Are some people just born impolite and ungrateful? A Tale of Refuge.

Britain, despite being a small island nation, has resettled more refugees since 2015 than any other European country.

One of those people is Hassan Akkad, who arrived in London on September 27th, 2015, having left his left his home town of Damascus in 2012. After reaching Greece, he finally made it through to Calais from where he planned to cross to the UK. He said he had used a fake Czech passport and a counterfeit Bulgarian passport in his attempt to make it to Britain.

Just six months after arriving in London, the British Conservative Government granted him the right to remain in the UK. Sadly, it seems that ever since arriving in Britain, Akkad has waged an anti-Tory campaign, in what could only be described as biting the hand that feeds you.

In a BBC programme, they interviewed a 'Syrian refugee' who slammed the Government for their new policy of taking more refugees directly from affected countries, and clamping down on illegal migration. In the interview, the BBC failed to mention Hassan Akkad is now firmly ensconced as a Labour Party member and activist.

"Listeners were left with the impression of an ordinary person up against the Home Secretary – not a political activist and Labour Party figure up against the Home Secretary", as he proceeded to launch into a party political attack, said Media Guido. Akkad is a prolific blue-tick tweeting Labour activist, who has campaigned online for Sadiq Khan and against the Tories. He regularly retweets Labour MPs, and boasts of his Labour Party membership. Little wonder Sadiq Khan speaks so highly of him.

There are many who would assume seeking refuge in Britain - having been determined not to settle in any other safe country you passed through to get here - would be met with a feeling of gratitude to the government that offered you refuge. But obviously not in the case of Akkad who has been less than courteous and polite to say the very least.

Interestingly, last month Denmark declared parts of Syria safe, stripping Syrian refugees of their residency permits after declaring that Damascus and the surrounding area were now safe.

Never say never, Akkad.

https://order-order.com/2021/03/24/bbc-failed-to-declare-syrian-refugee-is-labour-party-activist/

Saudi Arabia's Shift To Renewables Could Save It $200 Billion

Saudi Arabia could save some $200 billion over the next ten years by switching from crude oil to natural gas and renewables for electricity production, Reuters reports, citing the Kingdom's Finance Minister.

"Instead of buying fuel from the international markets at $60 and then selling it at $6 for Saudi utilities, or using some of our quota in OPEC to sell at $6, we're going to actually displace at least 1 million barrels a day of oil equivalent in the next 10 years and replace it with gas and renewables," Mohammed al-Jadaan said.

OPEC's largest oil producer and world's largest exporter of crude is on a desperate quest to reduce its dependence on oil revenues by diversifying its economy away from the flagship export stock. Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed, who appears to be the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, announced yet another investment program with a view to this diversification that he said would "unlock new local investments valued at SAR 5 Trillion through the end of 2030."

This amount is equal to roughly $1.3 trillion, and its unlocking will be enabled by investments from Saudi Arabia's largest private companies, the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund, and a National Investment Strategy, for which the details have yet to be released. The total investment poured into Saudi Arabia's private sector will amount to some $3.20 trillion (12 trillion riyals).

The Vision 2030 diversification plan that Mohammed launched a few years ago is also very much alive, according to Al-Jadaan. The minister said the Kingdom will be prioritizing fiscal discipline until all the targets of the Vision 2030 plan were achieved.

"Between now and 2025, and possibly until 2030, fiscal sustainability is a priority for us. We believe that until we achieve all the targets that Vision 2030 has set, we need to maintain fiscal sustainability and control government expenditure," Al-Jadaan said.

Source: Reuters | Oilprice.com

Covid-19: Vaccine rollout in England extends to 44-year-olds

About half a million more people in England are being invited to book their Covid-19 jab from today, as the vaccine rollout opens to 44-year-olds.

Two-thirds of the previous age group - 45 to 49-year-olds - have received their first dose.

The NHS said it would set out when 40 to 43-year-olds would be able to book appointments "in the coming days", and as supply allows.

It comes as a TV advert is launched to encourage under-50s to get vaccinated.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the "great news" at being able to open up jabs to 44-year-olds came after "a huge few days for vaccinations".

He added: "We'll keep working down the age range to make sure everybody can have the offer of a jab by the end of July - all adults."

The total number of vaccine doses given in the UK reached almost 46.3 million on Sunday, with a further 498,430 second doses and 142,215 first doses reported.

More than 33.7 million people have now received their first dose and almost 12.6 million are fully vaccinated.

Northern Ireland is opening its vaccination programme to people aged 35 to 39, while Wales has been asking over-40s to book appointments and Scotland has been inviting over-45s for vaccination.

Meanwhile, Scotland is taking its biggest step out of lockdown since December as shops reopen along with cafes, pubs and restaurants - with some restrictions. Outdoor hospitality is also opening up in Wales.

The TV advert promoting the Covid-19 vaccine - featuring the slogan "every vaccination gives us hope" - is predominantly aimed at people aged under 50 who are being invited for their first dose, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Showing scenes from vaccination centres across the country, it also aims to encourage over-50s to ensure they receive their second jab for the best possible protection.

It will be accompanied by a poster campaign highlighting how the Covid-19 jab helps to reduce infections, hospital admissions and deaths.

The advert urges people to "join the millions already vaccinated" and reminds them "you need two doses for maximum protection".

Mr Hancock said it was a "poignant reminder of everything we've been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to".

One of the people featured in the advert is 32-year-old Thor Porter, a drummer and graphic designer from Salisbury, in Wiltshire, who said: "I feel the vaccine rollout is key to regaining some form of normality. As a musician, it will hopefully enable venues to reopen and ensure a future in my career."

The campaign will also be reflected in special postmarks put on stamped mail by the Royal Mail, vaccine messaging on Google and YouTube, and free advertising on LinkedIn to get the vaccine message to businesses.

BBC