A new personal assistant selected by the Queen is to become the first black equerry in British history.
Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, a Ghanaian-born officer who fought in the Afghanistan war, will fill one of the most important roles in the royal household, The Times reports.
As an equerry, Major Twumasi-Ankrah – known as “TA” to his friends – will act as one of the Queen’s most-trusted attendants, assisting her with official engagements and welcoming high profile guests to royal residences.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Queen Elizabeth II owns every dolphin in Britain and doesn't need a driving licence
Queen Elizabeth II is not like you and me.
Did you know she is immune from prosecution? That she has her own personal poet, paid in Sherry wine? Or that she holds dominion over British swans and can fire the entire Australian government?
It's true that her role as the British head of state is largely ceremonial, and the Monarch no longer holds any serious power from day to day. The historic "prerogative powers" of the Sovereign have been devolved largely to government ministers. But this still means that when the British government declares war, or regulates the civil service, or signs a treaty, it is doing so only on her authority.
And she still wields some of these prerogative powers herself — as well as numerous other unique powers, ranging from the surprising to the utterly bizarre.
Most famously, she owns all swans in the River Thames.
Technically, all unmarked swans in open water belong to the Queen, though the Crown "exercises her ownership" only "on certain stretches of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries," according to the official website of the Royal Family.
Today this tradition is observed during the annual "Swan Upping," in which swans in the River Thames are caught, ringed, and set free again as part of census of the swan population.
It's a highly ceremonial affair, taking place over five days. "Swan uppers" wear traditional uniforms and row upriver in six skiffs accompanied by the Queen's Swan Marker.
"The swans are also given a health check and ringed with individual identification numbers by The Queen's Swan Warden, a Professor of Ornithology at the University of Oxford's Department of Zoology," according to the Royal Family website.
The Sovereign also has dominion over all dolphins in British waters.
"Rule, Britannia, Britannia rules the waves," goes a classic British song — and this rule extends beneath the waves, too. The sovereign has dominion over a variety of aquatic animals in British waters.
The Queen still technically owns all the sturgeons, whales, and dolphins in the waters around England and Wales, in a rule that dates back to a statute from 1324, during the reign of King Edward II, according to Time.
According to the article: "This statute is still valid today, and sturgeons, porpoises, whales, and dolphins are recognised as 'fishes royal': when they are captured within 3 miles (about 5 km) of UK shores or wash ashore, they may be claimed on behalf of the Crown. Generally, when brought into port, a sturgeon is sold in the usual way, and the purchaser, as a gesture of loyalty, requests the honour of its being accepted by Elizabeth."
The law is still observed: In 2004, a Welsh fisherman was investigated by the police after catching a 10-foot sturgeon, the BBC reported at the time. The Scottish government also issued guidance on the law in 2007, writing that "the right to claim Royal Fish in Scotland allows the Scottish Government (on behalf of the Crown) to claim stranded whales which are too large to be drawn to land by a 'wain pulled by six oxen.'"
The Queen can drive without a licence.
Driving licenses are issued in the Queen's name, yet she is the only person in the United Kingdom who doesn't legally need a license to drive or a number plate on her cars, according to Time.
Despite not being required to have a license, the Queen is comfortable behind the wheel, having learned to drive during World War II when she operated a first-aid truck for the Women's Auxillary Territorial Service. (As a result of the Queen's training, she can also change a spark plug, Time notes).
Queen Elizabeth II isn't afraid to show off her driving skills, either. In 1998, she surprised King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (then still a prince) by driving him around in her country seat of Balmoral.
Former British Ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles recounted the meeting in the Sunday Times: "As instructed, the crown prince climbed into the front seat of the front Land Rover, with his interpreter in the seat behind. To his surprise, the Queen climbed into the driving seat, turned the ignition and drove off. Women are not — yet — allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and Abdullah was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen."
Cowper-Coles continued: "His nervousness only increased as the Queen, an army driver in wartime, accelerated the Land Rover along the narrow Scottish estate roads, talking all the time. Through his interpreter, the crown prince implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead."
Did you know she is immune from prosecution? That she has her own personal poet, paid in Sherry wine? Or that she holds dominion over British swans and can fire the entire Australian government?
It's true that her role as the British head of state is largely ceremonial, and the Monarch no longer holds any serious power from day to day. The historic "prerogative powers" of the Sovereign have been devolved largely to government ministers. But this still means that when the British government declares war, or regulates the civil service, or signs a treaty, it is doing so only on her authority.
And she still wields some of these prerogative powers herself — as well as numerous other unique powers, ranging from the surprising to the utterly bizarre.
Most famously, she owns all swans in the River Thames.
Technically, all unmarked swans in open water belong to the Queen, though the Crown "exercises her ownership" only "on certain stretches of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries," according to the official website of the Royal Family.
Today this tradition is observed during the annual "Swan Upping," in which swans in the River Thames are caught, ringed, and set free again as part of census of the swan population.
It's a highly ceremonial affair, taking place over five days. "Swan uppers" wear traditional uniforms and row upriver in six skiffs accompanied by the Queen's Swan Marker.
"The swans are also given a health check and ringed with individual identification numbers by The Queen's Swan Warden, a Professor of Ornithology at the University of Oxford's Department of Zoology," according to the Royal Family website.
The Sovereign also has dominion over all dolphins in British waters.
"Rule, Britannia, Britannia rules the waves," goes a classic British song — and this rule extends beneath the waves, too. The sovereign has dominion over a variety of aquatic animals in British waters.
The Queen still technically owns all the sturgeons, whales, and dolphins in the waters around England and Wales, in a rule that dates back to a statute from 1324, during the reign of King Edward II, according to Time.
According to the article: "This statute is still valid today, and sturgeons, porpoises, whales, and dolphins are recognised as 'fishes royal': when they are captured within 3 miles (about 5 km) of UK shores or wash ashore, they may be claimed on behalf of the Crown. Generally, when brought into port, a sturgeon is sold in the usual way, and the purchaser, as a gesture of loyalty, requests the honour of its being accepted by Elizabeth."
The law is still observed: In 2004, a Welsh fisherman was investigated by the police after catching a 10-foot sturgeon, the BBC reported at the time. The Scottish government also issued guidance on the law in 2007, writing that "the right to claim Royal Fish in Scotland allows the Scottish Government (on behalf of the Crown) to claim stranded whales which are too large to be drawn to land by a 'wain pulled by six oxen.'"
The Queen can drive without a licence.
Driving licenses are issued in the Queen's name, yet she is the only person in the United Kingdom who doesn't legally need a license to drive or a number plate on her cars, according to Time.
Despite not being required to have a license, the Queen is comfortable behind the wheel, having learned to drive during World War II when she operated a first-aid truck for the Women's Auxillary Territorial Service. (As a result of the Queen's training, she can also change a spark plug, Time notes).
