• Thursday, March 28, 2024

Results for "Nadeem Badshah"

Female Asian footballers ‘are drawing more women to the sport’

by NADEEM BADSHAH FOOTBALL may not have come home but the success of the men's and women's England teams has led to a boom in the number of young south Asian female players, according to coaches. Since the 2019 Women's World Cup, rising stars have emerged including England youth international…

‘Asian patients missing check-ups amid Covid’

  By Nadeem Badshah SOME British Asian patients are missing vital phone calls from hospitals while waiting lists are at record levels, doctors have warned. Medics have come across cases of people not answering their phone or failing to at­tend appointments as they are unable to attend with a family…

Brick Lane’s curry eateries seek funds to stay afloat

By Nadeem Badshah A FAMOUS curry area in England needs “huge investment” to stop the decline of restaurants and cafes closing, according to business leaders. The face of Brick Lane has changed in re­cent years with barbershops, trendy artisan cafes and fried chicken shops replacing many Bangladeshi-owned eateries. A virtual…

UK cops to work with Indian police to smash people…

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH officers will work with Indian police forces to tackle people smuggling gangs, it has emerged, as experts welcomed the move and called for an overhaul of the immigration rules. National Crime Agency (NCA) officers are expected to work in cities, including in Delhi and in…

‘Covid passport system may deny jobs and services to minorities’

  By Nadeem Badshah  COVID certificates could trigger discrimination against ethnic minorities in the jobs market and access to services, academics and campaigners have warned. They have raised concerns about the government considering plans to have documents to prove someone’s vaccine, test or antibody status to enter a sports venue,…

‘Victims should not face a time limit to report abuse’

  By Nadeem Badshah THE six-month time limit on re­porting forms of domestic abuse to police should be scrapped in order to get justice for more vic­tims, campaigners and academ­ics have said. They highlighted research showing that people of south Asian origin take longer to report crimes compared to other…

Naga chillies adding flavour to fasting foods

    By Nadeem Badshah  BREAKING the fast during Ramadan has become a spicier occasion for some due to the popularity of naga wings, accord­ing to food experts. The wings are covered in a paste made with Dorset Naga chillies, which have the reputation of being the hottest in the…

Pandemic has led to surge in stress levels for doctors’

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asian doctors have re­vealed the impact the Covid cri­sis has had on their stress levels and how the support of their family has helped them cope. They have disclosed how their workload and patient numbers have increased since the pan­demic began and how they are…

‘Gaming is far-right’s training ground’

  By Nadeem Badshah FAR-RIGHT groups accused of spewing racial hatred are using computer games to try and radicalise teenagers during lockdown, experts have warned. Researchers have found that UK white nationalist groups are targeting younger recruits and run Call of Duty Warcraft gaming tournaments for its supporters. Hope Not…

Covid stress fuels search for ‘quick fixes’ online

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH ASIANS suffering with insom­nia during lockdown have been urged against buying sleeping pills online from south Asia. Experts have warned of the potential health risks of buying prescription tablets, which have not been tested in the UK, from the internet. They have highlighted cases of…

Clean air plans needed ‘to tackle preventable deaths’

  By Nadeem Badshah CAMPAIGNERS have demanded cheaper public transport to tackle the pollution crisis, highlighting the fact that ethnic minorities are more likely to live in toxic air hot­spots in the UK compared to the wider population. Experts have also called for less reliance on diesel fuel and electric…

‘Careful study’ urged in giving foreign pupils vaccine priority

  By Nadeem Badshah LEADING doctors, academics and stu­dent groups are divided on whether overseas students in the UK should be a priority group for Covid-19 vaccines. Some teachers have backed the move for both home and international under­graduates, with data showing that 17.8 per cent of university students between…

Scam alert for Covid testing kits

By Nadeem Badshah OLDER Asians have been warned against buying expensive coronavi­rus tests and falling victim to frauds. Some sellers have been offering PCR (polymerise chain reaction) checks for more than £300, and fake testing kits and certificates in person or on social media, experts have said. Having a swab…

‘UK-India deal is win-win’

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH food firms and restaurants could potentially be the big winners if the UK strikes a new £100 billion trade deal with India, according to business leaders. Entrepreneurs said import and export costs for shops and restaurants will fall if they can use Indian suppliers and…

‘Maternal care racism inquiry is important and long overdue’

By Nadeem Badshah MATERNITY care needs an “ur­gent” shake-up, according to ex­perts who welcomed an inquiry into how alleged racism in the NHS impacts the care provided to pregnant women. Women from south Asian back­grounds face nearly twice the risk of dying in pregnancy or child­birth compared to white women,…

Streaming services bank on India

  By Nadeem Badshah INDIA is at the centre of a battle between online streaming giants for sub­scribers during the pandemic, accord­ing to experts. Netflix and Amazon Prime have un­veiled films and series for Indian audi­ences this year, to fill the void left by the closure of cinemas during the…

‘Hot-bedding reflects how landlords exploit migrants’

  By Nadeem Badshah ROGUE landlords are charging migrants from south Asia for how many hours they rest in bed and forcing them to “sleep in shifts”, experts have revealed. The issue was raised in a BBC documen­tary, aired in January, when a group of men from India were found…

‘Act now to tackle Covid impact on young people’s mental…

By Nadeem Badshah MENTAL HEALTH problems in chil­dren have been overlooked in the fight against Covid 19 and a long-term action plan is needed, according to British Asian parents, MPs and experts. Parents have revealed the challenges of lockdown and remote learning on their children and shared their advice for…

Doctors urge visa change to bring parents to the UK

  By Nadeem Badshah RULES which stop foreign doctors in the UK from bringing their elderly parents to the country must be scrapped, leading medics and campaigners have said. Groups have urged the government to axe the adult dependency rule (ADR) which makes it difficult for doctors to look after…

Pre-flight Covid rules for England ‘too little too late’

By Nadeem Badshah NEW coronavirus rules for travellers to England are not tough enough compared to measures implemented in other countries including India, according to experts and MPs. From Monday (18), everyone arriving by boat, train or plane have to test nega­tive for Covid-19 before they can enter the UK.…

‘Lockdown will be fatal for eateries’

By Nadeem Badshah LEADING Asian restaurant bosses and chefs have urged ministers to provide more cash to save jobs and businesses from the Covid-19 crisis. Eateries across the country have been forced to close since November under lockdown rules and owners warned that many will be unable to survive without…

UK needs ‘efficient and humane’ asylum system

By Nadeem Badshah ACTIVISTS and MPs have called for a radical shake-up after it emerged the number of asylum seekers waiting longer than six months for a deci­sion on their application has risen threefold. Figures show that there is a record backlog of 60,548 people waiting for an initial decision…

Lockdown leaves disabled Asians ‘struggling to cope’

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asians with a disability have been among the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandem­ic, experts have pointed out. Charities have highlighted the closure of face-to face-support services and how vulnerable peo­ple were feeling lonely after being isolated from loved and carers while shielding. The death…

Working out how to help Asians hike activity levels

By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asians have done the fewest hours of recommended exercise compared to other groups since 2015, new govern­ment figures show. People of south Asian origin were less likely than average to be physically active in all age groups between 16 and 74 years old in eastern England,…

‘UK must protect protest rights of Indian farmers’

By Nadeem Badshah BORIS JOHNSON has been urged to raise the plight of Indian farmers who have been protest­ing against new laws introduced by Narendra Modi’s government, when the British prime minister visits New Delhi next month. Thousands of agriculture work­ers from Punjab and several other states have held demonstrations…

Charities praise Rashford drive to help feed hungry children

By Nadeem Badshah FOOTBALL star Marcus Rashford has been praised for his work to tackle childhood hunger in the UK by forming a partnership with a leading charity. The Manchester United and England striker, 23, joined forces with FareShare which distributes food across the country including in areas with large…

‘Business uncertainty’ sparks demand for second passport

By Nadeem Badshah IT HAS become the latest status symbol among the wealthy to add to the yacht, collection of supercars and expensive art. The pandemic and Brexit have led to rich Indians looking to get second passports and overseas citizenships, figures show. Enquiries have surged by more than 50…

Song reignites drive to seek justice for Asian student

By Nadeem Badshah FOR Sukhdev Reel, it has been a daily fight for justice and answers since her son Ricky died 23 years ago. No one has been charged over the death of the computer science student, who was 20 when he went missing following a racist attack in Kingston,…

‘Effective messaging needed’ to prevent smart motorway deaths

By Nadeem Badshah SMART motorways should be banned in the UK, campaigners have said, warning that a disproportionate number of ethnic minorities are dying on those stretch of roads. Smart Motorways Kill, a group com­prising families who lost loved ones on the network, have launched legal action to get them…

Foreign students face ‘depression demons’ amid Covid restrictions

By Nadeem Badshah STUDENTS of south Asian origin in the UK have revealed their battle with mental health due to universities be­ing closed during the lockdowns. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to seminars, face-to-face lectures and so­cial events being cancelled, with most courses being taught online. Some 119 universities have…

Doctors call for support in Xmas vaccination drive

By NADEEM BADSHAH GPs will see patients and also administer Covid vaccine LEADING GPs have called for support to help them deal with “workload pressures” during the upcoming rollout of a coronavirus vaccine. Family doctors are set for a hectic few months with a Covid-19 jab expected to be unveiled…

‘Skill training boosts career’

  By Nadeem Badshah THE number of British Asians taking ap­prenticeships has increased each year since 2015 while the figure has dropped among people from other backgrounds, new figures have revealed. Some 5.5 per cent of people of south Asian origin, 21,370 individuals, signed up for the training schemes in…

Drama filmed during lockdown is a ‘huge draw’ in UK

By Nadeem Badshah A POLICE drama focusing on brutal murder investigations has become a hit in the UK after becoming one of the few TV shows in the world to film episodes during lockdown. Crime Patrol has become one of the most popular programmes among the south Asian channels since…

Asians turn to gold during pandemic

  By Nadeem Badshah GOLD has become a more attractive investment among British Asian families during the coronavirus pandemic, experts have revealed. Investors have turned to jewellery and bars, despite the rising prices, due to stock markets being rocked by the economic impact of Covid-19 and the US election in…

Online dating on the rise during Covid-19

By Nadeem Badshah MORE British Asians are not letting the coronavirus lockdown ruin their love lives as dating and marriage services have seen a boom in people signing up. The “love lockdown” is over in some households, as websites and mobile apps have registered an increase in people turn­ing to…

Asian technology firms praised for green plans

By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asian entrepreneurs have been praised by business­es and MPs for their work in trying to save the planet by tack­ling climate change. Thirty tech start-ups address­ing green issues have been cho­sen to join the world-first Net Ze­ro support programme, business and energy secretary Alok Shar­ma recently…

British Asians ‘most positive’ about local area integration

By Nadeem Badshah NEARLY 90 per cent of British Asians believe that people from different backgrounds get on well in their local area, a higher percentage than other groups, research has revealed. Community leaders have wel­comed the results of the govern­ment study, which found 86 per of people of south…

‘Only criteria for help should be that you have been…

  By Nadeem Badshah  CELEBRITIES and activists have urged the government to overhaul laws to help save mi­grant domestic abuse victims. Singers Dua Lipa and Emile Sandé, along with actors includ­ing Dame Judi Dench and Olivia Colman, are among those who have called for legislation to help women who fear…

