The Iris Dena seen in the Bay of Bengal during the International Fleet Review 2026
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By our political correspondent
President Donald Trump has publicly expressed deep disappointment with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, criticising the United Kingdom’s cautious approach to the American‑led campaign against Iran. Trump said the UK hesitated too long in granting permission for U.S. forces to use British military bases in operations linked to the conflict, straining the “special relationship. In a highly unusual public rebuke, Trump accused Starmer of being overly cautious on legal grounds when initially refusing U.S. requests to deploy troops and aircraft from UK facilities including the strategic Indian Ocean base at Diego Garcia. “That’s probably never happened between our countries before,” Trump told The Telegraph, adding that he was “very disappointed” by the delay in authorising support.
Initially, the UK government declined to allow the U.S. to use British airbases for offensive operations, with ministers citing concerns about international law and the lack of a clear legal mandate for wider strikes on Iranian territory. Starmer’s government also made clear that Britain had no direct role in the USA Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, amid an escalation of the conflict including Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks that struck allied positions and British personnel abroad Starmer reversed course. On Sunday night, the prime minister announced that the UK had agreed to let the United States use British bases for limited defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile depots and launchers in a bid to protect British lives and regional partners.
He stressed that this did not involve Britain joining offensive operations against Iran. Downing Street sources said the shift followed urgent consultations with U.S. officials after Iranian attacks intensified across the Middle East, although Starmer maintained a firm focus on international law and the importance of de‑escalation. Trump’s criticism comes amid broader international reaction to the ongoing conflict. European leaders including France and Germany have taken a cautious approach, expressing support for defence of regional interests while urging diplomatic solutions. In Britain, the row has sparked debate among political figures. Some have said the government’s stance reflects a responsible balance between supporting allies and upholding legal norms, while others including some former intelligence officials have complained of a lack of “full‑throated support” for U.S. action.
Both London and Washington continue to emphasise shared objectives: preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ensuring the safety of allied forces and civilians across the region. But as the conflict persists, the diplomatic strain over military collaboration and the limit of British backing is likely to remain a key issue in transatlantic relations.
London Post Report:
Lahore/Islamabad:
Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust has arranged large-scale Sehri and Iftar meals at more than a dozen locations across Pakistan during the holy month of Ramadan, providing daily meals to thousands of underprivileged and financially struggling people.
According to the organization, Ramadan food arrangements have been set up in several cities and regions including Lahore, Islamabad, Mansehra, Cholistan, Sibi, Bahawalpur, Bagh, and the scenic Naran–Kaghan Valley. The initiative aims to support vulnerable communities, laborers, travelers, and low-income families who often struggle to arrange meals during fasting hours.
Volunteers and staff members of Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust are actively managing the food distribution at these sites, ensuring that large numbers of deserving people receive both Sehri and Iftar meals every day.
Officials of the trust stated that the Ramadan initiative is part of the organization’s broader humanitarian mission to serve disadvantaged communities across Pakistan and beyond. They emphasized that providing food during Ramadan is one of the most important forms of charity, particularly for those facing poverty and hardship.
Local residents have appreciated the initiative, noting that such programs bring relief to many families who rely on community support during the holy month.
Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust has been running various welfare projects including food distribution, clean drinking water initiatives, healthcare services, and educational support for underserved communities.
By Tajammul Gurmani
Police (GMP) has arrested the second suspect involved in the Central Mosque Victoria Park incident. While police officers deputed to the mosques during Taraweeh prayers were called back, police continue patrolling as part of the second phase of the security plan.
Speaking to The London Post, Chairman of the mosque committee Hamad Khan said that, according to the latest developments after the Victoria Mosque incident, both suspects have been remanded in custody. One of them has been charged with offences related to carrying weapons. The second suspect has a criminal behaviour order against him, and in breach of that order, both appeared in court last Friday and have been remanded in custody.
Talking about their criminal objectives, he said: “I am not privy to their statements, and I have not asked the police what their objectives were. For us, it is important that they are both off the streets. They will both be in custody, and once sentencing takes place, we will find out whether it was an individual act or whether some group or organisation was behind them. According to the information the police have given us, there are no groups behind them. The police will, however, continue their investigation. With the information currently available, they do not believe that any additional groups are involved.”
Regarding the security measures taken by the mosque committee, he said: “We always have security, which we will step up. We will have a greater number of volunteers present. The police have committed to a high presence around the mosques, especially around the Central Mosque in Manchester. We expect the police to be present, at least visibly, throughout the month of Ramadan and up to after Eid.”
By Ahmad Shahzad OBE:
China and Russia must take urgent and decisive steps to prevent the United States from acting unilaterally in ways that threaten global peace, stability, and humanity.
Ahmad Shahzad OBE, Founder and Former Chairman of BAME Labour, has strongly commended Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to support what he described as illegal military action against Iran.
President Donald Trump appears to be driven by deep-seated hostility towards Muslims and an approach shaped by his background in real estate one that prioritises destruction followed by reconstruction for gain. This dangerous mindset reflects outdated and exploitative practices reminiscent of colonial history.
