Afghans ’22 Times More Likely’ to Be Convicted of Sex Offences, Claims Migration Expert in Call for Tougher Controls

Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a surge in sexual offences committed by Afghan nationals in the UK, arguing many perpetrators “should not even be here.”

In an interview with GB News Originals host Steven Edginton, Bates cited Ministry of Justice data obtained via Freedom of Information requests, claiming Afghan nationals are 22 times more likely to be convicted of sexual offences than British nationals, with rates far exceeding those of other foreign groups.

“This is a huge problem,” Bates said. “Almost every week, we hear of another horrific case in an otherwise peaceful town, carried out against the people of this country by individuals who should not even be here. It is essential that the conversation recognises this fundamental fact and begins seriously discussing what must be done to stop these atrocities from continuing.”

He proposed solutions including a “high-risk list” of countries whose nationals are over-represented in certain crimes, barring entry similar to approaches under Donald Trump, alongside reviews of recent arrivals—particularly small boat crossers—and making foreign national crimes an aggravating factor in sentencing.

Bates emphasised the issue extends beyond Afghans: “This is not just about Afghans; other foreign nationals who have committed heinous attacks and received minimal sentences highlight the system’s failure… It is far past the time for tougher measures.”

Addressing the presence of large numbers of Afghans in the UK, Bates criticised the 2021 resettlement schemes, including two official pathways and what he called a “secret” third scheme under then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“Tens of thousands of individuals were brought in quietly, often at night, without appearing on official Government data,” he claimed. “Many were not fighting out of loyalty to the British state… Yet politicians, in their naivety, assumed we had a duty toward them. Essentially, a wide net was thrown open.”

Note: The 22 times figure, based on 2021-2023 conviction data and older population estimates, has faced criticism for potentially overstating the disparity due to post-2021 increases in the Afghan population and lack of adjustments for demographics like age and gender. Independent analyses suggest a lower multiple, though still elevated.

British Workplaces Accused of ‘Erasing Christmas’: HSBC Bans Festive Jumpers, DVLA Scraps Staff Dinners

British workplaces are facing accusations of “erasing Christmas” as traditional festive celebrations are scaled back, with major institutions like HSBC and the DVLA sidelining seasonal cheer in favour of professionalism and fiscal restraint.

At HSBC branches across the UK, staff in customer-facing roles have been barred from wearing Christmas jumpers this year, following complaints that festive attire like “Ho Ho Ho” outfits undermined expectations of seriousness.

An HSBC spokesman explained: “We are encouraging colleagues to celebrate Christmas in branches in lots of different ways, including decorating branches, team celebrations and festive lunches. However, it’s important to also remember that branches are spaces where customers receive a range of specialist services that require professionalism and sensitivity. This year, we have asked colleagues in customer-facing roles not to wear Christmas jumpers to reflect this.”

Meanwhile, the DVLA has cancelled its annual free Christmas dinner vouchers for staff at its Swansea headquarters, citing the need for “responsible use of taxpayers’ money” and principles of “fairness and consistency.”

A leaked email to employees stated: “A voucher solely for Christmas is not permitted… Vouchers previously issued for team Christmas lunches are no longer available for this reason.”

A DVLA spokesman responded: “We offer a competitive salary with a special performance bonus scheme which includes vouchers. The rewards scheme for staff is part of a civil-service wide recognition scheme and we follow HM Treasury’s pay remit guidance.”

Dr Philip Kiszely, senior fellow at the New Culture Forum think tank, blamed the trend on “extremely aggressive woke activists,” telling The Telegraph: “The sidelining and erasing of Christmas has been happening for a while, but I do think it is gathering pace. There are a handful of activists, in and outside companies, who complain and the companies or organisations cave immediately… It’s a tiny proportion of the public who really dislike Britain, the west, and Christianity.”

Hamas Operative’ in London Chairs Group Behind Major Pro-Palestine Protests and Works as TV Presenter

A 64-year-old Palestinian activist accused by Israel and a UK MP of being a senior Hamas operative is chairing an organisation involved in coordinating large-scale pro-Palestine demonstrations in London while working as a presenter on an Arabic-language television channel.

Zaher Birawi, originally from the West Bank, leads the Palestine Forum in Britain (PFB), one of six groups in the Palestine Coalition that has organised at least 20 major rallies in central London throughout 2025.

In October 2023, Labour MP Christian Wakeford used parliamentary privilege to name Birawi as one of four “senior Hamas operatives” active in the UK, warning that their presence posed a “serious national security risk” given Hamas’s proscription as a terrorist organisation since 2021.

Israel has designated Birawi as a “high-ranking, well-known Hamas operative,” citing his involvement in Gaza flotilla activism and ties to Hamas figures.

