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Tag: UK

UK introduces tougher gun laws following deadly shootings

People with a record of violence or domestic abuse will be prevented from owning firearms under new rules in the United Kingdom following a series of killings in recent years.

The new guidance, issued on Tuesday, came in response to concerns raised by coroners and campaigners after shootings in England’s Woodmancote and Keyham.

Police officers will be instructed to interview partners or other household members of people applying for a firearms licence to identify signs of domestic abuse.

Other factors that could make someone unsuitable to own a weapon.

They must carry out additional checks to ensure people with a record of violence are not permitted to hold a firearms licence.

The move came two years after an inquest found that “catastrophic failures” in the licensing system had meant Keyham gunman Jake Davison had been allowed to own a shotgun despite his history of violence.

Davison, then 22, killed his mother and four others, including a three-year-old girl, in an eight-minute shooting spree before taking his own life in August 2021.

Evidence of dishonesty will also be considered against an application, including the withholding of relevant medical history.

Robert Needham killed his partner, Kelly Fitzgibbons, and their daughters, Ava and Lex, with a legally owned shotgun at their home in Woodmancote in 2020.

He was given a licence even after admitting that he had failed to disclose a history of depression and work-related stress.

Emma Ambler, Fitzgibbons’ sister, welcomed the changes but said there was “still some way to go.”

She said: “I still believe that holding a gun licence is a privilege and not a right.

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“The priority has to be the safety of society, and it’s so important to stop these extremely dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands, which these changes will go some way to doing.”

Tuesday’s changes will also mean applicants for shotgun licences now require two referees rather than one, bringing the process into line with the rules for other firearms.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “Only those who meet the highest standards of safety and responsibility should be permitted to use shotguns or firearms.

“It is crucial that police have full information about the suitability of all applicants for these lethal weapons.

“The events in Woodmancote in 2020, Plymouth in 2021, and other cases provide a tragic reminder of what can happen when these weapons are in the hands of the wrong people.

“We must do everything we can to protect the public.”

Controls on shotgun ownership could be further toughened after another consultation, due to be launched later this year, that will also seek views on improving the rules on private firearms sales.

The new consultation follows the case of Nicholas Prosper, who killed his mother, Juliana Falcon, and siblings Giselle and Kyle Prosper in Luton in 2024.

Prosper, 19, had been able to purchase a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate firearms dealer after forging a licence.

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 49 years after pleading guilty to the murders earlier this year.

(dpa/NAN)

August 5, 2025
UK’s Starmer holds urgent Cabinet meeting on Gaza peace pathway

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will convene an urgent Cabinet meeting on Tuesday as he seeks to set out a pathway to peace in Gaza.

Starmer will call senior ministers in during the summer recess for the meeting on Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, the PA news agency understands.

The prime minister shared plans he is working on with France and Germany to “bring about a lasting peace” with U.S. President Donald Trump when they met in Scotland, Downing Street said.

And he planned to share details with Arab states and other key allies in the coming days.

Starmer was facing mounting calls to recognise Palestinian statehood immediately.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “This week, the Prime Minister is focused on a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground, and a sustainable route to a two-state solution.

“We are clear that the recognition of the Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if.

“But it must be one of the steps on the path to a two-state solution as part of a wider plan that delivers lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

Amid international alarm over starvation in Gaza, Israel announced at the weekend that it would suspend fighting in three areas for 10 hours day and open secure routes for aid delivery.

The UK confirmed it was taking part in airdrops of aid into the territory.

Aid agencies have welcomed the new measures but said they were not enough to counter the rising hunger in the Palestinian territory.

Starmer said that the British public was “revolted” at the scenes of desperation in Gaza as he appeared alongside Trump at his Turnberry golf course on Monday.

“It’s a humanitarian crisis, it’s an absolute catastrophe.

“Nobody wants to see that. I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they’re seeing on their screens, so we’ve got to get to that ceasefire.”

The U.S. president hinted at sticking points in U.S.-led negotiations over a peace deal, saying Palestinian militant group Hamas had become “very difficult to deal with” in recent weeks.

He said this was because they only held a small remaining number of Israeli hostages.

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Starmer has likened the plan he is working on with France and Germany to the coalition of the willing, the international effort to support Ukraine towards a lasting peace.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said the plan would build “on the collaboration to date that paves the way to a long-term solution on security in the region.”

Starmer is meanwhile facing calls from a growing number of members of parliament (MPs) to recognise a Palestinian state immediately.

