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Tag: UK

  • UK should ‘cool down’, ‘rethink Brexit’ – EU commission

    Britain should use the next few months to “cool down and rethink” its decision to leave the European Union, the socialist candidate to head the next European Commission, Frans Timmermans, said on Wednesday.

    Last week EU leaders gave Britain an extension of its departure date until Oct. 31, with the possibility of leaving sooner if parliament ratifies a divorce deal Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with the EU. Lawmakers have already rejected the deal three times.

    “I absolutely hope that the UK might stay in the EU,” Timmermans, now the Commission’s first vice president, said in a television debate on France 24 with his main rival, Manfred Weber of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP).

    “I hope this period of extension will be used for Britain to calm down and rethink things a bit, perhaps for politicians to be more responsible with the promises they make, and then look at the issue again later this year,” the Dutchman said.

    “Who knows what might change in the meantime?” he said.

    Timmermans was expressing a sentiment shared by some in the EU, notably the chairman of EU leaders, Donald Tusk, that Britain could still change its mind and stay in the EU.

    Polls show that enough Britons may have had a change of heart about Brexit since the 2016 referendum, in which they voted to leave the bloc by 52 to 48 percent. But May and her government remain strongly opposed to holding another vote.

    Timmermans hopes to replace the EPP’s Jean-Claude Juncker as head of the European Commission, the most powerful of EU institutions. He is running on a ticket from the EU’s second biggest political family, the socialists.

    Britain is likely to still be a member of the EU at the time of the European Parliament elections on May 23-26, which means it would take part in the vote. Britain’s opposition Labour Party, which backs a second referendum, could help Timmermans’ socialists win more seats in the 751-seat European assembly.

    Weber does not stand to benefit in the same way from British participation in the EU elections because no UK parties belong to the EPP, currently the largest grouping in the parliament.

    “I have a problem that they (Britain) are now participating in the EU elections, are deciding about the future of our union,” Weber said during the TV debate with Timmermans.

  • BREXIT: UK ‘removes’ European Union on new passports [Photo]

    BREXIT: UK ‘removes’ European Union on new passports [Photo]

    British passports without the words “European Union” on the front cover have been issued despite the Brexit delay.

    The burgundy passports were introduced from March 30th, the day after Britain was expected to leave the EU.

    Some passports including the words “European Union” will continue to be issued while the remaining stock is used up.

    But those applying for a new travel document will not be able to choose between the two.

    A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Burgundy passports that no longer include the words European Union on the front cover were introduced from 30 March 2019.

    “In order to use leftover stock and achieve best value to the taxpayer, passports that include the words European Union will continue to be issued for a short period after this date.

    “There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not. Both designs will be equally valid for travel.”

    The decision to remove the words was made in anticipation of Britain leaving the EU at the end of last month.

    Dark blue passports are scheduled to be issued from the end of this year.

  • NIMC begins data capturing of Nigerians in UAE, UK

    Nigerians to start paying for nation Identity cards from 2022 – NIMC

    By Gabriel Okoro, Abuja

    In line with the mandate by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that all Nigerian citizens in Nigeria and the diaspora and Legal Residents in Nigeria are enrolled into the National Identity Database and issued the unique National Identification Number (NIN) to applicants upon successful enrolment, the NIMC has commenced enrolment of Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom (UK).

    This was contained in a statement issued by NIMC’s head of corporate communications, Loveday Ogbonna.
    The NIN enrolment in UAE and the UK is in collaboration with the Defcon Systems Limited (DSL) and the National eAuthentication Limited (NeAL), Nigerian Companies licensed by the NIMC to serve as its agents, and carry out enrolment services across the globe with a view to ensuring best-in-class services and inclusivity.
    According to the statement, the exercise will involve the demographic & biometrics data capture of all Nigerian citizens residing in the two countries. The UAE programme is scheduled to take off on Tuesday 26th March, 2019 at the Online Integrated Solutions DMCC office, 22nd Floor, Silver Tower, cluster I Jumeirah Lake Towers Dubai, UAE.

    While the UK programme will take off on Friday 29th March 2019 at the Online Integrated Solutions offices.

    On his part, the Director General of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu Aziz explained that the programme will make it easier for Nigerians in Diaspora to be identified as the Federal Government of Nigeria has made the possession of NIN a mandatory requirement for elections, Bank account opening, Land Transactions, access to Legal/health services, acquisition/renewal of the International Passport, Driver’s License and the ECOWAS travel document, amongst others.

    Aziz added that the roll out of additional locations in other cities across the globe where Nigerians reside will be concluded and announced in due course.

