humanitarian law grounds, they are ultimately a
political statement.
The UK government is expressing its disapproval of Israel’s conduct in Gaza in a way that reflects the political context within which they are operating. It has sent a message to the Israeli government without making any real difference to Israel’s capacity to defend itself. And it has couched that decision in legal terms to avoid clashing with the US government on the matter.
The previous government received similar legal advice but chose not to act. This was an equally political choice.
Making this decision shores up the UK’s credibility as a supporter of international humanitarian law at home and abroad. If it encourages compromise and a hostage deal, the hope is that the hostages, including 14 British citizens, might return home and the people of Gaza might be able to rebuild their lives.
In 1997 Robin Cook, newly appointed Foreign Secretary, had said the Labour government will put human rights at the heart of our foreign policy
Foreign secretary David Lammy on a visit to Tel Aviv just a few weeks before the decision to end some arms trading to Israel was made.
Wikipedia
Flickr/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, CC BY
What causes food cravings? And what can we do about them?
By GABRIELLE WEIDEMANN AND JUSTIN MAHLBERG
Many of us try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less ultra-processed food. But why is sticking to your goals so hard?
High-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods are simply so enjoyable to eat. And it’s not just you – we’ve evolved that way. These foods activate the brain’s reward system because in the past they were rare.
Now, they’re all around us. In wealthy modern societies we are bombarded by advertising which intentionally reminds us about the sight, smell and taste of caloriedense foods. And in response to these powerful cues, our brains respond just as they’re designed to, triggering an intense urge to eat them.
Here’s how food cravings work and what you can do if you find yourself hunting for sweet or salty foods.
WHAT CAUSES CRAVINGS?
A food craving is an intense desire or urge to eat something, often focused on a particular food.
We are programmed to learn how good a food tastes and smells and where we can find it again, especially if it’s high in fat, sugar or salt.
Something that reminds us of enjoying a certain food, such as an eye-catching ad or delicious smell, can cause us to crave it. The cue triggers a physical
But our new research has confirmed something you probably knew: it’s more specific than that.
If an ad for chips makes you look for food, it’s likely a slice of cake won’t cut it – you’ll be looking for something salty. Cues in our environment don’t just make us crave food generally, they prompt us to look for certain food “categories”, such as salty, sweet or creamy.
FOOD CUES AND MINDLESS EATING
You’re eating history and genetics can also make it harder to suppress food cravings. But don’t beat yourself up – relying on
willpower alone is hard for almost everyone.
Food cues are so powerful they can prompt us to seek out a certain food, even if we’re not overcome by a particularly strong urge to eat it. The effect is more intense if the food is easily available.
This helps explain why we can eat an entire large bag of chips that’s in front of us, even though our pleasure decreases as we eat. Sometimes we use finishing the packet as the signal to stop eating rather than hunger or desire.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO RESIST CRAVINGS?
response, increasing saliva production and gastric activity. These responses are relatively automatic and difficult to control.
WHAT ELSE INFLUENCES OUR CHOICES?
While the effect of cues on our physical response is relatively automatic, what we do next is influenced by complex factors. Whether or not you eat the food might depend on things like cost, whether it’s easily available, and if eating it would align with your health goals.
But it’s usually hard to keep healthy eating in mind. This is because we tend to prioritise a more immediate reward, like the pleasure of eating, over one that’s delayed or abstract – including health goals that will make us feel good in the long term.
Stress can also make us eat more. When hungry, we choose larger portions, underestimate calories and find eating more rewarding.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SALTY OR SWEET
So what if a cue prompts us to look for a certain food, but it’s not available?
Previous research suggested you would then look for anything that makes you feel good. So if you saw someone eating a doughnut but there were none around, you might eat chips or even drink alcohol.
We largely don’t have control over cues in our environment and the cravings they trigger. But there are some ways you can try and control the situations you make food choices in.
• Acknowledge your craving and think about a healthier way to satisfy it. For example, if you’re craving chips, could you have lightly-salted nuts instead? If you want something sweet, you could try fruit.
• Avoid shopping when you’re hungry, and make a list beforehand. Making the most of supermarket “click and collect” or delivery options can also help avoid ads and impulse buys in the aisle.
• At home, have fruit and vegetables easily available – and easy to see. Also have other nutrient dense, fibre-rich and unprocessed foods on hand such as nuts or plain yoghurt. If you can, remove high-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods from your environment.
