Live updates: Follow the latest news on the UK general election
A former British diplomat and whistleblower on the Iraq war believes UK foreign policy should shed its colonial hangover of “British interests” overseas and instead think more about how nations can work together on global issues.
Carne Ross spent more than 15 years as a British diplomat working on Middle Eastern files including the Iraq war – before resigning in 2004 to give secret testimony on the UK's intelligence on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Today he is a Green Party candidate in the UK general elections, helping to steer the party’s foreign policy of “global solidarity”, while challenging Labour’s prospects at forming the next government. His opponent in London's South Islington constituency that he is standing in is Emily Thornberry, a shadow cabinet member and Labour MP of almost 20 years.
“I reject the notion of British interests. I think this is a manufactured notion. A safer world will come about when we show solidarity with people all over the world, and above all, for the protection of their human rights,” he said during a video interview.
Mr Ross’s anger over the legacy of the Iraq War is what compels him to stand with the Greens, a party with historically few seats in parliament.
“Tony Blair has been rehabilitated. His officials who perpetrated the lies have also been rehabilitated. There's been no real accountability. So I'm quite angry about that,” he added.
His testimony to the Butler inquiry in 2004 as the UK’s Iraq expert on weapons of mass destruction at the UN, later to the Chilcot Inquiry, helped expose that the basis for the Iraq War – that Saddam Hussein had obtained weapons of mass destruction – was a lie.
“In Britain it's certainly believed by most people that the war was based on a lie. I'm partly responsible for that belief, which I'm proud of,” he said.
But he is nonetheless filled with regret. "It's awful being a mouthpiece for a government you don't agree with," he said.
The Iraq war and the war on terror, he said, were the catalysts for the “erosion of global rules” that drives major conflicts today, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Putin and Lavrov have been around for a very long time, and they have long memories. They took their cue from the lawlessness of (the) Western war on terror and the Iraq war to pursue their own illegal actions in places like Georgia but above all, Ukraine,” he said, with reference to the Russo-Georgian war of 2008.
Today, the West’s inaction over Gaza and Israel’s perceived impunity, he added, further threatens this world order.
The Green Party has condemned the Hamas attacks of October 7, but also called for a ceasefire “early on” because they had anticipated the huge civilian casualties that would ensure. The party is on the margins of the UK Left and is currently polling around 5 per cent.
As well as supporting the cases against Israel and Israeli officials at the international courts, they have called for the Metropolitan Police in the UK to investigate government ministers for complicity in war crimes because of continuing arms sales to Israel.
It is a position, which Mr Ross says differs greatly from the Labour party. “Even now (Labour) doesn’t seem to be calling for an unambiguous and lasting ceasefire, which I find incredible,” he said. “Labour Party talks about a rules-based order, but we actually stick to it."
Ms Thornberry, he points out, had refused to answer a BBC journalist on whether the Israeli siege of Gaza in the early days of the war was a breach of international law.
The West would pay in the long term for pursuing a diplomacy that put security interests and economic relationships over global human rights and climate action.
“The West did not show solidarity with the Global South on covid or on debt. People in the Global South ... see the hypocrisy and the double standards of the West in places like Gaza. There is a price for that,” he said.
The consequences of this were already palpable with Ukraine's struggle to attract leaders from the Global South countries to its peace summit in Switzerland this week.
He also condemned the UK's "deep defence" relationships with Israel and Saudi Arabia as examples of putting security interests over solidarity.
Catapulted to another existence
Mr Ross had expected to be a diplomat all of his life, but his resignation after Iraq became “a catapult into another existence”.
“At the time that was a disaster for me professionally, but looking back, I'm glad it happened, because it's awful being a mouthpiece for a government you don't agree with.”
He founded Independent Diplomat, a non-profit supplying diplomats for hire to unrepresented minority groups around the world, from the Polisario in Western Sahara to the Kurds of North East Syria - people left behind when a world order of nation states was established in the last century.
He also worked with the Syrian opposition against shortly after the revolution in 2011, where he had supported a military intervention against Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, who launched barrel bomb and chemical weapons attacks against civilians with Russian-backing.
The lessons from these inform the paths forward that he sees to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Palestinians needed to be given “the space to develop their own political voice, ideally, a united political voice that can represent the views of the Palestinian people fairly,” he said.
The international community should move beyond rhetoric and pressure Israel to leave to occupied territories. "Warm words" about a two-state solution were moot without "real pressure".
“There must be a political solution that provides for the security and the protection of human rights for Israelis and Palestinians, but it's going to take international pressure for that to come,” he added.
Mr Ross' diplomatic journey turned him into an “accidental” and “gentle anarchist”, the memoirs and philosophy of which he will outline in his next book, The Gentle Anarchist.
“Elites in institutions don't take seriously the people they're fully responsible for. I saw that myself when I was part of an elite institution,” he said.
“We thought that we knew best, and that's what you're encouraged to believe. That's why I'm an anarchist these days. Institutions as much as they are necessary need to be absolutely transparent and accountable, and they're not.”
In the long term, abolishing the British foreign office may be the only way to rid the institutions of its colonial hangovers and ensure its transparency, he said.
“I'd abolish it. It is deeply steeped in its own arrogant traditions, it needs to be totally abolished,” he told The National.
Although diplomats are necessary, he insists, institutions like the FCDO in its current form were not – they needed to be rebuilt from the ground up to be “absolutely transparent and accountable”.
“It's not that I don't see the need for diplomats. Of course, we need diplomats to explain our views to other people and to listen.
“But I would make those temporary representatives. I would make their work transparent."
As an MP, he hopes to also encourage people to lead less consumerist lives and advocates for forms of spiritual fulfilment that could lead us towards a more sustainable future.
“We have a hyper consumerist society, because our spiritual needs are not being met. The society I envisage allows for those spiritual needs to be met,” he said.
“We'd consume less and produce less, which would ultimately help us live more in harmony with the planet.”
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Ain 2 Al Duhail 4
Second leg:
Tuesday, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha. Kick off 7.30pm
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
STAY%2C%20DAUGHTER
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
WITHIN%20SAND
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CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Results
2.30pm: Expo 2020 Dubai – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Barakka, Ray Dawson (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)
3.05pm: Now Or Never – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: One Idea, Andrea Atzeni, Doug Watson
3.40pm: This Is Our Time – Handicap (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Perfect Balance, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Visit Expo 2020 – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Kaheall, Richard Mullen, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.50pm: The World In One Place – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1.900m; Winner: Castlebar, Adrie de Vries, Helal Al Alawi
5.25pm: Vision – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Shanty Star, Richard Mullen, Rashed Bouresly
6pm: Al Wasl Plaza – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Jadwal, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Women & Power: A Manifesto
Mary Beard
Profile Books and London Review of Books
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Mobile phone packages comparison
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
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Fines for littering
In Dubai:
Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro
Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle.
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle
In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
The finalists
Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho
Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson
Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)
Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid
Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
The%20specs
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