Queen Elizabeth II isn't afraid to show off her driving skills, either. In 1998, she surprised King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (then still a prince) by driving him around in her country seat of Balmoral.
Former British Ambassador Sherard Cowper-Coles recounted the meeting in the Sunday Times: "As instructed, the crown prince climbed into the front seat of the front Land Rover, with his interpreter in the seat behind. To his surprise, the Queen climbed into the driving seat, turned the ignition and drove off. Women are not — yet — allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, and Abdullah was not used to being driven by a woman, let alone a queen."
Cowper-Coles continued: "His nervousness only increased as the Queen, an army driver in wartime, accelerated the Land Rover along the narrow Scottish estate roads, talking all the time. Through his interpreter, the crown prince implored the Queen to slow down and concentrate on the road ahead."
Friday, July 7, 2017
UNESCO declares Hebron Old City a world heritage
The United Nations' cultural arm declared the Old City of Hebron a protected heritage site in a secret ballot, an issue that has triggered a new Israeli-Palestinian spat at the international body.
UNESCO voted 12 to three - with six abstentions - to give heritage status to Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Hebron is home to more than 200,000 Palestinians and a few hundred Israeli settlers, who live in a heavily fortified enclave near the site known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
The resolution, brought by the Palestinians and which declares Hebron's Old City as an area of outstanding universal value, was fast-tracked on the basis that the site was under threat, with the Palestinians accusing Israel of an "alarming" number of violations, including vandalism and damage to properties.
On Tuesday in a separate vote, the heritage committee backed a resolution condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem, sparking Israeli anger.
Israel says the Hebron resolution - which refers to the city as Islamic - denies thousands of years of Jewish connection there.
Hebron claims to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating from the chalcolithic period or more than 3,000 years BC, the UNESCO resolution said.
The resolution is seen as a victory for Palestinian diplomacy and would be cited by Israel as a fresh example of what it alleges is the UN's inherent anti-Israel bias.
In May Israel reacted furiously after UNESCO passed a separate resolution on Jerusalem, and has recently prevented UNESCO researchers from visiting Hebron.
UNESCO voted 12 to three - with six abstentions - to give heritage status to Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Hebron is home to more than 200,000 Palestinians and a few hundred Israeli settlers, who live in a heavily fortified enclave near the site known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
The resolution, brought by the Palestinians and which declares Hebron's Old City as an area of outstanding universal value, was fast-tracked on the basis that the site was under threat, with the Palestinians accusing Israel of an "alarming" number of violations, including vandalism and damage to properties.
On Tuesday in a separate vote, the heritage committee backed a resolution condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem, sparking Israeli anger.
Israel says the Hebron resolution - which refers to the city as Islamic - denies thousands of years of Jewish connection there.
Hebron claims to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating from the chalcolithic period or more than 3,000 years BC, the UNESCO resolution said.
The resolution is seen as a victory for Palestinian diplomacy and would be cited by Israel as a fresh example of what it alleges is the UN's inherent anti-Israel bias.
In May Israel reacted furiously after UNESCO passed a separate resolution on Jerusalem, and has recently prevented UNESCO researchers from visiting Hebron.
Charlie Gard offered experimental drug by US hospital
An American hospital has offered to bring an experimental drug to the UK to treat terminally-ill Charlie Gard.
The hospital in New York has also said it is prepared to admit 11-month-old Charlie if "legal hurdles" can be cleared.
It is the latest intervention after US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis offered their help and prayers.
Chris Gard and Connie Yates, Charlie's parents, have been fighting a long legal battle with doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London who say the treatment would not help the child.
The US hospital said that it would treat Charlie with an experimental drug pending approval from government regulators, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a statement, the hospital said it has "agreed to admit and evaluate Charlie, provided that arrangements are made to safely transfer him to our facility, legal hurdles are cleared, and we receive emergency approval from the FDA for an experimental treatment as appropriate".
The hospital in New York has also said it is prepared to admit 11-month-old Charlie if "legal hurdles" can be cleared.
It is the latest intervention after US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis offered their help and prayers.
Chris Gard and Connie Yates, Charlie's parents, have been fighting a long legal battle with doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London who say the treatment would not help the child.
The US hospital said that it would treat Charlie with an experimental drug pending approval from government regulators, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a statement, the hospital said it has "agreed to admit and evaluate Charlie, provided that arrangements are made to safely transfer him to our facility, legal hurdles are cleared, and we receive emergency approval from the FDA for an experimental treatment as appropriate".
Trump and Putin at G20: meeting for the first time
Donald Trump has met Vladimir Putin face-to-face for the first time, with images showing the two leaders sharing a warm handshake.
The meeting took place during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. While the US and Russian presidents have previously spoken on the phone, they have never before met in person.
Footage released by the German government shows the pair smiling and shaking hands, before Mr Trump gives the Russian premier a friendly pat on the arm.
The two leaders will hold a longer meeting later in the day, which Russian media reports is scheduled to last one hour. Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, and Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, are also likely to be present for the talks.
Issues likely to be discussed include the ongoing conflict in Syria, the threat posed by North Korea and climate change.
Mr Trump and Mr Putin have taken different positions on a range of international issues. Russia is a strong supporter of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, while the US is backing rebel opposition groups in Syria.
And Mr Putin has urged action to tackle climate change, whereas Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement that seeks to reduce CO2 emissions.
The US President used a speech in Warsaw, Poland, earlier in the week to urge Russia to stop "destabilising" Europe and instead "join the fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself".
At home, Mr Trump is facing a host of inquiries into his alleged links with Russia. A special prosecutor, the FBI and several congressional committees are all investigating whether the businessman and his campaign team colluded with Moscow in order to influence the outcome of last year's US presidential election.
The start of the G20 summit, which runs from Friday to Sunday, was marred by violent protests in Hamburg. Protestors set fire to cars and threw rocks at the windows of banks and shops.
Mr Trump's wife, Melania, was reportedly unable to leave her hotel while German's Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schauble, was forced to cancel an event due to security fears.
The meeting took place during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. While the US and Russian presidents have previously spoken on the phone, they have never before met in person.
Footage released by the German government shows the pair smiling and shaking hands, before Mr Trump gives the Russian premier a friendly pat on the arm.
The two leaders will hold a longer meeting later in the day, which Russian media reports is scheduled to last one hour. Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, and Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, are also likely to be present for the talks.
Issues likely to be discussed include the ongoing conflict in Syria, the threat posed by North Korea and climate change.
Mr Trump and Mr Putin have taken different positions on a range of international issues. Russia is a strong supporter of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, while the US is backing rebel opposition groups in Syria.
