Jenrick calls for visa ban on India for failing to take back migrants
India received 250,000 UK visas last year and an estimated 100,000 nationals living illegally in the UK
Robert Jenrick MP speaks during the launch of his bid to become the next Conservative Party Leader on August 02, 2024 in Newark upon Trent, England. (Photo by Darren Staples/Getty Images)
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
TORY leadership contender and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has called for tougher measures against countries, including India, that refuse to take back illegal migrants from the UK.
He proposed imposing visa bans on nations such as India, Iraq, and Vietnam, which have been slow to accept the return of their nationals residing illegally in Britain, reported the Telegraph.
In his opinion, the goal should be to increase the number of deportations to over 100,000 per year, five times the current rate.
Speaking ahead of the Tory conference in Birmingham, Jenrick outlined a plan that includes suspending visa routes for countries that fail to co-operate. This would cover work, student, and tourist visas.
For example, India, which received 250,000 UK visas last year, has an estimated 100,000 nationals living illegally in the UK, yet the number of deportations remains very low.
Similarly, despite Vietnam being a significant source of small boat arrivals, only a few of its nationals have been returned, despite the UK granting nearly 19,000 visitor visas to Vietnamese citizens last year.
Despite Vietnam being a significant source of small boat arrivals, only a few of its nationals have been returned.
According to the former minister, countries benefiting from the UK's generosity should face consequences if they do not co-operate in taking back their nationals. He suggested that foreign aid should be made conditional on such co-operation.
For instance, Iraq has received £400 million in UK aid over the past decade, yet only 150 illegal migrants were returned in the same period, despite thousands of Iraqis crossing the Channel.
Other countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia, have also received substantial UK aid, but returns have been minimal. Somalia, for instance, has received £542 million in aid, but only 13 people were deported back in 2023.
Jenrick said that foreign aid budgets should be directly linked to a country’s willingness to accept the return of its nationals.
In addition to tightening visa rules, Jenrick has called for new legislation to classify countries like Vietnam, Turkey, and Brazil as safe for returns. This would enable the UK to create fast-track agreements similar to those in place with Albania, expediting the deportation process for illegal migrants and foreign criminals.
Jenrick also reiterated his stance on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), urging the UK to leave the convention. In his opinion, this would simplify the process of deporting foreign offenders.
Currently, there are nearly 12,000 foreign criminals in the UK awaiting deportation, many of whom have remained in the country for years after completing their sentences. Jenrick pointed out that 12 per cent of the prison population in England and Wales consists of foreign criminals, costing taxpayers £47,000 per inmate each year.
Furthermore, Jenrick called for stronger measures to crack down on illegal work in the UK, particularly within the gig economy and black market. He argued that companies enabling illegal work should be held criminally accountable.
Closing legal loopholes that allow workers to share accounts or substitute for others in these industries is also a key part of his plan.
Jenrick said that these proposals aim to significantly reduce illegal migration which is placing a heavy burden on communities and taxpayers.
He stressed that while deportations have fallen dramatically over the past two decades, the number of illegal migrants soared, demanding immediate and fundamental changes.
“In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” – Elsa Schiaparelli.
The Victoria & Albert Museum has announced its first ever UK exhibition dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli, the visionary designer who blurred the boundaries between fashion, art and performance. Titled Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, it runs from 21 March to 1 November 2026 in the Sainsbury Gallery and will draw on the V&A’s status as home to Britain’s National Collection of Dress and its foremost collection of Schiaparelli garments.
Vogue 1940; Designer Elsa Schiaparelli wearing black silk dress with crocheted collar of her own design and a turbanFredrich Baker/Condé Nast via Getty Images
Exhibition scope and highlights
Over 200 objects across media: garments, accessories, jewellery, perfume bottles, paintings, photographs, sculpture, furniture and archival sketches.
Iconic pieces on display:
The ‘Skeleton’ dress (with Salvador Dalí)
The ‘Tears’ dress and the surreal shoe hat (with Jean Cocteau)
Archive objects from Schiaparelli’s London branch, highlighting her dynamic UK clientele
Accompanying artworks by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Man Ray
A survey of the brand’s modern era under creative director Daniel Roseberry, whose sculptural gowns have dressed Zendaya, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Doja Cat
“Schiaparelli’s collaboration with artists and the world of performance makes her an ideal subject,” said V&A Director Tristram Hunt, calling the show “a celebration of one of fashion’s most daring innovators.”
