Stop throwing hand grenades at Sunak, says Asian parliamentarian
“I absolutely think this can be the making of Rishi Sunak as a leader,� the parliamentarian told Eastern Eye
By Sarwar AlamJun 14, 2023
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak standing up to Boris Johnson could be the making of him as a leader, an Asian parliamentarian told Eastern Eye.
Sunak on Monday (12) revealed that his predecessor had asked him to “do something that I wasn't prepared to do,” in relation to the latter’s resignation honours list.
The prime minister added he “didn't think it was right” and declared that “if people don't like that then tough.”
“I absolutely think this can be the making of Rishi Sunak as a leader,” the parliamentarian told Eastern Eye.
“It does feel like until now, he was trying to make everybody happy – the different factions within the Conservative Party.
“People want to see a politician who sticks to his convictions. I hope this is the start of what I hope he (Sunak) will continue to do - which is to stand up for his own values and what he really believes in.”
Johnson's long-awaited honours list was published last Friday (9), rewarding Brexit die-hards and even those implicated in the Partygate scandal that contributed to his downfall last year. But its failure to feature several expected names prompted accusations from Johnson's camp of meddling from Sunak and Downing Street before it was submitted.
Subsequent statements coming from Johnson and his allies have been described by a party insider as “throwing hand grenades” at Sunak's government.
Sunak's spokesman told reporters it was “entirely untrue” that the prime minister or officials removed names from Johnson's list before it was sent to a House of Lords vetting committee.
An Asian parliamentarian observed that Sunak is standing up for his own values and beliefs (Photo by Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Images)
The prime minister himself then lashed out at Johnson, accusing him of asking him to overrule the committee, which rejected eight of Johnson’s nominations to the Lords.
Johnson hit back in a statement, saying: “Rishi Sunak is talking rubbish”.
The Asian parliamentarian said they believe Sunak came to a point where he just had enough of the drama that surrounds Johnson.
“By nature, he (Sunak) is very polite. He probably didn’t want to have a row in public. He was obviously, in private, frustrated with Boris Johnson or he wouldn’t have replied as he did,” they said.
“He got frustrated with hearing things that were clearly not entirely accurate and wanted to set the record straight.”
They added: “People want to see a prime minister who will stand up for what he believes in. Rishi came into office offering a change in management in Downing Street, a greater integrity and honour in public life. It’s great he’s standing up to that.
“Rishi Sunak is moving away from personality politics to policy politics - which is what voters put elected politicians in place to do.”
Johnson resigned last Friday from parliament claiming a “stitch-up” by political opponents on a cross-party inquiry probing whether he lied to parliament over the Covid lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street.
The 58-year-old claimed the House of Commons privileges committee, chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman, was a “kangaroo court” and were “determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament”.
He is expected to be found guilty this week of misleading parliament, with the committee to recommend he be suspended for at least ten days for lying to MPs about 'Partygate'.
Tories urged to unite behind prime minister as party faces 'destabilising' Johnson threat (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The parliamentarian said the war-of-words over the honours list is a ploy on Johnson’s part to deflect attention away from the 'Partygate' scandal.
“Boris Johnson thought the rules applied to everybody else but not himself,” they said. “That’s Boris. He wanted to have his way and he had very little regards for the rules. That’s a pattern consistent of Boris’s time in public life.
“This stuff around the honours list is a deliberate distraction on Boris’s part to take attention away from the main issue - which is his own conduct which is under investigation by the privileges committee.
“Being found guilty is incredibly serious. You can argue the verdict, but this a group of cross-party parliamentarians with a majority of Conservatives on the committee that came to this conclusion. The idea this is some sort of bias, kangaroo court is not accurate.”
Despite being forced out from power last year by a party revolt over his conduct, Johnson commands a loyal core of supporters in the Conservatives who regard him as a powerful vote-winner in parts of the country that others, like Sunak, cannot reach.
Sunak, who served as chancellor under Johnson before playing a pivotal role in his downfall, has struggled to unify the party behind him ahead of a general election expected next year.
Johnson’s resignation as MP has sparked fresh factional in-fighting in the Conservative party with his allies, former culture secretary Nadine Dorries and former minister of sport and civil society, Nigel Adams, also both resigning as MPs.
The resignations mean Tories have to contest three by-elections when they trail in the polls to Labour.
According to some opinion polls, the Conservatives are likely to lose two of those votes, with the third difficult to call.
"Rishi Sunak is moving away from personality politics to policy politics - which is what voters put elected politicians in place to do", observes an Asian parliamentarian (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Johnson’s resignation statement caused further unrest within the party as he called for reduced business and personal taxes and a “properly Conservative government.” The words, which were aimed at Sunak, have started to resonate with some Tory members.
