UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is flanked by then health secretary Sajid Javid, left, and then chancellor Rishi Sunak in Parliament in September 2021. AFP
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is flanked by then health secretary Sajid Javid, left, and then chancellor Rishi Sunak in Parliament in September 2021. AFP
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is flanked by then health secretary Sajid Javid, left, and then chancellor Rishi Sunak in Parliament in September 2021. AFP
Chris Blackhurst is a former editor of The Independent, based in London
July 06, 2022
On Tuesday evening, Westminster was on tenterhooks.
Two down, one more to go. Would Nadhim Zahawi follow the other two "big beasts", Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid, out of the UK Cabinet?
The thinking among Conservative members of Parliament was that Prime Minister Boris Johnson might attempt to ride out the departure of his Chancellor and Health Secretary, but the exit of the Education Secretary would prove fatal.
It was more to do with Mr Zahawi’s steep ascent and the position he was thought to hold, as someone who had been implacably loyal to the Prime Minister throughout, becoming a regular apologist for Mr Johnson’s behaviour on the round of broadcast interviews, than his ministerial role.
In the end, he stayed, seeing off an attempt to promote Liz Truss, and moving into Mr Sunak’s seat in the Treasury.
Ever one to turn the threat of disaster into an opportunity, Mr Johnson and his cohorts were quick to seize the moment. Mr Sunak, who was resolutely opposed to tax cuts, had gone, to be replaced by someone who is in favour of lowering taxes and likes to be seen as an experienced voice of business and, therefore, more appealing to his party’s traditions (already, Mr Zahawi, with Mr Johnson’s blessing, is letting it be known he will review the proposed raising of corporation tax).
Mr Javid, who was regarded by the Johnson camp as ideologically weak, had also quit and his successor, Steve Barclay, too, is viewed as stronger, firmer, more "on message".
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has succumbed to a rebellion in his ruling Conservative Party and said he would stand down as leader. Reuters
Several crises, including sleaze allegations against a Conservative MP, had increased the pressure on Mr Johnson. Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street
More than 50 members of his government, including health secretary Sajid Javid and chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak, have quit. AP
A new Conservative leader will be selected before a party conference is held in October. AP
A protester outside Parliament in London. Getty
Questions are mounting over how much Mr Johnson knew about accusations of misconduct against MP Christopher Pincher. PA
Nadhim Zahawi leaves No 10 Downing Street after being named as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. Getty
Mr Johnson survived an attempt by Tory MPs to oust him in a vote of confidence in June. PA
Mr Johnson leaves the Houses of Parliament after the vote. Tory MPs voted by 211 to 148 in the secret ballot in Westminster. EPA
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, announcing the result of the vote. PA
A police officer patrols Downing Street on Monday. The vote of no confidence marked the most serious challenge yet to Mr Johnson's three-year tenure as prime minister. EPA
A protester holds up an anti-Boris Johnson placard outside parliament in London. EPA
Boris Johnson reads the long-awaited report by senior civil servant Sue Gray into the Downing Street party scandal. Photo: Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
A gathering in the Cabinet Room at No 10 Downing Street on Mr Johnson's birthday. Photo: Cabinet Office
Mr Johnson during a gathering held while lockdown rules were in force across the UK. Photo: Cabinet Office
Another gathering at No 10 Downing Street to mark the departure of a special adviser. Photo: Cabinet Office
Mr Johnson apologises to MPs in the House of Commons in April, having been fined after a police probe for attending a party during coronavirus lockdowns imposed by his own government. AFP
Mr Johnson was no more than 30 seconds into his speech when the first shout of 'resign' was heard from the opposition benches, followed by 'you’re an embarrassment' and 'just go'. Reuters
'I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House,' he said, admitting that 'people had a right to expect better of their prime minister'. AFP
The prime minister, pictured with a birthday cake baked for him by school staff at Bovingdon Primary Academy in Hemel Hempstead, said it ‘didn't occur’ to him that a gathering on June 19, 2020 to mark his 56th birthday broke coronavirus rules. AFP
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, left, was also fined for attending lockdown parties held in and around Downing Street. AFP
Mr Johnson is the first sitting prime minister to be censured for breaking the law, sparking calls from all sides of parliament, including some in his own party, to step down. Reuters
A lone protester demonstrates at Downing Street in London. EPA
Before the war broke out in Ukraine, Mr Johnson appeared vulnerable to the Partygate controversy. He has been praised by some for his response to the conflict. AFP
Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie applaud health workers outside No 10 Downing Street in May 2020. Getty
Mr Johnson makes a statement in the House of Commons in January on a report regarding the Downing Street parties during lockdown. Reuters
A journalist highlights sections of the Sue Gray report. AFP
Mr Johnson is understood to have been present at six of at least 12 'partygate' events under investigation. One occurred on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, at which Queen Elizabeth II had to grieve away from other mourners because of social distancing protocol. Getty
Johnson's preservation takes priority over the national interest
In fact, what’s not to like? The pair of troublemakers in the Cabinet, who were suspected of working in tandem – a suspicion confirmed for Johnsonians by the manner of their joint leaving – are no longer in government. Now the Cabinet has a more robust, stronger look about it.