Road less travelled: Take a bus from London to Delhi

  By Nadeem Badshah IT IS the world’s longest bus route, spanning 12,000 miles to link the UK with Delhi in India. And the 70-day trip through 18 countries, set to be launched in May 2021, has been met with ap­proval by leading Indians in Britain. Passengers will be able…

Experts flag risks to victims of emotional abuse in lockdown

  By Nadeem Badshah URGENT action is needed to support victims whose relatives pretend to have an illness in order to control them, ac­cording to charities and experts. With schools reopening for the first time since March, they have called for teachers to be on alert for “emotional abuse” being…

Yoga ‘vital lockdown health tool’

  By Nadeem Badshah YOGA can be used to treat anxiety and has been a vital tool for thousands of people in the UK during lockdown, ac­cording to experts. A study found that doing the ancient Indian practice regularly was almost as effective as talking therapies, which are offered by…

Debt fears ‘keeping Asians out of British universities’

By Nadeem Badshah FEWER British Asian teenagers are going to university, with opposition MPs and business leaders warning that students are being put off by ris­ing debt levels. The tradition in many Asian families of children getting a degree appears to be changing, with new government figures showing that 73…

Entertainers explore new career paths in lockdown

By Nadeem Badshah TOP actors and comedians have revealed how the lock­down has led to them pur­suing different career paths and skills. With filming for TV shows and films suspended over the pandemic, performers have been using their time to complete courses, learn new skills and earn a living in…

Study finds ethnic minority businesses struggle to access loans, grants,…

By Nadeem Badshah AN URGENT investigation is needed on why ethnic mi­nority entrepreneurs often struggle to secure financial support to grow their firm, according to business lead­ers and experts. They have expressed disap­pointment at the findings of a report which found that some BAME business owners are disproportionately unable to…

Eateries seek long-term help

By Nadeem Badshah LEADING chefs and restaurant bosses have urged chancellor Rishi Sunak to provide further financial support to save the industry from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. They have welcomed Sunak’s package of measures, which in­cludes slashing VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent for food…

Changes to Sunday trading hours ‘will hit small stores’

By Nadeem Badshah EXTENDING Sunday trading hours would boost supermarket sales but devastate smaller com­munity stores, some Asian shop owners and MPs believe. Retailers and politicians are split over the latest plan to relax trading rules, which is believed to have been part of the govern­ment’s coronavirus recovery bill. The…

Experts call for action to end racist abuse once schools…

By Nadeem Badshah SCHOOLS and the government have been urged to do more to tackle racist bullying suffered by pupils as classes resume. Charity Kidscape said it has been in contact with children dur­ing lockdown who were “relieved” to be taught at home because of name-calling from classmates. With the…

‘The NHS owes a debt of gratitude to its Asian…

  By Nadeem Badshah THE NHS marks its 72nd birthday on Sunday (5), a welcome celebration after the most challenging year it has endured in its history due to the coronavirus crisis. For the estimated 118,000 doctors, nurses and staff from south Asia working on the frontline in the battle…

Indians lead the way in UK private sector

By Nadeem Badshah BUSINESS leaders have welcomed new fig­ures showing that British Indians are out­performing other minority groups to land top jobs, but have warned more work is needed on equality. Eleven per cent of professionals of Indian heritage were in “manager, director and senior official” roles, the joint highest…

New campaign urges support for victims trying to flee lockdown…

By Nadeem Badshah AN INCREASING number of Asians are suffering financial and mental abuse dur­ing lockdown and need additional sup­port, campaigners have said. Charities have seen a rise in people seek­ing help for different forms of domestic vio­lence since the UK went into lockdown in March, as victims have found…

Home ownership in UK highest among Indians

By Nadeem Badshah  INDIAN families in the UK are the prop­erty kings, government figures show. Some 74 per cent of Indians households are homeowners, a higher rate than white Britons at 68 per cent. The figure among the Pakistani commu­nity is 58 per cent and 46 per cent among British…

Bangladeshi business leaders express fear over relaxing lockdown curbs

By Nadeem Badshah BANGLADESHI business leaders have ex­pressed fears over the relaxing of lock­down measures and restaurants reopen­ing in July after it emerged they are twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white Britons. They are also worried at the absence of any recommendations or conclusions to protect people…

Asians back new transplant law but warn against ‘hype’

By Nadeem Badshah COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed the change in the law on organ donation, but cautioned against people “scaremonger­ing” over the issue. All adults in England will now be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have registered a decision to “opt…

Florida governor urged to act as Krishna Maharaj’s cellmate develops…

By Nadeem Badshah A BRITISH man serving a life sen­tence in the US for a double mur­der which his lawyers say he did not commit should be moved af­ter a cellmate developed corona­virus, campaigners have urged. Krishna Maharaj, 81, was given a death sentence for the killings in a hotel…

Classic serials make an ‘epic’ comeback on TV

By Nadeem Badshah THE lockdown has sparked a boom in families re-watching classic south Asian soaps and dramas, figures show. With filming for Bollywood films and seri­als being paused over the pandemic, fans have welcomed TV channels such as Star Plus, Colours Rishtey and Zee all replaying serials from the…

Investors urged to be wary of forex scams

By Nadeem Badshah EXPERTS have warned investors about unauthor­ised traders in countries – including India – offer­ing tips on social media for so-called “get-rich-quick” schemes. Facebook and Snapchat are among the platforms where individuals are advertising their services to speculate on the changes in the currencies markets. This newspaper found…

NHS Doctor shares experience of treating Covid-19 patients

By Nadeem Badshah DR SANJIV NICHANI has been on the NHS front­line dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. The experienced paediatrician at Leicester Chil­dren’s Hospital has been volunteering on the adult ward to treat patients with Covid-19. The founder of the Healing Little Hearts charity told Eastern Eye about his experiences…

Wedding industry tied up in knots by virus

By Nadeem Badshah THE coronavirus pandemic has led to a love lockdown, impacting thousands of couples, wedding firms and matrimonial services. Engagement, nikkah and civil reception ceremonies across the country have been postponed due to social distancing measures and bans on mass gatherings. With ceremonies delayed, the revenue of photographers,…

Heart screening ‘only way to prevent young cardiac death’

By Nadeem Badshah THE family of a squash champi­on who died from a previously undiagnosed heart condition have been praised for helping to increase the number of people tested in the UK. Neil Desai, 22, who represented England in squash, died in 2008 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.  At that…

Online scams exploit virus concerns to prey on elderly

By Nadeem Badshah  ASIAN elders are being warned to be wary of a huge surge in coronavirus-related text mes­sage and online scams. City of London Police, which oversees Action Fraud and the Na­tional Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said there have been more than 500 such scams in recent weeks with victims…

‘Many Britons unaware about country’s dark colonial past’

By Nadeem Badshah THE “darker side” of the British Empire continues to be ignored in the UK, aca­demics have warned. They have highlighted a lack of aware­ness about the impact of the British Raj in India after research found 30 per cent of people in the UK believe Britain’s colo­nies…

Ethnic store owners reveal how lack of supply, panic buying…

By Nadeem Badshah ASIAN shopkeepers have revealed they are struggling with low stock levels after panic buying by shoppers over coronavirus fears. Stores have seen a spike in sales of toiletries, rice, atta flour and spices since the virus outbreak, but some shops have been unable to restock due to…

Acts of faith by volunteers help self-isolating Asians

By Nadeem Badshah PLACES of worship are leading the effort across the UK to look after the elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating. Mosques, temples and gurdwaras have been forced to stop prayer congregations in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But hundreds are volunteering at their…

New law must protect migrant women and children too: Activists

By Nadeem Badshah NEW laws to tackle domestic violence do not go far enough to help victims who are children and migrant women, campaigners have cautioned. They welcomed the domestic abuse bill in addressing tech abuse – where perpetrators use fitness trackers and “smart” home devices attached to heating, lights…

NHS may deny care to abusive patients

By Nadeem Badshah CAMPAIGNERS have backed plans to allow hospitals to refuse to treat racist, sexist and violent patients to tackle growing levels of abuse suffered by NHS staff. From April, any patient or hospital visitor behaving in a racist or abusive way could be barred from receiving care unless…

Places of worship to step up security

By Nadeem Badshah PLACES of worship are planning to step up security after a spate of recent crimes, it has emerged. Tests are being carried out on how to put a mosque in lockdown during a security scare and having a radio system where local masjids can communicate during a…

No substantial plan by Sunak to improve social care crisis:…

By Nadeem Badshah BUSINESS leaders have praised chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget for scrapping business rates for small firms and his Coronavirus response fund, but critics have hit out at the chancellor’s response to the social care crisis. Sunak announced in his first spring Budget last Wednesday (11) that thousands of…

Tour Town plans to save high streets are ‘too little…

By Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN’S struggling high streets can be saved by slashing business rates, having more free parking spaces and new business models, according to experts. The government is running a £3.6 billion fund for “overlooked and undervalued” towns. The high streets will get help from civil servant teams as…

Action urged over how-to videos for fake documents

By Nadeem Badshah FRAUDSTERS are posting videos on YouTube showing people how to make fake passports and Indian Aadhar cards, an Eastern Eye investigation has found. The world's biggest video sharing website has been urged to take action with concerns that criminals could learn the tricks in the footage and dupe…

Places of worship act to contain Covid-19 infections 

By Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN confirmed that six people had died and more than 370 were infected with the coronavirus on Tuesday (10), as more than 115,124 cases have been recorded in 105 countries and territories worldwide. Airlines have cancelled flights and places of worship have adopted special measures to stop…

No consensus on use of corner shop tills as free…

By Nadeem Badshah SHOPKEEPERS are divided on plans to make use of corner shop tills as a replacement for free cash machines. The move, which could be announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak in March’s budget, would see people able to withdraw money from the tills of thousands of shops across…

HS2 rail project will rebalance UK economy: Businessmen  

By Nadeem Badshah LEADING businessmen have backed the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project despite the controversies over its spiralling budget. Boris Johnson recently gave the green  light for the route London to Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. Supporters of the plan say it will improve transport times, reduce overcrowding, create jobs…

Fewer Asians respond to mental health therapies: Experts

By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asian patients with mental health problems are among the least likely to improve after having NHS treatment compared to other groups, new government data shows. Experts have called for services to be urgently improved after it emerged that patients of south Asian origin were among the least likely to…

Forward planning key to containing coronavirus: Experts

By Nadeem Badshah LEADING doctors have warned that GPs need more help and resources if there are more coronavirus cases in the UK. They have called for forward planning to help overworked medics screen patients and help contain and treat the virus as general practice is operating on a "knife…

Majority of new mums suffer mental health problems during or…

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE mental health crisis among pregnant women needs to be addressed by ministers, experts have urged. Charities have highlighted the cultural stigma faced by south Asian expectant mums in seeking help and services not being tailored for BAME communities. New research has revealed UK mums are at…

Ex-doctor narrates how guide dog resurrected his life

  by NADEEM BADSHAH  FOR Amit Patel, a dog really is a man’s best friend after he lost his eyesight within 36 hours due to a rare condition. The former doctor was lifted out of his depression by guide dog Kika along with the support of his wife Seema and…