And Mr Putin has urged action to tackle climate change, whereas Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement that seeks to reduce CO2 emissions.
The US President used a speech in Warsaw, Poland, earlier in the week to urge Russia to stop "destabilising" Europe and instead "join the fight against common enemies and in defence of civilisation itself".
At home, Mr Trump is facing a host of inquiries into his alleged links with Russia. A special prosecutor, the FBI and several congressional committees are all investigating whether the businessman and his campaign team colluded with Moscow in order to influence the outcome of last year's US presidential election.
The start of the G20 summit, which runs from Friday to Sunday, was marred by violent protests in Hamburg. Protestors set fire to cars and threw rocks at the windows of banks and shops.
Mr Trump's wife, Melania, was reportedly unable to leave her hotel while German's Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schauble, was forced to cancel an event due to security fears.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Safest Countries in the World
The Global Peace Index 2016 was recently published by the think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, revealing the safest and most dangerous countries in the world.
The 10th annual edition of the report, which was released on June 8, ranked 163 countries based on their levels of peace and presented the findings on a colour-coded interactive map.
Every nation was issued a peace score out of 5 (the lower the score, the higher the level of peace), determined by analysis of 23 factors under three categories: the level of safety and security in society, domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.
Iceland claims the coveted title of the world's safest country. With a score of 1.192, the European nation ranks highly for its lack of domestic and international conflict as well as the calm state of its society.
Another Nordic country, Denmark, takes second place with a score of 1,246, while Austria is the third-safest place in the world, with a score of 1.278.
Of the 11 nations deemed to have a "very high" level of peace by the GPI, eight are in Europe, while Japan (named the 9th safest), Canada (8th), and New Zealand (4th) also make an appearance. Though, neither the UK (in 47th place) or US (103rd) make the cut.
Here are the 11 safest countries on Earth, along with their respective peace scores:
11. Finland - 1.429
10. Slovenia - 1.408
9. Japan - 1.395
8. Canada - 1.388
7. Switzerland - 1.37
6. Czech Republic - 1.36
5. Portugal - 1.356
4. New Zealand - 1.287
3. Austria - 1.278
2. Denmark - 1.246
1. Iceland - 1.192
The 10th annual edition of the report, which was released on June 8, ranked 163 countries based on their levels of peace and presented the findings on a colour-coded interactive map.
Every nation was issued a peace score out of 5 (the lower the score, the higher the level of peace), determined by analysis of 23 factors under three categories: the level of safety and security in society, domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.
Iceland claims the coveted title of the world's safest country. With a score of 1.192, the European nation ranks highly for its lack of domestic and international conflict as well as the calm state of its society.
Another Nordic country, Denmark, takes second place with a score of 1,246, while Austria is the third-safest place in the world, with a score of 1.278.
Of the 11 nations deemed to have a "very high" level of peace by the GPI, eight are in Europe, while Japan (named the 9th safest), Canada (8th), and New Zealand (4th) also make an appearance. Though, neither the UK (in 47th place) or US (103rd) make the cut.
Here are the 11 safest countries on Earth, along with their respective peace scores:
11. Finland - 1.429
10. Slovenia - 1.408
9. Japan - 1.395
8. Canada - 1.388
7. Switzerland - 1.37
6. Czech Republic - 1.36
5. Portugal - 1.356
4. New Zealand - 1.287
3. Austria - 1.278
2. Denmark - 1.246
1. Iceland - 1.192
Terror attacks receive five times more media coverage if perpetrator is Muslim, study finds
Terror attacks carried out by Muslims receive more than five times as much media coverage as those carried out by non-Muslims in the United States, according to an academic study.
Analysis of coverage of all terrorist attacks in the US between 2011 and 2015 found there was a 449 per cent increase in media attention when the perpetrator was Muslim.
Muslims committed just 12.4 per cent of attacks during the period studied but received 41.4 per cent of news coverage, the survey found.
US faces a new wave of homegrown political violence and terrorism
The authors said the finding suggests the media is making people disproportionately fearful of Muslim terrorists.
Scientists studied US newspaper coverage of every terrorist attack on American soil and counted up the total number of articles dedicated to each attack.
They found that the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which was carried out by two Muslim attackers and killed three people, received almost 20 per cent of all coverage relating to US terror attacks in the five-year period.
In contrast, reporting of a 2012 massacre at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin that left six people dead and was carried out by Wade Michael Page – a white man, constituted just 3.8 per cent of coverage.
A mass shooting by Dylann Roof, who is also white, at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina, killed nine people but received only 7.4 per cent of media coverage, while a 2014 attack by Frazier Glenn Miller on a Kansas synagogue left three dead but accounted for just 3.3 per cent of reports.
Analysis of coverage of all terrorist attacks in the US between 2011 and 2015 found there was a 449 per cent increase in media attention when the perpetrator was Muslim.
Muslims committed just 12.4 per cent of attacks during the period studied but received 41.4 per cent of news coverage, the survey found.
US faces a new wave of homegrown political violence and terrorism
The authors said the finding suggests the media is making people disproportionately fearful of Muslim terrorists.
Scientists studied US newspaper coverage of every terrorist attack on American soil and counted up the total number of articles dedicated to each attack.
They found that the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which was carried out by two Muslim attackers and killed three people, received almost 20 per cent of all coverage relating to US terror attacks in the five-year period.
In contrast, reporting of a 2012 massacre at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin that left six people dead and was carried out by Wade Michael Page – a white man, constituted just 3.8 per cent of coverage.
A mass shooting by Dylann Roof, who is also white, at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina, killed nine people but received only 7.4 per cent of media coverage, while a 2014 attack by Frazier Glenn Miller on a Kansas synagogue left three dead but accounted for just 3.3 per cent of reports.
All of the above attacks are considered to meet widely-used definitions of terrorism, according to researchers at Georgia State University.
The authors said their finding debunked Donald Trump’s suggestion, made in February, that the media is not reporting terrorist attacks carried out by Muslims.
“When President Trump asserted that the media does not cover some terrorist attacks enough, it turns out that he was correct,” they wrote. “However, his assertion that attacks by Muslim perpetrators received less coverage is unsubstantiated.
“Regardless of other factors, attacks perpetrated by Muslims receive a disproportionate amount of media coverage. In the present data, Muslims perpetrated 12.4 per cent of the attacks yet received 41.4 per cent of the news coverage.
“By covering terrorist attacks by Muslims dramatically more than other incidents, media frame this type of event as more prevalent. Based on these findings, it is no wonder that Americans are so fearful of radical Islamic terrorism. Reality shows, however, that these fears are misplaced.”
The authors said their finding debunked Donald Trump’s suggestion, made in February, that the media is not reporting terrorist attacks carried out by Muslims.
