UK is open to overseas talent

The UK will make it easier to attract global talent at a time when the US is making it harder, the chancellor has said, in a direct reference to a recent overhaul of American visa policy.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a 50-fold hike in the cost of skilled-worker permits to $100,000 (£74,000), causing confusion as staff from US tech firms rushed back to the USA.

"While President Trump announced late last week that it will make it harder to bring talent to the US, we want to make it easier to bring talent to the UK," Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday.

The BBC understands the government plans to double the number of high skilled foreign worker visas to around 18,000 a year.

Reeves comments come after the UK trumpeted a £150bn tech deal with the US during Trump's second state visit.

Reeves was speaking at the opening of fintech giant Revolut's new global headquarters in Canary Wharf, where the firm said it would invest £3bn in the UK and create 1,000 new jobs.

The firm is something of a test case for the government's hopes to remove regulatory barriers to fast growing international companies.

Last week, Trump caused chaos in Silicon Valley by announcing an overhaul of the H-1B visa system used by the likes of Google, Apple, Microsoft and others to hire top talent from overseas.

Many US tech workers, originally from other countries, who were outside of the US at the time of the announcement then scrambled to fly back - spending thousands of dollars in some cases.

By Saturday, the White House sought to calm the storm, clarifying that the fee applied only to new applicants and was a one-off. Yet, the long-standing H-1B programme - criticised for undercutting American workers but praised by tech firms - still faces an uncertain future.

Trump's wife Melania Trump, Tesla chief executive and former Trump ally Elon Musk, Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella all held H-1B visas at one point.

During her speech at Revolut's offices on Tuesday, Reeves was keen to stress the UK's alternative approach.

"London isn't just the capital of the United Kingdom, it is one of the two financial capitals in the world, and we want to differentiate ourselves from other countries around the world by being open to the best talent globally," she said.

"So, while President Trump announced late last week that it will make it harder to bring talent to the US, we want to make it easier to bring talent to the UK.

"We are expanding our global talent and high potential individual visa routes, and we're moving quickly to make those easier to access and more supportive of firms ambitions to bring talent here."

-BBC

Eluned Morgan rejects Trump state banquet invite

 

First Minister Eluned Morgan has declined the King's invitation to a state banquet with Donald Trump at Windsor Castle

Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan has turned down the King's invitation to a state banquet with Donald Trump at Windsor Castle.

The US President arrived in London on Tuesday night with First Lady Melania Trump for his second state visit.

On Tuesday night the Welsh government said Morgan wanted to support colleagues at an "incredibly difficult time" after the recent death of Caerphilly Senedd member Hefin David.

On Wednesday a spokesperson said there was a "private engagement tonight between the first minister and MSs" after Mr David's death. Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar said it would be seen as a "snub" by the United States and was "deeply regrettable".

What is Palestine Action, the activist group banned by the UK government?

The UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood comes weeks after the government banned a pro-Palestinian activist group.

Palestine Action is an organization that aims to disrupt the operations of weapons manufacturers connected to the Israeli government. It was outlawed by the British government in June following a security breach at the UK’s largest airbase.

It was founded by Huda Ammori and climate activist Richard Barnard in 2020, when the group took its first action to shut down the UK operations of Elbit Systems – Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer – and stated its commitment to “ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime.”

Since it was founded, Palestine Action has also, among other actions, occupied, blockaded, spray painted and disrupted the Israeli-French drone company UAV Tactical Systems and the global arms giant Leonardo.

However, it was the group’s late June 2025 action – when activists broke into Britain’s largest airbase, RAF Brize Norton, and vandalized two Airbus Voyager refueling planes with paint and crowbars – that spurred serious government action.

Days later, then-UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper – who was made foreign secretary in a recent cabinet reshuffle – designated Palestine Action as a terror group, placing it on equal footing with organizations such as Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS – sparking condemnation from United Nations experts, human rights groups, and politicians.

Hundreds have been arrested trying to protest the activist group’s ban.

Almost 900 demonstrators were arrested in London earlier this month, marking the largest mass arrest in the English capital in decades.

-CNN

UK set to recognize Palestinian statehood today

• The UK is set to recognize a Palestinian state later today after Israel failed to meet conditions set out by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including agreeing to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

• The announcement will come despite pressure from US politicians and the families of hostages held by Hamas. Israel says recognizing a Palestinian state is tantamount to rewarding terror.