Former football player ventures into business

by NADEEM BADSHAH  JHAI DHILLON has swapped a professional career on the football pitch for pitching in the business world. The former Chelsea academy player has formed a winning partnership with his brother Simmy to set up a meal preparation firm. The brother's company Rice n Spice (RNS) delivers cooked…

Domestic violence crisis ‘should top Sunak’s agenda’: Charities

by NADEEM BADSHAH NEW chancellor Rishi Sunak has been urged to focus on "prevention" and long-term strategies to support vulnerable people in his Budget on March 11. Charities working with domestic abuse victims, the elderly and the disabled have called on Sunak, who was given the job after Sajid Javid's shock…

Mum of accident victim calls for safer roads

By Nadeem Badshah A MOTHER whose eight-year-old son was killed on a stretch of smart motorway wants to honour his legacy by making Britain's roads safer and prevent more deaths. Meera Naran said her talented son Dev was "angelic" and her "best friend". The schoolboy, from Leicester, died when his…

Asians shun teaching: Experts

by NADEEM BADSHAH  MINISTERS are failing to do enough to attract British Asians to teaching after new figures revealed they continue to shun the profession, unions and campaigners said. Just 0.6 per cent of teachers were of Bangladeshi origin in 2018 with the community representing 0.8 per cent of the…

Firms criticised for failing to improve diversity

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN'S biggest companies have been slammed for their "painfully slow" progress in meeting targets for ethnic minority directors. Ahead of the 2021 deadline, only 53 of UK's largest listed firms on the London Stock Exchange have at least one director from a BAME background. The figures,…

Mixed views on benefits of cannabis oil products

  By Nadeem Badshah TOP pharmacists are divided on the benefits of cannabis oil products being sold to treat pain. Around 1.3 million UK consumers spend £300 million a year on CBD goods, research has shown, with a number of specialist stores opening in high streets across the country. Cannabidiol,…

‘Kashmir film won’t spark India-Pakistan tensions’

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Pakistanis have dismissed fears that a new film highlighting “disappearances” in Kashmir will spark tensions in the UK and have praised the director for highlighting human rights. No Fathers in Kashmir, directed by Ashwin Kumar, was released in cinemas in January and is about a…

BAME music talents face lack of support, funding: Experts

  By Nadeem Badshah EFFORTS to make classical music more diverse have not gone far enough, according to industry experts. The director of the English National Opera (ENO), Martyn Brabbins, has admitted attracting talent from BAME backgrounds will be hard but believes opera groups, music schools and teachers should ensure…

Make it easier for foreign dentists to join NHS: Experts

  By Nadeem Badshah HEALTH chiefs have been urged to relax the rules for dentists from overseas who want to work in the UK to tackle the staffing crisis. Some practises are not accepting new NHS patients due to growing waiting lists - forcing some to pull their teeth out…

‘Too few Asians in top NHS leadership roles’

  By Nadeem Badshah URGENT action is needed to address the lack of Asians in top management jobs in the NHS, according to leading health campaigners. New figures show that people of south Asian origin made up nearly 30 per cent of medical staff in the NHS in 2019, accounting…

Ethnic minority talent needs to be celebrated: Activists  

  By Nadeem Badshah FEWER British Asians are taking part in the arts compared to other ethnic groups, the latest government figures have revealed. Campaigners have expressed concern after data showed that 59 per cent of Asians aged 16 and older went to an exhibition or performed in a play…

Beat the winter chill with a bowl of Daal

  By Nadeem Badshah FOR those battling a cold or a flu this winter, sipping a bowl of daal or Indian soup could be the answer. A study has found that traditional broths – including chicken soup – may be able to combat malaria. More than 60 homemade broths brought…

Educate adults to tackle rise of racism in schools: Experts

   By Nadeem Badshah THE sharp rise in the number of primary school children suspended for racism is linked to antimigrant comments and the spike in hate crimes since the Brexit vote, campaigners believe. Primary schools in England issued temporary exclusions to pupils for racist behaviour 496 times in the…

Pound surge cheers British travellers to India

By Nadeem Badshah HOLIDAYMAKERS to India have been given a boost after the currency rate between the pound and rupee improved due to Brexit optimism and prime minister Boris Johnson’s election win. Travellers have got around Rs 94 per British sterling pound in January after the Conservative’s thumping win at…

Activists call for limited use of Palm Oil

  By Nadeem Badshah FAMILIES have been urged to reduce their use of products containing palm oil in order to save the world’s rainforests and wildlife. The controversial ingredient is used in over half of goods sold in supermarket, including cooking oil, chocolate, breakfast cereals, butter, shampoo and toothpaste. Greenpeace…

Plant-based lifestyle is lucrative business in Britain

  By Nadeem Badshah ENTREPRENEUR Hiren Chohan is planting the seeds for a vegan revolution. The 27-year-old is the founder of Where to Vegan, a website listing restaurants and products with plant-based ingredients. He is also behind monthly night markets selling vegan cuisine with different themes including live music, karaoke,…

Physiotherapists must be part of new NHS visas: Experts

  By Nadeem Badshah PHYSIOTHERAPISTS from countries including India are “desperately needed” by the NHS in order to help tackle the longer waiting times faced by patients, campaigners have said. The average wait for a routine physiotherapy appointment is 45 days from referral, according to figures from 106 NHS trusts.…

Asian families need more help caring for disabled loved ones

  By Nadeem Badshah MINISTERS have been urged to step up in 2020 and tackle problems faced by Asian families looking after a disabled loved one. Campaigners say there remains a low uptake among south Asians for accessing some support services. They have also highlighted the high number of benefits…

‘No child should wait in care due to their race…

by NADEEM BADSHAH COUPLES should be able to adopt chil­dren of any ethnicity, experts have said, as they pointed out that those from an ethnic minority background faced a longer wait to be taken in by families. Earlier this month, Slough residents Sandeep Mander and his wife Reena won a…

Asians earn lower than their Black and Chinese counterparts

by NADEEM BADSHAH CAMPAIGNERS have called for action over the lower pay packets of British Asian workers in the civil service – when compared to other groups. Asian and white staff had the lowest average annual pay in 2019 of £27,200, followed by black staff (£28,400) and Chinese-origin staff (£29,500).…

UK tech sector ‘attracting record US and Asian investment interest’

  By Nadeem Badshah THE “bullish drive and optimism” of entrepreneurs has led to record investment in the UK technology sector, according to leading businessmen. Tech firms have attracted over $11.1 billion (£8.6bn) so far in 2019, with the UK ahead of Germany on $5.4bn (£4.1bn) and France ($4.8bn/£3.6bn). It…

‘Khan has proved that you can be Asian and fly…

by NADEEM BADSHAH BOXING icon Amir Khan has been praised for inspiring people from ethnic minority backgrounds to lace up their gloves and take up the sport. The former world champion will be among those featured in a new book on fighters from immigrant families of BAME heritage. Dr David…

Experts hit out at rising cost of UK drug prices

  By Nadeem Badshah MIGRANTS and visitors to the UK are faced with huge bills due to the cost of life-saving medicine and rising NHS immigration fees, a charity has warned. A study of 50 countries found the US has the most expensive medication in the world, with the UK in…

Asian restaurants offer spicy specials to help beat wintry chill

  By Nadeem Badshah SOUTH Asian restaurants have unveiled healthier Christmas menus as more diners are choosing to eat out over the festive period. Eateries are aiming to give people a “curry Christmas” with their own twist on traditional dishes – including turkey black garlic tikka, gol gappa shots, tamarind…

Bradford basks in glory of ‘most improved city’

By Nadeem Badshah THE drive of local entrepreneurs and curry restaurants has led to Bradford being named the UK’s most improved city, experts believe. The West Yorkshire city was once notorious for race riots in 2001, a long-delayed shopping centre and high levels of unemployment. However, research by PricewaterhouseCoopers and…

‘Cash cow of parking is breaking up society’

by NADEEM BADSHAH ROWS over parking spaces around places of worship can be resolved by council bosses relaxing the rules during holy days, community leaders have suggested. They have also called for worshippers to park their vehicle responsibly before prayers and urged religious groups to carry out more research into…

Arts a ‘viable’ career choice but business still par for…

by NADEEM BADSHAH MORE British Asians are studying art and design courses at university, but business degrees are still top of the class, figures show. The number of students of south Asian origin doing creative courses reached 6,480 in 2017-18 compared to 6,300 in 2016-17 and 5,975 the previous year.…

Pakistan fashion in vogue after royal visit

by NADEEM BADSHAH  MORE non-Asian women are ordering traditional Pakistani clothing after the Duchess of Cambridge gave it the royal seal of approval on her recent trip to the country. Shalwar kameez, kurtas and Asian-inspired sequined gowns are set to be on more Christmas wish lists this year after the…

Activists welcome planned ban on activities using elephants

  By Nadeem Badshah PLANS to ban British travel firms from offering elephant riding holidays abroad have been welcomed by campaigners, who have warned the animals are often kept in barbaric conditions. Holiday companies in the UK advertise experiences abroad in countries including India and Sri Lanka, where customers can…

Concern as BAME doctors report being ‘shunned’ by white patients

  By Nadeem Badshah NHS bosses have been urged to do more in order to tackle racism against staff, after new figures showed a 145 per cent increase in incidents. The number of cases reported rose from 589 in 2013 to 1,448 last year. And from the health service trusts…

Top business leaders reveal their wish lists for new government

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN’S top entrepreneurs have urged the next UK government to make ending the Brexit uncertainty, addressing the lack of housing and enabling more trade deals with India among its top priorities. Ahead of the general election on December 12, they have unveiled their Christmas wish lists,…

Faith matters in tackling bigotry

by NADEEM BADSHAH RISING hate crime should be a top priority for the next government, community leaders have said, urging ministers to invest more in police forces and support for victims. Hindu, Muslim and Sikh groups are calling for racist views to be challenged more, further research to be done…

Life satisfaction scores of Asians are a joy to behold

By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH INDIANS, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are among the happiest people in the country, an official study has showed. South Asians scored higher than the average score of 7.54 out of 10 when they were asked how happy they felt. People of Indian origin scored 7.67, Bangladeshis 7.64…

Old films, songs, photographs keeps patients connected: Experts

By Nadeem Badshah ASIAN families have been urged to use classic Bollywood music, films and family photographs to support loved ones suffering with dementia. Top music producer Naughty Boy, real name Shahid Khan, has revealed that his mother Zahida was diagnosed with the condition and he plays songs from the…

Demand adds spice to ‘versatile’ Indian Chai

By Nadeem Badshah MORE Britons are becoming tea-total and switching to masala chai. Shops say they are selling more boxes of the spiced milk brews compared to a few years ago. And with winter on its way, it has become the most popular drink served in the Dishoom restaurant chain.…

Activists call for legal asylum routes to end people smuggling

by NADEEM BADSHAH TOUGHER punishments are needed for people trafficking gangs after 39 people were found dead in a refrigerated trailer, lawyers and charities have urged. They have called for a fresh clampdown on criminals convicted of making a fortune from smuggling migrants to the UK, and more investment towards…