    The Nigerian companies licensed to work with their respective partners across all countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America to carry out the enrolment of Nigerian adults and children in the Diaspora into the National Identity Database (NIDB) are Biosec Solutions Limited, CHAMS Consortium Limited, Defcon Systems Limited, National eAuthentication Limited, Thebez Global Resources and Venn Technology Limited.

     

  • Bauchi supplementary polls: Dogara writes ICC, US, EU, UK

    …Reveals plot by FG, Bauchi govt, security agents to unleash violence on Bauchi citizenry

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has alerted the International Criminal Court, United States, United Kindom and the European Union governments on a plot by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Security Agencies and Bauchi State Government to unleash violence on innocent citizens of Bauchi State.

    In a letter written to the Ambassadors of US, UK, EU and the Prosecutor of the ICC dated March 22, 2019, Hon Dogara said verifiable information gathered revealed that a directive has been issued to security personnel on March 21, 2019 to unleash violence, rig the supplementary election in the state at all cost, even if they have to kill to achieve their nefarious intentions.

    The letter read in part, “I will like to bring to your attention, the directive given to security personnel on March 21, 2019 to unleash violence, rig the election at all cost even if they have to kill to achieve their nefarious intentions. This can be verified from some patriotic security agents who received the above orders from their bosses yesterday.

    “Therefore, I write to draw the attention of the United States authorities to this murderous order given to the security agents in Bauchi state to kill innocent citizens. Should any person in the State lose his life tomorrow in consequence of this fraud called supplementary elections, the responsibility must rest squarely on the shoulders of the following individuals and institution; namely:

    1. Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi state whose desperation knows no bounds

    2. Bauchi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdullahi

    3. Commissioner of Police Bauchi State

    4. Director, Department of State Services Bauchi State

    5. All security personnel who obey the illegal murderous order to kill innocent citizens.”

    In the letter, which was also copied to the United Kingdom, European Union and Internatiinal Criminal Court, titled “Plot to Precipitate Violence, incite political killings in Bauchi State”, Hon Dogara added that they are already compiling incidences of political killings perpetrated by thugs hired and armed by Bauchi state Government before, during and after the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 9th, Governorship and State Assemblies elections.

    He explained, “The supplementary elections follows the “inconclusive” governorship elections held on March 9, 2019.

    “Collation of results for Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area has been stalled by the Nigerian authorities, which presupposes that INEC, suspends the supplementary elections pending the completion of the collation exercise as provided for by the Electoral Act and INEC’s Election Guidelines and Regulations.

    “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bauchi State, Ibrahim Abdullahi, working in concert with the Governor of Bauchi state, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar and security agencies have perfected a plan to announce rigged results and in the process use security agencies and their paid political thugs to unleash unprecedented violence on the people of the State with reckless abandon.

    “Your Excellency, may wish to recall that similar violence was unleashed in Rivers state recently by military personnel, Police and hired political thugs leading to maiming of scores of people and destruction of lives and property of innocent citizens.

    “Already, hundreds of security personnel and hired political thugs have been deployed and directed to threaten, intimidate and even kill people in order to rig the election at all cost for the incumbent Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

    “We are already compiling incidences of killings perpetrated by thugs hired and armed by Bauchi state Government before, during and after the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 9th, Governorship and State Assemblies elections.”

     

  • 2019 elections: Army lambasts UK over comment on Rivers elections

    2019 elections: Army lambasts UK over comment on Rivers elections

    The Nigerian Army has warned the United Kingdom against interfering in Nigeria’s elections following comments by the UK that the role of the military in the Rivers State elections was improper.

    The British High Commission in Nigeria had in a series of tweet on Monday expressed concerns over the report of military interference in the election in Rivers State.

    It said the military interference in the polls put stress on the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission and has made it difficult for them to carry out their duties.

    However, the army said in a statement by its acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, that the allegations were baseless.

    In a statement titled, ‘Re: UK expresses concern over military involvement in Rivers poll’, the army denied allegations that its men contributed to the electoral problems in the state.

    “Foreign interests are enjoined to be mindful of interfering in our national internal affairs especially when there is no credible evidence. Any allegation against the NA must be confirmed from appropriate quarters before jumping to conclusions,” the army said.

    The agency said there was no evidence to show that its men compromised the exercise.

    The statement added, “The NA wishes to state that the statement is totally baseless, untrue and therefore capable of misleading unsuspected members of the public, especially when there is no credible record of such involvement anywhere in Nigeria before, during and after the 2019 elections.