Birawi has denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded, and has opposed the UK’s ban on Hamas, arguing it excludes key Palestinian voices from peace efforts.

In addition to his role at the PFB, Birawi presents on an Arabic-language satellite channel based in London. He was photographed in 2012 alongside Ismail Haniyeh, the late Hamas political leader assassinated in Tehran in 2024, and has shared content marking Hamas milestones.

At a recent Palestine Festival in London, Birawi stated: “The essence of the battle is not decided in the corridors of biased politics, but rather it lies in the resilience of men and women who refuse to be broken. The people realised that rights are seized, not begged for, and the homeland will not be retrieved by waiting.”

Another figure named by Wakeford, Ziad El Aloul—with past leadership ties to the PFB—has been photographed marching alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. On October 7, 2023, El Aloul shared Hamas footage celebrating the attacks “by land, air and sea,” along with images of militants in Israeli communities.

The PFB’s current vice-chairman, Adnan Hmidan, has reportedly referred to the October 7 attacks as a “normal situation” and expressed admiration for Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin.

These revelations highlight ongoing concerns over alleged Hamas-linked networks influencing pro-Palestine activism in the UK.

Rachel Reeves Has Literally Cancelled Christmas’: Shoppers Slam Chancellor on Super Saturday Amid Economic Squeeze

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been accused of “cancelling Christmas” by frustrated shoppers hitting the high streets on “Super Saturday” – predicted to be the busiest retail day of the 2025 festive season.
In interviews with GB News’s Yorkshire and Humberside reporter Anna Riley in Leeds, members of the public vented their anger at the Labour Government’s economic policies, with many cutting back on gifts and urging others to prioritise essentials like heating over luxuries.
Millions were expected to descend on shopping centres and high streets on December 20, as postal deadlines loomed for last-minute deliveries. However, grim retail figures have cast a shadow over the seasonal spending spree, raising doubts about whether it can deliver the boost needed for Britain’s struggling economy.
One shopper told GB News: “I’ve been shopping for food, and I bought maybe two or three small presents. Because under this regime that we’re suffering from at the moment, Rachel from accounts has literally cancelled Christmas.”
He added a plea to fellow Britons: “What I would say to everybody out there is literally just prioritise what you want to do in the next couple of weeks. If it’s putting the heating on, put the heating on.”
Another local fumed about the impact on shops: “I never shop online, never, never, never shop online. But I think the shops have been hit badly for the obvious reasons… Footfall has fallen as we know and I think it’s appalling what’s going on.”
To beat the crowds, one early riser said: “I’m buying wrapping paper and some socks, last-minute gifts. And I’m doing it early in the morning because it’s so busy and traffic is very heavy.”
A woman still hunting for her husband’s gift admitted: “I have no idea what I’m shopping for, actually. I’m hoping to be inspired by something lovely for my husband that he’s not expecting.” When asked if he was “last on the list,” she laughed: “Always! I’ve gotta sort everybody else out first.”
The backlash follows Chancellor Reeves’s Autumn Budget, which raised taxes by billions, coinciding with disappointing retail performance. November saw a slump in sales, Black Friday underperformed, and stores have described December as “catastrophic.”
According to the Confederation of British Industry’s latest survey, retail sales volumes fell sharply in December compared to the previous year, with both in-store and online dropping, and expectations for early 2026 at their gloomiest since the pandemic.

‘What’s the Point?’ Tom Harwood Blasts French ‘Pushback’ Policy Limited to Empty Migrant Boats

French Police Fire Tear Gas in Clash with Migrants as Hundreds More Cross English Channel

EU Accused of Funding ‘Revisionist’ Qur’an Project That Whitewashes Islam’s Role in European History

Bible scholar and Middle East Forum journalist Dr. Jules Gomes has accused the European Union of funding projects that he claims are facilitating an “Islamist takeover of Europe” by promoting a revisionist view of history.
In an interview with GB News, Gomes criticized the EU’s allocation of substantial funds to initiatives and networks across the bloc, with particular focus on a major research project receiving nearly €10 million.
He highlighted the “European Qur’an” (EuQu) project, funded by the European Research Council under the EU’s Horizon program, which examines the historical role of the Qur’an in European culture and religion from 1150 to 1850.
Gomes told GB News: “The money is coming directly from the European Commission, which is the primary executive body of the European Union.
“This is a project that seeks to portray the Koran as one of the foundational pillars of Western civilisation, along with the Bible. Now, the project is going to be theologically, historically and ideologically revisionist.
“And basically, whitewash the problems with Islam and the problem with fundamentalist or militant political Islamic ideology.”1.8sFast36 sources