Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The UK's Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, has said the UN and its partners must be allowed to operate in occupied Palestine, after the Israeli parliament passed laws banning the agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from working in areas under Israel's control.
Speaking in the UK Parliament at a Middle East Association event, sponsored by The National, Mr Falconer raised the UK's demands that Israel must allow “unfettered aid” into Gaza through its land crossings. He also emphasised Britain's concerns over the Israeli ban on UNRWA, which comes into effect this month.
“[Israel] must ensure that the UN and its humanitarian partners can operate effectively,” he said. “We are gravely concerned that the UNRWA bills that the Israeli Knesset has passed risk jeopardising the international humanitarian response and the delivery of essential services in West Bank.”
In October, the Knesset voted in favour of measures aimed at curbing UNRWA’s operations in Gaza after a 90-day grace period, which ends on January 28.
British MPs, including another speaker at the event, Layla Moran, have urged the UK government to press for continued aid access in Gaza. Ms Moran, who has relatives trapped in the enclave, welcomed the event as part of efforts to ensure greater awareness of the issues and dangers facing the Middle East.
“We can't get to the situation where a crisis erupts in the Middle East and parliamentarians find themselves in a position where they don't engage because they don't have the confidence, because it's just too complicated,” Ms Moran said.
Mr Falconer also sought to provide a commitment to the new era in Syria after the regime of Bashar Al Assad was toppled last month. Diplomatic moves to engage with the country's interim government have involved missions to Damascus by UK diplomats, followed by a trip to the region by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who was in Riyadh at the weekend to push for a peace deal.
Mr Falconer said he met Syrian civil society activists who were grateful for the support of the British government over the years.
“We will do all we can to support a Syrian-led political transition, which must involve an inclusive, nonsectarian and representative government,” he told the event.
Dozens of representatives, officials, Arab ambassadors and business representatives at the gathering exchanged views on the effects the second Donald Trump administration would have on the UK and wider policies towards the Middle East.
Paul Salem, a regional expert, told a panel on Monday that US moves on sanctions after president-elect Trump is inaugurated this month would be key to how Europe relaxed its measures against Syria.
“What the [Syrian] regime needs most is a lifting of sanctions and economic aid. And hence, the incoming Trump administration has huge leverage that affects how Europe can engage,” Mr Salem said.
“The sanctions hit everybody. I hope that the Trump administration will pick up some pieces in a positive way and to engage in a way that is productive and proactive, and that encourages the current very temporary government.”
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
The%20specs
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Match info
Arsenal 0
Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Read more about the coronavirus
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
