Latest news with #Ke
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UK Net Migration: UK Sees Dramatic Drop in Net Migration Amid Visa Restrictions, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Fewer work and study visas contributed to a near-halving in net migration into the UK - the number of people moving to the UK minus the number of those moving abroad - in 2024, official figures showed Office for National Statistics said the figure stood at an estimated 431,000 in the year, down 49.9 per cent from 860,000 a year earlier. That's the biggest percentage decline since the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and the largest numerical drop for any 12-month has relied on people coming into the country legally to contribute to economic growth, certainly in the decades after World War II, when millions arrived to help rebuild the country. And for years, it wasn't much of a political issue and on the periphery of it has become a politically toxic issue over the past 20 years or so, and played a key role in the Brexit vote of 2016, when Britain voted to leave the European Union. Membership of the EU comes with the obligation to offer free movement to all citizens of the 27-country immigration figures have gone up, not down, anti-immigration party Reform UK won big in recent local elections and is ahead in many opinion polls. Its argument is that too-high immigration is impacting on public services, housing and societal cohesion as a figures released Thursday do not include those arriving in the UK illegally, many in flimsy, small boats across the English Channel. Though that number is far lower - some 37,000 people crossed the English Channel on small boats last year - it's amplified the heat surrounding the debate.A more detailed look at Thursday's figures shows that the biggest contributor to the fall was a sharp decline in immigration, with the number of people coming into the UK below 1 million for the first time in around three years. However, the statistics agency also found that emigration swelled back to 2017 number of arrivals in the UK surged from 2022 onward, driven by many factors, including the more than 200,000 people fleeing Russia's war in Ukraine and more than 150,000 from Hong Kong on special overseas period covered by the latest estimates follows the introduction in early 2024 by the then Conservative government of restrictions on people eligible to travel to the UK on work or study visas. Though the Conservatives, now the main opposition party, have sought to claim credit for the decline, one of the main reasons they were swept from power after 14 years was the increase in net migration levels to record August, weeks after the Labour government took office, the country was convulsed by anti-immigration riots in which mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were Prime Minister Keir Starmer is seeking to get net migration levels down further and earlier this month set out a series of measures aimed at reducing further the number of people moving long term to the UKStarmer said the country risks becoming an "island of strangers" without better integration, and said he wanted net migration to have fallen "significantly" by the next general election, but without giving a specific plan includes reforming work and study visas and requiring a higher level of English across all immigration routes. Experts think that could reduce the number by a further 100,000 a year.
The Independent
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
When are the local elections? Everything you need to know as Starmer goes to ballots for first time as PM
Elections are being held in England on May 1 to choose hundreds of councillors, a handful of mayors and a new MP for the constituency of Runcorn & Helsby. Here, we check out the locations, timings and key numbers behind this year's contests. What elections are taking place? Voters will go to the polls on May 1 to elect councillors for 23 local authorities in England. Elections are also taking place in England for two local authority mayors and four combined-authorities mayors, as well as a new member of parliament for Runcorn & Helsby in Cheshire. No scheduled elections are taking place in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Which councils are holding elections? Of the 23 local authorities holding elections, 14 are county councils: Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Polls are also taking place in eight unitary authorities: Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Durham, North Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Shropshire, West Northamptonshire and Wiltshire. In addition, one metropolitan council, Doncaster, is holding an election. How many council seats are up for grabs? A total of 1,641 seats are being contested across the 23 local authorities. Every seat on all 23 authorities is up for grabs, but boundary changes mean some areas will be electing fewer councillors than before. The number of council seats in Buckinghamshire is falling from 147 to 97; Durham is having its seats cut from 126 to 98; in West Northamptonshire the number is dropping from 93 to 76; and in North Northamptonshire the total is falling from 78 to 68. By contrast, in Northumberland the number of council seats is increasingly slightly from 67 to 69; in Oxfordshire the total is rising from 63 to 69; and in Gloucestershire the number is going up from 53 to 55. Overall, the total number of council seats across the 23 local authorities holding elections is falling from 1,736 to 1,641. More than half of seats across the 23 local authorities are currently