UK

Report Inam Sehgal
The UK and European Union are moving towards easing post-Brexit trade barriers on food exports, in a significant step towards rebuilding economic relations and reducing bureaucracy for businesses on both sides of the Channel.
The proposed arrangements are expected to simplify food-export procedures, reduce unnecessary paperwork and cut costly border checks that have affected British farmers, food producers and exporters since Brexit.
The agreement, described as a major breakthrough in the UK-EU Brexit reset, would remove export health certificates costing up to £200, phytosanitary certificates, inspection charges and other administrative fees. It is also expected to reopen European markets to British fresh sausages, burgers, certain shellfish and seed potatoes.
The UK government estimates that the agreement could generate around £5.1 billion in annual economic benefits. It is expected to help smaller businesses resume trading with European customers and make food supplies more efficient.
However, the agreement will require Britain to maintain alignment with relevant EU food safety and agricultural standards. Its implementation has been delayed and is now expected in the first quarter of 2028.
The development marks a significant improvement in relations between London and Brussels, although it has also revived debate over how much regulatory independence Britain should retain following its departure from the European Union.

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester: Retrospective changes to immigration rules are set to make life harder for economic immigrants in the UK. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced major changes to immigration rules in Parliament this week. Under the new rules, many immigrants will have to wait 10 years to qualify for settlement in the UK. The changes will affect immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries who are working in IT, hospitality, construction, charity, retail and other industries across the UK.
According to the new rules, immigrants who obtained a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) will have to complete 10 years before applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR). The government has introduced three categories based on annual income, with different settlement periods: 3 years: £125,141 annual salary, 5 years: £50,271 annual salary and 10 years: £12,571 annual salary. The government has also introduced other conditions, including stronger character requirements, criminal record checks, a higher level of English, integration and residence requirements. However, it may be very difficult for many immigrants to meet the financial contribution requirement of £50,271 a year to qualify for settlement after five years of employment in the UK. The government has also announced changes to other immigration routes, including student and graduate routes. Students may no longer be able to qualify for settlement simply by completing 10 years of lawful residence under the long-residence route. The Entrepreneur route will also no longer provide an effective pathway to settlement in the UK. Partners and children will also have to qualify for settlement after 10 years alongside the main applicant. Transitional arrangements for the five-year settlement period have been announced only for education and health workers and public servants, with a salary threshold of £25,000 a year. The government has also stated that care workers who have lost their jobs must find new sponsorship from 1 February 2027, within four months. They will then have a further six months to resolve their employment situation. Otherwise, their visas may be curtailed, and they may have to leave the UK.
Overall, the new settlement policy is very strict and does not appear to offer significant relief to immigrants hoping to obtain settlement after five years. Sources said that the UK may become a less attractive destination for immigrants seeking education, employment and business opportunities, particularly those hoping to settle in the country. The UK may also become more dependent on European migrants who left the country after Brexit. “The affected immigrants may also challenge the retrospective rule changes in court. They could argue that the government had promised them the opportunity to obtain settlement after five years when they were granted their work visas. The new 10-year settlement rules could affect not only their families but also cause serious financial hardships. They will hope that the courts may provide some relief,” the sources added.

Cllr Tariq Dar MBE
Cricklewood Mapesbury Brent London
LONDON: No one should have to worry about Council Tax bills while facing the devastating news of a terminal illness.
That’s why our Brent Labour Council has introduced a new scheme to provide additional Council Tax support for residents and families affected by a terminal diagnosis. Eligible households can receive a reduction of up to 100% of their Council Tax bill, helping to ease financial pressures at an exceptionally difficult time.
The scheme is available to residents who have a terminal illness, or someone living in their household who has been diagnosed with one. Support will be assessed on individual circumstances, with additional consideration for those experiencing financial hardship. We know that a terminal diagnosis can place enormous emotional and financial pressure on individuals and their loved ones. This new support is about making sure that people facing the most difficult circumstances get the help they need.
Find out more about eligibility and how to apply:

Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester: The Forum of Muslim Organisations Greater Manchester (FMO) organised a seminar at Cheadle Mosque on “How to Deliver School Visits to Mosques”, in collaboration with Equilibria, ISB, AHMA and CMA.
A large number of imams, volunteers, mosque committee members, community members and trustees attended the event.
The speakers shared their views and gave presentations on how mosques can organise successful school visits. The participants showed great interest in different topics, including mosque governance and procedures, dos and don’ts of mosque visits, and how to organise fun and interactive visits for primary school pupils and meaningful visits for secondary school students.
The seminar also included discussions on the ideal school visit, governance, risk management, safeguarding and planning. The session was interactive, giving participants the opportunity to share their views and ask questions.
Attendees also watched videos produced to help teachers and students learn more about Islam in Religious Education (RE) classes.
Sara Saigol also answered questions and thanked everyone for attending the seminar. Refreshments were served at the end of the event.

Staff reporter
LONDON: Chairman Third World Solidarity & former Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea Hon. Alderman Mushtaq Lasharie CBE attended the awards ceremony organised by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, recognising the outstanding contributions of the Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Scheme, a registered charity founded in 1953.
The charity has played a valuable role in promoting horticulture, community gardening and the development of sustainable green spaces across the borough. Congratulations to Robert, Abbas and all the award winners for their excellent achievements and invaluable contributions to the community.