- Father of Air India crash victims informed he’s unable to remain in the UK
- Iran warns vessels against transiting the Strait of Hormuz after naval incident
- Ursula von der Leyen’s aide negotiates release of €10 billion in Hungary
- Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister seeks Polish support to renew EU ties.
- US and Iran Declare Progress in Talks to End Ongoing Conflict
- No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
- US warns of new sanctions on countries engaging with Iran amid ongoing blockade
- Far-right leaders propose remigration plan at Milan summit
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
Knowledge Hub
Global Reaction to DE Elections
When are the German Elections?
The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025
Why are they having a snap election?
The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote
Do Germans vote?
Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout
Father of Air India crash victims informed he’s unable to remain in the UK
Get you up to speed: Father of Air India crash victims informed he’s unable to remain in the UK
Mohammad Shethwala, a grieving father who lost his wife and daughter in the Air India crash, faces expulsion from the UK after the Home Office denied his humanitarian visa application.
Fizza Qureshi, CEO of the Migrants’ Rights Network, condemned the Home Office for its lack of compassion towards grieving father Mohammad Shethwala, urging reconsideration of his case.
Mohammad Shethwala’s lawyers plan to challenge the Home Office’s rejection of his humanitarian visa application in court, allowing him to stay in the UK during the process.
What we know so far
The Home Office has faced criticism after informing Mohammad Shethwala that he must leave the UK, despite the tragic loss of his wife and daughter in last year’s Air India crash. The incident, which claimed the lives of 260 people, included the deaths of Sadikabanu and their two-year-old daughter, Fatima.
Shethwala, who lived in the UK for four years and was dependent on his wife’s visa, applied for an extension on humanitarian grounds due to his reliance on a support network in London. However, last week the Home Office rejected his application and placed him on immigration bail.
Campaigners have condemned the decision, stating it is ‘cruel’ to deprive a grieving father of his home. Activists argue that the Home Office’s stance neglects Shethwala’s need for emotional support following his loss. His lawyers plan to challenge the decision in court, aiming for a review of his case and allowing him to remain in the UK during that process.
Fizza Qureshi, CEO of the Migrants’ Rights Network, expressed dismay at the Home Office’s actions, saying the situation demonstrates a lack of compassion. The incident also serves as a reminder of the systemic issues within UK immigration policy, drawing parallels to previous scandals involving vulnerable individuals.
Read in full
Dad whose entire family died in Air India crash told he can’t stay in UK | News UK
The Home Office has been branded cruel after a dad whose family was killed in last year’s Air India crash was told he must leave the UK.
Mohammad Shethwala’s wife Sadikabanu and the couple’s two-year-old daughter Fatima were among 260 people who died in the June 2025 disaster.
He was dependent on Sadikabanu for his British visa, after she first arrived in the country as a student.
Mohammad, who has lived in the UK for four years, applied to extend his visa on humanitarian grounds because he has ‘nothing left’ other than his support network of friends in London.
But the Home Office rejected that request last week and put him on immigration bail.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Campaigners said the government should be ashamed for ‘depriving a grieving father of his home’.
Mohammad, who struggles to speak about what has happened, told WTX: ‘I am not accepting this decision from the government. I’m not feeling well right now because of this. I’m not accepting this decision.’
He arrived in the UK from India in March 2022 as a dependent on his wife Sadikabanu’s student visa, while she studied at Ulster University in Northern Ireland.
The couple had a British-born daughter, Fatima, and continued their lives in London when Sadikabanu switched to a two-year Graduate visa in January 2024.
Sadikabanu had just started a new job in Rugby and was about to apply for a Skilled Worker visa to continue life in the UK from 2026 when she died in the Air India crash alongside her daughter.
The Ahmedabad to London flight went down seconds after take off on June 12 last year, killing 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese.
In an instant, Mohammad, who was working as a delivery driver, lost his closest family and his path to staying in the UK.
Speaking on behalf of Mohammad, his friend Musab Taherwala told WTX: ‘He lost everything. Everything has been ruined.
‘He’s not able to talk about it properly. His mind is not working properly.
‘His wife was supposed to be the main applicant for a skilled worker visa. If his wife had survived, he would still be allowed in the UK.
‘If his daughter had survived, he would have been granted indefinite leave to remain when she turned seven, but she died as well.’
Mohammad applied for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) to extend his visa in December last year on ‘compassionate’ and ‘humanitarian’ grounds.
His lawyers argued that the bereaved dad’s mental health had deteriorated and he was reliant on a close support network of friends in the UK.
Mohammad had briefly returned to India after the crash but found it difficult to cope because of the intense media coverage.
Despite their pleas, the Home Office rejected Mohammad’s application and legal arguments on April 9.
Officials said his situation did not fall under exceptional circumstances.
They argued he could still receive adequate mental health care from health services and other relatives in India.