“When President Trump asserted that the media does not cover some terrorist attacks enough, it turns out that he was correct,” they wrote. “However, his assertion that attacks by Muslim perpetrators received less coverage is unsubstantiated.
“Regardless of other factors, attacks perpetrated by Muslims receive a disproportionate amount of media coverage. In the present data, Muslims perpetrated 12.4 per cent of the attacks yet received 41.4 per cent of the news coverage.
“By covering terrorist attacks by Muslims dramatically more than other incidents, media frame this type of event as more prevalent. Based on these findings, it is no wonder that Americans are so fearful of radical Islamic terrorism. Reality shows, however, that these fears are misplaced.”
Saudi Arabia 'top of the list' in funding extremism in Britain
Saudi Arabia is "undoubtedly at the top of the list" when it comes to funding Islamist extremism in Britain, it has been claimed.
The Henry Jackson Society said a clear and growing link can be drawn between overseas money, which mainly comes from Saudi Arabia, and the recent wave of attacks in the UK and Europe.
But Saudi Arabia's UK embassy has labelled the claim "categorically false".
Tom Wilson, who wrote the right-leaning Henry Jackson Society's report, said: "While entities from across the Gulf and Iran have been guilty of advancing extremism, those in Saudi Arabia are undoubtedly at the top of the list.
"Research indicates that some Saudi individuals and foundations have been apparently heavily involved in exporting an illiberal, bigoted Wahhabi ideology."
The think-tank has called for a public inquiry into the issue.
The kingdom's 60-year campaign to export Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Islam, has led to support for mosques and Islamic institutions that appear to have links to extremism, the organisation said.
It found there have been "numerous" cases of Britons who have joined jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria whose radicalisation is thought to be linked to foreign-funded institutions and preachers.
The Henry Jackson Society said foreign funding for British extremism comes mainly from governments and state-backed foundations in the Gulf, along with Iran.
Mr Wilson added: "There is a clear and growing link between foreign funding of Islamist extremism and the violent terrorism we have witnessed across the UK and Europe.
"The key now is to get ahead of the issue and find out the full extent of what has been going on. A public inquiry would go some way to informing the debate."
Prime Minister Theresa May, who visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year, has faced accusations she is "kowtowing" to the kingdom by "suppressing" a report into the funding of extremist groups in the UK.
An inquiry was ordered by her predecessor David Cameron in 2015, but reports have suggested the findings may never be published because of the sensitivity of the information regarding Saudi Arabia.
Labour MP Dan Jarvis said the report "sheds light on what are extremely worrying links between Saudi Arabia and the funding of extremism here in the UK" and called on the Government to release the inquiry's report.
A Government spokesman said: "Defeating the evil ideology of Islamist extremism is one of the greatest challenges of our time.
"The Commission for Counter-Extremism, which the PM announced earlier this year, will have a key role to play in this fight.
"We are determined to cut off the funding which fuels the evils of extremism and terrorism, and will work closely with international partners to tackle this shared global threat, including at the upcoming G20 summit."
The Saudi embassy said the kingdom "has not and does not support or fund any group that has direct or indirect links to any terrorist organisation".
It said in a statement: "Accusations that blame the Kingdom for radicalising a small number of individuals are baseless and lack credible evidence. Terrorist ideology knows no nationality, language or borders.
"All charitable donations to educational and religious establishments by the Saudi state are made to registered charities in the UK.
"Saudi charities are prohibited from transferring money abroad and cannot operate abroad except through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre or the Saudi Red Crescent, which is a semi-government entity.
"Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of fighting the spread of extremism and terrorism at home and abroad."
The Henry Jackson Society said a clear and growing link can be drawn between overseas money, which mainly comes from Saudi Arabia, and the recent wave of attacks in the UK and Europe.
But Saudi Arabia's UK embassy has labelled the claim "categorically false".
Tom Wilson, who wrote the right-leaning Henry Jackson Society's report, said: "While entities from across the Gulf and Iran have been guilty of advancing extremism, those in Saudi Arabia are undoubtedly at the top of the list.
"Research indicates that some Saudi individuals and foundations have been apparently heavily involved in exporting an illiberal, bigoted Wahhabi ideology."
The think-tank has called for a public inquiry into the issue.
The kingdom's 60-year campaign to export Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Islam, has led to support for mosques and Islamic institutions that appear to have links to extremism, the organisation said.
It found there have been "numerous" cases of Britons who have joined jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria whose radicalisation is thought to be linked to foreign-funded institutions and preachers.
The Henry Jackson Society said foreign funding for British extremism comes mainly from governments and state-backed foundations in the Gulf, along with Iran.
Mr Wilson added: "There is a clear and growing link between foreign funding of Islamist extremism and the violent terrorism we have witnessed across the UK and Europe.
"The key now is to get ahead of the issue and find out the full extent of what has been going on. A public inquiry would go some way to informing the debate."
Prime Minister Theresa May, who visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year, has faced accusations she is "kowtowing" to the kingdom by "suppressing" a report into the funding of extremist groups in the UK.
An inquiry was ordered by her predecessor David Cameron in 2015, but reports have suggested the findings may never be published because of the sensitivity of the information regarding Saudi Arabia.
Labour MP Dan Jarvis said the report "sheds light on what are extremely worrying links between Saudi Arabia and the funding of extremism here in the UK" and called on the Government to release the inquiry's report.
A Government spokesman said: "Defeating the evil ideology of Islamist extremism is one of the greatest challenges of our time.
"The Commission for Counter-Extremism, which the PM announced earlier this year, will have a key role to play in this fight.
"We are determined to cut off the funding which fuels the evils of extremism and terrorism, and will work closely with international partners to tackle this shared global threat, including at the upcoming G20 summit."
The Saudi embassy said the kingdom "has not and does not support or fund any group that has direct or indirect links to any terrorist organisation".
It said in a statement: "Accusations that blame the Kingdom for radicalising a small number of individuals are baseless and lack credible evidence. Terrorist ideology knows no nationality, language or borders.
"All charitable donations to educational and religious establishments by the Saudi state are made to registered charities in the UK.
"Saudi charities are prohibited from transferring money abroad and cannot operate abroad except through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre or the Saudi Red Crescent, which is a semi-government entity.
"Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of fighting the spread of extremism and terrorism at home and abroad."
Angela Merkel attacks Donald Trump's foreign policy stance ahead of G20 showdown
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy, criticising his administration for adapting a “winners and losers” view of the world rather than focusing on cooperation.
Ms Merkel – who no longer considers the US a friend based on her political party’s campaign material – is set to meet with Mr Trump later this week at a summit in Germany with 20 global leaders. But in the days ahead of their trip to Hamburg, the German Chancellor has set herself up for potential clashes with the US President over climate change and free trade.
