Home Office denies ‘absurd’ criticism over rule change that could leave dual nationals stranded

In a week marked by significant global developments, the UK government found itself under fire for a new border rule change that could leave British dual nationals stranded. The Home Office has dismissed criticism that it failed to properly communicate the changes, which require British dual nationals to present a valid or expired British passport to enter the country. MPs have raised concerns about the impact on honeymooners and other Britons, with Labour backbencher Kerry McCarthy describing the situation as "absurd."

Meanwhile, in Uganda, two women have been arrested and detained for allegedly kissing in public, an act that could lead to a life sentence under the country's harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The incident has sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community and human rights activists, who have long criticized Uganda's laws as among the harshest in the world.

In a more positive development, the Film and TV charity has unveiled a landmark set of principles for safeguarding mental health in the UK creative sector. The principles, which result from a collaboration between the charity and over 45 industry organizations, aim to promote a culture of care and support for production staff. This move comes after a survey found that 35% of sector workers described their mental health as "poor" or "very poor."

In the business world, WPP, the beleaguered advertising group, has announced a radical restructure to counter the threat posed by the AI revolution. The company plans to merge its ad agencies and cut jobs, aiming to achieve £500m of annual savings by 2028. The move reflects the growing pressure on traditional advertising agencies to adapt to the changing media landscape.

On the international stage, the US and Iran are set to engage in crucial talks, with the US seeking to negotiate a new nuclear deal. The talks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with President Trump having kept up a steady drumbeat of threats and built up US troops in the region. Iran's task is to give the US a win while preserving some semblance of nuclear enrichment.

As these developments unfold, the world remains in a state of flux, with governments, businesses, and individuals navigating complex challenges and seeking to adapt to a rapidly changing world.