More than 250 cross-party MPs have now signed a letter calling for ministers to take the step, up from 221 on Friday.

(dpa/NAN)

July 29, 2025
FG, UK launch programme to boost Nigerian SMEs, strengthen trade standards

Federal government, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, has launched a new initiative to support local institutions and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in strengthening quality infrastructure for international trade.

Speaking at the launch of the Standards Partnership Programme in Abuja, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, Simeon Umukoro, said the UK-funded programme is part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade relations and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for global commerce.

Umukoro noted that the initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria and is tailored to help Nigerian SMEs engage more effectively in international trade with the UK.

He added that the programme would enable SMEs to benefit from the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which provides duty-free access to the UK market for over 3,500 Nigerian products.

The initiative is specifically designed to assist small businesses in meeting technical and regulatory standards required for global exports, ensuring inclusivity and broad-based economic impact beyond large corporations.

According to him, “The programme involves establishing institutional frameworks and strengthening national agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS). These institutions are being equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to ensure Nigerian products meet global quality and safety standards.

“This programme works closely with the National Quality Council and other relevant bodies to implement the National Quality Policy. This collaboration fosters a coordinated national approach to quality infrastructure, something many countries struggle to achieve—giving Nigeria a competitive edge in the global market.

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“The Standards Partnership Programme, which began in 2022, is currently in its third phase and is set to continue until March 2026. At this stage, the initiative focuses on four key sectors: leather, tea, cashew, and coffee. These sectors were selected as pilot industries to identify existing challenges and address gaps in areas such as measurement standards (metrology), accreditation, and conformity assessment. The programme works with stakeholders to close these gaps and raise the sectors to export-ready standards.”

Speaking, Olalekan Omoniyi, Deputy Director of Standards Development at SON, emphasised the importance of the partnership in creating a shared understanding among stakeholders of the critical role standards play in facilitating trade and driving exports.

The collaboration, he said, has enabled SON to identify key export products that require standardisation to meet international market demands, noting that a strong national quality infrastructure is vital for any country seeking to participate meaningfully in international trade and achieve long-term economic growth.

July 28, 2025
Davido’s ‘Timeless’ album earns Silver Certification in UK

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has earned a Silver Certification in the United Kingdom for his fourth studio album “Timeless”.

The album has broken multiple streaming records on platforms like Spotify Nigeria, Audiomack, Boomplay, and YouTube.

The album, released on March 31, 2023, features 17 tracks that explore diverse musical styles such as Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, konto, highlife, and Afropop.

With notable collaborations with artists like Asake, Skepta, Dexta Daps, Fave, Cavemen, and Angelique Kidjo, “Timeless” has been a chart-topper.

The album’s success extends beyond its commercial performance, earning Davido a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album and a Headies nomination for Song of the Year.

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The hit singles “Unavailable” and “Feel” also received Grammy nominations for Best African Song Performance and Best Global Song Performance, respectively.

Following the album’s release, Davido embarked on the “Timeless Tour,” a global concert tour promoting the album, with stops in major cities like Washington D.C., Toronto, New York, and London.

July 16, 2025
UK launches eVisas for Nigerian study, work applicants

The United Kingdom has announced the introduction of an e-visa for some categories of Nigerian applicants

From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.

Instead, the UK High Commission, in a statement, said successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status.

This change, the High Commission said, marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

The change, according to the statement, issued by Warm Regards, Onyinye Madu, British High Commission Communications Office, applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025 as applicants who applied before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.

Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.

Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

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Chargé d’Affaires, Gill Lever OBE, British High Commission in Abuja, said the latest process is to make travelling easier and faster for Nigerians.

The High Commissioner explained that the process does not apply to dependents and tourists.

“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport. This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” Lever OBE said.

July 9, 2025
99% of Nigerian exports to UK now duty-free

Amid growing tensions in global trade, the United Kingdom on Friday granted Nigeria duty-free access on 99 percent of goods it exports to the UK under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

The British High Commission in Nigeria made the announcement in a statement released on Friday.

The statement explained that the UK wants to build stronger trade ties with Nigeria, support Nigerian exports, and help both countries grow their economies in a sustainable way.

DCTS was launched in June 2023 as part of the UK’s trade policy to support growing economies.

With the recent update, Nigeria can now export over 3,000 products to the UK either without paying duties or at lower tax rates. These products include both farm produce and processed goods.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, described Nigeria as a central partner in the UK’s global trade strategy, stating that the DCTS is not only a tool for increasing market access but also a pathway to unlocking sustainable economic development.