    “The NA, as a responsible organisation, wishes to debunk such misrepresentation in order to set the record straight. Similarly, it is on record that the NA has been globally applauded by many individuals, foreign and local elections observers for its sacrifices/roles in creating an enabling environment for a secure, transparent and peaceful conduct of the elections.”

    The army maintained that politicians gave hoodlums military uniforms which confused members of the public.

    It said it would continue to remain neutral during and after the polls, adding that it was only providing assistance to civilian security agencies.

    It added, “The NA has also drawn the attention of the public to mischievous activities of some selfish individuals who recruited thugs dressed in military uniform and armed to harass and intimidate their opponents. In some cases, as reported, and as indicated in various intelligence reports, – hoodlums dressed in military fatigue snatched ballot boxes and other electoral materials. Some INEC staff were reportedly abducted.”

  • UK reacts over military involvement in Rivers governorship poll

    UK reacts over military involvement in Rivers governorship poll

    …As INEC suspends electoral process

    The British High Commission in Nigeria on Sunday reacted over the report of military interference in the governorship and house of assembly elections in Rivers State.

    The commission was reacting to reports from its election observers about the tension at the collation centre in Port Harcourt.

    It said the military interference in the polls is putting stress on the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission and has made it difficult for them to carry out their duties.

    According to its tweet, it said, “Extremely concerned by reports, including from @UKinnigeria observers, of military interference in the election process in Rivers State. Monitoring the situation closely @inec staff must be allowed to do their jobs in safety, without intimidation.”

    There has been a heavy presence of the military in River State, which has been rocked with election violence since the presidential polls.

    Prior to the governorship and state of assembly election, there have been concerns about the security of voters in the state.

    Despite the fears, many trooped out to vote in their sixth governorship and state election.

    The insecurity led INEC to suspend the electoral process.

    The commission made the announcement in a press statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, and published on its official twitter handle.

    “Based on reports from our officials in the field, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has determined that there has been widespread disruption of elections conducted on the 9th day of March, 2019 in Rivers State.

    “These initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centers, staff have been taken hostage and materials including result sheets have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorized persons.

    “In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the commission is concerned about the credibility of the process,” INEC had said.

     

  • UK congratulates Buhari on re-election

    The UK Government has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on securing a second term as president.

    A statement from the British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, quoted the Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, as saying “I offer my congratulations to President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President.

    “The UK is a long-standing friend and partner of Nigeria and the Nigerian people and a stable and prosperous Nigeria benefits Africa and the world.”

    Baldwin commended Nigerians for their resilience and commitment to democracy.

    She said the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were consistent with the results obtained through the civil society Parallel Vote Tabulation process.

    “Along with our international partners, the UK believes the Nigerian people can have confidence in the result.”

    She, however, recognised the concerns expressed by Nigerians on the conduct of the electoral process, in particular logistics and results collation, and reports of intimidation of electoral officers.

    The minister urged any party or individual who wished to challenge the process to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channel.

    “We encourage Nigerian authorities to examine all allegations of wrongdoing carefully, and take the necessary action against individuals found responsible’’.

    She also condoled with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in election-related violence.

    “No one should die in the exercise of their democratic rights,” she stated.

    She reiterated the continued support of the UK Government to Nigeria and its civil society “in drawing lessons from these elections and strengthening its democracy”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday declared President Buhari the winner of the 2019 Presidential Elections.

  • Facebook, Instagram ban British far-right founder

    Facebook, Instagram ban British far-right founder

    Social media giant Facebook removed the accounts of British far-right founder Tommy Robinson, on Tuesday but his YouTube channel remained active.

    Facebook said Robinson’s pages had repeatedly broken its standards by “posting material that uses dehumanising language and calls for violence targeted at Muslims.

    “He has also behaved in ways that violate our policies around organised hate,” it said in a statement confirming it had removed Robinson’s official Facebook page and Instagram profile.

    Gerard Batten, leader of the Brexit-focused UK Independence Party, appointed Robinson, 36, as an unpaid adviser in November 2018.

    Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was “appalled” by the appointment.

    Batten urged Facebook on Tuesday to reinstate Robinson’s accounts and those of other senior UKIP members that were also removed “without any explanation whatsoever.”

    “I am sure it is no coincidence that this is happening within 24 hours of the release of the ‘Panodrama’ documentary,” he said, referring to Robinson’s video accusing the BBC of bias over an investigation of him by the broadcaster’s Panorama programme.

    In a post on YouTube on Monday, Robinson urged supporters to join a mailing list “so I can contact you when I eventually get deleted.”

