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Britain has put a number of military aircraft on “readiness to move” in case needed to evacuate embassy staff and UK citizens from Sudan amid deadly clashes, Sky News has learnt.

No decision has yet been taken by the Foreign Office for the armed forces to mobilise to help with any rescue mission, according to Whitehall sources.

They described the activity within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as “prudent planning” to prepare for any eventuality.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is due to chair a ministerial meeting on Sudan on Friday evening.

The different types of aircraft that could be used in an evacuation include helicopters and transport planes with the ability to operate in an active conflict zone.

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Khartoum: Terror rages in Sudan

One source said aircraft were “on readiness to move”. A second source said that any movement of equipment should be seen in the context of careful planning in case required.

Another evacuation option for the UK would be to ask the United States or France, which have larger military footprints in the region, to assist with the rescue of Britons.

A destroyed military vehicle is seen in southern in Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday, April 20, 2023. The latest attempt at a cease-fire between the rival Sudanese forces faltered as gunfire rattled the capital of Khartoum. Through the night and into Thursday morning, gunfire could be heard almost constantly across Khartoum. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)
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A destroyed military vehicle in Khartoum. Pic: AP

Fierce fighting has gripped Sudan for the past few days as government forces clash with a paramilitary group, leaving dozens of people killed and residents hiding in their homes.

Underlining the tense and fluid nature of the situation, the British Council – which is separate to the British embassy – has already evacuated its staff from Sudan, a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson was unable to say how the personnel were evacuated for safety reasons.

Read more:
Britons in Sudan urged to stay indoors
Why has violence erupted in Sudan?
Dramatic before-and-after images show impact of deadly clashes

“We are relieved to share that all colleagues who were in our office have been evacuated and are now home. The safety and security of our colleagues is always our highest priority,” the British Council spokesperson said.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is leading the UK’s response to the crisis. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly cut short a trip to New Zealand to fly home overnight.

There are thought to be dozens of UK diplomats and other officials at the embassy in Khartoum as well as hundreds of UK citizens in Sudan. The figure rises into the thousands if dual nationals are also included.

The UK could launch its own evacuation mission or join any multinational effort, depending on the level of risk that government ministers were willing to take given that it would involve deploying military forces into a country where active fighting is taking place.

Among the assets available are bigger and smaller transport planes as well as helicopters.

UK troops could potentially deploy across the border into the vast country by land or helicopter to facilitate any evacuation.

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Summing up the challenge, a defence source said: “There are a lot of people on the ground with a lot of weapons and they do not like each other. At the moment, no one knows who is going to win this particular fight.”

The Foreign Office might decide that it is safe enough for its people to remain in place.

“But if it is looking like there could be possible body bags containing diplomatic staff coming back then things become more tense and the risk appetite increases quite dramatically.”

Another possible option for the UK would be to arrange places for UK diplomats and citizens within any US or French evacuation effort.

The Pentagon has been moving more troops to the African nation of Djibouti to prepare for a possible evacuation of US Embassy staff in Sudan, according to the New York Times.

France also has a large military presence in the region. Sudan was once a French colony.

Additional reporting by Jakub Szweda

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Over 200 MPs sign cross-party letter demanding Starmer recognise Palestine as a state

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Over 200 MPs sign cross-party letter demanding Starmer recognise Palestine as a state

Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state, with 221 MPs signing a cross-party letter demanding he take the step.

The letter is being organised by the Labour backbencher Sarah Champion, who also sits as the International Development Committee chair.

They write: “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.

“Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that Mandate.”

Explainer: What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?

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‘Many more deaths unless Israelis allow food in’

Earlier this month, nearly 60 Labour MPs called on David Lammy and the Foreign Office to immediately recognise Palestine as a state in a private letter, but this new call shows how dissatisfied many still are with the government’s refusal to change its stance on the issue.

More on Gaza

As Number 10 came under growing pressure, Sir Keir on Friday released a statement on Gaza calling the “appalling scenes” in the Strip “unrelenting”.

Israel has denied there is a food shortage in Gaza – despite earlier this week more than 100 aid agencies warning of mass starvation in Gaza – and claims it had to take control of the supply and distribution of aid because Hamas fighters have been stealing aid before it reached civilians. Hamas has denied this, as have some humanitarian groups, including USAID.

Talking about the need for a regional “lasting peace”, the prime minister said: “Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.”