The statement has spurred members who have criticised the government for being too cautious in pursuing what they say is the party's traditional agenda of cutting taxes and regulation to boost a flagging economy.
“Rishi needs to get a grip pretty quickly. He needs to listen to what Boris said about tax and growth and tell (chancellor) Jeremy Hunt plainly that he has to revert to Conservative fiscal policies,” said one Conservative MP on condition of anonymity. “The tax burden must come down.”
Johnson, Sunak's allies say, has done little to allow his successor to bring calm to Downing Street, with the probe into his behaviour during Covid-19 lockdowns and his prominent media profile offering him ample opportunity to share his views.
They point to what they see as the hypocrisy of Johnson, whose government, also under then-chancellor Sunak, oversaw a huge increase in pandemic spending that pushed Britain's tax burden towards the highest level in decades.
“You can't win an election when the party hates each other this much,” said a former party special adviser. “It just looks ridiculous.”
The Asian parliamentarian stressed that Sunak needs to ignore the noise coming out of the Johnson camp and continue to deliver for the British people.
“He needs to continue to deliver on the five pledges that he outlined which are halving inflation, reducing debt, growing the economy, cutting NHS waiting lists and stopping small-boat crossings to the UK.
“He needs to show that the government can deliver on these pledges, but, beyond that, he needs to show an optimistic vision of where he intends to take the country if he wants to seek re-election in a likely general election next autumn.”
Johnson hinted his career in politics wasn’t over by quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous words “I’ll be back” in a newspaper column on Tuesday (13), adding, “we must fully deliver on Brexit and on the 2019 manifesto and we must smash Labour at the next election.”
However, a Conservative MP who was once a supporter of the former prime minister, said: “He has had his time and we need to him to move on. He is embarrassing himself and the party.”
Tory sources claim Sunak would block Johnson from standing again as a Conservative MP before the next election.
The public’s support for the former prime minister also seems to have waned with a poll by YouGov finding only 25 per cent want Johnson to return to parliament in the future. A majority of Britons (56 per cent) do not want him to come back as an MP.
“Boris will continue to make noise, but I think he will see that over time once you're out of Parliament, you lose your influence very rapidly,” said the parliamentarian.
“We've seen what's happened with (Silvio) Berlusconi (former Italian prime minister who died on Monday). Once he was out of the limelight, he got less attention. The same has happened with (Donald) Trump and the same happened with (former government advisor) Dominic Cummings.
“Once people lose their position, it’s not long before they fade away.”
Popular actor Shivam Khajuria has showcased his impressive talent in top TV serials such as Molkki, Mann Sundar and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
He is currently displaying that range in the hugely popular drama Anupamaa, earning wide acclaim. Away from the small screen, the television star is also a passionate cinema lover. He shared his all-time favourite films with Eastern Eye.
Rockstar: This musical struck a chord with me like few others ever have. Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Jordan was raw, flawed and deeply human. The emotional intensity, combined with AR Rahman’s soul-stirring music, made the film unforgettable. It was not just a love story – it was a journey through pain, passion and transformation. Despite its imperfections, it revealed a side of Bollywood I had never seen – bold, poetic and heartbreakingly real.
Rockstar
A Few Good Men: This acclaimed courtroom drama was a game-changer for me. The performances by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore were outstanding. The moral complexity and intensity of the trial – and the way justice was questioned – left a deep impact. It even made me briefly consider a career in law. A classic example of storytelling done right.
James Bond movies: The James Bond series was a big part of my childhood. I was fascinated by Bond’s style, intelligence and smooth confidence. From sleek cars and high-tech gadgets to exotic locations, each film was an escape into a thrilling world of espionage. That iconic introduction – “Bond, James Bond” – never got old. These films made me fall in love with cinematic flair and unforgettable characters.
Final Destination movies: This is one of the few horror franchises that genuinely creeped me out while keeping me hooked. The way fate played out in twisted, unpredictable ways was both terrifying and clever. Each death scene was creatively executed, and I constantly wondered what bizarre turn would come next. These were not just horror films – they were suspenseful, imaginative, and a chilling reminder that we cannot always outrun destiny.
Se7en: This haunting crime thriller is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll. The gritty visuals and slow-building tension led to a shocking climax that left me speechless. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman delivered exceptional performances. It explored the darkest sides of human nature in a way that was disturbing, powerful and unforgettable.
