PRITI PATEL seems to have no breathing space in the controversy over her style of working.
With reports surfacing on a civil servant’s suicide attempt after Patel allegedly lambasted her, critics urged the home secretary to relinquish duties until her name was cleared of bullying charges.
The Labour party mounted pressure, with shadow home secretary Diane Abbott telling BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday (3): “You can't have a government that's at war with its civil servants.
“We want a genuinely independent inquiry—a lawyer-led inquiry and something that can be seen to be independent. I'm afraid it would be better if she stepped down. We are calling on her to step down whilst the inquiry goes on.”
The BBC had reported on Monday (2) that the official had overdosed on prescription medicine after Patel, as employment minister, yelled her to “get lost” and “get out of her face” during a discussion in October 2015.
The junior employee also alleged that she was dismissed because Patel did not “like her face”.
The broadcaster said the woman, who worked with the Department for Work and Pensions, raised a complaint on unfair dismissal, harassment, victimisation and discrimination, but the issue was settled for £25,000 in April 2017.
Patel’s spokesperson said “the home secretary completely rejects all allegations made against her”.
The latest bombshell came on the same day when the government ordered an inquiry into the bullying claims against Patel.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson maintained he had “absolutely every confidence” in Patel, who was doing an “outstanding” job on a “tough beat” at Home Office.
Johnson, however, ordered the Cabinet Office to “establish facts” after a “toxic war” at Home Office that saw Sir Philip Rutnam resigning as permanent secretary.
Sir Philip, who turned emotional, said: “I have received allegations that her conduct has included shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands—behaviour that created fear and that needed some bravery to call out.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in the House of Commons on Monday (2): “A minister in breach of the ministerial code cannot remain in office and should be dismissed.”
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said there would be a “thorough, rapid, independent and authoritative” probe into the “legitimate” complaints against Patel.
He, however, said Patel “absolutely rejects” the claims against her. He also slammed the alleged attempts to “besmirch” the home secretary’s image.
“Having worked closely with the home secretary over a number of years, I have the highest regard for her. She is a superb minister doing a great job,” added Gove.
Tory MPs rushed to Patel’s support. While Julian Lewis alleged she had been a target of “smears and sexism”, Robert Halfon accused the civil service of triggering a row by “briefing against the Home Secretary”.
Conservative MP Mark Fletcher, too, said a sexist campaign was on against Patel. “There seems to be a pattern between the appointment of female home secretaries and vicious briefings in the media against them,” he said.
“Is it possible that some of these unelected men have a problem with taking instructions from powerful women?”
Some MPs wondered why Patel was not getting sufficient “support from Number 10” at a time when she did not have a chief of staff and media special adviser.
Channel 5 presenter Jeremy Vine went on to bluntly predict that the home secretary would be “out of work in six months, guaranteed”.
“I think we know that if you cross the civil service they always get you, always,” he said.
“You just can’t defeat the machine.”
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents top civil servants, said the announcement of a Cabinet Office probe was “far short of an independent inquiry” that was demanded.
“The government is establishing an inquiry that civil servants are expected to have trust in, whilst, at the same time, ministers stand at the dispatch box and pledge their confidence in the home secretary,” he said.
“We will of course work with the cabinet secretary in relation to his inquiry. However, the decision is symptomatic of the broader concerns we have on the lack of an independent, transparent and fair process for investigating and determining complaints.”
PAKISTANI politicians and citizens are demanding their government withdraw its nomination of US president Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize, following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar sent a formal letter to the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Norway last Friday (20), recommending Trump for the prestigious award.
The decision has come under intense scrutiny after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites - Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz - in coordination with Israel. The strikes were aimed at damaging Iran's nuclear programme, with Trump warning of additional attacks if Iran retaliated.
Veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), has called for the government to reverse its decision.
"President Trump's claim of peace has proven to be false; the proposal for the Nobel Prize should be withdrawn," Fazl told party workers in Murree on Sunday (22).
He questioned how Trump could be considered a peacemaker when he has "supported Israeli attacks on Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Iran" and has "the blood of Afghans and Palestinians on America's hands".
Former senator Mushahid Hussain wrote on social media that Pakistan's government "must now review, rescind and revoke" Trump's Nobel nomination, calling the US president a leader "who has willfully unleashed an illegal war".
Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) condemned the "unprovoked" US strikes on Iran and voiced "total support" for Iranian sovereignty. PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan called for the government to "reconsider" its decision. Public Criticism and Embarrassment
The nomination has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Pakistanis accusing their government of trying to please the US at the expense of national dignity.