It says much about the febrile atmosphere surrounding Downing Street that such views are given credence, that every straw is there to be clutched. It also points yet again to the character of Mr Johnson, as someone who refuses to budge, who possesses the thickest of skins. Like the character of the Black Knight in Monty Python, his limbs are torn from him, yet he remains utterly defiant.
Such stoicism would be admirable, except that what Mr Johnson is accused of – and shown to have committed – is serial lying, dissembling and obfuscating. The result is a diminution of authority, a weakening of high office that trickles down, right through the public service and across society.
He is the Prime Minister and he cannot be trusted. No one knows if he is speaking the truth. That is a terrible indictment and one that has repercussions internationally. Thanks to Mr Johnson’s flaws, Britain’s standing on the global stage is becoming akin to that of the US in the era of Donald Trump. Other leaders are listening, but behind the facade they’re disbelieving and sometimes even laughing.
For a nation that has set a new course, dropping its EU partners and seeking to develop friendships elsewhere, that is a dangerous path. One made even more treacherous by the current state of the global economy. Just when the UK should wish to appear confident and command respect and attention, striking trade deals and attracting investment, all the impetus in government is devoted not to selling the country but to shoring up its leader.
Everything is about survival, so the preservation of Mr Johnson takes priority over the national interest. Over the Tory party, too. This is where he is at his weakest. His MPs put first and foremost their chances of being re-elected at the top of their watch lists. From the moment they stand victorious as the votes cast are read out, their number one aim is to keep their job.
Britain's newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, in central London on Wednesday. AFP
So far on his roller-coaster ride, Mr Johnson has been able to persuade them that he is still the person with the most likelihood of delivering that objective. Private party polling has consistently revealed that while a large swathe of the public disapproves of Mr Johnson’s cavalier approach to the lockdown rules, sufficient numbers will vote for him – on the basis they retain some fondness and admiration for him, they have faith that he remains the best Tory choice for Prime Minister and they prefer him to the Labour party’s Keir Starmer.
What’s changed is that the Chris Pincher episode highlighted that despite overtures to the contrary, Mr Johnson has not made amends. He promised to reform his ways, that his administration would henceforth be founded upon honesty and integrity. The claim that he did not know there was an issue with Mr Pincher, followed by the admission that he did, put paid to that.
Worse, it suggests not only that Mr Johnson has not made amends but that he never will, that he can’t and won’t. As he said himself in a recent interview, his psychological make-up cannot be altered.
So, Tory MPs have realised they will go into the next election having to defend someone proven to be a serial peddler of falsehoods. That’s not balanced either by evidence of a resilient economy or delivery of his much-vaunted goal of “levelling up”.
The irony, then, is that it’s all to do with survival – of Mr Johnson in his bunker and the MPs in their constituencies. In their desire to go before the electorate with a standard-bearer who is credible, who will enable them to retain their seats, they will ditch Mr Johnson. He won’t concede. So, the battlelines are drawn and on the fight goes. At the same time, Britain’s government is frozen and its standing overseas continues to slip.
It is a grim state of affairs. The end might be nearer but there could still be some distance to go.
Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 0
Wolves 2 (Traore 80', 90 4')
ENGLAND SQUAD
For first two Test in India Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson , Dom Bess, Stuart Broad , Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. Reserves James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10
ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons
Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
INDIA SQUADS
India squad for third Test against Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli (capt), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Vijay Shankar
India squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 640hp
Torque: 760nm
On sale: 2026
Price: Not announced yet
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
From: Lonely Loris is a Sunda slow loris, one of nine species of the animal native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore
Status: Critically endangered, and listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list due to growing demand in the global exotic pet trade. It is one of the most popular primate species found at Indonesian pet markets
Likes: Sleeping, which they do for up to 18 hours a day. When they are awake, they like to eat fruit, insects, small birds and reptiles and some types of vegetation
Dislikes: Sunlight. Being a nocturnal animal, the slow loris wakes around sunset and is active throughout the night
Superpowers: His dangerous elbows. The slow loris’s doe eyes may make it look cute, but it is also deadly. The only known venomous primate, it hisses and clasps its paws and can produce a venom from its elbow that can cause anaphylactic shock and even death in humans
'The Lost Daughter'
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Investors: KISP ventures, Cedar Mundi, Towell Holding International, Takamul Capital, Dividend Gate Capital, Nizar AlNusif Sons Holding, Arab Investment Company and Al Imtiaz Investment Group
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
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
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.
