ALL 16 and 17-year-olds in the UK will be offered a first dose of the Covid jab within weeks, Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation confirmed on Wednesday (4) while vaccine eligibility is “likely” to be extended for over-12s Britons very soon.
The teenagers, 16 and 17 year olds, will not require parental consent for the jab, JCVI said, adding that they will be offered Pfizer-BioNTech jab for the first dose while advice on when to offer the second dose will come later.
The move will impact 1.4 million Briton teens across the country.
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, said there were plenty of vaccines available, adding that the jabs is expected to start in “a very short number of weeks indeed”.
"There is no time to waste in getting on with this," he said, highlighting that children will start going back to sixth forms and colleges soon. "I want us to proceed as fast as is practically possible."
Claiming that it is "more likely than less likely" that the list will be broadened in the coming times, Van-Tam seemingly suggested that the UK government is also mulling to extend vaccine eligibility further, rolling out for children as young as 12 in the near future.
The government's chief scientists are committed to giving the JCVI "time" to assess the impact of vaccination on healthy children aged 12 to 15, Van-Tam said, adding the option has not been ruled out.
Peter English, a retired consultant in communicable disease control, and former chair of the BMA public health medicine committee, also said that he believes it is "just a matter of time" before jabs are recommended for everyone aged 12 and above, reports said.
The move brings Britain more in line with the US and many European countries, several of which have gone further by opening up vaccinations to all over-12s and have already hit first-jab rates of 40 per cent or more. While France has been offering vaccines to over-12s since mid-June, Spain has been vaccinating older teenagers and have started jabs for over-12s last week.
Italy has been vaccinating its 12-to-15-year-old since May and aims to jab the majority of the population before September.
JCVI’s announcement about offering vaccination to 16 and 17-year-old in the UK was met with some mixed responses on Twitter. Some concerned parents took to social media late Wednesday night (4) under the 'LeaveOurKidsAlone' hashtag to slam the government's move.
However, the viral hashtag was seen getting quickly hijacked by youngsters, telling adults to take their own advice and let teens make up their own minds. Many youths were reportedly "enraged" by demands from anti-vaxxers that they stay unvaccinated, while many teenagers argued they wanted to get inoculated to help protect their grandparents.
ASIAN business leaders have emerged among the most prominent donors to UK political parties in the second quarter of 2025, new figures from the Electoral Commission showed.
Among individual Asian donors, Kamal Pankhania and Haridas (Harish) Sodha stood out with £100,000 contributions each. Pankhania’s gift to the Conservatives in June and Sodha’s support for Labour in April were the largest Asian donations recorded during the second quarter of this year, data released on September 4 showed.
Pankhania is the chief executive of Westcombe Group, a family-owned property and development company best known for buying historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and converting them into homes. He and his brother Sunil took over the running of the company in 2003 from their father, Vraj Pankhania, who remains chairman.
Sodha, who fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s 1972 expulsion of Asians, has built a career in travel services.
A graduate in business administration from the University of Bath (1977), he cofounded Key Travel before going on to establish Diversity Travel, which arranges travel for NGOs and charities working in difficult regions. He is also director of City Eco Hotel Limited.
Other major contributions came from Dr Selva Pankaj, chief executive of Regent Group, a London-based education provider. He gave £60,000 to the Tories in May.
A Sri Lanka-born accountant turned entrepreneur, Dr Pankaj oversees several colleges and training institutes across the capital. Malik Karim, an investment banker and Tory fundraiser who has hosted events for former prime minister Rishi Sunak, donated £55,500 in May and June.
Labour also received £20,000 in April from Lord Waheed Alli, a media entrepreneur and long-standing party supporter.
The Liberal Democrats also recorded steady contributions.
Businessman Sudhir Choudhrie, a long-time backer of the party, gave a total of £16,666 during April to June. Tushar S Prabhu added £5,000 in June, and Ramesh Dewan contributed £3,330 in May.
Data confirmed that Tories remain the single largest recipient of political donations, raising £2.9 million in the second quarter. This is more than Labour and Reform UK combined, and follows the £3.4m the opposition party collected in the first quarter.Labour raised £2.6m, much of it from trade unions, while Reform UK collected £1.3m.
The Conservative party’s statement on the donations stressed that it had once again outpaced Labour and Reform UK. “The Conservatives have reported £2.9m in donations in the 2nd quarter of 2025, continuing to raise far more than any other party – for the third quarter running,” the party said.
Jackie Killeen, director of Electoral Administration and Regulation, said, “The UK political finance regime has high levels of transparency, and we know that voters are interested in where parties get their money from. This publication is an important part of delivering this information for voters.
“However, there are parts of the system that need strengthening, and we have been calling for changes to the law for some time. The UK government’s proposed reforms to the political finance regime have the potential to improve the strength of donation controls and ensure voters can have confidence in the political finance system. We will continue to work with the government to ensure any changes are evidence based and workable in practice.”
Labour continues to rely heavily on union funding, with £1.67m in the second quarter coming from Unite, GMB and other affiliated unions.
