Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Rishi Sunak hosts Eid reception at Downing Street

Sunak praised the efforts by British Muslims in raising millions of pounds by way of donations during the month of Ramadan to support vulnerable people both in the UK and abroad

Rishi Sunak hosts Eid reception at Downing Street

RISHI SUNAK acknowledged the Muslim community’s “incredible contribution” to the UK as the prime minister hosted an Eid reception at Downing Street on Wednesday (3).

British Muslims are helping the country succeed in a wide range of fields including business, sports, NHS and armed forces, he said.


Sunak, whose private office has arranged several events with Muslims over the past three months, also noted the community’s support for the victims of the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The reception was attended by community leaders and representatives and Sunak praised the efforts by British Muslims in raising millions of pounds by way of donations during the month of Ramadan to support vulnerable people both in the UK and abroad.

“Eid is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the shared values which bind us together, particularly your compassion and dedication to contribute to charity and philanthropy,” the prime minister said.

Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands MP said events organised by the Tories during Ramadan this year highlighted that “we are reaching out to everyone across the country.”

He said the delivery of the party’s and the government’s priorities will give everyone peace of mind today and provide the foundation for our plans to build a better future.”

Sunak had supported the UCL Turkish Society during the height of the fundraising efforts to support the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

He had brought a relief parcel himself, which he added to the students’ collection and helped pack some boxes during his visit.

During Ramadan, UK government ministers also attended iftars events across the country.

Sunak also asked the Tory party chair to organise the first iftar (opening of the fast) reception hosted at Downing Street, where there was a special musical recital from the Olive School in Hackney, east London, for the assembled guests.

Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy was present at an iftar at The Ismaili Centre in south London.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less