Mr Trump has been widely criticised for his anti-globalisation policies that are focused on cementing his “America First” doctrine, such as his withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate change agreement. Meanwhile, his supporters have praised what they see as his commitment to protecting US jobs.
Donald Trump lashes out at China over North Korea trade
“As G20 president, it is my job to work on possibilities for agreement and not to contribute to a situation where a lack of communication prevails,” Ms Merkel told Die Zeit weekly.
Ms Merkel – who no longer considers the US a friend based on her political party’s campaign material – is set to meet with Mr Trump later this week at a summit in Germany with 20 global leaders. But in the days ahead of their trip to Hamburg, the German Chancellor has set herself up for potential clashes with the US President over climate change and free trade.
Mr Trump has been widely criticised for his anti-globalisation policies that are focused on cementing his “America First” doctrine, such as his withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate change agreement. Meanwhile, his supporters have praised what they see as his commitment to protecting US jobs.
Donald Trump lashes out at China over North Korea trade
“As G20 president, it is my job to work on possibilities for agreement and not to contribute to a situation where a lack of communication prevails,” Ms Merkel told Die Zeit weekly.
However, she added that differences should not be pushed under the table.
“While we are looking at the possibilities of cooperation to benefit everyone, globalisation is seen by the American administration more as a process that is not about a win-win situation but about winners and losers,” she said.
She added that comments from one of Mr Trump’s security advisers about how the world is an arena, not a global community, contradicted her views.
Germany wants everyone to benefit from economic progress rather than only a few, she said.
Europe must pool its energy, she said, adding that ideas of an economic government for the euro zone and of a European finance minister, put forward by new French President Emmanuel Macron, were “two important thoughts”.
“While we are looking at the possibilities of cooperation to benefit everyone, globalisation is seen by the American administration more as a process that is not about a win-win situation but about winners and losers,” she said.
She added that comments from one of Mr Trump’s security advisers about how the world is an arena, not a global community, contradicted her views.
Germany wants everyone to benefit from economic progress rather than only a few, she said.
Europe must pool its energy, she said, adding that ideas of an economic government for the euro zone and of a European finance minister, put forward by new French President Emmanuel Macron, were “two important thoughts”.
North Korea long-range missile test: Trump slams China
President Donald Trump has hit out at China following North Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The US leader has been attempting to get Beijing to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
But he pointed to a big rise in trade between China and North Korea as evidence that America should not rely on Beijing.
Mr Trump tweeted: "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"
The missile test was a "new escalation of threat" to the world, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson has warned.
Image:Kim Jong Un celebrates the launch with military officers
Calling for Pyongyang's "provocative" test to be discussed by the UN Security Council, Mr Tillerson said the White House intends to "enact stronger measures to hold DPRK accountable".
The secretary of state added that the US "will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea" and said President Trump and his national security team are "continuing to assess the situation".
The missile launch occurred just hours before US Independence Day celebrations and days before G20 leaders were due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons programme.
In response, US and South Korean soldiers fired "deep strike" precision missiles into South Korean territorial waters.
Military officials said the launches were a show of force to demonstrate US-South Korean solidarity.
:: The North Korea dilemma: Trump's five options
Image:The missile reached an altitude of 2,802km and flew 933km, North Korea claimed
Analysts said North Korea's "landmark" Hwasong-14 missile, which was launched from North Pyongan Province, could reach Alaska.
North Korea said the ICBM reached an altitude of 2,802km (1,740 miles) and flew 933km (580 miles) for about 40 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan.
Japan's data appeared to back up these claims, with the defence ministry claiming the altitude "greatly exceeded" 2,500km (1,550 miles).
According to North Korean state media, the missile is capable of carrying a "large, heavy nuclear warhead" that can withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
The US leader has been attempting to get Beijing to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
But he pointed to a big rise in trade between China and North Korea as evidence that America should not rely on Beijing.
Mr Trump tweeted: "Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us - but we had to give it a try!"
The missile test was a "new escalation of threat" to the world, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson has warned.
Image:Kim Jong Un celebrates the launch with military officersCalling for Pyongyang's "provocative" test to be discussed by the UN Security Council, Mr Tillerson said the White House intends to "enact stronger measures to hold DPRK accountable".
The secretary of state added that the US "will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea" and said President Trump and his national security team are "continuing to assess the situation".
The missile launch occurred just hours before US Independence Day celebrations and days before G20 leaders were due to discuss steps to rein in North Korea's weapons programme.
In response, US and South Korean soldiers fired "deep strike" precision missiles into South Korean territorial waters.
Military officials said the launches were a show of force to demonstrate US-South Korean solidarity.
:: The North Korea dilemma: Trump's five options
Image:The missile reached an altitude of 2,802km and flew 933km, North Korea claimedAnalysts said North Korea's "landmark" Hwasong-14 missile, which was launched from North Pyongan Province, could reach Alaska.
North Korea said the ICBM reached an altitude of 2,802km (1,740 miles) and flew 933km (580 miles) for about 40 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan.
Japan's data appeared to back up these claims, with the defence ministry claiming the altitude "greatly exceeded" 2,500km (1,550 miles).
According to North Korean state media, the missile is capable of carrying a "large, heavy nuclear warhead" that can withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
David Cameron calls austerity opponents 'selfish'
David Cameron has dramatically deepened the Cabinet split on public sector wages by claiming those who want to lift the 1% pay cap are "selfish".
The former Prime Minister, who with George Osborne was the architect of the policy, controversially re-ignited the row among top Tories in a speech in the Far East.
Opponents condemned him for opposing pay rises for groups like nurses and firefighters when - it is claimed - he is now earning up to £100,000 for making speeches abroad.
His remarks, coming just hours before this week's Prime Minister's Questions, will almost certainly also be exploited by the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in his weekly Commons clash with Theresa May.
Speaking at an Asia Leadership Conference in Seoul, South Korea, Mr Cameron said: "The opponents of so-called austerity couch their arguments in a way that make them sound generous and compassionate.
"They seek to paint the supporters of sound finances as selfish, or uncaring. The exact reverse is true.
"Giving up on sound finances isn't being generous, it's being selfish: spending money today that you may need tomorrow."
:: Cabinet ministers pile pressure on Theresa May to ease austerity
His attack was no doubt aimed at Cabinet Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, who have led calls to scrap the public sector cap, and was immediately condemned by the Conservatives' political opponents.
Mr Cameron's comments also reveal the extent of his bitterness at what his allies regard as their treachery in opposing him in last year's EU referendum, which prompted his immediate resignation as PM after he was defeated.
Earlier this week Mr Osborne published a cartoon in the London Evening Standard, which he now edits, showing the Foreign Secretary jumping on an anti-austerity bandwagon being pulled by Mr Corbyn.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell led the backlash against the former PM, declaring: "Only David Cameron would say that hard working people seeing their living standards fall back and their pay suppressed is good for them.
