Mr. Karan Rana appointed as Honorary Trade Commissioner for Strengthening India–PNG Trade Relations

British holidaymakers are experiencing widespread disruption at airports throughout Europe following the introduction of the EU’s new entry and exit system, which mandates biometric data collection including photographs and fingerprints for all passengers crossing into the Schengen zone. The newly implemented regulations have triggered what passengers describe as “mayhem” at border control points across the continent.Reports of significant delays, flight cancellations and stranded holidaymakers have emerged from airports spanning Brussels to Geneva.At Milan’s Linate Airport on Sunday, approximately 100 easyJet passengers bound for Manchester found themselves abandoned as they waited to board their flight. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The chaos marks the early days of the EES rollout, with British tourists among the first to encounter the enhanced border procedures.Michelle Maguire, 38, and her daughter had been due to return from Malaga to Liverpool on Saturday evening but did not reach home until a full day later, with the ordeal ultimately costing the family £1,000.The pair had taken precautions, reaching the airport three hours before their scheduled departure and joining the passport queue 90 minutes prior to take-off.However, the line moved incredibly slowly, leaving them scrambling to find assistance.”Everyone was in the same situation,” Ms Maguire told the Mail. “We were telling staff, ‘we’re going to miss our flight.'”She said the response from airport personnel was blunt: “It’s not our problem. Get back in the queue.”When she attempted to approach a passport desk directly, staff simply directed her back into the line.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSHuge green fireball confirmed as meteor after flying through night sky over BritainImmigration lawyers REFUSE to represent migrants due for deportation to FranceBlackout fears as Ed Miliband’s solar power push threatens to overwhelm electricity gridMs Maguire described scenes of bedlam throughout the packed terminal, with anxious passengers jostling for position and attempting to access passport control through alternative entrances.”Everyone was panicking,” she said. “Everyone was getting frustrated. Kids were crying.”The situation deteriorated further with no staff managing the growing crowds, leading to passengers repeatedly leaving and re-entering the queue area.After queuing for more than an hour, Ms Maguire finally reached the border control desks with roughly 30 minutes until departure, only to find staff working without any sense of urgency.The problem was compounded by numerous empty booths, a consequence of ongoing strikes affecting Spanish airports in recent weeks.”No one cared if we made our flight,” she added. “It was not a priority and there was definitely no empathy.”She continued: “The Ryanair desk was heaving because they had over-filled the flight. When we got there, they said, “you need to sort out your own flight and we’re not helping you.'”No one at the desk was willing to help us. It was absolute mayhem.Ms Maguire’s husband and son both enjoyed easy journeys back to the UK with their Irish passports, leading her to say: “There is definitely an issue with British passports.”Are we getting punished for Brexit? I’m not sure. But it feels like there is an undertone that it’s your fault.”Ms Maguire concluded by saying that the stress of the whole situation had put her off travelling to a destination she has regularly visited in the past. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has doubled down on his 2015 pledge to ban asylum seekers with HIV from receiving NHS treatment.Mr Farage, who led Ukip when he first made the controversial pledge, sparked fury from left-wing politicians during a televised debate held before the 2015 General Election after warning migrants were costing taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds a year by receiving treatment for the retrovirus infection.Reiterating his position at a rally in Aberdeen, Mr Farage said: “The idea that somebody can newly arrive in Britain and get expensive NHS treatment, whether it’s for HIV or hepatitis or whatever it is […].“Truth of it is: this is a national health service. It is not an international health service.” TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say NHS guidelines currently allow asylum seekers to receive NHS treatment for HIV even if the Home Office has refused their claims.Mr Farage suggested in 2015 that British taxpayers were paying around £25,000 a year for each migrant receiving HIV treatment on the NHS.He said at the time: “You can come into Britain from anywhere in the world and get diagnosed with HIV and get the retro-viral drugs that cost up to £25,000 per year per patient.“What we need to do is to put the NHS there for British people and families, who in many cases have paid into the system for decades.”Ed Miliband, who was leader of the Labour Party at the time, described the comments as “disgusting”.Meanwhile, then-Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood accused Mr Farage of “scaremongering”.She added: “It divides communities and it creates stigma to people who are ill and I think you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”Following the HIV row, Mr Farage claimed more than 60 per cent of the 7,000 patients diagnosed with HIV annually were not British.