held by the Conservatives. As of March 31, the Tories hold 954 of the 1,736 seats, or 55%, according to analysis by the PA news agency. Labour hold 295 (17%), the Liberal Democrats hold 222 (13%), Independents hold 173 (10%), the Greens hold 42 (2%) and Reform hold 23 (1%). Other parties hold 16 (1%) and 11 seats (1%) are vacant. These numbers are likely to change between now and polling day due to councillors switching parties or seats falling vacant. When were these council seats last elected? Most of the seats were last contested in May 2021, at a time when the then-Conservative government, led by former prime minister Boris Johnson, was enjoying a spike in popularity following the successful roll-out of the first Covid-19 vaccines. At the 2021 local elections the Tories made a number of gains while Labour and the Liberal Democrats, both of whom had recently elected new leaders (Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey respectively) fared less well. Where are mayoral elections taking place? Four combined-authority mayors are being elected on May 1, for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull & East Yorkshire and the West of England. Two of these are brand new roles, in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire. Labour is the incumbent party defending the other two mayoral roles, for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and the West of England. In addition, two single-authority mayors are being elected, in Doncaster and North Tyneside, both of which are currently held by Labour. When will the election results be declared? Polls close at 10pm on May 1, but most councils are waiting until the following day to begin counting votes, with results expected from mid-afternoon on May 2. Some of the mayoral elections are likely to be counted overnight. A full list of estimated declaration times will be published by the PA news agency nearer to polling day. Why is there a by-election in Runcorn & Helsby? This contest has been triggered by the resignation of the previous MP Mike Amesbury after he was given a suspended prison sentence for punching a man in a street in Frodsham, Cheshire in October 2024. Mr Amesbury won the seat for Labour at the 2024 general election with a majority of 14,696. He was suspended by Labour after footage emerged of the punch, and spent the last few months sitting as an independent MP. The result of the by-election will be counted and declared overnight.
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
EASE Urban Life, Global Connections: The First SOUEAST Global EASE DAY 2025 Debuts in Shanghai
04/29/2025, Shanghai, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // SOUEAST marked a new chapter in its global layout with the successful debut of the first-ever SOUEAST Global EASE DAY 2025. The brand brought together international media and notable influencers from the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and South America to advance its shared vision of 'EASE YOUR LIFE', a promise of urban life. As SOUEAST´s first global media friends gathering, EASE DAY was designed to foster genuine connection through a series of immersive and culturally reflective experiences. These included EASE Gathering, a warm kickoff where media and SOUEAST executives engaged over shared meals and brand storytelling; EASE Talk, a relaxed and open discussion on urban trends and global user needs; and EASE City, an experiential tour through Shanghai´s iconic neighborhoods. EASE Gathering: Shared Moments, Global Dialogue From the very first moment, EASE DAY set the tone for authenticity and openness. Media and influencers gathered in a thoughtfully designed Shanghai venue, blending contemporary design with elements of local culture. Discussions took place in informal lounges rather than boardroom—underscoring SOUEAST´s belief that true innovation begins with meaningful human interaction. 'EASE is more than a brand concept—it reflects a way of being,' shared by Mr. Ke, Assistant President of Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. and President of SOUEAST International. 'This gathering was about slowing down and hearing each other—not just about cars, but about how people want to live.' EASE Talk: A Chat Around the Future of EASE Urban Life SOUEAST executives met face-to-face with media and key influencers to reflect on the evolution of mobility and the shifting priorities of modern customers. At the heart of the conversation: How can we make urban life less stressful, and activate more joy? 'EASE YOUR LIFE isn´t just a slogan—it´s a true intention,' Mr. Ke added. 'From design to service, we are exploring how to create experiences that feel effortless, human-centered, and emotionally uplifting.' EASE City: Moving Through Shanghai with Style The event reached its peak with a leisurely and charming city tour through Shanghai. Media and influencers cruised along iconic landmarks such as Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Zhang Yuan, before arriving at Fenyang Garden for a showcase of SOUEAST´s urban models. Each route was designed for more than just the scenery, it was to tell a story—highlighting the relationship between car, city, and lifestyle that a city like Shanghai brings. Media friends praised the showcase, remarking: 'Framed by the elegance of a city garden, each model expressed a unique interpretation of urban living. The S09 speaks to responsibility and delicacy, the S07 radiates trendiness and boldness, while the S06 captures fashion and dynamic energy. This was truly an inspiring experience that awakened our desire for the EASE urban lifestyle.'