A still from a James Bond film
Gangs of Wasseypur: This film redefined Indian cinema for me. It was gritty, raw and unapologetically honest. A crime saga set against the backdrop of coal mafia rivalries, it felt more real than fictional. Anurag Kashyap’s bold direction and layered storytelling, combined with stellar performances, made it unforgettable. It was not just a film – it was an experience.
Border: This iconic army drama was my first real dive into war cinema, and it moved me deeply. It depicted not only the battlefield action but also the emotional struggles of soldiers and their families. The music, camaraderie and heartbreaking losses captured the true essence of patriotism and sacrifice. It made me appreciate the strength of those who serve the country.
The Sixth Sense: This psychological thriller completely blew my mind. The storytelling, the atmosphere and that unforgettable twist at the end were pure cinematic brilliance. I still remember the chill I felt during the final reveal. It was not just a thriller – it was a psychological deep dive that changed the way I watch films. A masterclass in suspense and detail.
Interstellar
3 Idiots: Every Indian student relates to this film in some way. It was humorous, emotional and thought-provoking. It challenged the rigid education system and encouraged viewers to pursue passion over pressure. Aamir Khan’s performance stood out, but the entire cast brought warmth and relatability to the story. It made me laugh, cry and reflect – more than just entertainment, it was a life lesson.
Interstellar: This is more than a science fiction film – it is an emotional journey through time, space and human connection. The way it combines complex scientific concepts with deeply personal storytelling is extraordinary. The visuals are breath-taking, the soundtrack is unforgettable, and the exploration of time as a dimension is mind-bending. It made me think, dream and feel. For me, it comes close to being a perfect film.
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Temba Bavuma of South Africa lifts the ICC World Test Championship Mace with teammates following his team's victory on Day Four of the WTC final against Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 14. (Photo: Getty Images)
AIDEN MARKRAM's century helped South Africa secure a five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Saturday. With this result, South Africa claimed their first major global title in men’s cricket.
Set 282 to win, South Africa reached the target before lunch on the fourth day, finishing on 282-5. Markram was dismissed for 136 after bringing his team to within six runs of victory.
The Proteas resumed on 213-2, needing 69 runs more. Markram, who had been out for a duck in the first innings, was unbeaten on 102 at the start of the day. Captain Temba Bavuma was on 65 despite struggling with a hamstring injury.
South Africa’s history in knockout games had often been marked by defeats, including 18 failed attempts in previous ODI and T20 World Cups. They had only reached one final before this – last year’s T20 World Cup in Barbados, where they lost to India after requiring just 30 runs from the last 30 balls with six wickets in hand.
On Saturday, however, South Africa held on to win. A team without many big names succeeded where players like Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis had not.
South Africa had an early setback when Bavuma, adding only one run to his overnight score, was caught behind off Australia captain Pat Cummins. His partnership with Markram ended at 147, but South Africa were still in control at 217-3.
With clear skies and a flat pitch, conditions were in the batters’ favour. Markram continued, cutting Cummins for four and later pulling him again to bring the target down to 50.
Cummins brought on Nathan Lyon, hoping for spin. But it was Mitchell Starc who got a breakthrough, bowling Tristan Stubbs for eight with a delivery that cut in sharply.
Australia took the new ball with South Africa at 268-4, needing just 14 more runs. Markram then drove Josh Hazlewood’s first ball for four and followed it up with three more runs off the next.
He fell shortly after, pulling Hazlewood to Travis Head at midwicket. His 207-ball innings included 14 fours.
Markram walked back to a standing ovation. Several Australian players shook his hand.
Kyle Verreynne then scored the winning run. He might have been out had Australia had any reviews remaining. South Africa’s 282-5 became the second-highest fourth-innings chase in a Lord’s Test, behind the West Indies’ 344-1 against England in 1984.
Kagiso Rabada also played a key role in the victory, finishing with match figures of 9-110.
(With inputs from agencies)
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King Charles, wearing a black armband to pay respects to the victims of Air India plane crash, attends the Trooping the Colour parade on his official birthday in London. (Photo: Reuters)
A MINUTE's silence for the victims of the Air India plane crash was observed on Saturday during the Trooping the Colour parade in London marking King Charles's official birthday. Some members of the royal family wore black armbands during the ceremony.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said King Charles, 76, had requested changes to the parade “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy”.
The crash on Thursday involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that was taking off from Ahmedabad in eastern India and heading to London's Gatwick Airport. A total of 279 people, including passengers, crew and individuals on the ground, were killed.
Among the victims were 52 Britons. The only survivor identified so far is British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh from Leicester.
Following the disaster, King Charles said in a written statement that he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events” and extended his “deepest possible sympathy”.