Cricket’s in the pink of health at Rajasthan Royals’ UK…

By Nadeem Badshah IN THE heart of leafy Surrey, children are wearing the bright pink shirts of the Rajasthan Royals in its academy developing the cricket stars of the future. The £1.5 million centre in Cobham has had visitors including Australian bowling legend Shane Warne and India seamers Stuart Binny…

Grenfell: ‘Bad policies cost lives’

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE first phase of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry has been branded “ridiculous” and “unacceptable” by a campaigner for its criticism of firefighters’ actions on the night of the blaze. Last week, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) was condemned for “serious shortcomings” and systemic failures in its…

Corner shops weather the supermarket storm

By Nadeem Badshah THE humble Asian corner shop has been a lifesaver for many Britons on Christmas Day for an emergency dash for supplies. And many stores have survived the growing competition from supermarket giants and the internet, figures show. Of the 46,388 convenience stores in Britain, about 33,000 are…

Students of colour ‘let down’ by failure to address racism

by NADEEM BADSHAH and LAUREN CODLING A DAMNING inquiry which found universities are failing to tackle thousands of racist incidents every year because they are in denial about the problem has been branded “deeply disturbing” by campaigners. Around a quarter of ethnic minority students said they had suffered racial harassment,…

Asians feel ‘they do not belong to community’

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE number of British Asians who feel they are part of their neighbourhood has fallen sharply, government figures showed. Experts believe rising hate crime since the Brexit referendum and families moving to wealthier parts of the UK are the main causes behind the drop. Between 2017-2018 and…

Asians ‘face health risk from chewing tobacco’

by NADEEM BADSHAH MORE awareness is needed about the cancer risks from chewing paan among south Asians in the UK, experts have said. The chewing tobacco is often eaten after meals and on special occasions, such as Diwali. The stimulant, known as gutkha, can cause mouth and throat cancer, trem­ors…

Campaigners call for review of points-based visa system

by NADEEM BADSHAH ‘DEPRESSED’ coastal areas and northern towns are set for a boost under the government’s new immigration plans, but a point-based system needs to be reviewed, campaigners have said. Migrants seeking to come to the UK after Brexit will be given extra points if they agree to take…

Multi-lingual Asians can use skills to boost job prospects after Brexit

  By Nadeem Badshah MULTI-LINGUAL British Asians have been urged to use their skills more to get ahead in the jobs market after Brexit. People who can speak their mother tongue have been encouraged to mention it in interviews and on their CV as the UK looks set to forge…

Sky no limit for teen flight tutor Dudhela who aims…

By Nadeem Badshah KATHAN Dudhela is reaching for the stars since becoming the UK’s youngest flight instructor. The 19-year-old has sky-high ambitions and is revising to pass 20 exams to qualify as a commercial pilot. He also wants to represent India in the Red Bull Air Race. Kathan, who first…

Free TV channel can ‘supplement formal language courses’ to help migrants

  By Nadeem Badshah A FREE TV channel showing comedy characters including Del Boy and Basil Fawlty to help migrants learn English has been backed by some campaigners. British Future, a think-tank led by Sunder Katwala that aims to improve integration, proposed the channel as part of a £600 million…

‘Nadiya’s courage will help victims’

  By Nadeem Badshah CELEBRITY chef and TV presenter Nadiya Hussain has been praised by leading charities for her “bravery” after revealing she was sexually abused at the age of five. In her new memoir Finding My Voice, the winner of the 2015 edition of the Great British Bake Off TV…

Calls for Twitter to act as Asians targeted by trolls

by NADEEM BADSHAH TWITTER has been urged by campaigners to do more to remove racist messages more quickly and report abusive trolls to police. Eastern Eye found a number of offensive tweets about Asians including “P*** bas***d” posted in May 2018 and “P*** PIGs will be PIG”. Other vile abuse…

British Asians ‘least likely to receive Start Up loans’

By Nadeem Badshah  BRITISH Asians are the least likely to receive government-backed Start Up loans for their business when compared to other ethnic groups, figures show. Experts have called for an investigation into any evidence of “discrimination” to ensure more Asian entrepreneurs do not miss funding for their firm. From…

South Asians urged to take preventive action as more youngsters…

by NADEEM BADSHAH URGENT action is needed to tackle the type 2 diabetes crisis among British Asians after it emerged more younger people are being diagnosed with the disease, doctors said. One in eight people aged 18-40 years in the UK across all groups has the condition linked to obesity,…

Government under fire over collapse of Thomas Cook

By Nadeem Badshah MINISTERS have been criticised for failing to stop the collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook – as customers were told they may have to wait up to two months for refunds. An online refund system is due to launch on October 7 after the company went into…

Work visa delays hurting NHS, say doctors groups

by NADEEM BADSHAH MINISTERS have been criticised by top doctors after it emerged that overseas medics are not being able to start work in the NHS due to visa delays. Dozens of doctors have voiced their concern, with some warning that it will lead to staff shortages and potential risks…

Calls for more female chefs to fill staff gap

By Nadeem Badshah TOP female chefs have backed calls for more women to work in south Asian restaurants to save the industry from staff shortages. Fewer than one in five chef positions in the UK is held by females and that figure is believed to be lower in Asian eateries.…

Universities unveil plans to address unconscious bias and lack of…

By Nadeem Badshah STUDENTS and activists have welcomed pledges by top universities to “decolonise” courses and increase diversity among staff members, as undergraduates return to their studies in September and October. At least 41 institutions have unveiled five-year plans to tackle diversity, including an “anti-racist” curriculum and workshops in “unconscious…

Climate change raises risk of sunstroke at holy sites

  By Nadeem Badshah PILGRIMS are being urged to take extra precautions while visiting holy sites so that they can handle the scorching temperatures caused by global warming. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have warned officials in Saudi Arabia over the increasing temperatures due to climate change…

Viagra-like pills from Asia will harm health: Doctors

By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asians risk suffering from severe health problems by buying unlicensed viagra from south Asia, experts have warned. Eastern Eye found versions of the impotence medicine from India with 10 pills sold online for around £40. Another firm was selling Kamagra, often exported from kamagra 100mg India, and…

Boycott of Indian products over Kashmir ‘not realistic’

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALLS for a British boycott of Indian products following anger over Kashmir must not spill over into hate speech online and spark further tension between communities, MPs and shopkeepers have warned. Images of Indian flags being burned have been posted on Twitter since prime minister Narenda Modi’s…

Coercive control conviction ‘can help Asians seek justice’

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE first ever conviction last month of a man for controlling his wife’s and daughter’s lives is an “important moment in the Asian community” to stamp out the practice, campaigners said. Salamat Khan, 64, was found guilty of coercive control for making the lives of his spouse…

Leaders warn of rising hate crimes as demand for faith…

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE decline in the number of students taking Religious Studies at GCSE level in the UK needs to be addressed amid rising hate crime, community leaders have warned. More than 700 schools stopped entering students into the subject in one year, according to research by Liverpool Hope…

Surviving Vitiligo: Why Asians find it difficult

By Nadeem Badshah MORE awareness needs to be raised in the Asian community about the skin condition vitiligo to tackle the damaging stigma, campaigners said. The condition, in which pale white patches develop on the skin caused by a lack of the pigment melanin, is common among south Asians. It…

Will Chadha film boost Luton’s appeal?

By Nadeem Badshah IT IS the birthplace of cricketer Monty Panesar, top hat manufacturing, and boasts one of the most diverse populations in England. And now Luton is set to be put on the global stage with Gurinder Chadha’s new film Blinded By The Light. The movie is about how…

British Asian restaurants give vegan diners food for thought

By Nadeem Badshah JACKFRUIT biryani, coconut and beetroot-filled samosas and masala grilled avocado are some of the dishes being created by Indian restaurants to cater to Britain’s growing vegan community. Chefs are conjuring up a wider range of dishes for the estimated 600,000-plus Britons who have a plant-based diet with…

Britons stockpile as Brexit looms

by NADEEM BADSHAH with agencies FAMILIES and businesses in Britain are stockpiling food, medicines and essential supplies as the government presses ahead with no-deal preparations ahead of the October 31 deadline to exit the EU. Ahead of a possible nodeal situation, Britons are reported to have spent £4 billion on…

Singer and comedian show how mid-life job switch can pay…

By Nadeem Badshah A RECORD number of middle-aged people are “overqualified” for their jobs in Britain – because they are starting at the bottom of the ladder in a new profession. Figures earlier this year from the Office for National Statistics showed almost one in five 35-to-49-year-olds fit that bill…

British South Asians failing to get their ‘5 a day’: Experts

  By Nadeem Badshah FEWER than half of British Asian adults eat five fruit or vegetable portions daily, compared to around 56 per cent of white people, as experts warned the figures are a “wake-up call”. Some 47 per cent of people of South Asian origin in England had the…

Activist slams anti-extremism policy as toxic amid row over ‘British…

  By Nadeem Badshah MINISTERS have been criticised by a prominent expert for turning the strategy to tackle extremism into a “toxic brand” which communities are shunning. Hanif Qadir, the founder of the Active Change Foundation (ACF), has worked with around 300,000 young people over 17 years, including more than…

Royal nod ‘will help fight bias’

  By Nadeem Badshah PRINCE Harry has been praised by campaigners for highlighting how “unconscious bias” can affect racism and his warning that many people fail to admit their prejudices due to their upbringing and environment. The Duke of Sussex said the perception was learned from family, adverts and neighbourhood…

UK ‘must learn from France’ as Indian student numbers continue to…

By Nadeem Badshah MORE Indian students are saying au revoir to Britain and are choosing to study in France. Figures show that about 10,000 people from India are taking courses in French cities including Paris, a number which has trebled in three years. Alexandre Ziegler, France’s ambassador to India, said the…

Asians must adopt better diet, exercise habits for their children…

  By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH ASIAN parents are being urged to set a healthier example for their families after figures showed children of Bangladeshi origin have the second-highest rates of being overweight. Government data published earlier this year showed that 44 per cent of British-Bangladeshi youngsters aged 10-11 were classed…

Asian football team sets new diversity goals

  By Nadeem Badshah THE manager of a football team that starred in a BBC documentary has credited their success to a hat-trick of factors unity, the diversity of players and his understanding wife. Chipie Sian founded Punjab United, which have gone from a Sunday League outfit to playing in…

Asian authors praise measure to ‘decolonise’ GCSE English syllabus

  By Nadeem Badshah THE move to add more texts from ethnic minority writers to the GCSE English syllabus has been welcomed by authors and academics, who have also called for more measures to “decolonise” the curriculum. Starting next month, schools will be offered more poems, plays and novels from…

Metropolitan Police still racist: Campaigners

  By Nadeem Badshah CAMPAIGNERS have dismissed the claim by the chief of Britain’s biggest police force that it has “transformed” and is no longer institutionally racist. This year marks 20 years since the damning inquiry into the Metropolitan Police over its handling of the racist murder of black teenager…

New Delhi is cheapest option for Britons

By Nadeem Badshah NEW DELHI is the cheapest major city in the world for Britons to move to due to its rent rates, food prices and transport costs, research found. India’s capital is the most affordable among 85 cities, with those moving there expected on average to shell out £1,789…

Young Asian men ‘groomed into becoming drug dealers’

by NADEEM BADSHAH URGENT action is needed by community leaders and families to address the numbers of British Pakistani men being jailed for class A drugs offences, experts have said. They have blamed a failure of “community leadership and parents” for allowing the situation to escalate, and have called for…