“A major advantage of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme is the reduction or complete elimination of duty tariffs on everyday goods such as cashew nuts, cocoa, cotton, plantain, tomatoes, prawns, and sesame. This isn’t just about improved access into the UK market, it’s about building a fairer, freer global trading system that supports economic growth and job creation, both in developing countries and in the UK.” Montgomery said.

The scheme simplifies export rules, lowers import costs for UK businesses, and expands consumer access to affordable goods, creating mutual economic benefits.

For Nigerian businesses, it provides a competitive edge, especially for key exports such as cocoa paste and butter, shrimp, sesame oil, palm oil, and cotton clothing.

Beyond raw commodities, the DCTS also promotes Nigeria’s shift toward processed and value-added exports, an important step in moving the country up the global value chain and away from dependence on primary goods.

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Montgomery further revealed that the UK is actively working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) to address export challenges and ensure the scheme’s full benefits reach Nigerian businesses.

The DCTS includes 37 African countries, but Nigeria’s strategic importance and trade potential make it a priority partner. The scheme is part of the UK’s broader efforts to expand economic partnerships globally, alongside recent trade deals with countries like India and the United States.

Trade experts say the DCTS could be a game-changer for Nigerian SMEs, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, by creating new opportunities for export earnings, job creation, and industrial growth.

June 20, 2025
Lagos, Ebonyi to benefit from UK funded health research project

Ebonyi and Lagos states have been selected for the improving equity in respiratory disease outcomes using data-driven tools (EQUI-RESP Africa Project).

The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke stated this at the flag-of of the project in Ebonyi.

The event took place at the the Institute of Child Health (ICH), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).

Prof Uneke identified respiratory diseases as the cause of acute and chronic morbidity and mortality in Africa.

Uneke, who is the Ebonyi state team lead of the project, said respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer were prevalent in the region.

He explained that the project is multi-country and implemented in five African countries incuding Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and South Africa.

According to him, Ebonyi and Lagos states were the only states selected for the project in Nigeria.

“The funding support is from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) United Kingdom and coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, UK”, he said

Uneke observed that there was limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the respiratory diseases and large inequities in the outcomes of the diseases.

“It is well established that respiratory diseases,such as chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia in children and adults, asthma, and lung cancer, are all prevalent in Nigeria as in the remaining four target African countries.

“Although these respiratory diseases cause a very large burden of both acute and chronic morbidity, as well as mortality in Nigeria, there is limited health systems’ capacity for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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“Furthermore, there are large inequities in the outcomes of these diseases. They are worst among the poor, who do not have access to affordable and quality healthcare”, he said.

He noted that the project will provide some critical equipment for the use in the detection/diagnosis of some respiratory diseases and also provide free treatment to up to 1000 patients across the six target health facilities in Ebonyi State within the four-years duration of the project.

“In this effort, we will harness a large body of work that has already been invested in the development, validation, implementation and training for the use of the tools such as Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) and the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method.

“We will also pilot and validate the “Pathways to Survival” (PATHS) tool, a novel tool based on decision science, that identifies key bottlenecks in intervention delivery.

“The goal is to achieve demonstrable and equitable reductions in morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases through improvements in interventions and policies derived from data-driven tools”, the Vice Chancellor said. Ends

June 13, 2025
Beyond UK: Seven countries Nigerians can migrate to for care work in 2025

As the UK officially ends its foreign care work visa route, thousands of Nigerians who had their eyes set on caregiving opportunities in Britain are now asking: “Where else can I go?”

The UK isn’t the only option. Several countries around the world are actively welcoming care workers to support their aging populations and growing healthcare systems. If you’re trained in caregiving or looking to build a career in this field, here are the top countries where Nigerians can still migrate to for care work, legally, safely, and with a promising future.

Here are seven Countries Nigerians can migrate to for care work:

1. Canada

Canada remains a top destination for caregivers through the Home Support Worker Pilot and the Home Child Care Provider Pilot. The country is experiencing a shortage of caregivers, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Successful applicants can apply for permanent residency after two years of work, and their spouses and children can join them. Applicants need to pass an English language test (IELTS), have at least one year of post-secondary education, and possess relevant experience or training in caregiving.

2. Germany

Germany offers attractive options like the Nursing Apprenticeship (Ausbildung) and direct care jobs for skilled workers. It provides free or subsidised training programs along with monthly stipends during training. With high job security and a pathway to permanent residence, Germany is ideal for those willing to learn the language. Applicants need a secondary school certificate, basic caregiving background, and German proficiency at the B1 or B2 level.