• Canada and France also plan to recognize a Palestinian state at next week’s UN General Assembly as international pressure builds on Israel over the ongoing war and starvation crisis in Gaza.

• Elsewhere today on the ground, dozens of people have been reported killed as the Israeli military presses on with operations in the Gaza City area.

-CNN

Canada recognizes Palestinian state

 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference in Berlin on August 26.

Annegret Hilse/Reuters

Canada has announced that it recognizes the State of Palestine, in a move expected to be mirrored by the United Kingdom later today, and France and others at the UN General Assembly this week.

“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the state of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X.

Carney had said in July that his country intended to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly. At the time the plan drew condemnation from Israeli officials, who painted the decision as a “reward to Hamas.”

“The Palestinian Authority has renounced violence, has recognized Israel and is committed to the two-state solution,” a senior Canadian government official told CNN shortly before Sunday’s announcement. “We are recognizing the State of Palestine in order to empower those who seek peaceful coexistence and marginalize Hamas.”

Ahead of Carney’s statement, senior Canadian officials pushed back on Israel’s negative reaction to the decision, telling CNN that recognizing Palestine is “not being done to confront or punish Israel.”

“Our sincere communication efforts are to explain this and do everything in our power to prevent the voices that are trying to make this a confrontational gesture from gaining the day,” one senior Canadian official said.

Canadian officials added that they believe recognition keeps a two-state solution in play despite Israel’s open opposition to the prospect of a Palestinian state.

Carney’s announcement in July also provoked criticism from US President Donald Trump, who promptly suggested that the move would hurt Canada in any trade talks with the United States.

UK set to recognize Palestinian statehood today

• The UK is set to recognize a Palestinian state later today after Israel failed to meet conditions set out by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including agreeing to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

• The announcement will come despite pressure from US politicians and the families of hostages held by Hamas. Israel says recognizing a Palestinian state is tantamount to rewarding terror.

• Canada and France also plan to recognize a Palestinian state at next week’s UN General Assembly as international pressure builds on Israel over the ongoing war and starvation crisis in Gaza.

• Elsewhere today on the ground, dozens of people have been reported killed as the Israeli military presses on with operations in the Gaza City area.

-CNN

Britons react to PM's plans to recognize Palestinian statehood

Britons split over Palestinian state recognition

01:07

As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks set to recognize a Palestinian state later today, Brits in London appeared split over the move.

Peter, a 70-year-old retired police officer, said the recognition is “rewarding Hamas.”

“I’m very sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian people. But I don’t think this is the way forward. I think it emboldens them and will only lead to further trouble on the world stage,” Peter, who declined to give his surname, told Reuters today.

Michael Angus, a 55-year-old charity director, disagreed. “I think it’s acknowledging that there’s a people here who are suffering the most awful genocide. And actually, it’s time for the rest of the world to say enough is enough and give them a place to call home,” he said.

Trump goes into UN General Assembly isolated but defiant

 As we’ve reported, US President Donald Trump “disagrees” with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over recognition of Palestinian statehood.

When Trump delivers the first address of his second term to the annual gathering of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, he will also be at odds with more than half of the member nations, including key allies, over the war in Gaza.

The Trump administration has become increasingly isolated on the issue as the conflict nears its two-year mark. As a growing number of countries have denounced Israel’s actions in the enclave, the US has not only stood by its ally but provided it with consistent political cover and military support.

One of the clearest examples of the US’ isolation will come tomorrow, when France and Saudi Arabia co-host a two-state solution conference, supported by 142 of the 193 UN Member States.

The US is not participating in the conference and was one of only 10 countries who voted against the General Assembly resolution backing the high-level gathering.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce that France is recognizing a Palestinian state during the conference, saying in recent days that the move would isolate Hamas. It is a largely symbolic move that some nations have taken in recent months or plan to take in the weeks ahead, and one that Trump administration officials have condemned as counterproductive to peace efforts.

The UK is set to announce its recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend, and Canada, Australia and Belgium expect to join France in making the same announcement during the UN gathering.

-CNN

Taiwan unveils first missile jointly with American

 

A low-cost autonomous cruise missile is displayed during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 17, 2025. 