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak called the decision "sycophancy" and said it was "most embarrassing to announce the nomination hours before Trump ordered to bomb Iranian nuclear sites".
Pakistan's former US ambassador Maleeha Lodhi described the move as "unfortunate" and said it did not reflect public opinion.
Political analyst Raheeq Abbasi sarcastically noted that Pakistan had nominated "the very Donald Trump whom Westerners were protesting against for war crimes" and questioned whether there was "any sense of honour or humanity" in those responsible for the decision.
The criticism has extended beyond the civilian government to Pakistan's military leadership. Some politicians suggested the decision was influenced by Trump's recent meeting with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Social media users have accused the military establishment of making decisions without public consultation, with one calling them "uncrowned kings" ready to "sell out the nation whenever they please".
Trump had campaigned as a "peacemaker" who would use his negotiating skills to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. However, both wars continue to rage five months into his presidency, and critics argue his recent actions contradict his peace-making claims.
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UK's hottest day of the year recorded on Saturday at 33.2°C in Charlwood
Amber heat-health alert remains in effect until Monday morning
Sunday brought fresher conditions with showers and lower humidity
Week ahead will be unsettled, with rain and brief warm spells
Train passengers were evacuated during Saturday’s extreme heat
Heat gives way to fresher, unsettled conditions
Following a spell of extreme heat, wind and rain have moved in across the UK, bringing relief and lower temperatures. Saturday saw the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 33.2°C (91.8°F) in Charlwood, near Gatwick.
By Sunday, the weather turned fresher with scattered showers and sunshine for most areas. Humidity levels dropped, and temperatures were significantly lower than the day before.
Amber alert remains in place
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert for England last Thursday, which remains in place until 09:00 BST on Monday. The alert warns that health and social care services may be “significantly” impacted, particularly with increased demand and health risks for older people and those with pre-existing conditions.
To meet the Met Office’s heatwave criteria, specific threshold temperatures must be recorded for at least three consecutive days. In Suffolk, this was reached on Thursday, marking the first area to do so during the recent heat spell.
Mixed weather expected this week
The upcoming week is forecast to remain unsettled, with a mix of rain and sunshine. A weather front is expected to move in from the west on Monday evening, making for a damp end to the day.
Monday is likely to bring fewer showers and more sunshine, but Tuesday could see some patchy rain. On Wednesday, muggy air arriving from France may trigger heavy rain and thunderstorms later in the day and overnight. By Thursday, conditions are expected to improve in the south, though more wet and windy weather is forecast for northern areas.
Rail disruption during peak heat
On Saturday, passengers on trains in south London had to be evacuated after a fault near Loughborough Junction halted services. With no power or air conditioning during extreme heat, emergency services from Sussex and Kent were deployed to assist in safely evacuating passengers along the track, according to Thameslink and National Rail.
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre UK marked International Yoga Day with a spiritual and interfaith gathering at House of Commons. The event reflected the global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” and was led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, global Sanatan Dharma and interfaith leader.
The programme began with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Air India tragedy, followed by prayers from Guruji, Pujya Rishi Ji Maharaj, Shri Niranjan Swami, and Pandit Shiv Puri Ji, with a Navkar Mahamantra chant by Samani Malay Pragya Ji and Neeti Pragya Ji.
Bob Blackman MP praised yoga as “India’s gift to the world” and acknowledged Guruji’s leadership in bringing wellness into public life, including the NHS.
In his keynote, Guruji said: “Yoga is a sacred discipline that unites body, mind and soul. It brings balance, builds confidence, and fosters harmony.” He also led breathing exercises, underlining yoga’s role in modern wellbeing.
A special honour was presented to Pujya Rishi Ji Maharaj for his service to Sanatan Dharma and youth engagement.
Cultural performances by Chittal Shah’s team, reflections from young voices like Vanisha, Kavya, and Giya, and contributions from international guests including Mahendra and Prya Ramcharan added depth to the event. Representatives from the NHS, British Army, and faith groups also spoke on yoga’s relevance.
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People attend a protest against the US attack on nuclear sites, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Tehran. (Photo: Reuters)
IRAN on Monday warned of “serious” consequences following US air strikes on its nuclear facilities, as its ongoing conflict with Israel entered the 11th day.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, aerial attacks continued. Air raid sirens were heard across Israel, and AFP reporters confirmed several blasts over Jerusalem.
The Israeli military said it had hit missile sites in western Iran and destroyed fighter jets and helicopters at six Iranian regime airports.
