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North Wales Chronicle
27 minutes ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
PM urges Britons to contact Foreign Office for Israel evacuation flights
It comes after the US attacked three nuclear sites in Iran overnight and Tehran then launched a ballistic missile barrage against Israel. Speaking to Sky News, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I urge all citizens to make contact with the Foreign Office so that we can facilitate whatever support is needed.' He added that the Government will help evacuate British citizens on charter flights 'as soon as we can'. Sir Keir said: 'Well for British citizens, we've been saying for some time to register their presence. 'And so far as Israel is concerned, just as soon as we can get charter flights off, we will do so.' The UK is preparing a flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependants out of Israel and the OPTs early next week. British nationals in Israel and the OPTs should register their presence to receive the latest updates and register their interest in the… — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has continued to urge British nationals to register their details and interest in evacuation flights, the first of which it said will take off early next week. It said further flights 'will be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation'. According to the Israeli Government, some 22,000 tourists are seeking to board evacuation flights. It is unclear how many of these are UK citizens. British nationals who have already registered will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal, the FCDO said. Those eligible for the flight will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration on the flight booking form. The FCDO added that those with 'greatest need' will be prioritised, and British nationals plus their non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document, and those non-British immediate family members will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months, the FCDO said. The UK has been working on charter flights for Britons in Israel but none have so far taken off as the country's airspace has been closed. Business Secretary Jonathon Reynolds told Sky News on Sunday morning: 'We are in active conversations about chartering aircraft to get people out.' Asked if that will happen imminently, Mr Reynolds said: 'I believe our intention would be to do that as soon as possible… hours, not days.' Meanwhile, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told Times Radio the UK 'must not be behind the curve' in evacuating its nationals. 'The Government's got to start moving fast now in terms of British nationals in Israel,' Dame Priti said. 'They've been talking about this for days… Israeli airspace is shut down. 'The Americans are ready to evacuate 25,000 US nationals — we must not be behind the curve.' The FCDO has warned British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. Register your presence: — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 A spokesperson said: 'This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East. 'The safety of British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that's why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave. 'Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.' Commercial flights remain in operation from Egypt and Jordan to the UK, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open. The FCDO said the situation 'remains volatile' and the Government's ability to run flights out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 'could change at short notice'. The portal to register presence in Israel as a Briton is available at:
The Star
27 minutes ago
- Business
- The Star
E&E growth spurs call for stronger R&D
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has enjoyed strong investment growth in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector over the past four years, but more needs to be done to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities – particularly in product innovation – to move up the value chain. Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) executive director Andrew Chan Yik Hong said Malaysia continues to be the preferred investment destination for the E&E sector. 'The proof is in the pudding. Approved investments for the E&E sector in Malaysia from 2021 to 2024 total RM319bil. 'This is more than the investments secured in the past 41 years, from 1980 to 2020, of RM289bil,' he said during a panel discussion titled 'From Production Hub to Innovation Powerhouse: Strengthening Malaysia's E&E Industry' at Bank Negara's Sasana Symposium 2025 yesterday. STMicroelectronics Malaysia group vice- president and general manager Tan Chun Sheng described R&D as the 'crown jewel' of the semiconductor business and stressed the need for a change in the types of incentives offered, moving away from merely tax incentives. He believes the government should redirect support toward firms' R&D efforts in the form of grants and wage supplements. 'We are very good at manufacturing-related R&D. However, let us move up the value chain in terms of R&D, because that is what makes the country an attractive and vital part of the supply chain,' he said. Tan suggested the government consider taxing multinational corporations and ploughing back the revenue into R&D grants and incentives. 'We have always talked about the need for higher wages in the the government needs to do is declare that anyone involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or R&D will receive wage supplements. Instantly, the wages will go up. 'But where will the money come from for this? Taxation,' he added. Citing South Korea, Kolon Industries senior technology adviser Sung Han said the government there offers significant tax incentives to firms across various industrial sectors based on their R&D investments. 'I think this is critically important because it incentivises talent development and drives the innovation that must happen within the R&D space, rather than just on the manufacturing floor,' he said. He also highlighted the strong public-private partnerships in Korea, where much of the R&D is government-funded, creating an environment that continuously fuels innovation across industries like semiconductors and automotive. 'What South Korean companies like Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc have done to move up the value chain is not just developing semiconductor-related materials needed for production – because companies can't decouple material characteristics from IC (integrated circuit) design – but they have also built up local suppliers for materials and production tools. 'Today, for a few critical tools in leading-edge nodes, local Korean companies can supply many of those tools and materials. This creates the infrastructure necessary for the sector to become independent in developing and conducting its own R&D on new next-generation products. 'I think this is what Malaysia may be missing today,' Sung Han added. That said, Tan opined that Malaysia's semiconductor sector does not necessarily have to rely solely on financial incentives such as subsidies or grants from the government to attract investment. In fact, the country already holds several key advantages, chief among them being experience. 'The most important advantage that we have as a country is experience, given that the semiconductor industry has been here for more than 50 years.' He said the second advantage that Malaysia has is talent. 'Our engineers are very talented, with strong technical skills.' When asked why Malaysia has not been successful in attracting leading foundry companies, MSIA's Chan said much of the recent investment surge occurred before the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) was introduced. 'I believe that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority had received enquiries on this back then, but somehow the equation did not stack up. 'However, I am optimistic that if we continue to double down on the NSS – the upcycle for semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) is not now, it is in a couple of years – we will see more fabs, hopefully, in Malaysia,' he said.
Daily Mail
27 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The eye-watering price a rare Labubu doll sold for at auction
A one-of-a-kind Labubu doll has sold for a staggering $150,000 at auction. The collectible dolls, beloved for their odd but cute look, have become a worldwide sensation with a loyal cult following. The sharp-toothed doll that's over four feet tall was a hot item at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing this month. Most of the plush, furry dolls, which have big teeth and elf-like ears, are pocket-sized and cost around $30. The auction was the first to be dedicated to Labubu-brand products, which are made by Chinese toy company Pop Mart. Nearly 1,000 participants were bidding online or in person for at least one of 48 lots that were up for sale. By the end of the auction, all of the Labubu collectibles were sold, racking in more than $500,000 in sales. The auction house is now planning to hold more events dedicated to this toy brand due to the 'growing momentum of pop art in the auction market.' These trendy dolls have taken the world by storm, and have featured as arm candy for A-listers like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink member Lisa. The fan favorite toys were created by Hong Kong-native Kasing Lung in 2015. Lung created Labubu after being inspired by a character in a picture book series full of magical creatures. Pop Mart describes Labubu as a 'small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth' that is 'kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.' What started out as a $30 toy has since become a product that has been spotted on resale websites for thousands of dollars and has even featured as an alternative bouquet toss at a wedding. Besides the mint-green Labubu figurine, the Beijing auction sold a similar-sized doll for over $100,000, that toy being one of 15 in the world. Other items in the Labubu collection sold for over $1,000 each. Each buyer was required to pay an additional 15 percent brokerage fee, along with the winning bid amounts. 'As a trendy toy in China, Labubu is now becoming a global artwork as it has truly sparked a craze around the world,' Zhao Xu, the founder of Yongle Auction, told state-owned outlet The Beijing News via CNN. Labubus are now being seen as a status symbol, with wealthy people hanging them off their pricey Hermès bags A person holds up Labubu dolls in a store in Beijing this month Because of these dolls, Pop Mart is taking over the toy market with a yeh$46.1 million marketing cap. The company finished 2024 with $1.8 billion in revenue, with $700 million coming from non-mainland shoppers, according to Fortune. 'We've seen the community play a huge role in fueling this movement—whether it's fans sharing display shelves, TikTok videos, or styling their bag charms,' said Emily Brough, Pop Mart's head of IP licensing for the Americas. 'We're seeing surging interest from Gen Z and millennials, particularly those drawn to fashion, art, and nostalgia-infused collectibles.' With the Labubu phenomenon rising, the company, which currently has over 500 stores, is looking to keep move forward. 'In the US, we've had families queuing at 6:00 am for store openings and first-time collectors grabbing blind boxes alongside seasoned fans,' Brough said. 'With a goal of 50 US store openings this year, Pop Mart's community is only growing.'
Daily Mail
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS UFC legend Jon Jones hit with shocking criminal charge just hours after announcing retirement
Jon Jones, a legendary American MMA fighter, is facing legal issues - just one day after stunning the sport by confirming his retirement from the UFC. During an explosive press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, UFC chief Dana White announced that Jones, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time, had retired from the sport. Jones later confirmed the news himself in a statement. Less than 24 hours later, it has emerged that the 37-year-old is facing a misdemeanor charge of fleeing the scene of an accident. A criminal summons accusing Jones of the charge was filed in Albuquerque Metropolitan Court Tuesday. Jones has been called to appear in court on July 24 for a bond arraignment. has contacted Jones' management and attorney for comment. A police officer was said to be investigating a road accident on February 21 when they discovered a woman in the passenger seat of one of the vehicles, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The woman was reportedly 'exhibiting signs of significant intoxication and lacking clothing from the waist down.' She claimed that Jones had been the driver of the car but had fled the scene on foot. The woman then reportedly called Jones. A police service aide is said to have spoken to the man on the other end of the line, who she believed to be Jones. The man 'appeared to be heavily intoxicated and made statements implying his capacity to employ lethal force through third parties' to the PSA. In response to the perceived threat, the PSA is said to have called for backup. A police officer then spoke to the man on the phone and said similar 'allusions to violence' were made. The man reportedly never answered direct questioned about whether he was Jones. Jones was later interviewed in person, during which he allegedly claimed that the woman had left his home intoxicated earlier in the day. He said that she had called him after getting into the crash, and he claimed the person she handed the phone to 'immediately opened the conversations with unprofessional language, which led him to doubt the legitimacy of the individual's claim.' Meanwhile, the woman told police that she had drank alcohol and consumed mushrooms at Jones' house and recalled needing to change her clothes there. However, her memory was hazy as she claimed that 'her next recollection was being at the scene of a traffic accident' and that the last person she remembered driving the car was Jones. Jones, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time, is pictured greeting Donald Trump Jones is said to have called the woman's phone a total of 13 times from around the time of the accident to the following morning. It is unclear why the charge was filed four months after the February incident. There is also no indication that the charge is related to Jones's decision to retire this week. UFC CEO White revealed Jones called on Friday night to inform him and UFC officials that he would not be fighting again. Jones was the promotion's undisputed heavyweight champion but his title has now been passed to Tom Aspinall. Jones then posted a lengthy statement on social media, which read: 'Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I've experienced over the years. 'From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I'll cherish forever. 'I've faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person. 'I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we've shared inside and outside the cage. 'As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I'm excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.' Jones admitted earlier this week that he had no interest in fighting as he continued to stall on a bout with Aspinall. Jones, who ends his career with a 28-1 career record, won the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023. But the 37-year-old has not fought since defending it in November against Stipe Miocic . Aspinall has held the interim belt for 18 months but a unification fight between the two is yet to materialize. The delay led a number of fighters to call for Jones to be stripped of his title.
NBC News
27 minutes ago
- Business
- NBC News
U.S. braces for Iran's response after overnight strikes on nuclear sites
The United States, the Middle East and world oil markets are bracing for Iran's response after President Donald Trump launched punishing strikes on Iranian nuclear energy sites overnight, plunging the region into an unprecedented new phase of a decades-old conflict. The U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities, including the key Fordo site, with 14 GBU 57s, 30,000-pound "bunker buster bombs,' according to the U.S. military. It was the first time the United States has directly bombed the Islamic Republic. The next 48 hours are of particular concern, according to two defense officials and a senior White House official. It's unclear whether any retaliation would target overseas or domestic locations, or both, the officials said. U.S. bases and assets have been at their highest state of alert for months, but after Israel began warring with Iran on June 13, the officials, who spoke earlier in the week, said concerns were heightened even more about the potential for attacks on U.S. assets from Iran or its proxies in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, meanwhile, warned of 'everlasting consequences.' Iran has already shown its capacity to inflict damage on its enemies. Since Israel's initial attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, Iranian missiles have pierced the country's vaunted missile-defense system, the Iron Dome, reduced apartment blocks to rubble, and killed at least 24 people. After the U.S. attacks, the nation launched a missile barrage into Israel Sunday morning, causing damage and injuries in Tel Aviv. 'Iran will try to redouble its efforts against Israel in order to show its determination to inflict damage on its arch enemy," Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, said. "We are likely to witness major escalation between Iran and Israel in the next few days.' However, Gerges added, Iran will try and avoid 'being dragged into an all-out war with the United States.' Iran's Revolutionary Guards argue that the sheer number and spread of U.S. bases in the region, where it has some 40,000 forces, are not a strength, but a 'point of vulnerability.' The U.S. has bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, among other countries. Last week it moved some aircraft and ships that may be vulnerable to a potential attack, and has limited access to its al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. It's unclear whether Iran could retaliate with missile attacks on U.S. or allied forces in the Gulf. Israel has managed to intercept many of the ballistic missiles and drones that Iran has fired over the past week. And it's also uncertain whether any retaliation will come directly from Tehran or one of its proxies in the region.