At the same time as his refusal, the Home Office also put him on immigration bail, which stops him from working and bars him from potentially applying for a Skilled Worker visa to stay in the UK.
Musab said: ‘The Home Office are not being fair. We want a review of this decision. He is a deserving person for this extension.
‘He doesn’t have anything. He applied for an extension because he has nothing left.’
WTX has been told that Mohammad’s lawyers plan to challenge the Home Office’s decision in the courts, which will allow him to stay in the UK during that process.
The government’s decision has been met with fury from leading immigration activists and groups.
Fizza Qureshi, CEO of the Migrants’ Rights Network, said: ‘We are horrified at the callousness of the Home Office separating a grieving father and husband from his support network who are caring for him and his mental wellbeing at this tragic time.
‘The Home Office refuses to show compassion even during grief. They must reconsider their decision. After such a horrific experience, no one should have their life further uprooted and stripped of the valuable wellbeing support they need.’
Campaigner Professor Patrick Vernon OBE said Mohammad was being subject to the ‘same cruelty’ as victims of the Windrush scandal.
He told WTX: ‘This case should shame the Home Office. After losing his wife and young child in a tragic disaster, Mohammad has been met not with support, but with enforcement and hostility.
‘This is not just bureaucratic failure, it is a moral failure. Britain must stop criminalising grief and start showing humanity.’
Gracie Mae Bradley, writer and civil liberties expert, said: ‘The Home Office surely has better things to do than deprive a grieving father of his home and support network less than a year after a life-changing tragedy.
‘It should reconsider Mohammad’s case and more generally treat people subject to its decisions with basic humanity.’
The Boeing 787-8 crash is one of the deadliest air disasters of the 21st century.
It killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 19 people on the ground after hitting a medical college hostel building and bursting into flames.
Ayush S Rajpal, Case Manager Chionuma Law, who represents more than 110 families who lost their lives in the Air India crash, said: ‘We believe this is a genuine humanitarian case and request fair and kind consideration.
‘Our client has lived in the UK for four years and built his life there with his wife. He is working and settled, and it would be very difficult for him to find similar work in India.
‘After losing his wife, he is facing financial and emotional difficulties and is under psychiatric care. In these circumstances, we kindly request that he be allowed to remain in the UK on compassionate grounds.’
A spokesperson for the Home Office, which does not routinely comment on individual cases, said: ‘All visa applications are assessed on individual merit in line with immigration rules.’
Comments
Add as preferred source
Iran warns vessels against transiting the Strait of Hormuz after naval incident
Get you up to speed: Iran warns vessels against transiting the Strait of Hormuz after naval incident
An Indian oil tanker, the Sanmar Herald, was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. The captain was recorded pleading with the Iranian Navy, stating, “You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list.”
The Iranian Navy stated that any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be considered “cooperation with the enemy,” resulting in the offending vessel being targeted. Iran’s joint military command warned it would continue to block transits while the US blockade remained in effect.
The Iranian Navy announced a warning that no ship should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, stating that any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz would result in the vessel being targeted. In the context of the ongoing situation, the US and Iran are in a fragile truce set to last until April 22, while Israel and Lebanon have entered a 10-day ceasefire.
Disturbing audio captures moment ship captain in Hormuz Strait begs Iran ‘let me turn back’ | News World
An Indian oil tanker captain was heard pleading with the Iranian Navy after the ship was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz.
After the Sanmar Herald Oil Tanker was fired upon in the vital waterway, a radio exchange captured the captain and the Navy pleading with each other.
‘This is motor vessel, Sanmar Herald,’ the captain said.
‘You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back.’
Tracking showed that the oil tanker attempted to leave the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, before turning around and fleeing.
The Iranian Navy said: ‘We warn that no ship, of any kind, should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
‘Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted.’

The oil tanker was forced to turn around (Picture: Reuters)
Iran announced barely 24 hours ago that the key shipping lane would be ‘completely open’ for the duration of the current ceasefire agreement.
But they closed it again yesterday morning in retaliation after the US pressed ahead with its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran’s joint military command said ‘control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces’.
It warned it would continue to block transits while the US blockade remained in effect.
For Iran, the strait’s closure — imposed after the US and Israel launched the war on February 28 during talks over Tehran’s nuclear program — is perhaps its most powerful weapon, threatening the world economy and inflicting political pain on Trump.

The Strait has been at the centre of the conflict (Picture: Reuters)
Yesterday, the US president said NATO can ‘stay away’ from the Middle East ‘unless they just want to load up their ships with oil’.
Nato countries had refused Trump’s repeated calls to help him force open the shipping route, which Iran effectively shut down following the US and Israeli attack.
Brent crude fell more than 10% to just over 89 US dollars a barrel in afternoon trading on Friday, and stock markets across Europe also soared.
