TRIAL HEARS OF JASMINDER SINGH FAMILY DISPUTE WITH YOUNGER BROTHER
By Sarwar Alam
A DIRECTOR of Edwardian Hotels hit back at claims that former director and shareholder, Herinder Singh, was forced out of his family business, and instead claimed that it was Herinder’s own 'dissatisfaction' at his position within the company that led to his departure.
Andrew Hart, an Edwardian director since 2001, was giving evidence last week in a London court which is hearing a dispute between Jasminder Singh, the CEO of the hotels’ group, and his brother Herinder, 50.
The Edwardian Group owns 13 luxury hotels, with properties in central London. Work on a new hotel is underway at Leicester Square and it is set to open in 2020.
Jasminder Singh’s family wealth has been estimated to be £1.5 billion in the 2017 Asian Rich List, published by Eastern Eye.
Hart told the Chancery division of the high court that he acknowledged it was Herinder’s desire to be made CEO of the Edwardian Group. But Hart insisted this was 'never going to happen' as Herinder 'lacked leadership skills' and even went as far as to say he did not know what Herinder’s precise role within the company was.
From 2005 to 2010, Hart was responsible for drawing up memorandum of terms for the roles of directors within the Edwardian Hotels, which owns 13 luxury hotels, including the May Fair in central London and the Radisson Edwardian at Heathrow. He was required to establish contracts that included terms of condition, job title, specific role, responsibilities, and remuneration.
When it came to Herinder, Hart said: “I was unsure of Herinder’s job title and the exact nature of the contribution he made to the company. He had a lack of formal job title, apart from director.”
Hart added that he didn’t see Herinder as a key member of the Edwardian leadership team because of his 'qualities, abilities and limitations'.
“He (Herinder) was not good at taking decisions,” Hart told the court. “He was not good at accepting responsibility. He was poor at leadership and dealing with work colleagues.”
Hart added: “I didn’t know what he was meant to be doing. He wanted to participate in senior management team activities and was very interested in involving himself.
“But he never accepted responsibility for projects that came up. He never wanted to become the senior management team member responsible for a project.”
Herinder, who is suing his brother for a larger share in the business, claims he was removed as director and employee for questioning two business transactions carried out by of his older brother Jasminder Singh, the Edwardian Hotels’ founder, CEO and chairman.
In the ongoing case being heard at the high court in Chancery Lane, London, Herinder accused Jasminder Singh, 66, of not giving full disclosure to the Edwardian board of directors in regards to personal dealings he had with two companies, Winchfern and Expotel, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Herinder claimed Jasminder Singh was 'guilty of breaking' the corporate opportunity doctrine, a legal principle that prohibits an officer or director of a corporation from diverting a business opportunity presented to, or otherwise rightfully belonging to, the corporation to himself or any of his affiliates.
Herinder’s supposed 'unease' with Jasminder Singh’s links with Winchfern and Expotel were the reasons he gave for his refusal to carry out his duty as a director in signing his confirmation of the Edwardian Hotels’ annual accounts in 2008. This 'caused a major issue as it delayed auditors from looking over and approving the company’s accounts for the year', the court heard.
Hart, a solicitor and former partner in international law firm Baker & McKenzie, was tasked with investigating Herinder’s allegations.
At the end of his investigation, Hart concluded that Jasminder had not done anything untoward and his dealings with Winchfern and Expotel were completely legal. His shares in Winchfirm were under his wife Amrit’s name and his interests in Expatel formed trusts which were solely for the benefit of charitable causes.
Hart said: “Jasminder gave full disclosure to the board of directors on his dealings with Winchfirm and Expatel. They are recorded in the board meeting minutes (which were later read out in court).”
Herinder spent almost 18 years working for the Edwardian group. He was initially made a director in 1986 and then joined the business as an employee in 1992. He held positions as a junior in the accounts department, head of internal audit and director of marketing. He left acrimoniously as both director and employee in 2010 after falling out with Jasminder Singh.
The court had previously heard from Herinder’s barrister, Justin Fenwick QC, that Jasminder Singh had allegedly told his younger brother that they were '50-50 partners' and would 'work together to build the company'. Jasminder Singh stated 'that just did not happen!' and said it was 'categorically false'.
When asked by Fenwick QC if Herinder was being groomed to take over from Jasminder Singh and be the next CEO of the company, Hart said that it was 'never going to happen'.
“He (Herinder) was clearly dissatisfied with his stature and remuneration within the company. He wanted to be at the same level as Jasminder.”
In 2005, Herinder received a £50,000 pay rise, which saw his salary increased to £250,000 per annum. Hart said that he felt at the time it was 'inappropriate for Herinder’s remuneration to be so tremendously increased'.
“As a director, all I was concerned about was the long-term, best interests of my company and I felt this wasn’t in the best interest of the company,” said Hart, who was responsible for looking at the remuneration of Edwardian directors and if it reflected their role within the company and their work output.
