Latest news with #Ex-British
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rishi Sunak reveals he proposed to Akshata Murty in Kannada as he married into a 'Bangalore family'
Ex-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed that he proposed to his wife, Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and author Sudha Murty, in Kannada. He added that he married into a Bengaluru family and embraced Kannada culture, even supporting the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In a conversation with the Times of India, the leader of Indian origin said that he chose to propose to his wife, Akshata Murty, in her mother tongue, even though he had not quite mastered the language at the time. The couple met at Stanford, married in 2009 at a small ceremony in Bengaluru. They have two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. "I'm married into a Bangalore family, so RCB is my team," he said, adding that his in-laws gifted him an RCB jersey when he got married and he's followed the team closely ever since. "We went to matches a long time ago and I used to cheer them on in Downing Street," he shared. Like most RCB fans, the former UK PM also said that Virat Kohli was his favourite player and a "total legend". He revealed that one of his "prized possessions" was a bat signed by the ace cricketer abd gifted to him by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his tenure. "I'm also hoping for a big contribution from RCB's English contingent, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone - let's bring it home," he said as he declared his plans to support RCB against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Final today. Beyond his personal fandom, Sunak spoke about cricket's role in diplomacy, saying it often helped break the ice with fellow world leaders. He recalled having spirited cricket banter with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, especially during the Ashes series, which occasionally became intense but remained friendly. He also mentioned that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket often served as a light-hearted prelude to their official discussions. (Also read: Rishi Sunak declares open support for RCB: 'I'm married into a Bangalore family)
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Former detective in bombshell Madeleine McCann claim about new police search
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A former British police detective has made a bombshell assertion regarding the latest search efforts for Madeleine McCann. Madeleine vanished while on a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on 3 May 2007. Despite no confirmed sightings or anyone being charged in the 18 years since her disappearance, Madeleine's parents have continued to hold onto hope. New searches by the police are set to commence on Tuesday close to where Madeleine was last seen. The initiative, requested by German authorities, will focus on an area that stretches from Praia da Luz to a property near the resort, previously linked to chief suspect Christian Brueckner. A highly informed source from Portugal verified that this week's operation is intended to begin tomorrow, although they suggested some preliminary actions might occur sooner. The source detailed: "They will be land searches only. The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine's body." Ex-British Police Detective Mark Williams-Thomas, with experience in high-profile missing persons cases globally, has shared his perspective on the forthcoming operations to find Madeleine McCann, reports the Mirror. Yesterday, Mark took to social media, stating: "The police in Portugal are going to search for the German police - the areas surrounding where Christian B (CB) rented a small farm building . The search is looking for evidence of Madeleine McCann's body . I thoroughly investigated this whole area for my @paramountplus series and we filmed a lot of the area around . It was 10 months before Madeleine went missing that CB was last seen at that address . I cannot see any evidence being found." Police have begun a three-day search of the areas surrounding Praia da Luz in the Algarve in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007. Authorities will use radar devices to scan up to 15ft underground as they search for any signs of the toddler's body. A Portuguese police source told The Mirror: "They will be land searches only. The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine's body." The search area includes a spot near a cottage once rented by Christian Brueckner, the man suspected of being involved in Madeleine's disappearance. Detectives from Portugal and Germany will take part in the search, focusing on scrubland close to the resort where the three year old vanished while on holiday with her family. At least 30 agents from the German BKA police force have flown to Portugal to assist in the latest phase of the investigation and will be using advanced ground-penetrating radar to scan deep into the earth.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MPs Likely Get To Vote On Sending Peacekeeping Troops To Ukraine, Minister Says
Cabinet minister Heidi Alexander said MPs would most likely be able to vote on whether the UK should send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Keir Starmer announced over the weekend that he was 'ready and willing' to deploy a force to Ukraine if a peace deal managed to end Russia's war in the beleaguered country. His decision marks the first time a UK prime minister has explicitly said they would be willing to put soldiers on the ground to help Ukraine. It also came after the White House said it was time for Europe to take greater responsibility for its our security, while it pushed to end the Ukraine conflict. But MPs from across the main parties have called for a say on whether to dispatch such troops, especially amid worries about that the defence sector is too underfunded for such a mission, and further fears about what support the rest of Europe would provide. Speaking to reporters today, the transport secretary suggested it would come down a Commons vote. Alexander told Times Radio: 'It is my understanding that before any troop deployment, it would be normal, if circumstances allow, for parliament to be consulted. 'But, as I say, I do think that we are some way away from this at the moment.' Downing Street also told the media on Monday it was not ruling out holding a vote on sending such a force after multiple MPs called for a vote. As Labour veteran Diane Abbott wrote on X yesterday: 'If it is a durable, lasting peace then there will be no need for British troops on ground. If not, and it could put this country at risk and troops in harm's way - then parliament should vote on it first.' Similarly, long-serving Tory MP John Whittingdale told POLITICO that MPs would 'expect parliament to debate and possibly vote on' the plan. Speaking just as the US sat down for early peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia – without Ukraine or Europe present at the table – the cabinet minister emphasised that any deal must come through partnership with the UK's allies. Alexander said: 'The prime minister has been clear to date that he sees that partnership with the US as being absolutely essential, that any security guarantee must be worked through both with our European allies and with America.' 'We need to make sure there aren't decisions made about Ukraine without Ukraine being involved,' she added. Alexander said the prime minister has also been clear that 'any contribution that the UK makes to any European effort towards this must be backed up with support from the US and in partnership with the US'. 'I think the prime minister can play a really important role in facilitating that dialogue between European leaders and the US,' she said, ahead of Starmer's trip to see Donald Trump in Washington next week. 'US Backstop' Needed To Secure Peace In Ukraine, Keir Starmer Says Putin's Top Diplomat Has Some Thoughts On Europe's Role In The Ukraine Peace Talks Ex-British Army Chief Issues Bleak Warning After Starmer Says He's Ready To Deploy Troops To Ukraine