US president Donald Trump said American warplanes used “bunker buster” bombs to strike facilities in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. “Obliteration is an accurate term,” he said, claiming the attacks had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Other officials said it was too early to assess the full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear programme, which is seen by Israel and some Western countries as a key threat.
Iran calls strike a hostile act
Iran’s armed forces spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said on state TV that the US “hostile act”, which followed over a week of Israeli bombardments, would lead to a broader conflict.
“The fighters of Islam will inflict serious, unpredictable consequences on you with powerful and targeted (military) operations,” he said.
Oil prices jumped over four per cent early Monday as markets reacted to the escalation. China called on both Iran and Israel to prevent the conflict from widening.
Oman, a mediator in stalled nuclear talks between Iran and the US, condemned the American strikes and appealed for calm.
Iran’s foreign ministry accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts. “Future generations will not forget that the Iranians were in the middle of a diplomatic process with a country that is now at war with us,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
Britain, France and Germany jointly urged Iran to avoid any further actions that could destabilise the region.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s bombing campaign, launched on June 13, “a big mistake”.
US issues alert as tensions rise
US secretary of state Marco Rubio urged China to help prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil flows.
With Iran threatening US bases in the region, the State Department issued a global alert for Americans overseas.
In central Tehran, protesters gathered on Sunday waving flags and chanting against US and Israeli strikes.
In Semnan province, east of Tehran, 46-year-old housewife Samireh told AFP she was “truly shocked” by the attacks. “Semnan province is very far from the nuclear facilities targeted, but I'm very concerned for the people who live near,” she said.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said the US strikes showed Washington was backing Israel in its campaign against Iran and promised a response.
Trump hints at regime change
The Pentagon said the US did not intend to overthrow Iran’s government, but Trump made comments suggesting otherwise.
"It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,'" he wrote on Truth Social. "But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???"
He later repeated his claim of success. “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!” he wrote, without releasing any images.
Top US general Dan Caine said in a Pentagon briefing that all three sites had suffered “extremely severe damage”.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would stop its attacks once its goals were met. “We are very, very close to completing them,” he said.
IAEA calls for restraint
According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 400 people have died in Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran’s attacks on Israel have killed 24 people, according to official figures.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the UN Security Council that craters were visible at the Fordo facility but said it was not yet possible to assess underground damage. “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place,” he said.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, scheduled to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday, said the US had chosen to “blow up” nuclear diplomacy by joining the war.
Russia condemned the US and Israeli strikes but has not offered military support. It has also downplayed its commitments under a recent strategic agreement with Iran.
Russia, China and Pakistan circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Iran.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The DGCA’s latest action is not connected to the recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane that killed all but one of the 242 people onboard. (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA’s aviation regulator has warned Air India over repeated violations in scheduling pilots beyond the mandated flight duty time, according to government directives.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to remove three officials involved in crew scheduling – a divisional vice president, a chief manager of crew scheduling, and one planning executive – for lapses linked to two flights from Bengaluru to London on May 16 and 17 that exceeded the 10-hour flight duty limit, Reuters reported.
The order, dated June 20, pointed to "systemic failures in scheduling protocol and oversights" and noted the absence of strict disciplinary action against those responsible.
Oversight unrelated to crash
The DGCA’s latest action is not connected to the recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane that killed all but one of the 242 people onboard. However, it reflects increasing scrutiny of the airline’s operations.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported that authorities had also warned Air India for flying three Airbus planes that were overdue for mandatory checks on emergency equipment, including escape slides.
DGCA order highlights lapses
In its latest directive, DGCA’s assistant director of operations Himanshu Srivastava wrote: “Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible.”
Air India, in a statement to Reuters, said it has complied with the DGCA’s order. The airline also said its chief operations officer would oversee the Integrated Operations Control Centre for the time being.
“Air India is committed to ensuring that there is total adherence to safety protocols and standard practices,” the airline added.
The DGCA stated that the airline had voluntarily disclosed the pilot duty violations.
Previous safety warnings
Air India, which was taken over by the Tata Group in 2022, has faced various challenges in rebuilding its reputation following years of criticism over service quality.
The DGCA, like many global aviation regulators, routinely issues fines or warnings to airlines for safety and compliance lapses. In February, the Indian government told parliament that aviation authorities had taken action in 23 cases of safety violations last year.
Of these, 12 cases involved Air India and Air India Express. The largest penalty was a $127,000 fine on Air India for having “insufficient oxygen on board” during some international flights.