"It just further shows how out of touch he was then, and still remains today.
"The austerity measures such as the public sector pay cuts that he brought in, which Theresa May has continued, were meant to divide communities and undermine working people.
The former Prime Minister, who with George Osborne was the architect of the policy, controversially re-ignited the row among top Tories in a speech in the Far East.
Opponents condemned him for opposing pay rises for groups like nurses and firefighters when - it is claimed - he is now earning up to £100,000 for making speeches abroad.
His remarks, coming just hours before this week's Prime Minister's Questions, will almost certainly also be exploited by the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in his weekly Commons clash with Theresa May.
Speaking at an Asia Leadership Conference in Seoul, South Korea, Mr Cameron said: "The opponents of so-called austerity couch their arguments in a way that make them sound generous and compassionate.
"They seek to paint the supporters of sound finances as selfish, or uncaring. The exact reverse is true.
"Giving up on sound finances isn't being generous, it's being selfish: spending money today that you may need tomorrow."
:: Cabinet ministers pile pressure on Theresa May to ease austerity
His attack was no doubt aimed at Cabinet Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, who have led calls to scrap the public sector cap, and was immediately condemned by the Conservatives' political opponents.
Mr Cameron's comments also reveal the extent of his bitterness at what his allies regard as their treachery in opposing him in last year's EU referendum, which prompted his immediate resignation as PM after he was defeated.
Earlier this week Mr Osborne published a cartoon in the London Evening Standard, which he now edits, showing the Foreign Secretary jumping on an anti-austerity bandwagon being pulled by Mr Corbyn.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell led the backlash against the former PM, declaring: "Only David Cameron would say that hard working people seeing their living standards fall back and their pay suppressed is good for them.
"It just further shows how out of touch he was then, and still remains today.
"The austerity measures such as the public sector pay cuts that he brought in, which Theresa May has continued, were meant to divide communities and undermine working people.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
North Korea claims first intercontinental ballistic missile launch
North Korea claims to have successfully tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) - contradicting US and South Korean officials who earlier said it was an intermediate-range missile.
The latest in a series of test-firings appears to be the secretive state's longest-range ballistic missile launch to date - and comes as America prepared to mark its independence day.
US weapons analysts said the missile was capable of reaching Alaska, as US President Donald Trump urged China to "end this nonsense once and for all".
In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boasted the country was in the final stages of preparing to test launch its first ICBM - a further step towards his declared goal of a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland.
"It won't happen," Mr Trump vowed at the time.
If Tuesday's launch is confirmed as an ICBM, it would be considered a game-changer by countries looking to check North Korea's attempts to build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States.
The "landmark" Hwasong-14 missile launch from Pyongyang's North Phyongan province was overseen by Mr Kim, state TV said.
A female broadcaster proclaimed the North "a strong nuclear power state" which had "a very powerful ICBM that can strike any place in the world".
It reached an altitude of 2,802km (1,740 miles) and flew 933km (580 miles) for about 40 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said: "We assume it a medium long-range ballistic missile. But we still plan to devise necessary measures assuming it may have been an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile).
"If it is ICBM, we will need to come up with the corresponding measures."
The latest in a series of test-firings appears to be the secretive state's longest-range ballistic missile launch to date - and comes as America prepared to mark its independence day.
US weapons analysts said the missile was capable of reaching Alaska, as US President Donald Trump urged China to "end this nonsense once and for all".
In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un boasted the country was in the final stages of preparing to test launch its first ICBM - a further step towards his declared goal of a nuclear weapons system capable of hitting the US mainland.
"It won't happen," Mr Trump vowed at the time.
If Tuesday's launch is confirmed as an ICBM, it would be considered a game-changer by countries looking to check North Korea's attempts to build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States.
The "landmark" Hwasong-14 missile launch from Pyongyang's North Phyongan province was overseen by Mr Kim, state TV said.
A female broadcaster proclaimed the North "a strong nuclear power state" which had "a very powerful ICBM that can strike any place in the world".
It reached an altitude of 2,802km (1,740 miles) and flew 933km (580 miles) for about 40 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said: "We assume it a medium long-range ballistic missile. But we still plan to devise necessary measures assuming it may have been an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile).
"If it is ICBM, we will need to come up with the corresponding measures."
Grenfell Tower fire inquiry head Sir Martin Moore-Bick 'to increase probe's scope'
The chair of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry is reportedly prepared to increase the scope of his investigation and consider the "broad" causes of the blaze.
Campaigners have called for Sir Martin Moore-Bick to be replacedafter he said the inquiry would be "pretty well limited" to examining the causes of the fire, how it spread and how to prevent similar fires in future.
However, a source told the Press Association the retired judge was also looking to examine issues tracing back to building regulations at the time the block was erected.
"He is very happy to look at why there were warnings that weren't listened to, these were the allegations," the source said.
Campaigners have called for Sir Martin Moore-Bick to be replacedafter he said the inquiry would be "pretty well limited" to examining the causes of the fire, how it spread and how to prevent similar fires in future.
However, a source told the Press Association the retired judge was also looking to examine issues tracing back to building regulations at the time the block was erected.
"He is very happy to look at why there were warnings that weren't listened to, these were the allegations," the source said.
Narendra Modi to become first Indian PM to visit Israel
Narendra Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel when he arrives on Tuesday.
Mr Modi, who recently said India and the Jewish state share a "deep and centuries-old" connection, is expected to agree military and cyber security deals.
Observers note he will not travel to Ramallah or meet Palestinian leaders, as visiting dignitaries often do.
The visit is seen by some as a turning point on India's position on Israel.
Here is what the focus will be on over the next three days:
Defence deals will be top of the agenda
For years, Israel and India have been working closely together on counter-terrorism and defence issues and India has been a regular customer of arms from the Jewish state.
Working to modernise its military to counter China and Pakistan, India is now Israel's biggest arms market, thought to be worth about $1bn (£770,000) per year, according to Reuters news agency.
Mr Modi, who recently said India and the Jewish state share a "deep and centuries-old" connection, is expected to agree military and cyber security deals.
Observers note he will not travel to Ramallah or meet Palestinian leaders, as visiting dignitaries often do.
The visit is seen by some as a turning point on India's position on Israel.
Here is what the focus will be on over the next three days:
Defence deals will be top of the agenda
For years, Israel and India have been working closely together on counter-terrorism and defence issues and India has been a regular customer of arms from the Jewish state.
Working to modernise its military to counter China and Pakistan, India is now Israel's biggest arms market, thought to be worth about $1bn (£770,000) per year, according to Reuters news agency.
Monday, July 3, 2017
YouTube Star Stevie Ryan Dies at 33
YouTube star Stevie Ryan died over the weekend in her Los Angeles home, in what authorities have ruled a suicide.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office ruled Ryan's death on Saturday a suicide by hanging. Ryan, who was 33, became known for her Little LocaYouTube series and celebrity impersonations. She starred in the VH1 comedy series Stevie TV and was a co-host on Brody Jenner's talk show Sex with Brody.
Ryan had spoken out in recent days about the death of her grandfather.
"The man of my dreams will now only be in my dreams. I'll miss you everyday, forever. I love you my Pa," she said in a Twitter post on Friday.
Ryan hosted a podcast about depression, called Mentally Ch(ill). In a recent episode, she also discussed her grandfather's death.
“I’m just worried that this is going to send me into a deeper depression,” she said during the episode, according to People.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office ruled Ryan's death on Saturday a suicide by hanging. Ryan, who was 33, became known for her Little LocaYouTube series and celebrity impersonations. She starred in the VH1 comedy series Stevie TV and was a co-host on Brody Jenner's talk show Sex with Brody.
Ryan had spoken out in recent days about the death of her grandfather.
"The man of my dreams will now only be in my dreams. I'll miss you everyday, forever. I love you my Pa," she said in a Twitter post on Friday.
Ryan hosted a podcast about depression, called Mentally Ch(ill). In a recent episode, she also discussed her grandfather's death.
“I’m just worried that this is going to send me into a deeper depression,” she said during the episode, according to People.
Maria Menounos battles brain tumor
Maria Menounos announced on Monday that she will step down as co-anchor of E! News after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The 39-year-old has held the position since 2015 after she joined the network in 2014.
“Our thoughts and support go out to Maria and her family and we wish them all the best knowing that Maria will tackle this with the same fierce dedication she is known for,” said Adam Stotsky, president of E! Entertainment. “We are grateful for Maria’s many contributions to E! over the past three years.”
The 39-year-old has held the position since 2015 after she joined the network in 2014.
“Our thoughts and support go out to Maria and her family and we wish them all the best knowing that Maria will tackle this with the same fierce dedication she is known for,” said Adam Stotsky, president of E! Entertainment. “We are grateful for Maria’s many contributions to E! over the past three years.”
Donald Trump offers to 'help' terminally ill toddler Charlie Gard
Donald Trump has made an unexpected intervention in the debate over terminally ill toddler Charlie Gard.
The US President said he would be "delighted" to "help" the boy after doctors won a definitive court case to end his life-support treatment.
Charlie suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage.
Mr Trump waded into the debate by referencing Pope Francis' plea for the toddler's parents to be allowed to "accompany and treat their child until the end".
The US President wrote on Twitter: "If we can help little #CharlieGard, as per our friends in the U.K. and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so."
Image:Donald Trump at a meeting with South Korea's Moon Jae-in on 30 June, 2017.
After, Charlie's parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard posted a link to the tweet on their campaign Facebook page with heart emojis and the message: "If he's still fighting, we're still fighting!!! Xxx."
The pair had raised £1.3m in donations to fly Charlie to the US for treatment known as nucleoside bypass therapy.
But medics at Great Ormond Street Hospital fought the bid, saying the operation was experimental and would not help him.
Judges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court ruled against the parents and in favour of the doctors.
On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights refused to intervene.
Image:Connie Yates and Chris Gard with their son Charlie Gard
Mr Gard and Ms Yates said afterwards that they were told Charlie would have his life support switched off on Friday.
The pair claimed they were denied their final wish to take him home to die.
The US President said he would be "delighted" to "help" the boy after doctors won a definitive court case to end his life-support treatment.
Charlie suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage.
Mr Trump waded into the debate by referencing Pope Francis' plea for the toddler's parents to be allowed to "accompany and treat their child until the end".
The US President wrote on Twitter: "If we can help little #CharlieGard, as per our friends in the U.K. and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so."
Image:Donald Trump at a meeting with South Korea's Moon Jae-in on 30 June, 2017.After, Charlie's parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard posted a link to the tweet on their campaign Facebook page with heart emojis and the message: "If he's still fighting, we're still fighting!!! Xxx."
The pair had raised £1.3m in donations to fly Charlie to the US for treatment known as nucleoside bypass therapy.
But medics at Great Ormond Street Hospital fought the bid, saying the operation was experimental and would not help him.
Judges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court ruled against the parents and in favour of the doctors.
On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights refused to intervene.
Image:Connie Yates and Chris Gard with their son Charlie GardMr Gard and Ms Yates said afterwards that they were told Charlie would have his life support switched off on Friday.
The pair claimed they were denied their final wish to take him home to die.
Huge gun haul heading for UK stopped at Channel Tunnel
Seventy-nine viable guns have been discovered in a vehicle which was about to enter Britain.
Border Force officers seized the weapons, along with ammunition, from the vehicle's trailer on the French side of the Channel Tunnel at Coquelles, near Calais.
The 4mm and 6mm handguns and bullets were hidden in specially adapted engine blocks.
Image:Two men have been charged in connection with the raid
Officers were acting on intelligence gathered over a number of days.
Two men, Janusz Michek, 59, and Denis Kolencukov, 23, have been charged in connection with the raid, which was part of a joint operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and detectives from Scotland Yard's organised crime unit.
Michek, a Polish national, was one of seven people in the vehicle and was held at the scene.
Image:The vehicle was stopped in France as it prepared to enter Britain
Kolencukov, originally from the Czech Republic but residing in Slough, was arrested as he arrived in Dover from Dunkirk.
The pair were charged with two firearms offences and remanded in custody after appearing at Uxbridge Magistrates Court.
No further action will be taken against six Polish nationals arrested in Coquelles - four women aged 58, 41, 17 and 15 and two men aged 26 and 22.
Image:Officers carried out the raid acting on intelligence gathered over a number of days
Graham Gardner, the NCA's deputy director of investigations, said: "Our recent threat assessment highlights that handguns are still commonly favoured by some criminal groups in the UK.
"They may not be the largest firearm, but they are easily concealable and lethal in the hands of anyone prepared to use them."
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gallagher, from the organised crime unit, said: "I have no doubt that a number of these weapons were destined for the streets of London, where they would have caused misery and unspeakable damage to the community."
Border Force officers seized the weapons, along with ammunition, from the vehicle's trailer on the French side of the Channel Tunnel at Coquelles, near Calais.
The 4mm and 6mm handguns and bullets were hidden in specially adapted engine blocks.
Image:Two men have been charged in connection with the raidOfficers were acting on intelligence gathered over a number of days.
Two men, Janusz Michek, 59, and Denis Kolencukov, 23, have been charged in connection with the raid, which was part of a joint operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and detectives from Scotland Yard's organised crime unit.