Delphine Bellini, CEO of Schiaparelli, adds: “Elsa Schiaparelli’s fearless imagination and radical vision redefined the boundaries between fashion and art.”
'Tears' Evening dress and head veil, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, February 1938 for Circus Collection, summer 1938. Fabric designed by Salvador Dali Victoria and Albert Museum, London
From Paris salons to the Met Gala red carpet
Long before the V&A’s announcement, Natasha Poonawalla brought Schiaparelli’s surrealist drama to global attention. In 2022, she paired a gold Schiaparelli corset with a Sabyasachi sari, styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania. A year later, she returned to the Met Gala in a futuristic silver Schiaparelli gown, both moments underlining how Indian influencers are shaping today’s couture conversation.
Natasha Poonawalla attends The 2022 Met GalaGetty Images
Curators, press details and what’s next
Curated by Sonnet Stanfill, Lydia Caston and Rosalind McKever, the show is the first UK retrospective focusing on Schiaparelli’s output from the 1920s to 1954 and its present day revival.
Tickets on sale autumn 2025
Accompanied by a fully illustrated V&A catalogue, available autumn 2026
Part of the V&A’s major fashion exhibition series following Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams and Naomi: In Fashion
Vogue 1936; Two models, standing in a white room with arrows painted on walls and wearing dresses by Schiaparelli;Cecil Beaton/Condé Nast via Getty Images
What it means for South Asian style
This isn’t just a show for fashion students and couture fans. It’s a chance to see how a radical female designer redefined beauty and power, and how that legacy continues through Indian influencers like Poonawalla, who proudly bring together cultural identity with high fashion on the world stage.
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The article in question described Sabalenka’s recent practice sessions
Maria Sharapova criticises WSJ coverage of Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon practice
WSJ article suggested Sabalenka hits so hard she must train with men
Sharapova says the practice is standard in women’s tennis
Sabalenka says sessions with Djokovic and Sinner have improved her game
Sharapova challenges headline on Sabalenka
Maria Sharapova has called out the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over its portrayal of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon preparations, urging the publication to “do better”.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion took issue with an Instagram post by WSJ featuring a smiling Sabalenka under the caption: “The world No. 1 who hits so hard she practises against men.”
The caption was based on an article by reporter Joshua Robinson, which included the line: “The 27-year-old Sabalenka now crushes the ball so forcefully that she needs new practice partners. And, as it turns out, the right players for the job happen to be people she could never face in singles competition… That’s because they’re men.”
Sharapova responded by sharing the post with her 4.7 million Instagram followers and writing: “What is this headline and what is this article. You can do better @WSJ.”
Practising with men is standard, says Sharapova
The article in question described Sabalenka’s recent practice sessions with ATP stars Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, presenting them as a reflection of her unmatched power on court.
However, Maria Sharapova pointed out that using male hitting partners is routine practice for elite WTA players. Sabalenka has long worked with male practice partners, including her current coach Anton Dubrov, who originally joined her team in that role.
The same approach has been taken by top players including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Sharapova herself, especially during Grand Slam tournaments.
Sabalenka values strategic, not just physical, training
Speaking after her first-round win, Sabalenka clarified that her training sessions with Djokovic and Sinner were not just about handling power but understanding the strategic aspects of the game.
“You see the different approach to the balls. You’re learning,” she said. “I think it really helped my tennis, to be honest. Now there are some balls that I used to struggle a little [with]. Right now, I kind of understand a little bit better how to adjust to those balls.”
Sabalenka said the opportunity to speak with Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has been particularly valuable. Their conversations have focused on mental preparation and tactical decision-making during high-pressure moments.
“One of the conversations went to managing energy. Another one about the mental part of the game. Then we had another conversation about mentally approaching those big finals,” she revealed.
She added that Djokovic had given her useful advice on returning serve, which she has since incorporated into her game. “Now he’s always making fun of me copying his return. I’m like, ‘Man, it’s working! I’m copying the best.’”
