Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Johnson visits Hindu temple in Uxbridge and South Ruislip

PRIME minister Boris Johnson on Friday (20) visited the Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip and urged worshippers to embrace the spirit of Navratri, one of the largest festivals in the Hindu calendar.

Calling Navratri an “important moment in the year,” Johnson said families should celebrate the universal message of good over evil.


Johnson said: “The festival of Navratri marks an important moment in the year, when communities and families from all over the country come together to celebrate the universal message of good over evil. I want to wish everyone celebrating this colourful, joyous and exuberant festival over the next nine days a very Happy Navratri.”

The prime minister was welcomed by the temple’s founder and trustee Jaswant Maicha, and met with a number of worshippers, including Pritee Varsani and Mira Salat, directors of Red Lotus Events - organisers of one of the largest Navratri festivals in the UK.

Speaking after Johnson's visit, Varsani said “it was an honour to explain the significance of Navratri to the Prime Minister. It was also encouraging for young British Asian entrepreneurs like us to be seen as investors of cultural Britain, allowing us to expand and share our heritage with the masses.”

Yatin Dawada, president of the Lohana community in North London praised the prime minister for taking time out of his busy schedule to engage with various communities in the country.

Veljibhai Vekaria, president of the Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community added: “I was very impressed to see Boris learning and taking part in the preparations for Navaratri, as well as taking the time to meet community leaders.”

More For You

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less