The party also reported an £80,000 donation from Activepine, a property company owned by businessman Maqbool Ahmed.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, secured £1.3m in donations, including contributions from Greybull Capital, hedge fund manager Johan Christoferson, and treasurer Nick Candy. While the figure was significantly below Tory and Labour totals, it marked a steady inflow from wealthy backers. The latest data revealed that while bigticket donors remain engaged across the political spectrum, Tories continue to enjoy a clear financial advantage.
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Rafiq M Habib (Photo: Habib University Foundation)
TRIBUTES have been paid to Rafiq M Habib, a prominent Asian business leader, philanthropist and founding chancellor of Habib University, who passed away in Dubai earlier this month. He was 88.
News of his death was confirmed by Habib University, which described him as the “moral and visionary force” behind its creation. “His calm resolve and integrity shaped every step of this journey, and his belief in education’s role in serving the greater good continues to guide our mission,” the university said in a statement.
Habib dedicated much of his life to building institutions that not only shaped industries but also uplifted communities. His passing has been marked with tributes from across the business, education and philanthropic sectors.
Born in 1937, he rose to prominence as the head of the House of Habib, one of Pakistan’s leading conglomerates. He later went on to serve as chairman of the Habib University Foundation and played a central role in the establishment of Habib University in Karachi, which has since become a world-class centre of higher learning. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Stile Company and served on the boards of various other firms.
At Habib University’s 2023 convocation, Rafiq addressed students with his hallmark humility and commitment to education. The institution remains one of his most enduring contributions to Pakistan, reflecting his vision that learning should serve society at large.
Wasif Rizvi, president of Habib University, remembered him as a “towering figure of vision, humility, and steadfast service.” He added: “Rafiq sahib was the visionary in the legendary Habib family to imagine a world-class institution of higher learning being founded in Karachi. His generosity was never about recognition, but an act of devotion to knowledge and service.”
Beyond education, Rafiq was widely respected for his philanthropic work. He was a trustee of several welfare projects and supported initiatives in education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and relief. Under his guidance, the Habib family’s schools reached more than 8,000 children, offering high-quality primary education. He also promoted street schools and home schools, ensuring that opportunities extended to underprivileged communities.
His charitable commitments stretched further, as he remained active in healthcare and humanitarian causes. He was a strong supporter of the global Polio Plus programme and contributed significantly to Rotary’s charitable activities.
Rafiq also made a mark in the business world with his vast experience in insurance and banking. He played an important role in promoting Indus Motor Company Limited and served as a consultant for Habib Bank AG Zurich.
Over the years, he contributed to the growth of many enterprises, including through positions on the boards of Philips Electrical Company of Pakistan and the advisory board of Standard Chartered Bank in Pakistan.
Companies under the House of Habib umbrella, including Thal Limited, Shabbir Tiles and Habib Insurance, also expressed their sorrow at his passing. Their statements highlighted his leadership, discipline, and lifelong commitment to progress.
Colleagues and associates have described him as a man of conviction, discipline and generosity. His leadership style was often quiet but resolute, rooted in values that shaped not only his businesses but also his contributions to society.
He is survived by his family, who have vowed to carry forward his vision of progress through education, philanthropy, and enterprise.
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The man is suspected of using online platforms to advertise illegal boat crossings
AN ASIAN man has been arrested in Birmingham as part of an investigation into the use of social media to promote people smuggling, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Monday (15).
The 38-year-old British Pakistani man was detained during an NCA operation in the Yardley area. He is suspected of using online platforms to advertise illegal boat crossings between North Africa and Europe.
“The dual national was arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and is now being questioned by NCA investigators. Digital devices were also seized and are being examined,” a statement said.
The agency released footage of the arrest, showing officers informing the man he was being detained in connection with the facilitation of illegal migration into the European Union during 2023 and 2024.
“Tackling organised immigration crime is a top priority for the NCA, and this is one of around 100 live investigations into individuals or networks suspected of such activity,” said senior investigating officer Nick Matthews. “We are targeting criminal networks in every way we can, including their social media activity and those promoting dangerous crossings online. Our enquiries are ongoing.”
The arrest comes amid wider government efforts to curb illegal migration. Ministers said record numbers of employers have recently been banned from sponsoring overseas workers after they were found misusing visas to bypass immigration rules.
“Those who abuse our system will face the strongest consequences,” said minister Mike Tapp. “We will not hesitate to act against companies exploiting vulnerable staff or undercutting British workers. These practices will not be tolerated.”
According to the Home Office, deportations of people with no legal right to remain in the UK have risen by 13 per cent over the past year, with 35,000 removals recorded. The department said enforcement action against criminal gangs is now at “the highest level on record.
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King Charles III (L) poses with India's prime minister Narendra Modi (R) during an audience at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on July 24, 2025.
KING CHARLES III has sent a Kadamb tree as a gift to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday on Wednesday (17).
The British High Commission in New Delhi announced the gesture in a social media post, noting that it was inspired by Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One tree in the name of mother) environmental initiative. The sapling, it said, symbolises the shared commitment of the two leaders to environmental protection.
“His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to send a Kadamb tree to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday,” the High Commission said. “The gesture, inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, reflects their shared commitment to environmental conservation.”
The gift follows the prime minister’s visit to the UK in July, when he met the 76-year-old monarch at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and presented him with a Sonoma tree under the same initiative.
According to the High Commission, cooperation on climate action and clean energy remains a central pillar of the Commonwealth and the UK-India partnership, as outlined by Modi and prime minister Keir Starmer in Vision 2035.
During that visit, Modi had said that their discussions with King Charles covered sustainability, Yoga and Ayurveda, alongside progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
“We discussed different aspects of India-UK relations, including the ground covered in trade and investment in the wake of CETA and Vision 2035. Other subjects included education, health and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda, which are subjects His Majesty is very passionate about. We also talked about environmental protection and sustainability,” he recalled.
The Sonoma tree presented by Modi will be planted at Sandringham during the autumn planting season.
Meanwhile, birthday greetings have poured in for the Indian leader from across the world. Among those sending their wishes were US president Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
(PTI)
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US resident Donald Trump and King Charles interact at the state banquet for the US president and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their second state visit to the UK, Wednesday September 17, 2025. Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Wednesday (17) hailed the special relationship between his country and Britain as he paid a gushing tribute to King Charles during his historic second state visit, calling it one of the highest honours of his life.
It was a day of unprecedented pomp for a foreign leader. Trump and his wife Melania were treated to the full array of British pageantry. Then, the president sang the praises of his nation's close ally.
"The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It's irreplaceable and unbreakable," Trump said in a speech during a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, family home to British monarchs for almost 1,000 years.
Referring to the so-called special relationship between the two nations, Trump said: "Seen from American eyes, the word special does not begin to do it justice."
Trump's speech will be music to the ears of British priime minister Keir Starmer. He proffered a state visit to win favour with Trump the well-known anglophile and overt royal fan, shortly after the US president returned to office in January.
Starmer hopes the trip will aid his governmentas it seeks to deepen economic ties, secure billions of dollars of investment, ease tariffs and allow him to press the president on Ukraine and Israel.
Britain rolled out the royal red carpet, giving Trump the largest military ceremonial welcome for a state visit in living memory. Trump made little secret of his delight at being not just the first US leader, but the first elected politician to be invited for two state visits.
"This is truly one of the highest honours of my life," he said.
Over the course of the visit, Britain is hoping to convert Trump's affection for Britain - his mother came from Scotland - and admiration for the royals into concrete actions.
King Charles III and US president Donald Trump followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump, walk at the state banquet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS
Companies including Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI have already pledged £31 billion ($42bn) in British investments over the next few years, in AI, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy.
Starmer also wants further progress on trade, after Britain secured the first deal with Trump to lower some tariffs. Talks may touch on remaining levies on steel, whisky and salmon.
"The United Kingdom was your partner in the first trade deal of your administration, Mr President, bringing jobs and growth to both our countries," the king said in his speech. "And no doubt we can go even further as we build this new era of our partnership."
But while Starmer is banking on the royals to help cajole the president, pitfalls remain.
Polls show Trump is widely unpopular in Britain and Starmer, faced with plummeting poll ratings of his own and economic woes, will need to show his royal trump card can reap benefits.
While there were many Trump supporters in crowds at Windsor in London, several thousand people marched to protest against the state visit.
"I quite simply dislike everything that Trump and his administration represent around the globe," retiree Bryan Murray said.
Awkward questions about late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein might also come to the fore.
Last week, Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to Washington over his ties to Epstein. This could lead to questions for both the premier and Trump, whose own relationship with the financier has come under scrutiny.
Amongst the guests at Wednesday's banquet was Rupert Murdoch, whose Wall Street Journal publication the president is currently suing in a $10bn defamation case over an article linking the president with Epstein.
While there was a massive security operation in place in Windsor, police said four people had been arrested on Tuesday (16) after images of Trump alongside Epstein were projected onto one of the castle's towers. Trump was not there at the time.
The Times newspaper has also reported that Britain would announce it was recognising a Palestinian state after Trump had departed. The US opposes that move, which could prove a thorny issue in their talks.
While the focus on Thursday (18) will turn to geopolitics and trade when Starmer hosts Trump at his Chequers country residence, Wednesday was all about ceremony.
Trump and Melania joined Charles, his wife Queen Camilla and other royals and dignitaries for a carriage procession, with the route lined by 1,300 British service personnel.
Later, the Trumps viewed historical items from the Royal Collection relating to the U.S., and then visited St George's Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth, who hosted Trump for his first state visit in 2019, to lay a wreath on her tomb. She died in September 2022.
There was a further military parade and a flypast by Britain's Red Arrows aerobatics team, but poor weather meant British and US F-35 military jets - a symbol of bilateral defence collaboration - could not join.
The Trumps also found time for a private meeting with the king's elder son Prince William and the heir's wife Kate, which was described by the prince's spokesperson as "warm and friendly". Trump later praised "beautiful" Kate and said William was "going to have unbelievable success in the future".
As for Charles, the 76-year-old monarch, he was a "very, very special man", the president said.