3. Australia

Australia continues to recruit aged care workers through pathways like the Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 482) and via the Skilled Occupation List. With competitive salaries, family visa options, and a clear path to permanent residency, Australia is a solid choice. Applicants should have relevant qualifications, English proficiency (IELTS or PTE), and prior caregiving or nursing experience.

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4. New Zealand

New Zealand welcomes care workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa and the Care Workforce Work-to-Residence Visa (listed under the Green List). The country guarantees a minimum pay and offers residence after two years of eligible work. A job offer from an accredited employer, recognised qualifications or experience, and English proficiency are key requirements.

5. Ireland

Ireland is a friendly destination for healthcare assistants, offering permits like the Critical Skills Employment Permit and the General Employment Permit. Unlike some countries, Ireland doesn’t always require a degree. With English as the official language and supportive immigration policies, it’s a good fit for many Nigerians. Applicants need a job offer in the care sector, English skills, and some caregiving experience.

6. Sweden

Sweden is actively hiring for nursing and elderly care roles, with opportunities for free language training. The country’s strong healthcare system, labour protections, and options for permanent residence make it attractive. However, workers will need to learn Swedish eventually. Caregiving experience and basic qualifications will help candidates stand out.

7. Norway

Much like Sweden, Norway is also in demand for elderly care workers and nurses. The country provides free language programs in some cases and offers long-term residence pathways. Proficiency in Norwegian is needed over time, and applicants should have caregiving experience and the right certifications, especially if applying under the EU Blue Card or other skilled programs.

May 18, 2025
UK slashes graduate visa period, tightens immigration rules

Hopes of Nigerians aspiring to study and work in the United Kingdom have taken a hit following the British government’s announcement of sweeping immigration reforms, including a cut to the graduate visa route duration.

The change is part of a broader immigration reform detailed in an Immigration White Paper released on Monday, aimed at tightening what the UK government described as “systemic abuse and mission drift” across the student, asylum, and family visa systems.

“Migration must be controlled and compliant. Our reforms will close the back doors and shut down abuse across the system,” the Home Office stated on its website.

Under the revised rules, the Graduate Route, originally designed to offer international graduates two years of post-study work rights, will now provide just 18 months, and with stricter conditions. The new framework also includes a tighter transition to work visas and fewer rights to bring dependants.

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“The Graduate Route has not met its original objectives,” the document stated.

“It has become a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse.”

As part of the clampdown, only institutions that meet “enhanced compliance standards” will retain their licenses to recruit international students. Universities with low progression-to-work rates or those found to have engaged in misleading recruitment practices may face sanctions, including loss of sponsorship privileges.

The reform is expected to significantly impact Nigerian students, who in recent years have accounted for one of the largest groups of international enrollees in the UK.

May 13, 2025
Nigerians in UK protest, petition UK Home Office, High Commission to deport Kyari

Some Nigerians in the United Kingdom on Monday, May 12, 2025, staged a protest at the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Home Office, demanding the deportation of former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari to face a corruption investigation.

The demonstrators, operating under the banner of Rescue Nigeria Now, submitted formal petitions to both institutions, accusing Kyari of fleeing Nigeria to evade accountability for alleged financial misconduct during his tenure at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from 2019 to 2025.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Withdraw Mele Kyari’s residency now!”, “Mele Kyari go home and face EFCC now!”, and “London is not for public officials who abused public trust,” the protesters urged British authorities to take immediate action.

In the letter addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the group said:

“Your Excellency, this letter is not merely a petition—it is a demand— A moral, civic, and nationalistic demand. We, therefore, demand in the strongest terms that the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom refrains from according him any form of official reception, recognition, or diplomatic courtesy until he returns to Nigeria to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant investigative bodies for the myriad allegations that trail his tenure.”

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“We are aware that Mr. Kyari is currently residing in the United Kingdom, a development he carefully orchestrated to evade facing justice in Nigeria for numerous acts of corruption and shady dealings that took place during his tenure,” they alleged.

The coalition called upon the UK authorities to act in accordance with international anti-corruption agreements.

“The United Kingdom and Nigeria have established reciprocal treaties and agreements to curtail their citizens from willfully engaging in corruption and other criminal activities. This relationship is intended to ensure that justice is served and that fugitive criminals do not find safe havens in foreign countries”, it added.

May 12, 2025