A drive to 'stop the boats' carrying illegal migrants over the English Channel is at the heart of Rishi Sunak's election campaign. AP
A drive to 'stop the boats' carrying illegal migrants over the English Channel is at the heart of Rishi Sunak's election campaign. AP
A drive to 'stop the boats' carrying illegal migrants over the English Channel is at the heart of Rishi Sunak's election campaign. AP
A drive to 'stop the boats' carrying illegal migrants over the English Channel is at the heart of Rishi Sunak's election campaign. AP

News

UK

Rishi Sunak puts Rwanda migrant plan at heart of election battle

Conservative leader says deportation flights would start in July if he wins general election

Tim Stickings
Tim Stickings

May 23, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak drew election battle lines on migration on Thursday, vowing deportations to Rwanda will begin within weeks if voters keep him in power.

Mr Sunak used the first full day of campaigning for Britain's July 4 election to cast himself as the candidate for those who "believe in stopping the boats".

But critics seized on new figures showing migration added 685,000 people to the UK's population last year to lay "chaos and failure" at the door of Mr Sunak's Conservatives.

READ MORE

Rishi Sunak: UK's history maker gambling on general election turnaround

English Channel migrants will not be sent to Rwanda before the election but everything is in place "so that flights can go in July", Mr Sunak said.

"If I’m re-elected as Prime Minister, I’m going to get those flights off," he told broadcasters in a round of campaign interviews.

The Labour opposition describes the Rwanda plan as an "expensive gimmick", instead promising a new crackdown on smugglers and agreements with France and Europe.

"Rishi Sunak clearly does not believe in his Rwanda plan," Labour leader Keir Starmer said on his first campaign stop on Thursday.

"I don’t think he’s ever believed that plan is going to work, and so he has called an election early enough to have it not tested before the election."

Labour's shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the figures for legal migration show "total Tory chaos and failure on immigration" despite promises to bring numbers down.

The provisional 685,000 figure is down from a record 764,000 in 2022 but still high by historical standards and was described as "appalling" by Reform Party right-wing figurehead Nigel Farage.

Home Secretary James Cleverly countered that the drop showed "the plan under Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives is working".

Mr Sunak meanwhile leapt on the Rwanda dividing line with Labour to tell voters "if you care about that issue, I’m the one that’s going to deliver on it for you".

"I’m going to get that deterrent going and that’s how we’re going to stop the boats. Keir Starmer is not going to do that."

Police recently scuffled with protesters in south London who were blocking a bus being used to transport migrants. Getty Images
Police recently scuffled with protesters in south London who were blocking a bus being used to transport migrants. Getty Images

A drive to "stop the boats" was one of five key pledges that Mr Sunak asked voters last year to judge his premiership on but the Rwanda scheme has been bogged down by court battles.

Tory ministers have also tried to bring down legal migration by tightening visa rules for students and their families.

Visa applications have fallen and there are signs of higher emigration by non-EU nationals, but it is "too early to say" if net migration is on a downward trend, said the Office for National Statistics.

The number of illegal Channel crossings fell last year but Mr Sunak conceded they have risen again after a surge in arrivals from Vietnam.

Mr Sunak said officials have "put the preparations in place" for Rwanda flights by booking planes and airfields, hiring case workers and detaining people ready for deportation.

One migrant voluntarily left the UK for Rwanda under the scheme last month, in what ministers hailed as a partial win.

The prime minister touted that several European countries are looking into similar models to Britain's Rwanda scheme.

The emphasis in the EU has generally been on processing claims in third countries rather than permanent deportations there.

Mr Sunak says there is "no way to stop this problem" unless it is "clear that if someone comes to our country illegally they won’t be able to stay and they will be removed".

Labour recently set out an immigration policy that includes more intelligence sharing with Europe and agreements to return people to France.

It is pledging to hire more staff and create a new returns unit to "clear the Tory asylum backlog" and save money on hotels where migrants are housed.

Former prosecutor Mr Starmer would also appoint a former police, military or intelligence chief as head of a new border security command, Labour says.