He must recognise that the world has changed. This is 2026 — an era defined by rising global awareness, justice, and accountability.
As Commander-in-Chief, he wields extraordinary power unmatched by most nations. However, the United States has long claimed to stand as a defender of human rights, freedom, and democracy. Recent actions raise serious concerns about whether those principles are being upheld or abandoned.
The world cannot remain silent. Global powers must act responsibly and collectively to prevent reckless decisions that could endanger humanity and destabilise our shared beautiful world.
By our political correspondent:
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly condemned his father, Mohammad Sarwar, for praising Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli air strikes. Mohammad Sarwar, a former MP and Punjab governor, called Khamenei a “martyr” and a “strong voice of resistance”, comments his son labelled “wrong” and “deeply” disagreed with. The row comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Sarwar urging de-escalation and supporting limited UK cooperation with US defensive operations against Iran.
Bureau Report:
Manchester:
High Commissioner of Pakistan UK Dr Muhammad Faisal, has said that no state in the world allows illegal immigrants to live in their country. It is a policy decision that Afghan nationals should return to their own country. Pakistan would not extend cross-border tensions with the neighbouring country of Afghanistan and is trying to resolve this conflict as soon as possible. He was speaking to the local media after inaugurating the new Consul Hall at the Consulate General in Manchester. A simple and impressive ceremony was held at the Consulate General. MP Afzal Khan, Chairman Overseas Pakistan Foundation (OPF) Syed Qammar Raza, MNA Ihsan Bajwa, and Consul General Manchester Imtiaz Feroz Gondal addressed the event, while a large number of community leaders, including Haroon Khattana, Tahir Chaudhry, Mussarat Chaudhry, Cllr Naeemul Hassan and Cllr Rab Nawaz Akbar, also attended the function. Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal said in his address that Phase 2 of the extension project will start in June. A new exhibition hall will be constructed, and a lift will also be installed for visitors, he added.
By our Staff reporter:
Shafiq Rehman, General Secretary of Hounslow Jamia Mosque, hosted a multi-faith Iftar dinner at Hounslow Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre, which was attended by people from all walks of life in large numbers. Before the Iftar dinner, select members of the Pakistani and other communities expressed their views, highlighting the benefits of Ramadan and the true philosophy of fasting, and appreciated the spirit of the UK’s multicultural society to work together for the betterment of the community. On this occasion, Member of Parliament Ruth Cadbury, Charanjit Singh, Chair of Hounslow Friends of Faith, Solicitor Dr Tahir Wasti and Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillors Shantanu Rajawat also spoke. At the end of the event, the host Shafiq Rehman thanked all the attendees.
By City reporter:
The Pakistan High Commission London hosted a large group of students from the Oxford Diplomatic Studies Programme, University of Oxford for an interactive session on Pakistan’s foreign policy and its perspective on important global issues. The visiting group, comprising accomplished professionals from diverse fields related to diplomacy, represented a wide range of countries and professional backgrounds.
High Commissioner Dr Faisal addressed the students,
sharing his insights on Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities and challenges within a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Pakistan-UK relations, Pakistan’s economic potential and contributions to regional and global peace. The High Commissioner also highlighted Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The High Commissioner’s remarks were followed by a free flowing Q&A session.
The High Commissioner responded to a wide range of queries from the students, further enriching the exchange of views and fostering greater understanding of Pakistan’s foreign policy perspectives.
By Erum Masood Global Media Journalist:
On this special day, March 8th, we celebrate the incredible women who inspire and uplift us all across the globe. International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on their achievements, struggles, and the powerful impact of their empowering presence, inspiring future generations.
I’ve had the privilege of supporting women in Pakistan, Morocco, and the UK, especially where women are celebrated not just for their origins but also for their strength and spirit. Today, I honor a truly remarkable South Asian woman, Global Woman Mani Kohli MBE, whose journey and accomplishments speak volumes. Her deep roots in PINDI, Pakistan, remind us of our shared heritage and the importance of women supporting each other, regardless of where they come from. As a leading figure in the fashion world, she has styled stars across the UK, Asia, and the US, always making women feel beautiful from within rather than just on the outside. S
She’s also passionate about raising funds and inspiring women entrepreneurs and small businesses, encouraging others to contribute with love and enthusiasm.
Meeting her through the British Asian Fashion Network was a transformative experience—she has truly become my personal fashion mentor. I was privileged to celebrate her MBE with her children and inspiring women from around the world—women who exemplify strength, talent, and kindness.
Today, the PINE Global Community honors women like Ghinaa Khan, Sana Kardar, Rabia Amir, Musarrat Jabeen, Misha Irshad, Maham Masood, Fakiha Fatima, Vinessa Phoebe, and Ramsha Khokar, who support and uplift each other every day.
Let’s celebrate Mani Kohli MBE and these amazing women—not just for what they do but for who they are: mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and true sources of inspiration.
They make me strive to be a better person every day, simply by being wonderful. Women’s giving isn’t just about gaining; it’s about sharing their time, love, and themselves to create a kinder, brighter world!!!