I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images

Taipei, Taiwan — 

Taiwan has unveiled a prototype cruise missile, developed jointly with a US arms maker and set to be manufactured on the island, as it tries to build up its weapons industry to deter any possible military threats from China.

The government-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan’s top arms manufacturer, showcased the “low-cost autonomous cruise missile” it developed together with Anduril Industries, a relative newcomer to the ranks of American defense contractors, ahead of the island’s largest defense expo that began Thursday.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize it – by force if necessary. Under leader Xi Jinping, China has intensified military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan, regularly sending fighter jets and warships, looking to squeeze its presence on the world stage.

In the face of the China threat, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te recently announced that Taiwan will raise defense spending to 5% of its GDP before 2030.

Adapted from Anduril’s Barracuda-500, an autonomous, low-cost loitering ammunition launched from aircraft that is undergoing tests by the US military, the new land-mobile missile can be used against targets at sea or on land. NCSIST did not give a range for the missile.

Taiwan aims to roll out the production line of the missile in the next year and a half, capping the cost per missile at approximately $216,000, NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang, told reporters on Wednesday.

“The entire supply chain of the missile will be in Taiwan. That is the overall direction of all future cooperation,” Li said.

The NCSIST also displayed a prototype of an underwater drone and an underwater autonomous mobile mine that it aims to jointly develop and produce with Anduril.

Washington is Taiwan’s main international backer and security guarantor and for decades has been the primary supplier of weapons to Taipei. In recent years, however, US deliveries have been slowed as demand for weapons worldwide has surged, straining American manufacturers.

CNN has reached out to the Pentagon and Anduril for comment.

A Chiang-Kong missile and the launcher, a new generation anti-ballistic missile air defense system developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), are displayed during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 17, 2025. 

I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images

Li, president of NCSIST, added that the institute will sign two contracts and four memorandums of understanding with six US and Canadian companies during the three-day defense trade show.

During a visit to Taiwan last month, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey hailed the island’s manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess.

“Taiwan is on the verge of a techno industrial renaissance in national defense, one that’s built on top of its techno industrial renaissance in consumer electronics, in industrial electronics, one that’s made Taiwan the envy of the world,” Luckey said.

China warns against interference

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun lashed out at “external military interference” on Taiwan at an annual defense forum in Beijing on Thursday.

“We will never allow any separatist plot for Taiwan independence to succeed, and we stand ready to thwart any external military interference at any time,” Dong told defense officials, military personnel and scholars gathered at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Dong also condemned “Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism” – phrases that Beijing has long used to criticize the US – and called for countries to stand up against “bullying acts.”

Last week, Dong raised the issue of Taiwan – the reddest of red lines for Beijing – in his first call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, warning that any attempt to use the island to contain China is “doomed to fail.”

'Inshallah we will win Kharmu' - Hamza on India match

Hamza Chowdhury finally arrived in Bangladesh after the wait. The plane carrying Hamza landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at around 11:30 Bangladesh time. He has visited his home country Bangladesh many times before. However, this time his arrival is different. This time he has not only come as a son of Sylhet, but as a member of the Bangladesh national football team.

Hamza, who was born in the UK, played for England in the age group. He currently plays for Sheffield United of the Premier League. Last year, he completed various formalities from England and FIFA and was approved to play for the Bangladesh team in international football. Bangladesh will face India in the Asian Cup qualifiers on March 25. Hamza is in the team for this match. He came to Bangladesh mainly to play this match.

Immediately after seeing Hamza, the airport premises became abuzz with fans' slogans of 'Welcome to Motherland Hamza, Hamza'. The fans welcomed this star footballer by blowing red-green flare smoke. About 40 minutes after stepping foot in Bangladesh, Hamza came to talk to reporters in front of the VIP gate. There, a journalist wanted to know his expectations for the India match. After Hamza's answer, the demand arose to speak in Bengali.

He later replied in local Sylhet, 'Inshallah we will win Kharmu. I have discussed a lot with coach Javier Cabrera. We will win Kharmu and progress, Farmu.' (Inshallah we will win. I have discussed a lot with coach Javier Cabrera. We will be able to win and go to the next stage).

Hamza has already left Sylhet Airport with his family for his ancestral home in Snanghat of Bahubali police station in Habiganj district. He will join the team hotel in Dhaka tomorrow night from there.