Migrants attempt to cross the Channel from France - in pictures

A Sudanese migrant on the beach at Gravelines, near Dunkirk, after leaving a smuggler's boat which was punctured with a knife by French police officers to prevent an attempt to cross the English Channel. All Photos: AFP
A Sudanese migrant on the beach at Gravelines, near Dunkirk, after leaving a smuggler's boat which was punctured with a knife by French police officers to prevent an attempt to cross the English Channel. All Photos: AFP
French National Police launch tear gas from a vehicle to disperse migrants on the beach of Gravelines.
French National Police launch tear gas from a vehicle to disperse migrants on the beach of Gravelines.
A migrant comforts another person who collapsed after failing to board a smuggler's boat.
A migrant comforts another person who collapsed after failing to board a smuggler's boat.
Migrants in the water at Gravelines trying to board a smuggler's boat.
Migrants in the water at Gravelines trying to board a smuggler's boat.
A Sudanese migrant is helped to the shore by others after failing to board a smuggler's boat.
A Sudanese migrant is helped to the shore by others after failing to board a smuggler's boat.
Migrants walk into the sea.
Migrants walk into the sea.
French National Police officers confiscate a dinghy.
French National Police officers confiscate a dinghy.

It says the command would "use counter-terror style tactics" to take on the human-trafficking gangs behind the Channel crossings.

The Rwanda plan is "an extortionately expensive gimmick rather than a serious plan to tackle dangerous boat crossings", the party says.

Parliament passed a bill last month declaring Rwanda a safe country, moving to override objections by the UK's Supreme Court.

The current parliament – elected in 2019 with a near-landslide Conservative majority – will be formally dissolved on Thursday.

Voters will go to the polls on July 4 with any new government normally taking office immediately, unless there is a need for coalition talks.

UK general election campaigning - in pictures

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Start times

5.55am: Wheelchair Marathon Elites

6am: Marathon Elites

7am: Marathon Masses

9am: 10Km Road Race

11am: 4Km Fun Run

Herc's Adventures

Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5

School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg:

Juventus 1 Ajax 2

Ajax advance 3-2 on aggregate

The biog

Siblings: five brothers and one sister

Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota

Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym

Favourite place: UAE

Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera

What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

Results:

6.30pm: Maiden | US$45,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres

Winner: Tabarak, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap | $175,000 (Turf) | 3,200m

Winner: Dubhe, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Estihdaaf, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor

8.15pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,800m

Winner: Nordic Lights, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 | $450,000 (D) | 1,900m

Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

9.25pm: Handicap | $175,000 (T) | 1,200m

Winner: Mazzini, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

10pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,400m.

Winner: Mubtasim, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

Match info

Manchester United 1
Fred (18')

Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')

While you're here
Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

UAE%20PREMIERSHIP
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%20v%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DSaturday%2C%208.15pm%2C%20Al%20Ain%20Amblers%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-final%20results%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EDubai%20Exiles%2020-26%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3Cbr%3EDubai%20Tigers%2032-43%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETable%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1%20Dubai%20Tigers%2C%2033%20points%0D%3Cbr%3E2%20Dubai%20Exiles%2C%2024%20points%0D%3Cbr%3E3%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%2C%2018%20points%0D%3Cbr%3E4%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%2C%2014%20points%0D%3Cbr%3E5%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%2C%2014%20points%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Name: Colm McLoughlin

Country: Galway, Ireland

Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free

Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah

 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

More from Aya Iskandarani
While you're here
On Women's Day
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
While you're here
Bahrain%20GP
%3Cp%3EFriday%20qualifying%3A%207pm%20(8pm%20UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ESaturday%20race%3A%207pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETV%3A%20BeIN%20Sports%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs: 2018 Honda City

Price, base: From Dh57,000
Engine: 1.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 146Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km

Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage

Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid 

Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani

Rating: 4/5

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
more from Janine di Giovanni
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENever%20click%20on%20links%20provided%20via%20app%20or%20SMS%2C%20even%20if%20they%20seem%20to%20come%20from%20authorised%20senders%20at%20first%20glance%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAlways%20double-check%20the%20authenticity%20of%20websites%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEnable%20Two-Factor%20Authentication%20(2FA)%20for%20all%20your%20working%20and%20personal%20services%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOnly%20use%20official%20links%20published%20by%20the%20respective%20entity%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDouble-check%20the%20web%20addresses%20to%20reduce%20exposure%20to%20fake%20sites%20created%20with%20domain%20names%20containing%20spelling%20errors%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)

The specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: nine-speed

Power: 542bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: Dh848,000

On sale: now

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated

Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid

Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Updated: May 24, 2024, 7:06 AM`
UKRishi SunakRwandaUK general election 2024