Falling rates pound Asians setting off on summer trips

By Nadeem Badshah HOLIDAYMAKERS going to India are facing a travel headache due to the falling value of the pound against the rupee. Experts say the sterling has slumped this year and families are getting lower exchange rates on their travels to south Asian for summer trips and weddings. The…

Ahir Shah’s Edinburgh show teams emotive subjects with jokes

By Nadeem Badshah DEATHS in the family and mental health are not your usual topics in a comedy show, but Ahir Shah has a unique way of finding humour in the most difficult of subjects. The 28-year-old will delve into personal issues at his shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival…

Bias faced by British Asians keeps them out of Football:…

  By Nadeem Badshah FOOTBALL authorities must do more to tackle racist abuse at the grassroots and youth level and hand out tougher punishments to players who were found guilty, campaigners have urged. The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Football Forum (BFF) revealed players as young as seven have suffered…

Mother of boy killed by allergy urges to teach people about…

By Nadeem Badshah THE mother of a schoolboy who suffered a fatal allergic reaction when cheese was thrown at him, has called for a law change as it emerged last week that the Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into his death. Karanbir Singh Cheema, who had allergies…

Beware Indian visa con as concern at rise of Britons…

By Nadeem Badshah VISITORS to India are being conned by the rise of websites offering fake e-visas to the country. Britons have been duped after filling in a bogus visa application form on the websites and being charged up to £100. An e-tourist visa fee for UK citizens is around…

Traditional baby names are making a comeback in Asian families:…

  By Nadeem Badshah MORE Asian families are giving their children traditional and rarer names, according to experts. Research carried out by Oxford University said parents are in pursuit of “virtue in rarity” and choose distinctive names and alternative spellings. Academics analysed 170 years of names in the UK, including…

Time to look at India for better train travel

By Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN and India can learn lessons from each other on how to solve one of travel's biggest problems - getting trains to run on time. Experts said UK transport chiefs should look at the punctual service on the premier Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express services, where passengers also…

Faith groups back Church of England’s ‘digital charter’

by NADEEM BADSHAH FAITH groups have supported the Church of England’s first-ever digital commandments to combat abuse and fake news on social media. The church has drawn up a “digital charter” based on five Christian values, including not sharing sexually explicit, threatening or racist posts, speaking to others online as…

Asians are top of the class

by NADEEM BADSHAH BRITISH INDIAN and Bangladesh-origin school children are outperforming their white peers in the classroom, latest government figures show. Some 76 per cent of British Indian 10- and 11-year-olds met the “expected standard” in reading, writing and maths, compared to 64 per cent of white pupils. The figure…

Nostalgia drives tuk tuk popularity in Britain

by NADEEM BADSHAH FROM being used as an ambulance to setting a land speed record, the tuk tuk is taking over Britain. The vehicle, which is widely used in Asia, has seen its popularity rise across the UK this year as a mode of transport and as taxis. It is…

Family of murdered British woman renew call for extradition of…

  By Nadeem Badshah MINISTERS have been criticised for failing to extradite an Indian man who is also accused of three alleged rapes to face trial over the murder of a British woman 10 years ago. Michelle Samaraweera, 35, was found dead in a playground in Walthamstow, east London, after…

Indian Navy wants to end colonial-style traditions

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE Indian Navy’s move to end colonial-style traditions, including the VIP culture, has been met with a mixed response in Britain. Admiral Karambir Singh, the new chief of staff, called on senior officers to be “disciplined and respectful, but not subservient” in their conduct. He wants to…

CCTV rollout with facial data slammed

by NADEEM BADSHAH SPY technology, which collects people’s facial and personal data, is unfairly targeting ethnic minorities and needs to be investigated, according to campaigners. More police forces and private firms are using automated CCTV cameras to collect people’s biometric information at shopping centres, festivals, sports events and protests. Privacy…

Shopkeepers hit out at failure to tackle rising ‘low-value’ theft

  By NADEEM BADSHAH SHOPKEEPERS have slammed police chiefs and ministers for failing to treat thefts and assaults seriously enough. The Federation of Small Businesses warned this month that criminal activity is costing the industry almost E17 billion every year and have called for more officers on the streets to…

‘The ECB have woken up to what needs to be…

by NADEEM BADSHAH CRICKET clubs are moving away from its booze culture and grounds are introducing prayer rooms and diverse menus in a bid to attract more British Asian stars. Previous research cautioned that drinking sessions were putting off some Asians from reaching the top of the game and the…

British Asians regret lack of opportunities in the media

by NADEEM BADSHAH LEADING British Asian actors have backed calls for TV bosses and film directors to hire more ethnic minority performers and writers to tackle the lack of diversity in the industry. BBC presenter Anita Rani is the latest to highlight discrimination that British Asians face, arguing that “posh…

Ministers urged to act on fraudsters pose as immigration officials…

  By NADEEM BADSHAH MINISTERS have been urged to launch a crackdown on frauds posing as immigration officials and targeting migrants in money scams. Victims are contacted by criminals who exert pressure and force people to hand over up to £10,000; in some cases, people have been threatened with being…

UK firms show more bias against BAME candidates than businesses…

By NADEEM BADSHAH ANONYMOUS CVs and diversity among managers are needed to tackle racial discrimination in the Jobs market, campaigners said. A study showed that British firms appear more likely to discriminate than the Germans and Dutch with researchers sending the same CV to employers with different names. From looking…

‘Fire chiefs need to feel the heat over lack of…

by NADEEM BADSHAH FIRE service chiefs have been urged to investigate the lack of diversity after figures showed only 0.6 per cent of firefighters in England are of Asian origin. Home Office data showed there were 203 British Asians in 2018, which makes up less than one per cent, compared…

Experts urge more awareness of food allergies at places of…

by NADEEM BADSHAH FAMILIES need to be educated about suffering a severe allergic reaction following the death of a schoolboy who had cheese thrown at him, experts have recommended. They have also called for places of worship and the NHS to work together to raise awareness of food allergies. This…

British Asians encouraged to attend galleries as visitor numbers fall

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE proportion of British Asian children visiting a museum or gallery has fallen to around 38 per cent and is lower than the national average, according to government figures. Just 37.9 per cent of people of south Asian origin aged 16 and over went to an arts…

Temple, Mosque leaders have role to play as religion can…

By Nadeem Badshah MORE temples, mosques and gurudwaras should team up with NHS services to help people with mental health problems, experts have said. Religious leaders have been urged to help educate families on conditions such as anxiety and depression to break the taboo in the south Asian community. Previous…

Women’s World Cup can inspire Asians to take up sports

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE Women’s World Cup can inspire more British Asian girls to play football and tackle underrepresentation in the sport, according to coaches and campaigners. All of the games in the tournament are being shown on BBC TV for the first time, with radio commentary on TalkSport. The…

Asian youngsters targeted as hate crime against children reach record…

by NADEEM BADSHAH MINISTERS have been urged to “take their head out of the sand” after research showed the police record 29 race hate crimes a day against children. There were 10,571 offences against children in 2017-2018, with toddlers and babies among those suffering – a figure which has risen…

Places of worship adopt eco-friendly low energy bulbs and ditch…

by NADEEM BADSHAH PLACES of worship are phasing out single-use plastic in a bid to save the planet. More mosques, temples, and gurdwaras in England are turning to reusable metal bottles and cutlery, water fountains and energy-saving light bulbs. For the holy month of Ramadan, which ended earlier this week,…

Pakistan tourism set to soar, thanks to London-Islamabad flights

by NADEEM BADSHAH PAKISTAN is set for a tourism boom after British Airways (BA) resumed flights to the country this week for the first time in more than a decade, experts said. The airline is offering three flights a week from Heathrow airport to Islamabad, 11 years after suspending operations…

Striking the right balance iftar initiative of rest and play…

by NADEEM BADSHAH TRAINING for a marathon or preparing for a vital match like the Champions League final can seem more daunting when fasting for 18 hours a day during Ramadan. Muslim athletes and footballers – including Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, whose team face Tottenham in the…

EU election provided a verdict on Brexit

by NADEEM BADSHAH CAMPAIGNERS and MEPs have welcomed the failure of Tommy Robinson and UKIP in the European elections but have warned about the sweeping rise of far-right parties in other countries. Former English Defence League founder Robinson, accused of pursuing an anti-Muslim agenda, did not secure enough votes to…

Baby blimp and mass protest to greet Trump during state…

by NADEEM BADSHAH MORE than a million protesters and the return of the “baby blimp” are set to greet Donald Trump when he makes his controversial state visit to the UK in June. Campaigners have predicted one of the biggest ever demonstrations when the US president arrives on June 3…

Game of Thrones boosts Asian tourism to Northern Ireland

by NADEEM BADSHAH MORE Indians are visiting Northern Ireland as they travel to their favourite locations from hit TV show Game of Thrones, tourism bosses have revealed. The country enjoyed visits from a record number of 350,000 fans from all over the world last year to see the Haunted Forest…

Modern slavery: Migrants recruited and exploited in places of worship,…

by NADEEM BADSHAH SLAVERY victims from south Asia are being recruited in places of worship by relatives in the UK who use “threats and blackmail” to control them, a report found. Campaigners have called for more funding and awareness to tackle the issue after the Unseen charity revealed that its…

‘Migrant slavery and abuse victims need more help’

by NADEEM BADSHAH PLANS to tackle domestic slavery and honour abuse are not “fit for purpose” and leave BAME victims feeling abandoned when they seek help, campaigners and academics have claimed. They have urged better training across agencies to identify and support migrants who are “controlled and blackmailed” by family…

Counselling services should not be ‘one size fits all,’ say…

by NADEEM BADSHAH MENTAL HEALTH services need to be overhauled after figures showed south Asians were among the least likely to show improvement from NHS treatment, experts have urged. The highest rate of improvement was shown by white men with anxiety and depression at 66.5 per cent, while patients of…

Small retailers ‘will need support’ to handle childhood anti-obesity scheme

by NADEEM BADSHAH SHOP owners have criticised plans to ban retailers from placing chocolate bars and sweets in tempting locations to tackle Britain’s obesity crisis. The government intends to ban foods high in fat, salt and sugar from key positions in stores, such as the ends of aisles and near…

Sikhs call for more positive interaction between community and police

by Nadeem Badshah A COMMUNITY leader has criticised the police for meeting faith representatives without much influence and also slammed some Sikh groups for failing to attend key meetings with authorities. Harmander Singh is chairman of the National Sikh Security Forum and the Metropolitan Police Sikh Forum. He was among…

Activists call for loyalty of Commonwealth troops to be recognised

by Nadeem Badshah FORMER UK military staff from Commonwealth countries should be exempt from paying “rocketing” immigration fees to settle in Britain, campaigners have said. Personnel who leave the Armed Forces after four years of service have to pay visa application costs that have risen by 127 per cent in…

‘Low value crime’ needs high priority

by NADEEM BADSHAH SHOPKEEPERS have called for more action to be taken against criminals by police and ministers after new figures showed the number of thefts has risen. Incidents have increased following the introduction a £200 threshold by police before criminals are pursued. Figures from 25 police forces suggest there…

