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UK deploys fighter jets to Qatar amid rising US-Iran tensions

UK deploys fighter jets

LONDON / DOHA: The United Kingdom has deployed four Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar in response to escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, British media reported.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the jets have been sent to Qatar strictly for defensive purposes.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump told journalists aboard Air Force One that a large US force is moving toward Iran, with several aircraft en route, as a precautionary measure near Iranian territory. He added, “We’ll see what happens next.”

Earlier, President Trump stated that the US would not launch further military action against Iran, but warned that any restart of Iran’s nuclear program would prompt a response.

UK faces harsh winter spell with temperatures dropping below -12°C

UK faces harsh winter

LONDON: The United Kingdom is witnessing record-breaking cold nights, with minimum temperatures dropping to historic lows across several regions.

According to media reports, the temperature in Marham, Norfolk, fell to minus 12.5°C overnight, marking one of the coldest nights recorded this winter. The severe cold has significantly disrupted daily life, particularly affecting schools and transportation.

Foreign media reports state that due to extreme winter conditions, children’s Christmas holidays have been extended, while hundreds of schools remained closed for a second consecutive day. Commuters travelling by road, rail, and air are also facing serious difficulties.

British media further reported that, calls for assistance due to car breakdowns surged by 40 percent, highlighting the impact of freezing conditions on vehicles.

In northern Scotland, heavy snowfall has led to major disruptions in rail services, which are not expected to return to normal until later in the evening. Eurostar services between London and the Netherlands have also been affected, with trains reportedly unable to travel beyond Brussels.

Additionally, severe snowfall has forced the cancellation of flights at Aberdeen and Inverness airports, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been temporarily closed to passengers.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, as freezing temperatures and snow continue to pose risks across the UK.

Illegal migrants in UK to wait 30 years for permanent residency

Illegal migrants

LONDON: The United Kingdom(UK) has announced major changes to its immigration rules following a revision of its asylum policy, significantly extending the timeline for obtaining permanent residency.

Under the new proposals, immigrants who arrive legally in the UK may have to wait up to 20 years for permanent residency, while those entering illegally could face a wait of up to 30 years.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing Parliament, said that applicants seeking permanent residency must meet strict requirements: they must have no criminal record, demonstrate A-Level standard English proficiency, and must not owe any debt within the country. The revised rules will also apply to individuals already living in the UK.

According to the proposed framework, the settlement period will vary based on category. Mahmood stated that the minimum residence requirement before applying for settlement will increase from five years to ten years for most categories.

However, doctors and nurses serving within the NHS will remain eligible to apply after five years, while highly skilled individuals may qualify through a fast-track route, and high-income professionals or entrepreneurs may apply after three years.

Shabana Mahmood said her aim is to replace the UK’s “broken immigration system” with one that is fair and focused on integration, adding that her own parents migrated to Britain in search of a better life before becoming citizens.