The FTSE 100 index lifted 0.6% to 10,656, while the Dax in Germany surged 2% and France’s Cac 40 was 1.7% higher.
The US and Iran are in the middle of a fragile truce which is due to last until April 22, while Israel and Lebanon have begun a 10-day ceasefire.
Comment now
Comments
Add WTX as a Preferred Source on Google
Ursula von der Leyen’s aide negotiates release of €10 billion in Hungary
Ursula von der Leyen‘s aide negotiates release of €10 billion in Hungary
Ursula von der Leyen’s right-hand man is in Budapest to negotiate the release of €10 billion in exchange for reforms.
€10 billion is set to be released as Hungary negotiates for unfreezing funds in exchange for specific reforms, marking a significant financial move within the EU.
“The release of funds is not connected to Ukraine,” stated a source involved in the negotiations regarding the €10 billion from Budapest.
Key developments
Ursula von der Leyen’s aide has been dispatched to Budapest to facilitate the release of €10 billion aimed at strengthening Hungary’s economy, contingent upon implementing agreed reforms.
This engagement indicates a significant move to unfreeze funds amidst ongoing discussions, though insiders confirm it does not relate to the situation in Ukraine.
EU and Magyar agreed to work together for release of EU cash after weekend talks

Ursula von der Leyen’s right-hand man sent to Budapest to begin work for the release of €10 billion as Magyar races to unfreeze the cash in exchange of reforms. According to sources involved in the negotiations, the release of funds is not connected to Ukraine.
Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister seeks Polish support to renew EU ties.
Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister seeks Polish support to renew EU ties.
The European Union is intensifying diplomatic efforts, as Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, László Kövér, seeks assistance from Poland to improve relations with the EU following a prolonged period of tensions and rule of law concerns. The European Commission is under scrutiny with ongoing investigations into Hungary’s governance and adherence to EU regulations, marking a critical moment for Budapest’s coalition with Warsaw amidst a complex geopolitical climate.
Markets are poised for potential volatility as the EU navigates these diplomatic waters while facing economic headwinds. In particular, businesses are keenly aware of impacts stemming from EU sanctions and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which could further affect supply chains across Europe. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the upcoming European Council meeting for any policy announcements that could shape future economic strategies.
Key developments across Europe
Hungary’s incoming PM seeks Polish help to renew EU relations
EU POLITICS — Hungary’s new Prime Minister aims to strengthen ties with Poland to improve relations with the EU.
The incoming PM is focusing on collaborative efforts to bridge Hungary’s rift with EU institutions, seeking Polish support for a more strategic alignment. This indicates a potential shift in Hungary’s approach to EU engagement amid ongoing disputes over rule-of-law issues.
European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp
EU SECURITY — European civil servants must stop using WhatsApp due to security concerns.
The EU is transitioning to more secure communication methods amid fears that sensitive information could be at risk. This policy shift reflects rising concerns over data privacy and the need to protect information in sensitive discussions.
How To Breeze Through Europe’s New EES Border System This Summer
EU TRADE — Europe is implementing a new EES border system to streamline entry processes.
The European Entry System aims to enhance passenger flow and security at borders, with the emphasis on improving response times during peak travel seasons. This new approach is likely to facilitate smoother cross-border movement and improve overall trade logistics.
Exclusive: EU chemical producers seek probe into Chinese rival
EU BUSINESS — EU chemical producers have called for an investigation into a Chinese competitor.
These producers are concerned about potential unfair practices that may hurt their market position within Europe. This investigation could lead to significant changes in trade dynamics and impact EU competitiveness in the global market.
What to watch — The EU is set to implement a new communication strategy to enhance security and improve operational efficiency.
Further reading from across European news sources
The Guardian
Hungary’s incoming PM seeks Polish help to renew EU relations
Politico.eu
European civil servants are being forced off WhatsApp
Euronews
Exclusive: EU chemical producers seek probe into Chinese rival
Reuters
Anthropic talks to EU, including on its cyber security models, Commission says
Financial Times
EU climate chief warns there is ‘no workaround’ for high energy prices
US and Iran Declare Progress in Talks to End Ongoing Conflict
US and Iran Declare Progress in Talks to End Ongoing Conflict
Geopolitical tensions escalate as a senior Iranian official indicates that while dialogue with the United States is ongoing to potentially avert escalating conflict, both parties remain significantly apart from a conclusive agreement. This comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of US-Iran relations, particularly surrounding security measures in the Gulf region where stability remains precarious. Such discussions are critical, as delays or breakdowns in talks could lead to heightened military confrontations in the area, which is vital for global energy supply routes.
In economic ramifications, international oil markets are responding nervously to this uncertainty, with prices fluctuating amidst fears of supply disruptions. Analysts are particularly attentive to the outcomes of the next scheduled talks, as further escalations could trigger a marked shift in global energy costs, whilst any positive developments could stabilise the market in the short term.