Read more:
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France to become first G7 nation to recognise Palestine as a state
Dozens of MPs call for UK to recognise Palestine as a state

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Trump: ‘It doesn’t matter what Macron says’

In light of a tweet by the French President Emmanuel Macron, also sent last night, declaring France would recognise a Palestinian state in September at a UN conference, a number of MPs now say Number 10’s current position is untenable.

“They had said they wanted to be in lockstep with allies, but this means that position won’t hold,” said one Labour MP.

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Emily Thornberry says it’s ‘insulting’ that the Israeli govt rejected a statement calling for a ceasefire

US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House before heading to Scotland, was dismissive of Mr Macron’s statement. “What he says doesn’t matter,” he said. “He’s a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.

“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.

Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, on Friday morning defended the government’s resistance to calls for immediate UK recognition of a Palestinian state.

“We want Palestinian statehood. We desire it, and we want to make sure the circumstances can exist where that kind of long-term political solution can have the space to evolve and make sure that it can become a permanent circumstance that can bring peace to the entire region,” he told Sky News.

“But right now, today, we’ve got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today.”

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Aid waiting to be distributed in Gaza

An emergency call with Germany and France was scheduled for Friday to discuss what Sir Keir described as a “human catastrophe” which has “reached new depths”.

The Foreign Office has maintained it is committed to recognising a Palestinian state but has expressed a willingness to do so only when it will have the “most impact in support of a peace process”.

It said: “We continue to provide lifesaving aid to support Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to work closely in support of the Palestinian Authority.”

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Home Office threaten asylum seekers with homelessness if they refuse hotel move

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Home Office threaten asylum seekers with homelessness if they refuse hotel move

Asylum seekers risk becoming homeless if they refuse accommodation under plans to end the use of expensive hotels.

Announcing the policy on Friday, the Home Office said some migrants were “gaming the system” by resisting efforts to move them into alternative housing without a valid reason.

Politics Live: Macron lays out plan for France to recognise a Palestinian state.

The new Failure to Travel policy means housing support will be removed from those who block transfer requests.

The Home Office said this will “ensure individuals who are moved from hotels to suitable alternative accommodation must take it”.

They added: “Those who refuse to move without a valid reason will now risk losing their housing and support. It is a firm but fair approach, aimed to end abuse of asylum support and contribute towards the closure of costly hotel accommodation.

“While the government has a duty to support all asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute in appropriate accommodation, the new policy establishes clear consequences for those who game the system whilst protecting the vulnerable.”

More from Politics

There would be several steps before stripping someone of accommodation – with it being a last resort, Sky News understands.

It follows a week of unrest outside a hotel in Epping used to house asylum seekers.

Several demonstrations have been held outside the Bell Hotel since 13 July, after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denied sexually assaulting the 14-year-old girl at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court last week and will stand trial in August.

On Thursday Epping council unanimously voted to urge the government to shut the site.

Ministers are under pressure to restore order amid fears of further unrest, like that seen in Southport last summer.

Protesters near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. There have been a number of demonstrations outside the hotel, believed to be housing asylum
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Protesters near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

Labour has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels by the end of this parliament, a move chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed will save £1bn a year.

However there is a question mark as to how this will be achieved as Channel Crossings continue to rise. Nearly 20,000 migrants made the journey to the UK in the first six months of this year, a rise of almost 50% on the number crossing in 2024 and a new record for the first half of a year.

Ministers say they inherited a “broken system”, with 400 hotels being used to accommodate asylum seekers at the peak of the crisis under the Tories, costing £9 million per day.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “We inherited an asylum system on the brink of collapse – mismanaged, under strain, and costing the public a fortune. We are getting a grip.

“We are working to close hotels, restore order, and put fairness and value for money at the heart of our asylum system. This government is making those necessary decisions to protect the taxpayer and uphold the integrity of our borders.

“These reforms to the Failure to Travel policy are another example of this government’s action to transform the asylum accommodation system and crack down on those who abuse our system, so it operates fairly and saves the taxpayer money.”

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Sarina Wiegman on the Euros final, the Lionesses as campaigners, and their late comebacks

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Sarina Wiegman on the Euros final, the Lionesses as campaigners, and their late comebacks

England manager Sarina Wiegman has praised the Lionesses for using their platform, reaching a third successive final to advocate for “positive change in society” while focused on defending their Euros title.

In an interview with Sky News, she spoke about how, if the “incredible support” throughout the tournament in Switzerland is matched by an incredible performance, that can “bring us the win” against Spain on Sunday.

But while progressing, the team has called out social media abuse after defender Jess Carter faced racism online.

Players used winning their first trophy in 2022 as a springboard to lobby the government to advocate for more access to football for girls.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman speaks to her players during the Women's Euro 2025 semifinals between England and Italy. Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

“I think that’s the high purpose of women’s football,” Weigman told Sky News when asked about players as campaigners while achieving sporting excellence.

“Of course it’s England and we want to win, but there’s a bigger picture too, and of course we saw that last week that we said this is enough [on racism].

“We’re just leading that, and everyone’s supporting. We need to send a message out because it’s unacceptable and disgusting.

“And that shows also that the identity of the women’s game, that yes we want to improve and we want to get the results, but that gives us a platform to hopefully make a little change, positive change in society, and that’s what we go for too.”

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England through to Euros final: How it happened

Comebacks

It has been a challenging tournament on the pitch defending their European crown. The opening match was lost to France before emphatic wins against the Netherlands and Wales took them into the knockout phase.

They were facing elimination against Sweden before coming back from 2-0 down to 2-2 before winning on penalties.

And they came even closer to being knocked out in the semi-final by Italy until Michelle Agyemang equalised in the 96th minute and Chloe Kelly struck the winner in extra time.

Asked about the impact of the drama on the England manager, attacking midfielder Ella Toone joked: “We’ve almost killed her twice this tournament.”

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‘I think we’ve nearly killed her twice’

So how does Wiegman cope with the frenzied finishes?

“I’m never angry at the players because I know they give their best and they do everything to make it work,” she said in our interview at the team’s Zurich hotel.

“I’m just really proud of them. How we show up, how we step up when necessary and I just hope that we do a little bit earlier now.

“But first, the most important thing is that we play at our best because that makes the chance of winning as high as possible and we want that best outcome of course.”

The outcome in 2023 was losing the World Cup final to Spain, and Sunday’s game in Basel is a rematch.

“Spain is a very good country, they play very good football, but I think we’re really good too, so we have our tactical plan ready,” Wiegman said.

“We have to be at our best. Then if we are at our best we can win and the urgency is there to be our best to make that possible.”

Read more:
FA could boycott social media over racism
When is the Women’s Euro 2025 final?
Why is Lucy Bronze the Lionesses’ golden girl?

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Lionesses reach Euro semi-finals

Five finals

The double European champion has unprecedented managerial experience at her five international tournaments – only reaching the finals with the Netherlands and England.

“It’s very special because playing a final is very special,” Wiegman said. “There are many teams in the competition and there is only a spot for two countries to play a final and it’s very, very hard to get through to the final.

“So I feel grateful and I’m really, really excited to play another final with England. And yes, I’ve noticed a couple of things, what it does with the country.

“Of course, I already did that after the Euros, but also after the World Cup. So I’m excited about that too, of course.”

Sarina Wiegman sits on the bench during the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Sweden and England. Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

Super-subs

She can feel vindicated by the results, however much the clamour is to make substitutions earlier.

“I don’t feel that resistance, I don’t feel that because I’m in the game and we have our bubble,” she said.

“And the only thing I’m focusing on is my bubble, everything outside I’m not focusing on and don’t pay attention to.

“Of course there’s pressure, of course when you’re down or 2-0 down or 1-0 then there’s pressure because you need to score a goal and then you make your subs and it’s incredible that the subs make a difference.”

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Lionesses leave it late – again

With the team often rescued by super-subs Kelly and Agyemang, who is playing her first tournament at 19.

“She brings something different with her qualities and it’s really nice that she shows that too,” Wiegman said.

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All we learnt from the Jay Slater inquest

Support

England have never won a trophy on foreign soil before – with the men and women only collecting trophies at Wembley.

Thousands of fans are expected in Basel and millions watching back home.

“I’d really like to thank everyone with the incredible support we’ve had here in Switzerland,” Wiegman said.

“England is totally overloaded with the fans, there’s so many here and we know there’s so many watching from home and supporting us.

“That feels incredible and we’re very very thankful for that and I hope we can put an incredible performance on the pitch again on Sunday and I hope that will bring us the win.”

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