In response to the tragic loss of Albanian lives in British refugee camps, the Albanian community in London announces a march for accountability and change. The march, set for December 24, 2023, at 11:30 AM, begins at Trafalgar Square and ends at Downing Street, calling for justice against the tightened asylum procedures under Rishi Sunak's government and Suella Braverman's legacy.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, the streets of central London witnessed a noticeable increase in homelessness. This holiday season, homelessness rose by 196%, while food bank demand soared by 4750%, and NHS waiting lists expanded by the same percentage. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges in the city. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Following days of retaliatory measures taken by Israel in Gaza against the latest terror attack from Hamas, pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington, London, UK on Monday, Oct 9, 2023. (VX Photo/ Sascha Klamp)

Thousands of passionate supporters gathered in London today for the National Rejoin March II (NRM II), marking a continuation of efforts to persuade the UK government to rejoin the European Union (EU). Building on the success of the inaugural NRM I, organizers aimed to strengthen the momentum behind their cause. The NRM II participants, clad in pro-EU banners and slogans, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to urging both the current UK government and any potential new government to heed their concerns. Supporters passionately made a positive case for a renewed effort to forge closer ties between the UK and the EU. With Brexit still a contentious issue, the NRM II provided a platform for individuals and groups who believe in the benefits of rejoining the EU to voice their opinions. As the event gained steam, participants and speakers highlighted the advantages of aligning the UK's interests more closely with those of its European neighbors. While the path to rejoining the EU remains complex and politically charged, the NRM II organizers and supporters hope that their collective efforts will encourage a renewed dialogue on the issue and potentially shape the future direction of UK-EU relations. (VX PHOTO/ Sascha Klamp)

Two Entrepreneurs Triumph Amid Challenges, Building Dreams and Weathering Pandemic Storms In the heart of London, a culinary haven named Batooli's Kitchen tells a tale of triumph against all odds. Nestled in the cosy corners of the bustling London, Batooli's Kitchen stands as a testament to the resilience of dreams and the power of unwavering commitment. This photo reportage chronicles the inspiring journey of Batool and Waheed, two visionary minds who dared to dream and turned their love for food into a thriving business amidst challenges that tested their mettle. On a serene Sunday morning in June 2023, I set out to explore the enchanting world of Batooli's Kitchen. The air was infused with Middle Eastern spices as I entered Levant Cafe, a Damascus-style restaurant in London. Amidst the authentic decor and the hum of conversations, Batool and Waheed shared their remarkable story. Batool's journey began in the picturesque Jordan Valley, where she inherited a love for history and culture. Her pursuit of culinary dreams was ignited during her time in London, where she discovered the profound power of food as a universal language. Batool's Kitchen emerged as a result, of a fusion of her Jordanian heritage and her passion for bridging cultural gaps. Waheed's path was marked by challenges and resilience. Born to a British mother and a Syrian father, he navigated a turbulent upbringing and faced the complexities of immigration. His encounter with Batool was serendipitous, sparking a deep connection and shared vision. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and entrepreneurship. The pandemic cast a daunting shadow, but Batool and Waheed refused to yield. They weathered the storm by adapting and working tirelessly, moving from a small kitchen to a larger unit, expanding their reach even amid lockdowns. Their partnership became the cornerstone of their success, with Waheed's unwavering support and Batool's culinary expertise propelling them forward. Their daily routine, commencing at 2:30 AM, speaks volumes of their dedication. Batool's creations fill the kitchen with tantalizing aromas while Waheed ensures smooth operations. Their roles seamlessly intertwine, a testament to their shared journey. Despite challenges, they emerge stronger, their love and commitment unshakeable. As I wrap up our conversation, I am left with a profound admiration for Batool and Waheed. Their journey is not merely about culinary triumphs, but a celebration of the human spirit's resilience. Batooli's Kitchen stands as a symbol of hope, proving that dreams can flourish even in the face of adversity. Through captivating images and heartwarming narratives, this photo reportage captures the essence of Batooli's Kitchen—a place where culinary artistry meets unyielding determination, where love for food transcends borders, and where dreams, no matter how challenging, can become a reality.