British restaurants changing their menus to break traditional fast

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE days of eating meals to break the fast – consisting of a plate crammed with samosas, pakoras and ketchup topped off with a glass of Coke – are changing. There is a Ramadan revolution of sorts when it comes to the iftar evening meal with more…

Concern as lack of funding delays fire safety work in…

by NADEEM BADSHAH A CAMPAIGNER living in a tower block that is covered in Grenfellstyle cladding has called for ministers to launch an urgent fund in order to get unsafe material removed from all homes. Ritu Saha has spoken of her frustration at the battle that residents in the Northpoint…

Fixing Brexit pills ‘panic’

by NADEEM BADSHAH LEADING pharmacists have urged colleagues and patients not to “panic buy” after it emerged that Brexit has sparked a shortage of some medicines. Some independent businesses have had cashflow problems after buying excess stock due to rumours about shortages linked to delays over Britain leaving the European…

Crime victims fear police ‘informers’

by NADEEM BADSHAH MIGRANTS who have been victims of serious crimes are not reporting their experiences to the police because of fears of that data being shared with immigration officials. Campaigners have warned that some men and women who have suffered attacks – including domestic violence, robbery, sex attacks or…

Trial uses dogs to support abuse survivors during police interviews

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE first trial in Britain of crime victims being given support dogs to stroke during police interviews has been welcomed by campaigners. They believe the move by Kent Police could tackle the stigma faced by south Asian survivors of sex attacks. Oliver, a Labrador-retriever cross, is being…

Faith in drone appeal

by NADEEM BADSHAH DRONES are being used to film places of worship for YouTube videos with the aim of attracting young people to reconnect with their faith, community leaders said. Mosques and gurdwaras have given permission to filmmakers to record footage, capturing their design, and interiors and exteriors of the…

Child illness risk rising amid vaccine ‘fake news’

by NADEEM BADSHAH HEALTH bosses have been urged to work with religious leaders to educate more British Asian families on the benefits of vaccinating their children as the numbers being immunised has fallen. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said “vaccine hesitancy” is one of the 10 biggest global health threats…

NHS diversity ‘in poor health’

by NADEEM BADSHAH NHS bosses have been criticised for failing behind on diversity, after figures showed 88 per cent of board members of health trusts are white. Government data also revealed that 96 health service trusts lacked non-white board members, although in 12 of them, some board members did not…

Debate on merit of job quotas

by NADEEM BADSHAH BRITISH-ASIAN entrepreneurs and campaigners are split on whether ethnic quotas should be launched in an effort to tackle the lack of diversity at senior levels in the UK’s top firms. There are no ethnic minority women currently in charge of a FTSE 100 company. Research from Operation…

‘Make reciprocity the law’

by Nadeem Badshah LEADING legal figures have backed calls for British lawyers to be allowed to work in India after Brexit. Foreign solicitors and barristers are not allowed to practise in India, which is expected to become a key market after Britain leaves the European Union. Lord Karan Bilimoria highlighted…

Active plan to tackle lack of exercise among Asians

by Nadeem Badshah THE disproportionate number of British Asians doing fewer than 30 minutes of exercise a week can be tackled by sports organisations having a more diverse workforce, campaigners believe. They have also called for GPs to do more to promote physical activity after government figures showed nearly a…

Is it time Britain apologises for Jallianwala Bagh?

by LAUREN CODLING and NADEEM BADSHAH APOLOGISING for the Amritsar massacre would be a “reflection of the close relationship between the UK and India”, a British-Asian peer said, as Saturday (13) marks 100 years since the tragedy. Hundreds were killed in Jallianwala Bagh, a walled area in the Sikh holy…

Surgeon heals Little Hearts

by NADEEM BADSHAH A LEADING surgeon – whose UK charity has treated around 1,700 children with heart problems across the world – has revealed plans to visit more countries and save additional lives. Dr Sanjiv Nichani is a consultant paediatrician with 22 years of experience and has made it his…

‘End banking bias against minorites’

by NADEEM BADSHAH FINANCE chiefs and ministers have been urged to intervene after it emerged that ethnic minorities experience discrimination by banks. Mick McAteer, who runs the Financial Inclusion Centre think-tank, accused the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) watchdog of failing to protect vulnerable groups from being charged excessive amounts for…

The hidden benefits of overseas students

by NADEEM BADSHAH CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a landmark report which found that international students provide a £22 billion boost to the UK economy – and have urged ministers to relax immigration rules. The research found that a typical student from outside the EU was worth at least £102,000 to Britain…

In-laws sued over ‘abusive’ marriage

by NADEEM BADSHAH A WOMAN sued her former in-laws for abuse suffered during her marriage, the first known case involving a British Asian victim to emerge since laws tackling controlling behaviour were unveiled. The unnamed victim launched a legal case against her former husband and former in-laws for compensation, presenting…

‘Recruit doctors from Asia’

by Nadeem Badshah THE NHS has been urged to tackle its recruitment crisis by again turning to doctors from south Asia in order to reduce the workload of stressed GPs. Health bosses are offering £18,500 as “relocation support” to British GPs working abroad if they return home. It is part…

School phones ban ‘is smart’

by NADEEM BADSHAH BRITISH-ASIAN parents have backed a move by a headteacher to ban smartphones from her school in order to control pupils’ use of social media. Katharine Birbalsingh has barred students from using their phones at her secondary school in Wembley, north London. Children at Michaela Community School are…

Asian MPs warn against Kashmir fallout in UK

by Nadeem Badshah INDIA and Pakistan have been urged by British MPs to hold emergency peace talks to prevent a nuclear war over Kashmir. Politicians have expressed concerns over the tensions and urged the UK government to intervene to ensure the neighbours arrange a summit. Prime minister Theresa May spoke…

Anger as lack of funds forces shelters to shut down

by NADEEM BADSHAH LEADING campaigners have criticised funding cuts which have seen around half of ethnic minority charities that provided housing for victims of violence being forced to shut in the past 25 years. Ahead of International Women’s Day next Friday (8), activists warned ministers that further money was needed…

‘Met Police still has issues with racism and diversity’

by NADEEM BADSHAH A FORMER Metropolitan Police sergeant says evidence shows Britain’s biggest force is still “institutionally racist” and needs to improve its record on retaining ethnic minority staff. With the Met Police marking 20 years since the publication of the landmark Macpherson Inquiry into racism within its ranks, Gurpal…

Asians ‘deprived’ of GP care

by Nadeem Badshah URGENT action is needed to improve access to GPs in deprived towns and cities with large Asian communities, according to health experts. Research showed rich and poor people in England receive different standards of care from the NHS, with families living in deprived areas waiting longer to…

Seeing red at racist chants

by NADEEM BADSHAH RACIST chants by football fans are creeping back into the game due to the rise of far-right figures and negative comments by politicians about immigration, campaigners have said. The Football Association (FA) is investigating alleged racist chanting from a section of Millwall supporters during their FA Cup…

‘Protective’ families can let down Asian patients

by NADEEM BADSHAH SOME Asian families are hiding the fact that their relatives have conditions such as autism and also prevent them from going out in public, campaigners have said. Support groups believe there remains a stigma about seeking help for loved ones with learning disabilities and suffering from diseases…

Royal nod stretches yoga appeal

by Nadeem Badshah YOGA is set to become more popular this year after getting the royal seal of approval by Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, according to health experts. The pregnant Duchess, 37, is a big fan of the ancient Indian practice and is reported to have had…

Sowing the seeds for diversity in farming

by Nadeem Badshah A VET who suffered racial discrimination throughout his career is leading the fight to make farming more diverse so his children and future generations are welcomed into the profession. Navaratnam Partheeban, 36, has spoken out about the discrimination he has experienced, including one time when a farmer…

Delays hamper ‘full and fair’ Grenfell fire probe

by Nadeem Badshah THE inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire will be a “whitewash” due to “stalling” and delays in the investigation, a mother who fled her home on the night of the blaze has claimed. Beinazir Lasharie left her property near the tower with her husband and two children…

Making a case for video trials and digital justice

by Nadeem Badshah CAMPAIGNERS have backed plans for video trials and digital courtrooms, which they believe will help victims give evidence against family members. Ministers want to close some courts in England and Wales and replace them with an online justice system in a £1.2 billion scheme to slash costs.…

Art of retrieving treasures

by NADEEM BADSHAH BRITAIN’S museums have been urged by a campaign group to return “colonial” treasures to countries including India, instead of just relabelling them. Leading institutions in the UK are hiring staff to revisit their colonial- era collections. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London recently employed a…

Activists urge jail for controlling partners

by Nadeem Badshah PUTTING more people in jail for controlling behaviour towards their partner will encourage Asian victims to come forward, campaigners have said. Groups have called for more convictions and greater awareness of the signs of domestic abuse to help people to contact police about their spouse, partner or…

Junior doctors leaving NHS in vast numbers

by Nadeem Badshah THE mounting workload of doctors needs to be urgently addressed to prevent more stressed-out medics leaving the NHS, health campaigners have cautioned. They have warned of a “brain drain” depriving UK hospitals of talent. A General Medical Council (GMC) survey found a quarter of young doctors feel…

Axing student diversity staff ‘a retrograde step’

by Nadeem Badshah BRITAIN’S biggest students’ union has been criticised over its plans to axe diversity officers in order to cut costs. Campaigners have warned that the proposal to get rid of officials who represent ethnic minority, overseas, disabled and women students would leave undergraduates without support to tackle problems…

Raise a glass to mocktails

by Nadeem Badshah MORE Britons are sipping non-alcoholic cocktails at Christmas parties and restaurants, as eateries unveil mocktails made from ingredients such as espresso, tea and rose syrup, experts said. The shift in drinking habits has sparked a trend of eateries putting more creative mocktails and halal wines on their…

Fake Slimming Drugs Can Have Serious Side Effects

by Nadeem Badshah DEADLY diet pills which have not been tested in the UK are being sold on photo app Instagram, an Eastern Eye investigation has found. The medicines on offer from overseas sellers include dinitrophenol (DNP), an industrial chemical used as a pesticide which has been linked to five…

Cancer Stigma Among British Asians Affects Mental Health, Survival Rates

by Nadeem Badshah BRITISH ASIAN cancer patients who are suffering in silence need more support to encourage them to speak to their families about their illness, experts have urged. They have called for the government and mainstream health groups to reach out more to ethnic minorities diagnosed with the disease. Some are not telling anyone about their diagnosis,…

Indian Born Child Prodigy Sets His Sights On Being Youngest…

by Nadeem Badshah A NINE -YEAR-OLD chess prodigy is aiming to become the youngest world champion in the history of the game. Shreyas Royal, who turns 10 in January, already has a string of trophies to his name competing against adults. The India-born youngster is set for a bright future…

Dealing with change in class of drug users

by Nadeem Badshah ASIAN drug dealers are increasingly selling to middle-class users, running home delivery services where they give out business cards and use chip and pin payment, according to experts. Community leaders have warned that the criminals are luring more wealthier clients behind closed doors, rather than on the…

‘Race and gender bias bar lawyers from being hired’

by Nadeem Badshah LEADING Asian lawyers have revealed the sexism and racism they have faced from clients and have called for more people in the industry to speak out. The issue was highlighted by Rehana Popal, Britain’s only Afghan-born female barrister, who wrote on Twitter she was forced to drop…