The Star
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Taiwanese stars Wan Fang, Johnny Yin perform at Tzu Chi's Da Ai concert in KL
The Discover Da Ai, Embrace Tzu Chi global tour was held at the Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall in Kuala Lumpur on April 27, 2025. Photos: Faihan Ghani/The Star Thousands of people gathered at the Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday evening for the Discover Da Ai, Embrace Tzu Chi global tour. Co-organised by the Taiwan-based television network Da Ai TV, the concert was held to foster stronger humanistic media ties between the Malaysian and Taiwanese communities. It was also aimed to promote the network's mission of healing the mind while spreading the spirit of love, goodness and gratitude through art forms such as dramas, documentaries and music. The three-hour show kicked off with an electrifying drum set by a Taiwanese entrepreneurial group, followed by melodic performances from Taiwanese artistes Wan Fang and Johnny Yin. The three-hour show kicked off with a drum performance by a Taiwanese entrepreneurial group. During her set, Wan Fang, a volunteer at Taiwan's Tzu Chi Charity Foundation since 1999, shared a personal story that highlighted the deep connection she has with the organisation. 'My sister once experienced an earthquake in Hualien and had to relocate to a shelter. 'At the time, we stayed in touch by phone, and she often mentioned how the Tzu Chi volunteers would continue bringing aid, even as the night grew late. 'Their selfless contributions really moved me,' the 57-year-old said. Taiwanese singer-songwriter Wan Fang serenaded the crowd with two songs at the concert. In addition to performances, volunteers and Tzu Chi representatives also took the stage to share testimonies about the charity organisation and insights into Da Ai TV. Brought to tears Since its establishment in 1998, Da Ai TV has focused on promoting positivity through its programming, which covers topics like education, parenting, environmental protection and healthy living. Its content, available on YouTube for those outside of Taiwan, steers clear of politics and violence. 'In life, we are often faced with adversity. But, as long as there's love and hope in our hearts, the pain will eventually pass,' said Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Foundation spokesperson Chen Chu-chi. Fundraising Office assistant director Huang Tien-ming added: 'It's only through love can we complete our lives and build meaningful relationships.' A powerful testimony came from volunteers Ke Guo-shou and Lee Ding-e, whose tumultuous marriage in the past served as the inspiration for the 40-episode Da Ai TV drama The Taste Of Life . Once neglectful of his wife and children, Ke eventually transformed his life after embracing the teachings of Taiwanese Buddhist nun Cheng Yen. Many attendees were brought to tears when Ke dropped to his knees and offered a heartfelt apology to his wife for the pain he had caused her. 'I was wrong in the past, and I want everyone to see it – this was how I used to be, this was how I treated my wife,' he said. Many attendees were moved to tears when a volunteer got on his knees and apologised to his wife for hurting her in the past. The event also showcased several Da Ai TV dramas, with one of the key highlights being The Long Way Home . The story revolves around Jiu Ru, an ex-convict who, fearing judgment, buries his past before marrying a woman. While their contrasting personalities strain their marriage, Jiu Ru gradually overcomes his flaws after founding an organisation dedicated to helping ex-convicts reintegrate into society. The show can be streamed on Da Ai TV's YouTube channel, with new episodes releasing on weekdays at 8pm.
TimesLIVE
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
SUV maker Jetour to launch European car sales in third quarter
Chinese SUV maker Jetour plans to launch in some European markets in the third quarter and aims to sell cars across much of the continent by 2027, an executive said on Wednesday. The carmaker now makes combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models, which would not be subject to EU tariffs on Chinese-made fully electric cars. When asked if that had influenced Jetour's decision to sell in Europe, Ke Chuandeng said if successful the brand will look into making cars in Europe. 'I don't think it's realistic to always import cars from China,' Ke said. The Chery unit sold about 560,000 cars last year, and Jetour brand president Ke said sales should hit 800,000 vehicles this year. Ke said Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Africa accounted for about 35% of its sales, but overseas sales should hit 50% of the total in a few years. 'We believe that in three to five years, the international market will be higher, or at least equal to, our sales in the domestic market,' Ke told Reuters at the Shanghai car show. Jetour makes a series of urban and off-road SUVs that run from about $10,000 (R185,679) to more than $50,000 (R928,022), and a pickup truck model. The company is launching its first full-electric model, the T0, by the end of 2026. In Europe, Jetour will join a growing crowd of Chinese carmakers jostling for share in a competitive market, including BYD, Xpeng and Nio. Changan, another major Chinese carmaker, launched sales in Europe last month. Two other Chery brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, have already launched sales in Europe.