A general view captures the Stena Line Ferry as it travels towards the Hook of Holland on Sunday, July 9, 2023. The ferry, operated by Stena Line, serves as an important transportation link, facilitating travel between destinations in Europe. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

The Beauty and Power of Renewable Energy. This is a collection of images featuring the UK's wind farms photographed on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Witness the impressive turbines of the Greater Gabbard Wind Farm off the UK coast.

In a thought-provoking lecture, Professor Dr. Tracey German delved into the complex and lasting legacy of the Kosovo conflict. With her expertise in Russian foreign and security policies, she provided valuable insights into the role of NATO and Russian troops in Kosovo, shedding light on the implications for regional stability and international relations. Prof. German began by contextualizing the Kosovo conflict within the broader conflicts in the Balkans during the 1990s, including Bosnia and Croatia. She emphasized the significance of NATO's intervention against Serbia, which marked a crucial moment for the organization's credibility and its role in European security. Examining the Russian perspective, Prof. German highlighted the tensions and concerns that arose within Russia's leadership due to their involvement in the conflict. The audacious move by Russian troops to seize the airport in Kosovo resulted in a tense standoff between NATO and Russia, marking a pivotal moment in their relations and leaving lasting implications for European security dynamics. Beyond the immediate impact, Prof. German explored the broader consequences of the Kosovo conflict. She delved into the debates surrounding NATO's involvement, the lessons learned from coalition warfare, and the evolving concept of humanitarian intervention. Moreover, she examined the impact of the conflict on Russia's perception of the international system and its view of Western interventionism. Bringing her analysis to the present, Prof. German underscored the enduring legacies of the Kosovo conflict. She highlighted the return of large-scale war to Europe, exemplified by recent conflicts such as the one in Ukraine, and emphasized that the instability stemming from Kosovo continues to have an impact on security and stability across Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans region. Throughout her lecture, Prof. Dr. Tracey German drew on her extensive research and expertise in Russian foreign and security policies. She emphasized the significance of understanding Russia's perspective to grasp the complexities of international relations in the region. Her exploration of energy security, pipeline politics, and the concept of deterrence stability further enriched the discussion. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Tracey German's lecture provided a captivating exploration of the lasting implications of the Kosovo conflict. Her insights into the role of NATO and Russian troops, the evolving security dynamics, and the broader consequences of the conflict left the audience with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between regional conflicts and international relations.

People shield themselves from the rain with umbrellas and waterproof coats while waiting near Hyde Park Corner for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London on May 6, 2023. The colours of the day were red, blue, and white as the royal couple ascended to the throne. (VX Photo/ Sascha Klamp)

The visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Britain has sparked protests from pro-Palestinian and pro-democracy groups across the country. Demonstrators have gathered to voice their opposition to Netanyahu's policies and the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians.

In a meeting that was not without controversy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak at Ten Downing Street on Friday, March 24, 2023. The meeting was marked by calls from pro-democracy Jewish groups in Britain for Netanyahu to be held accountable for his actions. Despite the protest, the two leaders held talks on a range of issues related to politics and Israel.

Albanian and British PMS Meet Amid Immigration Tensions Albanian PM EDI RAMA met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in London. The meeting comes after a period of tension between the two countries over immigration, with the British government attributing criminality to ethnic Albanians in the UK. This led to criticism from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who accused the UK of discrimination against Albanians. The meeting focused on finding a solution to the current tensions between the two countries, as both sides seek to crack down on criminal gangs involved in smuggling migrants into the UK while avoiding discrimination against Albanians. (VX PHOTO/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

According to the British media, over 1,000 Passport Office workers throughout the United Kingdom will engage in a five-week strike due to an ongoing disagreement regarding pay, job security, and working conditions. The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members based in passport offices in Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newport, Peterborough, and Southport will commence the strike from 3 April to 5 May, while those stationed in Belfast will do so from 7 April to 5 May. The PCS union declared that this action represents a significant escalation in their longstanding conflict, and has cautioned that the strike will have a notable impact on passport delivery as the summer months approach.

Multiple Trade Union workers in the UK are protesting today in London against the increase of living costs and demanding fairer pay. The protest is being held by a group of Public Service workers outside Downing Street, and they plan to join several other Trade Unions in a joint march towards Trafalgar Square. The protesters are calling for better wages and working conditions, as well as more support for public services, such as healthcare and education. The demonstration highlights the concerns among workers in the UK about their living standards and economic security.