Funding the right moves for health and happiness

by Nadeem Badshah A DANCE a day to a Bollywood song keeps the doctor away. This is the result of a pilot scheme where a jig to Indian film hits are being prescribed on the NHS which has seen GPs’ workloads reduced. The project has seen people sent to dance…

‘Pakistan will be judged on getting justice for Samia’

by NADEEM BADSHAH THE family of a British woman murdered in Pakistan in 2016 are still awaiting justice and are urging judges to act, an MP has revealed. Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, has been supporting the family of Samia Shahid, 28, who was raped and attacked in…

Pressured government acts on fixed-odds bets

by NADEEM BADSHAH ADDICTION to gambling games, including Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals, is wrecking Asian families, campaigners have warned. The maximum bet on the terminals will be cut from £100 to £2 from April 2019 after the government bowed to pressure last week. Tracey Crouch quit as sports minister on November…

‘Proud’ son’s salute to war hero father

by Nadeem Badshah SATINDER PUJJI has a lifetime of stories and memories about his father, who was one of the most decorated Indian soldiers in the world wars. Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji was among the war heroes honoured by Britain last Sunday (11) on Armistice Day. The RAF pilot…

Travellers face new system at check-in

by NADEEM BADSHAH A £50 MILLION plan for face scanners at Britain’s biggest airport has been welcomed by community leaders who believe it could tackle racial profiling and lead to shorter queues. Heathrow airport in London is testing facial recognition technology that means passports no longer need to be scanned…

Detainee abuse film sparks inquiry calls

by Nadeem Badshah CAMPAIGNERS have urged ministers to improve the way migrants in detention centres are treated after allegations emerged of verbal and physical abuse from guards. Lawyers and charities have called for a review of claims of rough treatment towards detainees at removal centres, including Brook House near Gatwick…

Leicester calls for statue of ‘hero’ Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

by NADEEM BADSHAH and LAUREN CODLING GRIEVING community leaders, business owners and fans have paid tribute to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and called for a statue to be erected in his honour following his death in a helicopter crash last weekend. The Midlands city is in mourning after the Thai…

Age no bar for couples

by Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asians looking for love have been urged to follow Priyanka Chopra’s lead by considering partners where the couple has a big age gap and who are in long distance relationships. The Bollywood actress, 36, got engaged in the summer to US singer Nick Jonas, 25, with…

Disgrace of Bullied Doctors: Minister Vows NHS Will Act to…

By Nadeem Badshah Bulling suffered by ethnic minority doctors needs to be tackled by having an independent organisation to probe complaints, campaigners have urged. They have warned that medics are suffering in silence and have called for the NHS to make a host of changes including more staff surveys and…

EXEMPLARY BRITISH COUNCIL SCHEME ‘WILL TACKLE SEXIST ATTITUDES’

by NADEEM BADSHAH A PROJECT using cricket to tackle sexism in India’s schools has been praised by sports chiefs in the UK. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), coaches and charities have hailed the British Council-funded scheme where thousands of girls in India play the sport while boys learn…

BRITAIN’S ‘MODERN SLAVERY’ CRISIS

by NADEEM BADSHAH and RITHIKA SIDDHARTHA CAMPAIGNERS have called for more support for slavery victims after it emerged that people of Indian and Pakistani origin were among the most common nationalities being exploited in the UK. A report by the charity Unseen found there were 95 potential victims of “modern…

Imran Khan reaches out to India

by LAUREN CODLING and NADEEM BADSHAH PAKISTAN’S new leader Imran Khan is said to be reviving ties with India by reportedly inviting prime minister Narendra Modi to his inauguration ceremony next week. Khan will take oath as prime minister next Saturday (11) following his party Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s win in Pakistan’s…

Alarm at sale of fake ID papers on social media

by NADEEM BADSHAH PLATFORMS URGED TO STOP VULNERABLE ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES FROM BEING EXPLOITED MIGRANTS are being targeted by fraudsters selling fake British passports on Facebook, an East­ern Eye investigation has found. Criminals are openly selling bogus travel documents and ID cards on the social media website for between £800…

Dealing with vitamin deficiency

by NADEEM BADSHAH SUNLIGHT AND SUPPLEMENTS BEST WAYS TO PREVENT RICKETS AND OSTEOPOROSIS BRITISH Asians are being urged to make the most of the sunny weather as many in the community suffer from a lack of vitamin D. “Urgent action” is needed to advise the Asian community to take vitamin D…

Summer of spending

by NADEEM BADSHAH WORLD CUP AND HEATWAVE HELP TO BOOST RETAILERS’ PROFITS ASIAN shopkeepers are celebrating a hat-trick of boosts to their trade – the heatwave, the World Cup and India’s cricket tour of England. The UK economy has benefited by an estimated £1.6 billion alone from the football tournament in…

Keeping up with tradition

by NADEEM BADSHAH MINORITIES 'EXCEL AT CREATING THEIR OWN BUSINESSES' ETHNIC MINORITIES are twice as like­ly as white Britons to launch their own business to continue a family tradition and avoid suffering discrimination from employers, research claims. The proportion of men and women from immigrant backgrounds starting a firm since…

Homing in on sleeping rough

by NADEEM BADSHAH MIGRANTS WARY OF SEEKING HELP DUE TO SAFETY FEARS HOMELESS migrants are sleeping in airports and shopping centres due to fears about their safety as well as to avoid being recognised, making it less likely they will receive help, charities said. Campaigners say the growing problem of “hidden…

Asian women warming to freezing eggs, says doctor

by NADEEM BADSHAH LACK OF SUITABLE PARTNERS PUTTING WOMEN OFF FROM STARTING A FAMILY MORE British-Asian women are choosing to freeze their eggs, a decision supported by their parents, accord­ing to a leading professor. Professor Geeta Nargund, founder of the CREATE Fertility clinic in London, said an increasing number are having the procedure…

Crime victims face arrest

by NADEEM BADSHAH ABUSE SURVIVORS ‘REPORTED OVER IMMIGRATION STATUS’ MIGRANT victims of trafficking, do­mestic violence and slavery are be­ing detained in immigration removal centres after contacting police for help, according to lawyers. Twenty-seven UK police forces have admitted to reporting victims of crime to the Home Office over their immigration…

Who will tackle fake news crisis?

by NADEEM BADSHAH SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS TOLD TO MAN UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY SOCIAL media giants need to monitor their content better to stop the spread of fake news that can spread “resentment and anger” between communities, ex­perts have urged. They have also called for tougher libel laws to punish…

Getting to grips with gangs

by NADEEM BADSHAH CONCERNS OVER ASIAN COMMUNITY’S ‘FAILURE’ TO DEAL WITH RISING PROBLEM ASIAN community leaders are failing to tackle the growing trend of children being lured by gangs, ac­cording to one of Britain’s leading crime fighters. Nazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said “there is a…

The ‘statesman’ jacket coming back in fashion

by NADEEM BADSHAH MODI AND STARS INSPIRE NEHRU COAT’S RETURN IT WAS once the preferred attire for Indian prime ministers and James Bond villains before writers claimed it had gone out of fashion. [caption id="attachment_43144" align="alignleft" width="300"] Jawaharial Nehru[/caption] But the Nehru jacket is back thanks to star power. Legendary…

Fewer pupils chose Urdu

by NADEEM BADSHAH IN CONTRAST ARABIC AND SPANISH GROW IN POPULARITY IN THE CLASSROOM FEWER pupils are choosing Urdu as a GCSE subject, with some opting to learn Arabic instead, according to research. A total of 3,798 children studied Urdu in 2017 compared to 4,005 the previous year. And the…

Rogue firms are bad medicine

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALLS TO STOP C0MPANIES CHEATING VULNERABLE PEOPLE WITH EXPENSIVE FAKE HEALTH PRODUCTS TOUGHER laws are needed to stop rogue firms being established which rip off the elderly by charging them inflat­ed prices for health products, experts in the UK have said. Nine companies that sold supplements to around…

Essaying a warning to cheating students

by NADEEM BADSHAH ONLINE FIRMS BASED IN THE SUBCONTINENT ‘TARGET UK UNDERGRADUATES’ UNDER-PRESSURE students have been warned not to cheat by turning to companies that offer to write their assignments for them for a fee. An Eastern Eye investigation has found ‘essay-writing’ firms based in India and Pakistan advertising on…

Britain ‘pricing migrants out’

by NADEEM BADSHAH OUTRAGE AMID ‘PROHIBITIVE’ COST OF VISA AND PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES MIGRANTS in the UK – among them doctors and nurses – are facing poverty due to the rocketing price of Home Offices fees, lawyers and cam­paigners have warned. They have hit out at the rising charges for asylum,…

Losing sleep over shift work

by NADEEM BADSHAH LIE-INS AND SKIPPING MEALS BEFORE BED MAY FIGHT INSOMNIA HEALTH RISKS DOCTORS and night-shift workers should have a lie-in at the weekend and avoid eating takeaways before bed to prevent insomnia, according to health experts. Sleep disorders have been in the spotlight since it emerged that ITV newsreader…

‘Devil’s in the detail’

by NADEEM BADSHAH MP DHESI WANTS GUARANTEES ON HEATHROW EXPANSION TAN DHESI MP has challenged ministers to offer “cast iron guarantees” on jobs and tackling noise and air pollution as he voted with a “heavy heart” on Monday (25) to back a £14 billion expansion at Britain’s biggest airport. MPs voted…

Rebooted Prevent fails to hit the spot

by NADEEM BADSHAH WOMEN’S VOICES BEING ‘SIDELINED’ WOMEN’S groups are being shunned in the fight to tackle extremism in Britain, campaigners have claimed. They have said the government’s Prevent strate­gy to address radicalisation is failing after research showed more than 95 per cent of programmes re­main ineffective. The study revealed failures…

Rogue lawyers trade on false hope

by NADEEM BADSHAH IMMIGRANTS ARE BEING TARGETED AS THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO GO TO THE AUTHORITIES ROGUE solicitors are overcharging immigrants in Britain thousands of pounds for legal support - and in some cases do not carry out any work. Charities have warned that migrants wanting to extend their visa…

‘Health and safety need to improve at places of worship’

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALLS FOR FIRE DRILLS IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY PLACES of worship need to “up their game” on health and safety by having regular fire drills and training all volunteers, community leaders have urged. Mosques, churches, temples and gurdwaras were praised for their response to the Grenfell Tower…

Strawberry fields forever

by NADEEM BADSHAH SIKH FARMERS GROW SUMMER FRUIT MEET the Paddas – the only Asian family in the UK running a strawberry farm. Makhan Singh Padda worked in foundries, fields, markets and packing houses before turning to agri­culture after coming to the UK from India in 1966. He bought Vicarage…

Making a run for it

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALL TO FOLLOW INDIA’S LEAD AND INSTALL OUTDOOR TRACKS IN JAILS PRISONS across Britain should follow India’s lead and have outdoor running tracks to boost inmates’ physical and mental health, campaigners have urged. Ray Tindall, one of six British men jailed in Chennai for four years on…