Royal family attends parade
Trooping the Colour is a military tradition that dates back over 200 years and marks the monarch's official birthday. The event begins at Buckingham Palace, proceeds down The Mall, and concludes at Horse Guards Parade, where the King receives a royal salute and inspects the troops.
Hundreds of people gathered along The Mall and outside the palace to view the event. A small group of anti-monarchy protesters were present, carrying yellow signs that read “not my king” and “down with the crown”.
King Charles, who continues weekly treatment for an unspecified cancer, was accompanied by Queen Camilla. Also present were Prince William, 42, his wife Catherine, and their children George, 11, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven.
No appearance by Harry and Meghan
Catherine, 43, the Princess of Wales, had earlier announced in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer. In January 2025, she said she was “in remission” and has since gradually resumed public engagements.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan did not attend the event. The couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and now live in the United States. Reports in the UK media suggest that relations between Harry and other members of the royal family remain strained, with minimal communication between him and his brother William.
Although Trooping the Colour is held in June, King Charles was born in November. The tradition of a second birthday celebration was introduced in 1748 by King George II to ensure the monarch’s birthday could be marked in better weather.
Saturday's parade coincided with a major military parade in Washington led by US President Donald Trump on his 79th birthday.
Parle Patel has been a magnetic force in entertainment for nearly 15 years, combining laughter, language and layered identity into sketches, stage shows, radio and social media reels.
The “all-round entertainer”, best known as a fierce champion of Gujarati culture, has gained a loyal global following that spans from London to the heartlands of India.
This year, the popular British talent added another significant milestone to his creative journey by making a winning debut in Gujarati cinema with the film Umbarro. With a unique blend of humour, heart and heritage, Patel has added another huge chapter to an inspiring story of proudly representing his community.
Eastern Eye caught up with the great British hero to discuss his creative journey, film debut, inspirations and future plans..
In Gujarati film Umbarro
How do you reflect on your creative journey? I take stops throughout the year to reflect on what I have done creatively and see if it aligns with my values and aspirations. This includes time away from the UK to reflect. I also think about inspiring figures I look up to and see if I can build on what I have taken on board from them.
You have always championed Gujarati culture. How important is that to you? My main aim was always to speak up for those not properly seen within our Gujarati community. I started making comedy because not enough was being said, explored or celebrated about us. After nearly 15 years, it is not just about ethnicity or religion, but about representing anything you feel is not seen or heard. Now, it is also important for me to celebrate other Gujarati artists and talent too, by highlighting them through my platforms.
You have done diverse work from the online space to theatre, but which has been closest to your heart? All of them have bits of my heart. Each has helped me in different ways. YouTubing and being online showed me you can just start with yourself and build an audience – especially now, when people need that community. It built a worldwide audience. I never thought people in India would like my content, or that I would be doing shows in the US. And getting recognised on a tiny island in Thailand? The power of the internet is mind-blowing.
What about radio and theatre? Theatre is just as good, but different. Hearing everyone laugh together, or the silence during a serious bit, is so raw and real. You know what has made them laugh. Online, you get ‘lol’, or emojis, which is not the same. Radio is another world, with just the voice. It is massively challenging making comedy or saying what I think without the face or acting. Each one is different, but they all fit together – like bits of me, Parle.
How does all your amazing previous work compare to working in a Gujarati film produced by a company from India? With digital content, it is a one-man team, but in film, there is an entire cast and crew helping you stay energised. There are also random people or guests who have come to watch the shoot. So, it is a very different environment, where you really learn to focus with so much going on around you. The team was like a family – so warm and helpful. My fantastic director was so supportive. He never made me feel like this was my first feature film.
How did you feel when you got that film offer? It was really exciting. To work for a director, Abhishek Shah, whose work I am immensely inspired by – like Hellaro, which was a superhit globally. Also, for this role, I had to specifically represent British Gujaratis, and that was going to be fun.
Thumbnail from his social media reel
Tell us about Umbarro and your character. The film follows the lives of seven Gujarati women from different walks of life, travelling to London on a tour. Each lady has a different backstory that needs healing. It beautifully shows that there is no one type of Gujarati woman and has a beautiful element of sisterhood. They help one another through issues like grief, loss and relationships, but also empower each other. I was playing Simran, a half-Punjabi and half-Gujarati. That was where the humour stemmed from. All our characters were on a journey, and had gender-neutral names, which is important when there is not that much representation.