Sabalenka continues strong Wimbledon run
Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Wimbledon semi-finals for the third time in her career, having dropped just one set so far. In her quarter-final victory over Laura Siegemund, she converted eight out of 13 break points to secure a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 comeback win.
She will return to Centre Court on Thursday to face 13th seed Amanda Anisimova for a place in her first Wimbledon final.
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A logo is pictured outside a Jaguar Land Rover new car show room in Tonbridge, south east England. (Photo: Getty Images)
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported a 10.7 per cent drop in sales for the April–June quarter, as a temporary pause in shipments to the United States and the phase-out of Jaguar’s legacy models weighed on volumes.
The company, owned by India’s Tata Motors, sold 87,286 units to dealers worldwide during the quarter, compared to 97,755 units in the same period last year.
Retail sales dropped 15.1 per cent in the three months to the end of June, JLR said in a statement on Monday. The company cited a halt in exports to the US in April as one of the main reasons behind the decline. The pause followed the imposition of a 25 per cent duty by President Donald Trump on all foreign-made vehicles sold in the US, one of JLR's key markets.
JLR does not manufacture cars in the US. Its Range Rover lineup is produced in Britain, subject to a 10 per cent levy, while its top-selling Defender SUVs are built in Slovakia, which falls under the higher 25 per cent tariff.
North America, which accounts for around one-third of JLR’s global sales, saw a 12.2 per cent drop in volumes in the first quarter. Jaguar’s luxury sedans, SUVs and sports cars saw a 72 per cent decline in sales, falling to 2,339 units, as part of a planned wind-down of legacy models. Jaguar is set to become a fully electric brand by 2026.
Excluding Jaguar’s performance, JLR’s overall sales declined by 5.1 per cent.
In the UK, Jaguar’s sales were also affected by the phase-out of older models in preparation for its electric vehicle line-up. According to automotive trade body SMMT, British car exports to the US dropped by over 50 per cent in May. However, a new trade agreement between the UK and US is expected to support future sales. The agreement reduces tariffs on UK car exports to 10 per cent from 27.5 per cent, up to an annual limit of 100,000 vehicles.
JLR is among the top car exporters from Britain and contributes about two-thirds of Tata Motors' revenue. Both JLR and Tata Motors are expected to announce their first-quarter earnings in August.
In June, JLR revised its forecast for earnings margin before interest and taxes for the fiscal year 2026 to 5–7 per cent, down from the earlier target of 10 per cent, citing global uncertainty triggered by US tariffs.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Sri Lanka's players pose with the trophy after winning the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on July 8, 2025. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
SRI LANKA stormed to a 99-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday (8), sealing the three-match series 2-1 with a clinical all-round display.
Set a challenging target of 286, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bundled out for 186 inside 40 overs as Sri Lanka flexed their bowling muscle to wrap up the contest with ease.
The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka in the 50-over format since their dismal World Cup campaign in India in 2023, where they finished ninth and failed to qualify for this year's Champions Trophy.
Since that debacle, they have won seven of nine ODI series, including notable triumphs over heavyweights Australia and India.
"This is probably one of our best games," Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said. "We were under pressure and we wanted to win badly and Kusal Mendis was superb today. When we ended up scoring 285, we knew we had the runs on the board and the bowlers' job became easy."
The architect of the series-deciding win against Bangladesh was indeed Mendis, who silenced his critics with 124 off 114 balls – his sixth ODI hundred.
The wicketkeeper-batter came into the game under fire after his rash dismissal during Sri Lanka's 16-run defeat in the second ODI in Colombo.
But at Pallekele, with the series on the line, Mendis dropped anchor and rebuilt the innings with a mature knock laced with 18 boundaries.
Coming in during the fourth over, he put on a vital 124-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Asalanka to lay the foundation for a competitive total.
Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the match. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
"Very pleased with the knock today. Was disappointed with what happened in Colombo. I had got a start and couldn't finish," said Mendis, who was named man of the match and player of the series.
"Here I was determined to bat through the innings and very satisfied."
At one stage the hosts looked set for a 300-plus total, but Bangladesh clawed back with tight death bowling to restrict them to 285 for seven.
The target proved to be a tall ask once the tourists' top order caved in.
