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Mayor Sadiq Khan launches advisory board to help tackle inequality

LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan launched an advisory group today (14) at City Hall to help realise his vision for a "truly inclusive London".

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group will be chaired by deputy mayor for social integration, social mobility and community engagement, Debbie Weekes-Bernard.


Its diversity champions will inform the mayor’s approach to driving forward fairness, diversity and equality in the capital.

"London is one of the most diverse and progressive cities in the world," said Weekes-Bernard said, adding, "yet not all of communities are able to access the opportunities that the capital has to offer.

“It is more important than ever that we tackle disadvantage and inequality across our city to ensure that all Londoners, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

“This means addressing some tricky, entrenched problems which people sometimes feel they cannot change – reducing child poverty, improving employment practices and removing barriers to educational attainment.

“That is why I’m pleased to bring together experts with a wide range of experience in City Hall today, who have dedicated their working lives to reducing disadvantage and promoting fairness. Working together, we can continue to ensure a focus on fairness, diversity and equality in everything we do.”

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory group includes social entrepreneur Asma Shah, Founder of Patchwork Foundation Harris Bokhari, and deputy chief executive of Black Training and Enterprise Group Tebussum Rashid among others.

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Forecasters say 30–40mm of rain is likely to fall widely

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Met Office issues yellow weather warnings as heavy rain threatens flooding in 15 UK areas

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  • Two yellow weather warnings issued for parts of Wales and the Midlands
  • Up to 70mm of rain expected, bringing risk of flooding, power cuts and travel delays
  • Flood alerts in place for rivers in Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall and Carmarthenshire
  • Residents advised to prepare emergency kits and stay updated with forecasts

Heavy rainfall set to cause disruption

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings covering parts of Wales and the Midlands today, with forecasters warning of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts. Between 6am and 11am, persistent downpours are expected to sweep eastwards, bringing nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours.

Areas under warning

South and southwest Wales are expected to be worst affected, with Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd and Powys in the Midlands also on alert. In Wales, warnings apply to Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.

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All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

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  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

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The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

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