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSNigel Farage tears into ‘catastrophic’ £622bn cost of UK’s immigration ‘Boriswave’WATCH: Nigel Farage takes aim at Kemi Badenoch in scathing Brexit swipeReform UK pledges to hold national inquiry into ‘Boriswave’ migration surgeData released by Public Health England in 2021 revealed 62 per cent of all new HIV diagnoses in 2019 were also detected among migrants. The World Health Organization has suggested 350,000 people in Pakistan are living with HIV, with the Asian nation ranking top for asylum seekers arriving in Britain.Meanwhile, Eritrea recorded around 12,000 cases last year, and Iran’s total hit 40,000. During Mr Farage’s Aberdeen rally, the Reform UK leader also appeared to concede the Scottish National Party will likely emerge victorious on May 7.Mr Farage instead insisted Reform would be “an effective voice of opposition” in the Scottish Parliament over the next five years.He also set his sights on challenging for power in Scotland “next time around”, which is scheduled to take place in 2031. However, Scottish Reform leader Malcolm Offord rejected Mr Farage’s pessimistic view.The former Tory peer said: “We’re an unscripted party. We believe in what we’re saying. And he’s got an opinion and I’ve got an opinion.”Opinion polls suggest Reform UK could emerge as the opposition north of the border following a poll surge for Mr Farage.Despite Ukip always struggling to pick up votes, Reform UK polled 19 per cent in YouGov’s latest survey.Meanwhile, the SNP is expected to rake in around 41 per cent – increasing the likelihood of John Swinney commanding a majority in Holyrood. Labour registered 18 per cent, compared to 10 per cent for the Liberal Democrats and just eight per cent for the Tories. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

New analysis suggests that drivers may have to fork out an additional £1,800 for the average family car if the Prime Minister realigns the UK with the European Union.Sir Keir Starmer told Parliament that the benefits of a relationship with the EU are “simply too big to ignore” as the Government hints at a better alliance with Europe.Reports suggest that the Labour Government could use powers to align with EU rules by default, especially around the single market.Using the so-called “Henry VIII” rules, the Government would be able to amend Acts of Parliament by order, without scrutiny from MPs. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say One of the key changes that could be introduced is the Euro 7 emissions standards, which would have a huge impact on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.The rules would see further restrictions placed on exhaust emissions and pollution from tyres and brake pads.The Department for Transport launched a consultation into accepting the Euro 7 standards for cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches.Under current proposals, Euro 7 would be introduced for light-duty vehicles from November 29, 2026, and heavy-duty vehicles from May 29, 2028.Labour is proposing to update the minimum emission standard for new light and heavy-duty vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales to the Euro 7 standard, in line with the EU.However, independent analysis from Frontier Economics for the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association warned that production for brands would be more expensive.It suggested that a five per cent increase would be passed down to the cost of buying the average family car, which would cost around £34,000.This could add around £1,800 to the cost of manufacturing a new petrol or diesel car, as well as more than £10,000 to a diesel lorry.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSLabour to remove funding from local councils failing to tackle major road problems under new rulesUK motorways could see speed limits hiked to 80mph in plan to axe ‘outdated’ road rulesDrivers are ‘making the switch to electric faster than ever’ as Octopus reports 89% spike in demandIt comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices are soaring as a result of the Iran war, further adding to the burden of the cost of motoring.While the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch indicates that price hikes are slowing, drivers are still paying 158p for a litre of petrol and 191.5p for diesel.Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact the price of Brent crude oil, which is passed on to costs paid by motorists at the pumps.In response to the Euro 7 regulations being introduced in the UK, Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden blasted Labour for burdening drivers “with a brand new and totally unnecessary cost”.He told The Telegraph: “Drivers are facing huge costs and challenges already – whether through anti-driver measures, rocketing fuel prices or charge after charge.”Labour should not be aligning with these EU rules. We have no vote in these regulations, yet this weak Labour Government is choosing to impose them anyway.”The Euro 7 consultation is open to drivers and organisations across the UK, with it set to close at 11.45pm on May 25, 2026. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran have broken down in Pakistan after Washington dismissed Tehran’s offer to halt uranium enrichment for five years, demanding instead a two-decade suspension.The Iranian proposal formed part of multiple suggestions put forward by both nations during weekend discussions in Islamabad, though neither side accepted any of the offers on the table.According to officials from both capitals, the Trump administration maintained its position that Iranian nuclear activities must cease for at least 20 years.Despite the failed first round, The New York Times reports that further high-level discussions remain possible. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Vice President JD Vance, who headed the American negotiating team in Islamabad, stated on Monday evening that Iran’s nuclear programme represented a firm boundary for President Trump.”We actually made very clear what our red lines were,” Mr Vance told Fox News. “There are two things in particular where the president of the US really said we have no flexibility.”The Vice President identified two non-negotiable conditions: American custody of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and a robust verification system to prevent future weapons development.Mr Vance acknowledged that Iranian negotiators had shifted towards the US position during the talks, “but they didn’t move far enough.”To pressure Iran into accepting a deal, President Trump announced that American naval forces had commenced a blockade of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, beginning at 3pm on Monday.Mr Vance accused Tehran of committing “economic terrorism against the entire world” by restricting maritime traffic through the vital waterway.”They basically threatened any ship that’s moving through the Strait of Hormuz,” the VP said.Defending Washington’s decision to blockade Iranian ports, Mr Vance argued that Mr Trump had demonstrated “two could play at that game” in response to Iran’s actions.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS‘National disgrace!’ Keir Starmer accused of driving British Army veterans to brink of suicide over Northern Ireland billMassive blaze rips through hospital building as 50 firefighters rush in to tackle raging infernoImmigration lawyers REFUSE to represent migrants due for deportation to FranceIsraeli and Lebanese representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington today for American-mediated discussions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon.The encounter represents the first face-to-face negotiations between the two nations since 1993, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low.Secretary of State Marco Rubio will oversee the talks, which will involve both countries’ ambassadors to Washington alongside the American envoy to Beirut.Israel faces mounting global pressure to accept a ceasefire but refuses to do so until Hezbollah disarms. Lebanon has pledged to strip the militia of its weapons, though Israeli officials doubt this commitment can be fulfilled.Hezbollah has dismissed the negotiations entirely, declaring it will not honour any Washington agreement.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

A former Nato chief has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for “corrosive complacency” after warning Britain’s national security is now “in peril”. Lord George Robertson, who served as Nato general-secretary and authored the Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), accused the Prime Minister of “not [being] willing to make the necessary investment” to protect the UK. He is expected to issue a damning verdict on the state of the Armed Forces at a speech in Salisbury today.”We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe,” the ex-Labour Defence Secretary is expected to say. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “Britain’s national security and safety is in peril.”Having led Nato from 1999 to 2003, Lord Robertson will also say in his speech that “non-military experts in the Treasury” are causing “vandalism”. He will continue: “There is a corrosive complacency today in Britain’s political leadership. “Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger – but even a promised national conversation about defence can’t be started.”Speaking to The Financial Times ahead of his speech, Lord Robertson referenced the “ever-expanding welfare budget” as a reason why we cannot “defend Britain”.The SDR, delivered in June last year, was “backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, with a total of over £270billion being invested across this Parliament”, a Government spokesman said. However, the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is still outstanding, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch pointing out the issue in the House of Commons on Monday. She said the DIP was “nowhere to be seen” and called upon Sir Keir to find a way to increase defence spending before the end of the Parliament. Sir Keir has previously said the DIP was being “finalised”.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS‘National disgrace!’ Keir Starmer accused of driving British Army veterans to brink of suicideKeir Starmer’s ‘one-in, one-out’ deal sees taxpayer cost hit £50k per migrant sent back to FranceKeir Starmer’s mentor accuses PM of ‘betrayal’ over controversial plans to axe jury trialsIn the SDR, Lord Robertson, alongside the other authors, General Sir Richard Barrons and Dr Fiona Hill, acknowledged that “words such as ‘transformation’ have been used before in defence reviews but the intention has seldom been delivered”.They summarised in the review that “‘business as usual’ is not an option”. The DIP was due to be published last autumn as a follow-up to the SDR.It was intended to fill the gaps in military investment that the review had uncovered. However, the DIP has been pushed back on numerous occasions amid growing concerns the military faces a £28billion funding blackhole over the next four years.This has created a stalemate between the Ministry of Defence, the Treasury and No10, with sources suggesting they cannot agree on how to move forward.Defence spending last year stood at 2.3 per cent of GDP, roughly £66billion. The Government is committed to reaching its three per cent target by the end of the next Parliament, moving further to 3.5 per cent by 2035. Lord Robertson hinted at utilising funds from the UK’s “ever-expanding” welfare budget, echoing Tory calls to cut the benefits bill while increasing spending on defence. However, Sir Keir’s previous push to cut welfare spending was dropped last year, following a rebellion from backbench Labour MPs.Sir Richard, one of the SDR’s other authors, agreed with Lord Robertson’s sentiments.He told the BBC: “There’s an enormous gap between where we have to be to keep the country safe in the world we now live in and where we actually are.”The SDR said that the UK faces multiple, direct threats for the first time since the Cold War and that a “step change in the threats we face demands a step change in Britain’s defence”. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter