Former Labour international development minister Douglas Alexander is tipped for a cabinet post in a Starmer government. Thomas Harding / The National
Former Labour international development minister Douglas Alexander is tipped for a cabinet post in a Starmer government. Thomas Harding / The National
Former Labour international development minister Douglas Alexander is tipped for a cabinet post in a Starmer government. Thomas Harding / The National
Former Labour international development minister Douglas Alexander is tipped for a cabinet post in a Starmer government. Thomas Harding / The National

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Labour's Douglas Alexander eyes the comeback trail for the UK

Former international development secretary tipped for return to frontbench in government as party tries to repair Westminster's relations with Scotland

Thomas Harding
Thomas Harding
Port Seton, East Lothian

June 25, 2024

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Brexit, economic turmoil and political scandal have so damaged Britain’s international standing that people regularly ask Douglas Alexander: “What’s happened, we thought the UK was a serious country?”

The veteran Labour Party politician fields that point as he seeks a return to the front line, bringing with him a wide experience in global affairs. Mr Alexander lost his seat eight years ago after a stellar career at the top of the party working as the cabinet minister in charge of overseas aid and, before that, as a close aide to Gordon Brown in the Tony Blair-led government that ruled from 1997.

“We have a responsibility if Labour is elected to rebuild trust and to rebuild our reputation with many of our closest friends and neighbours,” Mr Alexander told The National while campaigning in Scotland for the UK general election.

The dawn of a Britain under Labour may resurrect his political career after the humiliation of losing his seat to Mhairi Black, then a 20-year-old Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate, in 2015 and perhaps thrust him back into the cabinet.

Since losing his seat, Britain has lurched from Brexit to the political dysfunction of five prime ministers in eight years and Mr Alexander has seen much in the affairs of state that angers him.

“What this Conservative government has done over the last 14 years to Britain's international standing is profound,” he said.

Labour would “turn the page on the economic and political chaos that has been so damaging to so many people's lives” and the “deep sense of anger about a Conservative government that partied its way through the pandemic”.

There is talk – fiercely denied – of him being appointed foreign secretary, given that he will be among the government’s most experienced politicians having served in the last Labour administration as international development secretary.

Douglas Alexander speaks after the SNP's Mhairi Black, right, was named winner of the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat in the 2015 general election. Alamy
Douglas Alexander speaks after the SNP's Mhairi Black, right, was named winner of the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat in the 2015 general election. Alamy

Helping to find Middle East peace could be the first step in rehabilitating Britain’s battered overseas reputation, said Mr Alexander, 56.

“We can have a British government that sends a very positive signal at home and abroad that the UK is back as a serious country willing to shoulder its share of responsibilities in the face of significant challenges.”

The ties holding the UK together that nearly snapped could well be strengthened by a Labour government, perhaps drawing Scotland closer to the other nations.

Westminster’s relationship with Scotland has been severely damaged under Conservative stewardship, particularly with Brexit and Boris Johnson’s high-handed tenure, although the last time a majority of Scots voted for a Tory government was 1955.

Labour leader Keir Starmer would do well to appoint one if not two Scottish MPs to his cabinet once he becomes prime minister to “give Scots a sense that Britain is once again a comfortable home for them”, according to political analyst Chris Deerin, from Edinburgh.

In the Harvard-educated Mr Alexander, the government would have a polished veteran of international affairs, who has spent time out of politics travelling the world, including a period as a lecturer at New York University in Abu Dhabi and addressing world poverty as an adviser to Bono of U2.

That gives him the air of a traveller who understands much of the world’s woes that have multiplied since Labour were voted out of office in 2010.

Mr Alexander reminisces that back then Donald Trump was “still selling real estate” and at the start of Labour’s tenure in 1997 Britain’s economy was “bigger than China’s” and it still had Hong Kong as a territory.

Others suggest his time outside politics have formed a “more rounded character” and “softened the edges”.

Arab diplomacy

With the Firth of Forth's waters to his back in the pretty fishing village of Port Seton, Mr Alexander suggested a grasp of world politics with a well-tuned view is what is required for peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“One of the ironies is that beyond this immediate crisis is the possibility of not just a two-state solution, but for a 23-state solution involving the 21 members of the Arab League as well, which has been a dream of many people in Israel and beyond for many years,” he said.

But that outcome had been hindered by a combination of Hamas and Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Alexander spoke of the Israeli Prime Minister's failure to “take the steps that many of us would have liked to have seen”.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets Douglas Alexander in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank in 2007. AFP
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets Douglas Alexander in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank in 2007. AFP

“One of the many, many tragedies of the situation is that those outside the region, and many countries in the region, seem more committed to peace than some of the principal actors,” he said.

“It’s a vexing, horrendous situation where the suffering is huge.”

He also speaks with insight of the work CIA director Bill Burns is doing behind the scenes for a peace deal and refers to the “need to do the quiet, hard yards of diplomacy to encourage a sustainable peace”.

Positive force

His views are echoed by Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, who told The National his party “will be a positive force in the world”, particularly where Palestine and Israel are concerned.

“Britain will seek to use its alliances, its relationships and its convening power to try to persuade people towards that two-state solution,” he said, speaking on board his battle bus in Methil, Fife.

Anas Sarwar speaking to The National on board the Labour battle bus. Thomas Harding / The National
Anas Sarwar speaking to The National on board the Labour battle bus. Thomas Harding / The National

But he admitted the international community “has looked pretty toothless in the face of what is a horrific situation”.

Mr Sarwar, of Pakistani Muslim heritage and a close ally of Mr Starmer, “completely supported” Labour’s manifesto recognition of a Palestinian state that it “is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not the gift of a neighbour”.

Disunited kingdom

The desire of many Scots to remain within the union, which was tested in the 2014 referendum when 45 per cent voted for independence, has largely eroded.

Scotland had 59 out of the 650 Westminster MPs of the four nations of the UK, but the majority of them in the last parliament – 43 – were SNP.

There is now a chance for Scotland to feel properly represented in Westminster, with Labour in power likely to “give Scots a sense that Britain is a comfortable home for them and that they belong in the United Kingdom”, said Chris Deerin, of Reform Scotland, a political think tank.

That remedial action may lead Mr Starmer “to put Scottish people in senior jobs” because the ambition for Labour in Scotland, where it could overtake the SNP in numbers of MPs, is “wanting the union to continue”.

“And that's not a sure thing at the moment as Westminster has become very English to Scots,” Mr Deerin said.

Appointing Mr Alexander to the cabinet would be a swift, first remedy, he added. “Douglas is one of the few people who goes in with experience of the top table in government and has made incredible connections in his work abroad.”

If Scotland can prosper under Labour, he said, then the independence movement will recede.

Douglas Alexander speaks with then UK prime minister Gordon Brown at the Labour Party conference in 2007. Getty Images
Douglas Alexander speaks with then UK prime minister Gordon Brown at the Labour Party conference in 2007. Getty Images

“There's a lot of people who just want this constitutional debate to go away, especially when our police and hospitals are in trouble, schools are doing badly and our economy is not working,” said Mr Deerin.

But he said Mr Starmer has five or, if he gets a second term, 10 years to demonstrate that the UK can be that “comfortable home” for the Scots, otherwise pressure for another independence referendum would be insurmountable.

Gulf dynamic

There should, therefore, be little surprise in seeing Mr Alexander stride up Downing Street on July 5 with the offer of a post in Mr Starmer’s government.

But, he claims, his entire focus now is winning the East Lothian constituency just outside Edinburgh and fends off the cabinet probing with the Sir Alex Ferguson allegory of “staying in the tunnel” before the big match.

“I'm not going to indulge in post-match analysis before a ball is even been kicked.”

Acknowledging Mr Alexander’s likely rapid ascendancy, Mr Sarwar said his colleague’s experience “will be vital” in steadying Britain.

UK general election campaigning - in pictures

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Conservative leader Rishi Sunak speaks at party campaign event at the National Army Museum in London on Wednesday, July 3. AP Photo
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer addresses supporters during a visit to the West Regwm Farm events venue in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, Wales, on the final day of election campaigning. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey drives a tractor during a visit to Owl Lodge in Lacock, Wiltshire. PA
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Satirical political character Count Binface in London before challenging Conservative leader RishiSunak for the parliamentary seat of Richmond and Northallerton. Reuters
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Boris Johnson, former UK prime minister, campaigns for the Conservatives in London. Bloomberg
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK Party, with heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora during a campaign visit to Clacton-on-Sea in eastern England. Reuters
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Sunak holds a speech during his visit to Well Healthcare Supplies as he campaigns in Stoke. Getty Images
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Starmer laughs as he speaks to supporters near Milton Keynes. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Davey bungee jumps during a visit to Eastbourne Borough Football Club in East Sussex. AP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Sunak bowls during his visit to Nuneaton Cricket Club. AFP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Starmer addresses an audience of Labour Party members and supporters during a rally at the Royal Horticultural Halls in central London. AP
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Davey rides a towable inflatable during a visit to Lakeside Ski & Wake, in the Cotswolds. Reuters
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London. AFP
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Kingsbury, London. PA
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Davey participates in a Zumba class with supporters in Wokingham. Reuters
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Starmer speaking during a visit to Northampton Town Football Club at Sixfields Stadium. PA
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Sunak delivers a speech in central London. AFP
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey jet-washes an ambulance in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Starmer rests his hand on the shoulder of Idris Elba as they meet families of knife crime victims, in west London. PA
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Sunak turns on the power in the training centre control room during a tour of the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. AFP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Davey plays a game of Frisbee on a visit to a farm in Hampshire. AP
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visit a supermarket in Swindon. PA
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Sunak speaks to journalists on the campaign bus following the launch of the Welsh Conservatives General Election manifesto near Rhyl. Reuters
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Davey taking part in wheelbarrow racing at Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town football club in Somerset. PA
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Farage speaks to the press in Clacton-on-Sea. Bloomberg
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of the Labour party's 2024 general election manifesto in Manchester. AP
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Sunak answers questions from the audience in Grimsby. Getty Images
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Davey toasts a marshmallow as he visits Willow Forest School in Surrey. EPA
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Mr Farage attends the launch of the Reform UK manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar launches Scottish Labour’s battle bus campaign on June 17 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Getty Images
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Britain's Labour Party politician and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting speaks to a television crew outside the BBC in London. AFP
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday, with Laura Kuenssberg. BBC
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Sunak meets pupils in a maths class during a visit to the John Whitgift Academy, in Grimsby. AP
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Grimsby Institute, a technical training college in Grimsby. PA
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Davey during a general election campaign visit to the Aqua Jungle Spot in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bloomberg
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Sunak and Akshata Murty take centre stage at the Conservative Party's general election manifesto launch in Towcester. Getty Images
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Starmer passes a toothbrush to a child during his visits to the Whale Hill Primary School in Middlesbrough. AP
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Mr Davey meets Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torbay and his guide dog Jennie at Torquay Harbour. Getty Images
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts after something is thrown towards him on the campaign bus in Cawthorne, Barnsley. AP
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Sunak attends a neighbourhood watch meeting in Horsham, West Sussex. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Starmer helps volunteers pot plants during a visit to Harlesden Town Garden in north-west London. PA
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Davey on the 'Rush' ride during a Liberal Democrats general election campaign event at Thorpe Park. Reuters
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak, during a visit to Imagination Childcare, in Swindon, Wiltshire, while on the election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Starmer visits Brent Cross town's visitor pavilion for a housing launch in London. Getty Images
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Davey grills burgers in a garden, during campaigning in Wiltshire. PA
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Sunak during a visit to Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, as a boat carrying Liberal Democrat supporters passes behind him. Reuters
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Starmer meets pensioners to talk about the impact of the energy crisis and the cost of living, in a cafe in Bolton. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Sunak and Mr Starmer lock horns the first televised general election debate of the campaign, at MediaCity in Salford. PA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Mr Davey plays Jenga using symbolic 'blue wall' blocks in Stockport. EPA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn poses outside Islington Town Hall, north London, after handing in his nomination papers for the general election, taking place on July 4. PA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Farage has a milkshake hurled at him during a campaign event in Clacton-on-Sea. EPA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Mr Sunak launches the Conservative Party's campaign bus at Redcar Racecourse in north-east England. PA
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Labour launch their election campaign bus, with Mr Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor, in Uxbridge. Getty Images
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Davey holds a balloon with a figure that represents the amount of votes the Liberal Democrat party lost by in Wimbledon. PA
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Mr Sunak feeds lambs as he visits Rowlinson's Farm during a Conservative general election campaign event in Gawsworth. Reuters
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Starmer, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero Ed Miliband and local candidate Martin McCluskey in Greenock. PA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Sunak holds a question and answer session during a visit to Niftylift in Milton Keynes. EPA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Starmer serves ice cream to day trippers on Barry seafront in South Wales. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Davey takes part in a baking lesson with pupils from High Beeches Primary School during a half-term holiday camp in Hertfordshire. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with a cafe worker as he picks up breakfast for the media at a cafe in Cornwall. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Starmer speaks at the launch of Labour's six steps for change in Wales at the Priory Centre in Abergavenny. PA
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Mr Davey and Anna Sabine, parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset, ride the Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide at Eastcote Farm in Beckington. Bloomberg
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Scottish National Party Leader John Swinney speaks during a visit to The Dower House Cafe in Edinburgh. AP
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Rishi Sunak examines Jackal armoured vehicles during his visit to defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat in Exeter. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Keir Starmer with a baby at Worcester City Football Club. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Ed Davey rides a bike during a visit to Knighton, Wales. PA
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Nigel Farage at the cliffs in Dover after speaking at a Reform UK event. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Akshata Murty, wife of Mr Sunak, meets with residents during a visit to a Royal British Legion care home in Ripon. Getty Images
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Rolls Royce’s educational training complex in Derby. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Ed Davey falls into the water while paddle boarding on Lake Windermere. PA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Rishi Sunak campaigning in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. EPA
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Starmer addresses party members and media in Lancing Parish Hall, West Sussex. Getty Images
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Davey launches his party's general election campaign battle bus in Cambridge. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Sunak on the ball during a visit to Chesham United Football Club. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Starmer speaks to party supporters after making his first keynote speech of the campaign in Lancing. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Davey join supporters for a dog walk near Winchester. PA
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Sunak visits a maritime technology centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as he campaigns for the general election on July 4. Reuters
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Starmer and his Scottish counterpart, Anas Sarwar, greet supporters at the launch of the Scottish Labour general election campaign at Caledonia House in Glasgow. Getty Images
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Davey, right, eats ice cream with his party's local candidate, Josh Babarinde, on the promenade in Eastbourne. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Sunak arrives at Inverness Airport, in Scotland, on the general election campaign trail. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Starmer during a visit to Gillingham Football Club in Kent. PA
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Sunak speaks with members of staff at the Global Energy Group facility at the Port of Nigg in north-east Scotland. AFP
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Mr Davey during a visit to the town centre in Cheltenham. PA
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, attends an election campaign launch in London. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Mr Sunak holds a Q&A with staff of a West Transport distribution centre in Ilkeston in the East Midlands. AP
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and Mr Starmer arrive at Gillingham FC. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Sunak takes questions from workers at West Transport. Getty Images
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Starmer holds a piece of campaign branding at Gillingham. PA
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP
Mr Sunak poses for a selfie in Ilkeston. AFP

Mr Alexander has also been “very struck by the high dynamic and potential” of the Gulf states, having worked in the UAE.

“I applaud the efforts that Labour has made to emphasise how important we see Gulf partners as being one of the real growth pools in the global economy,” he said.

The area was also “highly influential in terms of the geopolitics of the divided world in which we live” and he hoped it would remain a key focus for the Labour front bench.

He may well very soon be able to turn that hope into reality.

The biog

Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

CREW
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One in nine do not have enough to eat

Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.

One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.

The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.

Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.

It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.

On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.

Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.

 

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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

While you're here ...
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

On Women's Day
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2A)
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%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
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New process leads to panic among jobseekers

As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.  

“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.

Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE. 

“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.

“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

Key changes

Commission caps

For life insurance products with a savings component, Peter Hodgins of Clyde & Co said different caps apply to the saving and protection elements:

• For the saving component, a cap of 4.5 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 90 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term). 

• On the protection component, there is a cap  of 10 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 160 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).

• Indemnity commission, the amount of commission that can be advanced to a product salesperson, can be 50 per cent of the annualised premium for the first year or 50 per cent of the total commissions on the policy calculated. 

• The remaining commission after deduction of the indemnity commission is paid equally over the premium payment term.

• For pure protection products, which only offer a life insurance component, the maximum commission will be 10 per cent of the annualised premium multiplied by the length of the policy in years.

Disclosure

Customers must now be provided with a full illustration of the product they are buying to ensure they understand the potential returns on savings products as well as the effects of any charges. There is also a “free-look” period of 30 days, where insurers must provide a full refund if the buyer wishes to cancel the policy.

“The illustration should provide for at least two scenarios to illustrate the performance of the product,” said Mr Hodgins. “All illustrations are required to be signed by the customer.”

Another illustration must outline surrender charges to ensure they understand the costs of exiting a fixed-term product early.

Illustrations must also be kept updatedand insurers must provide information on the top five investment funds available annually, including at least five years' performance data.

“This may be segregated based on the risk appetite of the customer (in which case, the top five funds for each segment must be provided),” said Mr Hodgins.

Product providers must also disclose the ratio of protection benefit to savings benefits. If a protection benefit ratio is less than 10 per cent "the product must carry a warning stating that it has limited or no protection benefit" Mr Hodgins added.

List of UAE medal winners

Gold
Faisal Al Ketbi (Open weight and 94kg)
Talib Al Kirbi (69kg)
Omar Al Fadhli (56kg)

Silver
Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Khalfan Belhol (85kg)
Zayed Al Mansoori (62kg)
Mouza Al Shamsi (49kg women)

Bronze
Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi (Open and 94kg)
Saood Al Hammadi (77kg)
Said Al Mazroui (62kg)
Obaid Al Nuaimi (56kg)
Bashayer Al Matrooshi (62kg women)
Reem Abdulkareem (45kg women)

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
RESULTS

Men
1 Marius Kipserem (KEN) 2:04:04
2 Abraham Kiptum (KEN) 2:04:16
3 Dejene Debela Gonfra (ETH) 2:07:06
4 Thomas Rono (KEN) 2:07:12
5 Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:09:18

Women
1 Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 2:20:16
2 Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:20:54
3 Gelete Burka (ETH) 2:24:07
4 Chaltu Tafa (ETH) 2:25:09
5 Caroline Kilel (KEN) 2:29:14

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn

Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

While you're here
Profile

Name: Carzaty

Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar

Launched: 2017

Employees: 22

Based: Dubai and Muscat

Sector: Automobile retail

Funding to date: $5.5 million

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

Updated: June 26, 2024, 2:32 PM
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