When giving evidence, Jasminder Singh said he didn’t get involved in the decision to remove Herinder as an Edwardian employee and director. He left it to independent directors in Hart and Robert Morley to do what they felt was best for the company.
Hart was accused by Fenwick QC of “not acting independently” and also that he was “acting on behalf of Jasminder, doing his bidding”.
“No, I was not doing Jasminder’s bidding!” responded Hart. “As a director I have to have independent judgement. And my judgment was I didn’t see what benefit Herinder bought to the company.”
Hart also pointed out that in the early 2000s, when Herinder and Jasminder Singh first started talks of a demerger, Hart wrote a letter to the directors stating he felt 'the company would not suffer' if Herinder left.
Passengers walk back to the reopened terminal after emergency services responded to what they called a 'possible hazardous materials incident' at Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport.
HEATHROW Airport has reopened Terminal 4 after it was evacuated on Monday evening following what authorities described as a "possible hazardous materials incident."
The airport said the terminal was declared safe and apologised for the disruption. In a post on X, Heathrow said it was "doing everything we can" to make sure flights depart as planned.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed it had stood down its response.
Terminal 4, which handles both European and long-haul flights, was closed temporarily as specialist fire crews carried out an assessment.
The London Ambulance Service said paramedics treated 21 patients and one person was taken to hospital. The nature of the incident has not been disclosed.
The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers were at the scene and conducted a search of the area. The force said no trace of any "adverse substance" was found.
Video clips shared online, which could not be verified, showed passengers waiting outside the terminal. Heathrow’s departures board showed flights continuing to take off.
In March, Heathrow was shut for nearly a day after a fire at a nearby electrical substation cut power, disrupting flights worldwide and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
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Demonstrators weild stones and sticks as they clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns amid violent anti-corruption protests
At least 19 killed and more than 100 injured as police clash with demonstrators
Social media ban lifted after protests turned deadly across Nepal
UN and Amnesty call for probe, two cabinet ministers also resign
NEPAL prime minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, his aide said, as anti-corruption demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police, a day after 19 people died in violent protests triggered by a social media ban.
“The PM has quit,” Oli’s aide Prakash Silwal told Reuters, a move that plunges the country into fresh political uncertainty.
Oli’s government lifted the social media ban after protests turned violent, killing 19 and injuring more than 100 after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators trying to storm parliament on Monday.
The unrest is the worst in decades in the Himalayan country that is wedged between India and China and has struggled with political instability and economic uncertainty since protests led to the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Deadly crackdown
The protests began in Kathmandu, with mostly young people demanding the government lift restrictions and address corruption. Demonstrators clashed with police near parliament on Monday, where officers used tear gas, batons, rubber bullets and water cannons.
Seventeen people were killed in the capital and two more in Sunsari district, according to police and local media. Kathmandu police spokesman Shekhar Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including more than 100 officers.
Amnesty International said live ammunition had been used. The United Nations called for a swift and transparent investigation.
One eyewitness described the situation inside a hospital where dozens of the injured were treated. “Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work,” said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital.
A 23-year-old student, Yujan Rajbhandari, said: “Nearly 20 people were murdered by the state — that shows the scale of police brutality. The government have to take responsibility for the lives that were lost.”
Curfew and continued unrest
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and other districts on Tuesday. Despite this, groups of protesters defied restrictions, setting fire to tyres, throwing stones at security forces and targeting government buildings and the homes of some politicians. Local media reported that some ministers were evacuated by military helicopters.
The country’s aviation authority said Kathmandu’s international airport was partially closed on Tuesday due to the unrest.
Protesters also held condolence meetings in memory of those killed. “We are still standing here for our future ... We want this country corruption-free so that everyone can easily access education, hospitals, medical facilities ... and for a bright future,” protester Robin Sreshtha told Reuters TV.
Government response
Oli, 73, expressed sorrow over the deaths in a letter following an emergency cabinet meeting. “The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use,” he wrote, while ordering an investigation into the violence before announcing his resignation.
The government announced relief payments for families of those killed, free treatment for the injured, and formed a panel to submit a report within 15 days on the causes of the protests and measures to prevent such incidents.
Two cabinet ministers also resigned on moral grounds.
Anger over corruption
Organisers described the demonstrations as being led by Gen Z, frustrated with corruption and lack of opportunities. Protesters said they were angered by videos on TikTok — which was not blocked — showing the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and foreign vacations while ordinary Nepalis struggle.
“The protest was intended, first and foremost, against the rampant corruption in government,” one demonstrator wrote in an email to Reuters, signing off as “A concerned Nepali citizen.”
Local newspaper Kathmandu Post wrote: “This isn’t just about social media — it’s about trust, corruption, and a generation that refuses to stay silent. For them, digital freedom is personal freedom. Cutting off access feels like silencing an entire generation.”
International reactions
India, Nepal’s neighbour, said it was “closely monitoring” developments. “As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” India’s foreign ministry said.
Embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, UK, Norway, Germany and the US in Nepal also issued a joint statement expressing sadness over the deaths and urging restraint, protection of rights and avoidance of further escalation.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Vijay Mallya, accused of loan defaults of over about £756 million, has been living in the UK and is contesting extradition. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA’s efforts to secure the extradition of high-profile economic offenders from the United Kingdom, including Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, have moved forward with a recent visit by a team from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to Tihar Jail in Delhi, an official said on Sunday (September 7).
The CPS delegation visited the prison last week to review jail conditions as required by UK courts before deciding on extradition requests, the official said.
India has been seeking the return of several fugitives wanted in cases ranging from bank fraud to arms smuggling.
Authorities have assured UK courts that individuals extradited to India will not be subjected to unsafe or inhumane conditions in custody.
According to the official, the CPS team toured the high-security section of Tihar and interacted with some inmates.
Jail authorities informed the delegation that if necessary, a separate unit could be set up within the prison to house high-profile accused, ensuring their safety and meeting international standards.
UK courts have previously rejected extradition requests from India citing concerns over prison conditions. New Delhi has since given assurances that the rights of the accused will be protected, with no scope for unlawful interrogation or mistreatment.
Mallya, accused of loan defaults of over about £756 million, has been living in the UK and is contesting extradition.
Nirav Modi, the main accused in about £1.15 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case, was declared a fugitive offender in 2019 and arrested in the UK the same year. His extradition has been approved by a London court, though appeals are still pending.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The minister, promoted from the Ministry of Justice during prime minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle last Friday, said securing the country’s borders would be her main focus.
Mahmood hosted Five Eyes ministers from the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada in London
Home secretary says border security will be her main focus after Cabinet reshuffle
NEWLY-APPOINTED home secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday (September 8) outlined a tougher approach on immigration, warning that countries refusing to take back illegal migrants could face visa suspensions.
Mahmood, who took charge of the Home Office last week, made the remarks as she hosted ministerial counterparts from the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada at a meeting of the intelligence-sharing group “Five Eyes” in London.
Her comments came after more than 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats over the weekend, one of the highest totals recorded in recent times.
Visa warning to countries
"For countries that do not play ball, we have been talking about taking much more coordinated action between the Five Eyes countries,” Mahmood said.
"And for us that means the possibility of cutting visas in the future, just to say we do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you have to take them back," she added.
The minister, promoted from the Ministry of Justice during prime minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle last Friday, said securing the country’s borders would be her main focus.
"I'm very clear that there has to be a strong approach to maintaining our border, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that we're not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced. That they do have to play ball, they have to come to the table and if cutting visas is one of the ways to do that, then I will do whatever it takes," she said.
Talks with Five Eyes ministers
Mahmood was speaking to reporters as she began talks with Kristi Noem, US Homeland Security Secretary, who is visiting the UK. Noem has been overseeing President Donald Trump’s deportation drive in her role with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Australian home affairs minister Tony Burke, New Zealand minister Judith Collins and Canadian public safety minister Gary Anandasangaree also took part in Monday’s summit. Alongside discussions on illegal migration and people smuggling, the agenda included online child sexual abuse and the spread of opioids.
Mahmood, 44, was born in Birmingham to parents from Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A University of Oxford graduate and qualified barrister, she was first elected as a Labour MP in 2010.
She has held several shadow cabinet positions and was appointed to one of the senior-most roles in the Labour government last year, becoming one of the most prominent British Muslims in the party.
In May, during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, she issued a statement on South Asia tensions: “I share the concerns of my constituents regarding the rising tensions between Pakistan and India. Nobody wins in an escalation between the two countries, and dialogue and diplomacy should be a priority.”
“I know many in Birmingham with family in both countries will be desperately worried, which is why restoring regional stability is essential,” she said at the time.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Migrants wade into the sea to board a dinghy to cross the English Channel on August 25, 2025 in Gravelines, France.(Photo: Getty Images)
MORE than 1,000 migrants arrived on small boats across the Channel on Shabana Mahmood’s first full day as home secretary, taking total arrivals this year past 30,000.
The Home Office said 1,097 migrants crossed on Saturday after nine days without any arrivals. It was the second-highest daily total this year, after 1,195 on May 31. Crossings have now reached 30,100 — 37 per cent higher than at this point in 2023 and 8 per cent higher than 2022, the record year.
Mahmood called the figures “utterly unacceptable” and said she would consider all options. She pledged the first deportations to France under the new one-in, one-out deal would begin “imminently”, with returns expected later this month.
Concerns remain that a possible collapse of the French government, with prime minister François Bayrou facing a confidence vote on Monday, could delay returns and a new maritime law allowing French police to intercept boats in the Channel, The Times reported.
The 30,000 mark has been reached earlier this year than any other since records began in 2018. It was reached on September 21 in 2022, October 30 last year, and not at all in 2023.
Mahmood, appointed home secretary after Angela Rayner’s resignation, is expected to outline plans to move asylum seekers from hotels into military sites.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “Reshuffling ministerial deckchairs does not change the obvious fact Labour has totally lost control of our borders.”