Latest news with #conflictzones
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Airlines left with fewer flight routes as global conflict zones expand
Airlines are facing increased operational and financial burdens due to the rise in global conflict zones, including threats from missiles and airspace closures. Airspace closures around Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and parts of Africa are forcing airlines into expensive, last-minute re-routings. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and drone activity near Russian airports have led to commercial flights sharing airspace with potential hazards, raising safety concerns. The downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Kazakhstan and a cargo plane in Sudan highlights the worst-case scenario of aircraft being hit by weaponry, prompting calls for better information sharing between governments. IATA emphasises the need for urgent global coordination to address conflict zone risks, as airlines navigate a patchwork of government notices and security advice, with flight crews retaining the right to refuse flights over unsafe airspace.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Dorset MP seeks clarity over arms exports to Israel
An MP is demanding more clarity over rules governing exports of arms to Israel and other conflict Slade made the call after the logo of Dorset firm RCV Engines was featured in a promotional video for a drone made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).The MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole has written to the Ferndown-based company to ask if its drone engines are being used in Gaza.A spokesman for RCV said its engines were "not in use in any military campaigns" and added: "The engine shown in the footage... was purchased by our [Israeli] customer, not IAI." IAI is an Israeli state-owned manufacturer, and in a description of the video it said the drone could be used "in combat scenarios".In September 2024, the UK government suspended around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law than 300 licenses to sell to Israel are still in place - not including exemptions for specific components. An RCV spokesman said the company "will not be supplying engines for any operational drones to Israel because we have given notice of termination of supply to our Israeli customer".The BBC understands the UK government told the company it did not require an arms export licence to sell its engines abroad, provided they were not designed or modified for military more broadly about current export controls, Ms Slade said she was concerned items designed for non-military purposes could still be used in combat year Prof Nizam Mamode, from Hampshire, told MPs Israeli drones would target children who were lying injured after bombings near the Nasser Slade said: "Should we rethink what sort of equipment is now deadly?"We can call it a loop-hole we can call it a grey area. I'm not affixing any blame to this government."But they now need to make sure that standards are as high as they can be. Not just for Gaza, but for other places as well." A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: "We have a robust licensing regime in place for exports of controlled goods and have suspended relevant licences for components that might be used in military operations in Gaza."UN experts have stressed that companies must end arms transfers to Israel immediately or "risk responsibility for human rights violations".Israel launched a military campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken least 54,470 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 3,901 since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March following a two-month ceasefire, according to the territory's Hamas-run health BBC has approached Israel Aerospace Industries for comment. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Battle Lines: Gardening in war
In this special episode of Battle Lines, we're joined by Lalage Snow — a seasoned war reporter and photographer who has spent years covering conflict zones around the world. From the frontlines of Afghanistan to other war-torn regions, Lally has witnessed the brutal realities of war. But amidst the chaos, she discovered something unexpected: people tending to gardens. Her fascination with this quiet act of resilience led to her 2018 book, War Gardens, where she explored how individuals in the midst of conflict use gardening as a form of solace and survival. Now, years later, Lally returns to some of the same places and people to see how their stories — and their gardens — have endured. Tune in to hear Lally share her unique perspective on conflict, resilience, and the human instinct to create beauty in the darkest of times.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Foreign aid cuts to hit women and girls, minister admits
Foreign aid budget cuts will hit education programmes and women and girls' initiatives, a Cabinet minister has admitted. Baroness Chapman of Darlington, who is charged with delivering the 40 per cent reduction to the overseas aid budget, has outlined her plans for the first time to MPs. She said that 'inevitably' there would be cuts in some areas, adding that it would be 'likely to be on education and gender'. Lady Chapman, a long-time ally of Sir Keir Starmer, was brought in after Anneliese Dodds quit as development minister ahead of the announcement to reduce the budget to fund defence. Speaking to the Commons international development committee, she said: 'Inevitably, this means that in some areas and countries there will be less to spend, and I think there's no point in being anything other than completely open about this, I think that is likely to be on education and gender.' She added: 'But in those areas, we can't turn away from them, we've got to make even more of our technical expertise – in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and across the UK more widely – and our diplomatic influence to lead.' The minister said that the Government instead would be focusing on programmes that tackled humanitarian crises in conflict zones, health and climate initiatives. The remarks prompted criticism from Sarah Champion, the committee's chairman and a senior Labour MP, who said that it showed the Government was 'no longer prioritising women and girls'. She told the Cabinet minister: 'I was just thinking of the girl in Malawi who's no longer getting her education supported. She probably doesn't care whether it's driven by ideology. She just knows that her opportunity is just collapsing. 'I have to say we've known each other for a long time, I know how passionate a defender you are of the rights of women and girls. Why on earth are you putting on record that we are no longer supporting education and we're no longer prioritising the rights of women and girls?' Lady Chapman insisted that the department would 'integrate and mainstream' support for women and girls, something that organisations involved supported. 'If you work in development and you don't have a passion for work on gender inequalities running through you, you're in the wrong business.' 'Deeply concerned' But when asked about plans for gender programmes, she said: 'I can't promise to protect every good programme, I just can't.' The charity sector also expressed concern about what the remarks meant for gender funding. Amelia Whitworth, of Plan International UK, said: 'We are also deeply concerned to hear that funding to support and promote gender equality may be under threat. We can only uphold the rights and dignity of girls and women if we invest in addressing their specific needs.' The details about how the cuts will affect Britain's contribution to international aid are likely to prompt further anger amongst Labour MPs, who have already expressed frustration over the plans. The Prime Minister promised earlier this year that defence spending would be increased to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, a move announced after Donald Trump's inauguration. Lord Cameron wrote into law that foreign aid should be 0.7 per cent of gross national income (GNI) after he won the 2010 general election, but the foreign aid budget already falls below it. About £2 billion a year is still being taken out of the budget to fund housing for asylum seekers in British hotels.