• Make sure your goals for eating are SMART. This means they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
• Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you eat something that doesn’t meet your health goals. Just keep on trying.
This article originally appeared in The Conversation and was contributed by Gabrielle Weidemann Associate Professor in Psychological Science at Western Sydney University and Justin Mahlberg a Research Fellow of Psychology at the Monash University
Ronstik/Shutterstock
The more we eat the less pleasure we get from it, but it may not stop us continuing.
Our brains learn to crave foods based on what we’ve enjoyed before.
20
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Across
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England players rise in recent ICC Women's ODI rankings
Kross and Beaumont have responded with some special performances for England after being excluded from the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup.
Young England seamer Lauren Filer also progressed on the list for ODI bowlers. She moved 14 places to 60th in the latest ICC rankings.
Ireland duo Freya Sargent jumped 11 places to 89th position, and Orla Prendergast moved 17 spots to 91.
South Africa veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp reclaimed the spot and became the number one ranked all-rounder in the updated rankings. Cross also made
ground in the all-rounders ranking list and moved to 12th position.
In the first ODI, England chased down 211 with more than 15 overs to spare. A quick-fire approach from the English batters ensured that they comfortably chased down the target and sealed a four-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the series.
In the second ODI, England registered a thumping 275run victory after forcing Ireland to succumb to 45 with a classic place show. England and Ireland will play the final ODI on Wednesday at Stormont in Belfast.
Stokes returns, two uncapped players feature in England's 17-player squad for
Pakistan Test tour
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 17-player squad for their Test tour of Pakistan in October.
Some of the notable names in the 17-player squad include two uncapped players, Durham's Brydon Carse and Essex's Jordan Cox. Experienced spinner Jack Leach returns for the first time since England toured India earlier this year. Test captain Ben Stokes, who missed England's home Test series against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury, is also in the mix.
Carse features as one of the six fast bowlers in England's squad, alongside the left-armer Josh Hull. Hull has been picked for his maiden Test tour after he earned his maiden Test cap for England in the third Test against Sri Lanka. In his debut Test, the young seamer scythed three wickets at the Kia Oval.
His inclusion in England's Test setup comes in light of England's fastest bowler, Mark Wood, sustaining an elbow injury.
Notably, in May, Carse was suspended from all cricket for 16 months. He pleaded guilty to making a total of 303 bets on cricket matches, including Durham games that he did not play.
However, out of 16, 13 months were suspended. He returned to on-field action on August 29. He slammed a century to mark his arrival for Durham against Somerset at Taunton.
Experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes has been called for his first overseas assignment since featuring in England's tour of the Caribbean in March 2022. '
In the spin department, Leach will partner with Shoaib Bashir and legspinner Rehan Ahmed. In 2022, Rehan played a starring role for England during his Test debut in Karachi against Pakistan.
On the batting front, Dan Lawrence has been dropped following his underwhelming performance in the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka. While opening for the hosts, Lawrence could only put in 120 runs at an average of 20 in six innings.
Opener Zak Crawley, who broke his right little finger, has returned to the squad in place of Lawrence.
The first of the three Tests will begin on October 7 in Multan. The second Test will be played in Karachi,
on
October 24.
beginning
October 15, and the third red-ball clash is in Rawalpindi on
England Test squad to tour Pakistan: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Concerns Grow as Fight Nears, Health Questions Loom
Mike Tyson’s highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul is still on for 15 November, but concerns about the 58-yearold ’s health persist. Reports suggest Tyson will undergo a medical assessment just one day before the match, adding to
the uncertainty surrounding the bout.
Originally scheduled for July, the fight was postponed after Tyson suffered a health scare in May, raising serious questions about whether he should return to the ring at all. Fans have
voiced their worries, particularly due to Tyson’s age and recent health issues, and many had expected Texas licensing regulators to closely monitor the boxing legend ’s condition leading up to the fight.
According to World Boxing News, Tyson’s official medical check will take place just 24 hours before the event. This opens the door
for a last-minute cancellation if any red flags are raised. Should the regulators deem Tyson unfit to fight, the bout could be downgraded to an exhibition match or even cancelled altogether.
Despite the ongoing concerns, Tyson remains optimistic. He is confident in his ability to face Paul and has assured fans that his preparations are on track. His optimism comes despite a medical emergency in May during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, where Tyson became dizzy and required paramedics upon landing. This incident, just two months before the original fight date, further highlighted the risks involved in his return to the sport.
Nevertheless, the former heavyweight champion has been rigorously training. He has even abstained from marijuana— banned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation—and cut out sex as part of his intense regimen, aiming to perform at his best come fight night.
“The
time is right" to move on: England all-rounder Moeen Ali retires from international cricket
Moeen Ali has been a stalwart for England across all three formats since his international debut in 2014.
At 37, his illustrious career includes being a key part of the teams that lifted the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022. Though he initially retired from Test cricket in 2021, Moeen’s love for the game brought him back two years later for a thrilling Ashes series against Australia, which ended in a memorable draw.
As an off-spinner, Moeen has proudly represented England in 68 Test matches, 138 one-day internationals, and 92 T20s. He also served as vicecaptain of the white-ball team, and when called upon, led England with distinction in one ODI and 12 T20s.
While he won’t feature in the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, Moeen’s contributions to English cricket remain inspiring, leaving an enduring legacy of resilience, leadership, and passion for the sport.
In an interview with Nassar Hussain in the Daily Mail, Moeen said it was "time for the next generation" in English cricket.
"I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won’t," Moeen said.
"Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough - I still feel I can play.
"But I get how things are, and the team needs to evolve into another cycle. It’s about being real to myself."
A stylish left-handed batter, Moeen scored five Test and three ODI centuries.
He also took 204 Test wickets, along with 111 in ODIs and 51 in T20 cricket for England.
His final international appearance was against India in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in June, which England lost by 68 runs.
"Tests were by far the best format," Moeen added, in an interview with Test Match Special.
"It’s something that as a young player, I felt it was the most important, it was the more proper form of cricket.
"White-ball was more fun, I almost saw is as time to wind down and relax from red-ball cricket, especially when you would play right after."
SPORTS
MIKE TYSON VS. JAKE
England players rise in recent ICC Women's ODI rankings
A host of England players made ground in the latest International Cricket Council's (ICC) Women's ODI rankings following their eye-catching performances in the ongoing 50-over series against Ireland.
England raced to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a set of dominating performances.
Seasoned batter Tammy Beaumont
showed her class with a remarkable 150* in the second match in Belfast. She moved one spot to 13th in the ODI Women's batter rankings.
Beaumont, with her effortless display with the bat, has scored the third most centuries by any player in women's ODI cricket.
England's stand-in captain, Kate Cross,
progressed in the ODI Women's bowlers rankings. She moved to the second spot after picking up a six-wicket haul in the series opener.
Cross improved her rating from 686 rating points to 703. Her compatriot Sophie Ecclestone is the only player ahead of her with 778 rating points.
Looks like I was right: Ralf Rangnick reaffirms his open heart operation stance on Manchester United
Austria head coach Ralf
Rangnick took a dig at his former side, Manchester United, by reaffirming his stance that he made two years ago about the club needing an "open heart operation."
In the 2021-22 season, Rangnick took charge of Manchester United on an interim basis after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked from his position as head coach. Even though Rangnick's stint lasted for six months, his time at the club was marked with various remarks he made about the players and the management.
During that season, when Manchester United endured a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, Rangnick had said, "The good thing, one of the few, is it's crystal clear. You don't even need
glasses to see the problems. Now it's only about how you can solve them. Not minor cosmetic things. This is an open-heart operation. If everyone realises this has to happen and works together, it doesn't need to take years."
Erik Ten Hag was named Rangnick's successor, and since then he has struggled to find consistency in results. In the ongoing season, Manchester United have struggled early and suffered two defeats in their opening three Premier League games.
As the Dutch manager looks to bounce back and pull a string of results in his favour, Rangnick reiterated the stance that he took two years ago.
"I probably made that statement when the season was almost over about two years ago,"
Rangnick recalled while speaking to TV2, as quoted from Goal.com.
"It is probably only two or three weeks since Erik ten Hag was asked the same thing. Then he said that I was right in my analysis. I don't know how many players they have signed since, but it looks like I was right." he added.
Manchester United began the 2024-25 season with a 1-0 win over Fulham. The Red Devils found themselves in turmoil after facing a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion. Their losing streak stretched to two after Liverpool outplayed them at Old Trafford and secured a 3-0 win.
Manchester United will look to return to winning ways as they gear up to face Southampton on Saturday.
Ralf Rangnick