    The former leader of the English Defence League and co-founder of Pegida UK, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has convictions for assault, public disorder and drugs offences.

    Robinson was sentenced to 13 months in prison in May after broadcasting details of a trial in progress.
    But he was freed on bail in August pending a decision on a possible retrial.

     

  • Saturday poll: Go out, vote your choice candidates – Canada, U.K urge Nigerians

    Saturday poll: Go out, vote your choice candidates – Canada, U.K urge Nigerians

    The Canadian and British High Commissions have called on Nigerians to exercise their civil rights by going out to vote at the rescheduled February 23 presidential election.

    The Canadian Embassy via its Twitter handle @CanHCNigeria on Friday, said Nigerians would decide their future by coming out to vote on election day.

    The commission noted that the citizens of Nigeria deserve a free, fair, credible and peaceful

    It also said in Pidgin English that “it is time for Nigerians to put their money where their mouth is by voting”.

    ”Remember! We encourage all Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights to get out and vote tomorrow. you will decide Nigeria’s future and deserve a free, fair, credible and peaceful chance to do it. Time don reach make una put una vote where una mouth dey!”

    Meanwhile, the British High Commission In Abuja via its Twitter handle @UKinNigeria on Friday, acknowledged the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible free and fair elections.

    The UK Embassy also called on the Nigerian citizens to come out and vote on election day.

    ”We welcome the regular updates from @inecnigeria on preparations for tomorrow’s elections. Important they are able to carry out their role free from intimidation. Calling on all eligible Nigerians to vote tomorrow – have your say on who runs your country!”

  • Facebook broke rules, should be regulated, say UK lawmakers

    Facebook broke rules, should be regulated, say UK lawmakers

    Facebook intentionally breached data privacy and competition law and should, along with other big tech companies, be subjected to a new regulator to protect democracy and citizens’ rights, British lawmakers said on Monday.

    In a damning report that singled out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for what it said was a failure of leadership and personal responsibility, the British Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said tech firms had proved ineffective in stopping harmful content on their platforms.

    This included disinformation, attempts by foreign countries to influence elections, and risks to personal data.

    “We need a radical shift in the balance of power between the platforms and the people,” Committee Chairman, Damian Collins, said.

    Collins said the age of inadequate self-regulation must end, following an 18-month investigation that concluded Facebook had “intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws.”

    “The rights of the citizen need to be established in statute, by requiring the tech companies to adhere to a code of conduct written into law by Parliament, and overseen by an independent regulator,” he said.

    Facebook rejected the suggestion it had breached data protection and competition laws, and said it shared the committee’s concerns about false news and election integrity.

    “We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee’s recommendation for electoral law reform,” Facebook’s UK public policy manager Karim Palant said.

    “We also support effective privacy legislation that holds companies to high standards in their use of data and transparency for users.”

    Lawmakers in Europe and the U.S. are scrambling to get to grips with the risks posed by big tech companies regulating the platforms used by billions of people.

    Germany has been at the forefront of the backlash against Facebook, fueled by last year’s Cambridge Analytica scandal in which tens of millions of Facebook profiles were harvested without their users’ consent.

    Earlier this month, it ordered Facebook to curb its data collection practices in the country.

    U.S senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill last month aimed at giving Americans more control over data collected by online companies like Facebook and Alphabet’s Google.

    The British committee does not propose legislation, but does have the power to summon witnesses for its investigations.

    Facebook became the focus of its inquiry after whistleblower Christopher Wylie alleged that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica had obtained the data of millions of users of the social network.

    Zuckerberg apologised in 2018 for a “breach of trust” over the scandal.
    But he refused to appear three times before British lawmakers, a stance that showed “contempt” toward parliament and the members of nine legislatures from around the world, the committee said.

    “We believe that in its evidence to the committee Facebook has often deliberately sought to frustrate our work, by giving incomplete, disingenuous and at times misleading answers to our questions,” Collins said.

    “Mark Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone, who sits at the top of one of the world’s biggest companies.”

    Facebook, however, said it had cooperated with the investigation by answering more than 700 questions and putting forward four senior executives to give evidence.

    It said it had made substantial changes, including the authorisation of every political advert, and it was investing heavily in identifying abusive content.

    “While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago,” Palant said.

    The committee said it had identified major threats to society from the dominance of companies such as Facebook – which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram – Google and Twitter.

    Democracy was at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised adverts from unidentifiable sources, they said, and social media platforms were failing to act against harmful content and respect the privacy of users.

    Companies like Facebook were also using their size to bully smaller firms that relied on social media platforms to reach customers, it added.