Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dubai. Show all posts

Thursday, July 8, 2010

The BBC and Dubai fall out over cash

Dubai is a place where the Britishness of a colonial yesteryear has been well preserved, from red-faced drunks to the well-trimmed lawns and bungalows of the British Embassy compound. So there has been a Lilliburlero feel to the tea-time conversation in Expatland over the last few days. Two topics dominate. One is the recently announced visit this autumn of the Queen, which attracted more positive interest than, I suspect, it would in Leeds or Bristol. The other is the disappearance from the air-waves of the BBC World Service.

To read full article click here: The BBC and Dubai fall out over cash

source: Daily Telegraph

Sunday, January 10, 2010

UK Shadow Cabinet Minister states no plans to change tax status for British expatriates

Dubai based British Conservatives mobilize for upcoming UK General Election



In photograph attached - from left to right:

Douglas Hansen-Luke, Philippa Buckley, Andrew Mitchell MP, Zulfi Hydari, David Haigh and Bashir Siman.

Dubai, January 10 2010 – Andrew Mitchell MP, Britain's Shadow Secretary of State for International Development visited British Conservatives and leading businessmen at the Capital Club in Dubai International Financial Centre yesterday.

Returning from a trip to Pakistan he spoke on the importance of peace and stability as an essential first step in development for the bottom billion of the world's population and reaffirmed the Tories commitment to spending 0.7% of GDP on international development.

He defended this action at a time when 25% of all British government spending is debt funded by highlighting that encouraging development will further global stability and this is in Britain's long-term interest.

On British government spending he said that cuts are inevitable but the Conservatives would refrain from taxing expatriates on overseas earnings. When challenged on increasing the maximum number of tax free days for UK residence, Mr Mitchell said that this would not be a priority but encouraged Middle East residents to make their case

Andrew Mitchell MP closed his remarks by highlighting just how close the general election will be and encouraged all Britons abroad to register to vote through www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com

Zulfi Hydari, Co-Chairman of Conservatives Abroad in Dubai said, “We are delighted Andrew Mitchell MP was able to make time in his busy schedule to address a distinguished group of British Conservatives and leading businessmen at the Capital Club.”

Mr. Hydari added, “We enjoyed strong turnout and Mr. Mitchell’s address was very well received.”

David Haigh, Co-Chairman said, “Our guests were given an opportunity to question Mr. Mitchell on various policy issues including, energy, immigration, taxation and defense. The feedback was very positive and we look forward to continuing our efforts to encourage voter registration in the run up to the next election.”

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Drinks Reception for Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP

Drinks Reception in Dubai to welcome Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP




Andrew Mitchell MP is the Shadow Secretary of State for International Development as well as the Shadow Cabinet Member with responsibility for Birmingham. Andrew is 53, married with two daughters. He was educated at Rugby School and Cambridge University, where he studied history and was elected as President of the Cambridge Union in 1978. Andrew served in the Army (Royal Tank Regiment) before joining Lazard where he worked with British companies seeking large-scale overseas contracts.

He was the Member of Parliament for Gedling from 1987 to 1997. During this period he held office as a Government Whip and as Minister for Social Security. He also served as a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party from 1992 to 1993. In 2001 he was re-elected to Parliament as MP for Sutton Coldfield. In November 2003, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Economic Affairs. From September 2004 until the end of the Parliamentary term, he was Shadow Minister for Home Affairs. Following the General Election in May 2005 Andrew joined the Shadow Cabinet and was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for International Development. An experienced and highly effective MP and former Government Minister.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence with Conservatives Abroad in Dubai

British Conservatives Abroad living in Dubai met with the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox MP who was visiting Dubai. Dr Fox praised the work that Gulf Tories were doing to encourage expatriates living in the Gulf to participate in the next UK general election that is waiting to be called.

Dr Fox said “we really appreciate the work of the Gulf Tories that enables Britons living abroad to keep closely in touch with their political interests in the UK, this also strengthens the much valued political and business links in the Gulf”.

David Haigh, Co-Chairman British Conservatives Abroad UAE said “there are over two million British expatriates worldwide eligible to vote in UK elections with only a small percentage registered. We want to impress upon those potential voters that their vote really counts and encourage the estimated 200,000 living in the UAE to register online to vote as soon as possible”.

The easiest way to register on line is at www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com