Migrants Stranded in Abhorrent Conditions on Chagos Islands May Soon be Transferred to the UK

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61 Tamil Sri Lankan asylum seekers have been living in overcrowded and infested conditions on Diego Garcia since October 2021.** Legal action has been taken against the Foreign Office, claiming an unlawful delay in their relocation. The UK government has now proposed a change in policy to allow families, children, and unaccompanied men to transfer directly to the UK. This decision is expected to be made within the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, the commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory has described the camp's conditions as 'dangerous and unsustainable', with children suffering from immediate and ongoing harm. **Leigh Day solicitor Tom Short said: 'Our clients welcome the home secretary's belated decision to offer them safety in the UK.'

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UK
migrants
Chagos Islands
Diego Garcia

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Buckle up for a wild New Year's celebration!** The UK is bracing for a week of extreme weather, with multiple yellow weather warnings in place from Monday to Thursday. Gusts of up to 70mph and heavy downpours could lead to travel disruptions, flooding, and blizzard conditions. Hogmanay celebrations are at risk, and up to 25cm of snow is expected in some areas. Stay informed, check for updates, and secure loose items outside your home.

Homelessness in the US Surges to 18.1%, Affecting Over 770,000 People

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Homelessness in the US has reached an 18.1% increase, with over 770,000 people affected. The rise is mostly due to a lack of affordable housing, natural disasters, and a surge of migrants. Family homelessness has seen a nearly 40% rise, with more than 150,000 children experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024. However, homelessness among veterans continues to trend downwards.

Farage Offers to Help Mandelson in US Role

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Nigel Farage has offered to help Lord Mandelson, the incoming US ambassador, in his new role by using his connections with the Trump administration. Despite their political differences, Farage believes he could be a useful asset for fostering good US-UK relations. He is particularly willing to assist with talks on trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing, and countering terrorism, as many members of the president's cabinet are his friends. However, he fears that the government may be too split to take up his offer. Mandelson has been warned that he will need a thick skin to weather regular attacks from Trump's allies, but with his experience in the hard world of diplomacy, he is expected to succeed as ambassador to Washington.

Prince Andrew's 'Close Confidant' Linked to Chinese Spy Scandal: Summary

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Prince Andrew's 'Close Confidant' Linked to Chinese Spy Scandal
Prince Andrew has 'ceased all contact' with a businessman accused of being a Chinese spy, after receiving advice from the government. The 'close confidant' lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. The man, known only as H6, was first excluded from entering the country in 2023 over national security fears. Judges upheld the ban on H6 entering the country on Thursday, arguing the Duke of York could have been made 'vulnerable' by his influence. The Duke of York met the individual through 'official channels' with 'nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed'.

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The UK has sanctioned a Russian military officer linked to the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal. The sanctions also target Russian mercenary groups and companies supplying arms to Russia for use in Ukraine. This move comes as a public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who was killed after coming across a sample perfume bottle containing novichok, is underway.

  • Novichok Suspect Sanctioned: Denis Sergeev has been sanctioned under the chemical weapons sanctions regime.
  • Mercenaries and Arms Suppliers Targeted: The sanctions also target Russian mercenary groups and companies supplying arms to Russia for use in Ukraine.
  • Public Inquiry Underway: A public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess is currently underway.

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The Bottom Line:** Brands charge what they can get away with, and competition is fierce in the UK market. So, if you're craving Vegemite or Tim Tams, consider a trip across the pond!

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Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boat Sinks Near Greek Island

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At least four people died** when a small boat carrying migrants from Turkey sank in the Aegean Sea off Samos, Greece. Five others were rescued, but it's unclear if more are missing. The boat, believed to be a dinghy, sank for unknown reasons, and authorities are searching for survivors. This is a common route for migrants trying to reach the EU, often in flimsy inflatables or powerful speedboats. The victims' identities and nationalities are not yet known. Greece has seen a surge in migrant crossings despite a crackdown along the Turkish border.

Question: How many people died in the migrant boat accident near Greece?

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