What was your most memorable moment from this Gujarati film journey? A few special things happened. What really struck me was how much the team persevered without ever complaining. Freezing night shoots, a 12th take – everyone just rallied with pure dedication to Gujarati storytelling. Then connecting with senior actors and legends, who knew my UK comedy stuff? It was heart-warming and humbling when they asked my opinion. The Northern Lights also appeared during a shoot, which felt like a sign and blessing. That was unforgettable.
How much do you love that Gujarati cinema has been on the rise? I am so happy and grateful that directors in the industry have not given up or stopped. They are so passionate about the Gujarati language. For ages, I felt like the only one who cared. But then this ‘renaissance’ happened after that lull since the golden oldies. There is often a bias against our regional films. People say, ‘I cannot speak Gujarati, so I will not watch’, but they happily watch a series like Squid Game with subtitles. Surely, it’s about the story?
You have worked on so many different mediums and platforms. What is the plan going forward? With so many things happening globally, I feel my audience is really hungry for more online content. People want to connect, feel a sense of community, and escape as well. In the beginning, I was almost told off for making escapist content. But I think it is important to help people escape the stresses of day-to-day life and laugh at relatable funny things. So, everyone is definitely going to see more online content. It is how people from remote locations get to connect with Gujarati language, comedy and culture.
What about other platforms? I will go back to the stage in some capacity. I really hope to connect with people who want to collaborate and are also passionate about telling authentic stories – especially ones about British Gujaratis, Asians, Hindus and Indians here in the UK. There is so much more that is waiting to be told. I just want to keep representing.
Are you hoping to work in more films? I would love to work in more films. I will always push myself and audition for roles that I feel I can play. I will always try my best to take training and learn more about each medium.
What inspires you creatively? It can be a spark from anywhere. But proper inspiration comes from stories – my own life and family. During tough times, you remember the bad stuff, right? But later, you can choose how to look back – grief, drama or comedy. I pick comedy. It is a human superpower. Turning sad memories into funny ones, adding my ‘masala’. It may not be funny at first, but give it a day or two. That is being a comic – spinning the mundane. Loads of my videos are just everyday stuff, heightened a bit.
Tell us about the family aspect. My parents are a massive inspiration. Dad put me in front of the camera first and taught me how to frame a shot. Mum has always been sharp, witty and has a love for Gujarati dance. I grew up around that. They are proper powerhouses, making me see the funny everywhere. My partner shows me the funny in stuff I would miss. Being with someone who loves comedy and theatre unlocks so much. We get through the mad times by just laughing.
Instagram: @planetparle
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Father’s Day reflects a wide range of traditions shaped by history, culture and emotion
Father’s Day is often seen as a time for cards, tools or a family lunch, but across the globe, it carries a much deeper significance. Beyond the commercial promotions, Father’s Day reflects a wide range of traditions shaped by history, culture and emotion. While some mark the occasion with grand gestures, others focus on quiet reflection, respect and the bonds that define fatherhood.
Thailand’s day of respect
In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on 5 December, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The day is as much about honouring the nation’s former monarch as it is about celebrating fatherhood. Citizens wear yellow, the king’s birth colour, and present canna lilies to their fathers as a symbol of gratitude and respect. It’s a cultural blend of familial and national reverence.
Germany’s tradition of brotherhood
Germany takes a different approach. Known as Vatertag, or Father’s Day, it coincides with Ascension Day and is often marked by groups of men going on hiking trips, pulling wagons of food and drink. While it may appear more social than family-oriented, the tradition is rooted in camaraderie and shared responsibility among men and father figures.
Remembering fathers in Mexico
In Mexico and across parts of Latin America, Father’s Day is a time to honour both the living and the departed. Families often visit cemeteries to pay tribute to late fathers and gather to share stories and memories. It’s a day that highlights legacy over materialism, where the emotional role of a father is celebrated beyond life itself.
The expanding meaning in India
In India, Father’s Day doesn’t have deep historical roots, but its popularity is growing among urban families. Influenced by Western customs, it is increasingly used to recognise not only biological fathers, but also mentors, guardians and elders who provide support and guidance. The day is evolving into a broader celebration of male role models across generations.
A shared message worldwide
Though celebrated in different ways, Father’s Day across cultures shares a central idea: appreciation. Whether through a gift, a walk, a meal or a memory, the day is about acknowledging the role fathers and father figures play in shaping lives. In a time when traditional family structures are changing, this occasion also highlights that fatherhood is defined not just by biology, but by love, responsibility and care.
A thoughtful reminder
Rather than focus on finding the perfect present, Father’s Day offers an opportunity to be present. A simple message, a phone call or a shared moment can mean more than any physical gift. In a fast-moving world, slowing down to recognise those who’ve quietly supported us is perhaps the most meaningful tribute we can give.