Michek, a Polish national, was one of seven people in the vehicle and was held at the scene.
Image:The vehicle was stopped in France as it prepared to enter BritainKolencukov, originally from the Czech Republic but residing in Slough, was arrested as he arrived in Dover from Dunkirk.
The pair were charged with two firearms offences and remanded in custody after appearing at Uxbridge Magistrates Court.
No further action will be taken against six Polish nationals arrested in Coquelles - four women aged 58, 41, 17 and 15 and two men aged 26 and 22.
Image:Officers carried out the raid acting on intelligence gathered over a number of daysGraham Gardner, the NCA's deputy director of investigations, said: "Our recent threat assessment highlights that handguns are still commonly favoured by some criminal groups in the UK.
"They may not be the largest firearm, but they are easily concealable and lethal in the hands of anyone prepared to use them."
Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gallagher, from the organised crime unit, said: "I have no doubt that a number of these weapons were destined for the streets of London, where they would have caused misery and unspeakable damage to the community."
President Donald Trump's most memorable tweets
Donald Trump is more attached to his Twitter account that any US president since the social media website's invention.
Whether it is advertising his latest appearance on Fox and Friends, railing against the "Fake News Media", or his regular refrain of "Make America Great Again" (tweeted in caps, of course), barely a day goes by when this President doesn't tweet.
Among his most controversial recently is the tweet of a clip showing him punching a person with a CNN logo on his face before walking away unscathed, a tweet that some have said promotes violence against those in the media.
The "Fake News Media" is a regular subject of Mr Trump's tweets - whether it's CNN, print giants the New York Times and Washington Post or, indeed, any media outlet that does not say what he thinks it should.
He abused TV hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, branding him "psycho" and her "crazy" and claimed she was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" when he saw them at his Florida estate in December.
Sometimes his tweets provoke anger, such as his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the days following the terror attacks in London.
Mr Trump was widely slammed for taking the Mayor's remarks out of context and for further tweets that appeared to use the attacks to promote his own agenda.
Other times the Trump Tweets spark confusion, such as the bizarre term "covfefe".
He wrote "Despite the constant negative press covfefe". That tweet was later deleted but not before it naturally set friends and foes alike on an excited (but ultimately pointless) search for the word's meaning.
Memes were born and the mystery word even trended but what he meant by tweeting such nonsense was never clarified.
Various celebrities have come in for the Trump Twitter Treatment, among them Arianna Huffington, Sir Alan Sugar and Rosie O'Donnell, who has enjoyed a decade-long feud with The Donald.
Actress Meryl Streep ("overrated") and ex-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was "even worse" on The Apprentice) are among the latest.
He also spreads the fun around other countries, with Germany especially coming in for criticism for not paying up defence-wise. He also hit out at Sweden for its immigration programme.
Rapper Snoop Dogg shot a toy gun at his likeness in a music video and Mr Trump was having none of it.
And, speaking of Mr Trump predecessor, Barack Obama gets accused of making bad deals, spending too much money and, most often, spying on the Trump campaign during the election. Mr Trump thunders: "This is McCarthyism!".
It's no secret that the US President is very proud of his daughter Ivanka. He has used Twitter to praise and protect her, saying that she was "treated so unfairly" by a business that decided to stop selling her fashion brand.
But one of the most common themes of Mr Trump's tweets is America's security.
He praises veterans and the military while occasionally relaying the number of crimes in Chicago for his 33 million followers. He saves most of his frustration (and capital letters) for his comments on the long-running saga of his beloved travel ban. "See you in court!"
Whether it is advertising his latest appearance on Fox and Friends, railing against the "Fake News Media", or his regular refrain of "Make America Great Again" (tweeted in caps, of course), barely a day goes by when this President doesn't tweet.
Among his most controversial recently is the tweet of a clip showing him punching a person with a CNN logo on his face before walking away unscathed, a tweet that some have said promotes violence against those in the media.
The "Fake News Media" is a regular subject of Mr Trump's tweets - whether it's CNN, print giants the New York Times and Washington Post or, indeed, any media outlet that does not say what he thinks it should.
He abused TV hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, branding him "psycho" and her "crazy" and claimed she was "bleeding badly from a face-lift" when he saw them at his Florida estate in December.
Sometimes his tweets provoke anger, such as his criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the days following the terror attacks in London.
Mr Trump was widely slammed for taking the Mayor's remarks out of context and for further tweets that appeared to use the attacks to promote his own agenda.
Other times the Trump Tweets spark confusion, such as the bizarre term "covfefe".
He wrote "Despite the constant negative press covfefe". That tweet was later deleted but not before it naturally set friends and foes alike on an excited (but ultimately pointless) search for the word's meaning.
Memes were born and the mystery word even trended but what he meant by tweeting such nonsense was never clarified.
Various celebrities have come in for the Trump Twitter Treatment, among them Arianna Huffington, Sir Alan Sugar and Rosie O'Donnell, who has enjoyed a decade-long feud with The Donald.
Actress Meryl Streep ("overrated") and ex-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was "even worse" on The Apprentice) are among the latest.
He also spreads the fun around other countries, with Germany especially coming in for criticism for not paying up defence-wise. He also hit out at Sweden for its immigration programme.
Rapper Snoop Dogg shot a toy gun at his likeness in a music video and Mr Trump was having none of it.
And, speaking of Mr Trump predecessor, Barack Obama gets accused of making bad deals, spending too much money and, most often, spying on the Trump campaign during the election. Mr Trump thunders: "This is McCarthyism!".
It's no secret that the US President is very proud of his daughter Ivanka. He has used Twitter to praise and protect her, saying that she was "treated so unfairly" by a business that decided to stop selling her fashion brand.
But one of the most common themes of Mr Trump's tweets is America's security.
He praises veterans and the military while occasionally relaying the number of crimes in Chicago for his 33 million followers. He saves most of his frustration (and capital letters) for his comments on the long-running saga of his beloved travel ban. "See you in court!"
Gunmen open fire near French mosque injuring eight people
Two men have carried out a shooting near a mosque in Avignon leaving eight people injured, the French prosecutor's office has said.
According to witness accounts, at least two armed men got out of a car around 10.30pm on Sunday near the Arrahma mosque and opened fire.
None of the wounded are said to have life-threatening injuries.
The prosecutor ruled out any connection with terrorism.
"From what we know this evening, the mosque was not targeted. The fact that it happened in the street of the religious establishment was unconnected with it," the prosecutor said.
None of the wounded are said to have life-threatening injuries.
The prosecutor ruled out any connection with terrorism.
"From what we know this evening, the mosque was not targeted. The fact that it happened in the street of the religious establishment was unconnected with it," the prosecutor said.
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