Dushmantha Chameera, returning to the fold in this series after more than a year on the sidelines due to injury, hit the deck hard and was a handful with the new ball.
The right-arm quick rattled the stumps of in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with a gem that jagged back sharply to kiss the top of off.
With Towhid Hridoy then offering some resistance with a half-century, Chameera returned to breach his defence with another sharp in-swinging delivery that crashed through the gate.
The quick finished with three for 51 and was ably supported by Asitha Fernando, who also claimed three wickets. The two sides will now be involved in a three-match T20I series beginning Thursday, also at Pallekele.
"We started off well and we tried to bat positive, but the scoreboard pressure got to us," Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said.
"But we are rebuilding the team and (there are) a lot of young players... we have a lot of positives."
(AFP)
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Blue Horizons: Nature, Art, and Mindfulness for Women
For many, the seaside offers a place of peace. But on Saturday, 12 July, the Lincolnshire coast becomes something more: a space for healing, empowerment, and connection — designed specifically for women of colour.
‘Blue Horizons: Women of Colour Connecting by the Coast’ is a unique, free-to-attend day retreat set against the backdrop of Mablethorpe beach and the nearby Rimac National Nature Reserve. Created by Her Khaani is Changing, in collaboration with Ocean Generation, South Asians for Sustainability, and Natural England, the gathering promises a thoughtful blend of mindfulness, art, nature and storytelling.
A Journey into Stillness and Strength
Starting at 11am, attendees will be welcomed near the Queen’s Park Main Car Park, just a short walk from the beach. With the sea breeze in the air and a warm chai in hand, participants will be greeted by the organisers before being gently split into two groups for the first half of the day.
Group One will flow into a Seated Ocean Flow Yoga session led by Ocean Generation — a calm, grounding practice suitable for all abilities and body types. It’s yoga with the sea as your soundtrack.
Group Two will be guided by Her Khaani in creating mandala art using natural materials — leaves, shells, and sand — combining creativity with mindfulness, inspired by the coastal landscape.
Both groups will then rotate, ensuring everyone enjoys both experiences before heading to the next part of the day.
Nature Walk, Storytelling & Empowerment at Rimac NNR
At around 1.15pm, the group will regroup and car-share to the nearby Rimac Nature Reserve, just ten minutes away. After settling in and enjoying lunch (participants are asked to bring their own packed meals), the afternoon continues with nature connection activities and storytelling in one of Lincolnshire’s most tranquil environments.
A guided walk through the sand dunes—pausing for breath, listening, reflecting—will include insights from Renata from Natural England. Her session, ‘Stories in the Sands’, delves into the often-overlooked ecosystems of dunes and the human connections tied to them, taken from the inspiring ‘Sands of Time’ book.
Participants will also meet and hear from ethnic minority women who have dedicated their careers to nature and conservation — an empowering chance to connect, learn and envision new paths forward.
Why This Event Matters
In a world where marginalised voices often go unheard in green spaces, Blue Horizons offers something intentionally inclusive — a soft, nurturing entry point to nature and wellness for women of colour. It’s a reminder that nature belongs to all of us.
This is not just a day by the coast. It’s a small but significant effort in reclaiming space — physically, emotionally, and environmentally.
As one organiser puts it, “We want women to come as they are, be nourished by nature, and leave feeling connected — to the Earth and each other.”
Things to Know
Who Can Attend: Women of Colour aged 18+, with 5 reserved spots for women from Lincolnshire. No prior experience in yoga, creative activities or nature events is required. Children are welcome if supervised — but organisers must be notified in advance due to capacity limits.
Mobility and Access: The walk is gentle and around 45 minutes with stops. Please note: the beach is not wheelchair accessible, but the Rimac reserve is.
What to Bring: Your own lunch and drinks, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, sun/rain protection, and a blanket or cushion for the yoga session. All other materials will be provided.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Queen’s Park Main Car Park. Bring coins or use the Pay by Phone app.
How to Join
Spaces are limited and in demand — if you’re planning to attend, it’s advised to register as soon as possible. And if your plans change, do let the organisers know so someone else can take your place.
This is a gift of a day — offered at no cost, thanks to the generosity and vision of the host organisations.