The Scouts look for closer ties

by NADEEM BADSHAH ORGANISATION REBRANDS TO ATTRACT MORE BRITISH ASIANS THE Scouts are rebranding in a bid to attract more British Asian children to the great outdoors. The organisation, famous for camping trips, abseiling and sur­vival skills, is focusing on teach­ing youngsters about job skills, teamwork and leadership along with outreach…

Students reveal racism is rife at UK universities

by NADEEM BADSHAH STUDENTS have revealed the scale of racism in universities and accused institutions of failing to do enough to tackle the issue. Last week, Warwick University expelled three students as it investigates complaints of alleged instances of racial slurs discussed among some students on social media. Figures show that incidents of racism in…

Cashing in on fans’ passion

by NADEEM BADSHAH ONLINE TICKET SITES ACCUSED OF CHARGING INFLATED FEES FOR POPULAR EVENTS WEBSITES which facilitate the purchase and resale of tickets to Bollywood con­certs and sports events have been criti­cised by campaigners over the booking fees they charge customers. Sellers on the online platforms have also been accused…

‘We must discuss role of religion in domestic violence’

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALLS TO END SCRIPTURES’ USE TO CONTROL BEHAVIOUR BY PARTNERS BRITAIN’S Asian community has been urged to speak out and raise awareness of men and women who use religious teach­ings to control their partners. Campaigners have called for more education and tougher laws to tackle individuals who…

‘Grenfell fire left us numb’

by NADEEM BADSHAH VOLUNTEERS RECALL EXTENT OF TOWER TRAGEDY A YEAR ON A PhD scholar has told of the “harrowing experi­ence” of helping to bury around 45 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire with a team of volunteers. Omar Salha is part of the Grenfell Muslim Re­sponse Unit (GMRU) set…

Jewel in the crown of love

by NADEEM BADSHAH WILL YOUNG ROYALS EXPLORE INDIA’S TOP ATTRACTIONS DURING THEIR HONEY PRINCE Harry and the Duchess of Sussex are set to join the thousands of Britons who jet off to see the Taj Mahal in India as part of a tour, according to royal insiders. The couple are…

Making a mint at Ramadan

by NADEEM BADSHAH £200M MARKET IS ‘UK’S BIGGEST UNTAPPED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY’ FROM luxury chocolate-covered dates to halal sweet hampers, more big brands are looking to cash in on the £200 million-plus Ramadan economy. Research has shown there has been a rise in spending on food and gifts among British Muslims…

Manchester united year on from tragedy

by NADEEM BADSHAH COMMUNITIES SHOW SOLIDARITY AFTER ATTACK THE Manchester Arena attack has united commu­nities against extremism and terrorists have failed in their bid to divide the city, local groups said as tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in the deadly incident. Last Tuesday (22) marked one…

‘Racist’ fans strike fear among Asians

by NADEEM BADSHAH FOOTBALL GROUP’S FAR-RIGHT MESSAGES LEAD TO BAN AT PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES A GROUP of football fans with far-right links is sparking fear among British Asians who at­tend matches with their chil­dren, campaigners said. The Premier League has held meetings with police chiefs and warned clubs about the Football…

Bonding over Hajj visit

by NADEEM BADSHAH NEWLYWEDS BELIEVE HOLY TRIP ‘GETS THEIR MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START’ MORE British Muslim newlyweds are swapping a beach honeymoon in Dubai for a pilgrimage to Mecca as they embark on their married lives. Couples are doing the Hajj or Umrah pil­grimage in Saudi Arabia for…

‘Save our children’

by NADEEM BADSHAH GRIEVING PARENTS ADDRESS CAUSES OF RISING CRIME A MUM who lost her daughter to gun crime has appealed to Asians parents to do more to protect their children and speak out against violence. Iffat Rizvi, whose daughter Sa­bina was shot dead after being caught up in a row…

Indian schools have ‘better system’

by NADEEM BADSHAH UK CAN FOLLOW THE DOON’S EXAMPLE SCHOOLS in England can learn from India on how to nurture talented kids and keep them motivated, it has been claimed. Channel 4’s recent show, Indian Summer School, saw five under-achieving kids from the UK attend The Doon School in Uttarakhand to…

Minority doctors face referral ‘bias’

by NADEEM BADSHAH CONCERNS THAT BME MEDICS ARE NOT BEING TREATED FAIRLY BY WATCHDOG MEDICAL chiefs have been urged to stop “doing studies” on why ethnic mi­nority doctors are more likely to appear before disciplinary tribunals than white colleagues, and take action instead. The British International Doctors As­sociation (BIDA) said enough…

Disabled men at coercion risk

by NADEEM BADSHAH MORE work is needed to educate families who look after a disabled child about the risk of forced marriages, campaigners said. They have called for a change in approach towards disabilities after research showed that a higher number of men with learning difficulties are victims of forced…

NHS staff under attack

by NADEEM BADSHAH CALLS FOR ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY ON ASSAULTS LEADING doctors have called for a campaign to tackle the rising num­ber of NHS workers being attacked while at work. Hospital trusts in England reported 56,500 assaults in 2016-2017, up 10 per cent on year before, which has been blamed on…

How to tackle rising knife crime

by NADEEM BADSHAH ACTIVISTS CALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA FIRMS TO MONITOR CONTENT ON THEIR PLATFORMS INTERNET giants have been urged to act to stop knife crime escalating after an Eastern Eye investigation found videos promoting violence between gangs from different parts of the UK. One clip on YouTube showed hood­ed…

YouTube urged to pull videos as knife crime increases

by NADEEM BADSHAH INTERNET giants have been urged to act to stop knife crime escalating after an Eastern Eye investigation found videos promoting violence between gangs from different parts of the UK. One clip on YouTube showed hooded men from black and Asian backgrounds in a music video which made…

Why Asian tourists choose to have plastic surgery in the…

by NADEEM BADSHAH INDIAN and Pakistani visitors are combining a holiday to Britain with having cosmetic surgery, a top surgeon has revealed. Dr Munir Somji told Eastern Eye male and female patients are having hair transplants, laser treatments and skin brightening. Other procedures include a Loub Job – named after…

Collapse in value of cryptocurrency fuels gold investment drive

by NADEEM BADSHAH SHREWD Asian families are planning to buy more jewellery and gold this year after the collapse of virtual currency bitcoin, experts claim. Europe’s traders have reported a fivefold increase in demand for the precious metal from people wanting to exchange bitcoin as its value plunged. Bitcoin, launched…

Why Asian doctors are leaving the NHS

by NADEEM BADSHAH A GROWING number of south Asian doctors are leaving the UK to work in cities like Dubai because of work pressures, according to a group for overseas medics. The United Arab Emirates, Australia and Canada are the three most popular countries for south Asians who worked for…

Call for outreach to BME students

by Nadeem Badshah UNIVERSITIES URGED TO DO MORE FOR DIVERSITY Top universities must do more to attract students from different backgrounds after a damning report highlighted a lack of “ethnic mixing”. Ethnic minority undergraduates are more likely to attend new universities in big cities while white students tend to go…

Child genius Rahul Doshi dreams of maths career

by Nadeem Badshah The parents of a schoolboy crowned Britain’s cleverest child have revealed he continues to surprise them with his intelligence – and that they have to tell him to stop studying and go to bed. Rahul Doshi, who has an IQ of 162, which is higher than scientist…

Indian street food eateries cash in as diners enjoy sharing…

by Nadeem Badshah It is a muggy summer evening and a group of diners sit on benches to share pani puri shots and tuck into crunchy bhindi bhel. The waiter serves a basket full of Romali rotis to have with minced lamb and chicken liver and there is not a…

‘Asians should challenge cultural notions about men and women’

by Nadeem Badshah An urgent campaign is needed to tackle attitudes among some British Asian men towards women and to urge people to report abuse following the Newcastle grooming case, community leaders and campaigners have said. They have called for regular talks in mosques on respect for all and want government…

Grenfell believe the council is still ‘failing’

by Nadeem Badshah LOCAL RESIDENTS NEED MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, SAYS COUNCILLOR Families who witnessed neighbours dying in the Grenfell Tower fire in London have not been contacted by authorities offering mental health support, a councillor has claimed. Beinazir Lasharie, a mother of two young children, told Eastern Eye that some…

Asian acid attack anxiety- ‘People scared to open their front…

by Nadeem Badshah British Asians have spoken of their fears over going out in the evenings following the spike in acid attacks – and have called for tougher sentences. Communities have said they are also afraid to open their front door and leave their car windows open after eight people…

#We Stand Together against terrorism

by Nadeem Badshah FOUNDATION HELPS VICTIMS OF MANCHESTER ARENA TRAGEDY Britain has experienced a series of terrorist attacks in recent months. The Westminster attack was followed by the Manchester Arena blast in which a bomb detonated by Salman Abedi killed 23 people and injured dozens at a concert by singer…

Rugby star backs drive to tackle domestic abuse

by NADEEM BADSHAH Ikram Butt has gone from facing fearsome tackles on the rugby field to tackling domestic violence. The former England international, 48, works with the White Ribbon campaign, which highlights abuse against women and girls. Butt, the first British Asian to play rugby for England, told Eastern Eye…

Peace foundation supports victims of recent terror attacks

by NADEEM BADSHAH BRITAIN has experienced a series of terrorist attacks in recent months. The Westminster attack was followed by the Manchester Arena blast in which a bomb detonated by Salman Abedi killed 23 people and injured dozens at a concert by singer Arianna Grande. The London Bridge and Finsbury…

“Social media chiefs must do more to fight terror”

By Nadeem Badshah WEBSITES such as YouTube must do more to ban videos from hate preachers to stop young people being brainwashed, community groups have urged. They have also called on parents to monitor their child’s internet habits and for the government’s Prevent scheme to tackle extremism to be beefed…

Being a nurse in the UK “holds little appeal”

By Nadeem Badshah Dr Chand doubts "temporary measure" to hire Indian staff CRUNCH talks to hire more nurses from India to work in British hospitals will do little to solve the staffing crisis, according to a former GP. Dr Kailash Chand, the new honorary vice president of the British Medical…

Volunteers and charities come together to support Grenfell Tower survivors

By NADEEM BADSHAH VOLUNTEERS helping survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have criticised the     government’s slow response to helping families affected by the tragedy. Eastern Eye visited the site of the blaze in west London where hundreds of people are helping to carry and deliver urgent supplies to residents…

Open Iftar project brings together people from all cultures and…

By NADEEM BADSHAH IT IS A warm summer evening and hundreds of people of all races and religions are sitting on the ground to break their fast with burger and chips to mark Ramadan. They are not in the grounds of a mosque or someone's house, but in a large…

Preet Gill’s reveals her father inspired her to become first…

By NADEEM BADSHAH BRITAIN’S first female Sikh MP has paid tribute to her late father for inspiring her to launch a political career. Preet Gill made history last week after receiving 24,124 votes to retain the seat in Birmingham Edgbaston for Labour. In an interview with Eastern Eye, she described…

Ethnic identity under the knife

surgeons call for supervision of clinics offering to make clients look ‘western’ by NADEEM BADSHAH A LEADING surgeon has hit out at “aggressive” advertisements targeted at ethnic minorities for controversial procedures like skin lightening. Dr Foued Hamza said watchdogs need to monitor marketing for ‘ethnicity surgery’, where doctors in the…