Key developments across the world
Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US
GLOBAL SECURITY — Iran has stated that negotiations with the US to de-escalate military tensions have no specific timeline.
The Iranian Foreign Minister indicated that while discussions continue, they remain distant from reaching a comprehensive agreement, particularly after recent threats from the US President regarding military action. This ongoing uncertainty contributes to heightened tensions in the region, impacting stability in the Middle East.
US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump, Iran Cite Progress In Talks, Uncertainty Hangs Over Hormuz
DIPLOMACY — Recent communications indicate a complex interplay between US and Iranian positions amid ongoing tensions.
Despite declaring progress in discussions to lower hostilities, both nations exhibited reluctance to formalise any agreements, resulting in an unpredictable diplomatic landscape. Observers are cautioning that potential confrontations could arise from missteps or miscommunication in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
At least six dead after shooting and hostage-taking in Kyiv neighborhood
GLOBAL SECURITY — A violent incident in Kyiv has resulted in multiple fatalities and raised concerns over public safety.
Six individuals were killed when a gunman opened fire in a busy area, with the interior ministry confirming that the assailant was also dead. This event underscores intensifying security concerns in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and political unrest.
Daniel Kinahan arrested in Dubai over serious organised crime
INTERNATIONAL LAW — Notorious crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been detained in Dubai amid allegations of serious organised crime.
Kinahan, said to be the leader of a significant Irish crime syndicate, faces multiple charges from international law enforcement agencies. His arrest is perceived as a major breakthrough in combating organised crime and drug trafficking at a global level.
US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump, Iran Cite Progress In Talks, Uncertainty Hangs Over Hormuz
GLOBAL ECONOMY — Recent developments in US-Iran negotiations may significantly impact oil markets and global supply chains.
Should tensions escalate or resolutions fail, disruptions in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to soaring oil prices and potential economic ramifications worldwide. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation as stakeholders in the energy market remain on alert.
What to watch — The outcomes of Iran-US negotiations will critically impact regional and global security dynamics.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Iranian official says talks with US to end war have made progress but sides ‘far’ from deal
Reuters
Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US
The Guardian
Daniel Kinahan, alleged leader of Irish organised crime group, arrested in UAE
CNN
At least six dead after shooting and hostage-taking in Kyiv neighborhood
Sky News
Six killed in Kyiv shooting, as interior ministry says gunman also dead
No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
Get you up to speed: No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
Counter Terrorism Policing London is investigating suspicious items near the Israeli embassy in Kensington Gardens, which were assessed as non-hazardous.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed ongoing inquiries following the discovery of non-hazardous items near the Israeli embassy, assuring public safety.
Counter Terrorism Policing London is continuing inquiries related to suspicious items near the Israeli embassy while maintaining security cooperation with the embassy’s team.
What we know so far
Suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy in central London have been assessed as non-hazardous. The investigation into the discarded items prompted a significant police presence in Kensington Gardens, which was cordoned off since Friday morning.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said, “We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.” The park reopened on Saturday.
While no attack occurred, police continue to collaborate with the embassy’s security team to ensure safety. Various emergency services, including a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team, responded to the scene as a precaution.
This incident follows claims by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia of responsibility for other attacks in the area. However, police are not linking this investigation with an attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley earlier this week.
Read in full
No hazardous materials found near Israeli embassy after drone attack threat | News UK
Suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy in central London have been assessed as non-hazardous.
The park reopened on Saturday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: ‘We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.
‘This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our inquiries remain ongoing.
‘While the Embassy of Israel was not attacked, we continue to work closely with the Embassy and its security team to keep the site safe and secure.’
A van belonging to the WTXpolitan Police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team was near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens on Friday, around 500m away from the embassy.
A fire investigation unit from London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team were also present at the scene, as were divers from the Met’s underwater and confined space search team.
It comes after Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia – which is suspected of being Iran-backed – also claimed responsibility for other arson attacks in north London.
Latest London news
To get the latest news from the capital, visit WTX’s London news hub.
Hostile states including Iran have used criminal proxies to carry out acts in the UK before.
A teenage boy and two men were arrested after the latest attack at the offices of a Persian media organisation in Wembley.
Police are not linking the attack to an attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley earlier this week, or the torching of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green last month.
Counter-terror police are also investigating a suspected arson attack at a building said to be formerly used by the Jewish community in Hendon on Friday night.
Kensington Palace, where the Prince and Princess of Wales used to have their main home, is located on the western edge of Kensington Gardens.
Staff from the royal couple’s household based at the historic site are still at work there.
Comments
Add as preferred source
Breaking News
Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.
Local insights
Related Election News
LIVE German 2025 Election
Subscribe to Updates
Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.









